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Best Dam Ride Ever Event Photo Gallery

Take a look back at the highlights from The Best Dam Ride Ever's 2025 Charity Ride and relive the unforgettable moments that brought riders, supporters, and local communities together for a great cause.

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Decorate your ride for a chance to win a pair of boots provide by Double-H and Chris Higbee
A sample of the BEST DAM RIDE EVER merchandise. The online store will be open soon!
The Best Dam Ride Ever group will soon commence construction at the Bayview ORV Area, involving heavy equipment for grading the outer loop, installing culvert pipes, and clearing brush. Due to safety concerns associated with heavy machinery, participation will be restricted during this phase. A final cleanup event will be scheduled for the following weekend, where volunteers will be welcomed to assist. Follow us for updates on times.
$1500.00 in cash prizes. Scavenger hunt for sponsor signs. Sponsoring company signs will be placed at marked turns, riders keep accurate count on who's signs they found and how many. winners will be drawn from the most accurate riders.
We are upgrading everything about this coming  year's ride!!  New Routes with GPS map guidance!Colored coded Route turn markers New format $1,500.00 sponsor sign scavenger hunt competition! Larger Chinese AuctionChris Higbee in Concert After the Ride! Off-road trails! More food trucks along the route! More restrooms!Online registration and fast event day pickup! Action photos from multiple locations with online review and purchase! Tee shirts and memorabilia made on-site and thru our website! More RV options!  More Police, Fire, and EMS personel for your safety!OUR GOAL IS TO BE THE BIGGEST "BEST DAM RIDE EVER" IN PENNSYLVANIA!   MORE!, MORE! MORE!FOLLOW US FOR UPDATESWE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO!BEST DAM RIDE EVER
If you think last year's ride was great, hold my drink!!
The planning for 2026 has been exciting!! With the very successful completion of the 2025 ride, all of the organizations that host the ride have committed to making 2026 bigger, better, and more fun!! We have spent our time since the conclusion of the last ride expanding our resources.         The City of Hermitage  Parks and Recreation director is helping with overall improvement but specifically GIS mapping, route design and social media reach. The goal is to have our routes mapped out on your phone or other devices for ease of directions in addition to the turn by turn maps provided.          We are working with The Corp of Engineers and multiple groups to clean up and restore the Bayview ORV area. This will add an off-road section to our route and improve the ORV area for the rest of the years riding experiences. The Corp of engineers will be inviting food vendors that they work with to their areas to increase availability of food and beverages.         We have invited 2 more neighboring fire Departments to join our event this year.  As we grow and expand the event, we need to expand our manpower and reach. With our goal of expanding our event group by 2 fire Departments each year, We will have the manpower to keep you safe during the event and keep everyone's community's safe at the same time.         At the Fairgrounds, we are planning for more and more!!   We are arranging for live music, more food opportunities, and instant Dam photo review. Our printer will be back making your ride keepsakes right onsite, at Pre-registration Friday night and all day Saturday.           We are improving our "turn sponsor" raffle. All of our sponsors are very important to us and we strive to maximize the engagement of our participants with our sponsors.        At the Lackawannock Twp building, Pre-registered boondock camping has been secured. Message us for details. A full service campground is located within a mile of the Lackawannock Twp building but UTVs must be trailered in and out of the park. The Corp of Engineers also  has a full service campground on the north side of the lake. UTV'S will also need to be trailered for this campground. West middlesex fire department will provide food opportunities at the Twp. building.    As we plan for 2026, we are looking to 2027 and beyond. We are continually looking at future routes, new attractions, adding more route options, and any way that we can improve your experience. we welcome you comments and take them all under consideration  for implementation.       We would love to hear from you and please share to get the word out. If you would like to sponsor a turn, donate to the Chinese auction, or volunteer with one of our fire Departments, send us a message or call: Ray Lucich  724-854-2762. T.J.Rollinson  724-813-8200
Work on the October 10th, 2026 ride has already begun. A new website is being launched, addition  of off-road adventures, more vendors, new stops and much more.FOLLOW US TO KEEP UPDATED.
COMING THIS WEEKEND!!!OCT 18TH!!
Cash is king but we can accept all major credit cards at the registration  desk  so you can save your cash for the Amish Doughnuts!!!
