NABX 2011: Getting a feel for the playa

NABX 2011 - Saturday evening I got a call from Jeroen Pigmans if I could come pick him up from the airport where he was waiting on John Penders who was coming in flight later. After waiting for about two hours we decided to drive to Primm as we didn’t have a clue where John was.

After settling in at the hotel we went for a drink at the Hanging tree (everyone who’s been at NABX knows;-).and all of a sudden John turns up, he got a ride down from Mark and Ziggy from Canada, apparently wearing PL apparel is a good way to meet NABX goers here. After some laughs we went off to bed cause we were pretty beat.

Sunday, first contact with the playa surface for both John and Jeroen, winds were up and down and quite gusty at times, they went from the 19 charger to the 12 and later even to the 8m, it was crazy but good to get a feel for the place. Halfway during the day Ozzie and Arie arrived and we started preparing their buggies and get some first runs in.

Monday we were up early but had to go get some necessities like water, food, suncream, beer and what not. Since winds were virtually non existent we did a tour on the strip and bought some souvenirs, and a hat for Jeroen (no hair and sunburnt already). By the time we got to the playa winds were picking up so time to get some riding in.

After a bit of tootling around John and Jeroen were infected with the permagrin* and John announced he was over his fear and ready to rock. Jeroen was dialed in as well and they were both boosting some huge airs, drawing the attention of the buggy crowd.

Brian our local freestyle buggier came out to play too and at some point there were some 5 or 6 people shooting photo and video of the action which enticed the guys to show off some of their skills, funny how camera’s always get the best out of riders.