Got me thinking about everything planed in the next 2 1/2 months.
Red Lake, Ivanpah, WWBB, JIBE, various stops along the Gulf Coast, up through the Mid West to Reno, Alvord, Quincy Kite Festival, SOBB, and if I can remember where I live, home.

Looking for anything between JIBE and Vann's house in TX, the week after JIBE to buggy at. Any and all options will be looked at with at least a day of the buggy and kites. Any suggestions?

Swing down by Anastasia State Park in FL for a ride before you head back.

Hey Jeff

Do you want to buggy on a Louisiana beach. If so I can tell you how to get there. It is between 35 to 40 miles off of I-10.

Susan (npw goddess)

Now this is is what I am looking for. Going to be away from the stuff of life and nothing better than the wife laying on a warm beach bathing in the sun and I am out zoom zoomin up and down the beach, at the end of the day load up, eat, sleep, and drive to the next place, set up and do it again, and again, and again. Isnt this what a vacation is all about?

Is it possible to buggy in all 48 states? Let me see, Washington, Idaho,..........Hmmmmm think I may leave a bit sooner. HeHeHe

Have your cake and eat it too. Have a great time and send back lots of video , and for hells sake dont hurt yourself.

Are there any Midwest buggy events? Like say MO, KS, IA, etc?

Quote:

Originally posted by dirtslide Have your cake and eat it too. Have a great time and send back lots of video , and for hells sake dont hurt yourself.

I would never call my wife that,:saint: Besides it's not like you would get hurt on purpose.
"I'm going out kite buggying today, don't make me any dinner cause I plan on going to the hospital for a few hours before I die.":shocked2: Thanks for the concern, but I will be careful anyway.:P

Got all 7 cameras charged and ready to go, just need to remember to take them with and use them.


I don't know of any Midwest events let alone places to buggy. May have to make some phone calls.........

Quote:

Originally posted by kitemaker4 Hey Jeff Do you want to buggy on a Louisiana beach. If so I can tell you how to get there. It is between 35 to 40 miles off of I-10. Susan (npw goddess)

We plan on stopping for dinner with you and Bo, and yes we can go Dutch. I would rather have some good ol Southern Cookin, but Dutch food is OK too.

The first day of the tour has come and gone, just wish it started on the other foot.
We decided to spend the weekend in Grants Pass until the transmission repairman shows up to add to the excitement of the tour.
A few have called me to tell me things I can only laugh at. With all the laughing going on here, it is a real riot. As I sit here in my lawn chair wishing for just a breeze to keep the smell of the beauty bark in the trailer from making my arms itch, I can only hope we wake early enough to be part of the Easter egg hunt in the morning. Need to find a basket.

That's one way to start off a trip with some character. A real bee-och at the time, but something to laugh about later. Could have happened in a worst spot anyway.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.......... I hope it's an April 1st joke............. at lest it stopped raining.:D

Hey Jeff, Ashli and the kids, her parents and I are staying the week after JIBE on the neighboring island to Jekyll (Saint Simons island). We're staying in a rental right on the biggest beach on the island where I have every intention of riding the low tide.

If you're still in the area, it'd be cool if you wanted to join me.

Thanks for the invite, need to get to XBAN first. ;-)

OK fans, lets get this trip on the way.

Left for XBAN and blew the tranny out of the RV, spent 5 days in Grants Pass. While there we watched a strange lady step out into traffic to stop the cars for us and caused a 3 car crash and then ran away. At the motel we witnessed a knife fight and had to explain to the cops who and what and the other stuff. Tried to get gas in Bakersfield and ended up helping with the aftermath of a robbery and beating, we saw the truck the jerk arrived and left in. Lost our awning and 2 roof vents in a 70mph wind storm that just about knocked us over just east of the windmills by Edwards AFB. While getting gas only 3 miles from home, we were surrounded by 9 cop cars as they proceeded to check out the couple next to us and found out the car was jacked and the girl was kidnapped and assaulted.
I then towed the wifes car out of the way at home cause it wouldnt start so I could park the RV.

