Off Road Adventure » FJ cruiser

Adventure at the FJ Summit

Paul — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:43:58 +0000

The Colorado landscape is amazing. Wheeling the trails that crisscross the continental divide we encountered groves of aspens, wide open meadows, tall jagged peaks, remnants of snow filling the shadows and patches of colorful wild flowers. We saw deer, marmot, countless birds and chipmunks. And we saw our freinds.

We (Hula Betty and I) were invited to join Metal Tech at the fifth annual FJ Summit in Ouray, CO. and more importantly I was . . . → Read More: Adventure at the FJ Summit

Adventures with Old Friends and New

Paul — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:44:21 +0000

It’s been three years since boy and I went on our road trip adventure to Ouray Colorado so when Mark over at Metal Tech extended an invitation to their party at the 2011 FJ Summi in Ouray it seemed like perfect timing.

Flying into Telluride on a cloudy day is an experience best describe as 45 minutes of complete boredom followed by 60 seconds of shear terror. The small plane which had to leave . . . → Read More: Adventures with Old Friends and New

Baja Off Road Adventure The Video

Paul — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:43:41 +0000

You read all the stories… You did read them all right? Now grab a bucket of popcorn and a 96 oz. drink (its only a quarter more), sit back and enjoy the movie. What else were you planning on doing for the next 23 minutes.

Robert Ebert (no relation to Roger) says: “I laughed, I cried, it became part of me as I watched the story of two friends’ off road adventure through Mexico, . . . → Read More: Baja Off Road Adventure The Video

The Route is Hard! (notes leg 3)

Paul — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:08:24 +0000

The route is hard… Really hard. We drive South West reach the Pacific turn and head South East reach the Sea of Cortez and than go back to the South West (ok there is a little more to it than that, just ask Brad who has been keeping us on schedule). In between we cross mountains, valleys and desert. To get to this point we have driven over pavement, gravel, dirt, river beds, swamps . . . → Read More: The Route is Hard! (notes leg 3)

A Picture’s Worth A 1,000 Words

Paul — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:07:37 +0000

Those of you who have read through our stories here know that pictures are a big part of the last great road trip. And like boho chic runway models you will find one or two of our images that better than average. But most of the time I rely on point shoot… shoot a lot and hope something interesting comes out.

But when I see someone with an eye for composition and an editing . . . → Read More: A Picture’s Worth A 1,000 Words

Naches Day 4 (Ain’t Had Enough Fun)

Paul — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:35:03 +0000

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line… And yes for all you math majors in the crowd I know a line is straight by definition and a straight line is redundant but that is just how the saying goes.

Late last night around the fire we came up with the idea of a fancy sit down breakfast… Eggs, bacon, english muffins, patties of foil wrapped butter, jam in little single serving . . . → Read More: Naches Day 4 (Ain’t Had Enough Fun)

Naches Run Day 3 (FJ Cruiser Take Over)

Paul — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:30:45 +0000

You run enough trails and you notice one thing… There are a lot of Jeeps out there… A Lot. CJs, YJ, JKs… lots of cool rigs that folks modded up for the trails… And let’s face it, a lot of the trails are open and available to all of us because of the Jeeper guys and the work they have done to keep them available to the wheeling public.

So when you see twelve . . . → Read More: Naches Run Day 3 (FJ Cruiser Take Over)

Naches Run Day 2 (The Pre-Run)

Paul — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:43:50 +0000

Moon Rock… Funny Rock… sounds more like Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” than a wheeling destination. But that was exactly where we were going to scout out trails..

Sleeping under the stars means there are no shades or curtains to keep the sun from crashing in on you as soon as it crests the mountain tops. First things first after shaking off the chill and relinquishing my grip on the idea of sleeping . . . → Read More: Naches Run Day 2 (The Pre-Run)

Naches Run Day 1 (Grab The Good Camp Site)

Paul — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:30:24 +0000

When it is raining and grey in the northwest, hang out on the NWFJCC forum is a great way to keep your spirits up. Reading a post for a camping and wheeling trip planned for the Naches area caused my heart to leap. Of course then the waiting… May… June and a good chunk of July passed before the run was here.

The Naches area is on the east side of the Cascade Mountains . . . → Read More: Naches Run Day 1 (Grab The Good Camp Site)

We’re Big In Japan

Paul — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:20:01 +0000

Remember our Rubicon 4×4 Adventure, the “2009 Metal Tech Invitational”? I know you do… Cause I don’t want to hear we do all this for nothing… Ok maybe not for nothing… We do have a blast!

