Loco Express

WWW.LOCOEXPRESS.CA

2010-05-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

THE NEW WEBSITE IS UP CHECK IT OUT AT BY GOING STRAIGHT TO HTTP://WWW.LOCOEXPRESS.CA

Ditch Slap 2010

2010-05-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

We made it to Ditch Slap! We even got a new wheel for the bus while we were there (the cause of many problems). Everyone had a blast in Albuquerque skating the ditches, and partying with the locals. No one made it out without getting slapped by a ditch! Nate Lang made it to fourth place in the cross town push, and Christin Gregerson came in 2nd overall for the ladies division!
Special thanks to the following:
Joe Lehm for having this awesome event every year, and for talking to the police every time they show up!
The Albuquerque police, for turning their head every time they were called to the scene.
AJ, for fixing our wheel!! (without you, the Loco may have not been continuing it's journey!)

So the Loco is back on the road again, hopefully we won't have AS many hiccups on our way to Colorado.

Here's our latest video update

Loco USA 2010 Begins!!!

2010-04-30T10:04:00.001-07:00

The Loco Express is back on the road again! We had some border problems, and Hoodie wasn't allowed entry into the US, so we had to leave him behind. We drove all through the night, and made it to Portland, where we got some skating in at Rip City. Then we continued our journey onto San Francisco, which proved to be a bit more difficult than we thought it would be. After several breakdowns and some hair pulling, we finally made it to San Fran!!!! We're staying at our good friend, Liam's house now, and making good use out of his shower! Today we're going to skate Berkeley!

More updates soon!

Check out our latest video update!

More Videos Too!

Vegas Baby

2010-03-07T11:50:00.001-08:00

GUFF, JEN, RAGGIE and I made a 5 day visit to Vegas. Sure enough, Vegas lives up to it's name. The Loco will be going there for sure, at the end of April, for more insane adventures. More photos and videos to come!

2010 Begins!

2010-02-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

As preparation for the 2010 season begins, we find ourselves overwhelmed with events and a long "to do" list. We will be going to twice the number of events as last year, making more films and improvements to the Loco and having a great time with our newest addition, "Chewy"

Chewy is the Loco's new mascot, an african pygmy goat. He will be touring with the Loco and it's crew to most of the events in his own trailer. Ryan Ricker and I picked up Chewy from Langley around the end of August. Since then, Chewy has been clearing yards, shredding ramps, making friends, and getting prepared for the upcoming trips.

The Loco will be going to Kimberley for a visit to Jody Wilcocks house in the upcoming weeks. A new interior and motor tune up will brighten spirits and insure we make it to all of our events this year. The windows are getting replaced and we're also considering the idea of giving the driver a working windshield wiper this time around, and that's just a few of the items that's on the "to do" list.

Our first trip is going to be down to Maryhill for a freeride session. Then back to Vancouver for Coast Longboarding outlaw event, Cypress Barefoot Challenge. After the barefoot carnage, it's off to 2010's first sanctioned race, Shawnigan Lake Shredder. The Loco will be busy every week on until the end of the race season!

We are very excited for this 2010 race season. Hopefully you get a chance to ride the Loco or join us on of our many crazy adventures!

The Bonus Loco Express Video

2009-12-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you guff for another great Video!! Happy Holidays Skaters and friends!!!

Hoodie

Unrated, Uncensored and definitely inappropriate content

2009-12-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

Now added is the article before being censored, a few extra bits that I never included in the concrete wave article and other stories. The complete interviews will be added by the end of the week and stay tuned for more uncensored content!! visit http://lucky7tour.blogspot.com/ for all the dirt!!

Just Added the story "Zak Maytums Great Neighbours"

Getting Ready For 2010!!

