Our 52nd year!
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San Diego was the starting point |
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73 Sportsmobile 4x4's made the trip. 23 cancelled, many due to several unfortunate south of the border incidents prior to the rally. |
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Alan Feld, President/Owner of Sportsmobile West, his wife Liz and adopted daughter Lucie hosted the rally. |
The rally destination was at the base
of the Guadalupe |
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Lots of space permitted everyone to spread out or group together as they pleased.
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Sportsmobile owners are really a great and interesting group of people. They come from all over the country and all walks of life. |
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These photos are a sampling of 73 camp sites.
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What an enjoyable way to meet new people, share experiences, and enjoy the great outdoors. Dick Schwenkmeyer |
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For some reason one unfortunate fellow (the co-founder of Sportsmobile) wasn't able to share the comforts of a Sportsmobile and had to stay in a snake infested ravine. |
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One of the popular activities was hiking. This one was through a beautiful desert oasis.
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Of course everything tastes better outside. The rally included evening meals. Everyone was on their own the rest of the time. |
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After dinner entertainment was provided by some very talented musicians and singers around a campfire. |
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Somehow a few got separated from the caravan but we are happy to report all finally made it out. We think! |
About 25 miles was through a dry lakebed. |
Tires were deflated on the way in and re-inflated on the way out by an efficient Sportsmobile rally team. |
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The final night was spent at the Rancho Tecate Resort and Country Club. Needless to say, the cool water and drinks were first priority upon arrival. The hotel's 5 star restaurant was exceptional. Of course the 12 person mariachi band and more drinks added to the finale of the rally. |
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The next morning, late, it was back across the border and onward to varied destinations. |
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After the rally four Sportsmobiles headed back south. |
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" We'll let you through this time Senor - but next time bring more Tecate. " |
Most of Baja is desert, however the mountains have lush forests. |
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Camping on the seashore south of San Felipe was worth the rough ride down. |
It's a good thing we had a "slim-jim" to get into this locked Sportsmobile. |
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The Sea of Cortez is beautiful, there are few people and lots of great places to camp. |
Here's one gringo's interpretation of the "Mexican Hat Dance". |
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And back to San Diego with a farewell photo. |
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SPORTSMOBILE'S FIRST 4x4
RALLY REPRINTED FROM OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE, APRIL 1999 |
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The
inaugural rally took place near Lake Isabella, California, where
beautiful scenery was abundant. The day started out with a
demonstration by Mike Porter of Warn Winch Company on the proper us of
a winch. An excellent lunch was served and then it was
time for some fun. More than 40 vans lined up and headed out to
navigate the 4x4 course that had been set up earlier in the day by
the Sportsmobile people. By the end of the day, everybody wound up
on the banks of the Kern River before returning to camp. As darkness
fell, dinner was served.
After dinner, many gathered
around the campfire and told stories about exploring Baja and
Central America. Sitting around the campfire and listening to these
stories, it became obvious how diverse the group of people was.
There were teachers, explorers, policemen, wealthy outdoorsmen and
retirees. Although it was a diverse group, the need for adventure
seemed to be a common element among them all.
