Congratulations on being selected for Auszookers Zook Owner of the Month!
How does it feel being honoured with the nomination for Z.O.O.M. 2015?
Was surprised to be ZOOMED, but thanks for the Nomination Skippy.
So tell us about yourself. Who are you, What's the meaning to your username, Where do you live, and what do you do for a living?
My name is Richard Taaffe and my username is my initials and DOB.
I live in Lake Cathie on the Mid North Coast of NSW and my partner Donna and I share our home with 2 miniture fox terriers, Mitchell (my co pilot and co owner is any suzuki I have had) and old Jordie (14 human yrs and getting a little blind).
We have 4 children/adults and 7 grandchildren and life is good.
I have worked most of my life as a printer, had a few changes along the way and I now work as an Aged Care Nurse doing afternoons and nights.
How did you get started in Suzuki's & how many have you owned?[/b]
I have always been into Cars and racing from a young age and have raced Enduros and Go-Karts pretty well most of my adult life.
Really didnt become involved in offroad driving until recently when I gave away racing Go-karts after one of my good racing/travel mates passed away unexpectedly. I still love the racing, but have become bored with the local scene and am over travelling away to get good field numbers at big meetings.
I have had 5 Sierra's over the years I have had my license and have enjoyed every one and will probably have a few more
I wanted to try a different type driving apart from racing and started into offroad, so I bought myself another Sierra
My last two Sierras have a build thread on here and a LWB I have just bought thats underway
How long did it take you to build your zook to what it is today?
My current car didn't take long, I wanted to go back to a leafy with AC.
This car became available and a month or so later was mostly finished.
Any changes in store for your Suzuki?
My current car is finished pretty much, gets wheeled, maintanence, servicing etc
I have another build in progress and it takes what spare time i have.
What has been your best modification?
There have been modifications along the way that I have thought, WOW! Gti engine, Lockers, Gears etc.
IMO, being twin locked
, that saying 'Twin Lock it and Drive' rings true for me.What has been your worse modification?
Buying a Coily
Seriously, was a great car too, just couldn't twin lock it easily.
If you could have anybody else's zook, who's would it be and why?
There are so many, Gwagonsteve's Hedgepig is my favourite
Hooki's new build, loved his old car too.
BlueSuzy's rig.
All awesome! I hope I have not annoyed anyone using there pics. I love these rigs.
Would love to see of these first hand and meet the owners!
What has been your best 4wding trip?
I always enjoy Coffs Harbour, Ben and the crew up there are AWESOME?
They have such a great scene up there, is well worth the drive.
If you could go to any place in the world to wheel, where would that be?
I would love to do a few sections of courses from the Dakar, the King of the Hammers and few other locations.
New Zealand also as its so variable terrain wise, has spectacular scenery and the people
Who are you closest to in the auszooker's community?
I have a met a few here and Donny Graham is cool, just to far away ATM, hurry up and come home. Phillip Cuzz Curry for his knowledge and help and Ben Hatchard for taking me wheeling when I make the trip, which is not often enough.
Tell us what the wheeling is like in your area?
We are pretty lucky, Beaches and National Parks are right on my doorstep, with everything from sand to mud to rocks.
Wish the local scene was a little less clicky, but still ok.
What other toys/hobbies do you put a lot of time into?
I have alway been a keen Fisho, Surfer and Kitesurfer. Would have to say pretty much addicted Kitesurfer, if the wind is up with a decent swell, which is not that often, I am pretty much on the ocean. Will miss family occassions, throw sickies from work etc for a session of wind and waves.
My other daily, had this one for 27yrs now and still going strong
What is it about the auszookers that brings you back for more?
Everything, the classifieds, the tech info, the trips and pics, it's all good.
What about the auszookers forum would you like to see changed?
Nothing, is pretty good as is. I am not a keen fan of public/forum sledging and has tamed down and the gallery have been quiet lately
Now for the million dollar question, who do you select to be the next Z.O.O.M. & why?
I nominated Phillip Cuzz Curry, his help and knowledge have been apprieciated and his has/had some cool rigs too.
