2nd Annual Desert Trail Side-by-Side Ride Feb. 21 at Carefree Village Resort

The 2nd Annual Desert Trail Side-by-Side Ride will bring side-by-side vehicles to Carefree Village Resort on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 3900 S. Ave 8 1/2 E in Yuma, with sign-ups beginning at 9:30 a.m. The ride is planned to last three hours, lunch will be provided, and a drawing will take place.

Organizers describe the purpose simply: "The event supports veterans and first responders." Event materials also reference combating PTSD and mental illness, though the public notice of the program stops mid-phrase and does not provide full details on that aim. The venue address and schedule information are being posted as the primary public details for participants and supporters.

For Yuma County, the ride is a community-scale fundraiser and awareness event with local economic implications. One-day outdoor gatherings like this typically generate near-term revenue for nearby businesses through spending on fuel, meals, supplies, and, in some cases, short-stay lodging. February aligns with the region’s winter visitor season, so the ride could draw both local riders and seasonal residents, supporting vendors and service providers around Carefree Village Resort.

The notice leaves several operational questions open that affect both participants and the community. The on-site sign-up time is explicit, but the exact ride start time beyond sign-ups, entry or registration fees, whether proceeds go to named veteran or first-responder charities, and participant requirements for vehicles or safety gear were not specified. The event description confirms lunch will be provided and that a drawing will be held, but it does not state who will receive proceeds, what the drawing prizes are, or whether the resort is the host or an event location only.

Those unanswered logistical points have practical consequences. Clear information on fees, waivers, route difficulty, and permitted vehicle types affects rider safety and insurance exposure for both organizers and the venue. Transparency about the beneficiaries and the share of proceeds that reach veteran or first-responder services impacts the event’s credibility and fundraising effectiveness. At a policy level, local initiatives that raise awareness of PTSD and mental-health needs can complement county and state programs, but they do not substitute for sustained funding or clinical services.

Residents interested in participating or supporting the ride should note the sign-up time of 9:30 a.m. and plan for a multi-hour outing that includes lunch and a drawing. For further details, organizers encourage inquiries; contact listed on the event page is Marcos Icahuate at marcos.icahuate@kecytv.com. Expect increased activity and vehicle traffic around Carefree Village Resort that morning, and watch for updated announcements clarifying start times, registration requirements, and which organizations will benefit from the event proceeds.