LIFESTYLES OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Issue 1 • Volume 5 • April/May 2010

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 Lifestyles off the beaten path

Crew & Contributors Editor’s Note

Editorial
Lifestyles off the beaten path
“Adventure Fun Even in a Down Economy”
Editor-in-Chief / Publisher
Frank Ledwell Over the past year or so, the tribulations of a down economy have
Copy Editor impacted most everybody. Whether it’s been in the form of moderately
Andrea Ledwell watching how we spend our money for safety sake or for worse, as a
Advemture Editor necessity due to layoffs, etc, times have been tough which has brought
Kraig Becker
about the following question for many of us: How can I still enjoy time
Jeep Jamboree Correspondent
with friends and family and do so on a budget?
Greg Machado
7 Bar Grille Correspondent The answer to this question is overlanding and off-highway adventure.
Mark DeNittis As the economy continues to play a significant role in many of the
Climbing Correspondent personal decisions that we make, overlanding and off-highway adventure
Jeff Haley continue to grow as an ever-popular way to get away from the daily
Contributing Writers stresses of our personal lives and enjoy time with friends and family
Alan Ellis
Mark Filonowich
without having to break the bank. For many people, going on a short
Mike Fissel weekend backcountry trip or a week-long – or more - overlanding
Wil Kuhns adventure is the perfect way to “get away” without planning an often
Will Morgan
Zak Patel
times expensive trip to an exotic locale where money is no object.
Marco Santarsiere As Jeep vehicle and outdoor enthusiasts, what better way to enjoy your
Mark D. Stephens
passion than to do so with your family in a fun way that allows for you to
Photography & Design travel and enjoy the many treasures located here in the U.S. or wherever
you read JPFreek Adventure Magazine? The opportunities for exploration
Creative Director
are endless and in the end, the gratification of sharing this passion and
Richard Tinnell
visiting places in your vehicle that you haven’t been to before makes it a
Marketing & Financial worthwhile endeavor. For me, it’s an endeavor I can’t wait to share with my
infant daughter who already owns her first Jeep vehicle. Hopefully my love
Business Development
Ken Damico for the splendor of our natural world will be one that she enjoys as well
Contact and as you read JPFreek Adventure Magazine, I hope that our passion for
JPFreek Adventure Publications, LLC
P.O. Box 864 responsible overlanding and off-highway adventure is one that will inspire
Houston, TX 77001
info@jpfreek.com
you to get out and enjoy the many
opportunities that await you and your
JPFreek Adventure Magazine and the JPFreek name/
logo are property of JPFreek Adventure Publications,
family.
LLC (“JPFreek”) and are protected by copyright. Any
use or reproduction in whole or in part without the
express written permission of JPFreek is strictly
prohibited. www.jpfreek.com
JPFreek is not affiliated with Chrysler LLC or
the Jeep® brand and no such association is
expressed or implied.  JPFreek, JPFreek Adventure
Magazine, JPFreek Adventure Publications, LLC and
www.jpfreek.com are not affiliated with, sponsored
Frank Ledwell
or endorsed by, or in any way associated with
Source Interlink Companies, Inc., Source Interlink
Editor & Publisher
Magazines LLC, Jp Magazine and its website
www.jpmagazine.com, and no such association is
expressed or implied.
Copyright 2006 – 2010
JPFreek Adventure Publications, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Published in U.S.A.
Departments
From The Editor.................................... 4
News, Events, & Stuff......................... 10
News from the Adventure World....... 18
Freek Show: ....................................... 64
American Overland Expeditions JK
Wrangler
Industry Insider: ............................... 40
A Visit with Adventure Trailers’ Martyn
Davies
Overland Overviews........................... 50
Freek Garage: . ................................... 74
Installing a Warn 9.5Ti Winch
Freek Techniques: ............................. 84
More Common Trail Techniques
7 Bar Grille: ........................................ 80
Hut Meals & Trail Snacks / Camp Burgers
Land Use & Access: ........................... 90
Don’t Trash the Environment
Features
Through The Sands of Time:
Ecospedition 2009.............................. 24
Overlanding adventure in Libya’s Akakus
Mountain Range
Ride Free............................................. 30
Mountain Biking in Colorado’s “Area 52”
California Dreamin’........................... 36
Off Road Passport’s Diane Zalman takes
us on a Rubicon Jeep adventure
Cruising & Jeeping On the Mexican
Riviera – Part I..................................... 44
Mike Fissel takes us on a Latin American
adventure with Jeeps
Dunes & Deserts................................. 68
Members of ExPo travel backcountry
through California’s Death Valley
A Winter of Fun.................................. 86
Skiing & Snowmobiling in South Dakota &
Wyoming
Photo courtesy of Chrysler Media Services
JPFreek Adventure Magazine likes Jeep® vehicles. We also like trees and
responsible off-highway recreation. That’s why each issue of JPFreek Adventure
Magazine will be 100% earth friendly with a reduced carbon footprint. It’s the
least we can do to show the off-highway community that Jeep recreation and
protecting our planet in the digital age can work hand-in-hand.
Photo by Alexis Carvallo
 JPFreek Adventure Magazine to Offer New
Additions to Content Delivery Format
JPFreek Adventure Magazine recently announced its plans to offer a fully-compatible version of
their highly successful digital edition publication on the new Apple iPad platform.
This new delivery channel will allow consumers to read and share JPFreek’s digital edition on a
platform that will be extremely user-friendly and will continue to propel the publication at the
forefront of technology. In addition to iPad-capability, the magazine will also be viewable on the
ever popular iPhone platform.
JPFreek Adventure Magazine is also planning to soon announce a completely new website that
will be community-based with daily content updates and user functions not previously available
anywhere within the Jeep community.
JPFreek subscribers and new readers
of JPFreek Adventure Magazine will
soon be able to access dynamic
editorial, photographic, and video
content, special vendor deals, contest
giveaways, and other exciting offerings
through the JPFreek platform as well
as JPFreek apparel and logo-branded
merchandise.
A release date is expected in the very
near future and more information will
be made available soon on the JPFreek
website – www.jpfreek.com.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

COMING
SOON
 JEEP ADVENTURERS SHOW
THEIR LOVE BY GOING
TOPLESS ON MAY 8, 2010
AllThingsJeep.com Hosts Third Annual WORLDWIDE Go Topless Day

On May 8, 2010, Jeep adventurers all over the world plan to

“Go Topless” as a celebration of Jeep love. The third annual
worldwide Go Topless Day, hosted by AllThingsJeep.com,
brings Jeep adventurers everywhere together to take part in
local Jeep club events or just enjoy the day, sans top (we mean
the Jeep top, of course!) in the great outdoors. Going topless will also raise awareness for a cause this
year, as a portion of t-shirt sales for the event will go to local and national organizations whose missions
are to proactively protect outdoor recreation access on public lands
Jeep Clubs worldwide are joining in with picnics, trail runs, trail clean-ups and social events. Last year 45
Jeep clubs, including five international clubs, participated in the celebration. This year, AllthingsJeep.
com is hoping to double that number as Jeep Clubs worldwide have already planned dozens of events.
To find a local event in your area or host your own, you can view the list of Go Topless Day 2010
participating Jeep Clubs and Organizations here.
In Lancaster, Massachusetts, AllThingsJeep.com will host the 3rd annual flagship event on May 8, 2010
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with RTI ramps, an off-road obstacle course, food, music and games for all. “Go
Topless Day brings people together for a day of pure fun. It’s a great way to enjoy the day with friends
and make new ones,” says, Jean Wnuk, owner of All Things Jeep.

In addition to the worldwide festivities, AllThingsJeep.com will host an online photo contest
encouraging participants to submit their best “go topless” photo moments. The five winning photos will
earn the photographer a gift certificate and merchandise from the AllThingsJeep.com store.

APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Utah’s Crawlfest of the Southwest
Red rocks, rigs, and rim trails
By Del Albright
Photos by Stacie Albright

January 29-31, 2010: Southwest Crawlfest by
the Rockaholics Anonymous Club out of St.
George, UT offered something for everyone,
from SUV to bad-to-the-bone buggies. About
320 registered vehicles jumped in on this crawl,
and spread out over 11 different trails mostly in
the Sand Hollow State Park and some adjoining
BLM land.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
The activities began Friday morning with last
minute signups, trail lineups and a driver’s
safety briefing. Participants were instructed to
follow the rules and pack out all trash – even
that of less respectful folks. Stac and I did the
Faultline Trail on day 1, and followed a long but
fast-paced group of adventures out into the
high desert. I was astounded at what we saw.

