Helpful Hints For Pismo Ride

[LisaLisa]

I've been going over all the stuff we may need, and info that might be helpful for newbies this weekend...and here's what I came up with:

Race fuel is available at:

Central Coast Yamaha & SeaDoo
2004 Preisker Ln
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 925-1971
Emergency number (805) 215-8708 (The owner, Leann's Cell - she will open up if after hours just for our group!)Carries VP C12, Ultimate 4 and Ultimate 2.
Normal hours - Sat 9-6 - Sun 10-4

Arnies ATV Rentals
311 Pier Ave
Oceano, CA 93445
(805) 474-6060
located at the south beach entrance to the dunes

For you hardcore redneck's in the group, the airport in Oceano (immediately behind the camp site) carried and will sell AvGas. Not sure of their hours though.

For the best Mexican (total dive) food around, head out to Hiway 1, go south about 2.5 miles and look for:

La Tapatia Markets & Deli
1909 Front St
Oceano, CA 93445
(805) 481-3857
There is the most amazing food counter/deli in the back that serves breakfast, lunch and early dinners - SUPER cheap and SO good. The food is very authentic, and you get exceptionally large servings. Be sure to ask for Lucy - the little lady with the gold teeth that runs this counter. She'll take good care of you I promise! Breakfast burritos like footballs for $3.75, spicy pork tacos way cheap, and fresh menudo on Sundays :X LOL!

Grocery Stores:

PLEASE be sure to support Albertson's as they've been a big supporter of this ride. They are located at:

Albertsons-Sav.-On
1132 W Branch St
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-4909
Take the Briscoe Rd. Exit and go to the north east side of the freeway

Or....

Von's
Located on the left hand side of Grand Avenue about 2.5 miles from the freeway exit

Grand Avenue is going to be your best avenue for pretty much anything you may need. There is a mobile ice vendor on the beach, as well as mobile pump station, so you might need that.

Need hardware?

Miner's Ace Hardware
1056 Grand Ave
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 489-2931

Things I've learned about towing heavy stuff on the beach/in the sand:

Air down to 15psi just before you leave the hard pack on the beach. It is not good for the tires to drive very far at this pressure. I also lower the pressure on the trailer to 15-20psi when it's got a heavy load.

Unload toys or even disconnect the trailer. This is optional but helps - especially when trying to get a lot of folks in one camp site.

Remove mud flaps.

Pick your spot and drive in straight as possible at a pretty good speed.

Do not make sharp turns in the sand.

When leaving, drive out of your spot onto the hard pack, then air up and load your toys.

If a tow is necessary, make sure the tow vehicle is aired down to at least 15 pounds and he has a drop hitch or other connect point that is lower than your motorhomes body.

Coordinate the take off so that he jerks you just as you gun it.

Plywood or other type of traction mat under the tires will help.

Travel straight, DO NOT TURN, until your going at a pretty good pace.

Also, if you're not traveling with someone who has a pickup, there are plenty of guys around willing to help. Some do it for fun, some do it for spare cash. Trust me, you will be happy to give them some.

Hope this helps - please add info if you have firsthand knowledge/experience.

Thanks!
LP

 

[Mikeestep]

first of all what about scholaris(sp?)
on the weekend they sell tri tips cooked or
sandwich,is awesome.
gahhh lisa what the hell is the matter with you





jk

 

[Takeastand SJ]

Air down to 15psi just before you leave the hard pack on the beach. It is not good for the tires to drive very far at this pressure. I also lower the pressure on the trailer to 15-20psi when it's got a heavy load.

Thanks!
LP

15-20PSI, come on sweeet thang. You know how we roll in Pacific City, Toyota's can handle 10 on or off road!!!!!!!

 

[LisaLisa]

Yeah, Scolari's is good, but yuppy and sometimes way overpriced. I would however go there for the tri-tip

 

[LisaLisa]

Ohhhhhhh! And who can blow off Bernardoz Ice Cream (especially their ginourmous drum sticks). Heck, I'm diabetic, and even I'm willing to screw my blood sugar up for one of those bad boys

 

[LisaLisa]

And...my sister is a certified massage therapist who lives local and may be bringing her table down for some back work if any of you are interested.

And no...she does not give "Happy Endings"

 

[TEEEE]

15-20PSI, come on sweeet thang. You know how we roll in Pacific City, Toyota's can handle 10 on or off road!!!!!!!

If you don't go below 15, you might as well stay in the truck.

 

[Mikeestep]

And...my sister is a certified massage therapist who lives local and may be bringing her table down for some back work if any of you are interested.

