Protect, promote, and provide 4x4 opportunities worldwide

SPRING 2010 • Volume 34 • Issue 1

Board of Directors
President
Wayne Groom – president@ufwda.org
Past President
Rob St. Clair – pastpresident@ufwda.org
Vice President
Clint Terrill – vpresident@ufwda.org
International Vice President
Peter Vahry – intlvp@ufwda.org
Treasurer
Bob DeVore – treasurer@ufwda.org
Director of Membership
Claire E. Kaufman – membership@ufwda.org
Director of Public Relations
Jim Mazzola III – prdirector@ufwda.org
Director of Environmental Affairs
Todd Ockert – landuse@ufwda.org

Extended Board of Directors

4WD Awareness Coordinator
Chris Tefke – 4wdawareness@ufwda.org
Website Administrator
Milt Webb Design – webmaster@ufwda.org

Legal & Marketing

Legal Counsel
Carla Boucher – attorney@ufwda.org
Operations & Business Development Manager
Marti Pugh – business@ufwda.org

Editorial & Design

Editor-in-Chief & Publisher (Cover) The Brothers Stephens driving their competitive opposites - one
Frank Ledwell a Toyota Tacoma, the other a Nissan Frontier - through the distinctive
Creative Director borderlands just north of Mexico and among bizarre stands of saguaro cactus,
Richard Tinnell the thumbprint of the Sonoran Desert. Photo by Mark Stephens. Canon 5D,
EF24-105mm f/16, 1/100th, ISO 100
UFWDA Office & Contact
14525 SW Millikan Way #22622 (This page) John Denver certainly wasn’t full of it. Under crystal blue skies,
yet above the tree line, this is your standard issue afternoon in Colorado’s San
Beaverton, OR 97005-2343
Juan Mountains. Where this switchbacked trail meets the pavement again,
Email: info@ufwda.org we’ll locate greasy burgers and local brews and toast a fine day well lived.
Phone: 1-800-44-UFWDA Photo by Mark Stephens. Canon 5D, EF24-105mm, f/16, 1/640, ISO 400
Departments:
Catching Up – Letter From the President.......................................
News & Events...........................................................................
Board of Directors Editorials........................................................
Member Vehicle Spotlight - Vladimir Leal’s FJ Cruiser......................
Member Organizations &
Supporting Business Member Listing.............................................

