The MX West crew again exchanged boots and gloves for loafers and hair gel Saturday night to celebrate 2005 with its year-end banquet.

Amid rows of glittering trophies and the clatter of ice cubes, some of northern Nevada's finest riders and their friends and families reveled in the achievements and memories of the year past. Mike Torres of www.tagnmx.com brought a superbly produced slideshow that recalled some of the year's most memorable images, and M.C. Todd handled the presentation of the evening's awards.

Ryan Eager took home the tallest trophies in the prestigious 125cc and 250cc divisions; Zak Riley accepted the hotly contested 80cc championship; and minicycle up-and-comer Tyler Pfeifer received the MX West Rising Star Award.

The MX West Rider of The Year Award went to--this is where it gets awkward--me. Yes, your humble reporter earned a surprise accolade that left him stumbling at the microphone for the right words to express his gratitude. Let it suffice to say that it meant a lot to me, MX West.

Here are some of the scenes from the evening:

M.C. Todd chats up 80cc champ Zak Riley.

Scoring Captain Kim Fairbanks (center) and crew patiently await their rightful praise.

Jeremiah Gottas absorbs the glory of his 250cc success.

Connie (left) and Nicole hold sprocket-clock awards for their selfless service at the main gate in 2005.

Tommy Jean hoists his recognition.

Your reporter wishes desperately for something funny to say. Photo courtesy of www.tagnmx.com.

Ava Beaupre wonders what all the fuss is about.