Now that the unimportant stuff is out of the way......
The weather was nice and hot, got my usual sunburn in the first 30 minutes. Wind was good for the first day, I think the rest of the couple of days was doable.
I got to try out a few new kites and did some tuning on a couple of buggies and got to do some high speed riding with both of the Libre front tire suspensions. I will never ride with out this setup again. No more high speed bbbbbbbbbbbbbbouncing over the not so smooth playa. With the 17" wheels on the Libre Hardcore and the bigfoot suspension, you have no idea of what you are missing. The larger wheels are a great improvement in themselves, but add the suspension to that and it is a sweet ride.
I also used the smaller suspension setup from Libre with Carlisle smoothies on the 8" wheels. Not as smooth as the larger setup but tons better than the regular front ends.
Both of these buggies will be available for use at WW and Jibe if you are interested.
I also had the Apexx with the rumble seat out and was tuning that also. Got this ride dialed in and would have attempted the 1 buggy, 1 kite, 1 passenger thing but time didnt allow for it. Even with the bigfoot beach racers on the buggy, it was a very nice ride.

I did get to fly the Zebras, Z1, Z2, Z3 kites. The Z1 is by far the easiest and best beginner kite I have flown lately. The power is there and the ease of this kite is not just for beginners as it is able to eat gusts and still surprise you with the turbo feel.
The Z2 is more powerful and a lot more responsive, in simple terms, more of the good stuff from the Z1 and still enjoyable.
The Z3 is a definite race kite, with the need for a bit of brake and dont drop your guard...
You need to fly this baby with an attitude of Woo-Hoo Baby. A bit uneasy for a bit while flying this kite untill I got back into the mode of "Race Kite", after that I was having a blast.
All 3 kites are very well positioned in the beginner, intermediate, and experienced areas. Not better or worse than other kites, just a bit different like all the others. If you have not tried them, give them a shot and be surprised.

Also tried out the New Buster Soulfly Pro. What a big improvement from the last model. Lighter material, longer bridle, lighter bridle, and better stuff sack. With the new brighter colors it is going to be a welcomed addition to my high wind quiver.

I will post some of this review in the 3m Kite Expos'e thread.

WOW, welcome back Jeff,

Sounds like quite the adventure so far. Hopefully you got all the BS peripheral garbage out of the way for the other leg of your journey.

That make great sense, a hard high pressure narrow tire with the Libre suspension front end.

What are your thoughts on running a narrow wheel on a wide big foot front end? Under high load will that wheel remain straight between the wide forks?

Thanks,
Chris C1

Welcome back Jeff. Sorry to hear about all the BS along the way.

Next stop Wildwood! C'YA there soon ! :roll:

Quote:

Originally posted by sand flea That make great sense, a hard high pressure narrow tire with the Libre suspension front end. What are your thoughts on running a narrow wheel on a wide big foot front end? Under high load will that wheel remain straight between the wide forks? Thanks, Chris C1

running a narrow wheel on a wide big foot front end is just what I am doing. I am running the smallest and narrowest 17" tire at the moment, a larger/wider tire would have more grip but as for the twist/flex aspect, NONE.
I like it. a lot of power and speed is needed to plow through the soft stuff, but I like riding on the rails so to say.

Been watching the weather reports and the news the last few days.........
Thinking about putting the snow tires on the truck for going through the Mid West, and installing armor plating for the East Coast.

Got all the important stuff ready, i think..... whats with all the toll roads back there?

what's the status Jeff? Just wondering how its going? On your way across the country to JI yet? Looking forward to seeing you there!

good luck, drive safe, good winds!!!

Where to start? Snow, hail, rain, sun, window up, window down, in 4 wheel drive, 80mph, 25mph, construction, wide open roads, pot holes, deer, turkeys, etc.

