WEST POINT -- Bryan Imes soon will have one more task checked off his bucket list.
The 38-year-old will race his four-wheeler in what is called "the longest off-road race in the United States" by the race's owners and participants. More than 550 miles long, crossing the desert under the burning sun, Best in the Desert's TSCO Vegas to Reno race on Aug. 19 will test its racers.
"I think I'm actually an idiot for considering doing this," Imes said. "But it's one of those things -- you know, to each their own."
Imes has lived in West Point since April, having moved from Ohio. He laughs when he talks about why he came to Utah, saying it was not one of the usual reasons people associate with moving here.
"It was not work, family or religion that brought me here," Imes said. "I just have a love for the mountains and always wanted be west."
When he is not involved with his job in property management, Imes spends his time outdoors on his 2009 Can Am Renegade 800R 4x4 heavy machine all-terrain vehicle. But even after all his time riding ATVs, which happens mostly in the mountains, Imes feels a little unprepared for what is to come.
"This is out of my element and somewhat unique," Imes said. "Every average Joe can relate to me."
Imes said race organizers have set a time limit of 22 hours, but the winner will likely finish in about 10 hours. As a first-time competitor, Imes said he will be happy to cross the finish line at 20 hours.
"Most people don't do this to win, and if you do, you don't really get much money in this sport," Imes said. "It's kind of a rich man's hobby. Most do it for the adventure and to say that they finished."
The race will not be easy on competitors' bodies.
Imes said he suffers from back pain with a compressed disk in his lower back and has needed special treatment just to be ready for the race.
He credits Drs. Mark Wheeler and Wes Wooden at Health Source Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab in South Ogden for making huge improvements on his skeletal structure that have prevented him from needing surgery.
Imes also said his massage therapist, Nancy Prince, of Structura Body Therapies, also at Health Source, has helped prepare his body for the grueling 555-mile race.
Imes has hired a pit support service that will set up pits every 30 to 60 miles. When Imes gets to those pits, he will refuel and the pit crew will check his four-wheeler for any problems.
"They'll work on my machine and get me back in the race," Imes said. "They'll give me liquids to drink and send me on my way to the next pit stop."
A friend of Imes will follow the race in a truck that will serve as the chase vehicle. The truck will carry spare parts that may be needed to repair Imes' four-wheeler.
Imes said he plans on updating his Facebook page, called "Bajagader Racing," with information leading up to the race and post-race news. During the race, his pit crew captain will provide updates on Imes' progress.
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