Crude: (1) in a raw or natural condition; not refined; not prepared, as by heating or other processes. (2) immature; unripe; not mellowed; as, the harsh flavor of crude fruit. (3) unadorned; bare; as, crude reality. (4) not well formed,  arranged or prepared; rough; imperfect; as, a crude plan or theory; crude work. (5) lacking finish, grace, tact, taste, etc.; uncultured; as, a crude fellow.

As you can see from the progression of pictures below, we've transformed an ugly duckling into a really cool looking swan. It's taken about 5 months of hard work by all team members and it's definitely worth it. We know we'll have one of, if not the coolest buses on RAGBRAI or any other ride we do. Our deck with it's lightweight aerospace flooring is totally unique. And, I defy you to find a bus with a paint job like ours.

But, the coolest thing about the bus isn't the paint job, the deck, the interior or anything else physical about the bus. It's the 12 team members that came together and created this work of art. These pictures don't do it justice. Only when you see it in person will you fully realize what I'm talking about. Look for us on RAGBRAI, at The Hotter Than Hell 100, on the Tulsa MS-150, at The Ride For The Roses, at Oklahoma Freewheel or one of many other rides our group will do. You can then tell your friends that you saw The Team Crude Bus, absolutely without equal.

In 2003 we made a few modifications, including a rebuilt engine. Other mods are a bike rack on the top that will hold 15 bikes, a shower, canopy, sponsors' logos on the fairing and some carpeting inside. See the 2003 pictures for the latest and greatest.

First Visit for measurements

Cindy's birthday cake bus

Yes, We're actually working on the bus

Prep for painting

After painting - Before lettering & top deck

Deck Raising & Work

It's up & has a floor

Ladder Installed

2003 Version

2005 Modifications

We decided to focus on some changes and enhancements to the bus this year. New totes were purchased, requiring a rearrangement of the shelves, carpet was installed on the entire floor rather than in spots, the old shower was removed and will be replaced, fork mounts were installed on the bike racks up top, the front-end was reworked completely, new shocks installed all around, a new transmission seal was installed and a new carburetor was purchased.

Here are a few pictures from the work day when we built the fork mounts for the front wheels. On that day, Cindy Sunshine welded,  Cindy Lou drilled and Tina cut the metal. What a bunch of great Crudettes we have.

We also took time out for the First Annual Team Crude Easter Beer Hunt. I know, it wasn't Easter but it was supposed to happen then. Weather just postponed it for a couple of weeks.

Last modified: February 20, 2005