Dedicated to land use and charity donations,
as well as trail cleanups, this event ranks high on
our list of “must-do” activities. According to
organizer Steve Crabtree, “We’re up from about
200 rigs last year to over 300 this time,” said
Steve, “and we’re seeing signs that we need to
grow even larger next year.” He added that they
hope to offer another 5 or 6 trails for 2011 as
well.
This southwestern portion of Utah actually
rivals Moab in some ways. According to vendor
Eric Lichtbach from Olmpic4x4 Products, “the
scenery was incredible; the obstacles
formidable; and the views in and out of the red
rock domes were just plain breath-taking.”
On day 2 we did a couple trails, including
portions of East Rim and Milt’s Mile, plus a
couple stops to watch folks play on the

Renegade Trail. We ended up back in town
in time to staff our BlueRibbon booth and
mix with the other vendors and participants.
Steve Crabtree wrapped up the event by
saying, “I’m extremely pleased with our
event this year, and next year is going to be
even bigger. We plan to showcase a lot of
great vendors with more activities and fun
stuff for everyone, along with adding more
trails.”
Learn more and signup at www.
southwestcrawlfest.com or contact Steve at
steve@optimumgear.com, 435-217-4516.
2nd Annual Overland
Expo to be Held in
Arizona on April 16 – 18
Thousands of overlanding enthusiasts from all
over the world will convene on southern Arizona
April 16 - 18, 2010, for the second annual Overland
Expo.
Overland Expo is a three-day weekend designed
to educate and inspire people to get out and
explore their world. The weekend features more
than 35 different classes, workshops, and
roundtable programs for adventure motorcycle
and four-wheel-drive; a large exhibitor exposition
(65+ exhibitors); and evening inspirational
programs.
In 2010, the Expo is hosting the first annual Austin
Vince Adventure Travel Film Festival. Austin is an
energetic Brit who has, with his mates, ridden
Suzuki DR350s around the world - twice (and was
the inspiration for the famous Long Way Down and
Around rides).
Other VIPs include:
• Harold Stephens (set the world record round
the world distance by Toyota Land Cruiser in
1967);
• four Camel Trophy competitors and instructors,
including Tom Collins, Bob Ives, and Duncan
Barbour;
• Ted Simon (Jupiter’s Travels);
APRIL/MAY • 2010
• Lois Pryce (Lois on the Loose);
• Ara Gugherian (Oasis of My Soul - one of the
most popular moto blogs out there, with 1.4
million visitors and counting); and many others.
Several major new overland products will be
debuted at this year’s Overland Expo.
To learn more about the upcoming Overland
Expo, please visit their website at
http://www.ovexpo.com
 Jeep® Brand Broadens Vehicle Lineup
with Three New Models
The Jeep® brand is broadening its vehicle lineup with the introduction of three new rugged, versatile and
innovative vehicles that deliver classic Jeep design and capability.
The new 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade boasts a new premium, rugged appearance with standard class-
leading capability features, while the Jeep Wrangler lineup is expanded with unique limited-edition
models – Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain – that deliver high-impact visual appeal
with outdoor fun-and-freedom themes.
“While clearly appealing to our core customers,
these three new Jeep models will attract new
customers to the Jeep dealer showroom,” said
Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand,
Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Liberty Renegade
delivers renowned Jeep capability and an array of
standard features in a stunning new rugged,
premium design, while both Wrangler models
expand the iconic anchor of the Jeep brand with
unique, limited-edition versions that consumers
have told us they want.”
The new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep
APRIL/MAY • 2010

Wrangler Islander edition will be available in Jeep

showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The Jeep
Wrangler Mountain edition will follow in the
second quarter.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Jeep Jamboree U.S.A. 2010
Trip Schedule
Jeep Jamboree USA has announced their latest trip schedule for the 2010 JJUSA season. The
schedule is packed with a number of repeat adventure weekends and a new Jamboree in the
Badlands of Indiana. In addition, JJUSA is broadening some of its Jamboree packages to make it
more affordable for individuals and families to attend. A special family pack has been added which
includes a discount for a family of four, as well as a “Trails-Only” option that is focused on the trail
portion of specific Jamborees and does not include meals, etc.
Check out the 2010 schedule below and visit www.jeepjamboreeusa.com for more information.
6th Texas Spur Spring 2nd Cullman Alabama 14th Rubicon Trail 4th Borrego Springs
Llano, Texas Cullman, Alabama The Rubicon Trail, Borrego Springs,
Mar 25-Mar 27 May 27-May 29 California California
Oct 14-Oct 16
6th Tennessee 19th Canyon de Chelly Aug 12-Aug 15
Mountains Chinle, Arizona 17th Gateway to the
2nd Big Horn
Oak Ridge, Tennessee Jun 03-Jun 05 Cumberlands
Mountains
Apr 22-Apr 24 Williamsburg, Kentucky
1st Badlands (NEW!) Dayton, Wyoming
Oct 21-Oct 23
17th Cajun Attica, Indiana Aug 26-Aug 28
St. Francisville, Louisiana Jun 10-Jun 12 12th Moab
4th Texas Spur Fall
Apr 22-Apr 24 Moab, Utah
18th Drummond Island Llano, Texas
Oct 21-Oct 23
20th Arch Canyon Drummond Island, Sep 16-Sep 18
San Juan County, Utah Michigan 21st Ouachita
23rd Ouray
Apr 29-May 01 Jun 17-Jun 19 Hot Springs, Arkansas
Ouray, Colorado
Oct 28-Oct 30
13th Land Between The 13th Penn’s Woods Sep 16-Sep 18
Lakes Bradford, Pennsylvania
13th Catskill Mountains
Marshall County, Jun 17-Jun 19
Monticello, New York
Kentucky
6th Snowshoe Sep 23-Sep 25
Apr 29-May 01
APRIL/MAY • 2010

Mountain
18th Black Hills
17th Pine Barrens Snowshoe, West Virginia
Deadwood, South Dakota
Hammonton, New Jersey
Jul 08-Jul 10 Sep 23-Sep 25
May 06-May 08
4th Killington 21st Maine Mountains
18th Big Bear
Killington, Vermont Bethel, Maine
Big Bear Lake, California
Jul 15-Jul 17
May 13-May 15 Sep 30-Oct 02
15th Northwoods -
22nd Palo Duro 21st French Lick
Mole Lake
Amarillo, Texas French Lick, Indiana
Crandon, Wisconsin
May 13-May 15 Oct 07-Oct 09
Jul 15-Jul 17
North Face Out In
Theaters Now
Based on a true story, “North Face” is the
gripping adventure drama about the
competition to climb the Eiger, the most
legendary and dangerous rock face in the Alps.
In 1936, as Nazi propaganda urges German
Alpinists to conquer the unclimbed north face of
the Swiss massif, two reluctant climbers, Toni
Kurz (Benno Fürmann) and Andi Hinterstoisser
(Florian Lukas), begin their daring ascent and
attempt to scale the infamous rock face, often
called the Murder Wall.
While preparing themselves at the foot of the
North Face, Toni and Andi unexpectedly run into
Luise (Johanna Wokalek), the early love of Toni.
Now a journalist, she has come with her editor,
Arau, a loyal Nazi, to report about the first ascent.
Toni begins the climb of the North Face with Andi, closely followed by two Austrian daredevils,
Willy Angerer (Simon Schwarz) and Edi Rainer (Georg Friedrich). Initially, both rope teams make
good headway but when the climbers lose their advantage over the mountain, the survival race
against time and the forces of nature
begins.
Additional information can be found
at www.northfacethemovie.com

APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Top Adventure
avelers
New Options For Adventure Tr
ir next challenge received a
Adventure travelers looking for the
ir “Bucket Lists” recently. First it
couple of new options to add to the
ance trail would open in South
was announced that a new long dist
for 745 miles and require 48
Africa, which could eventually stretch
ia has opened up a previously
days to hike. Not to be outdone, Ind
ch will offer mountaineers
restricted section of the Himalaya, whi
kers new trails to explore.
mover 100 new peaks to bag and trek
pot.com /2009/12/new-long-
(http://theadventureblog.blogs
distance-trek-to-open-in.html)
pot.com /2010/01/new-trekking-
(http://theadventureblog.blogs
)
climbing-options-in-india.html
German Woman Completes Solo
Paddle Around Australia
45-year old Freya Hoffmeister completed an epic, long
distance kayaking expedition that saw her circumnavigate
the entire continent of Australia. The journey took 332 days
to complete, a new record, and covered more than 9400
miles in the process. Freya is just the second person to
accomplish this feat

(http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/
freya-hoffmeister-completes-paddle.html)

Antarctic Explorers Make First

Unassisted
APRIL/MAY • 2010

Traverse
American Ryan Waters and Norweg
ian Cecilie Skog became the first
team to make an unassisted and uns
upported traverse of Antarctica,
skiing 1117 miles over 70 days, beginn
ing at Berkner Island and finishing
on the Ross Sea Shelf. They earned
the “unassisted” moniker by travelin
g
completely under their own power,
and the “unsupported” tag for making
the journey without receiving a resu
pply along the way.
(http://theadventureblog.blogs
pot.com /2010/01/antarctica-20
09-
ryan-and-cecilie-are.html)
 covered In The
Lost Civilization Dis
Amazon
nerally seen
ion of the Amazon is ge
The continued deforestat
a startling
it has recently revealed
as a very bad thing, but
ancient
known, and widespread
discovery, a previously un ery has
on that flourished in the jungle. Satellite imag
civilizati
d out over 155
n made structures sprea
found more than 200 ma
ains a mystery for now.
miles. Who built them rem
/01/lost-
log.blogspot.com /2010
(http://theadventureb
amazon.html)
civ ilizat ion-found-in-

Celebrity Climbers Summit Kilimanjaro

In early January, musician Kenna led a team of celebrity
climbers to the summit of the tallest peak in Africa, Mt.
Kilimanjaro. The group included rapper Lupe Fiasco, actors
Jessica Biel and Emilie Hirsch, adventure photographer Jimmy
Chin, amongst others. The climb was organized to raise
awareness of the growing global clean drinking water crisis
that many developing countries are facing today.

(http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/summit-
on-summit-they-did-it.html)

APRIL/MAY • 2010

To follow all the excitement currently going on throughout the world in the adventure
realm, please visit the latest addition to the JPFreek Adventure Magazine team by visiting
The Adventure Blog at:
http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/
 A Modern Day War Wagon!
By Mike Fissel

What do the words War Wagon bring to your mind? For John
Wayne fans it will no doubt be the 1967 movie by the same name.
When I snapped this “spy picture” (I have always wanted to say
that) of this military JK Rubicon Unlimited, the first thing that came to my mind was, “The War
Wagon!”
The longer wheelbase model with a turret looking thing on top is just like the longer wheelbase
model with the round turret in the John Wayne movie. Notice the hinge at the rear. A very cool
Rubicon model for sure and not alone in the world as there are at least two of these, let’s call them
twins, running around Cochise County in Arizona.
These modern day “war wagons” were spotted near Fort Huachuca in Southern Arizona. Fort
Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and the U.S. Army Network Enterprise
Technology Command. It is also the headquarters for Army Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS)
and the Joint Interoperability Test Command  and the Electronic Proving Ground. Its adjacent
airfield, Libby Field, is one of the designated landing locations for the space shuttle.
Fort Huachuca was declared a national landmark in 1976 and the site of the original 1800s fort is
still there and fairly well preserved.
Now that we have some of the where’s out of the way, one can only imagine what this modern
day War Wagon’s purpose is and what futuristic technology lies within. Imaginations can wander
considering some of the other sights that one can see on any given day driving on SR 90 along the
forts eastern border. From huge balloons that hover during the day that reportedly contain lots of
hi-tech surveillance goodies, to satellite communications equipment draped with camo netting
and Predator Drones that take off and land at Libby Field, the War Wagon is just another sound and
sight that show freedom is job one at Ft Huachuca.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Now
Even
Mappier!