Features:
Jamboree in New Zealand’s Otago Region.................................. ONE TANK OF FUEL CAMPAIGN
UFWDA International Vice-President Peter Vahry takes us on a
journey to the New Zealand backcountry Name
Club/Organization Name
Out Cold .................................................................................. Your Address
How to prepare for your next winter camping adventure City State Zip
Phone ( )
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday..........................................................
E-mail address
Lessons learned from a disaster while on the trails
Amount I would like to contribute:
Overlanding............................................................................. $25 $50 $100 $500 $1,000 other $
Scott Brady explains all the various facets of overland travel Method of Payment: Check Enclosed (payable to UFWDA)
Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Card
Four-Wheling America.............................................................. Credit Card # Exp.
Becoming engaged with land access groups to protect Please send contributions to United Four Wheel Drive Associations
off-highway recreation 14525 SW Millikan Way #22622, Beaverton, OR 97005-2343
or call 1-800-44UFWDA (448-3932 ) for credit card contributions.
Off-Highway Vehicle Photo Showcase........................................
A photo pictorial featuring various vehicles recreating off-highway
Catching Up
I write this as we enter the
final month of 2009, a year
that most of us look forward
to putting behind us. It was
a year of global economic
challenge that affected us all
in one way or another, and
personally which translated
Wayne Groom into a difficult year for
UFWDA, President organizations such as UFWDA.
The last number of months at UFWDA has been
about recalibrating and preparing for the future.
Here are a few of the goings on:
• We moved to an electronic presentation
of our newsletter, The Voice, into a digital
magazine that has culminated into the
version you are reading now. Our relationship
with JPFreek Adventure Magazine resulted in
their creating and publishing a new version
of The Voice, and I hope that you enjoy
the final product as we all look forward
to working with the folks at JPFreek to
continue enhancing the product.
• UFWDA has recently re-incorporated in the
state of Virginia. This decision was the result
of the realization that our corporate status
in Indiana was in peril, in part due to our
lack of a physical presence in that state.
Press release
• Some months ago, Clair Kauffman
joined the Board as Membership Director JPFreek Commences Publication of The Voice for
and has done a great job clearing a backlog
of new applications, and is now working on United Four Wheel Drive Associations
enhancing our policies and procedures as
JPFreek Adventure Magazine recently announced Frank Ledwell, Editor & Publisher of JPFreek
they relate to the membership experience.
a partnership with United Four Wheel Drive Adventure Magazine, said of the partnership,
Associations to produce and publish The Voice, “Partnering with United Four Wheel Drive
• I am pleased to announce the appointment
the official magazine of United Four Wheel Drive Associations in creating The Voice is exciting for
of Bob DeVore to the position of Treasurer
Associations, as an engaging quarterly digital JPFreek and our entire staff. Our passion for Jeep
and Jim Mazolla to the position of PR
publication focused on off-highway and outdoor and outdoor adventure has been a huge part of
Director. These are key positions that have
recreation as well as responsible land use. JPFreek Adventure Magazine’s success, and our
remained vacant for some time now and I am
value set of promoting responsible off-highway
pleased to have two individuals with such
The new partnership is a first for both and outdoor adventure recreation compliments
experience join us on the Board.
organizations and will allow United Four Wheel our goals in establishing The Voice as a highly
Drive Associations to broaden its distribution credible and engaging publication.”
• At the same time I regret that Todd Ockert
scope by digitizing their previous hardcopy
has resigned from the Board due to a number
edition of The Voice. In addition, the partnership The partnership will work to bring the entire off-
of personal obligations upcoming in the next
will expand the subscription base for JPFreek highway community together by broadening the
year. I want to thank Todd for his service
Adventure Magazine to an additional 10,000+ scope and importance of engaging off-highway
and expertise in the area of land use as well
subscribers as part of the current membership enthusiasts to become involved in various land
as being a strong ambassador for the UFWDA
package for United Four Wheel Drive Associations. access issues.
franchise on the west coast.
JPFreek Adventure Magazine founders Frank This partnership is effective immediately with
• We have launched an insurance offering to
Ledwell and Richard Tinnell will assume the roles the new issue of The Voice slated for release by
member organizations to enable them or
of Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director, respectively, January 15, 2010.
acquire event insurance at a reasonable cost.
for The Voice. Wayne Groom, President of
I would like to take this opportunity to wish United Four Wheel Drive Associations, said of
everyone the most success and happiness in this the partnership, “We are excited about the
New Year. opportunity of this partnership as it will allow
us to continue to enhance the quality and
distribution of our primary communication with
the off- highway enthusiast, allowing us to reach
out beyond our current membership.”
News & Events
All Breeds Jeep Show
Get ready everyone
because the PA Jeeps
Club Membership is
gearing up and planning
to host our 15th Annual
Jeep Show. We’ll once again be preparing the
York Fairgrounds to accommodate the needs of
thousands of Jeep enthusiasts wanting an “ALL
Jeep” weekend away.
We’re expecting to host 500+ Jeep owners and
provide space for 70 vendor booths and 30 swap/ participants over obstacles they are unable to
meet booths, as well as having food vendors ready clearly see what is ahead.
to curb your hunger and quench your thirst. For
those of you out there that have attended you
know our events history. For those of you that
have yet to experience this weekend allow us to
entertain you for two days and we’re certain you
will return year after year.
WHAT GOES ON DURING THE TWO DAY EVENT…? stopping by our Clubs Booth elevated on the
Well, as the hundreds of Jeep owner’s are
processed through registration they receive an
event goodie bag, commemorative dash plaque,
and their “pre-paid” event shirts to be directed
through vehicle inspection as they are escorted
to the Show Field parking area. The Show Field
parking is broken down into twelve classes, and
those twelve classes are split into three categories
based on the number of modifications to
accommodate the voting process that offers over
95 awards to be offered as each registered Jeep
owner casts their votes upon their peers.
From there you’ll have the opportunity to walk
“Vendors Row” to stop in and visit, talk, and see
what the largest manufacturers and distributors
in the market have to offer to add to, and/or
modify your Jeep to your specific needs. You’ll
also be able to browse through the Swap/Meet for
those hard to find, used parts to restore or fix an
ailing Jeep.
All the while your entire family can be
entertained within the “activities” tent or
hanging by the obstacle course watching our
participants drive through our dirt and rock
obstacle course for EVERYONES entertainment.
We provide skilled “spotters” to assist our
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with
Off-Road Clubs, Associations, and Organization
Representatives that will provide you with
information relevant to individual/family
membership. As you make your way throughout
the event you’ll find it hard to miss-out on
facilities stage to purchase event shirts and raffle
tickets for the products available in our raffle
that should exceed $12,000.00 in value.
Your weekend has even more excitement to
follow……Trust US…!
Look for Web Information in February 2010
www.pajeeps.org
News & Events
AGM
2010
The UFWDA Annual General Meeting
June 15 & 16, 2010
at the the CenterPointe Building
http://www.gocenterpointe.com/
in Traverse City, Michigan. More
Details to follow check the UFWDA WOHVA volunteers (Bill Hess, Jayne Duenkel, Tim
Website http://www.ufwda.org for
details. Duenkel, Ron Entringer, Tom DeSombre and Mike
Fields) show off their handy work.
AGM PROPOSED MEETING/SOCIAL ITINERARY:
Monday June 14, 2010
Volunteers Install Gates
7 PM - Meet and Greet at the Holiday Inn. To be held in the Shimmers
Lounge (they are closed on Monday nights so we will have the place
to ourselves). Guests may order food and beverages from the menu of
the adjacent in- house restaurant, at his or her own expense, if desired.
Tuesday June 15, 2010 Volunteers from the Wisconsin Off-Highway
8 AM Doughnuts or pastry, fruit, juice, coffee and tea provided.
Vehicle Association (WOHVA) recently committed
12:00 Lunch - Grand Traverse Pie Company chicken pot pie or prime
over 100 hours of volunteer time to install
rib pot pie with salad and beverage.
7:00 pm – Dinner at Boones’s Steak House. Room will be reserved for
those who would like to try this regional favorite restaurant.
gates restricting motorized access to areas of
Everyone will order from the menu, this meal will not be included in
cultural significance on the Sokaogon/Chippewa
the registration fee. Transportation will be arranged for those who
need it.
Wednesday June 16, 2010
