NW WA Meet / BS Thread

They're ready and waiting, Kolt!

Thanks for being a stand up guy throughout this whole thing; looking forward to getting them on your rig tomorrow.

 

I am definitely excited for tomorrow!

 

I have wheeled these areas when I had my jeep. I've never been to bethel ridge but the rest of rim rock I would stay away from without a good guide, lockers and a winch. I think that area is shut down this time of year (snow).

I would like to make a trip up to funny and moon rocks this summer. There are more ways in that would suit the longer wheel base rigs if we enter from the Manashtash (sp?). I believe Ahtanum is in this area. Mid to late June is when the snow starts to clear off the ridge.

 

The best is the getting started class with Bill Burke, which is typically held at Tillamook State Forest. The site is ideal for varied terrain and short trails so that Bill can talk about what to do, you can actually do it, then you can review, all while it is fresh in your mind. Since Burke is typically in Colorado, you would need to find a group that is hosting the class. I've seen two hosted, one by NWFJCC and the other by NW Overland. Unfortunately Washington doesn't have trails that are well suited to a beginner group for training purposes, so that bit of travel to TSF would be pretty well expected. If you are serious about the class, I can try seeing what Bill's plans are. The class is usually 3 days and I think it cost $500 or so. I know that's a big investment, but Bill packs in a ton of knowledge and its like having Offroad Jesus come train you for a whole weekend.
Another option may be a local group. Im not sure who is willing to teach, but I know guys who I think would be excellent instructors that I can ask. I'm not sure what format or requirement they would want. The class would not be as complete as a Burke class, but may be more flexible.
Lastly, I suggest going on runs that are going to be out of your comfort zone, but include people who are well knowledged and will instruct you through the day. I don't know all of you yet, but I can name a few names of who I would consider good instructors, who can spot, describe terrain and tactic, and are willing to give up thier day to focus on our team that needs the extra time.

 

Thanks for that info!! I do follow Bill Burke and am trying to get scheduling from work around one of his workshops - would probably travel and rent one of his vehicles. He does seem to be one of the foremost in the field. Also - been to a couple of the NW Expos - some classes and trail runs - learned a lot there too!!

Thank you again for taking the time!! Keeping an eye on all I can!!

 

Forget Kolt's truck. I can't wait to see some installed on my truck. All I need is money and give Jake my truck for a bit.

 

I would say be a bit careful about the expos. Some of those guys can be sort of... yuppie. Bill even commented, "it used to be called safaris, then adventuring, now it's overlanding... when did it ever stop just being an extended offroad trip?"
A lot of gear can be marketing gimmicks instead of just basic usefulness. Burke uses a lot of stuff he gets for free from promotions, but he'll still hint at what an average joe should pack. He still uses rolled up newpaper, sticks, stuff like that.
I watched a guy take 15 minutes to unpack and literally build a chair each morning at camp because it was a special overlanding chair. I pulled out my costco chair and in 10 seconds had a better seat WITH a side table for my breakfast and mug.

 

Ha, sometimes it's the simple things that are the best... It's amazing what marketing will cause people to buy...

Your costco chair sounds like luxury compared to my walmart chair

 

Some of the expo stuff is pretty cool but in the end it just seems like a fancy/expensive word for camping. Kiss is a great motto for offroading!

 

90% of the folks that have "expo" rigs you're right about. But true expo is based on a mission. A mission you need gear for and, with out a properly outfitted rig, would not be able to access the area that mission is in. For example, the archetypal researchers in the Australian outback trying to tag migrating wildlife.

I myself fancy my rig a SAR build. Deliver medical/rescue personnel/equipment and search large areas as fast as possible.

Do I do SAR in my truck? No. lol Not yet at least. But I am looking forward to getting a RTT and luxuriously camping above the peasants that have to deal with ants and rain runoff.

 

Is the lefthand picture in your sig at exit 38 off of I-90?

 

Ahhkay.. I swear this is the last time I'll say thank you.

But.

Kolt's on his way back South; after spending about 8 hours in my shop.. We decided to do a rather unorthodox Cab Mount Chop that took quite a bit more time than expected..

Sliders were about 2.5 Hrs.

Great person to do business with, and an even better person for having patience and working alongside me throughout the day!

Yes, we did the Hi-Lift test. They passed.. Was more paranoid about putting the handle through his window..

Bottle of Double Bastard and a shower are in the immediate future.

 

Jack in the box Munchie meal on the way home and straight to bed (after I type this of coarse). I have the pics of the CMC but not of the sliders. I will get some tomorrow.

 

Took this in Bothell this morning, anyone ever seen it around?

 

hmm... I live in bothell and have never seen it. Looks pretty nice though.

 

i've seen that around the bothell area too... no clue who it is though. agreed, very nice looking rig!

 

So stop by and leave a note on his truck that says www.tacomaworld.com and see if we get a response here.

 

I have a handful of official TacomaWorld invite business cards.

 

Ha I love that place, I live right by there so my and my friends will always go up there.

 

LOL Sorry for the delay guys. The last few days have been super hectic. I swear I will get some better pics soon. I just finished the matte black hood vinyl last night also. I may consider continuing it onto the grill but im not sure.