PDA

View Full Version : Rides & Tides 2 Navarre Beach, Florida



JITB
08-01-2013, 01:05 AM
-Words by Derek Matherne


-Photos by Khoa Nguyen


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/9399469834_d7d8f0771a_b.jpg


This event was a bit different for me as I removed myself from behind the lens and directed my attention to aiding the attendees with awesome swag and decals. I also wanted to get the opportunity to spend some time with many of the familiar faces I had met last year.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9396693015_19e1b3cd73_b.jpg


Like Arli Bautista, one of the main event organizers this year. Recently home from his tour in Afghanistan, Arli wanted to set up the event to not only offer the car enthusiasts a place to show off for one another but as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. And as I have heard they were able to raise about $1,000 toward the charity.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/9399510906_1fd107eb96_b.jpg


Or how about another Southrnfresh photographer that I only see at NODRFT events in New Orleans and this show. Evan Butts brought out his gorgeous Hot Lava Orange FR-S on Work Meister S1 wheels. This was also a chance for me to look over his car, which could possibly become my car within the next few weeks.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9399507810_671ffe8a6b_b.jpg


Then there is Kevin Wright with his street sweeping RSX. I’ve met Kevin plenty of times, but we’ve always just missed out on talking to each other at events, one of us is always busy. This weekend I was able to change that as we braved the torrential downpours all weekend and got together for some quick shots of his car and a massive dinner party with Luke Brian and the SlammedEnuff folks at McGuire’s Irish Pub.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9399462654_88b5c7486a_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9399463980_f5812206ef_b.jpg


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9396698227_3dc503e593_b.jpg


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/9399466360_1908108d8c_b.jpg


This event really serves more as a reunion to the Florida Panhandle folks and me. Some of which I haven’t seen in over a year. The overall size of the meet, while it isn’t large or small creates an intimate setting for many to talk about all the cars.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/9396748761_75b96572a5_b.jpg


One of the big neck breakers at this year’s event was William Thomas’ Bagged and Avant Garde Wheels fitted 300C, which I shot as my first car for Vossen exactly one year ago at last year’s event. However, this year he had completely revamped the exterior look of his ride. In talking with William it appears that this beauty will soon become more than just a looker. I’ll save all the details I learned for the feature we should have of this thing when it’s all done.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/9396713579_c14d9deee4_b.jpg


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9396714959_914d8dd291_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9396717981_095747291e_b.jpg


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9399485604_638e2cda35_b.jpg


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/9399489388_89e578f92e_b.jpg


This 350Z was amazing in person. Tasteful mods and an all around complete car. Not aspect of the car was overlooked. Twin turbo’d, roll caged, Voltex wing, Volk CE’s. High quality build right here.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/9399517000_9cb0e69740_b.jpg


Michael Groves is also a great friend of mine. His SVT Contour is a favorite of mine for its unique platform identity.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/9396720323_44098362b1_b.jpg


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9399490488_bb021188d6_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9396732173_5a62fa1396_b.jpg


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9396747029_b066d8c3a6_b.jpg


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9399509056_656b8b39aa_b.jpg


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9396729817_69265a5df5_b.jpg


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9399497562_80b7a3e446_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/9399506246_a26a4a49f7_b.jpg


The weather got pretty nasty at one point and sent everyone scrambling for cover under the nearest tent. Luckily not many ended up in the custom Southrnfresh tent I had brought along with me. Custom only because of the new sky lights in the top letting the rain inside.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9399504458_315f951709_b.jpg


But it was all smiles with everyone after the rain had stopped and the sunshine state lived up to its name.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9399503342_669423647c_b.jpg


Davis Nguyen’s S14 on SSR wheels and mad camber in the rear put a lasting impression on many people.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9396735645_814976967d_b.jpg


The great part about Rides and Tides’ location is that it draws event goers from as far away as Louisiana and Georgia. Mississippi’s own Richman Damn made the drive over in his Lexus IS.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/9399501250_2cfc9ab4cb_b.jpg


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/9396733527_f84b73aae0_b.jpg


Keep an eye out for the some feature photos of Chris Tuttell’s turbocharged Subaru BR-Z shot by Southrnfresh photographer Evan Butts.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/9399518364_34f94d3640_b.jpg


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9396694395_44f2495fa7_b.jpg


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9396753497_2ba225386a_b.jpg


The show also drew exotic cars and different variations on what a truck should be, lifted or slammed?


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/9396725527_7dfb99d7fc_b.jpg Michelle Cao’s G37S on her boyfriend’s CCW wheels off of his EVO X which was down for the meet.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9399495238_a4b720f926_b.jpg


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9396700851_92f60bbf5f_b.jpg


Marlon Gamez helped the Southrnfresh booth out by providing his VIP Modular equipped FR-S. This car generated lots of buzz around the event. Stay tuned for more of this car in the coming weeks.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/9399487980_ccbdd99936_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/9396712221_aef386dea3_b.jpg


Luke Brian even showed up in his 370Z! Okay it’s not Luke Brian. It’s J2P.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9396754797_973aae24ce_b.jpg

Code-Aye
08-01-2013, 08:14 AM
Good shots, nice rides