PBJFest 2021 Postponed Until 2022

While the pandemic has been top of mind for all of us over the last few months, we remained hopeful that this year's event might still come together. Sadly, we have had to cancel this year's event and fully intend to return to the dunes, so please mark your calendars for next year, October 6 - 9, 2022 when we plan to be back in the dunes to celebrate another year of California Jeepin' at Pismo Beach.

This decision was not made lightly. We had been in regular communication with state park officials regarding the possibility of hosting this year's event. That door was closed recently when California State Parks announced that Oceano Dunes SVRA was limiting the number of camping spots available for the remainder of 2021.

As many of you are aware, Oceano Dunes is under attack by the California Coastal Commission. They continue their efforts to restrict off-road recreation in the dunes and have pressed for increasing closures without regard to the economic impact on the surrounding community or the lack of any real evidence pointing to off-road pursuits as a contributing factor to declining air quality.

ABOUT
Pismo Beach Jeep Fest has become the premier event for Jeepers looking to camp and play in the dunes on the Pacific Ocean. Oceano Dunes is geologically unique and also provides an impressive playground for off-highway enthusiasts from throughout the United States. This off road area is among the most popular and unique of California State Parks. The 5 1/2 miles of beach open for vehicle use and the sand dunes available for off highway motor vehicle recreation are attractions for visitors from throughout the United States.

EVENT HISTORY

2014: A small group of friends with Jeeps gather at Pismo Beach in June to have fun exploring the dunes at the first Jeep Beach West.

2015: Word of mouth spreads resulting in 152 Jeeps, 10 vendors and a wedding proposal in our second year.

2016: Over 300 Jeeps register and the event is reported on in an issue of JP Magazine.

2017: The Jeep event at Pismo Beach continues to grow and a new date is fixed on Columbus Day weekend in October to accommodate increased attendance and the addition of guided off-road rides on nearby trails.

2018: We celebrated our fifth year with a new name, more new sponsors and new events.

2019: We celebrate our sixth year with new sponsors such as CalStar and Rugged Ridge.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We expect the Biggest & Best Jeep Fest to date as we celebrate our Sixth Anniversary! We're adding a new a technical wheeling option at Garcia Ridge Trail with a scenic fire road trail ride at High Mountain Lookout Road (all levels). If you are camping with us, please go ahead and reserve a spot at Oceano Dunes SVRA here in advance. Event registration does NOT include separate State Entrance or Camping Fees. Registrants receive a packet with a unique PBJ Fest sticker, matching coozie, annual event shirt with sponsor logos, sponsor coupons and swag, a product give away ticket, & wrist bands for the hot dog roast Saturday night. Product giveaways provided by our gracious sponsors in the past included lighting, winches, tow ropes, Monster Hooks, seat covers, bed linings & Trasharoos. This is a family and dog friendly event. Please help spread the word, or email if interested in helping organize or sponsor the event. When entering the beach please follow this overview map to the event camping area at Oceano Dunes. Registrants must wait in the entrance line and cannot go around the gate. Official Swag is available for purchase during registration and on-site. Happy Jeeping!

UPDATE ON COASTAL COMMISSION PROPOSED PISMO BEACH CLOSURES

Thanks for all of those supporting the cause to keep the dunes open for sustainable offroading. We encourage you to read up and support the Friends of Oceano Dunes.

Tag #PISMBOBEACHJEEPFEST on Instagram

The Jeeps home away from home. I’m getting the atlas swapped from the red one to the black one which has a stock transfer case and sye. I am sacrificing a few inches of ground clearance though going from a flat belly on the black yj to one with a little drop.

Ahh. There’s the missing link. Now I just need to blackout the trailer to match the Jeeps. #blackjeepbattalion

Nice and pretty. Only one thing missing!

Making a little progress.

The start of my Sunday Funday project.

Sorry Jeepers, I’ve been a bit busy lately with some Jeep projects- first two pics and personal projects- last pic. I did the fuel cell pretty right with rubber padded straps and three internal pickups adapted to the original pickup tube. I went with an external pump and left the fuel cell foam out. Who knew installing a fuel cell was more difficult than taking care of two babies at one time? #fuelcell #jeep

Hoping everyone has a nice long weekend and can spend time with their family, Jeep included. Be sure to register for Pismo Beach Jeep Fest before July for an extra raffle ticket and chance to win an early prize give away.

On Monday I accomplished a goal that was almost 20 years in the making. I ran the Boston Marathon! It started out fun enough for 13 miles but then my quads and hammy caught up to me. I fought through to the full 26.2 miles thanks to support from my sister, my fiancé, our son and daughter. The second marathon came that evening as we flew back to California with the 6-week old twins. I hope my Jeep goals don’t take 20 years!

Early registration is now open for Pismo Beach Jeep Fest! Registration includes 1 Event Shirt, swag, raffle ticket, coozie, wristbands, & all the sand you can eat. Early registrants prior to 7/1 get an extra raffle ticket & can enter a special vendor prize giveaway by posting a photo of your Jeep to FB or IG-No Foolin’. Here’s a pic of the first contestant.

Spring is almost here! Early registration opening April 1st!

We should have two more Jeepers joining the family tomorrow morning. I couldn’t pass up the Jeep brand baby mirror. Wish us luck!

Mark your calendars and spread the word for the 6th Annual Pismo Beach Jeep Fest! We look forward to seeing more rocks, sand, sun and Jeeps than ever.

Let’s hope she passes Smog this time without having to throw any parts at her.

It’s not a 12 foot tree and Jeep in the snow shot, but it is some fine Christmas Mall Crawlin’. Happy Holidays All!

I’ve been busy with some side projects so haven’t posted any Jeep pics lately. This was one of my biggest projects to date. I spent about 2 years learning to play a song my girlfriend Iikes. It took so long because I had not picked up a guitar before and was hiding my practice completely from her even though we live together. She was also surprised by the fact that I caught her off guard playing as she returned from a #southwestairlines flight. #surpriseproposal

These Mastercraft seats are super comfortable. Kitty cat approved. It’s funny the precarious places you’ll find a curious cat. We had a dog run into the dunes this year. Should we do a cat one next year? Ha ha.

This is why I haven’t posted many pics since the event. My girl is pregnant with twins and we had the baby shower / genders reveal party yesterday. We are going to be blessed with a girl and a boy. I’m already planning how to get them outdoors with a top down somewhere. Please send presents or cash. I’ll now have 2 kids and 2 Jeeps. Not sure how I’m going to make it!

It’s been a while since I posted last so it was great to get the Jeep out yesterday on the rocks. My next post will explain why I’ve been busy.

This year’s best in class coil spring was a Jeep BU. At least we think there is a coil somewhere in that suspension! We put it to work trying to get this truck unstuck. All was going well until the ram started turning its wheels and revving the gas so it dug itself in further. Thanks again to our sponsor @steinjager for donating the $100 winner gift card.

This year’s best in class leaf sprung was a beautiful Jeep 1946 modified Willy’s CJ2A. I guess I’ll try again next year with my YJ. Congrats Lonny and thanks to @steinjager for providing the $100 prize coupon.