2009-11-30T03:51:00.001-08:00

With 2009 coming to an end preperations for 2010 are already under way. With more events coming to BC and the rest of North America, it is going to be difficult to hit every event. The Loco is getting upgrades to help minimize the break down time and help us make it to as many events as possible. The other new edtion this year is my pet goat, Chewy. He is an African Pygmy goat that will skewer you with his horns on demand!! Just kidding he doesn't listen at all!! He is a very rad goat that will be travelling with us in his own trailer. Get ready for the updates and stories involving CHEWY!!

If you haven't already checked out our article in Concrete Wave Magazines newest publishing, DO IT. I have magazines available or check out www.concretewavemagazine.com, get a subscription and download the pdf file there. In a weeek or so more I will add the unedited, unrated version of the article and additional interviews.

I will have many more updates and photos available for readers in the next few weeks to come, be sure to check back and view some of the crazy upcoming events we have in store.

A huge congrats goes out to our Canadian boys and canadian racers from right here in BC. Mens division with 1st Kevin Reimer, 2nd Scoot Smith, 3rd Andrew Chapman. Ladies division was 1st Brianne Davies and 3rd Anne Harding!! Well Done Coasties!!!

Push For The Cure 2009

2009-10-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you don't know the deal with Push For The Cure, you should. The push began four years ago with several guys skating from the east coast to the west coast of Canada. Raggie and Striker also pushed from the west coast to the east coast. When the guys pushing from the east coast arrived in Hope,BC we gave them a big warm welcome. A crew of coastlongboarders joined the travellers for the final push to vancouver. Since then we have continued the fundraiser and every year we push from Hope, BC to Vancouver. The push is over 150 kilometers and is done over the span of three days. Riders participationg get donations, raise awarness, have an amazing weekend meeting new friends and skating across the Lower Mainland. Please contribute to this cause by donating your time, money and support. SAVE THE BOOBIES!! donations can be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Chapter. #300-1090 west Pender street, Vancouver, BC V6E2N7. For more information on the Push For The Cure you can check out www.pushforthecure.com or contact Lori at pushforthecure.lori@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there!

Concrete Wave Evolutions and upcoming article!

2009-10-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Concrete Wave Evolutions DVD. The loco Express is featured in the Landyauchtz portion and the Loco also recieved a short flick on the bonus material so be sure to check that out. The Loco also has a big article coming out in the november issue. We had to keep that article pg for all the family and kids but if you want the real dirt, come back here soon to read the R version once the article is published.

PILSNER GOES LOCO

2009-08-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

The last trip to kimberley and calgary was aided by the gifts from Pilsner. With Guffs help we put this short little video together to say thanks pilsner! keep your eyes open for the landyachts episode 5 and 6 for more great footage by Dave "Guff" leslie.

Hawgs Wheels and Bear Trucks Support the Loco Express

2009-08-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

A Big thanks goes out to Bear Trucks and Hawgs Wheels for there contribution to the Loco. A few new upgrades and a smoother ride for its passengers now. Check out Landyachtz Eh Team Episode #4

stay tuned for the upcoming Loco video, a wild adventure with the Pilsner Bunny.

The Return From SullyPoo!

2009-08-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

the Loco Express arrived back in Vancouver on Friday morning! Paskapoo was the best event I have attended to date! the organizers really put together a great event with tons of riding and a great view for all the spectators to watch the entire race, top to bottom. With over 50,000 people tuning in to watch live racing online. Loose Tooth won the battle of the bands and the race finish was ZEN, MEATBALL, ZACK and NIKKO.

The Loco made a few other stops along the way meeting many great people. A fun stop at Sylvin lake then to red deer, after Calgary we made our way to sing kareoke in Canmore and finally another night in kimberley before returning to vancouver. The Loco got a bit roughed up this trip but overall it was a great trip and I would do it all over again.

More photos and videos coming soon!

Hello sullypoo!!!

