After making the annual "Paso Pilgrimage" (I think I've even coined coverage with that in the past) for the West Coast Kustoms' Cruisin' Nationals for well over a decade now, it's getting harder and harder to come up with something unique and unusual to describe the landmark Memorial Day weekend gathering. Of course, each year finds something a little different than the one before, but for the most part, Paso is just that--PASO!
To be quite honest, the only thing I'd really like to change about Paso has nothing to do at all with the event itself. One of these years, I'd like to go as a regular spectator, leaving all "work" duties behind and having the weekend to enjoy like everybody else. It'd be nice to be able to admire a car--any car--without having to ask people if they could just step aside for a moment while I snap a picture. Paso is like that huge candy store inside Disneyland, and at times, I'm like the kid whose parents aren't about to let their son indulge himself with an every-color-of-the-rainbow lollipop, every length of licorice rope, and...you get the picture. Still, I look forward to each and every forthcoming Paso Robles show, regardless of whether or not I'm on the clock.
Through all the years, Rich and Penny Pichette--and all the dedicated West Coast Kustoms members--go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the Cruisin' Nats are well worth the wait. For a large company that produces multiple events throughout the year, this type of deal is a cakewalk. But, for a tight-knit, family-based organization like WCK, it's a lot of hard work. For that, and I hope I speak for most everybody out there, their efforts are greatly appreciated. And, their efforts were rewarded with yet another great weekend with little-to-no problems (at least none directly related to the show). Having a huge event at an open venue (the city park is open to all spectators free of charge) is not an easy task, yet WCK seems to pull it off year after year.
I rolled up the coast earlier than usual, leaving Thursday late morning to avoid all that great L.A. traffic. I also took the opportunity to stop off in Camarillo to check in on Jeremy Cook's (newbie Classic Trucks staffer) pickup project...he was pretty far from hitting the road, but managed to make it by Saturday! I arrived at the Paso Robles Inn by 6:00 p.m. and was able to sit back and watch as all the cars began to accumulate into town. If you ask anyone who stays in Paso before and after the event, they'll tell you how the town literally transforms overnight. On Saturday, it is a virtual carnival of customs (hey, there's another possible story title!), and by Sunday, Paso is practically a ghost town! But, what it all boils down to is Saturday's action, and this year it was jumpin'!
By Sunday morning, man, I was ready to head back down south (in no small part thanks to the Shifters' party the night before!), but nevertheless I had just experienced another great custom show. You've all heard the rumors about Paso, and save for the silliness associated with some of the younger car clubs, it's an event everyone should check out at least once in their lifetime. Myself, I'm going to experience it once every year until they decide enough's enough (which, hopefully, is never!).
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 They don't call it the "Cruisin'...  They don't call it the "Cruisin' Nats" for nothin'! Friday night, when the town's officials get the majority of Spring Street cordoned off, if you've got an event window sticker, you're more than a likely part of the slow-lane action. Larry Watson sure was as he took a trip down memory lane in Randy Rhoades' "Grapevine" clone. |
 After the cruisin' settles...  After the cruisin' settles down, things are usually still hoppin' at the town's remaining historic car hop--the good old A&W (although I believe it's changed names a time or two in the last few years). Thanks to a little demo work at the adjacent building, more people and cars were able to hang out at the drive-in this year. |
 Even though Paso's a three-day...  Even though Paso's a three-day ordeal, everything pretty much centers around Saturday's show in the park. If you're not a super-early riser (talkin' like 4:30 a.m.!), you do like Mark Morton did with his slick Riv and find a cool spot on the outskirts of the park. |
 And oftentimes, it's outside...  And oftentimes, it's outside the park's perimeters that you find crazy stuff like this skull-themed '53 Chevy. But if you're looking for a "cooler" spot to hang... |
 ...the park is the place to...  ...the park is the place to be, what with its clusters of shade trees and well-groomed landscaping. And, what better place for a cool custom like this mint green, suede Kaiser to set up camp for the day? |
 Recipient of the WCK's CUSTOM...  Recipient of the WCK's CUSTOM RODDER Magazine Pick, Daniel Serimian's '60 Buick also found its way into this issue as a monthly feature, as well! |
 What would Paso be without...  What would Paso be without Javier "Metalflake Man" Mejia and yet another of his glittering bass-boat customs? "Space Coke," his '60 Olds, required no lowering, as the multiple layers of clearcoat weighed the hardtop down just right! |
 And, speaking of boats, Allan...  And, speaking of boats, Allan Clark's '71 boat-tailed Rivi was on hand, sporting a nice combination of period-style fade 'n' panel paint with Colorado Custom wheels. |
 Then there were those cars,...  Then there were those cars, like David Tanimura's '49 Chevy, that couldn't decide whether they really wanted to be in the park or not! Actually, space gets to be a premium way before noon, and most take what ever they can get. |
 But, even some who were forced...  But, even some who were forced to the pavement, such as Aaron Lobato and his Watson Grapevine-esque '53 Chevy, were able to take advantage of some shade...even if only for an hour or so. |
 While motorsicles have never...  While motorsicles have never really been a big part of the Paso experience, you can always expect to find a handful of cool, two-wheeled creations. This year, however, bike fever was in the air! Saturday evening, practically the entire front of the Paso Robles Inn was a sea of V-twins. |