Now that the crap is out of the way, got here Sunday night and worked untill noon today and then got out to the beach. About time..........
The 5m Z1 was not quite enough so the 6m Century was the ticket. Me and the Apexx went up and down the beach for a few hours and enjoyed the BEACH after a lone trip and office work. Going to have to work at the strange feeling while flying with the kite out over the water. Something about getting blown out to see again, doesnt sit well with me. The beach is not the same as home, for that fact the beach is not like anything I have seen before. Strange how the sand sticks to the kites.:puzzled:
I am surprised at the warm welcome of everyone, "Hey Jeff, how was the long drive?" It was OK, who are you? Going to be a bit of work remembering a few of the names let alone all of them.

These guys are great, the beach is great, the Shalimar is great, and so are the cops.
Tomorrow I plan on getting in the buggy and not getting out until lunch.
Having to much fun at the moment to think about Jibe, but that will come.

[rquote Going to have to work at the strange feeling while flying with the kite out over the water. Something about getting blown out to see again, doesnt sit well with me.[/rquote]
Now you know why I wear a kite killer...... See pic

I am hatin' not being there..... Pretty sure a layoff is coming at the end of June. So, I doubt I will be there in Oct. either.....:flaming:

WG, Glad to see you giving your kite a wash, I did the same with a 10m. Just for the record, the Ivanpah with BF lites will not float. The only reason I got the buggy back was because it was yellow and I could see it under a foot of water. 10m sea anchors are not easy to pull back to dry ground. Was not a good day. So we will stay away from the water for now.

Sorry but does that mean your in wildwood now?

For some reason I though the WBB was after JIBE, I must have been wrong about that.

Have fun!

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

Sorry but does that mean your in wildwood now?

Yes, that means I am in WW now. You could call it Heaven. Whether the wind is blowing from the North, West, South, or East you can buggy.

I got out early this morning and the wind was very light, about 4mph from the SE, sun is shining and it is warm enough to wear just a t-shirt. I got the 12.5 Century out and cruised down to the fence at the South end and back up to the pier on the North end, a few dozen times. Park and ride, what a treat. As the morning progressed a few more buggies came out and the wind started to pick up a bit. By noon the wind had come up and changed direction, now from the West. Took to much work to get back to the bag of kites with the wind now causing everyone to get out their 6m kites (or about).
My buggy left with one of my 5.5 Centuries and I sat down on the beach and leaned up against my kite bag and took a nap. After an hour and a half, my bug and kite came back and who-hoed a bit and left again.
I'm hungry, back to the room, time for lunch.

Quote: Originally posted by bigkid

Quote: Originally posted by soliver   Sorry but does that mean your in wildwood now? Yes, that means I am in WW now. You could call it Heaven. Whether the wind is blowing from the North, West, South, or East you can buggy. I got out early this morning and the wind was very light, about 4mph from the SE, sun is shining and it is warm enough to wear just a t-shirt. I got the 12.5 Century out and cruised down to the fence at the South end and back up to the pier on the North end, a few dozen times. Park and ride, what a treat. As the morning progressed a few more buggies came out and the wind started to pick up a bit. By noon the wind had come up and changed direction, now from the West. Took to much work to get back to the bag of kites with the wind now causing everyone to get out their 6m kites (or about). My buggy left with one of my 5.5 Centuries and I sat down on the beach and leaned up against my kite bag and took a nap. After an hour and a half, my bug and kite came back and who-hoed a bit and left again. I'm hungry, back to the room, time for lunch.

Welcome to the east coast Jeff. That is how we roll here. It's either that or nukin'. I'll try and call you or Rich Sat. night, and say "Hi" to everyone.

Man ,This sux! I SHOULD be there!!!

Sorry for the delay in reporting the updates.
I think I have checked out 19 states at this point and every type of weather except a hurricane, I should keep that fact quiet.