2009-07-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO SULLLYPOO
THE KNIFE WAS RUSTY ADN THE LOCO GOT CUT UP BUT A DAY LATE AND THE LOCO IS ON THE ROAD. WE LEFT SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT 4 00. ROLLED ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT RYAN RICKER SAVED US THROUGH THE NIGHT. ARRIVED AT SCHNITZELS AT 6 AM READY FOR RACEDAY WE RACED AT 2. THE RACE DAY WAS PACKED WITH A CREW OF 80PLUS RACERS. KRIMES GOT ELIMINATED IN THE FIRST ROUND AND ALL THE LOCO RIDERS MADE IT PAST THE QUARTER FINALS. JOSH AND WOODY MADE THE FINALS WOODY TAKIN SECOND PLACE. THE POARTY HAD ALREDY STARTED BUT EVERYTHING JUST KEEPS ON GOIN. INTO THE NIGHT WITH BIG BALLS OF FIRE, BROKEN BONES CUT TENDONS DISLOCATED JOINTS, BLOOD FROM SMASHED BEER BOTTLES OVER HEADS AND A BLOODY LOOSE TOOTH.

SO THE LOCO EXPRESS HAD JUST STARTED ITS TOUR, BUSTED AND CUT AND MAKIN OUR WAY TO PASKAPOOO!!!!!!!! GET READY FOR OUR NEW VIDEO COMMING OUT IN 2 WEEKS, F'in RIGHTS SULLYPOO 2009

CHECK IT!! NEW UP AND WHAT!!!

2009-06-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

So ya, the loco is ready to hit the road! we got new rubber, brakes and a list of more events to attack!! If you don't know.....now you know!!! the landyachtz Eh TEam and the loco express have released a killer new short video, produce, filmed and masterminded by Dave "guff" leslie. check it out and show it to your friends. We will have a movie available to purchase in november including much more crazy never seen nonesense!! let us know what you think!!

The Loco Express Goes Under The Knife

2009-06-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

After Duffy Lake Road and the Rough times coming down the road, the Loco is at the shop getting all the components of the brake system replaced. We all hope the work will be done in time for Vernon.

Glacier berries, hairy bums and near death experiences!

2009-06-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have continued in the reasonably ludicrous manner as usual. The Gold Rush Challenge was a fantastic event bringing out many spectators, racers and media. The dance parties in the loco on the way to from a 3 girl, 3 night a week stripper bar, waking up to find JM drunkenly pissed on a pile of clothes. Oh ya, that was race day! Some great racing! My favorite moment was definitely Kibblings' pass on Douglas Delua in the Semi Finals. That night we laid low, after removing the hay and having beers by the fire reminiscing about the race. The race hill was fast, tech and the party was full of foggy memories.

On Sunday we made our way to Whistler, for yet another crazy night of mayhem and a day of skating Kadenwood. The crazy boys from Arizona really know how to keep up with crew from the Loco. We had the best, most expensive sushi I have ever had, went wild in the Loco while also chilling at Aia's. The Loco had some down time getting fixed up and cleaned after a few wild adventures.

The Loco came back to Vancouver to grab passengers for the Williams Lake Race, Sheeps Creek for Speed Freaks. The Loco loaded up and made Began It's trek towards the "Puddle" known as Williams Lake. The Loco passenger list included Nick Dunmall, Joshua Shannel, Ryan Baker, Dave "Guff" Leslie, Stef "BoobsMarley" Onaski, Yann from Montreal, Cody "Shadow" Tidsdale, Jeff "Woodie" Woodfine and Matt "Hoodie" Shaw. The drive to Williams was a a series of break downs and over heating issues, once my exhaust broke off from the manifold we were stopping every 20 minutes till the sun went down. In the cool temp of the night we rolled straight on into the OverLander Bar in Williams Lake. There we met Bricen "Striker" Lyons and he introduced to many great locals from the puddle. Huge thanks goes out to Bricens Mom!! WE love you!! Thank you so much for having us to stay with you!! We will be back by for next year and again before the summers end! The race was 2 rounds 3 heats with Bricen taking the WIN!! Off to the lakeside and liquor store to relax before going to skate and chill for the evening. The next day we rolled into town to enjoy the car show and get in on the pizza eating competition. Joshua won the pizza eating comp and the Loco won the Car show "Hard Luck Trophy", with out even entering the Car Show. We took off that night and had some of the craziest times the Loco has Seen to date. From nearly dying, crazy hitchhikers, boozing, roman candles, wrong turns, nudity, injuries and making back to tell the tales........to be continued!!!