Well one of the members of the team on that off road adventure was Yoshi, a photographer and writer for Japanese Land Cruiser Magazine. Yoshi’s pictures and story hit news stands in Japan and sure enough Hula Betty . . . → Read More: We’re Big In Japan

Black Friday Off Road Adventure

Paul — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:16:53 +0000

Can I drive… no.

Really, Can I Drive… No.

Come on… Can I Drive… NO!

Oh #$%^@… Never mind, I don’t want to drive.

You take 1 part rocks, 1 part mud and 2 parts gravity shake them all together and you have the 3rd annual Black Friday run. Every year the Northwest FJ Cruiser Club (NWFJCC) holds it 4×4 trail run through the Tillamook State Forest and this year I had the opportunity . . . → Read More: Black Friday Off Road Adventure

Veni, vidi, vici

Paul — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:11:32 +0000

We came, We saw, We Kick Some Off Road Ass…

If you follow our off road adventure and please tell me you do, than you know we recently returned from the Rubicon trail. And I’m sure you read the stories and saw the pictures… Right!

So if a picture is worth a 1,000 words, than video must be priceless. Well here are four (yes count them four) videos that will give you a . . . → Read More: Veni, vidi, vici

Oh My Hell… This Is Rubicon!

Paul — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:56:05 +0000

100 yards into the trail and we’re breaking out the hi-lifts… Welcome to the Con! We’d heard tales, read about it on-line and seen pictures… But until you are facing down the Rubicon, it is hard to understand the knot that wells up in your stomach as you realize… this is wheeling… on the big stuff.

Until now most of the trails we run have their obligatory little rock garden you can play on or . . . → Read More: Oh My Hell… This Is Rubicon!

The Gang Is Mostly Here

Paul — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:07:15 +0000

Today was the day the gang (or at least most of them) came into town.

Bernd is joining the group from Portland along with his son. I met Bernd a couple of years back in Ouray, Co. at the second annual FJ Summit. Since then I’ve had a few opportunities to run trails with him including a night of wheel down at Browns Camp. I always like letting Bernd go first. I know he . . . → Read More: The Gang Is Mostly Here

Oil Can Betty…

Paul — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

One of our friends, Beau Jaramillo, from Amsoil, sent us a care package that included:

Ea Oil Filters Signature Series 0W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil Ea Air Filters Engine Flush Severe Gear 75W-90 Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease

With the Rubicon off road adventure coming up, this was the perfect time to change the oil. Engine oil has the primary functions of lubricating and cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major . . . → Read More: Oil Can Betty…

Whooo Hooo! Blue Bunny on the CON!

Paul — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:09:12 +0000

That was the the message I received back after I let Mark (those of you who remember the tail of the Blue Bunny understand Mark’s affection for the nick name) know I would be able to join him on Metal Tech ‘s Rubicon Trail adventure planned for the end of summer.

The Rubicon Trail is perhaps one of the most well known off road 4×4 trails in the world. With claim to the birthplace . . . → Read More: Whooo Hooo! Blue Bunny on the CON!

Toyota ’10 Model Year FJ Cruiser

Paul — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:33:24 +0000

There appears to be an encore year for the FJ Cruiser… the rumors of its death may have been premature as Toyota releases it’s “What’s New ’10 Model Year” lineup notes. And would you believe it… the FJC is in the line up.

With more horse power, little better gas mileage and a Trail Team Special Edition the 2010 FJC looks to continue the rugged off road capabilities that made the legendary Land Cruiser . . . → Read More: Toyota ’10 Model Year FJ Cruiser

Big Breath, Hold It… Hold It…

Paul — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:30:43 +0000

Ok, Let it out… and breath.

When your rig can’t draw in the fresh air it needs, your engine runs less efficiently, gas mileage plummets and horse power evaporates.

The easiest way keep your engine running at peak performance is to regularly check the air filter and change it when it becomes filled with dirt and debris.

How To Change Air Filters On An FJ Cruisre from Hula Betty on Vimeo.

