So, I started that rumor about getting the cops called because it happened to me! After 4 or 5 seasons out there, the train guys finally called. It looks like they're doing some construction work there, so I think that they're starting to watch their property.
The cop who got called out was surprisingly useful though. He confirmed to me that no private entity can block access to public land, and apparently there's a pending (current?) court case working this issue out [although, he indicated that the court was accepting the argument that you could get on a boat to access this area (super gay!)]. The problem for access to Burm is two-fold: parking on RR property and crossing the tracks, so parking off to the side only solves half the problem.
The upside is that, a few miles back there is an underpass that will allow access to the lake shore. I haven't had the chance to check this entrance since the wind has mostly sucked. To get to the shore this way, go west on I-80. Something like 5-7 miles after the Tooele exit, you have to pull off the North side of the highway. There is a short dirt road on an elevated strip will take you straight under the tracks. If you want to see what I'm talking about, go to google maps. You'll see that 80 is U-shaped west of Tooele. At the bottom of the U, the RR tracks break away from 80. Right at that split, there is a little connecting strip from the highway to the tracks. That's the one.
My concern about this access is that the ground may be wetter and softer this close to the lake. You may have to walk west to find firmer ground.
You want to watch
http://www.met.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/ ... gi?stn=URMand wait for the wind speed to be over 12 and from the N, NW, or NNE. If it trends too much from the east, it's usually weak wind, and west wind tends to be gusty and strong.
To avoid ankle-breaking problems, ride a smaller kite. You don't need or even want lots of static power. A quick kite that generates good power when you flick it around will do you well. You also want to watch the surface. If you see ground that looks blistered, then it's a dry, sandy patch, and might break away. White patches tend to be nice, smooth, and hard.
This year, we had a pretty gradual warm-up, and my guess is that we missed the good wind at Burm already. For now, keep an eye on Craig's forecast. We want a dry front to come through, giving north wind and no rain.
BTW: the best way to be safe on a mountainboard is to ride it downhill a lot. The more practice you get, the better off you'll be. The U stadium parking lot is a good gentle intro, and there are good runs all over the U.
-J