YEAR IN REVIEW |
2003,
A Great Year For Suzuki Enthusiasts. |
Story/Editor:
Eric Bewley Photo: D. Arnold, S. Bewley, N. Galvin, M. Hagen, B. Zeigler |
ALBANY, OR. —The year 2003
will be remembered as one of great adventures, events, technological improvements, and
people. We were very fortunate this year to cover and participate in many great events.
There were many new products offered to Suzuki enthusiasts that continue to push the sport
farther ahead. I think all were surprised by the number of new gear choices that have
sprung up for the Samurai late this year with almost every vendor stepping up to the plate
to provide new options and choices to us all.
In the following few short paragraphs I'm going
to reminisce a little bit about what has been a great year and will sprinkle in a few new
videos and pictures of 2003.
| This year's Adventure Series, going on its
second year, was very aggressive in trying to bring Suzuki inspired events to more
enthusiasts than ever before. Our first stop was Death Valley CA. in February.
The NW winter definitely gave us the blues and it was nice to get a week's worth of
sunshine. Death Valley is plain huge and exploring is pretty fun considering it is a
National Park and all that implies for Off-Highway travel. We had a chance to take our
small Samurai GI Jane on this trip which
was perfect for the task. Each day trip was pretty long as the distance traveled were
great but each mining camp we visited treated us to wonderful bits of American Western
history. |
|
Moab Utah was next as we made our
annual trek to the 4x4 Mecca of events known as the Easter Jeep Safari. Jeep is in the
name but all makes are there during this week long OHV party. Wheeling hook-ups were
plentiful and we were blessed with being able to wheel with people from all over the
country. I can hardly wait for the next Moab Adventure.
  
| July found us in Indiana at the largest Suzuki
only event in the States. Zookimelt gathers up enthusiasts from all across the US and
Canada. The Zookimelt event staff really know how to put on a great event with things for
people to do the whole weekend. It was also nice to finally meet many members of the Izook
staff of which I had previously worked with back in the day. A nice welcoming atmosphere
surrounds this event and there is plenty to see and do at the Badlands 4x4 park. |
|
This year was not only about the
events and adventures covered but great advances and improvements in aftermarket products.
We were fortunate enough to test several great ones including the new Hawk Strictly Suzuki header with its
great new ball flange, Rocky Road Outfitter's 2WD low
kit for the Sidekick that takes the guess work out of 2-lo, Wheeler's Offroad new coil spacers
for the Sidekick, Calmini's
Rock Crawler gears for the Sidekick and their Solid Axle Swap, plus many more.
 
 
With such a great year behind us, excitement for
2004 is only natural. With new features on the website, BBS/Forum and Calendar, that are helping enthusiasts
connect with information and each other, this next year promises to bigger and better.
Watch for a new Adventure Series schedule to be published, a ZUKIWORLD event in Moab, more
and more product reviews from all of our great vendors, more sponsorship of localized
events around the United States, and more features added to our website, ZUKIWORLD online.
 ZW
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