APRIL/MAY • 2010

Find everything Offroad

www.offroadatlas.com
 Because the shirt
you’re wearing
is ugly.

Introducing the JPFreek Apparel Line

Now available through Allthingsjeep.com
Available in long and short sleeve, men’s and women’s sizes in a variety of colors
 ou gh Th e
Thr f Tim e:
San ds o
t i o n 2 0 0 9
Ecospedi
In the Spring of 2009, we decided to organize an
expedition in true “Go Anywhere, Do Anything”
Jeep-style, intending to demonstrate how this
adagio still holds in our modern society and to
show that there are still places on this earth
where you need a true 4x4 to get to. Special care
is taken to do this with a lot of respect for nature
and local people, and the Ecospedition 2009
reflected this.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
By Hendrik
de Backer
Photos by G
errit Seys
The goal of the expedition was the Akakus
mountain range in Libya, a country of which
we mostly know rather dark stories of it’s
political leaders and is only slowly coming out
of its international isolation. Our recon-
missions, however, had shown us that the
Libyans are very hospitable and that the
landscapes are breathtaking.

The expedition was organized by Gerrit Seys,
President of Jeepclub Belgium, who is an
experienced chief-instructor of the Jeep
Academy school and an experienced world
traveler. It was composed of ten Jeep Wranglers,
two Unimog 4x4 trucks, and one organization
MAN expedition truck. Six JKs were manned with
Jeep Academy instructors and were driven
overland to Sheba, Libya for a plane-group of
winners of a Chrysler sales incentive and contest
called “Jeep Eco Challenge.”
On 30/10/2009 the Group took the ferry in
Genova, Italy after a 1.100 kilometer drive from
APRIL/MAY • 2010
Belgium. Unfortunately, the ferry had a twenty
hour delay because of bad weather so it was off
to a hotel and a real Italian pizza. On Sunday, we
boarded the ship and after a calm crossing, we
reached Tunis, Tunisia, where we easily crossed
the checks at the border patrol. A quick lunch
and a diesel fill-up, and it was off to Gabes in the
south. The next day brought us closer to Libya,
through Ben Guerdane and Ras el Jir. The more
we reached the south, the more the skies got
 dark and by the time we reached Ben Guerdane, the From here on, we followed an oil pipe line running
streets and border crossings were flooded by heavy next to the track until it disappeared and went
rains. We decided to organize a camp on the beach underground in the sand-sea…but not without
of Zuara. making a victim: a MAN tire was punctured by a
The next day, on our route to Nalut, we stopped to piece of scrap metal from the installation, and the
visit a few Gorfa’s. These are ancient fortified food 120 kilogram tire needed to be replaced in the
storage compounds of the Touareg, which were desert.
guarded by the elder warriors of the group while Just in time to replenish our water, food, and fuel
the younger ones herded the flocks in the region. supplies, we reached civilization again the next day
The next stop was Ghadames, the former capital to pick up the plane group who had just arrived.
of the Touareg people. The city is fully enclosed Well, at least five people from the group arrived as
within its protective walls and consists of four the Tripoli – Sheba flight was overbooked and the
separate familial tribes which are separated from rest of the crew would have to arrive the next day
each other by sundown by means of four big gates … maybe. Inch Allah, so is said to us. Luckily, on
that are closed in the city. The whole city is also Sunday morning, everyone arrived safe and sound,
equipped with a very ingenious canal-based and we were welcomed by Mohammed and his
irrigation system. These remarkable features, its team who would guide us through the Akakus
location, and its history made Ghadames a Unesco mountain range. Mohammed would be our very
World Heritage site. experienced desert guide, and he brought a crew of
Touareg cooks from Niger. These wizards succeeded
Leaving Ghadames, we headed to cross the
in creating superb meals every day with just a
Uwbari sand sea towards Sheba. More than 800
minimal amount of supplies in the middle of the
kilometers of desert tracks awaited us without a
desert. Most of us still think back with great joy to
single refueling point. The chosen route runs
the big flat breads, freshly baked in ashes and
parallel with the sand sea, offering ever changing
desert sand.
views of desert dunes and giving us a mix of sandy
and more rocky driving tracks. In the evening, we Then it was off to the Murzuck Sand Sea towards
built a camp in a magnificent oued to reach the the Algerian-Nigerian border, leading us through
edge of the plateau we had been driving on since the Wadi Barjuj and the Wadi Matkandush which
Nalut. The views on the great dunes were boasts some of the oldest and most preserved rock
breathtaking! carvings from prehistoric times. Recent heavy rains,
the first in ten years, have flooded the area and
make drawings of crocodile, rhino, and giraffe a bit
APRIL/MAY • 2010

more plausible but in the old days, this Wadi must

have been lush and green with a real river in the
savannah before it became a desert. We followed
the Wadi Matkandush, which is so muddy that the
trucks needed to take a large bypass to get to the
camp in the Murzuck dunes in order not to get
completely stuck in the mud. That evening, with the
Murzuck dunes in our views, we enjoyed a meal
around the campfire with great views of the sky full
of stars: “This is it! This is why we drove that whole
distance!”
After a superb sunrise and an invigorating
breakfast, we left the Murzuck Sand Sea and
headed southward, crossing the Wadi Matkandush
in order to reach the access gate to the Akakus. We
aired out tires down, repeated the safety rules, took
a deep breath, and went for a series of up and
down games in the dunes which separated us from
the Akakus. Thanks to Mohammed our guide, we
easily found this well hidden entrance to Akakus.
With only a few minor issues due to bad steering, all
Wranglers and trucks made it. The scenery was
breathtaking: dark pillars of rock seem to have been
planted in sand. The Ouan Kasa valley served us as
a new camping site where the sun drew a
spectacular light game on the rocks next to us.
The next two days were simply breathtaking while
we drove across the bottom of the valley, visiting a
lot of the rock paintings in this area. It is easy to
understand why this region, with the highest
concentration of rock paintings, is actively
protected by the local authorities and has been
promoted to Unesco World Heritage item. The
ultimate reward was the group pictures we took
under the “Arch,” a spectacular phenomenon
created by millions of years of erosion by wind and
sand. That evening, we even camped near the
“Elephant Arch” which is a bit smaller, but in which
one can find the head, legs, and trunk of an
elephant.
Our next waypoint took us south and although the
passage to Ghat is open, the track would take us
through Algerian no-man’s-land and our guides
APRIL/MAY • 2010
found this too risky so we took an eastbound route
towards Serdeles, which we reached the next day.
However, it is only after 860 kilometers that we
reached the first signs of civilization and a petrol
pump. Too bad it had only petrol, so our CRD
Wranglers were left in the cold and as the petrol
burning TJs wanted to fill up, the station ran out of
lead-free fuel. This created a bit of an anxiety so we
had two options: send one of the trucks back to
Ghat to get fuel (400 km. detour), or take the

gamble and use the last petrol we had to get North
towards Tekerkiba, hoping to find petrol in Uwbari
or Garama.
We decided to choose the second option but
unfortunately the Uwbari pump was empty so we
drove in extreme ECO-mode to Tekerkiba. By
sundown we had reached Tekerkiba but alas, no
petrol here either. We then decided to stop and set
up a camp and as the MAN truck was low on fuel
too, the Unimog was sent out with all our jerry cans
in the booth to go and find fuel. Finally, after one
hour, the reassuring phone call came in: “We’ve got
fuel!” The MAN truck took off towards the pump at
At Tanhama and after 1080 total kilometers of track,
we found our much needed diesel. With a giant
sigh of relief, we filled everything up and after
transferring 3000 liters of fuel, we went back to
Tekerkiba.
A night of rest, a shower, and a fill up were all we
needed the next day to take off for the Mandara
lakes. However, the only passage we had to get
APRIL/MAY • 2010
the truck drivers and passengers became quad and
Jeep drivers and passengers that day. Amidst an
enormous sea of sand are about ten volcanic lakes
surrounded by a patch of palm trees. The weather
was warm and the water very salty, so we all had a
great rest floating in the lakes. This was an
experience never to forget, but it book both man
and machine to get there. Luckily, the Wranglers did
a great job!
Unfortunately, this highlight also marked the end
of the trip for our group of plane passengers who
would return for Sheba Airport the next day. The
Overland team decided to take an additional detour
towards the Oum El Ma lakes, which are situated to
the east. We also visited the ancient Roman site of
Sabratha , one of the best preserved Roman sites
along the Roman coastal road from Carthago in
Tunesia to Cairo in Egypt.
After a last fill-up in Zuara (0.08 euro for 1 liter of
diesel and 0.1 euro for petrol) we prepared to cross
the border. Thanks to the excellent help and
preparation of all our paperwork by Mansour of the
AANIA agency, this went very smoothly. A last stop
in Sousse, and we were off to take the ferry in Tunis
back to Genova and Brussels.
The Jeep Ecospedition was driven with ten
Wranglers (six JK Unlimited CRD Rubicon auto plus
two JK Unlimited CRD 6-speed manual and two
Wranglers TJs). All cars were stock with only

through a gallery of dunes was only 10 meters wide.

