Hi, I'm new to this forum but I've been snooping around for a little bit, and I''m glad that this resource is available, thank you!

I just had a great session at Manresa State Beach yesterday. the beach is miles long and hardly a soul on it. The winds were smooth and the temperature great! You can find it by taking the San Andreas exit of CA 1 south of Santa Cruz. Turn right and follow the road for a couple stops and park in the lot after going under the railroad bridge. The lot is supposedly paying but in the 3 years I have been going to the place I never paid.

I keep reading about Hamilton AFB, is that still open? I've only been beach buggying and would love to have a session or two in some more open space. Any recomandations? what's the closest dry lake bed? Sorry to be asking all these newbie questions!

Thanks!

You should check Pismo beach or Ocean beach in SF at low tide.

Hey 'Frog!

Up here in NorCal we're always looking for a new spot. As I'm here in Dublin, there is NOTHING nearby. Ocean beach is over an hour away; Dillon is closer to two and my favorite Pismo is over three.

As far as Hamiton goes, I've had a lot of killer sessions up there and worn out a lot of tires (and a little skin as well!), but from what I understand from TangledStrings up in Petaluma they are actively breaking up the concrete and have built a new 30 foot levee prior to the actual flooding. So it looks like this little piece of heaven is no more.

I have buggied at NAS Alameda a couple of times... there is also plenty of concrete there where the old ramp areas are... unfortunately the huge square runway area is off limits as it is a nesting habitat for plovers. And I should add that I'm not sure of the legality, but if you go on a Saturday or Sunday they're not too strict about enforcing the no trespassing rule... as a matter of fact the gate is open and I've driven out and parked on the concrete. I've seen lots of people out there go-karting and riding mini-bikes, etc.

If you decide to check it out, there is a roller hockey place called the Bladium that is the best place to park because if the gates are closed it's only a waist-high fence to lift your buggy over. On a side note, the winds there are usually nw and steady. If you do a search for 'bladium alameda' they have directions on their website.

If anybody out there has any other East Bay suggestions, I'm all ears!

Bob

Thanks for the info. I've been out to Ocean beach a few times, but without the buggy. Just did some sand dragging. Saw someone buggying out there a couple of times flying bullets. I finaly have a working car so i can bring the buggy next time!

On another note, I found out that I will be possibly making a trip to arizona. I have the option to make the trip by car "slowly" so that I can buggy and rock climb some. I know the climbing spots, any suggestions for spots to hit between San francisco and phoenix?

Hey there Frog. I grew up in Live Oak. You buggy at Manresa often? How are the life guards, rangers, et al? I had a few sweet sessions at Sunset SB until I got noticed by the rangers. Its not quite as wide as Pismo, but real long. The only other hassle-free beach I've been to is down in Seaside where Kite Slinger can be found.

The closest dry lakes I know of are near Reno. White Lake is just north of Reno on 395, but this year it hasn't dried out completely. The other is in Stagecoach, NV which is about 30-45 minutes E of Carson City off of 50. It is a private dry lake called Misfits Flat. I was there this past weekend.

The Corey Lama was at Red Lake in AZ last year. You might do a search of the forums for his post.

What low tide level do you guys look for when you go to Ocean Beach? I expect the Spring tides are the best. I've been a couple of times but only managed to get there a couple of hours after a 0 or 1 low tide, and by that time there's not enough of the hard packed sand closest to the sea to be useful for buggying - I usually end up getting stuck in the softer sand and so pack up and go home frustrated

I've seen videos on YouTube and Google videos of a bunch of guys buggying there and it looks like the tide has gone way out! What tide level is best for buggying there?

I did go to Hamilton a few weeks back for the first time and had an awesome time (which made up for Ocean beach sucking because the tide was too high!). The levee they have built straight acorss the middle of the runway is actually awesome if the wind is coming 90 degrees across it, as it was when I was there. I had several mega fast reaches back and forth along the top on the gravel path that is on top - which was pretty scary as I was sliding all over the place, and the steep drop down the bank pretty close.... it was pretty neat.

There's still enough of the concrete left for some high speed runs too... this is definely one of the best places I've found to buggy in NorCal so far...

Kevin

About Misfits Flat - you say it's private, but is the owner ok for people to just turn up and buggy, or do you have to ask permission?

While I've never talked to him personally, I understand that he is open to any wind powered vehicles using it. He is a builder and racer of landsailors.

A schedule of events and contact info for Misfits Flat is here.

I've been to manresa a couple of times. The first time I saw no rangers and the second he stopped to look what I was doing, but didn't say anything. He saw me take off on a run and went the other way. The beach is pretty deserted so...

Thanks about the info in misfit flat, looks like the next trip is going to be pismo. My friend has access to an ATV so its time for some beach camping...maybe try out my new blade! buah hahahahahah! Sorry, being locked indoors is making me stir crazy.....

Triple F

I buggy in Monterey bay come on down some time when the tides look good

I'm planning on comming down to the area tonight and to stay through tomorrow. Was hopping for a session in mamresa or maybe check out seaside. I'll be in Santa Cruz tonight...I hope. I should know more later in the day and will keep it posted....