I‘d seen it around town on numerous locations, but I’d never had the guts to hop onboard. Could I hop onboard? WTF was this giant painted contraption, rolling through the streets of downtown Bend, blaring electronica and captained by a mysterious man in a sequined cap?
The Rock Box, of course. Think “The Magic School Bus,” but for tipsy adults, and instead of Ms. Frizzle you’ve got… well, Lance.
What I worried would happen: When I finally tracked down the man behind the madness and coordinated a spot to board, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I be tossed around for an hour with a group of drunk 20-somethings? Would I be yelled at by irritated pedestrians? “Turn the music down, ya goons!” Would I instantaneously regret this somewhat impulsive life choice?
What actually happened: I had the time of my life. In a time plagued by division and uncertainty, it was great to forget about the seriousness of everything for a couple of hours and ride around with a happy (and slightly buzzed) group of strangers. For just a while, everyone smiled from ear to ear, fun was the priority and the gravity of our current circumstances seemed to be entirely lifted. The good side of humanity—love and unity—bubbled to the surface. It felt important.
Lance Davis, longtime Bendite and the Rock Box creator, explained the events that led to his repurposing a 1977 Dodge Titan motorhome into what is possibly the most obscure—and delightful—piece of Bend culture.
“This is the first year that I won’t be going to any festivals at all, and honestly, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve been bummed about it for sure. But this is totally filling that void for me. It feels like a festival on wheels.” —Jacob Illk
“I don’t drink, and I’m not too crazy about the bar scene,” Davis told the Source. “I don’t need the drama, you know. The fighting. We only have good times on the bus. It’s all about the joy that it brings to other people.”
Davis explained how nine years ago, he and three of his buddies headed to Burning Man. “That’s really when it all started,” he said. “We built something similar to the Rock Box out of a motorhome, and I took it to Burning Man and back for three years in a row. It changed my life. The experience, the people, the fun.”
One of the Rock Box passengers, Jacob Illk (also known as “Jacob the Juggler”) confirmed that for him, this was the case. “I worked for Dump City Dumplings at festivals for the past five years,” he said from beneath his giant, furry wolf hat. “I worked at the county fair for 10 years. This is the first year that I won’t be going to any festivals at all, and honestly, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve been bummed about it for sure. But this is totally filling that void for me. It feels like a festival on wheels.”
Because the Box is a repurposed RV, drinking onboard is actually legal (hello, loophole). Davis rolls around town stopping by 7-Eleven every once in a while so passengers can replenish supplies. Some stay onboard the entire night; some utilize the Box as a bar-hopping tool. Davis carts around everyone from repeat riders to confused tourists. While he’s used to the looks of bewilderment he gets from the droves of downtown bar goers, he’s confident that anyone who hops onboard will not regret it.
“Of course, there are the haters,” he said. “I had this one guy who was complaining about the loud music, then he took a ride and completely changed his tune. The goal is for people to have fun and stay safe. I used to only want a certain type of person onboard, but I missed out on a lot of colorful characters because of that. I’ve met some awesome people. I let anyone onboard as long as they’re respectful and not contributing to any kind of delinquency.”
The Rock Box will be around all summer long, picking up river floaters and providing free ice cream and popsicles to excited kids. “I have kids get on and their eyes light up and they tell me they want to build their own someday. That’s so awesome, man. I’m really looking forward to summer. I want to have a good summer, move on from all of this BS. I only have good stuff in my life. I can’t bitch about nothin’, and if I do it’s my own damn fault.”
This article appears in Jun 24 – Jul 1, 2020.
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the fact he’s giving free popsicles to kids makes it all the more creepy, I hope he gets busted for dropping of drunks at bars and 7-11’s to buy more alcohol.
Oh good lord. Nothing at all creepy about this project! As a former longtime bicycle cart ice cream dude, I see this guy’s rolling fun place as a joyous contribution to all ages and levels of local community.
If all somebody can see is “creepy,” luckily no one’s forcing them to get onboard … more room for those who are out for responsible fun. Keep Bend Weird — and weird is not at all the same as creepy. Life gets way more pleasant when you understand that distinction.
Art cars are a grand Burning Man tradition – glad to see this one happening in the Bend streets. Social distancing measures would be nice to see, since we do have a lot of high-risk, vulnerable folks in Central O, even though we have pretty low Covid numbers.
Art cars are cool on the playa, not cruising downtown Bend. And the ice cream for kids is pervy. Get a life dude.
Getting a ride on The Rock Box truly makes your week. You can’t knock it until you try it. People are so friendly and happy. I feel humanity is restored while riding The Rock. The wind in my hair and the fun music was the best date night of the year. Thank you Lance!
Sarah
Lance your the best! Don’t let these haters and sick thoughts about kids ruin the goodness you bring to Bend.
Why is bringing joy to people creepy? That’s so sad that someone who selflessly gives to the community and creates fun in such a creative way is given negative comments. There’s too much negativity in the world right now. It sure is breath of fresh air to have something like this stroll in our town.
Sarah
I have had some of the best nights in Bend because of this bus! Nothing compares to the good vibes and positive energy The Rock Box and Lance brings!
Can anyone provide Lance’s contact info??
I own party buses and I can tell you, this thing has no insurance. There is no way any commercial insurance company will insure this ride!
Ive known Lance most my life. Hes a stellar guy. My dad, whom Lance knew well, recently passed away. The night of the funeral, Lance picked up our entire family and drove us around town in the Rock Box. We danced and sang and cheered and waved. It was exactly what we needed after many days of heavy hearts. It was unforgettable and our family loved every second. All you ignorant folks calling Lance and his box and free ice cream to kids, creepy, are judgmental fools and have no idea what youre talking about. Try it out once and get to know Lance. Youll change your tune. Long live Lance and the Rock Box!