Friday, December 26, 2014

A RIDE IN THE SANDRAIL

 https://strollingamok.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/imgp0136wtmk.jpg




Over the years I have been following other full-time RVers blogs.

I have met a few face to face and hope to meet many more along the way.

One of the first blogs I found and follow is called Strolling Amok, the blogger is a man named Doug Begley. The first thing that caught my eye was his attention to detail whenever he entered a post....not some seat of the pants thing like I write....lol.

http://strollingamok.wordpress.com/2014/12/25/a-rail-de-la-sand/



When I found Strolling Amok I noticed that Doug wrote a very helpful post about the solar system he installed on his bumper pull trailer, he also was headed to the Salt Flats to hang out with the gear heads.....my kind of world.

I began to contact Doug both through his comments section and also with the contact me link on his blog.

I knew we would be in the same area at the same time so I suggested we look for each other and he also had spent some time in an area around Parker, Arizona that I was interested in....nice to trade notes.

I got here to Q and was driving the rail around looking for the closest trash and restroom possibilities when I noticed Doug's trailer with the solar panels attached to the sides....he was just a short hop skip and jump south of where Dean and I are camped so I emailed Doug and invited myself over.

Doug and I had a few fun visits while he was here, he has moved on to Zuma where it is a bit warmer, and exchanged the gifts of letting someone else play with our toys.

Doug has an Electric Bike called  EVELO AURORS that he wanted me to try out.....I have two electric bikes that are ok not to impressive, but good enough for Sandy and I to ride mostly on paved surfaces, but mostly a disappointment. I was not too excited really to try out Doug's bike, but he was pretty insistent that I take it for a spin...it was a bit odd at first to get used to but after 10 feet or so I was getting the feel of the thing.......and after listening to Doug's advise to sift into the right gears....lol

I am so impressed with the bike everyone needs one of these things....not a toy this is a real tool that has fantastic quality built into every part I checked out. Powerful, easy to use and with very good range......I fell in love with it before I had ridden 500 feet.

Check them out and if you should want to purchase one, Doug can arrange a nice $100 (?) discount.

http://www.evelo.com/

I wanted to give Doug a ride in the sandrail so we made planes to go out and play with it......Doug took a few photos and wrote an great post about our sandrail ride on his blog and has allowed me to copy it and post it here as long as I tell you about his blog......a very fair trade in my opinion and I'm sure you would enjoy his style.

One thing Doug mentions is my fear of killing him, not from rolling the rail, but he said he could not jiggle, jump or turn......how do you play in a sandrail and not do those things.....lol

The rail is a crazy race car more than it is a mountain goat.....it like to go full throttle and it gets there fast.

Please enjoy Doug's post 

Strolling Amok

Pops goes on tour.