Episode #3 Lanyachts Eh Team Coming Very Soon

2009-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

Loco Express Full lenght video Coming Soon

Episode #3 Lanyachts Eh Team Coming Very Soon

more videos have been added, check it out!

BACK IN VANCOUVER AND STILL HAVEN'T BEEN HOME

2009-05-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

The Loco arrived back in Vancouver as planned on the 13th. Landyachtz arranged a BBQ and the Loco recieved a warm welcome home with good Canadian Pilsner and food. Then it was back on the road without even stopping at home. We headed for the ferry, missing it by 5 minutes, stayed the night in the terminal and got on the first ferry to Langdale. That afternoon the first event began, the Egmont grind and pier jump, into the bird suit and of the end of a pier. Special thanks to Wes for saving a drowning bird. (photos will be up shortly)Saturday was a full day with a slide comp in the morning, the May day parade (the coast crew and Loco received 3rd place), the Longboard hockey game, Jake's rash for strikers cash and another night of partying. Sunday is race day, the birdsuit was dawned again and the bird ate hay. A fun day of racing with Douglas Deluia taking first, Scoot Smith 2nd, Jomar from puerto rico and 4th was James Kelly. The race was very successful with 196 racers competing and only a few injuries. Once again we partied till morning and watched as the camp cleared out when the rain come to wash everyone away. The Loco stayed on the coast and prepared for the Jake's rash on Wednesday. A few major accidents happened on the rash when a few people went off into the ditch requiring a ambulance to deliver the downed riders to a hospital in Vancouver. The downed riders, Phill Black and Mack from the redeyes are out of the hospital and recovering. The Jake's Rash race was insane!! Some of the best racing I have seen in years! The caliber of the racers and equipment has taken people to new levels. Douglas Deluia killing it all day with his crazy push and wild Brazilian style! But Mischo Erban wasn't going to let a Brazilian take this win away from canada! Mischo riding his evo, fire trucks, momo's and tucking past Douglas for the win! it was an amazing day of riding!

The Loco is now off to yet another event and we will be updating with more photos and videos in the next 3 days. Come check out the Goldrush Downhill race in Brittania.

Get Some!!!

2009-05-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

ColoRADO!!! This state is great!! While staying with the great Rob Mckendrey we got treated to amazing hills, great food and a press photo shoot for two papers. The first hill we bombed in Avon was a mission that Rob organized, the hill is a Private gated road that winds up the resort hillside up to the Carlton Ritz Hotel. Mckendrey called ahead to arrange a tour bus to take some visitors with special needs, another vehicle used as a trojan horse drove up with gear and we all meet up at the top. The road had snow on the sides, water running down the corners and the largest crew of skaters thrashing the 3 mile road past the gatehouse for a killer finish. We later skated a trail from Vail to Copper Valley, were another photo shoot took place. We then set of on our way to Boulder, with a slight detour back the wrong way. We have had several detours but every time we end up getting to see amazing landscapes and meet extraordinary people! We finally made it to Boulder around 2 am, after making a few wrong turns, asking for directions and navigating while the Loco crew slept. That night we parked three blocks from Zack Maytums' school and planned to terrorize Zack at school. The Loco crew woke early and began to drive in circles around Zacks' school, asking every person we saw "Do you know Zack Maytum". To our surprise almost every person knew who Zack was, when we finally parked in front and talked to some teachers there came Zack out of the school shaking his head. We promoted the event, handed out about 100 concrete waves to the students and staff at the school, before leaving to check out Never Summers headquarters. Later that night after ripping Flagstaff and having a full on bath in a gas station bathroom the Loco crew was ready to have a dance party in the Loco a cruise around town to various parties. The timing for the Buffalo Bill Downhill couldn't have been better! This was graduation weekend and parties were happening on every block.

