After taking the 4runner to the shop for an oil change/tire rotation in preps for Cruise Moab, they informed me that the Power Steering Rack had finally gone bad. After having just moved and seeing the bill to fix the 4runner, I decided to wait till after Cruise Moab. So it was on to plan B. Talking with the top boss at work, he made sure I was well taking care of at the Downtown Enterprise Home City location. Bummed to not be driving my 4runner this year, it was nice to know that I was still able to go thanks to work.

Tuesday morning I picked up the rental. After chatting with the guys at the Broadway Downtown location, I loaded up the rental and headed out. Typical spring snow on the passes (Eisenhower, Vail) and an unexpected detour before Eagle thanks to a sink hole slowed the drive down a bit. I’d originally planned a night in the Swell for some solo desert time, but with the rental and delays, pushed on for Moab. Soon I found myself around good company. Enjoying drinks with long time friends. Wednesday I was up early and spent most of the day helping out with registration. Happy to be among friends. Thursday I hoped in with my pal Matt and after seeing the trail he was supposed to lead was only him, we joined up with the Crystal Geyser group. Even though we’ve both been to Crystal Geyser, the trail from Moab would be a first for both of us. Felt great to be out on the trail again.

Vendor Night this year was awesome. Flattered and humbled for all who came buy and bought a Cruise Moab poster!! Always fun seeing everyone and even chatted with the guys from Delta Vehicle Systems about some possible trips:). Friday we had our big Cruise Moab dinner and raffle. Always fun to see the whole event together, lots of people! The raffle was awesome, even if I didn’t win anything, typical… Saturday I hoped in with my pal Kurt and we headed to a friends ranch outside of town. After checking out the progress on the ranch, we headed down the road and spent most of the day helping repair a bobcat. The weather was perfect, the company great and really hard to beat those views.

Thanks to everyone for another great Cruise Moab!

After picking up the rental, I loaded up and headed West. Made it to Moab with a quarte tank to spare.

Made it to Cruise Moab base camp (Spanish Trails Arena). Here Sarah inspects the engine for the best place to cook burritos.

Wednesday morning kicks off Cruise Moab. Already had a big line for tech inspection and registration. Thursday through Saturday are guided trail rides.

Inside the arena. Had I set my camera settings properly, this would have been a fun shot of tech inspection and this years artwork. Guess that’s what happens when you don’t use the camera for a few months.

Toyota brought out the new Land Cruiser to show off during the event.

A fine evening in Moab.

Thursday I rode along with my pal Matt. After getting to the meet up spot and seeing that he was the only vehicle on that run, we checked out what other trails were available. We decided on Crystal Geyser. This would be a new trail for the both of us, though we have been to/camped at Crystal Geyser many times.

Stopped to air down for the trail.

Boyd was having a good time:).

Good to be on the dirt!

Loved the colors in this rock.

Further along the trail.

Corey and his nicely built 200 series. All the way from NY.

Boyd’s clean FJ80 Land Cruiser.

Matt taking in the views.

First major obstacle of the trail.

Morning shadows.

Lunch time views.

Making our way through what felt like badlands.

At the start of D Pass. Took a little while to get the group through but every one made it.

Not having a rear locker, this 100 series took some time to get to the top. Listening to your spotter is key:).

Corey making the climb.

Boyd made it look easy.

Neil gave it the go juice.

Matt making his way up.

All set up for Vendor Night. The rental fit in well….. A big thanks to all who came by and bought a poster! Always means a lot:).

This years Cruise Moab poster all finished and framed up. I frame two up for the raffle every year.

Was a great Vendor Night! Got to hang out next to the guys from Delta Vehicle Systems.

And of course was next to my other pal Matt. Seems somebody tagged the rental.

Friday was the big dinner and Cruise Moab raffle. Always great seeing so many friends. And of course I didn’t win anything.

Another fine morning in Moab.

Saturday, I hoped in with my pal Kurt and we headed up to a friends ranch outside of Moab. Was great hanging out and checking out the progress of the place. The views are always amazing.

A few of us lent a hand to get a broken bobcat running again. Fun way to spend a few hours and the weather couldn’t have been better!

Spotted this big construction project on the way out. Something to do with gas?