A Rail De La Sand

Strapped in and ready to make noise, Delmont is signaling either "Go for it!" or "Call me!"  I'm not up on such things.
Strapped in and ready to make noise, Delmont is signaling either “Go for it!” or “Call me!” I’m not up on such things.
I was recently given a very special opportunity in the form of what’s called a sand rail, and I took it! Delmont Day, a long-time Strolling Amok reader (“Papa”), invited me to tour the BLM land around Quartzsite with him. Long a fan of all things Volkswagen, Delmont had picked up his sand rail last Fall in order to be able to enjoy the extensive off-road opportunities in the Quartzsite, Arizona area.
The start of the run was the deep sand track I tackled on my e-bike, but the rail's big tires made it float over easily.
The start of the run was the deep sand track I tackled on my e-bike, but the rail’s big tires made it float over easily.
And what a sand rail it is! Sand rails are similar to what most folks would call dune buggies, but they have the familiar shortened VW Bug floorpan/chassis replaced with a tube chassis made up from, well, steel tubes. That change makes for a much, much stronger, stiffer, and safer platform for charging over uneven ground. While many VW Beetle sedans of the period began with a 36 horsepower air-cooled 4-cylinder, Delmont’s particular rail fell into his hands with a highly modified version which, in such a lightweight vehicle, can make for some serious excitement when you stomp the go-pedal. Stock VW’s produced all their power at low engine speeds, while this one goes into full song at high RPM. In short, it’s a racing-class rail that still uses the original VW suspension.
Even easy trails like this are exhilarating, in their own way. You can cover miles without any effort, and the scenery is great!
Even easy trails like this are exhilarating, in their own way. You can cover miles without any effort, and the scenery is great!
I was a bit taken aback when he nonchalantly mentioned that he had managed to slow-roll it, bottoms-up, the day before while giving someone else a ride. “Scratched some paint,” he told me, “But nothing was damaged.” That roll was a result of its somewhat narrow tires digging into a turn on the deep, soft gravel in Quartzsite’s main wash. See, you have to keep moving in that stuff, or the tires will sink in and try to dig their way to China. With all of the motor’s power being lumped into the top end, it’s happiest at speed. If it rolls over, you simply unbuckle your five-point harness, unceremoniously flop onto the ground, and roll it back upright. Then climb back in, start it back up, and go.
We paused to examine the downslope of one hilltop, as Delmont does his Master of His Domain pose while taking in the vista ahead.
We paused to examine the downslope of one hilltop, as Delmont does his Master of His Domain pose while taking in the vista ahead.
Now, I wouldn’t mind rolling over in such a lightweight contraption, but my body probably would. Sustained G-forces or an elevated heart rate have proven to be problems in the past, and I strongly suspected that inversion would also be on the “Don’t Do That” list. Non-optimal things happen when the situation demands four quarts a minute and your blown pumper can only peak at two. So I cautioned Delmont that he would have relatively fragile cargo, and apparently scared the crap out of him in the process. Afraid to even goose the throttle, he gave me the smoothest Old Codger Tour he could manage. I found it surprising that, even with all of the bottom-end torque gone from the race engine and it popping unhappily through the carb, it still managed to push the lightweight car over any place that traction was available.
What the sand rail sees, it conquers.
What the sand rail sees, it conquers.
Two things are necessary to wear in a vehicle like this, and preferably three. Those open wheels throw a hell of a lot of dust, which absolutely requires basic eye protection. A decent breathing mask or filter wouldn’t be bad either. It’s one of those things where you’re spitting grit for a while afterward. And on this rig, ear protection is a really good idea, since the exhaust is wide open through an upright trumpet exhaust pipe. I wore decent shooter’s earmuffs, and was surprised at just how well the engine sound came through them! Having so recently acquired the car, Delmont naturally has plans to fit a SuperTrapp or similar muffler in place. Yet for the time being, it’s relatively demure just pottering around, but ear-splitting once more ponies are urged out. My seat-of-the-pants perception was that this thing is a caged beast, caged because poor Delmont was now afraid that his passenger would expire if he laid on the throttle or even bounded over bumps. I could sense that, wide-open, this rail could fly. It doesn’t take much power to make a vehicle this light hustle, and the wretched excess of power available here must be a delight when it’s in its element.
This is the descent from that same hilltop, and it's steeper than it looks here. I had concerns that the vehicle might slide, since the loose roughness would be a challenge for my e-bike, but it was no problem.
This is the descent from that same hilltop, and it’s steeper than it looks here. I had concerns that the vehicle might slide, since the loose roughness would be a challenge for my e-bike, but it was no problem.
We went for an extended tour, exploring the back trails over ground that neither the Evelo e-bike nor even the ponderous Mighty Furd would be able to manage. Very steep descents and abrupt climbs out of rocky gullies, tall hills, deep sand, and bottomless gravel were all taken in stride. The hilltops frequently drop off suddenly enough that you can’t see anything but air beyond the front of the rail, so getting out to look is a real good idea. Part of the return route involved a short section of paved road, which was its own little thrill, owing to the fact that although the rail is licensed, it is not anywhere close to being street legal. Ever the humorist-wannabe, I pointed to the oil pressure gauge which showed the needle at 40 PSI, and yelled, “Don’t speed!”  It’s just as well that the engine burble drowned out my attempt.
Taking it all in was a frequent thing.
Taking it all in was a frequent thing.
In all, it was an afternoon of filthy fun for me, and the first time I’ve ever ridden in a vehicle of this type. I’ve owned a couple of early-60s Beetles (and enjoyed them), and the difference that the decreased weight makes really stood out. First gear becomes a seldom-used crawler gear, and second allows a much better range of speed without bogging down much when the challenges come. Delmont’s sand rail is a great way to fulfill a true gearhead’s need for speed. Thanks, Del!
Delmont said that an artist used to live here, and the building to the left includes some type of rainwater catch system in its roof. Perhaps there's a well around, but I did not spot it.
Delmont said that an artist used to live here, and the building to the left includes some type of rainwater catch system in its roof. Perhaps there’s a well around, but I did not spot it.
Just a glamour shot of sorts.  There are much easier ways to get here, but they are less fun.
Just a glamour shot of sorts. There are much easier ways to get here, but they are less fun.
Ummm, are we supposed to be here? No, not really. Just call it all-round transport.
Ummm, are we supposed to be here? No, not really. Just call it all-round transport.
Trundling through and past an isolated RV-oriented housing development.
Trundling through and past an isolated RV-oriented housing development.
On tour and about to head through some twisty scrub.
On tour and about to head through some twisty scrub beyond.
Then finishing up along Quartzsite's main wash, where slowing down in the deep gravel can mean getting stuck.
Then finishing up along Quartzsite’s main wash, where slowing down in the deep gravel can mean getting stuck.
And in repose back at camp! A fun time. Not so fun will be trying to clean up every nook and cranny later!
And in repose back at camp! A fun time. Not so fun would be trying to clean up every nook and cranny later! This may be one of those things that are best experienced, but not owned outright. A little like grandchildren, I think. “Oops! Here! Needs a diaper change!”




