Despite all the various rumors that had spread around in the months leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, West Coast Kustoms' annual Cruisin' Nationals in Paso Robles went off without a hitch (well, except for some so-called drivers that required a hitch to get there!). Things like, "This will be the last year for Paso," or "Paso's been cancelled this year, " were heard from coast to coast. But, as anyone who attended or knows someone that attended can attest to, those nay sayers couldn't have been further from the truth. As a matter of fact, this could have been described as one of the better Pasos in recent history.

The reason I say that this could have been one of the better events, regardless of the fact that overall car count was down a bit, was that a lot of the "scenester" presence was absent. Gone were a lot of the people that went to Paso just to be seen; back was the atmosphere of real car enthusiasts there to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, and more importantly, a fine array of hot rods and customs. One aspect that did remain, unfortunately, was the "dare to be dangerous" attitude of a handful of bare-bones rod owners. Cool looking as they may be, some cars (and that word is used very loosely) honestly had no business being on the road. I'm sorry if that offends anybody, but pushing the limits of safety and structural integrity just to make a point is beyond me. Okay, enough editorializing...on with the event.

Paso '02 was an incredible array of both finished and unfinished cars, something the event has become known for in the last decade. You had the usual, but nonetheless stunning, offerings from the likes of Rick Dore, Richard Zochhi (though his car was there courtesy of my pal, John Aiello), and so forth--the cars that inspire, invoke jealousy, etc. You also had the works-in-progress from enthusiasts young and old, many of which push the envelop in both body modifications and suspension limitations; these also serve as inspiration to others, but maybe on a more realistic level if you know what I mean. And right in between you have the tons of mild customs that complete this custom concoction that keeps people coming back year after year--but if you've been, then all of this is common knowledge. For those yet to make the "Paso Pilgrimage" as I've referred to it before, it really can't be justified in words and pictures--you've got to experience it to know it.

Traditionally, most arrive late Thursday evening or early on Friday, but with the hotel situation being what it is now (most requiring a three-night minimum), the city of Paso is filling up with cars as early as Wednesday, which is cool. In the past, it could get quite difficult to squeeze everything into two-and-a-half days. With that extra day or so, hanging out with friends from afar and seeing more of the surroundings is easier to accomplish. And in the same vein, many also chose to head back to their original destinations early on Sunday, but this year I opted to stick around till late that evening, so it was a lengthy and relaxing weekend--even with all the "duties" of work included.

Beyond the vast array of cars, there's an equally wide assortment of car clubs at Paso, another aspect that probably peaked the prior year with more new names screened on T-shirts and embroidered on jackets than ever before. Again, don't get me wrong. I love to see enthusiasm, but I also like to see a club established around cars, not around a scene. A number of the one-hit wonder clubs failed to make it this year, which is hopefully a positive indication that the ones that did are in it for the long run. The Shifters, though not as in full-force as years before (Is regular life taking over?), had their annual party at the bowling alley, and attracted the usual riff raff and characters, myself included! Earlier that same evening, West Coast Kustoms held their own concert in the park, with the Paladins headlining the evening, providing entertainment for those looking for a mellow time with good music.

To sum it all up, the 21st edition of West Coast Kustoms' Cruisin' Nationals was one for the history books. Hopefully, all the nasty rumors have been put to rest, and everyone is looking forward to next year. But before we can even think about that, we've got the Kustom & Hot Rod Reunion to get ready for this September 13-15. If you don't already have plans for the weekend "after" Labor Day, start making 'em now!