Wildwood,
I got in a few days early due to a mishap in Montana so Monday and most of Tuesday was devoted to that.
Found the beach on Wednesday afternoon. Now the pics and videos I have seen are great but fall short when you step out on the sand for the first time. This beach is huge! Huge balls is an understatement, 400" to the hard pack! And as you look up the beach which is NE, you see this fishing pier that is a long way from reaching the water. Not sure as to what they fish for. Beyond the pier are these amusement parks that stick out onto the beach. They remind me of the sheet of plywood I had my train set up on as a kid, plop it found wherever you want to play at and plug it in.
The days are a bit fuzzy as to which day was what and when so I will hit the highlights and others can clarify the rest.
The fist morning out was very light wind and there was a lone flysurfer out buggying. I set up the 12.5 Century and fought with the sift sand for a bit untilled I drug everything out to to the hardpack and it was Heaven from then on. Played around for a bit to be sure the kite was going to be enough and then it was off to explore.
Now I am not intimidated by much but the fishing pier was not on my desire list. Headed SW down the beach to the end and back to base. I am having a blast. The wind is onshore at 4mph or less and the Apexx is not acting as usual. Way to much sliding when trying to scrub off speed, but making some awesome marks in the sand.
Now that the others are arriving and setting up and the wind is suggesting a smaller kite, it is time to get with the others and lie and tell tall tales.
The wind change to off shore and I did a bit of 5m buggy riding but don't like the thought of being blown out to sea.

The next morning was a repeat and the 12.5 and I took a tour of the entire beach from one end to the other. I had tried the Libre with the 17" Sysmic wheels the night before and found the hardpack was not hard enough to really get the most out of the setup, so back to the bigfoots.
This beach made the suspension frontend shine as I found the grand canyon on the way up the beach and back, at 40mph it was only a small bump with lots and lots of wet.

Lets get to the Stuff that makes WW what it is.
I found, with the help of bladerunner, the hardpack is not hard enough for small wheels like back home. Srubbing off speed is much harder as the buggy slides much easier than at home. More than a few times I found myself running out of room or unable to slow down enough or stop as I am able to at home. With the help of a few others, we came to the understanding that the sand is much like salt crystals but much smaller compared to the pea shaped sand at home. With some adjusting, life on the beach is in need of a return trip.
My finger needs a rest and my phone needs a charge. I'll be back.

OK I’m back.:o

One of the things that was beyond expectation was the weather. Right of the bat, I realized I was going to be cold, I was wishing I would have brought my rain/snow pants and my hooded coat. After the first day, a new fear took over and the cold was gone for good. Humidity was a word I have only heard about. During the day I was wearing a t-shirt and sweat pants and with the temp at 55-65 I was dripping with sweat and sunburned. As soon as the sun went down the coats and hoodies came out. Standing around in the evening and talking about anything and everything about kites, buggies, tires, lines, last year, Cheezy driving through WELDNGODS new kite, how Ziggy carved his name in his buggy tire and how it leaves his name in the sand anywhere the tire goes, and so much more.
This is a group of guys and gals that are out for nothing more than to buggy as many miles as time will allow.
I had a great run up and down the beach with the ability of walking back to the room, It was a successful day. Rich has put on a great event with a bit of help from everyone else. I know from my own experience that this is no easy task. Some were asking about t-shirts and the response was, I ran out of time. With or without t-shirts, Rich, East Coast Kite Sports, and everyone, put on one heck of an event. BBQ Pig, drinks, music, Saturday dinner, the ticket/donation give away, was more than expected.
I was greeted with smiles and many questions about the trip. I went around with a video recorder and ask everyone what their name is and who they are on PKF, now I am able to put a face to those I have been corresponding with for the last few years.
Where does WW rate on my list of places to buggy? Up near the top, I have yet to find the perfect spot so I have to leave room for that place, but WW is defiantly an event I need to come back to. I was, and I am still surprised at all the people who yelled “Hey Jeff”, or came up to me and introduced themselves to me as if we were long lost buddies. I had no idea of who any of them were until we talked for a bit.
Besides the strange sand and the way it sticks to the kites, the term “side shore”, and “yall”, and way to much pig, these buggy/board/kiters are a group you need to meet and become a member of. There was a lack of ego’s that would make a newbie feel right at home anywhere on the beach and with anyone off the beach.
We had an impromptu discussion about NAPKA and answered a bunch of questions and raised a few myself, We will need to change a few things in working with Washington State and the beach access. Overall it was very well received and looks like the group will be growing with the addition of snow kiting and a group of Canadians.