The next two days we practiced and raced a perfect track for downhill skateboarding. Buffalo Bills Downhill was hosted by Justin Dubois and Zack Maytum (that's why Zack won, it was rigged). The event went off, food and drinks were provided to the racers (special thanks to Calvins Mom and Justins wife for the great eats), everyone got plenty of runs, and a heap load of swag was handed out to riders and volunteers. Zack Matum won with Louis Pilloni taking second away from Will Brunson and King Brian Elderkin taking fourth after going suicidal into the hay on a gnarly corner. Two podium finishers in Loco Express, HELL YA!!! After the race everyone was invited to Coopers place for drinks, eats, music, ripping down the zip line, skating the vert ramp and getting absolutely smashed. We woke up to coffee, breakfast and Cooper opening his house up to us for anything we needed. Thanks Cooper, you have a rad home and you always have a place to stay in BC.

We are now off to shred the fastest hill in Colorado, before taking off back to Vancouver. The goal is to be back in Vancouver for the Landyachtz BBQ on Wednesday the 13th. Then off to Pender Harbour for the greatest race in the world!! ATTACK OF DANGER BAY 8!!! See you all soon.

Check out this Video of my first practice run, excuse the footbraking I never Footbraked after this run!! http://www.vimeo.com/4567505

Check out this news report http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=56881@kcnc.dayport.com

More photos and videos, just click on link to the right

Check out www.ncdsa.com Mckendry on Speed

Also check out the tendered meat from ditch slap!
http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/skatedick/ABQ%20Hall%20of%20Meat/?start=20

Short Teaser

2009-05-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

here's a little teaser put together by Guff, stay tuned for more to come

NEW PHOTO AND VIDEO PAGE!!

2009-05-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

I know......... I'm way behind on updates but here it is!!

We have made it to Avon, Colorado to skate some hills and destroy Rob Mckendry's town. We are hoping to get some laundry done, time on the computer and eat some of Rob's great cooking. We had an amazing time in Malibu California ripping up tuna, stunt and gmr with louis, james, mercado, zack, jimi and the loco crew. Once we made it to Albuquerque New Mexico, we thrashed ditches and all got slapped to some degree. After a great time in Albuquerque we made way for Santa Fe, New Mexico to visit the Timeship headquaters "Skate School". We went on a short skate with David Price and Joe Lehm throughout the town and ended with a great Cinco de Mayo dinner. We are now in Avon, Colorado and tomorrow we will be ripping to Denver and going out with Zack to that insane high speed road we all now.

The trip has been trying at times repairing the Loco, but the skating has made up for everything!! The loco has said goodbye to Julie LaPoint as she had to get back home, we all miss her and wish her all the best. The Loco's new registar includ Matt "Hoodie" Shaw, Hugh "Kibbling" Johnston, Dave "guff" Leslie, Phill "Green Like Limes" lemire, Christin Gregersen, Joshua Shanel, Louis Pilloni, James Kelly, Jude Law and Hayatao Tanaka. A huge thanks to our sponsors landyachtz, Coast Longboarding, Concrete Wave Magazine, Timeship Racing, www.unkle.ca, Longboard Haven, the clit, Nick Breton and Grizz!!

Check out the new page with photos and videos http://locoexpressmedia.blogspot.com/

Hoodie

Ditch slap Day 1

2009-04-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

day 1- Today started with a timed race down Kats Nips ditch with will Brunson taking down Jason Mitchel and Zack Maytum in third. The ditch was a great trainer for us newbie ditch slappers, we were all far behind the winning time but learnt some valuable skills for the up coming races. After the race we took off to freestyle some of the many other great ditches. In total today we rode in 7 different ditches, Indian School, la cuevo, 3- mile, layton, carmel, and harpers. These ditches are full of broken glass, tires, sand, cracks, holes, homeless, big rocks, small rocks and so much more.

