West Coast Go-Fast Crowd Ready for Desert Storm

I've only been out to Lake Havasu once, in July of 2007. I had never been anywhere so hot - I can still remember how gassed and lethargic I felt after walking just a couple of blocks in the 115-degree heat. I spent most of the next couple of days either in the pool, fortified with cold Coronas, or swimming in the lake, which was the temperature of lukewarm bathwater. Nevertheless, even though my wife and I were there during the middle of the week, I could tell this was one incredible spot...and a super-fun place to be for poker runs and offshore racing. Well, all the excitement is about to bust loose again from April 23-26 in Lake Havasu Arizona, as Desert Storm 2009 gets underway.

PHOTO CREDIT: Desert Storm - Lakeracer, LLC

Here's a brief run-down on what's happening in Havasu that week:

April 23, 2009 Thursday – The Outrageous DESERT STORM STREET PARTY
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM Main Street Boat Show and Street Party. Open to everyone.

April 24, 2009 Friday – The DESERT STORM POKER RUN
10:30 AM - Boats line up for the parade through the London Bridge Channel; followed by the run and from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM - the Poker Run Outdoor Party for participants.

April 25, 2009 Saturday – The DESERT STORM SHOOTOUT!
Run the two mile course from Thompson Bay to Copper Canyon along the Arizona shoreline. With over 30 different classes available, you’ll compete against boats like yours!

April 26th 2009 Sunday - POPRA Offshore Races.
[Exact Schedule to be announced.]

PHOTO CREDIT: Desert Storm - Lakeracer, LLC

Desert Storm has really become one of the nation's best runs; last year was their best year ever, with over 215 boats registered, including some of the wildest rides around. The event just reinforces the fact that Lake Havasu is clearly one of the premier powerboat destinations for the western U.S.. It's also the famous home to the original London Bridge and several west coast custom boat builders. If you can make it out there, it's a trip you're sure to remember.