Denmark 4x4 Beach Tour
Løkken - March 2010
Løkken in Denmark is usually a quiet town on the seaside with small friendly houses and even friendlier boats. The long beach is popular for walking and bicycling. One weekend in March that all changes when hundreds of off roaders from the Nordic countries gather for some 4x4 beach fun.
Early Saturday morning the trucks line up on the beach for registration as well as showing off and admiring other 4x4's. It is a cold day with the ground partly covered in snow - but the sun is shining.
The beach has all types and sizes of 4x4s. Here is a particularly beautiful older model Toyota Land Cruiser.
The purpose of the beach tour is not the least as a social meeting for off road enthusiasts. Not so much for competition.
This ex-army Volvo is rebuilt as a family camper and serves as part of the organizing team.
Ragnar admiring the tires on the "Arctic Truck" Nissan Patrol.
The beach has plenty of space for the trucks to line up.
Another oldie catches the eye.
The registration takes some time. Each country has its own list of participants and gives everybody a day pass and tokens for tonight's dinner.
Finn Jensen introduces the event and talks about the rules: "Consider other beach lovers and drive carefully."
Some take their ATV's and buggies to have a good time.
Looks like this one has some souvenir's from last years beach tour!
The fun starts and the trucks head for the small river.
Crossing the river at various places test the driver skills and you can choose the difficulty level.
Some places the ice on the banks are steep making crossing more difficult - and fun!
Some look mean...
...but others couldn't hurt a fly!
4x4 Off Roads!
Everybody is watching and enjoying the day while the off roaders have their go.
Taking it easy and feeling good is what Danes know how to do!
When the 4x4's get stuck...
... help is never far away.
Moments after this picture was taken the big 6x6 army truck gets stuck in the river mud. It takes a big Unimog with a winch and another truck for anchor to get it up again.
This "half Patty" needs much less pulling - but the splashing is cool.
The river is only about 100-200 meters long and looks really nice today.
The full size Patrol having a go.
A really nice Land Rover driving the easiest way over the river just were it meets the ocean.
Even a car can pass there if it selects the correct route.
The Hummers always have the right off road look and feel -
- and the short Unimog doesn't look like there would be much stopping it either.
This is rather steep, especially for a short truck like this "half Patty".
The Toyota Hilux having some 4x4 beach fun.
The small Suzuky even finds some challenge and has a great time.
All the pulling is taking its toll. The rear fender is not built strong enough to do the serious pulling.
Off all the truck this Toyota seems to have to most need for action. Driving up and down the river and getting stuck once in a while!
When this truck gets stuck the co-driver jumps out only dressed in the shorts and with bare feet wades the river to hook up the rope. He doesn't seem to mind the freezing temperature of the water.
...and the pulling goes well.
The ATV and the buggy need their share of the fun ...
... and river action.
Many of the 4x4s are nicely individualized. This one has a sticker that translates:
"Smart chicks drive in old cars, practical girls drive a 4x4"
The day ends with a great dinner at the Action House with new and 80's music and some price giving.
The next morning we check out the beautiful old boats.
They get pulled up to the beach when they are not fishing.
Finally we drop by to see a little bit more of the action.
Thanks to the organizers and especially Finn Nørlem Jensen for a fun off road beach tour and seeing the huge gathering of 4x4's.