Depending on . . . → Read More: Big Breath, Hold It… Hold It…

Silly Boys Off Road Adventures Are For Girls

Paul — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:10:12 +0000

Who ever said off road adventures were for guys never met the women of the Northwest…

If you hang out on any one of a dozen FJC forums you probably ran across MrsCheweys post that started the whole thing :

“Hey Ladies, are there any of you who love to ride in the rig while the boys drive, but always wanted to kick them out and take the wheel?? I know I . . . → Read More: Silly Boys Off Road Adventures Are For Girls

The Press Can’t Stop Complementing The FJC

Paul — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:47:58 +0000

Seems like this year which is probably its last, Toyota’s FJ Cruiser has received more press than ever before. Take for example “FJ Cruiser does its off-road namesake proud, Toyota’s rock-crawling mud eater is the real deal in an era of phonies” on the Edmonton Journal site.

Like most of the reviews, it talks about the more than capable off road qualities of the FJC, ranks it at the top above Jeep, Hummer or . . . → Read More: The Press Can’t Stop Complementing The FJC

The Return of Scuba Steve

Paul — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:06:37 +0000

When we last left our hero, Scuba Steve had just saved the orphans from the waters of the 100 year flood and was riding off into the sunset to wheel another day. Scuba Steve’s rig had barely dried off when a cry for help came over the CB. Dastard Dobbs, Scuba Steve’s arch enemy, had kidnapped the Swedish bikini full-contact origami team and was holding them for ransom at his hideout deep in the . . . → Read More: The Return of Scuba Steve

Day 2 Tonight We Bowl

Paul — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:33:47 +0000

The last run on the dunes was scheduled to go into the wee hours running a jeep trail known as 430 route from Horsfall up to Spinreel. One of the coolest sights is a long line of FJCs driving down the road like pretty maids all in a row. The trail for Horsfall is south of where we were all staying just off highway 101. Driving to the trail took us through 35 . . . → Read More: Day 2 Tonight We Bowl

Day 2 Morning In The Dunes

Paul — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:53:21 +0000

Ok, let me start by putting this out there… While most of the club is camping out by the dunes enjoying the great outdoors, I’m ruffing it in the local Holiday Inn. And sure I gave up the pit toilet for running water and a hot shower, sleeping on a leaky air mattresses for a soft bed and cooking over a wet Coleman stove for restaurant dining but some how I did manage to . . . → Read More: Day 2 Morning In The Dunes

Land Cruiser’s Heritage

Paul — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:45:30 +0000

Browsing the web you find all sorts of good stuff that is fun to share. I’m not talking about the winner of the Darwin Award or the staged picture of little kids whacking dad with a bat in the…, well you know. I’m talking about cool interesting stuff you can store away in you mental rolodex and pull out to impress friends at your next off road outing.

To that end, Toyota put together . . . → Read More: Land Cruiser’s Heritage

FJ Summit 2009

Paul — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:10:36 +0000

If you’re an FJ Cruiser enthusiest, it is hard to participate in an on-line forum or read the FJ news flying about and not have heard that the FJ Summit for 2009 has just opened up for resgistration. This will be the third gathering of FJC Owners and supporting vendors in the little town of Ouray, CO. The trails are filled with amazing scenery, the vendors have great give aways and friendships . . . → Read More: FJ Summit 2009

Cool Rigs, Big Tattoos and Smart Women

Paul — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:01:51 +0000

One of my friends put it best when he said “who knew your (my) midlife crises could be so entertaining”. And as everyone knows you can’t have a midlife crises without fast cars, younger women and cool tattoos. So I’ve decided to come clean with everyone following along on this adventure…

It all began in November of 2008 when I walked into Madame Lazonga’s not really knowing what to do or what to expect. . . . → Read More: Cool Rigs, Big Tattoos and Smart Women

To All FJ Lovers

Paul — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:42:06 +0000

Happy Hallmark Holiday

Those who know me, know that I hold fast in my belief that Valentines Day was created by card and candy shops aiming to compensate for the business lull separating Christmas and Easter. However, if nothing else Last Great Road Trip stands for diversity and the tolerance of the beliefs of others.

So on this Hallmark Holiday when we remember how much we depend on those we love, think how much . . . → Read More: To All FJ Lovers

Not All Glitz And Glam

Paul — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:16:04 +0000

You may not believe me but driving trails, performing mods and conducting product reviews is not as glamorous as it seems.

Take our upcoming article in 4WD Toyota Owner magazine. The first set of action shots for the article showing the Total Chaos front end working on the trail… not so good. That meant I had to go out again and get to work.

Photo Shoot Run from Hula Betty on Vimeo.

. . . → Read More: Not All Glitz And Glam

Best Auto Review’s Top 10

Paul — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:43:51 +0000

Best Auto Review recently came out with their TOP 10 SUVs. Unfortunately they did not include any information on what went into their ranking, how they evaluated the rigs against their criteria or even what value their rank carries in the market place. But, we do like their choice for #2 although we might have ranked the FJ a little higher.

