atalarico's Build Thread

[atalarico]

Hey all, so I'm now just getting around to making a build thread.

Here she is all new to me in August 2009.

The reason it was so appealing.

That was then...this is now!

*note the leaky boot, she's getting replaced soon*

So, the most recent photos are taken with my only working camera, a GoPro. The side profile shots looked terrible, so I didn't post them. Once I get a new battery and charger for my Canon Rebel XT, I'll take some new shots.

 

[Bretski1]

Welcome! Nice looking rig. Are you from Brazil?

 

[atalarico]

Welcome! Nice looking rig. Are you from Brazil?

Hey, thanks! I've been here for a little while now, but I've never got around to making my own build thread because I hadn't done much worthwhile to it. However, with the help of HungryEddy, and this newfangled lift, I figured it was time.

I'm not from Brazil but I lived in Belo Horizonte for about 10 months combined over two years, 2005 and 2006. It's stuck with me since.

 

[atalarico]

Places she's been...

A spot outside of Silverton, CO. That's Rolling Mountain in the background. September 2011.

Taken near Independence Pass, CO. June 2011. This was just a little pull off from the highway.

This was taken in that area but along a much cooler road, and much more technical. I was out of the truck looking at a water crossing that this gentleman earlier down the road was telling me he got his rover stuck in. Needless to say, I didn't bother.

I'm going to attempt the crossing this year with the lift. =)

 

[Bretski1]

Nice, I love the first pic in your second post. I told my wife we need to go there. I have other friends that have spent 2 years in Brazil as well; ecclesiastical journey?

 

[atalarico]

ecclesiastical journey?

No, definitely not for this agnostic. Although, it is big on Catholic tourism and I can understand why, as I inadvertently became quite knowledgeable on the various aspects of religiosity Brazil. During my undergrad I received a sizable stipend to learn Portuguese and go take classes in my major at a federal university in Brazil. While I was there I also volunteered at an NGO that works to engage youth in the favelas in participatory processes of democracy.

I went back a year later on a research grant to investigate that issue a little more in depth. It is a pretty amazing country, and I'm hoping I can make it back for the World Cup.

 

[Bretski1]

That sounds like an awesome experience in an awesome country! Is rolling mountain tough to get to bone stock?

 

[atalarico]

That sounds like an awesome experience in an awesome country! Is rolling mountain tough to get to bone stock?

Definitely was! I was super lucky in my undergrad to get so many funded trips and research grants to go abroad.

Rolling Mountain wasn't too bad. I was stock at the time other than just bigger tires. To get to the camp site we were at where I am parked in that photo I did have a few very tippy moments. My friend assured me I was fine, and I'm sure I was, but 25-30ish degrees still feels like a lot for someone with little off-road experience.

The area back there is certainly no secret, so I have no problem divulging where that was. Use Google maps for this coordinates 37.784215,-107.802572

=)