The third annual Yamaha Brimstone SxS & ATV Roundup brought riders from across the region to Brimstone Recreation in Huntsville, Tennessee, over Labor Day weekend, September 2–4, 2011. The three-day gathering combined Appalachian trail riding with UTV and ATV competitions, manufacturer displays, family activities and a Saturday-night concert by country artist Tracy Lawrence.
SXS & ATV Roundup
Yamaha returned as the presenting sponsor, joined by GBC Motorsports, Can-Am, SuperATV and other powersports companies. Brimstone Recreation’s extensive trail network provided the setting for guided rides ranging from beginner-friendly outings to more challenging routes led by local trail guides.
Three Days of Riding and Competition
The weekend opened Friday with guided trail rides and open riding throughout Brimstone Recreation. Riders then gathered for a Show and Shine, meet-and-greet and drive-in movie at the Yamaha Event Area.
Saturday shifted the focus toward competition. The schedule included sled pulls, mud bogs, drag racing, pole bending and a ladies’ Dash for Cash. Vendors displayed off-road products throughout the event, while Yamaha and Can-Am gave attendees an opportunity to see and sample some of their newest machines.
The Half Cabin event area filled Saturday evening for a live performance by Tracy Lawrence, providing the entertainment centerpiece of the weekend away from the trails.
King of the Mountain Tests Riders and Machines
Sunday’s headline attraction was the King of the Mountain endurance challenge. The demanding course combined creek crossings, steep hill climbs, rocks and other technical obstacles designed to test both the competitors and their vehicles.
Twenty-four ATV racers started the race, but only 12 reached the finish. Blake Strickland led much of the event before Jimmy Elam caught and passed him during the closing laps to claim the victory. Kevin Trantham advanced from third and also passed Strickland, finishing second.
The side-by-side field faced an even higher attrition rate. Sixteen UTVs started, but only four completed the course. Allen Clark won the SxS division, followed by Johnny Ford in second and Chris Umphrey in third. GBC Motorsports representative Mike Lasher finished fourth and earned the event’s Media Trophy.
2011 King of the Mountain SxS Results
- Allen Clark
- Johnny Ford
- Chris Umphrey
- Mike Lasher — Media Trophy
2011 King of the Mountain ATV Leaders
- Jimmy Elam
- Kevin Trantham
- Blake Strickland
Moonshine Run Closes the Roundup
The 2011 Roundup concluded Sunday evening with the Moonshine Poker Run. Held after dark, the group ride gave participants one final opportunity to explore Brimstone before the Labor Day weekend came to an end.
Located in Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Brimstone Recreation encompasses approximately 19,000 acres and more than 300 miles of trails through wooded Appalachian terrain. Its combination of organized events, technical trails and scenic riding helped establish the SxS & ATV Roundup as one of the region’s notable early side-by-side gatherings.
The event also captures an important period in UTV history, when recreational side-by-sides were rapidly expanding beyond their utility roots. Explore more milestones in the history of the Yamaha Rhino, browse additional coverage in the Yamaha UTV archive, or visit our complete UTV model hub.
