Easter Weekend marked what will likely be the beginning of end of desert season for most off-roaders in Southern California for 2007. The crowds will be small or non-existent from now until the end of May, when the official end of desert season happens on Memorial Weekend. If you don't like crowds but can deal with a bit of heat, now is the time to go.

There are several precautions you must take to be safe in the desert heat. For one, hydrate. Keep water with you at all times, especially on rides. Never ride alone. Those two are good rules to follow any time you're our riding. You should also make sure you've got shade to hide under during the hottest part of the day, usually between noon and 3 or 4. Wear long sleeved shirts that are airy. Wear sun-block, a hat and sunglasses. Lastly, be sure to let someone know you're going and when you'll be back. This includes both the entire trip to the desert, and any individual rides you go on if you leave anyone in camp.