Early Morning Airport Vibes, Wanderlust, and Travel

January 31, 2023 / Andy Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Since the pandemic, I haven’t flown a lot. I used to fly all the time, but thanks to the Covid-19 thing and a back injury that sidelined me in 2021 and part of 2022, most of my travel has been on four wheels. But last November, I had to fly to the ’22 SEMA Show…

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2020 Alcan 5000 Rally Memories: The Sourtoe Cocktail

February 18, 2021 / Andy Lilienthal / Leave a comment

It’s been nearly a year since we participated in the mother-of-all-winter rallies, the 2020 Alcan 5000. We’ve been reflecting on some of our favorite moments and are putting together some fun memories. One of these was our night in Dawson City, YT Canada and the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail.

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A Grand Adventure to Yosemite National Park

October 30, 2019 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 3 Comments

When someone thinks of “out west,” they typically think of massive mountains, tall trees, grand valleys, and staggering scenery. They think of the wild, wild west. Gone are miles and miles of plains or crops as far as the eye can see. Cows and corn, soybeans and sows aren’t thought of, either. Next to the…

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We Drove the 2019 Suzuki Jimny in Iceland and it was Amazing

August 27, 2019 / Andy Lilienthal / 6 Comments

Mercedes and I went to Iceland in July. As we were booking details for the trip last spring, including a rental car, it dawned on me that we could rent a little bit of North American unobtainium. A new 2019 Suzuki Jimny. Low and behold, we were able to snag one of these little 4x4s…

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VW Beetle Final Edition Goes to R2R 2019

August 9, 2019 / William Jinkins / Leave a comment

Roswell, NM. It seemed a natural. On the 20th Anniversary of R2R (Return to Roswell), which also is the final year for the beloved VW Beetle, we took a Final Edition convertible to the event. The first year I brought our pre-owned ’02 Double Yellow Color Concept (DBCC in VW speak), which was a Christmas…

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Arizona’s Fossilized Cars

August 1, 2019 / Andrew Pascarella / Leave a comment

I was in the Phoenix area last April so I could meet up with a couple friends and drive with them to Radwood Vegas. We had a day to kill and we heard about a unique junk yard with a bunch of pre 1980s American Iron. This was our type of sight seeing. A petrified…

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Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Ortlieb Duffle RS Series Bag

July 27, 2019 / Mercedes Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Ortlieb has long been known for high quality waterproof wares: from bicycle panniers, messenger bags, to day packs and duffle bags, these bags can take a multitude of beatings and keep on going.

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The Mongol Rally Short Film

November 28, 2018 / Andy Lilienthal / Leave a comment

You know how we are always saying “Every Vehicle is an Adventure”? Well, here’s proof.

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Recommended Routes: California, Hurricane, and Corkscrew Pass, Colorado

November 5, 2017 / Mercedes Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Everyone has a happy place. To some, it’s their home filled with trinkets, movies, children, and warmth. Others find happiness going shopping at their favorite store to hunt for next bargain or latest fashion trend. To me it’s anything outdoors with Andy. It’s anything adventure. It’s finding a place that’s in the middle of nowhere….

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2017 NW Overland Rally and BC Overland Rally

July 19, 2017 / Andy Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Words by Andy Lilienthal. Photos by Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal NW Overland Rally We attend a lot of events for both work and for fun. Some events come and go, others are more like a family reunion, despite the fact it’s a work function. For us, the NW Overland Rally is one of those reunion…

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