Doug's blog is worth subscribing

Here's the link:

http://strollingamok.wordpress.com/2014/12/25/a-rail-de-la-sand/

If your still here I'd like to say how important it is for us bloggers to receive your comments, they are the thing that keep us motivated.....otherwise why go ridding around in the desert on our toys?

God Bless

Christmas in Quartzsite

Christmas in Quartzsite is not much different than back home....other than no snow.

My family and friends back in Utah got 6 inches of snow this year for Christmas, here in Quartzsite we had 60 degree weather and just a little wind......not bad.

I met a vendor a few weeks ago who sells military caps and flags, I asked her if she had any Viet Nam Era caps, something I have been looking for for years. She did, but told me it would take a few days for her to get one into town, she told me her husband does all the military stuff and he would be busy for a few more days. She then told me he spends a few months every year decorating their yard and home for the Christmas season and then she told me I should drop by. Yesterday Dean asked me to go out to dinner in town, he has been working long hours 6 days a week painting things for the big RV trade show held every year here. After dinner we drove around looking for a yard full of lights.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did, it was truly special.

Here is the view of their yard from the street

As seen from the side of their house. Just ahead is the entrance to the 3-D hall

This is what I call the 3-D hall, they have 3-D glasses for you to wear that turn each and every light into Snowmen, reindeer and Santa Clauses......very impressive to see







I really had not felt any Christmas spirit this year before seeing this, but I left with a true Christmas spirit....odd.

I enjoyed walking around looking at all the many little decorations, there had to be well over a 1000 each of Santa, Teddy Bears.....

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Just catching up a bit now that I can download photos again



I just want to go back and recap my summer......above is a photo of one of the reasons I go back to Utah every summer....looks like I'm more excited about it than he is..lol

We sold the farm this year so lots of time and effort went into moving, selling and giving away stuff!!!

I can't remember if anyone helped me load the old shed on the trailer or not...I do know I took it up there by myself years ago in the cold rain. My guess is that Matt went to get this with me, but I just can't say.....if so thanks Matt.



Selling my old 1960 Dodge was not easy....I bought it back when Randi and I lived in Creston Washington 199? something. It was a good old truck with a 318 wide block engine and 3 speed on the floor. The 318 wide block was a Hemi block with poly heads.....faster than a 327 Chevy for sure and tuff as nail if you keep oil in it......some jackass who is no longer liked did not take care of the oil thing....truck is missed he is not!