We had no problems with the Jeeps but the trucks
found it impossible, even with the lowest possible
tire pressures, to conquer the soft sand. There was
just no way we could get them through so we had
to abort this section for our trucks, who returned to
the camping site.
As staying behind at the camping site is not an
option because of the beauty of the Mandara lakes,
additional protection with MOPAR skid plates. We
had prepared all cars to have similar tires and
wheels for easy assistance, and every Jeep was
equipped with camping gear for the crew, personal
luggage, four Jerry cans of diesel, and one Jerry can
of water.
The MAN TGM expedition truck carried the
following spare parts: four shock absorbers, a
steering stabilizer, all filters, water hoses, turbo
hoses, fuses, sensors, and all fluids. Apart from all
the usual tools and tire repair kits, we also took a
Star scanner to help detect any problems. The only
issue we encountered was a burned fuse of fuel Better Maps.
injection pump on a Rubicon Wrangler, and two Bigger Display.
start malfunctions because of fuses that came loose
driving on the washboard tracks. We had two flat
Simpler to Use.
tires which we repaired easily, and one ripped tire
that was lost.
In all, the total distance of 8.000 kilometers with
ten Jeeps did very well, and the Wrangler really
deserves its place in the Overland Vehicle Hall of
Fame.
Finally, a big bravo to the Jeepclub.be team that
took everyone through the desert, and who guided
our guests with no previous desert experience
through this difficult expedition. The expedition
was a myriad of spectacle and beauty, and we can’t
wait to visit this historical and challenging terrain
once again someday.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

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RIDE FREE By Ben Nance

The dictionary uses an interesting phrase to define freeriding:

“The original concept of freeriding was that there was no set course, goals, or rules to abide by.”

This simple phrase can encompass the entire season of rides that took place in a location that has
been dubbed “Area 52.” Not a place that one would happen across, a strange sequence of events
led to our discovery of this off-road gem. Between local oil exploration and my work in wilderness
rescue, I happened across the landscape and knew it was a special place. The nearby plains
suddenly sink into a large series of sandstone swells and valleys. Sage brush gives way to sandy
estuaries, cliff bands, and unearthly rock formations. Knife-edge ridges separate valley walls that
give way to impossibly steep sandstone slopes that average thirty to fifty degrees. I can only
imagine that a waterless sea would look much the same. Hazard and I stood atop the ridge
pointing out features, adjusting helmets, and straddling our mountain bikes. These forty-five
APRIL/MAY • 2010
pound beasts were built for the sole purpose of Winter trips into
riding what was previously not able to be the lower valley
ridden. We were in search of a route down the often yield firmer
sandstone slopes to the valley floor, located one sand and easier
thousand feet below. All we needed was the travel. Without fail,
lone offshoot that snuck through the cliffs and the best lines are
impossibly-steep slopes. We knew our line was found in the
hiding somewhere amongst these rocks; we winter when they
could hear it taunting us for months. cannot be ridden.
The valley bottom is a series of sandy washes
that are accessible only through a network of
unmarked oil exploration roads. Our hopes
were that we could get a better view of possible
routes from the valley floor. Armed with
enough gear to support a small army, we
loaded the Jeep and headed into the sand. The
diesel chugged up and down sandy washes
without a complaint. Sometimes it would
almost seem as though the Jeep was as curious
as we were – anticipating what lie around that
next corner. However, once we hit a dead end Each warm spell mandates a return visit with
the Jeep would seemingly become discouraged, our two-wheeled friends. This system of “roads”
turn around, and promptly bury itself in the that we explore is a once-graded two-track that
sand. The Liberty has turned out to be quite the the Department of Transportation must be
companion in the backcountry despite an blissfully ignorant of. It travels down a valley
occasional tantrum. wall and lands abruptly in a maze of sandy

APRIL/MAY • 2010
 washes. Each branching valley has a narrow before riding off the eighty foot cliff that blocks
passage of sand that erupts into purple, gray, further progress. The next twenty minutes were
and brown rocks that form the valley walls. filled with my pulse thumping in my head as I
Some of these valleys are home to small oil pushed, carried, and heaved the bike back up
wells and their endless thumping and hissing. the steep sand. The nature of the area dictated
Interestingly enough, according to tight-lipped that entire days were committed to a handful of
archeologists, one of these valley walls is home attempts at these lines. A punishing hike up the
to an ancient carved staircase that descends to a hill with desert heat, forty-five pound bikes,
cliff band hundreds of feet above the valley mandatory body armor, and loose sandstone
floor. It was once the end of a ceremonial forty was rewarded with a ten second free fall.
mile overland hike made by prehistoric
inhabitants. They would carry large clay pots
along an ancient road that ended atop the
staircase. The pots would then be thrown over
the cliff for reasons we still don’t know. One
day I would love to find this site, but
archeologists are quite the secretive bunch.
The riding in the area was far from fruitless;
Hazard and I have discovered many smaller
lines that permeate the upper half of the
valley. Obstacles such as the Notch, Sand
Chute, and the Ski Jump simply do not exist
outside of this place. I sat atop “The Notch,”
squeezed the brake levers, adjusted goggles,
and took the mandatory deep breaths. Ten
feet in front of me sat a cliff that seemingly
dropped into nothing. Brakes were unlocked,
feet touched pedals, and the bike rolled down
the fall line. After a brief second I unweighted
the front wheel and dropped eight feet
through the air into a forty degree chute of After six tiring hours, we had amassed five
sand. Sand sprayed across my goggles as I “runs,” three crashes, and two endless grins. It
APRIL/MAY • 2010

landed and brakes became useless for anything
other than injury. Speeding ahead was a
sandstone channel roughly forty-eight inches
wide enclosed by forty foot stone walls. This
channel turned twice and narrowed drastically;
a crash here is something that is not considered
an option. I turned left around the first, right
around the second, and felt both pedals scrape
the rock through the narrow exit. I finally got to
breathe a sigh of relief and was sure to stop
was time to call it a day and fire up the grill. As
the sun set on the distant western horizon, the
valley glistened in an array of purples and
oranges. With legs sore and stomachs full, we
loaded the bikes onto the Jeep and listened to
the tires hiss through the sand. Before airing up
the tires and returning to civilized roads
(dreaded pavement), we reflected on a day of
genuine modern rarity: truly riding free.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 This land is your land.
Join N.O.R.A. today
and help keep it that way.

