From the looks of this filter, and in the adverse conditions that you
were traveling in, a foam pre-filter should have been used in your
elongated sand travel.
Looks as though the filter did it's job, but a pre- filter would most
certainly have helped in the prevention of any sand ingestion, and the
ultimate choking of the K&N.
Talk about taking it to the limit !!! :>)

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Terry 85 GL