Fortune cookies know so much....I got this one this summer. I have one in my wallet that told me I would go for a ride in a tired car.....driving home the 327 in my 67 Chevelle SS blew a head gasket and I coasted home....the car never ran again. Better believe fortune cookies is all I can say about that.


I saw this set up near the farm. The owners had just left Bo Huffs place.

If you do not know who Bo is check out his facebook page or just Google him.

https://www.facebook.com/bohuffcustoms



 I have know Bo for a number of years now and can say he is one of the most interesting guys around.
Friendly to all and very generous... not to mention talented and fun. I wish him the best.

If your into 4x4s ....VWs.......or 4x4 VWs




I think I did a post on the garage and all the damage....tons of work left for Sandy and me in cleaning up, dealing with the insurance, tons of garage sales and swap meets.

I built a nice work bench out of a bowling alley and some bathroom cabinets. Thought that was going to be it for work around the house.....I was so wrong...lol!

I guess the only way to show our wives we love them is to do big jobs around the house...this year I got a job that I almost could not get done  and would not have without help from the homeless, family, friends and Sandy.

Here is the start of a new patio and much bigger driveway.








 I don.t see photos, but it all started when a young man, woman and baby came by looking to work for cash...Sandy felt sorry for them so she had them mow the lawn.....sucker on the hook.....what else do you old folks need done....next thing I knew we were going to have him redo our landscaping.

He said he would be here tomorrow so I got up rented a early ran and rented a jackhammer to bust up the sidewalk.....next thing I knew I...I said I had finished busting up the whole sidewalk when the kid showed up. I was so tired I could not do anything more so he kicked around looking like he was doing something....next day he promised to be there at 9am. I had the car trailer so we could load the cement and haul it off....I was 1/2 loaded before he showed up, he help me clean off the trailer and needed more money ????

I gave him money and never saw him again for days, I rented a sod cutter and he helped me for 1 hour or so and we never ever saw him again.....no sidewalk and no grass.....I tried to do things on my own, but ended up go and getting some help from the shelter....It was good help and I made a friend.

Days of shoveling out so I could haul in gravel and sand and the pounding began.....


 Here is Sandy after she saw how much difficulty I was having pounding bricks, even though I,m doing better, bending over still wipes me out fast. 





we did the shoveling and stuff in sections....man these photos make the old concrete look bad....please don,t tell Sandy...lol

Here are shot of it done.....still have many things to do, but I like what we got so far....check out those copper flower boxes and fountain....I made those years ago and we moved them to this house.

I made them by building a frame with copper water pipe and sheets of copper roofing that I pounded dimples into with a ballpen hamer, they are 10 years old or so and still not turning blue!





With the money from selling the farm, the family bought Sandy and Me a new home away from home ....it,s almost 40 feet long and has two bedrooms and a garage for the dune buggy.





It,s a bit different than the old 5th wheel, but I,m getting used to it.....I pulled the solar system out of the old trailer and installed it all in this one so I have all the free power I need....I did get a bit low  after 5 cloudy days, just cut back from leaving the tv on all night for background noise.....I really don.t need it anymore as I'm not as sensitive to light and noises as I used to be.


Do you see where I mounted my old gas pump face back there on the garage....Derrick and I did that!

I thought the Black Dodge would pull this new trailer......I was sooooo wrong.
I ended up getting this F-350 and it sure does a nice job pulling the big toyhauler.


This is what happens when a tire blows out on a trailer...sucks to be me that day....and tires for this 17,000 pound trailer are very expensive. $250 a tire.
I still need to buy 2 more any one got a grand sitting around they do not need? 




My time in Quartszite so far...photos only!
On the road again with the new truck and trailer

Felt like old times.....I drove Semis for a few years and sleep in them many nights.


nothing like a 8 foot clearance overpass.


First drive....I like it



Here's my friend Dean wondering if $16,000.00 is too much  lol





Jusst a small part of the swap meet area....let me know if you see anything you need




This was just as things got started. There are many venders moving in everyday. It will be packed for acres and acres by the end of December.




just checking to see if you are paying attention!

Look Sandy's here////only for a few days