To the editor:

On the weekend of June 27 and 28, the 2009 Full Moon Enduro (an organized off-road motorcycle competition event) was held on the Chickasawhay District of our Desoto National Forest south of Laurel. Such factors as the heat and possibly the current economy combined to result in a smaller turnout than in previous years. However, the level of competition and spirit of camaraderie was at an all-time high. Riders, along with friends, family members and support-crew members from six states were in attendance.

Although a number of hurdles were encountered, and eventually overcome, during the planning process, I would like to sincerely thank the local U.S. Forest Service Officials who contributed to the planning and successful execution of an event which, to the casual observer, likely appeared to be nothing short of loosely-organized chaos.

Anytime that a few hundred people are gathered in an area which, on the other 363 days of the year, looks like “just another patch of woods” things can become a little hectic. Tell several dozen dirt-bike riders that they need to be in a particular place at a particular time at several intervals over a four-hour period and hectic is hardly the word to adequately describe it all. However, with the help of several dedicated friends and associates, plus the invaluable assistance of our Forest Service Officials who were there, most things fell nicely into place.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped to make the 2009 Full Moon Enduro a successful event, specifically Kim Smith, Doye Lindsey, Robert Lee and Walter Sellers of the U.S. Forest Service; the truly dedicated ambulance crew from A.S.A.P. Ambulance Service, who demonstrated a committed concern for the health and well-being of several riders who definitely were not prepared for the heat and dust; the dedicated volunteer Event Workers, who are the very foundation of any event of this type and without whom my childhood dream of becoming a Big-Time Event Coordinator could and would never have been realized (for what that’s actually worth…).

This event will not come close to comparing with the various large-scale sporting events held at the Sports-Plex or the Magnolia Center, which draw thousands of people to the Laurel/Jones County Area and contribute bundles of cash to the local economy. However, considering that our ‘event facilities’ didn’t cost bazillions of tax-dollars to construct, maintain and administer, the local economy might have benefited just as much from our event.

Again, thanks to all who participated and all who contributed to the success of the enduro.

— Fred Pittman, President

Mississippi Hi-Point Enduro Riders

Ellisville