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 California Dreamin’
By Diane Zalman
The Jeepers’ Credo; if you’re into Jeeps you’ve
heard it, and most likely witnessed it on the trail –
No Man Left Behind. I know this code of ethics is
alive and well here in Arizona and on my recent trip
to The Rubicon Trail, I discovered that the
brotherhood of Jeepers is international.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
This was George and my second time leading The
Rubicon, this time with our club OffroadPassport.
com. From Phoenix we towed to Tahoe, left our
tow-rig, and drove Number 7, our TJ, to
Georgetown. The scenery along I-50 sparked our
excitement as granite and a roaring waterfall on the
mountainside emerged. George noticed our front
OX cable pinched between the spring and knuckle
on our drive from Phoenix. He borrowed a crowbar
but it wouldn’t budge. I said, “Let’s disconnect the
sway-bar, drive up a rock so the spring dangles, and
get it out.” “Okay, smarty, show me the rock,” he
said. So we circled Georgetown looking for one and
guess what we found? A ballpark surrounded by
them to prevent parking on the grass. My plan had
worked!
We checked into the Hilltop Motel and hung out
alone until our first member, Sam, eventually
arrived. While we grilled some hamburgers, a 4x4
club from Canada entered. They drove Jeeps, a
Suzuki Sidekick, and a Nissan X-terra. We saw them
several times during our trek with one encounter
which epitomized the Jeepers Credo and why I
mention ‘The Herd of Turtles’ here.
The next morning George was outside drinking
coffee. A shaft of sunlight through the pine trees
illuminated one of Number 7’s control-arm mounts
like a flashlight beam, compelling him to take a
look. It was cracked! “I would’ve never noticed, like
it was a message from God!” he later exclaimed.
Crossing the Rubicon with cracked anything is risky,
so we sought a welder and stumbled upon one
next-door to the motel. The repair was inexpensive
and within 45 minutes, we were on the road. We left
Georgetown to meet Jack and Alice at Stumpy
Meadows Lake, and headed east.
We all hooked up and within the hour arrived at
the trailhead to Wentworth Springs, the ‘traditional’
route (some books and trip-reports describe the
trailhead as ‘The Gatekeeper’ at Loon Lake). We ate
lunch at Wentworth Springs Campground before
tackling the Post Pile, which was over-crowded.
We’d caught-up to our Canadian friends who were
repairing a valve-stem, and some rigs from
Sacramento were waiting up top so we by-passed
the mess. The Post Pile adjoins The Granite Bowl
where we split off toward Loon Lake.
We crossed the granite following the trail marked
by reflectors which adhered to rock; difficult to
locate occasionally but generally not too obscure.
We then came upon the Gatekeeper, aptly named
due to challenging boulders. We ran it backwards
and arrived at our Loon Lake Campground group-
site late in the afternoon. When our rig-count was
at eight, we reserved it and although we were down
to three vehicles, the campsite rocked. Lots of space
and we had the bathroom and water-spigot to
ourselves. We took super quick dips in the ice-cold
lake before dinner.
One advantage of entering through Wentworth
and camping at Loon is you re-cross the Gatekeeper
to get back on the trail, so I got to drive it for my
first time Tuesday morning while George spotted
our guys. My practicing paid off as I didn’t get stuck
once. George drove from Ellis Creek to the Little
Sluice, but then he had to spot again. So I drove the
next section solo, and really impressed myself. I
picked good lines and muscled through challenging
obstacles alone. Poor George couldn’t get a break!
Though no longer needed for spotting, he walked
ahead, navigating on the slabs that by-pass True
Sluice. There are no reflectors so route-finding
became confusing, and he wanted to ensure we
took negotiable lines. So George basically walked
from the True Sluice to Buck Island Lake.
A couple we met on the trail recommended a
campsite at Buck Island next to the spillway. Along
the way, another party passed us and we got
nervous they’d take the camp spot but we then saw
them at The Mechanics Area, a well-known
campsite further up the way. We were lucky nobody
had claimed the sought-after spot, maybe because
there’s only space for a few rigs, but it was perfect…
the pristine lake was mere steps away! The
Canadians were at Buck when we arrived. We
stopped to give them the overalls they’d lost that
we found alongside the trail when Tom asked if we
had a spare pitman-arm. Apparently his had broken.
“As a matter of fact we do,” said George.
“Give us a minute to unpack and come over.” They
APRIL/MAY • 2010
arrived bearing gifts with a beer in each hand. Two
of their guys were in Reno, on their way back to
Rubicon Springs with a new pitman-arm, so we
loaned ours to Tom with plans to meet there the
next afternoon.
The next day’s excitement began as soon as
we left Buck. Less than three miles to Rubicon
Springs, it’s the longest three miles you’ll ever
travel! The roughest portion of the trail includes
 The Big Sluice, where the boulders are the size
of Jeeps and for which there is no by-pass. We
left Buck at 9am and arrived at Rubicon Springs
at 2pm. As we maneuvered through, we heard
over the CB radio that someone had found a
fresh U-Joint cap so we checked our rigs. As it
turned out, the announcement was from the
Canadians who’d reached The Big Sluice right
behind us, and the owner of the broken U-Joint
was our Jack. He didn’t have a spare, and
George’s spares wouldn’t fit Jeep-Rubicon axles.
Amazingly, the Canadians had a spare U-Joint
and a mechanic. But as he worked on Jack’s
Jeep, he discovered the U-Joint cap had
reamed-out of the hole of the stubby-shaft ear.
To merely replace it guaranteed repeated
failure. “Uh-oh, we’re stuck here,” I thought.
Then the mechanic said, “I’ve got a
spare axle-shaft I’ll sell for $250 INSTALLED.” A
smoking deal which Jack happily accepted.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
Thirty minutes later we were rolling. I was elated
and in awe: strongly evident on The Rubicon,
and apparently an international brotherhood,
The Jeepers’ Credo lives!
On down The Big Sluice, we got to Rubicon
Springs at mid-afternoon and located the
Canadians by the river. The guys were back from
Reno but the new pitman-arm didn’t work.
Reluctant to be spare-less, we knew the worst
was behind us and coupled with gratitude, we
sold the new pitman arm. We camped next to
the river with Sam, Jack, and Alice under trees
on sand, and George and I nearby on granite. It
was an awesome campsite! The river was warm,
and we went for a long swim.
On Thursday we left for Tahoe. We
photographed Syd’s Grave at the bottom of
Cadillac Hill (a Jeepers Jamboree pioneer
honored there). The proximity of the graveyard
to the renowned obstacle increased our
mounting anxiety. It’s steep, rocky, tippy, wet,
slippery, narrow, and on a cliff; all your favorites
in one. We reached Observation Point,
overlooking the forest we had traversed which
was our reward. I was grateful to be standing
here rather than at the bottom of the Big Sluice,
thanks to the Jeepers’ Credo: No Man Left
Behind.
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 Industry Interviews
Interview with
Martyn Davies
JPF: How did Adventure Trailers come
to be, and what separates a company
like AT from its peers in the off-highway
and overland market?
AT: Martyn: In 2001 I’d just returned to the USA
after living in South Africa and I had this
hairbrained idea that off-road trailers might sell
well over here. There was a guy I’d been
e-mailing here in the States who had some
similar thoughts, he turned out to be Mario. The
company formed based on our enthusiasm and
lack of business skills J
When we formed the company, “Overlanding”
was in its infancy here in the USA. We basically
APRIL/MAY • 2010
had to create the market we were selling to. We
started out selling products that were made
overseas, and then started to manufacture here
in the USA. When you produce close to home
you have the ability to control “quality control”
and materials, as well as quickly modify designs.
We are very proud of what we make, and the
fact it’s made in the USA.
JPF: Last year, the downturn in the
economy affected just about
everybody and many companies
didn’t survive the contracting spending habits
of consumers.
How has the diversification of products offered by
AT (i.e. Tear Drop trailer, AT drawers, etc) helped
the company weather the storm, and how have
these new products helped solidify AT’s market
share as a compliment to its core product line?
AT: Martyn: For the past five years AT has never
had a trailer unsold by the time it reaches the
production line. Our main attention was
focused on production. We had new design
ideas but no time to develop and prototype
them.
With the slow down in the economy we
suddenly had an abundance of time. We did
what few other companies in a recession do: we
developed new product. From December to
April we came out with the AT Teardrop Trailer,
Composite Drawer Systems, the AT FlipPac, and
an aluminum can holder. We worked with a
local company to develop the Max Coupler, and
expanded our line to include items like military JPF: How does the new JK Topper
grade foldable solar panels, Front Runner roof compare, in terms of benefit and cost, to
racks, and National Luna electrical products. The a traditional roof rack & roof top tent
setup?
expansion and diversification continues with
our Vehicle Conversions. Our customers can
AT: Martyn: A good roof rack and roof top tent
now find way more than just trailers on our
would cost you in the region of $3000.00. The JK
website, and we can now furnish everything you
Topper is going to be in the $4400.00 range.
need to Overland, including working on
vehicles. We are more of a one-stop shop now. The roof top tent rack set up sits apart from the
vehicle as an accessory. The JK Topper is a fully
From a business viewpoint we have managed
integrated unit.
to even out some of the huge cash flow swings
we had when we focused on trailers. Cash flow Access to the topper will be from inside the
really is king for smaller businesses. vehicle, as opposed to a roof top tent where
access is via an external ladder. The area in the
JPF: One of the new products AT has
rear of the JK can be custom fitted with storage
recently announced is the JK Topper,
fittings either by our Vehicle Conversion
a camper-style top that incorporates
Department, or the DIY enthusiast.
a retractable tent system on the JK Wrangler.
How does this system work, and how do you You’ll be able to stand upright in the back of
foresee it impacting the ever-growing overland the JK, with the tent extending from the rear
market? door all the way forward to the front bumper.
That’s something like a 12-foot long tent.
AT: Martyn: The JK Topper is a direct
A tent and roof rack is going to sit at least 18
replacement for the factory hard top. It attaches
inches above the roofline of the vehicle and
to the JK using factory hardware, uses the
cause increased drag resulting in lower mpg.
factory rear glass and wiper, and has a single
With the topper the roofline is only increased by
window at the back on the passenger side.
6 inches.
The lid rotates open out over the hood as it
rotates a tent the full length of the vehicle
deploys. There is a bed built
into the topper and you
sleep above the hood
area. It’s very slick, quick
APRIL/MAY • 2010

to deploy, and folds

away in a minute. The
finished top is only six
inches higher than that
of the stock top. It’s a
fully integrated unit.
 The quality of the canvas being used for the JK
Topper is on par with the material used to make
Eezi Awn tents. We‘ll be using an Australian
made canvas that’s breathable, highly water
resistant, and will compress into a small space.
The canvas meets California fire resistant
standards.
The topper is going to look like a slightly
higher stock factory roof when folded away.
Essentially, a stealth overland vehicle.
JPF: Are there any plans to consider a
Topper, or comparable-type product, for which is wonderful.
other Jeep vehicle platforms such as the
TJ and/or LJ?
AT: Martyn: Once we get production squared
away for the JK we’ll start looking at other
models.
JPF: For those who are interested in the
JK Topper and other AT products, what’s
the best way to contact AT?
AT: Martyn: We have a toll free phone number,
877-661-8097. We update the message every
day and encourage people to leave us a
message if no one answers the phone. Both
Mario and I work in the office and the shop,
building trailers, doing R&D, prototyping, so
sometimes it’s hard to get to the phone. We also
spend a lot of time out in the field product
APRIL/MAY • 2010
testing and cell phone coverage is thin in some
of the places we go. E mail is always a great way
to get hold of us. Send an email to info@
adventuretrailers.com and we’ll get back to you
as soon as we can.
JPF: Overall, how do you see the
overland and off-highway market
progressing over the next few years,
and how do you foresee AT positioning
itself in meeting those demands?
AT: Martyn: The Overland market has been
growing steadily. People seem to be moving
from the rock crawling side to the expeditions
side. Families are spending time together
camping in more remote places, far from the
RV’s and generators, and the love of the
outdoors is being passed on to new generations
Our aim is to help people enjoy the outdoors,
to understand the equipment they are buying,
and to purchase quality product that lasts a
lifetime. We are developing our website into an
information source for the finest outdoor
equipment available in North America.
We will also be reviving our blog to help
people enjoy their time in the outdoors,
providing tasty recipes for meals, tips on
packing a fridge, packing a vehicle, how to
entertain the kids, and fun camping projects.
At the same time we want everyone to be safe
and to respect the land they are using. AT is
certified by Overland Training, and we
encourage people to learn how to use their
equipment and vehicles safely, and to embrace
the principles of Tread Lightly.
• For more information about Adventure
Trailers and its full line of overlanding products,
you can mail them at the following address or
visit them online at the weblink below:
Adventure Trailers
3035 N. Tarra Avenue, Unit 3
Prescott, Arizona 86301
www.adventuretrailers.com
877-661-8097
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 Cruising and Jeeping on the
Mexican Riviera – Part 1
By Mike Fissel & Carol Simpson