Everyone in the Loco have recieved road rash from either malibu, the ditches, or both. We have a sweet first aid kit donated by Hughs Mom (thank you), it is ensuring we keep free from the nasty infections. The other thing we have recently been warned of is this swine flu!! We see this as a great oppotunity to get cheap ass pork!! you can buy a whole pack of dogs for a buck and a whole bag of buns for a buck!

The Channel 7 local news sent out a chopper to track us down today and gave us some sick exposure!! thanks Channel 7, I always wanted to see myself filmed by a helicopter. Check out this link to the news broadcast and check out coastlongboarding in the ditches of new mexico. http://www.koat.com/video/19337811/index.html

The Lucky 7 Tour Update!!

2009-04-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

here it is...The LOCO EXPRESS is on the road!! but not with out a challenge, before picking anyone up I ran out of gas and needed to get 3 jump starts.....

...We managed to leave Vancouver late Friday, early Saturday, around 1 am. The few days leading up to our departure were full of sleepless nights and stress trying to meet deadlines. We were late leaving but stoked to finally be on the road. We were pulled over at the boarder but they quickly released us to go thrash the country side! Washington was a quick and almost clean run with the exception of not having brake lights, electrical mishaps and the lacking fuel filter. we ripped up Burnside and started a slow and frustrating trip through Oregon trying to work out mechanical and electrical problems. by the time we finally made it to So Cal we were rocking!! most the problems have been worked out but i garantee more to come!! The riding in So Cal is unbelievable, i will definatly be coming back to session these hills, i only got a tease.

A huge thanks to everyone that helped get us here, there is no way the Loco would be rolling now with out the help of so many. Landyachtz, Coastlongboarding.com, concrete wave, Auto Friends, Stumanchu, Walker Custom Painting, Longboard Haven ( Patrick Switzer), www.Unkle.ca, kibbling, phill, nick, grizz, the clit, and so many more...

Thank You

check out the landyachtz episode 2 video

check out more footage and updates at louis and james kelley blog

http://www.loadedboards.com/adam2/blog/index.php?2009/04/27/219-great-american-road-trip-from-los-angeles-to-tucson-to-albuquerque-to-colorado-to-vancouver

i'll have a new video and more pictures to come tomorrow!!

Loco Express Lucky 7's Tour

2009-03-25T16:19:00.001-07:00

As you may know the Loco Express is going to be travelling all around North America covering over 7,777 miles of road. We are looking for donations to help propel the Loco Express, spreading the stoke of longboarding. With your donations, the Loco Express will be able to bring more skaters to more events and go further distances. Twenty five percent of every donation will go towards other charities such as Push for the Cure and Skateboards for Cuba.

All donations are to be in the form of sevens, example: $7.77, $27.77, $77.77,$157.77,$777.77 ect. and every person or company that donates will have there name on the Loco Express. Any donations over $77.77 will get your name on the Loco Express and in the Concrete Wave Magazine. A gift package of varying size will be given out to larger donations.

To make a donation, click on donation button or go to paypal website and donate to thelocoexpress@gmail.com . Thank you for all your support and keep checking back for more updates and events.

Sponsor the Loco Express

2009-03-12T21:38:00.001-07:00

The Loco Express is looking for sponsorship! The first trip will begin April 17th leaving Vancouver BC. Over the course of the summer, it will be passing through every major city on the west coast traveling over 7,777 miles to 15 major downhill skateboard events.

Depending on the tier of sponsorship you choose, will you receive:
GOLD - advertisement on 3 sides of the RV
SILVER - advertisement on the rear and access panel
BRONZE - advertisement on access panel

Don't miss the chance to get your company's name across to millions of people on the Loco Express.

