Charlene Dean / PVT Parker's Hobbies carries a good selection of radio-controlled cars, trucks, airplanes and helicopters ranging in price from around $100 up. Preston Huff, a Parker's employee, flies a small RC helicopter in the store. Advertisement

Finding constructive activities to do as a family can be a research experiment in Pahrump. One of the few business ventures in town catering to the need for family entertainment is Parker's MC/ATV and Parker's Hobbies. What they provide appeals to the young and the young at heart.

Kevin and Dawn Mayer opened Parker's Hobbies in November 2008 in one section of the existing motorcycle and ATV shop. Kevin said, "We've found that people are glad we did this." The shop fills a void left when another hobby shop went out of business a couple of years ago.

"This isn't a toy store," said Kevin. "We have creative items like the Build-a-Bear type crafts for kids but this is mostly about things kids can do with dad." There are other items along those same lines but the main focus is radio-controlled (RC) boy toys. "We have customers from 6 to 70 years old," Kevin said.

The shelves at Parker's Hobbies are stocked with RC cars, trucks, airplanes and helicopters. Although scaled-down, Kevin said some of the bigger vehicles have 3.5 horsepower engines. "It's the equivalent of having a vehicle that will do about 300 miles per hour in terms of engine size versus the weight and size of the model." Kevin said the helicopters are a good seller. There are also electric trains.

While their inventory isn't extensive, Kevin said they hope to grow with Pahrump. "This business is totally out-of-pocket," he said. "We can order just about anything."

They carry a lot of replacement parts for the RCs and "hop-ups" as well. Kevin said, "If you use the term "hop-up" everyone will know what you're talking about." For the uninitiated, "hop-up" refers to those items which upgrade either the performance or the appearance of the RCs, such as trading a plastic part for one made of aluminum. Kevin laughed and said, "When you start buying hop-ups, your hobby has become a sickness."

Along with the "hop-ups," the store stocks batteries, tires and parts for both the vehicles and the controllers. The RCs range in price from around $100 to $1,300 or more.

To learn more about radio-controlled planes and helicopters, there is a club that will help get the family started in the safety and skill of flying. The Pahrump Valley Model Aviators is a local club dedicated to promoting radio-controlled flying and while one of the members provides the club with a place to fly, they are striving to obtain a flying site in the valley. The organization is Academy of Model Aeronautics sanctioned and they offer free lessons to those wanting to join in the fun.

For more information call 537-6686, or go by the store at 301 Oxbow Avenue, Unit 3.

The other side of the shop caters to another boy toy. Parker's MC/ATV is the place for dirt bikes of all sizes and ATVs. The shop carries OEM parts and does repair service. They also have clothing and safety gear. Instead of leather, the inventory includes rip-stop nylon canvas clothing in sizes for everyone and every sex. "We consider the rip-stop clothing to be safety gear," said Kevin. "It comes in winter and summer weights and it's extremely durable." There are pants and jackets, gloves and safety helmets as well. The store also carries logo clothing for everyday wear. Kevin said, "We have the largest selection of helmets and gear in Nye County."

With all the controversial publicity about vehicular use of the desert, Kevin said his practice is akin to watercraft usage. "If you use ATVs like you'd use a boat and slow down when you're near homes and highways, no one will have anything to complain about," he said. "I practice courtesy and tell other people to practice it as well."

Parker's MC/ATV is next to Parkers Hobbies on Oxbow Avenue and can be reached at the same telephone number.