Ride at your own risk. These are some of our past experiences and observations.
We cannot stress enough that safety and using caution when cresting the top of a dune should be on everyone's mind at all times while in the dunes. We wouldn't want to see any of our group get injured. There are many hazards in the dunes including, but not limited to the following:
1) The dunes change constantly with wind. Sometimes there are "peaks" at the top of the dunes that are challenging, and at other times the tops can be somewhat flat, where cresting a hill can be quite easy. The larger dunes take considerable speed while approaching, to be able to crest the top. With proper timing, you will learn when to "ease off" to have just enough momentum to carry you to the top. If at first you don't succeed, back slowly straight down, and try again. Learn the conditions by watching others first, or go around the hill to see the backside before attempting a climb. Cresting a hill with too much speed can cause a "nose dive" off the top, and if you're lucky, just a pretty good scare. (Been-there-done-that.) If you're not so lucky, you will do an "end over". Ouch.
2) There is usually an "impromptu" drag strip set up somewhere in the dunes, depending on where a long flat area can be found. When this "drag strip" is established, remember where it is. The worst scenario for you is when you might be "tooling" around through some hills and trees, and "happen" upon the drag strip, not giving yield to those that are "racing". You might find 10 or more dirt bikes, quads, trucks, or dune buggies heading straight for you at top speed. If you are "tooling" around, and come to a clearing, stop and look around before proceeding to make sure no one is "racing" towards you.
3) The larger hills are designated "directional" traffic only (one way) for obvious reasons. Get a map of the dune area upon entering from the DNR. If you do not crest a hill, you may return down the hill "against" traffic if necessary. Usually this means backing slowly down the hill, but you will see dune buggies and others doing an "arc" on the hill for fun. The DNR seems to let this activity proceed until someone is being reckless while doing so. Be cautious that others climbing a dune may turn in your path un-expectedly if you are climbing near them. It is usually best to wait for your "turn" to climb a dune.
4) Other areas of the dunes are NOT designated "directional", but do pose a hazard with hills large enough to obstruct your view of approaching traffic on the other side. Use caution going over these hills. It may be best to aim for a group of trees or brush to your right on these types of hills, hoping if someone is approaching from the other side, they will do the same, instead of going straight for a clearing in the middle.
5) Some clear looking "straight-a-ways" seem to offer a chance to "put the pedal to the metal". Know the conditions, and avoid small hills and drop-offs hidden in these "clear looking" straight-a-ways before attempting to set any land speed records!
6) You will need helmets for rear-seated passengers in vehicles with a partial fiberglass roof such as the full-size Bronco. Rear-seated passengers are also required to wear helmets in older Jeeps where the roll bar does not extend over the rear seat. Occupants in vehicles with a steel roof, (such as a pickup truck, an SUV, etc.) are not required to wear a helmet regardless of the presence of a roll bar, however there is an obvious advantage to have a roll bar and helmets for all passengers.
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