Community land holdings in Mole Lake. The gates
also serve to restrict unauthorized access to lands
8 AM Doughnuts or pastry, fruit, coffee and tea provided.
12:00 Lunch – six foot Subway sandwiches with deli salads and beverage.
adjacent to the Tribal holdings.
7:00 PM - Wrap up meeting at the Holiday Inn. Guest speaker,
presentations etc.
8:00 PM – Dinner outdoors under the Willow tree at the Holiday Inn.
Buffet BBQ dinner menu will include: The gates were donated by WOHVA.
Tossed Salad
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Corn on the cob Mole Lake and the lands serviced by the gate
Baked Beans
BBQ pulled pork OR BBQ ribs
BBQ chicken serve as the hosts for the Annual Great Northern
Jalapeno Corn bread
Dinner Rolls with butter Trail Ride and the Annual Northwoods – Mole Lake
Strawberry Shortcake
Coffee, tea, milk, iced tea, lemonade
Jeep Jamboree USA. For additional information
9:00 PM BONFIRE ON THE BEACH
The Holiday Inn will provide bundles of wood, WOHVA (who serves as the host organization for
seating, blankets and S’mores. Attendees can watch the sun go down
on the private Holiday Inn beach overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, while
relaxing after a busy two-day conference and discuss plans for both these events) visit their website at www.
wheeling the following day.
wohva.com.
International
Jamboree in
New Zealand’s
Otago Region
By Peter Vahry – UFWDA International Vice-President
& Auckland 4WD Club President
Over the last days of December 2009, the
Land Rover Owners Club (Otago) hosted
members of other New Zealand Four Wheel
Drive Association (NZFWDA) clubs for four
days of four-wheeling in the Central Otago
region. We were at latitude of around 45°
south and as far from the sea as one can get
in the South Island. The club provided an
excellent campsite with great facilities that
coped well with the many families attending.
The 4x4 trips largely headed towards the
high points for viewing of the big landscapes.
These are not the altitudes like what you
see in Colorado but even in summer at 1680
meters, we experienced brief snow showers.
With up to 35-4x4’s following one leader, the
convoy was often strung out over more than
a kilometer, but with UHF radios in every
vehicle, good communication was maintained.
The trails were usually farm tracks with some
sections of old coach roads also linked in. The
Otago region had been seriously prospected
for gold in the 1870’s with some significant
goldfields linked by torturous packhorse and
coach routes through the hills.
all that within about a 40 minute
drive on the highway from the
campsite. Vehicle types varied widely
and even included a couple of Series
II Land Rovers whose owners took the
opportunity to remove the tops for
a 360° view. They did question their
sanity a couple of times, especially
when the snow blew past! There were
a couple of Jeeps that would look
unfamiliar to a Jeep purist as these
came out of the Mitsubishi factory.
The predominant brand was Toyota
with Land Rover enthusiasts a close
All the lands that we crossed were privately second. Jeeps were well represented
farmed, and the Otago club has established too.
excellent relationships with the various
property managers. On one large property, I’ll let a few pictures try to better
the manager even delivered, by helicopter, a illustrate the Jamboree trips, and
key to a historic stone house that he thought look forward to maybe seeing you out
we would enjoy visiting. As the trip moved on the trails.
across the hills, we encountered a variety of
plant types from almost lush grass to tiny
alpine flowers, as well as several types of
spikey plants that included an evil thorny
bush known as Matagouri that managed to
‘pinstripe’ most vehicles at some time during
the event. There was even spiked grass called
‘Wild Spaniard’.
An excellent four days of four-wheeling that
got many of us into unfamiliar territory and
to places that we may never get the chance
to repeat. For me, it involved a journey south
from the city of Auckland, a three hour car
ferry trip across the Cook Strait, and overall
more than 1600 kilometers driving to the
Jamboree.
Each day we were out on a trail for up to five
hours and although often moving cautiously
on narrow ledge trails with tight corners, we
covered up to 40km off-highway in a day and
Board of directors
Areas of
Environmental
Concern
By Todd Ockert – Director of Environmental Affairs
It concerns me that the environmental
groups have received over $4,700,000,000
(Billion) dollars in our tax money to take
our land away. This has come in the form of
over 41,000 payments to different groups
for attorney fees for settling or winning
cases against the government. What bothers
me the most is the government has no real
accounting of the total amount paid for
attorney fees to the so called environmental
group’s attorneys and their bank accounts.
The judgment account has no limitations
on limits and congress does not appropriate
funds to it annually. The number of lawsuits
brought to court by the different wilderness
groups total over 1400 lawsuits since 2000.
The above fees do not include the fees for
the government lawyers, or the forest service
personnel time spent on having to research
the possible issues brought to court by
the supposed environmental groups. These
groups are making millions of dollars tax free
from our taxes and they are not going into
programs to protect plants, animals, people,
or wildlife. This money they win is being used
for more lawsuits against the government in
the chance they will win to make their bank
account even fatter. The people that recreate
and live on the land have to spend their own
third loss is our lost access to the public lands appeal was decided in August and the panel
that may have generated revenue for the forest affirmed the San Francisco court which struck
service and the local economy. The forest service, down the 2005 rule and revived the Clinton Rule
in one of their own surveys, has estimated with in states within the 9th Circuit court and New
over 90 percent confidence, that revenue from Mexico.
individuals visiting the forests generates over
7.5 billion dollars ($7,500,000,000) to the local Clear Creek Management Area – As this area is in
my back yard, I am always watching this one. The
economies. What are those local economies going
to do when the forest is closed to recreation? How BLM closed 30,000 acres of the 80,000 acres early
are the environmental groups going to help these last year after the report came out from the EPA
local economies then? This national forest service about high level of airborne asbestos caused by
web site has more info and specific info about vehicles. The DEIS is expected very soon.
each forest:
Tellico – The forest service decision to close
money to help fight for access to the land,
http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/nvum/ the forest was one of shock, but not totally
so they, (we) lose twice. We spend our own
unexpected. Work is being done by UFWDA,
money for the access, and then our tax dollars
These forests have completed their travel SFWDA, and BRC to fight the closure. Support is
are given to the environmental groups in
management and issued their motor vehicle use needed to help reopen Tellico.
their so-called win. You can read an article
maps:
about this here: This will be my last article as the Director of
http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps. Environmental Affairs, as I have turned in my
http://www.westernagreporter.com/index.
shtml resignation to Wayne. I did this for numerous
php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2270:the-
reasons, but mostly because of family obligations
environmental-litigation-gravy-train&catid=3:this- If your local forest is in this list, please take a that will require more of my time early next year
weeks-articles&Itemid=12 look at these maps to make sure your favorite as I retire from the Navy and find a new job to
trail is included on the map. If not, stay in tune support my family. Thanks for all the support
What can we do to help overcome the
with the forest supervisor to find out when they over the years from everyone. I will not leave
above scenario? Write to your congressional
will be reviewing their use maps. This is required UFWDA completely behind, as I have asked Wayne
representatives and get them to put a stop
as part of the travel management plan. Here are and the BOD to use me when needed to help
to the abuse of the system when a special
some of the upcoming issues: maintain the forums and mailing lists.
interest group sues the government. Those
that recreate need to be involved with the Forest Service Roadless Rule – The 9th Circuit
Thanks!
local land managers, the city government, and
county government to know what is going on
in their neighborhood. We all have friends
that do not want to be a member of any
social or recreational group that supports our
sport. But drop the above article on their lap
and let them read for themselves as to what
is happening to our public lands. In each of
those wins for the so-called environmental
groups, we lost access to our public lands. It
makes my blood boil for having to pay twice
or even three times on our lost access. The
Board of directors
They both exist to help maintain access for
motorized recreation. That is pretty much where
the similarities end. UFWDA has many tools
available to you to learn how to accomplish these
missions including the Drivers Education Course,
in the blanks and send it back to me. I then
disperse it to the review committee and advisory
committee, and then the review committee will
decide the merits of the grant application and
make a decision on if and how much you get,