BEST RIDE BY A DAM SITE- Official Rules & GuidelinesLocation: jefferson twp. Pennsylvania]Date:10/11/25Hosted By: Hermitage, Jefferson, and West Middlesex  fire Departments1. Registration & Eligibility• All participants must register and sign a liability waiver before participating.• Drivers must be 18 years or older and possess a valid driver’s license.• Passengers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a release form.• Proof of current insurance and registration is required for all machines.2. Vehicle Requirements• Only UTVs (Side-by-Sides) and 4-wheelers are permitted unless otherwise stated.• Vehicles must be in safe operating condition — working brakes, lights, and seat belts are mandatory.• No loud or excessively modified exhausts that disturb wildlife or landowners.• Tires must be appropriate for trail conditions and free of excessive mud or debris before entering public roads.3. Safety Gear• DOT-approved helmets are required by Pa. laws for all riders and passengers.• Eye protection and securely fastened seat belts are  recommended • Closed-toe shoes and appropriate trail-riding clothing are strongly recommended.4. Ride Conduct• Speed limits: Obey posted trail and road limits. Ride at a safe, controlled speed at all times.• No reckless driving, stunts, or donuts.• Alcohol or drug use is prohibited before and during the ride.• Riders must follow trail guides, signage, and volunteer instructions.• Stay on designated trails – no trespassing on private property.• Maintain a safe distance between machines.5. Trail Etiquette• Yield to pedestrians, horseback riders, and slower traffic.• If you stop, pull to the side of the trail.• Pack out all trash — trash bags will be provided.• Help fellow riders if assistance is needed.• Avoid Amish road apples when possible!!6. Weather & Conditions• The event will be held rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by organizers.• Organizers reserve the right to alter, delay, or cancel the event for safety reasons.7. Liability & Enforcement• All participants ride at their own risk.• The hosting organization, sponsors, and landowners are not responsible for accidents, injuries, or damages.• Failure to follow these rules may result in disqualification and removal from the event without refund.8. Respect the Cause• Remember, this is a fundraiser ride. Be respectful, courteous, and supportive of others.•Last Rule-Take no lives, make no lives!!
We have obtained permission for participants who wish to engage in boondock camping with a toy hauler to park at the Lackawannock Township building parking lot. If you wish to boondock, please call or text ahead to 724-813-8200. The township has requested that units park in the rear of the building and refrain from consuming open alcohol on the property. Registration will be open Friday night at the Jefferson fairgrounds, a short drive away. By registering Friday night, you can proceed directly to the trail from the Lackawannock Township building Saturday morning. Regular daytime parking will be provided at the fairgrounds for all types of towing units.
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We Are Now Less Than Fourteen Days Away!All participants will be given a wrist band and each UTV or ATV will also given a band. YOU MUST HAVE A WRIST BAND FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO ALLOW YOUR GROUP TO CROSS THE DAM PER THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS.all participants will need to stop at the fairgrounds to sign waivers and pick up their wristbands.Register onsite Saturday the 11th 8:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. registration is $20.00/rider under 12 freePre-register Friday night the 10th 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m.  at the fairgrounds YOU CAN REGISTER ONLINE BUT MUST STOP AT REGISTRATION TO SIGN WAIVERS AND RECEIVE YOUR WRISTBANDS!!! Two loops, one 35 miles and the other 41 miles, will leave the fairgrounds. one loop heads north and west, the other  goes south and east.  The roads are a combination of paved and unpaved roads.       The southern loop will have a stop at the Lackawannock Twp building. The West middlesex VFD will have food an beverage available. restrooms will also be available. An amish Doughnut shop is also on the south loop.        The north loop will cross the Shenango Dam. Event personnel will be at the dam checking for wristbands. restrooms are available before you cross the dam. A photographer will be stationed at the far side of the dam. She will prompt you to stop on the dam and will take your photograph. Your photos will be available for sale back at the fairgrounds.      The Fairgrounds will have food and beverages for sale, including FAIR FRIES!!. A Chinese auction will be inside the building along with the registration desks, tee shirt sales, Dam photo sales, and 50/50. The is plenty of parking at the fairgrounds. Restrooms are available at the fairgrounds.
A pro photographer will be camped out on the dam, camera in hand, ready to snap a pic of your UTV as you make your grand entrance! And, of course, you'll be able to buy those pics at the fairgrounds because who doesn't need a new garage decoration or a Christmas gift for that one person who already has everything?
THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!The Jefferson VFD, The West Widdlesex VFD  and the Hermitage VFD invite you to come join us for a UTV ride through the mercer county countryside and a trip across the Shenago Dam.    The event is based out the Jefferson Twp Fairgrounds. Food, Fun, Raffles and Prizes!!
EVENT T-SHIRTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE FAIR GROUNDS.