Is Gambling in a Miata really Gamblin’?
The answer is Miata.
Had a great time up in Oregon; made some new friends, collected some (Miata sized) trash, and even played in the mud. The car was solid the entire trip as I would expect of a Miata I’ve prepped. We did take my first miata, but I’ve built and maintained many since buying this one. All the simple maintenance paid off or merely means I need to sent it more aggressively.
Thursday
Ready to roll!
We began our journey from Concord, my hope was to make it to Oregon before getting gas. We were successful because Miata. We did make a short stop in Vacaville for food and a quick mod to my air intake. Ambient temperatures were in the high 90s and thus my intake temps were concerningly high. Some dryer ducting and I dropped them by 10 degrees… good to go.
Up next….beautiful northern California.
On the journey north we knew we were being hunted by our buddy Coastal Rally founder, Chris Lee and his buddies eventually caught us just north of Weed. Always nice to find friends on the road.
The travels up to Oregon were mostly uneventful until we made it into the Oregon darkness. I had a moment with a stray deer and almost became too close of friends. Quick hands ensured were were both safe, but I immediately needed to activate the spot lights.
Camp on Friday Morning!!!
Waking up at camp was a wonderful way to start the weekend. Getting up and wandering around was the best way to start a Friday. The others started to trickle in, the stages were being setup, everyone was eager to collect some garbage and make new off-road friends.
Time to Gamble a Bit
I had to explore a little. I was a bit annoyed that my buddies were busy actually helping check in people and thus not able to explore Oregon. We took a cautious trip out as this was my Miata’s first time off-road. It’s entire life has been on tarmac, this was new to it. I tried to be nice.
The first day we wandered around near Gambler town and still had fun finding trash.
Dirt Every Day Rig v. Miata
Clearly there is a size difference and one would driver over the other. Either way my little turd held it’s own and never needed a tow the whole weekend.
Picture with Tate, taken by Tate
First Night
We hoped for some excitement and it was rewarded with ice cream and dinosaurs!
<— don’t move, she won’t see you or your Choco Taco ^
Saturday
We awoke with new neighbors on all sides. Surrounded by gamblers and dirt enthusiasts.
Always keep track of your location
After my trip to Baja with Chad in Vicky (lifted crown vic) I learned that navigation, GPS and maps are invaluable. From then one I’ve been running my tablet with OBD II scanner for engine health and various mapping apps.
Google Maps - provides a good offline tool for lava
Waze - gives you a heads up about local enforcement or broken stuff to avoid
Backcountry Navigator - great for offline off-road navigation and route
Torque Pro - tells you why the check engine light is on so you can confidently ignore it
Twas a great weekend. Looking forward to the next gambler or off-road adventure with my Miata.
Some mods in mind already:
More tow hooks
Aluminum skid plate to send it more confidently (don’t want a vented oil pan)
Few extra spot lights up front
Lighted Whip or rear lights to help others follow at night
Adjust rear package tray to turn into a table when not on the trunk (more table space is always helpful)
effectively add legs that can be clipped on
Routes from this OG:
Gambling with Alex, Ryan and Robin
Gambling for Yo Momma Mattress
Mud Pit to Gamblertown - Local Mudpit (44.22054746932968, -121.15859069394168)
Home Bound - Found a tasty food stop along the way Basshole Brews in Lakehead, CA
Sunday Drive Home
Uneventful, noticed a louder clunk in the front. Probably just a bushing failing and in need of replacement after 8 years of abuse and no grease…. Until next time.