United Land the volunteer trail patrol, as well as a being a link

to other people that have already done what you
then let me know and I handle it from there.

Action Fund
are attempting to do as a UFWDA member. All of
the resources that UFWDA has at its disposal are
yours, and you should all be using them because
they are tried and true and speaking from
By Rob St Clair
personal experience, when I began the project on
the Blacktail Wild Bill OHV Trail – going on seven
Within the pages of this issue of The Voice of the United Four Wheel Drive Associations years now - I dug deeply into the experience and
EST SERVICE
FOR
The review committee has a great deal of leeway
on the decision making process, but they judge
each grant application on its own merits such
as the national or international impact of the
situation, the benefit to the greatest number of
users, as well as what the funding would be used
for.

U S
is a news release from the Jefferson National since 1993 as Vice President, President, and expertise, as well as implementing at least two
The bottom line is this: Should you support
Forest, regarding how the Forest Service, currently as Past President. I also sit on the of the programs that UFWDA offers. When I went
UFWDA? Absolutely! With your membership
DE P A

U RE

R T M ENT OF AGRIC U L T collaborating with the Southwestern Virginia
Four Wheelers, has successfully reopened
Click the Forest a section of road. The road closure was
Service Badge
due to extensive environmental damage
to read the
caused by illegal and unethical use by some
Press Release
irresponsible four-wheelers. Fortunately, those
responsible for the damage have been issued
citations, but this did not reduce the agency’s
desire to close the area to all motorized
recreation. This case is unusual, in that a
hard working, responsible, and dedicated local
area club managed to get the road reopened.
This outcome is not the usual case, much
more often than not the land managers just
declare an emergency closure and throw up a
gate in the near term and ultimately the area
is permanently closed. Unless someone steps
up and shows the land managing agencies
the need for motorized access, and also how
these issues can be resolved and the access
maintained, then areas will continue to be
lost.
Many of you know me by name, many of you
I have had the pleasure of meeting in person.
For those of you that are not familiar with
me, I have served on the Board of Directors
BOD of the United Land Action Fund as the
Fund Administrator. It may surprise some of
you that the United Land Action Fund has
its own BOD, but there seems to be some
misunderstanding on this issue. They are two
separate organizations, and they are vastly
different in their structures.
The United Four Wheel Drive Associations
(UFWDA) is a membership-based corporation
that is managed by a BOD, with Delegates
representing the membership that meet
annually to deal with business that is beyond
the scope of what the BOD is allowed to deal
with on a daily basis. So as a member of
United you are basically a stockholder, and
through your respective delegates, have a say
in the management of UFWDA.
The United Land Action Fund (ULAF) on the
other hand is not membership-based. There
are no provisions for anyone to join, and the
management of the corporation rests solely in
the hands of the BOD.
In reading the mission statements of both
organizations you will see many similarities.
to the meeting with the forest supervisor and his
and your membership in a member club or
resource specialist, as well as a wildlife biologist
association, your purchases from the United
and a hydrologist, they were totally impressed
store and participating in UFWDA events and fun
with the presentation as I already had answered
raisers, including most importantly following the
most of the questions they were going to ask. All
ethical user guidelines that are clearly spelled
they could say was let’s do it.
out in the available UFWDA programs, help
UFWDA is your organization, you will get from UFWDA accomplish its goals. Should you support
it what you put into it, but there is the need the ULAF? Absolutely! With your tax-deductible
to support it, both financially and with your donations, we will continue to be able to provide
membership. funding to help you keep areas open to what we
are all about.
The ULAF, on the other hand, needs no members
Lets go four wheeling, and help ULAF and UFWDA
to stay strong and can survive through whatever
meet the needs of all of us who enjoy public lands
happens; however, in order for ULAF to meet its
for off-highway recreation.
goals in the mission statement, we need money
to work with. ULAF, unlike UFWDA, is a 501c3,
tax-exempt corporation, and your donation is a
tax-deductible donation. Many of the grants ULAF
has made since its inception have been to support
either projects of UFWDA, or member clubs of
UFWDA. Funding has been made available for
things such as the national leadership summit on
recreational areas, and to help provide speakers
at UFWDA land use conferences, etc. The grant
process is simple. You can contact me and an
application will be forwarded to you. You fill
Board of directors
Communications
& Public Relations
By Jim Mazzola III
2010 will mark my return to the UFWDA Board
of Directors after an absence of over 20 years.
I served as the Environmental Affairs Director
in the mid 80’s, and then retired to my home
Association. After returning to the Great Lakes
Four-Wheel Drive Association, I was Jeep Cup
Rallymaster for its three-year stint. Following
this, I went on to launch the Jeep Jamborees in
Michigan. I also held the positions of Membership
Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President
in my state association. Since the mid 80’s I
have been a Delegate representing Great Lakes
Four-Wheel Drive Association with an occasional
absence to stay close to home while my grand
kids were born.
Having attended a majority of UFWDA AGM’s
since then, I have a relative wealth of history,
(although some might call it baggage) of
UFWDA’s up and downs, along with the numerous
detours we’ve made along the way.
My decision to return to the Board was based
on the belief that we should all give back to
the Association that has done so much for us as
recreational enthusiasts. I’d also like to bring an with this technology will be the key to success
understanding to the organization as to why grass and as we move forward, making sure UFWDA
roots organizations are an important entity in
today’s society.
As you can see, the first edition of The Voice for
2010 is a collaborative effort with JPFreek Adventure
Magazine. Our goal here is to reach out to more
users who have not been previous mainstream
UFWDA members. I intend on reaching out to the
associations, clubs, organizations, and individuals
to better educate them about what UFWDA can
do for each of them. I also intend to bring an
understanding of what and who UFWDA is. UFWDA
does in fact have a lot to offer, now more than at any
time in its history.
I’m anxiously looking forward to hearing from you.
I’ve lived in Michigan my entire life and I come
from an automotive family background. I’ve just
crossed into the ‘over 50’ crowd but with two
grown kids and two grandkids, there’s plenty to
keep my wife and me busy and active with.
I still work full-time as an Engineer and Lead
Designer for General Motors in the Advanced
Engineering Concepts groups where my daily
routine is to ‘invent’ new technologies. One of
my downsides is that I’m a very detailed and
technical type person who will sometimes get
bogged down in the smallest of details; however,
a swift kick is all that’s usually required to get me
out of first gear though not always as I have been
told that I’m rather stubborn, and it sometimes
takes facts to change my mind.
From a philosophical standpoint, over the
last few years technology and social media in
general is moving at an unparalleled pace. This is
likely to continue and morph for years to come.
Understanding how any organization adjusts and
reacts to this new-age media is an important step
to keeping the organization viable. Keeping pace
is understood and well represented in this new
realm will be my goal as the new Public Relations
& Communications Director.

Helping
UFWDA and
Our Sport
By Bob DeVore
I recently sent a bio to the United Four Wheel
Drive Associations (UFWDA) Board of Directors
for consideration in my assuming the roles
and responsibilities of Treasurer. I have had
the privilege of serving UFWDA as a delegate
and now feel compelled to do more. I believe
in the Mission of UFWDA and believe that
without UFWDA, we would experience more
losses of access than what we are already
experiencing. I would hope that everyone
understands those who would deny us access
to private and public lands are far better
funded, which is not to say we should just
concede for I feel the same adrenaline rush
taking on those who would deny me and
my family the basic freedoms of access as a
challenging as an obstacle on the trail.
I have been enjoying the off-highway
experience for nearly forty years. I have
witnessed a great deal of change over the
years, in addition to learning a great deal
about responsible wheeling and helping
protect our natural resources. I have been
involved in our local and state politics
for many, many years and even had a
daughter and son work as a Senatorial and
Congressional aide. Through my involvement
with UFWDA and Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive
Association (GLFWDA), I am directly involved in
legislation that impacts our sport.
Although I am closer to sixty than I am to fifty,
my bride Vicky and I have seven grown children
and ten grandchildren. My bride and I got into
foster care ten years ago and we have adopted two
children at present, have guardianship of one, and
three others are in our foster care (we are in the
process of adopting the remaining four children
in our home). The joy of making a difference in a
child’s life is what keeps us young and motivated
as we raise these six children as our own.
I have had the privilege to serve in many
different capacities over the years. My overall
involvement with charitable organizations, my
work experiences, my education and military
background speaks volumes of my ability to
work well with a diverse group of people. I am a
motivated, personable business professional with
a talent for quickly mastering technology. I can
be diplomatic and tactful with professionals and
non-professionals at all levels. I am accustomed
to handling sensitive, confidential records while
being flexible and versatile, and I am able to
maintain a sense of humor under pressure. I am
poised and competent with a demonstrated ability
to easily transcend cultural differences, thrive in
deadline-driven environments, and have excellent
team-building skills.
It is my desire to do what I can to help UFWDA
move forward and become an asset to the
membership of UFWDA. Please consider your
support of me as Treasurer of UFWDA!