And no...she does not give "Happy Endings"

why?
ill take a back massage

 

[LisaLisa]

Beware - we are polar opposites. She is a skinny blonde with green eyes and fair skin...and a guarded sense of humor. But also an excellent CMT.


I, am a porky, brunette with brown eyes, olive complexion and a warpd sense of humor - and thick skin. Pick on my sissy though and I might have to kick yer asss LOL!

LP

 

[Mikeestep]

hey hey hey now, i know you can kick my ass but thats not nice,
woooo,
lisas hot sister is giving me a back massage

 

[Glory_Freestyle]

Not to mess things up and "stay on topic" or anything, but I plotted the locations in Lisa's first post in Microsoft MapPoint in case anyone wants them.


OK, resume threadjack.

 

[LisaLisa]

Are you joking!?!?! I was going to do this but have just not had time - that rocks! Thanks - I'll print some out and bring them with me in case anyone needs them.

LP

 

[Glory_Freestyle]

Are you joking!?!?! I was going to do this but have just not had time - that rocks! Thanks - I'll print some out and bring them with me in case anyone needs them.

LP

Great minds think alike. :woot:

 

[LisaLisa]

Anyone up for a Hummer ride while in Pismo?

For those lacking the dune jumping gene - check out http://www.pismohummer.com/

We won a ride a few years back and they were a BLAST.

 

[LisaLisa]

Let's be sure to leave a good impression this weekend. While we all want to have fun, remember, this is NOT a sanctioned event. It's a casual get together on the beach and as such, each and every person voluntarily attending agrees to be responsible for their own safety and hold harmless anyone associated with this recreational event.

Now...on to the cool duning info - TREAD LIGHTLY - some great stuff here. :

By understanding and practicing proper sand duning techniques you
will ultimately be reducing the impact you might otherwise have on
the environment.

Remember to always …
• Travel only in areas that are open to your type of recreation.
• Travel only in areas designated for motorized use.
• Avoid sensitive areas.
• Jumping a dune without a spotter is a recipe for disaster
• Determine the boundary of the designated sand duning OHV area. Don’t travel outside this area.
• Avoid running over plants; not only does it damage the environment,
but it can also ruin your tires.
• Never take your eyes off the dunes and watch your speed. Obstacles
present themselves quickly.
• Be aware that the dunes are constantly changing; terrain features on
the ride out may not be the same on the way back.
• On windy days with shifting sand, use stationary landmarks and/or
global positioning system (GPS) units to help find your way back.
• In coastal duning areas, watch for quicksand in the low un-vegetated
areas between dunes.
• Avoid areas adjacent to rivers, streams, and lakes. These areas in sand
dunes are especially sensitive.
• In areas adjacent to sand dunes travel on designated roads and trails. Ride in the middle of the trail to minimize widening it.
• Heat haze and mid-day “whiteout” can distort terrain. Reduce speed
to allow more time to react.
• Scout an area before traveling at higher speeds. When traveling at
higher speeds in unfamiliar dunes it is easy to miss terrain features,
which may cause accidents or serious injury.
• Berms created near campsites by repetitive riding (also known as “worm tracks” or “speed bumps”) are difficult to spot and extremely hazardous. Keep speeds low in all camping areas.
• Remember, good campsites are found—not made. Respect other campers,
their property, and their reasons for recreating.
• Ride at your skill level. Don’t try to keep up with others if their
riding is outside your ability.
• Ride with a partner or in a group. Riding solo can leave you
vulnerable in the case of mechanical problems, accidents, or illness.
• Keep your group together. Slow down if someone lags behind and make
all riders accountable for the person riding behind them. Use two-way
radios to communicate, and designate lead and clean-up riders.
• Always maintain a safe following distance between riders. Tailgating
cuts down on reaction time and can lead to collisions and injuries.
• It is easy to get separated or lost in the dunes. If this happens, climb
the tallest nearby hill and make yourself visible.
• Don’t drink & drive! Sand duning requires a high degree of skill and
judgment. Using drugs or alcohol will impair your skills and can lead
to an accident. If you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription
drugs with “vehicle operation” warnings, don’t ride.
• In crowded areas make your camp easy to find by flying a distinctive
flag and using unique lighting after dark. Consider use of a GPS (we'll have the US Marine Corp. and US Air Force Flags flying).
• Go prepared in case you breakdown and have to spend the night.
• Avoid running your vehicle completely out of gas. If you are running low, travel to the edge of the dunes and then make your way back to camp. If you do have to walk out of the sand dunes, it is much easier and safer on stable ground.

Hoe this info is useful,
Lisa