If you can, and if you cant, you have to make the trip to WW and meet the fine folks, and ride the fine beach, and eat the fine food, and be one of the FINE people who put on the fine event of WWBB.


4-29
After a little time in Washington DC and a few stops along the way to see the stuff we study about in American History, I am off to see a couple of people who live between WW and Jibe and will do a bit of sightseeing on the way, along with a stop at HQ and Kitty Hawk Kites and a kite festival in Virginia Beach, I think I am having a great time. HaHaHa

5-2
Rain rain go away, come back another day…….
Been raining for 3 days while visiting WELDNGOD and his wonderful wife. I have to say they are the bright spot in a rather rainy, depressing, and blah few days. They are the best hosts…..did you know WG can cook spaghetti? Only with a couple of wifely reminders about the noodles…it wasn’t bad.
I left Portsmouth, Va this morning and headed to the OBX, in hopes of stopping by HQ Kites and Kitty Hawk Kites for a look see. I received a warm welcome at HQ and got a tour of the place from Chris, service was not so hot but the personal attention and all the great recommendations for a trip down the islands was greatly appreciated. Great people there at HQ, will have to place another order with them. HaHaHa
You have to make a half dozen stops to see all the stuff that KHK has to offer, Wow lots of good stuff. With a stop at Wilber and Orvals airport, I was amazed at the details of the gliders and bicycles that led up to the first powered launch. I was even surprised at the 4 line kite they flew to help with the aircraft design. One stop of many you have to see while here. A bunch of beaches to look and drool over, the light house, and a stop at DQ for blizzard lunch, I will come back for a few weeks longer visit.
What a drive, with the wind blowing from the NE at 15 or so, I lost count at 87 kiteboarders in the water while there had to be 3 times that amount on the beach at Frisco. I see what the attraction is here at OBX. A bit of a drive for the weekend get away but for a couple of weeks a year, I could very easily be persuaded to get a rental on the beach for a visit or a looooooooooong stay.
As I sit here on the ferry from Hatteras on my way to Ocracoke, I am looking out the windshield at where I have been. Not sure why we are traveling backwards, wouldn’t do this at home, but then we are on the other side of the US. I think it has something to do with that side shore thing……..why do people turn on their car alarms while on the ferry? How far do they think the car thief is going to get with it? Glad the captain told them over the loud speaker to turn it off or he will turn this boat around and go back…….some things never change, right dad?
Looks like its camping weather for the night, this is turning out to be a great trip. A tent, sleeping bag, chair, hotdogs and mustered, a camp fire, with a million dollar view of the ocean, what more could I want? Besides a warm bed and cable tv with surround sound, and a few cold ones, besides the wind is blowing from the right direction and the beach is empty…….. OOOOOH baby, byby for now.
The temp is a nice 65 and I have the window down thinking of the 70 plus weather at Jibe with the beloved humidity.
:shocked2::shocked2:

Love the VA/OBX review Jeff!!
I could live in OBX. We vaca there a few times each year too. Yes, KHK is a great little jewel. I've lost quite a few bucks in that place. Hope you snagged some of the Butterfinger fudge from the fudge shop :evil:. I'm really looking forward to burning up some VA sand with WELDNGOD this fall/winter. I should be out of my buggy training wheels by then LOL. Hope to meet you down the road as well. Safe trip my friend. Hard to beat a sunset camp on the OBX!!!!

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

Hope you snagged some of the Butterfinger fudge from the fudge shop :evil:

Toooooo funny, I got the dark chocolate, the caramel chocolate, and the BUTTERFINGER CHOCOLATE.
3 for 2 deal, then I told him all I had was $15.00 cash and he said no problem and rang it up at $14.21. He pulled a fast one on me, I lost 14 bucks and gained 3 lbs.:evil: