Project Sidekick: The "Teal Terror" hits the sand

The "Teal Terror," aka the Subcompact Culture project Suzuki Sidekick, hit the sand this weekend at the Sand Lake Recreational Area in Oregon. All that was needed was a $10.50 OHV permit, a $17 flag, and 15 PSI of air in the tires. Proof you can have a small 4x4 and have just as much fun as the big boys. Heck, you don't even need any mods to have a good time (although I do want some bigger tires and a small lift, among other mods).

The Sidekick did great. It went up and over everything I pointed it at, although I did have to back down a couple of dunes for a running start. The vehicle was in low range all day, and it didn't falter.

For anyone that's never ventured off the pavement before, I highly recommend it. Off roading, especially in the dunes, is super fun. The dunes typically don't yield any damage to the vehicle, too. Plus, no mud to wash off, however, you still might want to give your vehicle a bath afterward.

I was not the only small vehicle there, either. There were some badass Samurais, a great old two-door Mitsubishi Montero, VW-powered dune buggies (and I-4, V-6 and V-8 powered buggies, too), even an old-school RX-7 on a Jeep chassis. Not sure if it had the rotary engine or noth, though (I doubt it).

Needless to say, it was great, especially in the rare Oregon Coast sunshine!