Mercedes-Benz GLK Class 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2009 Honda CR-V 2009 Acura MDX . . . → Read More: Best Auto Review’s Top 10

2 Pauls, 2 FJs and 1 Great Day

Paul — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:16:25 +0000

The great thing about the Internet is that no matter how obscure your obsession, there is someone else out there like you looking to get together and have some fun. Paul sent out a note asking if we (Hula Betty & me) would be interested in exploring the Tahuya State Forest ORV trails in a pre-run for a club run he would be leading soon. Since Tahuya is really in our backyard, we jumped . . . → Read More: 2 Pauls, 2 FJs and 1 Great Day

Too Much Wheel Travel, Is There Such A Thing?

Paul — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:58:57 +0000

As the saying goes “you can never be too thin or too rich”. We’d add, your rig can never have too much wheel travel. To that end we finally took the plunge and threw out the stock independent front suspension (IFS) and replaced it with Total Chaos’ 2″ long travel kit…

FJ Cruiser Long Travel Buildup from Hula Betty on Vimeo.

Now, we could go into a write up with pictures, witty descriptions and . . . → Read More: Too Much Wheel Travel, Is There Such A Thing?

Knuckle Buckle Buster (say that fast 3 times)

Paul — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:53:06 +0000

Turns out there is a weak spot in the FJ Cruiser’s front knuckles that can give out under the right circumstances. Now those circumstances include speed, suspension extension and brute force, all in the right combination…

Since we look for places that set up situations where all those circumstances come together, we thought we would see about reinforcing the knuckle spindle. We found that Total Chaos now offers a weld on 1/8” laser cut . . . → Read More: Knuckle Buckle Buster (say that fast 3 times)

Long-term Report – K&N Cold Air Intake

Paul — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:01:04 +0000

We all get excited by our new mods and tell everyone we know how its the best (fill in product name here) on the market and we explain all the reason we choose product X. But over time does that glowing praise fad, or are you still pleased with your purchase? This report follows a year of use in all sorts of conditions, and reflects our real world experience with the K&N CAI for . . . → Read More: Long-term Report – K&N Cold Air Intake

Don’t Take My Word For It

Paul — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:52:37 +0000

If you read this blog and well you must be or you wouldn’t be here…. You know I believe the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a great rig for the type of wheeling we do. We take the rig on overland adventures, moderate level 4×4 trails and explore just about any two track that looks interesting. And while I tell you it is a great rig, who am I!

Well don’t take my word on . . . → Read More: Don’t Take My Word For It

Mt. Baker Back Roads Run

Paul — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:14:46 +0000

When you grow up in Oklahoma it is hard not to eat, breath and sleep Sooner football. This also means you dedicate Saturday’s to the gridiron and make sacrifices including pushing off wheeling opportunities. Well with Oklahoma positioned for the national championship, it was time to celebrate with trip to the back woods.

I’ve long wanted to return to the Mt. Baker area and see the mountains as they . . . → Read More: Mt. Baker Back Roads Run

Eyes In The Back Of Your Rig

Paul — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:15:53 +0000

Everyone who owns and FJ Cruiser knows how difficult it can be to judge distance when backing up. Little cars that sit below your line of site which are impossible to see make parallel parking hell. Luckily Toyota added a set of backup sensors to tell you when you’re getting close.

Awhile back we ran into a little trouble with our sensor… so to speak… And as a result, needed to replace the back . . . → Read More: Eyes In The Back Of Your Rig

No More FJ Cruiser… Rumors

Paul — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:20:47 +0000

The Internet has spread more urban legends like no other other media outlet before it. You know what we’re talking about, those stories that continue to surface every year or two, such as McDonald hamburgers are made with worms, 10 foot alligators living in the New York sewers feeding on rats or how Vegas prostitutes are drugging their johns, removing their kidney and selling them on eBay.

A recent rumor circulating through the Internet . . . → Read More: No More FJ Cruiser… Rumors

Bumper Talk

Paul — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:52 +0000

There are a number of aftermarket products for the FJ Cruiser and the list continues to grow everyday. For us one of the first mods we completed was a bumper swap-out to add protection and support a winch mount. We chose a shell style bumper designed for overland adventures that would allow us to nudge a musk oxen or buffalo gently if it came down to it.

When we purchased our bumper, the choices . . . → Read More: Bumper Talk