Four-Wheeling
America
By Bill Burke
Photos by Clint Terrill
As I write this I am parked in Asheville, North
Carolina, pretty much right between Tellico ORV
area and the Uwharrie National Forest, which
has the Badin Lake ORV area - two really great
places to “wheel!” Here locally, I am reminded
from all sides of the various issues regarding
Mountain Top Removal for coal, siltation of creeks
and watershed regions from new construction,
logging, and yes…recreation. I am also reminded
of how strong the bond between people that
work, live, or play in nature with our planet.
I had a client last week that is a staunch member
of Trout Unlimited and is an Orvis Guide as well.
As we were working our way over water crossings
and up Kodak Rock, we talked about how poorly
constructed and maintained roads allow the loose
dirt and debris to make its way into the little
creeks and then into the rivers, causing natural
fish habitats to foul with silt and dirt. In the
many forests I have wheeled, I have noticed water
bars of all types on the trails and roads. Some
areas don’t have any while others have lots!
Most of these water bars have been built or
installed by the hard working volunteers of the
United Four Wheel Drive Associations. Indeed,
one of the trails in the Uwharrie (URE) is adopted
by the NCTTORA who works hard to keep the trail
open by helping to build unique water crossing
bridging devices and installing water bars. From
my discussions with my Orvis friend, we noted
that the drainages in the URE or Tellico seem to
not be able to sustain Trout or native ‘game’ fish.
The natural rock and debris we observed seemed
to capture the runoff and collected any silt from
vehicles way before the creeks and certainly
way before the river and lake in which the Trout
thrive.
I know our friends in Tellico work hard to keep
the bridges and water bars in good repair, which
helps with mitigating the siltation that trickles
down to the actual waterways that begin to
sustain the native fish population. My concern is
really the bigger picture of the region.
With the pollution from pulp mills and dirty
coal fired plants (what the heck is Clean Coal
anyway?), the vast amount of back country trash
that is just dumped in the forest, new housing
developments built on clear cut mountain tops,
illegal hazardous waste dumping, toxic land
fills – you get my point – all begin to seep, leak,
and drain into our water shed regions. A couple
miles of old wheeling roads aren’t the problem,
and closing them because some big-money lobby
has the audacity to bring a lawsuit to the local
forest district, draining that districts funding,
really isn’t the way to go about “protecting” our
environment!
When I see the parking lots of truck stops draining into culverts,
and office parks with massive paved areas draining into ditches,
it’s no surprise to swim in the French Broad, Colorado, American
or Rubicon rivers and come out covered in alkaline-phosphate and
silt. We all live Down Stream!! Drinking wells, aquifers, cow tanks,
and farmers’ ponds are at risk. And the big picture: it is not from
my wheeling on four miles of primitive roads that is causing the
issue.
I spoke with a Trout Hatchery operator recently and funny enough,
he is a UFWDA member whose biggest problem was the bear that ate
its fill of trout and then inadvertently knocked the water fill pipe off
the tank inlet. Some 23,000 trout died in only a few hours. It didn’t
happen because my 33” BFG/KM2’s crossed a creek in Upper Tellico!
Isn’t nature grand?
How do we balance the madness? Organize and join!
Del Albright has a great program that will help clubs and individuals
become better organized, more effective, and highly efficient. He calls
the program the Recreational Leadership Training Course – RLTC for
short. It is a strong program of internet and actual classroom learning
in which one covers the material at their own pace. It outlines the
organization process, motivational tactics, and tasks relevant processes
and exercises that will get people active and keep them interested in
working toward the common goal which we know for us is KEEPING
PUBLIC LANDS PUBLIC and accessible.
Visit his site: www.delalbright.com and look at the RLTC to see how it
can help your club or even just you make a difference.
I believe in organizations like Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain
Elk Foundation, and others that claim stewardship of the land.
Unfortunately, some of their funding is dichotomous to their
mission. Conservation is needed as well as preservation of our forests
and public lands. Let’s work to educate these organizations of our
stewardship intent - especially since they mostly drive 4-wheel drive
rigs to fish or hunt. UFWDA does make a difference but not without
our help. The idea and mission statement of United is to work
together in a “united” front to keep our roads open and backcountry
accessible. Carla does a heck of a job, and we need to support her at
the Federal level in addition to our local folks. It can be done in both
arenas!
Other groups exist to help with the access cause.
United is the only organization the truly works
for us 4WD/SUV back country road travelers,
whether we drive a Buggy on 44’s or a stock
Grand Cherokee just off the dealer floor.
Start asking why your friends haven’t joined,
why your local dealership hasn’t joined, why your
favorite aftermarket parts manufacturer hasn’t
joined, why the money is not flooding in to
support this organization that is working so hard
for “OUR” cause.
Believe me, I understand what the economy
nosedive has meant. It has affected all of us one
way or another. We can write letters and with
not much sacrifice of wallet, kick in to the kitty
that keeps our special interest in the forefront
of those that make policy. Instead of one person
donating $100, how about ten buddies donating
$10? It’ll make it easier on my pocketbook and
United gets the money. Strength in numbers…
United!
It’s summer time and the living is easy.
Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high.
Your daddy is rich and your ma is so good looking,
Hush pretty baby, don’t you cry.
I’m off to Uwharrie for more feeding of the
mosquitoes. Maybe this time I can keep my drive
shaft off the tip of Kodak Rock and make it over
to Daniel and climb that loose ugly hill. The
view from the top is spectacular – most of the
Appalachian range is visible and the oaks and
maples are really tall there. See you on the trail!
Bill Burke
www.BB4WA.com
Bill Burke is an internationally recognized 4WD
trainer and outfitter guide. He trains and leads
trips around the U.S.A. and all parts of the world.
To learn more about improving your driving
skills and recovery techniques, visit his website
at www.bb4wa.com, or send him an email at
bb4wa@bb4wa.com.
Out Cold
Now That Summer Is Over, It’s Time To Go Camping
By Jeff Haley
Some may think the term “winter
camping” is an oxymoron, but if you
appreciate the beauty of winter and have
the appropriate gear, camping might
be the best way to lose the crowds and
celebrate the snowy months.
Most people are familiar with the idea
of camping: a tent, sleeping bag, some
food, and a campfire. However, if you
add winter to the word camping, you
may get a puzzled expression. The reality
is that winter can be an excellent time
to be outdoors and enjoy an overnight
adventure in the cold and the snow. With
the appropriate gear and a few helpful
tips, winter camping can be the perfect
opportunity to keep up with Old Man
Winter. This article provides a brief view
into the important considerations for
successful winter camping. In addition,
one should research other articles or
attend a presentation or seminar on
winter camping that may be provided at a
local outdoor retail store.
Packing the essentials
The first deciding factor for spending a
night out in the cold should be whether
or not you have the appropriate gear. The
cold literally adds a whole new element to
your typical camping trip and to ensure
you enjoy your experience, you need to
have a few essential items.
Clothing
In order to keep warm it’s important to
carefully analyze your clothing options for
braving the cold. Layering your clothing is
the only way to remain comfortable while
outside during the winter, especially if
you are backpacking in to your campsite.
Wearing various layers of clothing allows
you to easily adjust your body temperature
while you are outside in the cold.
For example, while you are hiking or
setting up camp you will probably be
producing more heat and need less
clothing than while you are sitting
around camp and eating dinner. First,
your layering should include a base layer
of synthetic underwear or “long johns”
that insulates but allows perspiration to
wick away from your skin if you start

