Just in case you were in Mexico participating in an epic off road race last week… here are the cool things that happened over the course of week seventeen.
NORRA Mexican 1000
Day 5 NORRA 1000 (Photo Courtesy: BINK Designs via NORRA.com)
Everyone knows Baja… but if you consider yourself a fan of off-road rally events and races; you better know a bit about the NORRA 1000. It started back in 1967 and like many things in this world we have a Marine to thank (we obviously have a soft spot for The Corps). The original Mexican 1000 evolved into what we now know as the Baja 1000, but in 2010 NORRA decided to bring the event back into the limelight.
It’s an awesome event that brings together vintage race cars and motorcycles, and more modern offroad vehicles. And, like other off road events it’s among the most accessible ways to race alongside big names in entire motorsport world.
During the five day event (technically 4), participants traverse some incredible Baja terrain. Bikes and Cars find themselves on different routes, but everyone starts in Ensenada and aims to cross the line in San Jose del Cabo.
We definitely want to attend in 2019… so if anyone needs a “Bondurant-trained” driver, tire changer, water carrier, basically anything drop us a line.
Farewell JK, a JKUR Recon marks the end of a Great Run
Week seventeen produced the last Jeep Wrangler JK. And, while we’re excited to see the production line transition over to the new Jeep truck. We are a little sad to see the last JK roll off to a dealership. Over the decade-long production run the JK took a lot of heat from die hard Jeepers.
According to some it was the Wrangler for mall cruisers and soccer moms. Behind the wheel of many Sahara’s and Sports the “Jeep Wave” atrophied a bit. But, if we’re being honest, the four door JK is probably one of the most practical, capable, and reliable Jeeps… especially for the burgeoning US overland crowd. Not only can it haul a family of four into the backcountry… it holds its own (in stock trim) in Moab and on the Rubicon Trail.
Perhaps now that the JL is finding its way to showroom floors the JK will get the respect it truly deserves in the Jeep community. But, now that we write that… who cares what a bunch of over-lifting, angry headlight adding, fender-cutting rock crawlers say? They four door Jeeps are part of a very long line of ultra-capable off roaders. And, we’re truly grateful that Jeep took a chance and made a legend more practical while retaining its off-road prowess.
Overlander Episode 2
Week 17 delivered another episode of Expedition Overland’s newest venture, Overlander. And this week they’re off to a local Toyota dealer to hand over some hard earned cash… for a brand new 2018 Tundra.
The San Antonio built full size packs 200 Series-like luxury and more towing and payload capacity than any vehicle in their current fleet. And in true gear head style it doesn’t take long for the guys to start laying out plans for mods.
We’re excited to see what they do, and where they go with their ’18 Crewmax. We had a ’15 platinum but swapped it out for our Wrangler and 4Runner. We loved it, but space was getting tight and and a new addition to the family “required” some changes.
In our two years with the Tundra, it proved to be a great vehicle with relatively few shortcomings. The engine was great and offered almost a decade’s worth of tweaking and refinement. GM, Ram, and Ford offered and do offer more advanced half tons… but in our opinion the latest and greatest is not always the best. Granted, the other models do offer a more fuel economy and bells and whistles.
Regardless of the make and model, expect to see a lot more mid size and full size trucks exploring the backcountry. It seems like a body on frame SUV goes extinct with every model year. So it makes a lot of sense that XO is moving over to the Tundra… they’re Toyota guys and a half ton offers a lot of value for the money.
Exploring Alternatives
Over on Expedition Portal, Chris Cordes shared a video. But not just any video… it was a recap of a family’s 9 month journey across a huge swath of the globe. Oh and the best part… they did it in a six decade old Land Rover.
If you ever have the opportunity to hear their story in person… sit back, shut up, and enjoy. The presentation at Expo West ’17 was definitely one of our favorites. And, it wasn’t just the party favors that we still talk about almost a year later. It’s one of the most compelling stories for any adventurous family to get out and make some epic memories that aren’t centered on a week long stay in Anaheim.
Check out their video, their website, subscribe to their channel, and if you’re ever at the NW or BC overland rally… tell them thanks. Because they organized much of the event. Pretty crazy, right?
Finally, thanks for reminding us about this incredible family Chris. The coverage on Expedition Portal is well-deserved.
Other Cool Stuff from Week 17
Tembo Tusk shows off a prototype lid/mixing bowl for their pint-sized Adventure Skottle.
SnowPeak intro’s a new Ultralight tent that screams throw me in a pannier and hit the road.
Smoky Mountain Overland Rally
Want to Share Something cool for week 18?
Whether you’re releasing a cool new product, organizing an event, or sharing some epic pics this week drop us a line at expeditionwire@gmail.com or tag @expeditionwire on Instagram. We’re here to share all of the awesome stuff that’s taking place in the greater overland community.
Did you miss week 16 too? Here it is…
