EDEN -- The serenity of one of the area's most popular ski resorts was broken Saturday by the roar of dirt bikes during the second annual Monster Energy Powder Mountain Motocross.
The event, which ends today, drew hundreds of racers in pro, intermediate, veteran, mini-bike and novice divisions.
About 10,000 spectators were expected to attend what has become Powder Mountain's marquee summer event, said Gregg Greer, chief executive officer of the ski resort.
Last year's inaugural event drew about 15,000 spectators.
"It's going great," Greer said Saturday afternoon while watching riders soar over jumps and speed along the twisting dirt track winding through stands of trees.
Several spectators who attended Saturday's races said they were amazed by the skill of the riders and the track's setting.
"It (the track) looks cool with the trees and the mountains behind it," said 17-year-old Justin Nielson, a motocross racer from Vernal.
Nielson's friend, Ryker Peterson, 18, also of Vernal, is an avid motocross rider who said the location of the track is very different than others he has visited.
"I love that's it's in the mountains," he said.
Neither Nielson nor Peterson raced in the event but were having fun watching other riders compete.
"They made amazing jumps," Nielson said.
Spectators were shuttled to the track by bus from Wolf Creek's Festival Field near Eden.
There were no reports of serious injuries or traffic problems associated with the event Saturday, said Lt. Philip Howell, of the Weber County Sheriff's Department.
"So far, so good," he said Saturday evening. " A lot of people are using the shuttle."
While the setting was spectacular, the main attraction Saturday was Jeremy "Showtime" McGrath, who holds seven Supercross titles and designed the track at Powder Mountain.
"The uniqueness is that you are racing through trees," McGrath, a 38-year-old from Encinitas, Calif., said after completing a practice run. "I look forward to it every year."
After completing races at Powder Mountain today, McGrath will fly to Detroit, where he will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame during festivities on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lawrence Lewis, sports marketing manager for Monster Energy and a friend of McGrath, said the Powder Mountain track is unique because riders encounter a 600-foot elevation change during each lap that takes about 2.5 minutes to complete.
Lewis said having McGrath participate in the event is exciting because McGrath is a great role model who helps inspire young racers to compete at a higher level.
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