to get too warm. Secondly, you need a middle
insulating layer of fleece or light wool to keep
you warm but can easily be removed such as a
vest or jacket. Thirdly, you will need an outer
layer consisting of a water and wind proof jacket
that is commonly referred to as a shell. The
layering technique applies to your upper body as
well as your legs to ensure that you have total
comfort. Most outdoor retail stores have a vast
assortment of clothing that is state-of-the-art
for maintaining comfort and adaptability. Many
products, such as pants and jackets, have zippers
in strategic locations to be unzipped and allow
heat to escape from under your arms or along
your upper thigh. Also, many outdoor clothing
companies use synthetic materials that keep out
the elements but allow heat to escape so that
you don’t sweat too much.
In addition to jackets and pants, it’s important to
consider your hands, feet, and head in terms of
gloves, socks, and winter hats. Your extremities
will be the first things to get cold so it’s important
to keep them warm. Based on your activities and
the weather you will need to have either gloves
or mittens with cords that can be wrapped around
your arm. Gloves allow full use of your fingers
while mittens provide the most warmth. Most
gloves and mittens have a drawstring that can be
attached to your forearm so that the wind doesn’t
carry them away, and they can hang by your side
if you take them off for a moment. Socks are
important in keeping your feet warm by providing
insulation but also allowing moisture to wick away
from your skin. Most people use a synthetic wool
material that dries quickly but provides warmth.
In terms of hats, most people know that 50%
percent of your body heat escapes through your
head. Therefore, it is important to keep your
head covered to retain heat but not get too
hot. Typically, a person can regulate their body
temperature just by simply taking on and off a
hat. For maximum comfort most people wear a
thin synthetic stocking cap that can be pulled
down over the ears. Once again, this retains
heat but allows moisture to escape if you start
sweating. Hats are typically just for keeping you
warm as most winter jackets have hoods that can
be pulled to keep snow out.
In addition to the various clothing mentioned, it
is also important to consider other winter items
such as gaiters, balaclavas, goggles, or sunglasses.
Gaiters are worn around the base of the legs and
attach to the bottom of your shoes to keep snow
out when you are walking. Balaclavas fit over your
head and extend to the base of the neck with an
opening around your face to provide maximum
coverage of your head and neck. Goggles and
sunglasses are important to shield your eyes from
sun glare off the snow and also cold wind blowing
into your eyes. With any eye protection it is
important to have optimum UV protection based
on the bright glare of the snow.
Shelter
Quality tents are typically rated as “three season”
or “four season” depending on their construction
and ability to withstand the elements. For winter
camping it is essential to have a true four-
season tent, unless you are camping during a
warm spell or live in a mild winter climate. The
critical aspects of the four-season tent are the
abilities to withstand snow loads, wind, and allow
condensation to escape. During the winter it’s not
uncommon to wake up to fresh snow on your tent
or potentially experience harsh winter winds. You
need a tent that is going to stand up to the test
and keep you protected in your shelter. Secondly,
a major comfort factor during the winter is not
having ice build up within the tent. When you
breathe your breath is full of moisture and forms
condensation on your sleeping bag, walls of tent,
or other items inside the tent. A distinguishing
characteristic of a four-season tent allows enough
ventilation within the tent to reduce condensation
while keeping the wind out. Similar to clothing,
many outdoor retail stores will sell four-season
tents that can be reasonably priced.
Sleeping Bags
Once you have your shelter, you will need a
good sleeping bag. When you start shopping for
sleeping bags you will quickly realize that there
are many options for selecting a perfect bag.
There are many differences in bags ranging from
materials, temperature rating, gender specificity,
left-handed versus right handed, and so on. The
most important aspects for winter camping are
the temperature rating and the fill material. You
want a temperature rating that corresponds with
the temperatures you anticipate camping in. I
typically use a zero degree bag that has synthetic
fill material. Synthetic fill material dries quickly
if it gets wet and maintains warmth, and weighs
much less than down for example.
Technique and other
considerations
Once you have the basic gear that will allow you
a successful winter camping experience, it is
important to read about techniques that ensure
safety and comfort in the winter landscape. For
example, it is very important to keep dry, warm,
and get plenty of fluids. Once you are in camp
there are a lot of lessons to be learned about
keeping your water from freezing, melting snow to
provide water, and drying your boots at night.
One learns a lot from each experience and adds
to the fun and excitement of the winter camping
experience. As stated previously, this article gives
a brief explanation of the essential clothing and
gear but one needs to research articles and other
information regarding safe travel in snow, using
camp stoves, and proper nutrition during winter
activities. So now it is up to you: Are you ready to
be left out in the cold? Have fun!
Article republished from
JPFreek Adventure Magazine
Winter 2009 Issue
www.jpfreek.com/current/W09.html
Vladimir Leal’s
Toyota

The original Toyota FJ40 was originally built in 1960 and spanned
a production period of nearly a quarter century. The FJ40 featured
similar dimensions as the Jeep CJ and over the tenure of its production
run, it garnered tremendous respect within the off-highway community as a
capable four-wheel drive vehicle.

Production of the 40 series ended in 1984 and it wouldn’t be until twenty-

two years later that the FJ series would return as the FJ Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser
features a number of design elements from its early brethren and is proving itself
as a competent backcountry vehicle.

Vladimir Leal of Houston, Texas is no stranger to overland and backcountry travel

and in addition to his Jeep Cherokee XJ, he is the happy owner of this FJ Cruiser.
Vladimir’s FJ Cruiser has been all over the western half of the United States
including several weeklong excursions through Death Valley, Yosemite, and Moab.
His rig is “overland-ready” with a number of modifications including:

