A Dragon's throw from downtown Las Vegas, the Mecca Ditch Race should be all-time. If you've been, you know why. If not, your bucket list is calling.

 By Stephen Krcmar

This spring’s Mecca Ditch Race was next level. Call this ditch a public works pump track — these irrigation ditches for big rains were built decades ago — it’s tough to imagine a more impressive location. Deep in the wilderness, it’s less than a half-hour from The Strip.  And the diverse crew that showed up included skaters of all ages and even a dude who rolled into the remote location on a OneWheel. 

Between the live music, sessions of multiple ditches, and the assembled crew,  it was an incredible day of skateboarding. 

The long-term weather forecast is looking good, “Weather is looking pretty good. Temp at 12noon is forecast for 87deg. Not too hot. More importantly, the wind forecast is 4mph tailwind!! That would be great!!” write the organizers. 

If you’re thinking about making it out, here’s the intel. Everything in quotes is from the Facebook event page.

THE EVENT

DATE: OCT 12, 2024. 10 am - 2 pm. 

MEET-UP TIME: 10 am (most folks will get here a bit earlier.) "Get there early please. We will drive up the block where you can park and walk, catch a ride, or drive in w/courtside parking...We built a legit bridge, and I believe any car can make it in courtside."

MEET-UP LOCATION:  Earl N Jenkins Elementary School, 6950 Vegas Valley Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89142.  

RACE INTEL FROM THE ORGANIZER: “Racing the big walls this time. Course will be focused on high speed over tight turns, though anyone can do this at their own level and have the best time."

ENTRY FEE: "$40 entry fee includes food, T-shirt, and PRIZE MONEY (based on fees collected). We also have amazing prizes." SURF-SKATE COMPETITION: "There will be a Surfskate competition. Free to enter with a new Carver Skateboard for the winner."

SHIRTS: $30. "There are shirts available, but very limited. If not enough for all entry's, entry is only $20, and all prize money." MUSIC: "Live music is Carlos "Dantana", the Vegas Santana!" What To Bring: "Bring shade, water, and good vibes. If you have anything to make it a better time for everyone, bring it."

DETAILED INFO FROM THE ORGANIZER

You will generate as much speed as you can starting up in the canyon on a steep section that merges with multiple sections leading into the cone slalom section. This is where you reach your max speed and the ditch grows and expands in sections. There will only be approximately four cones to pass through on each side. Allowing racers to be creative with their racing line before they reach the cones. The pipe at the end is a great ending point for a race, even with a bit of headwind like in this video.  It looks a little rough, but it's shadows. It's not noticeable, and the big walls are smooth. 

If there is a good tail wind, it's serious speed all the way to the bottom. I have no footage with a strong tail wind, but I have ridden it, and there is almost no stopping. I rode a downhill board and could never stop accelerating, no matter what I did. Took me almost to the bottom to carve it down. Very few people will want that experience. If not a strong tailwind, it's just like what you see. A really fun racecourse and an epic experience, but not too serious. SUNDAY’S EVENT

LOCATION: Boulder City. "The Ditch Mecca Triple Crown. at 10am. $5 will make for prize money and a new complete board by Landyachtz Skateboards!"

LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ORGANIZER

Camp at Boulder Beach, stay in Boulder City, or at Arizona Charlies, which is close to Saturday's event. Or get an awesome room at two of my favorite hotels: Hilton, Lake Las Vegas, or Red Rock Casino. [editor's note: getting to the meetup on Saturday was pretty easy so that most Vegas options can work]

COOL VEGAS STUFF

Punk Rock Museum is awesome. Check out our review.

Meow Wolf

For more info, check out the event page on Facebook. Here's a video of the course.