What does cruising, as in taking a

cruise on a cruise ship, and Jeeping
have in common? Ordinarily
nothing; however, members of Jeep
Expeditions were looking to combine
their love for Jeeps and adventure
with a fun vacation aboard a cruise
ship.
How often does your wife, girlfriend,
and/or family come with you while
Jeeping? For some of us it doesn’t
happen very much. But what if you
could combine a romantic cruise
vacation with the Jeeping you love and
the shopping she loves? Now you are
thinking what we were thinking.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 For our cruise we chose Carnival Cruise Lines
seven-day Mexican Riviera trip aboard the
Carnival Splendor. This cruise took us to the port
cities of Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San
Lucas. It also gave us the opportunity to Jeep
the forested foot hills of the Sierra Madre
Mountains and the Baja desert in two ports
with touring/shopping in the third. And to
keep your lady happy, there was still time for
shopping on the two Jeeping days!
On the first day, our group of ten met at the
Port of Los Angeles where we checked in and
boarded our ship. Once aboard, we were
treated to a tasty buffet with lots of choices,
some we recognized and some a bit exotic. As
the afternoon turned to evening, we
participated in a number of fun events
including a formal dinner and a late night
showing of “Star Trek.”
Excursion and at
Days two and three were “fun days at sea.”
8:15 that morning,
Carnival gives you their daily hand bill the night
we met Jose and
before which details all the activities for the
Juan from Explore
following day. There were more things to do
& Discover, our
than you have time for and events that appeal
tour operator. After a few minutes to explain our
to just about everyone. Bingo, dance lessons,
trip and a few rules, we jumped into out Jeep TJ
mini golf, scrap booking class, deck games,
Wranglers and off to our 5 ½ hour trip. Our
scavenger hunts, music trivia, art show/auction,
caravan proceeded through town, past the
kids’ games/activities and more. The casino is
Corona factory and other names we were
hopping with slot, poker, and blackjack
familiar with back home. We continued on
tournaments. In addition, there was jazz,
tough the town of Ixtapa and then past the
calypso, guitar, pop, and Latin music live in the
huge regional prison. We then made the turn to
numerous bars and public areas.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

take us to the foothills of the Sierra Madre. At

Around 3pm on day three, while sailing near
the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, we were
treated to several whale and dolphin sightings
near the ship. This in itself was a pretty
exhilarating experience to see such
phenomenal creatures up close in their habitat.
Day four had us in Puerto Vallarta from 7am
until 10pm. This was our 1st Jeeping day. We
selected the Carnival Jeep Safari Shore
the beginning of the dirt road, we stopped and
were given bandanas so we didn’t have to
breathe dust. The road wound through the
“tropical” forest, past ranches, small farms, and
even a large greenhouse operation. I should
note that out of the forty people on this trip, I
think only ten people in our group had ever
been in Jeeps because the first water crossing
was quite a hit with the group.

About two hours into our trip we came to the
village of Santa Cruz De Quelitan. A small
church, a large public park, and a small
convenience store of sorts were central parts of
the town. This was the first stop of our trip. As
the line of Jeeps came to a stop, children and
towns folk greeted us. Standing in the public
area, we could see Puerto Vallarta off in the
distance below. Jose explained to us that like
most small villages, the people were pretty
much self-sufficient and pointed out the
gardens that people had in their back yards.
Banana trees, mangos, corn, beans, peppers,
and other vegetables were just some of the
things they typically grow there. Our group
made the day of the convenience store owner
APRIL/MAY • 2010
as most everyone bought water, soda, snacks
and for those not driving, a few cervezas.
With the rest break over, we had a few more
water crossings which were a hit with our tour
group and we found our way to a more
“primitive” dirt road. At a spot where there was
some pretty good erosion that most of the
Jeeps drove around, one of our veteran Jeepers
wanted to show the two passengers in his Jeep
what a stock TJ could do. What he didn’t know is
that the transfer case linkage had been
disconnected on our tour Jeeps and became
momentarily hung up. We later asked Jose why
that was and he told us that 95% of the people
on these tours have never been in a Jeep before
and they didn’t want someone tearing out a
transfer case because they had no experience. A
few miles later, we were back on pavement and
heading to our next stop, The Dona Engracias
Hacienda Tequila Factory.
Our stop at the tequila factory started out with
a bottle of water for everyone and then a
history lesson about tequila. We learned that
true tequila is made only from the Blue Agave
plant and it takes ten years for a plant to be
ready for harvest. We were told that the
“tequila” with the worm in the bottle is Mescal
and is made from the Green Agave plant. Inside
the factory, which has been around for
generations, we saw all of the equipment that
was used in the past 100 or so years to make
tequila there and side by side, the modern
equipment that has replaced it. With the
explanation of how it is made, we moved to
another room with chairs were we were invited
to sit. The group got to sample six different
types of tequila including three tequila liquors;
almond, peach and coffee. Afterwards the
group was given the opportunity to make
purchases at factory prices, and many took
advantage of the offer which was 50% or more
less that U.S. retail we were told.
 With our tasting done, we were
treated to a “snack lunch:” two tacos
of our choice (beef, pork, chicken
and muchaca), beans, lettuce, and
salsas. The tortillas were handmade
and some of the best I have tasted.
There was also an opportunity for a
few minutes of shopping and then back onto the
road to our final stop at the beach.
The beach stop was at a private beach with a nice
little cantina there. There was a vendor there that
had a “banana boat” and also offered parasailing.
The waves were pretty impressive but many of the
group decided to get their feet wet and six
members of the group decided to do the
banana boat. I watched as the banana boat was
capsized when it first took off. Fortunately for
them, the second attempt was a success.
The people who went down to the beach
seemed to be having a good time but several of
them did literally get knocked down by the
waves and current. An hour later we were all
asked to return to our Jeeps for the trip back to the
ship. With our tour over near the docks, some group
members went back to the ship while others
shopped at the Mercado next to the docks for
jewelry, hats, t-shirts, and even cheap prescription
drugs. Once back on the ship, a few members of the
group had a late lunch while others went
back to their cabins for a shower and nap
before dinner.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

At dinner our wait staff invited us to the

midnight Mexican buffet and party topside
but we decided to retire early so we could
be ready for our next day in Mazatlan.
In the June/July issue of JPFreek Adventure
Magazine, our story will continue with our stops in
the port city of Mazatlan that will take you through
our tour of the city and its endless shopping
opportunities, as well as our final port of call and the
much anticipated Baja Jeep Safari in Cabo San Lucas.
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 Are you tired of the same old music services that promise genre
diversity but wind up forcing you to listen to ad after ad after ad,
only after listening to a few songs that aren’t even specific to what
you like to listen to? Those days are now over!
JPFreek Adventure Magazine is proud to announce a new age in
music delivery with the creation of JPFreek Radio through Slacker.
com, an internet-based music service that is so unique that even PC
Magazine calls it “the most exciting thing in digital music to happen
in a long time.”

Slacker Personal Radio uses high-tech, intelligent algorithms to

truly personalize music delivery the way you want to hear it.
Heavy metal your cup of tea? Or do you prefer scooting your
boots to classic country? Whatever your musical tastes are,
Slacker Personal Radio can deliver them to you with minimal
ads and a truly unique and amazing music experience…all
for free and delivered the way you want! And if you want
to listen to your tunes while in the backcountry or hiking
in the Rocky Mountains, you can now do this with
Slacker’s new portable player.
Check out JPFreek Radio on Slacker.com or
create your own music “station,” and say hello
to the next generation in music delivery.

LISTEN ONLINE NOW!

 Book Review:
101 Jeep Performance
Projects
When one hears the word performance, they usually
think of drive train modifications, typically the engine.
Don’t let the title of this book fool you like it did me. Sure,
it has a few engine related projects like converting your
old carbureted Jeep to fuel injection, installing headers,
upgrading exhaust systems, installing a super charger,
and even putting a hemi engine in your Wrangler;
however, it contains so much more.
From lift kit selection, axle upgrades, electrical upgrades, body armor, stereo systems, CB radios,
and so much more, 101 Jeep Performance Projects is a Jeep enthusiasts dream. There are 250
pages that describe the what, how, way, and cost of 101 of the most likely projects the average
Jeep owner would or should consider doing.
While most of the projects in the book could pertain to all Wrangler models and could even be
adapted to other Jeep models, the author has used a new JK Wrangler and has described the
installation of a number of personally chosen products for his Jeep. The fundamentals of
installation on other Jeeps and the reason for these projects are essentially the same. It plants the
seed and gives the reader the ideas.
The sections are easy enough to understand, even for a novice, and there are plenty of full color
photos for each project. Projects that range from simple maintenance to the addition of a
supercharger. There are many projects that a beginner can easily accomplish, and a few that might
require a better than average mechanical knowledge. Hate that steering wheel that just isn’t
straight but don’t want to pay $50 to have it fixed? There is a chapter for you. Need to install a high
output alternator to run all those lights and electronics? How about trailer wiring, an auxiliary
electrical switch, maybe a quick disconnect fire extinguisher? Yep, there are chapters for you in this
APRIL/MAY • 2010

book. Want some advice on trail recovery equipment, installing a CB antenna, or a trailhead
checklist? This book pretty much covers it all and is the perfect companion to the Jeep Owners
Bible.
Check out 101 Jeep Performance Projects and many more Jeep related books at www.
motorbooks.com.
VholdR Contour HD Helmet Camera
The Contour HD is a compact unit that comes with a helmet mount and a mount for goggles.
There is also a mount that can be purchased if you want to attach the Contour HD to your car,
plane, motorcycle, racecar, or boat. It is designed to record high definition videos and the company
has a complete, online community where you can upload, edit, and share them with the world. We
had several winter trips planned so it seemed like the perfect time to put it to the test and see
what it could do and handle.
Since the camcorder can be mounted in so many different ways and in so many places, we had
the chance to try it out while skiing, sledding, and even out snowmobiling. At the end of each day
we were able to sit down and watch the day’s fun, and we were continually impressed with how
well the video quality was. The sound quality of the recordings is
great too which made it fun to be able to truly capture the moment
and have the ability to see and hear everything!
The Contour HD is a fun little camcorder that is extremely versatile
and will fit into any adventure you may have
planned and want to record. There’s no doubt
you’ll have fun preserving the experience to
share or revisit down the road.