Rough Country 3” Lift Lower Link Skips

BF Goodrich AT 285/70/R17 Tires Rear Lower Control Arm Skips
Pro-Comp Wheels Power Tank,
Trail Gear Rock Sliders All-Pro Skid Plates
All-Pro Bumper RAM Mount
WARN M8000 Winch w/ synthetic rope GPS External Antenna
Pro-Comp Off Road Lights GPS Mount
Baja Rack Roof Rack CB Radio
Mombassa Roof Top Tent Fire Extinguisher
Dual Battery ARB Recovery Gear
ARB Snorkel Hi-Lift
Mayday,
Mayday,
Mayday
by Todd Ockert
I never thought our club would have to make that call over the radio but we did on the weekend of
the 13th of November. It was a scary thought that we would have to make that call, as we are pretty
seasoned wheelers out on the trail. Below is what was done right, and what was done wrong during
the trail ride and medical evacuation.
The day started with what was supposed to be an easy trail ride in
the Panamint Valley range for the Cal4Wheel event called Panamint
Valley Days. The club went off on their own Friday, even though
there were organized runs, and headed up a trail called Pleasant
Canyon and down South Park. About halfway through South Park,
there’s a sharp turn to the left with a drop off on the right. There
is a rock also on the left that kind of tips the Jeeps off to the right
as you make the turn. Normally, there is plenty of room to make
the turn and the organized event has a spotter here. Large 4x4’s,
including a H1 Hummer, has made the turn so it’s not that bad;
however, caution is needed. Our club member was afraid of heights
and hugged the rock, and caused her Jeep to climb the cliff side
rock more than normal. She allowed her Jeep to climb too high
and it rolled over and then down the cliff, just over 100 feet to
the bottom. The Jeep rolled about three times, maybe four, and
stopped on its passenger side facing the opposite way from which
she was driving. Almost immediately, the call went out across
the CB’s that she had rolled down the cliff. Fellow club members
immediately headed down the cliff to assist her and the two kids in
the vehicle. She climbed out under her own power and the
kids got out as well.
One of our club members is a former EMT and had a
medical bag handy. The driver had a large cut on her
head from the roof collapsing, which collapsed almost to
the dashboard during the roll, and from sliding down the
hill. The trail leader heard the call about the roll over and
immediately stopped his Jeep to assist. Once he was out
of his Jeep, he realized that he had forgotten to shut it
off and reached in through the open window to turn the
key. I’m not sure if he hit the gearshift, or forgot to place
it in park, but his Jeep started to roll down the trail with
the mountain on his side and a cliff on the passenger
side. He could not get into his Jeep so he steered it into
the cliff side to stop it, where it proceeded to roll onto
its side. If you are counting, we now had two vehicles on
their sides and the quickest way off the mountain was
past a rolled over Jeep blocking the trail. The passenger
was quickly evaluated and had no injuries, and the Jeep
was put back on its wheels and quickly sent off for help
as CB calls were not answered.
The second Jeep was assisted back onto its wheels and we
sent for help down the hill for the injured driver in the
canyon. They pretty much had to finish running the trail
before they reached anyone on the CB radio.
Base camp now had the word that we had a Jeep rolled
over into a canyon and needed medical help. The calls
from base camp started going out on Ham radios and
people were sent into the two nearest towns for calls of
assistance. The fire department rescue in one of these
towns said it was out of their area and could not respond,
but did make calls to assist. At the other town, there
was a Search and Rescue team and they responded to
the bottom of the mountain but would not go up the
mountain to help. CHP arrived and hitched a ride to
the accident scene and assisted with the medical needs
and transport out of the canyon. The BLM showed up
with a 4 door JK and would not lend a hand. Ultimately,
the injured driver was placed in the back of the JK and
transported down the hill to the life flight helicopter.
Lessons learned so far:
1. CB radios are not good for long-range
communications. Our club is now working
at a feverish pace to get our FCC license to
use the Ham radios.
2. The basic first aid kits we all carry and are
required on all organized runs did not have
the right size bandages needed to cover
the head wound. We have since bought a
trauma bag and will stock an ammo can
with larger bandages, gauze, and tape for
such an issue in the future. We all had a
false sense of security with the little first
aid kits we carry and if this victim had
had more cuts, we would have been out of
bandages. Now, in a pinch, you can use a
clean shirt to wrap a wound but how clean
is your shirt after being on the trail all
day?
3. Do not count on Search and Rescue coming
to help. We incorrectly did so as those
at the scene were told help was coming.
It did, but stopped at the bottom of
the mountain and would not climb the
mountain to assist.
4. How many people are trained in basic first
aid to assist in an accident like this in your
club? Luckily, we have one who is and the
rest of us will get some training for future
accidents on the trail or our general travels.
5. If you are part of a club or organization
that organizes an event of this type,
do you have an emergency plan in case
something like this happens? This will
include who to call, who will handle
communications with the emergency
responders, and who will respond to the
scene to be the on-scene leader. I do not
know if the club handling this event did
this or not, but it will be on our list when
our club hosts an event. We will also test
it out prior to the event using all forms of
communication that we will have available
including a SAT phone, SPOT, Ham radios,
and CB’s. Most of the time, cell phones
have no reception in the areas that we
recreate in.
6. Carry an emergency blanket or two for
everyone that will be in the vehicle. Coats
and other warm items need to be with
those that may have to spend a night on
the trail.
The off-highway community is tight nit and
pulled together to assist as needed during this
emergency. The BLM were only concerned about
getting the vehicle out, as that was the first
question they asked of those that helped get the
injured driver off the hill. She was not even on
the life flight yet when this question was asked
of the BLM official.
So, in a wrap, take a look at your first aid kits,
how you will communicate in such an emergency,
and whether you are able to assist.
There are many pictures of the wrecked Jeep on
the internet. Search Google.com for Panamint
Valley Days, Chicken Rock.
Are you ready to make that Mayday call if
needed, and do you have the tools to assist if you
come across such a scene on one of your trails?
Our club will be from now on.
• The pictures are of the Jeep after we
recovered it from the canyon. I did not
talk about the recovery of the Jeep as
we had a good crew to get the Jeep out
of the canyon, and talked about what we
wanted to do before we did it and looked
at everything from a safety standpoint.
 winching to Cyrilla trees
Imagine driving a flooded remote jungle track, fighting deep mud and
Camel Trophy, and the thick,
to maintain forward progress, the type of route one remembers from
have reached Punta
Colombian mud transitions to the whitest sand you have ever seen. You
71°39′53.02″W). The entire
Gallinas, the extreme northern point of South America (12°27′30.48″N
Looking down the beach in
area is a national park, complete with flamingos and several lagoons.
there. You run down the
either direction, you and your family and a few friends are the only ones
only accessible by boat and
beach and jump into the warm waters of the Caribbean. This place is
e and Sonoran Deserts,
by four-wheel drive. Also imagine driving for 150 miles through the Mojav
o tribe and first recorded by
along El Camino del Diablo, a track originally pioneered by the Papag
Cortés in the early 1500s. Deep sand requires four wheel drive and
the remote location (over 50 miles from the nearest town at one
point) demands preparation, knowledge of GPS, maps, and a good
camera. The area is stunning in its remoteness, breathtaking in its
beauty, and is an equal challenge for both man and machine.

Text by Scott Brady The concept of overlanding is certai

nly not new. In fact, the term has
d since the 1800s in Australia to des been in use
Photos by Scott Brady an cribe the great distances settlers tra
veled across
the outback. Then, as soon as the
Chris Marzonie first Land Rovers and Jeeps were ava
ilable, brave
and hardy travelers set out on fantas
tic journeys across Africa, Asia, and
These travels were recorded in fam Australia.
ous volumes like the Oxford/Cambrid
Overland in Land Rovers. ge First

Overlanding is essentially vehicle-de

pendent adventure travel, which wh
defined more specifically is using a en
4wd or adventure motorcycle to exp
locations that can be two hours aw lore
ay, two days away, or even two yea
critical difference from backcountry rs away. The
driving or recreational fourwheeling
overlanding focuses equally on the is that
excitement of challenging terrain,
history, natural sites, and cultures and the
encountered along the way. This cer
not mean that recreational fourwh tainly does
eeling does not include these eleme
but overlanding is about longer dis nts at times,
tances from the perspective of adv
enture travel.

