2nd Annual
Toyota Land Cruiser
Surf N Turf 2003
November 7-9Pismo Beach, CA
Dude, the sand dunes were going off big time!
Cruisers were rippin the dunes, dropping in on monster slip faces, carving deep bowls and getting gnarly air. It was totally bodacious!
A line of Cruisers on the horizon. You know it's going to be a good day.
photo credit: Dave Beckett
One great thing about Surf N Turf is the free time to drive around on the beach and dunes. This isn't a linear trail ride with a beginning and an end. Wheeling the dunes is more of a "freestyle" event where everyone can do as much (or as little) as they please. There were small, medium and large groups of Land Cruisers forming up for impromptu runs into the remote areas in the back dunes. Others gathered on the high ground to watch the more enthusiastic drivers challenge the steep faces and bowls. Everyone had plenty of opportunity to develop their sand driving techniques.
Line of Cruisers in the back dunes.
photo credit: Daryl Chymko
A classic FJ40 on the beach.
photo credit: James Doh
The vast expanse of sand dunes seems to go on and on forever. The wide open space makes a great backdrop for viewing the classic Land Cruisers.
The Oceano Dunes State Off Highway Vehicle Area aka "Pismo Dunes" is a unique playground for off road driving. This really is "off-road" driving. There are no roads or trails just wide open sand dunes and infinite choices to point your cruiser. Whether you're going up, down or sideways, driving in the sand dunes is always a blast. The challenges range from simply finding a route through the complex puzzle of dunes to racing around steep bowls or launching off huge sand ramps. From mild to wild, the dunes are fun for everyone.
Cruisers watch the action at one of many hill climbs.
photo credit: Dave Beckett
Miklos slides down a steep face.
photo credit: Dave Beckett
Thank you for the fun weekend at the dunes!! I haven't been there in over 4 years, and Ron Diaz says it's been over 8 for him!! All the Gilroy crew enjoyed themselves and we think you put on a great event!!
Joshua Whitgob aka "The Offroad Kid"
Dave Beckett launches the big wagon!
photo credit: Drexx Laggui
Two FJ40s
photo credit: Drexx Laggui
Dune slide!
photo credit: Alvaro Rodriguez
Later on Saturday, during another run through the dunes, a group
started to gather at competition hill. The hill this time wasn't any
steeper, but maybe 10 to 12 feet higher. Some cruisers had difficulties but had
a good time on the hill.
In the general area there was one large sand dune where a stock LX450 was wildly driving sideways across the slip face. A modified 80 tried to follow and during the middle of the sand face, slowed down and tried to turn up and out of the dune face. This resulted in a very close flop / roll / slide down the face. Our club quickly attached the winch cable
from the UZJ55 and another member 40 to the 80, and the 80 cable to a stationary 40. A little bit of digging, winchin, and throttle, we pulled / recovered the 80 up and over the dune face.
Had a great time cruising the dunes in the night time with the rain! Good to
see old friends, and making new ones! Lots of interesting cruisers again
this year.
Hope to see you there next year.
Joe
96 FZJ80 leather & locked
71 BBV8J55
69 V8J40
Special thanks to all those that helped to keep our Land Cruiser from rolling over on the sand dune. Just so you know I was the driver of the "modified 80" that required a 3 line pull to rescue us. I made a rookie mistake in the sand that could have cost me a new paint job and some body work. However, within minutes of calling out on the CB the Calvary was there to help (along with quite a few on lookers taking lots of pics.) Need to remember when you're in the sand...speed is your friend...speed is your friend...never hesitate. Well, I learned my lesson and looking forward to next years event.
cheers,
David and Brian Adler
BTW my 3 year old son can not stop talking about the "monster truck" with the zebra paint job....oh yeah and about the cookies that a nice young couple in a 40 (sorry, forgot your names) gave him while I was being rescued.
Red Hot Taco !!! Muy Caliente !
photo credit: Drexx Laggui
INVECO 4WD camper on a 2 year Pan American tour
photo credit: James Doh
The INVECO camper wheeling the back dunes.
photo credit: Daryl Chymko
Jeff's trail proven and capable 4Runner.
photo credit: Jeff Mackey
"Orange45"
photo credit: James Doh
Awesome collection of Land Cruisers on the beach.
photo credit: James Doh