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ADV EventsSnowfest at the Overland Expo 2015 WEST

Snowfest at the Overland Expo 2015 WEST

A freak snowstorm couldn't scare away the ADV Riders at this year's show.

Published on 07.21.2015

The big news this year at the Overland Expo 2015 WEST was the weather. A record-breaking (going back over 100 years) mid-May snowstorm hit the area around Mormon Lake, AZ, making the experience all the more adventurous. But that didn’t stop more than 5,000 people from attending the three-day event. Attendees came from as far away as Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Mexico, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and South Africa to take part in all the show had to offer.

This year’s Overland Expo WEST included:

  • 245 exhibitors, including feature vehicles, authors and filmmakers.
  • 187 classes, seminars, demos, activities, slideshows, and films.
  • 140 presenters, instructors, and Overlanding VIPs.
  • Around 1,300 miles of superb off-road trails to ride in the area.

But the Overland Expo is more than just a place to get outfitted, trained and inspired. It’s about the people you meet and the friends you make. An opportunity to share your experiences with other passionate adventure travelers. A place to return to each year to catch up with old friends.


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This year the weather created a special atmosphere of camaraderie, as fellow adventurers worked together to battle against the elements. Luckily, the weather cleared Saturday afternoon and the Sun warmed up everyone’s spirits. Sunday was a beautiful day and attendees came out in droves to squeeze in all the last minute activities and opportunities they could on the final day.

Here’s a taste of what the Overland Expo 2015 West was like:

Riding to overland Expo Schnebly Hill Road
Getting to Overland Expo is always half the fun. We took the route through Sedona up Schnebly Hill Road to Mormon Lake where the event was held.
Snowing at overland expo 2015
Snowverland Expo 2015! We didn’t believe the forecast when it said it would be snowing in mid-May but the weatherman was right this time!
snowman at the overland expo 2015
Some Overland Expo attendees seemed to really enjoy the surprise May snowfall.
cold wet conditions at OX 2015
Cold and wet weather conditions didn’t scare away these hardened Adventure Riders.
Rawhyde students did not quit
Rain, shine or snow, the RawHyde Adventures off-road trainees never quit riding!
Overland Expo West 2015
When the rain began to clear, there was plenty of activity around motorcycle village.
Sena booth at overland expo
Sena reps were on hand demonstrating their new 10C all-in-one Bluetooth headset with integrated action camera.
Rigid Industries LED lights booth
Use caution when testing the bright LED auxiliary lights at the Rigid Industries booth or risk blinding yourself.
REV'IT 95 custom built ktm 950 super enduro
The “REV’IT #95” custom AWD KTM 950 SE was on display at the REV’IT booth.
REV'IT Dominator GTX Suit
REV’IT Community Manager Tracy Motz demonstrates the new Dominator GTX Adventure Suit’s venting features.
Rainbow over the baja rally tent
A rainbow landed on the Baja Rally tent. No pot of gold was found but we did make some new friends from the Baja Rally organization.
mosko moto scout 25L panniers
ADV Pulse Senior Editor Rob Dabney tests out the leg room on the Mosko Moto Scout Panniers.
Checking out the new CSC Cyclone RX3
Lots of Overland Expo attendees were checking out the new CSC RX-3 250cc Adventure Bike on display.
Fire going at RawHyde Camp
If you needed to warm up, the RawHyde Adventures campfire was the place to be.
Jeremy AltRider President at Overland Expo
AltRider CEO Jeremy LeBreton demonstrates how to slide a GS properly in the RawHyde Rodeo.
Jenifer Morgan demonstrates Rally Raid CB500X off-road kit
Rally Racer Jenifer Morgan describes the details of the new Honda CB500X Rally Raid Off-Road Kit on display at the Giant Loop Booth.
IMS Products adventure pegs
IMS displayed their new line of rugged platform pegs for all types of Adventure and Dual Sport motorcycles.
icon raiden triumph tiger 800xc at overland expo
A Triumph Tiger 800XC from the Portland to Dakar film on display at the ICON Raiden booth, along with their stylish 2015 Adventure line.
hot gringodillas for breakfast overland expo west
A little mist in the morning couldn’t dull the flavor of the delicious Gringodillas for breakfast.
expedition electric ktm 950 adventure at Overland Expo 2015
The Expedition Electric team plan to ride this battery powered KTM 950 Adventure from Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego.
wolfman luggage enduro ultralite softbags
Wolfman Luggage owner Eric Hougen demonstrates the new Enduro UltraLite top duffel and saddlebags for hi-performance dual sport riding.
Booze at the Dakar Bar
RawHyde made sure the Dakar Bar was fully stocked to keep spirits high in the cold weather.
overland expo 2015
When the Sun came out on Sunday morning conditions improved and the crowds grew significantly.

Despite the freak weather, the Overland Expo staff did a fantastic job to ensure the show continued on smoothly and we enjoyed our experience just as much as ever. Without a doubt, we’ll be back for Overland Expo WEST 2016 and we expect the typical mid-70’s Fahrenheit temperatures and clear skies to return as well.

If you haven’t been to the Overland Expo before you should consider checking out the upcoming Overland Expo EAST in Asheville, North Carolina (October 2-4, 2015) or next year’s Overland Expo WEST in Mormon Lake, Arizona (May 2016).

Photos by Bill Lieras

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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