Expedition Lost Coast - Trail Report

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m3dragon

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The Lost Coast Expedition was a fun off the beaten path trip on the Northern California Coast. Before we do the recap, the participants and the ROC team would like to thank all the fire fighters out there who were fighting the wild fires in Northern CA. The hotel we stayed at the night before the event was about 3/4 fire fighters resting to go back out to fight the fires.

See all the images on the web album at raddrive.com

See our video highlights of this laid back adventure
https://youtu.be/Et47o6sHTqQ

On to the recap: The group was up bright and early to go over the drivers meeting and pass out all the decals and boxed lunches. After a quick meeting the group headed off to hit the first trail that led from the valley up and over the mountain range to the ocean.

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Once we hit HWY 1 we turned north toward the planned stops and the rest of the trails. Along the way we made a restroom stop to give people a chance to relax. Somehow, a bench turned into a surfboard to win one of the achievement decals.

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After the restroom stop, we made a stop at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse for lunch and to check out the sights. We got some great shots of the lighthouse using the drone, as the weather was perfect.

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From the lighthouse, we made a quick stop for fuel and headed to the winery. The winery has some amazing grounds to hang out at and just relax. Most of the group partook in the sampling of the vineyards different blends. From what I heard, everyone loved the wines, but more importantly enjoyed the wine bong (the thing that wine is poured into to aerate it).

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After a short drive from the winery we hit the long section of the trails. Turning up Usla Road we headed towards the beach stop to let people put their feet in the ocean. Since it was the end of the camping season, few people were there and we only had one car to navigate by on the way.

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Most of the group parked and walked to the beach once we arrived to avoid the chance of getting stuck. The few of us that braved the beach had a little fun kicking the sand up, though we had to make sure not to slow down as this was deep sand and you could easily get stuck.

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After some fun on the beach we headed up the trail on the long section of dirt. Mid way through we ran across a fallen tree. Of course the time I didn’t bring the chainsaw we needed it. Luckily we were able to navigate around the log and continue on the rest of the trail.

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Because we were having so much fun we got off the main trail section later than planned. Instead of chancing the last half of the trail we turned to the 101 freeway and headed to Eureka. After 50 minute drive we reached Eureka and the Lost Coast Brewery. Everyone was tired after a LONG day - 255 miles from start until end.

The next morning we lost a few people who wanted to go direct to the Avenue of the Giants. The rest of the group headed to the shorter section of trail we missed the day before to get all the dirt miles in we could.

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After a morning playing on the last section of trails, the group stopped for lunch in an unknown small town. The lunch stop was good and the locals were, let’s say colorful. After lunch, half the group headed home and the other half hit the Avenue of the Giants.

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This was a different change of pace than the usual desert runs. Those who went on the trip had a blast and felt a sense of accomplishment after Saturday’s marathon day. As always, thank you to those who came, and see you on the next trail run.

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Trick.Raptor

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Well there is no way the Cookie Monster will make it through the Chandelier Tree which turns out was on the way home after we all split-up after lunch.

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The front passenger tire rubbed the tree and my wife thought it was the fender flare. I might have been able to stuff my Raptor inside but there is less than a inch at the mirrors and no room for error :(
 
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badwolf

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So just had to share this followup story. After this trip, my truck was of course really muddy and dirty everywhere. The weekend after, went to dinner and had to valet the truck and there was a line. The valet guy was polite but otherwise had nothing to say as he parked benzes, bimmers, hondas, etc. then my turn and he's gushing over the raptor and how cool it was and how the muddy appearance just made it all the more badass.

Then a few days later still hadn't had time to get the truck washed, but it was due for an oil change, so brought it into the dealer. The service guys all came out and were giving me kudos for actually taking the raptor off road and that its the only one that came in looking like it was used "like it was meant to be", and when I got it back, they had washed it very thoroughly and shined the tires and everything (yes, they asked first) and I was like wow, bonus! saved me a big car wash bill!

These trucks are awesome and still get a lot of reactions!
 

SD_Plat

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is that the lighthouse from the last scene in Need for Speed?

...if so, fail for not getting an Aaron Paul type pose with the Raptor...

Good pics otherwise.
 
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