Welcome On Board

2009-03-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

We are stoked to announce that Concrete Wave and Coast Longboarding are on board the Loco Express providing you with the best stories and updates. Read the untold stories and view never seen pictures in your upcoming issues of Concrete Wave Magazine. Stay tuned... www.coastlongboarding.com will have updates of the trips and let you know when the Loco Express is coming to YOU!!

Landyachtz, the leading longboard manufacturing company, is on board! You can look forward to rad videos, featuring your favorite riders and the adventures in 2009!

What are the chances?

2009-03-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

One of the hardest things associated with restoring a 1965 RV is finding parts. The Brakes are all drum and what we can find are very expensive and we haven't located the normally most expensive parts yet. What would be the next best route, without costing a arm and leg? I know, find a newer Dodge Travco that has the upgraded systems for free. Ohh look, there on craigslist.... a 1973 Dodge Travco FOR FREE!!!I called the owner but he was already giving it to another guy, that guy never showed up and now I have.... 2 Dodge Travco RVs.

The 1973 Dodge Travco came from family that had bought it years ago from a RCMP auction. It was used during the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, as a mobile surveillance vehicle. The interior is in horrible shape but the running gear is in amazing shape. I have stripped the axles, 440 motor + trans, a/c units, heater, trinkets and the shell as a future trailer.

The make over -- Pimp My Travco

2009-03-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

A few days into the clean up we realized we were in deep. Everything inside was removed and taken to the dump, I kept all of the classic non replaceable parts and appliances. It turns out I removed 800kg of moldy old wood, insulation and other crap.The interior was completely stripped out, leaving nothing but the frame and shell. Next step we cleaned and painted any exposed steel. Surprisingly the rust was very minimal for a 1965 vehicle. The Travco was then towed to the shop where it is getting the best care and attention from the reliable team at Auto Friends. The list of repairs and upgrades is ongoing but goes something like this: new exhaust, new and upgraded brake system, new and upgraded suspension, upgraded rims and wheels, transmission swap, entire fluid replacement, new axle kingpins, engine tune and more to come.

Time for this project is very tight and some things are easily done down the road. For the time being the goal is to make this RV 100% safe and capable of traveling for another lifetime.

How I was given a 1965 Dodge Travco

2009-03-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

It all started in the fall, of 2008, when I was playing with ideas for transportation. My goal is to be at every downhill skateboarding event possible for this year. I have always had unique, cheap vehicles that, with some love and abuse, have driven me and friends to events. This season was going to be different, It was going to be just as fun as the past years but bigger. I was looking for a cheap motor home or bus.

Then in November on craigslist I found what I wanted. A 1965 Dodge Travco, 27 Ft. long, class A motor home, with everything and for only $2000.00. The only thing is, I didn't have $2000.00, I didn't have $20.00, I was broke. I was in contact with the owner and asked some questions, what is your lowest price?, does it run? how many km? ect. I was going to go look at the Travco, but never did.

It was almost New Years and the race season was buried in the back of my mind. When going through my email I saw a familiar message title "1965 Dodge Travco". To my surprise the RV was still available and the owner was only asking $500.00. I still had no money but figured I could come up with $500.00, somehow. I got the address and arranged with a friend to drive out and check this beast out.

The owner was no where around but the RV was open. So we had a look around, and noticed the mold was a problem. I nearly lost my lunch when I opened the fridge to find 2 year old food. This was problem #1 and a long list followed but I saw major potential. I called the owner and offered him $200.00, unless the mold was cleaned up. the next morning I recieved a call from the owners girlfriend, "If you remove the RV in the next week, the Travco is yours for free". I was there the next day and 6 days after repairing the engine. The drive was short with a few obstacles to overcome, but it was fun. I later realized how unsafe it was to drive the old, haggered beast, but we made it.

In The Begining....

2009-03-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

It started with an idea, formed a dream and putting the puzzle together. The first day I caught a glimps of the loco express, it was another careless day looking for what would make this summer even better. The adventure begins.....