• Please visit http://www.vholdr.com/contourhd/

helmetcam for more information about the
Countour HD and all of VholdR’s product line

APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Hobie Mirage Adventure
Island Kayak

When Hobie arranged for us to test and review

their Mirage Adventure Island kayak, the gloves
came off and the JPFreek staff was ready to
challenge each other to see who would be the
lucky person to set it a sail.
For those not familiar with the Hobie brand, Hobie began as a surfboard manufacturer in
the early 1950s. Over the years, Hobie has established itself as a premier company in the
watersports realm and eventually engaged its product line into the growing sport of
kayaking. The Hobie Mirage Adventure Island is one of those unique products that is
extremely versatile. Not only is the Adventure Island a kayak, it’s also a cat-sail.
Kayaking with the Adventure Island is no problem as its 16’ length makes it ideal for
calmer waters though very capable in more sketchy situations. Plus, with its optional
pedaling system you can either paddle your way through the waters or use your legs by
pedaling with relative ease.
Using the Adventure Island as a cat-sail is cake
as you merely attach the two color-coordinated
Amas to their corresponding arms, attach the
15’2” two-piece mast into its corresponding
insert, and sail away! Full setup time for the
cat-sail option is a mere 5-10 minutes and away
you go. And, taking the Adventure Island apart
once you’ve finished for the day is just as easy. Of
course, catsailing with the Adventure Island is so
APRIL/MAY • 2010

much fun that once you’re set a sail, you won’t

want to go back to land.
In addition to the Adventure Island’s versatility,
the quality is evident from its highly durable
plastic mold to its maneuverability and stable
platform. Despite its relatively heavy weight
(remember, this baby is 16’ long), it is rugged
enough for a short trip to the local waterhole or
longer adventures into the backcountry.
 Due to its size and weight, you’ll need two people to
mount and remove the Adventure Island from your vehicle
and Hobie has recently announced its plans to offer a
tandem version of the Adventure Island so now having two
people to mount and remove it from your vehicle makes it
worthwhile for the partner you would have otherwise left
behind.
The Hobie Adventure Island is available in two
colors: Golden Papaya (which is similar to mustard
yellow) and Red Hibiscus. While it’s pricey at
$3,399 MSRP, the value of being able to enjoy two
forms of watersport adventure and share this
new-found excitement with friends and family
APRIL/MAY • 2010

makes it worthwhile. Plus, where else can you get

a catsail and kayak at this price? Either way, you’ll
be the envy of all other watersport adventurers
when you hit the open water in the Hobie Mirage
Adventure Island.
• For more information about the Hobie Mirage
Adventure Island, please visit www.hobiecat.com
 Mountainsmith
Travel Trunk
Duffel Bags
The Travel Trunk duffel bag by Mountainsmith is an
exceptionally versatile bag, perfect for weekend
excursions or month-long expeditions.
Designed to be efficient in detail and also maximize functionality, the Travel Trunk duffel bag is
offered in varying sizes from medium to extra-extra large. For the off-highway adventurer, the size
options are perfect because varying sizes can be used for varying needs while in the backcountry.
For the weekend warrior, the medium bag is a perfect companion with a volume of 2,900 cubic
inches. For the expeditioneer, the XXL bag is so big that you can almost fit your entire basecamp
into one bag – it has a volume of 11,000 cubic inches!
Another intriguing aspect to the Travel Trunk series is its composition. Mountainsmith markets the
Travel Trunk series as being made from Redura®, a post-consumable material created from recycled
plastic bottles that is “tough as nails.” Durability is always a plus but when it’s also environmentally-
responsible, the end result is a high quality product that will meet the needs of any type of
exploration. Did we mention that a “strapless” system is also available as an option to turn the
Travel Trunk into a backpack?
Mountainsmith’s Travel Trunk duffel bags are exceptional and at a price point that won’t break the
bank – prices range from $50 - $90 depending on size – the bags sell themselves.
• For more information about Mountainsmith products, please visit www.mountainsmith.com

Wenger Commando Patagonia

Expedition Race Watch
APRIL/MAY • 2010

Durability is key when looking for a watch that can handle the rigors of overland travel and
outdoor recreation. So when Wenger announced the release of the Commando watch sporting the
namesake of one of the most challenging expedition races in the world – of which Wenger is the
headlining sponsor – we knew this watch must be tough. Boy was that an understatement.
Wenger’s Commando Patagonia Expedition Race watch was designed with a number of elements
in mind. Featuring a stainless steel case that’s bulletproof, this watch means business when out in
the backcountry in your Jeep or trekking the slopes during an adventure race. Rubber black straps,
a luminescent face including hour & minute hands, a polished case featuring the official logo of the
Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race (featured in our summer 2009 issue), and renowned Swiss
quartz movement make this the ultimate watch for all your adventures.
Rola® NV2™Hitch Mount
If you’re looking for a versatile, fuss-free, compact and comparably light rack that will keep its
paws off your bike’s paint, then the Rola® NV2™hitch mount bike rack is for you!
The NV2™ carries up to two bikes and fits all road and mountain bike styles and sizes by using
rubber-coated adjustable cradles to securely hold the wheels instead of the frame. The lightweight
aluminum support arms pivot upright to a thin profile of 3 1/2” width for storage when not in use;
pivot into a V-shape for bike transportation; and, pivot parallel to the
ground for trunk access. Foam pads protect your bike from touching
metal during transport, and built-in security loops provide piece of mind
to keep your bikes with your car when you are away.
A locking hitch pin and security cable are not included but should be
purchased with this type of system. It’s equipped to fit both a 2” and 1
1/2” receiver without the need for a separate converter which is a big
plus. I found myself reaching for the NV2™ rather than my much heavier
and more expensive Saris CycleOn rack (MSRP: $379.99) because of the
speed of installation/removal, weight, and ease of storage in the garage.
The rack is sturdy, but I tend to use a strap from
the frame to the support arm to prevent any type
of inconsequential bike sway. I recommend this
product to those looking to capitalize on the
features of a much more expensive rack at a much
less expensive price.

www.rolaproducts.com

Priced at $425, the Commando Patagonia watch may seem

expensive but in a market crowded with options that
APRIL/MAY • 2010

provide function and aesthetics, this watch is well worth

its price tag and then some. It looks good and in
addition to all the features listed above, it can even
measure speed over a known distance via its clever
tachymeter. Did we mention the WPER Commando
is plenty durable? No doubt it’s the perfect gift idea
for the Jeep and adventure enthusiast in your
family.
Check out the Commando Patagonia Expedition Race
watch or any of Wenger’s products at www.wengerna.com
 TREK NOW GPS Trails and Tracks
Software
Being the Jeep Freeks that we all are, spending time in the great outdoors is what we do in our
spare time. For some, that time could be something as short as a Saturday outing to a weekend, a
week, two weeks or more. No matter how you spend your time Jeeping, one of the tools that is a
must have is a GPS unit and the software to make it work.
The problem with most all software is that not all of the trails are shown. Some of the trails aren’t
listed at all and then some just stop. So what do you follow, where do you turn, where is the trail?
Enter Trek Now. Since receiving my discs a few weeks ago, I have checked it out on a number of
trails. Trek Now is well developed and will work with just about any GPS device that can use saved
tracks. From .gpx files to Garmin .gdp files to Lowrance, Magellan, and others, there are tracks for
160+ trails most of them with starts available from either end of the trail (which technically makes
that well over 300 options). The discs also contain maps of the trails in JPG format that you can
print and take with you.
Installation of Trek Now on your computer is fast and simple. You can transfer tracks, routes, and
waypoints to your GPS software and upload them to your GPS unit.
Once loaded to your GPS, you can route to the trail and follow the trail precisely with the track
points provided by the Trek Now
program. So you ask, “How
accurate is it?” I found it to be
very accurate on the few trails
that I have tried it out on so far.
One of my favorite features is
being able to open up every trail
in a “region.” With this you can
make for a nice long day or a
leisurely weekend and even make
your own custom travel itinerary.
You can purchase discs specific
APRIL/MAY • 2010

to the region you plan to travel to

and for me, my next try of this
software will be with the
California and Utah discs on
several extended trips. From what
I have seen so far, I won’t be
disappointed!

www.treknow.com
Lowa Jannu Mid Trekking Boots
Lowa’s Jannu Mid Trekking boots are all about providing flexibility and durability in a simple yet
functional design.
The Jannu Mid handles light to medium loads while hiking and trekking with a solid Vibram® Trailtek
outsole and split leather/Cordura® upper. The boot is a great option for those looking for a breathable,
lightweight hiking boot that provides crucial ankle support for short and extended day hikes.
The footbed is surprisingly balanced with arch support correctly placed
negating the need for replacement insoles as so many other boots often
times require. We like these boots for most 3-season conditions though if you
require a waterproof version, we would probably recommend the Khumbu
Mid GTX boot as a very comparable option.
In short, Lowa’s Jannu Mid Trekking boot offers a great
platform at a competitive price. Plus, they are handcrafted
in Italy which solidifies their capability and their
craftsmanship for years to come.

Lowa Tibet PRO GTX Backpacking Boots

Having a rugged, durable, and moderately stiff form of footwear while Jeeping and in the backcountry
is key and with Lowa’s Tibet Pro GTX boot, you get the best of both worlds and then some.
Handcrafted in Germany, the Lowa Tibet Pro GTX boot is really the “perfect” boot for extended
excursions where comfort and functionality are key. The Tibet Pro GTX was developed with a nubuk
leather upper, Vibram® Masai outsole, and Gore-Tex® lining which adds the important element of
waterproofing to your foot. All of this makes for a boot that is an excellent choice when your Jeep has
hit the end of the trail and it’s time to start trekking with your backpack by foot.
In addition, the Lowa Tibet Pro GTX was designed for excursions that require a
heavy payload on your back with loads up to 50lbs or more. The beauty here is
that it functions with a high level of heel and ankle stability in this use, in any
conditions wet or dry, but also works wonderfully while traversing your Jeep
vehicle through treacherous, rocky terrains where you’re required to exit your
vehicle and scout for navigable lines. The boots are sturdy, extremely well built,
and will last you forever.
In our mind, this is the last boot you’ll ever need for just about any
major endeavor in any condition. While they may be too much
boot for light hiking, they really tackle the terrain with ease
when it’s all about getting from point A to point happiness.
• For more information about Lowa Boots, please visit
www.lowaboots.com
 4xGuard Leads the Way for WK Grand
Cherokee Owners
APRIL/MAY • 2010