What does it mean to be
an Overlander?
Because overland travel often includes additional
components of camping, cultures, historical
sites, and even additional activities like hiking
and trekking, the scope of skills and preparation
changes. The goal shifts slightly from the
challenge of traversing technical terrain to
traversing challenging terrain to access some
remote campsite, archaeological ruin, or distant
geographic point. The goal shifts slightly from
searching out four or more obstacles to searching
for a geocache, or a confluence.
I certainly love the challenges of technical
terrain, and still compete in competitions like the
Outback Challenge; however, I have found great
enjoyment in the experience beyond the same
rocky trail. One hobby is no better than the other,
but an Overlander and a Four-wheeler can be very
different. Just like a responsible Four-wheeler
though, the Overlander is serious about protecting
the environment and minimizing the impact our
activities have on the places we enjoy exploring.
This means leaving a place better than we found
it, even if that means packing additional trash
bags, or doing extensive road repairs as opposed
to cutting a new trail around a fallen tree or
washout. The rules of Tread Lightly apply, with
the added responsibility of a campsite, so using
existing campsites and learning about low-impact
camping is critical.
Preparing for adventure
An overland vehicle build has many of the same
needs as a recreational 4wd, but an additional
layer of complexity is added and some of the
focus changes. Soft suspensions and taller lifts
give way to 1-3” lifts with springs specifically
designed to carry heavy loads. 35-inch tires give
way to 31-33” tires, with narrow carcass widths
and higher load ratings. Overland Vehicles also
tend to have a longer wheelbase to accommodate
passengers and days or weeks worth of camping
and support equipment. The perfect example of
an overland build would be an FZJ80 Land Cruiser
or Unlimited Rubicon with a 50mm Old Man Emu
HD suspension, 255/85 R16 tires, a bull-bar with
winch (for self-recovery and to protect the front
of the vehicle from an animal strike), an Engel
fridge, a roof rack, and a roof tent. This vehicle is
still very capable on the trail, yet is street legal,
and can be driven comfortably across a country,
or even a continent.
Overlanding usually involves more than just a
day of driving so most overland trucks are fitted
with extensive camping, cooking, and field repair
equipment. Depending on the vehicle’s GVW and
the owner’s preferences, this kit can vary from
backpacker light to British Campaign heavy, and
everything in between. Carrying this equipment
has several benefits, the first being a huge savings
in hotel costs and/or buying a large motor home
or travel trailer. There is also the benefit of always
being prepared. The modifications and equipment
used for overlanding uniquely prepares and equips
the owner for natural disasters, snowstorms, and
other threats. It is also common for overland
trucks to utilize a small adventure trailer, which
allows for all of the gear to be loaded and packed
away for the next trip, freeing up the tow
vehicle for more domestic duties and additional
passengers.
Communications also become more critical and
for all of our adventures we use HAM radio for
vehicle-to-vehicle communications, typically the
70cm and 2m bands. Because our trips also cross
great distances and often involve other countries,
we use a SPOT personal tracking device to call
for help or for contacting emergency personnel.
Overlanding also underscores the critical skills
of navigation and wilderness first aid. While
also important for a day trip, a proper first aid
kit is essential, along with the knowledge and
experience to use it.
Planning a trip:
I have found that one of the most enjoyable
aspects of overland travel is trip preparation.
Even a weekend camping trip takes on a sense
of exploration as I look beyond the trail I am
traveling, looking for the best campsite - maybe
one near a lake - or with the perfect view for a
spectacular sunset. Planning extends beyond GPS
coordinates for the trail and trail difficulty to
researching historical sites along the route, the
geology of the area, and other interesting hiking
trails or natural features.
As overland trips become more complex, the
logistics can involve crossing borders and
interacting with new cultures and languages. This
can be extremely rewarding and exciting as your
perceptions of the world change based upon your
actual experiences.
Fortunately, crossing borders is not necessary for
a great overland adventure. The U.S. is full of
fantastic roads to explore, including the Mojave
Road, The Black Rock Desert, Canyonlands, the
Continental Divide, and hundreds more. All have
incredible scenery, rich history, and more than a
few vehicle challenges along the way.
The most important components of overlanding,
and the reason it is gaining such popularity, is
that the focus is on family adventuring, not just
extreme terrain. As a result, you can use the
same Jeep you drive back and forth to work on
your next overland adventure, and with very few
modifications. There are no expensive tow rigs
and toy haulers required, and your children and
spouse (if you have them) can also enjoy the
adventure, as the trip is filled with interesting
history, amazing scenery, and fun campsites.
However, being an Overlander (and a recreational
Four-wheeler) does carry with it responsibilities.
You will be visiting remote and possibly sensitive
environments, and fragile cultural sites. We must
minimize our impact to these areas and preserve
them for the future generations of explorers. I
leave for Central America in a few weeks, so
maybe I will see a few of you on the road south.
Member North Jersey Jeep Club 4x4 Books
(308)381-4410
PA Jeeps
(717)309-0513
Organizations Northeast Assoc. of 4WD Clubs, Inc.
www.4x4books.com www.pajeeps.org
Northwest Ohio Crawlers
4X4 Preservation (Canada) Off-Camber Crawlers, Inc. (OCC) 4x4 Off Road Used Parts Parts 4 Jeeps
Arctic Offroad Ohio River Four Wheelers Inc (970) 224-1133 (360)600-7266
Arizona State Association of Four Oklahoma Four Wheel Drive www.4x4usedparts.com www.parts4jeeps.net
Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. Association 7 Slot Grills The Promotion Company Special
Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs Oklahoma Trailchasers Four Wheel (508)340-1488 Events Performance Series
of Southern Africa (South Africa) Drive Club, Inc. www.7slotgrills.com (317)236-6522
Australian National Four Wheel Drive Orlando Jeep Club of Florida, Inc. www.familyevents.com
All Things Jeep
Council Inc. (Australia) Pacific Northwest 4 Wheel Drive (978)582-6606 Quadratec
Baltimore 4 Wheelers, Inc. Association www.Allthingsjeep.com (610)701-3336
Baystatejeepers, Inc. Parker Four Wheelers www.quadratec.com
California Association of 4Wheel River City Trailriders Ltd AM General
(574)237-6222 Specialty Equipment Market
Drive Clubs Rough Country 4 Wheelers, Inc.
www.amgeneral.com Association
Central Ontario 4X4 Club (Canada) San Diego 4-Wheelers (909)396-0289
Cheyenne Trail Crew Solihull Society BF Goodrich www.sema.org
Chicagoland 4 Wheel Drive Club, Inc. Southern Four Wheel Drive (949)223-2313
Streamline International LLC
Colorado Association of Four Wheel Association Bushwacker,Inc. (901)216-3393
Drive Clubs Southwest Four Wheel Drive (503)283-4335 www.streamlineimport.com
Creeper Jeepers Gang 4WD Club of Association www.bushwacker.com
Durango, Inc. Sundowners 4X4 Club Superlift Off Road Vehicle Park
Fun Treks Guide Books (501)625-3600
Firewalker Four Wheel Drive Club Swamp Stompers 4X4 Club (719)536-0322 www.orvpark.com
Florida Four Wheel Drive Association Trailgators 4 Wheelers www.funtreks.com
Fmca 4-Wheelers Triangle Four Wheelers of Pittsburgh Superlift Suspension Systems
Hi-Lift Jack Company (318)397-3000
4 Lakes 4 Wheelers Twin City Bushwackers (812)384-4441 www.superlift.com
4 Wheels To Freedom 4WD Club Two Trackers Four Wheel Drive Club, www.hi-lift.com
4X4 Forever Ltd Inc. Tellico 4x4, Inc.
Hushpower (800)866-3646
Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Virginia Four Wheel Drive
(877)394-2878 www.tellico4x4.com
Association Association www.hushpower.com
Hall of Fame 4X4 Trailriders Western Maine Mountain Jeepers Texas Motorized Trails Coalition
Idaho State 4X4 Association What Lies Beyond Jeep Club of Mi ih8mud.com (903)663-7517
www.ih8mud.com www.texasmotorizedtrails.com
Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association Wisconsin 4WD Association
Jeeps-R-Us Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Jeep, Chrysler Corporation Tom Wood’s Custom Drive Shafts
Legendary Civilian Jeepers Association (Wohva) www.jeep.com (801)737-0757
Legendary Jeep Club Wolverine Four Wheelers JPFreek Adventure Magazine www.4x4shaft.com
Mid Illini Jeepers Club (Mijc) (832)722-8116 Toyota Land Cruiser Association
Middle Atlantic Four Wheel Drive Supporting www.jpfreek.com (800)655-3810
Association business Members Land Rover North America www.tlca.org
Moab Friends-For-Wheelin’ (301)731-8164 Ultimate Air
Montana Four Wheel Drive Four Wheel Drive Hardware www.landrover.com (313)595-5358
Association (304)482-4733
Napier www.ultimate-air.com
Mud Toy 4X4 Club www.4wd.com
(800)567-2434 Warn Industries
Mudchuggers Four Wheel Drive Club 4 Wheel Drive & Sport utility www.sportsbynapier.com
New Zealand Four Wheel Drive (503)772-3015
Magazine
Overland Journal www.warn.com
Association (New Zealand) www.4wdandsportutility.com
www.overlandjournal.com
North American XJ Association
(NAXJA)
Spring showcase

Photo courtesy of Peter Vahry

Spring showcase

Photo courtesy of Peter Vahry

Spring showcase

Photo courtesy of Peter Vahry

Spring showcase

Photo by Alan Ellis

Spring showcase

Photo by Clint Terrill

 For Lifestyles Off The Beaten Path
JPFREEK ADVENTURE MAGAZINE, check us out online @ www.jpfreek.com

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