Aerial video over caravan of trucks in Joshua Tree desert

Desert Days: The 7th Annual AETHER Rally Pioneertown

The coffee was hot, the gas tanks were filled and an expectant energy filled the air outside of AETHER Los Angeles on a Friday morning in late April. A crowd had gathered before opening, their motorcycles, modded trucks, vintage SUVs, and all sorts of assorted vehicles ready for the drive out to Joshua Tree. It was time for the 7th Annual AETHER Rally Pioneertown.

Our biggest event of the year drew a record crowd of restless spirits hungry for a few days spent ripping up some desert sand, sipping mezcal under the stars, and celebrating a life of adventure. If you were there, you know, and if you weren't, don't worry... we're already planning next year.

Motorcycles lined up in front of AETHER store in Los Angeles

Friday

Once the group mounted their kickstands in the dirt amongst the Joshua Trees, everyone headed either to their rooms at the Pioneertown Motel or set up camp, including the innovative, inflatable tents by Heimplanet. Walking around with a cold drink by De La Calle!, Skyduster Beer, and Boxed Water, it was time to check out the AETHERstream mobile store and get in the mood with a spin on one of Harley-Davidson's Pan America 1250 Special motorcycles and LAND's incredible electric bikes. As night fell, our LA local favorite, Ceci's, made sure everyone ended the day full, happy, and fueled for what came next.

Vintage Alfa Romeo on desert road in Joshua Tree

Motion blur of Joshua Tree National Park landscape

Detail of hand on steering wheel with desert background and blue sky

Two women walking amongst custom vehicles in Pioneertow

Hat on the dashboard overlooking car driving down dirt road in Joshua Tree

Saturday

Waking up to the hot desert sun it was decision time: embark on the guided motorcycle ride through Joshua Tree National Park, hit the 18-mile off-road motorcycle ride on Burns Canyon to Big Bear, or experience Mobil1's 4x4 off-road drive through Coyote Lake. For those who chose Mobil1, and there were a lot (over 50 vehicles), they spent the afternoon tearing up a dry lakebed in the Mojave and climbing boulder-strewn hills, all before nestling between the rocks for lunch with ice cold Madre Desert Waters and Tepache. Dusty yet ready for more, everyone regrouped afterwards in Pioneertown for grilled pork ribs and herbed chicken by Ceci's, before ending the night at The Red Dog Saloon with high-energy DJ sets and lots of Madre Mezcal.

Group of people on rocks of desert landscape in Joshua Tree

Custom vehicle driving in desert landscape of Joshua Tree kicking up dust

Woman standing on back of custom vehicle smiling in front of desert landscape of Joshua Tree

Man and woman smiling alongside vehicle in desert

Custom mod 4x4 truck driving large cloud of dust behind it

Sunday

No worse for wear—or perhaps a little—everyone gathered one last time for breakfast before packing up and heading home. Seeing our community gathered in one place reminded us why we do this, and that we can't wait until the next time.