The Jeep WK Grand Cherokee is often times overlooked when Jeep enthusiasts look for capability and
functionality off-highway. The fact of the matter is that the WK Grand Cherokee is a highly capable vehicle
and one that we are currently doing a unique build on.
For those who currently own a WK Grand Cherokee, some of the finest aftermarket parts available are
manufactured by 4xGuard, a Colorado-based company that specializes in the WK platform. From trail
armor that includes skid plates and rock rails to front bumpers and other equipment, 4xGuard places
quality and functionality at the top of their priority list and as such, has created a number of products that
will make any WK Grand Cherokee a truly “Trail Rated” Jeep vehicle.
 Front, Belly, & Rear Guards:
Crafted from heavy-duty, 7-gauge steel,
4xGuard’s skid plates for front, belly, and rear are
practically indestructible. We endured several
rounds of testing of these components in varying
terrain settings that included travel through
granite domes and rock fields, to loose scree and
thick, hard mud. The front, belly, and rear guards
provided phenomenal protection in key areas
including cooling hoses, exhaust system
components, and front/rear approach angles.
Installation was a breeze for the front and belly
guards as they are bolt-on items with minimal
adjustments to the stock arrangement. The rear
guard requires some minor drilling at the
mounting points but again, the process simple
and straightforward.
Overall, the high quality and intelligent design of
4xGuard’s skid plates make them a must-have for
every proud WK Grand Cherokee owner out there.
Side Guards:
4xGuard’s side guards were designed to provide
much needed protection to the driver and
passenger body sections of the WK Grand
Cherokee. In addition, their design increases
ground clearance by about 1”, which is critical
when traversing boulder fields where clearance is
always a concern.
The side guards are again crafted from heavy-
duty steel, this time a 10-gauge version with
internal stiffeners strategically welded in key areas
APRIL/MAY • 2010

within the rails. Not only does this make the side guards the best option in protecting the driver and
passenger body of the vehicle, their “body-hugging fitment” makes them very aesthetically
pleasing. These same guards were used on the Mopar Skunkworks “Grand Canyon” WK featured at
the 2009 Easter Jeep Safari.
 Matrix Brush Guard System:
Now this is a cool system! The
Matrix Brush Guard system is
unique in that it is installed as a
compliment to the OE bumper on
the WK Grand Cherokee, negating
the need to replace the entire front
bumper.
The Matrix Brush Guard system
includes several options that allow
for the fitment of a Grill Hoop Kit,
tabs for fog light installation, (8 fog light points available without the Grill Hoop Kit or 4 fog light
points available when the GHK is installed), a Brush Rail Kit, and/or a Receiver Kit which can be used
for installing a portable winch. All accessory items are easy bolt-on accessories and are made from
heavy-duty steel tubing that nicely compliments the skid plates and side guards.
We particularly like the more aggressive look this setup has given our project vehicle and the
added protection to the front fascia makes it a tremendous asset when you’re off-highway. Weight
is not a significant concern given the protection added which is a point to note since replacement
of the entire front bumper can be far more expensive and certainly much heavier.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been considering the
purchase of a WK Grand Cherokee or if
you currently own one, 4xGuard’s lineup
of products and accessories for your WK
is tops in the market. High quality,
functionality, price-point, and American-
made craftsmanship set the benchmark
for the WK Grand Cherokee owner. Not
only will 4xGuard’s product lineup turn
heads once installed, they can provide
all the protection you’ll need while
APRIL/MAY • 2010

enjoying your next off-highway

adventure.
· For more information about 4xGuard,
please visit www.4xguard.com
Expedicion de las
Americas DVD
In 1978, Mark A. Smith, founder of Jeep
Jamboree USA and member of the Off-Road
Hall of Fame, led a team of fellow
adventurers and expeditioneers on a 20,000
mile, 120-day long journey that commenced
at the bottom of South America and
travelled to Alaska. Along the way, the team
crossed the infamous Darian Gap and their
odyssey was chronicled in this magnificent DVD which journals their excursion
along the way.
Packed with plenty of adventure and entertaining yet poignant dialogue from
the team, this DVD is a sure bet to get you excited about taking on your next
grand adventure and who knows, maybe follow in the same footsteps that Mr.
Smith and his team chronicled over 30 years ago.
• For more information about the Expedicion de las Americas or to order a
copy of the DVD, please Jeep Jamboree USA at (530) 333-4777 ext. 12

APRIL/MAY • 2010

702-583-7919
 Pro Gear Titanium U-joint
Retention Device
Many of you have heard the sound that happens when you get
into a tight spot with the wheels bound up. You try to ease on the
throttle, feeling the drivetrain straining to free you from the
situation you are in. Next thing you hear is that metallic snapping
sound and the clunk, clunk, clunk of the driveshaft banging around
under your rig. You jump out to survey the damage and find the
u-joint straps have failed and your driveshaft lying on the rocks.
Well, this happened to one man, one too many times, and he
decided to do something about it.
Mark Lintner, owner of Pro Gear in San Diego, California, wanted a
better solution to the breakage prone u-joint straps that are
common in almost every Jeep out there. Mark, having been in the
axle and gear business for 30+ years, has seen his fair share of
these failures. From failures of the retaining bolts to actually having
the yoke break, these have been too common a problem for him to
sit idly by. A solution needed to be found.
After many failed attempts to find a suitable solution, Mark, with a
background in mechanical engineering, designed the Titanium
U-joint Retention Device, affectionately known as the “TURD.”
Using a well engineered u-joint cap with aerospace hardware, Mark
and his crew went through extensive destructive testing to see if
they could get it to fail.
Installation couldn’t be easier, taking about 15 minutes to remove
the old straps and install these. Once installed, you will now be
ready to tackle that rock garden or mud hole without fear that your
u-joint will come flying out of the yoke.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

These are an exclusive product of Pro Gear and retail for $59.99
per pair (one yoke). If you tell Mark you read about them in JPFreek
Adventure Magazine, each set will cost you $55. Contact Mark at
Pro Gear at 858-571-1158 for the last set of u-joint retention devices
you will ever need.
 AMERICAN OVERLAND EXPEDITIONS LAS AMERICAS EXPEDITION JK WRANGLER
THE AMERICAN OVERLAND
EXPEDITIONS JK WRANGLER was built and
created by a team of professional explorers, with more than 15 years of
experience, who share a common passion for overland travel to remote corners
of the globe, seeking new adventures and challenges to broaden our horizons.
The American Overland Expeditions team plans to navigate this remarkable
Jeep JK Wrangler later this year on an expedition dubbed “Expedicion Las
Americas” and will be the subject of an adventure lifestyle television production
with travels throughout North, South, and Central America.

Power Train:
• 3.8L Gas
• AEV Pro Cal Module 
• AEV JK Snorkel
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
• 4.1 Rock Trac Rubicon NV241 Transfer Case JE-Reel Driveshaft  
• Front Axle: Dana 44, Rubicon Lockers Superior Axle & Gear, 4.88 gears
• Rear Axle: Dana 44, Rubicon Lockers Superior Axle & Gear, 4.88 gears

Suspension Wheels & Tires:

• Nth Degree by AEV 4.5 Inches Lift 
• High Steering System Nth Degree 
• 17x8.5” Beadlocks, Wheels By AEV 
• BFG Goodrich Mud Terrain KM2 35x12.5 R17

Armor:
• AEV MILSPEC Front Bumper
• Winch Plate 
APRIL/MAY • 2010

• Swing Away Rear Bumper by AEV

• Engine Skid Plate by KILBY
• Transfer Case Skid Plate by Kilby 
• Kilby JK EVAP Canister Relocation KIT
• Rock Rails by Hanson Off Road 

• ARB Diff Covers 

• Off Road Evolution C2 Evo Gussets
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Safety:
• Fire Extinguishers 
• Power Flare
• First Aid Kit
• Winch Cable Damper
• Spot Personal Satellite Tracker GPS 
• Flash Lights 

Lighting & Electrical:

• Dual Batteries Optima Red and Yellow Top
• National Luna Intelligent Split Charge 
• 4x4 sPod  6-Switch System and Source Control Box
• IPF XS 900 lights 
• LED Light In-Cab LED 
• Head Lights Truck Lite 
• Garmin 376 GPS
• Black Diamond Head Light LED
• CB Radio
• UHF/VHF Radio
• 60 Watts Power Film Solar panel 
• Satellite phone
 
APRIL/MAY • 2010
Recovery Equipment & Gear:
• Winch Warn 9.5 TI 
• Viking Off Road Synthetic Winch Line - 100 ft x 3/8”
• Two 50ft extension lines
• Warn Medium-Duty Accessory Bag
• Two 30,000lb Tow Straps
• D shackles
• Pull Pall Land Anchor
• Max -Trax 
• ARB Tire Repair kit
• Shovel & Axe 
• Hi-LIFT X-treme 48”

Overlanding Gear 
• Eezi-Awn Roof Top Tent
• Front Runner Roof Rack 
• ARB Fridge/ Freezer 
• Adventure Lights  
• 20 Gallons Additional Gas Tank by Gen -Right 
• Big Agnes Sleeping Bags 
• MSR Stove
• Cook Partner Stove 
• Zodi Hotman Extreme Shower
• Outback Shower enclosure
• Portable toilet

- To learn more about American Overland

Expeditions or to follow their Expedicion
Las Americas later this year, please
APRIL/MAY • 2010

visit http://americanoverlandexpedition.
com/home.html, http://www.
expeditionlasamericas.com/. You can
also follow their complete journey within
JPFreek Adventure Magazine once it begins.
 Dunes & Deserts By Mike Schwartz
Photos by Mike Schwartz, Craig Fuller, & Rasa Fuller
Have you ever had one of those ideas that started
simply enough, only to have it turn into something
much bigger but so much better than you
anticipated? That is how our first trip to Death Valley
started. My wife Lisa and I decided we wanted to
make our first trip to Death Valley over the long
Thanksgiving weekend of 2009. Being part of an
online forum at Expedition Portal (commonly
known as ExPo, www.expeditionportal.com/forum),
APRIL/MAY • 2010
we took advantage of the experiences that many
who have traveled this area and combined that with
info gathered from a couple SUV trail books. At 3.3
million acres, it is the largest National Park in the
lower 48 states. This is not the place you will see
everything in a month, let alone a long weekend, so
we started piecing together a general southern
route to hit some of the highlights the area has to
offer.
With a general plan in mind, we decided to see if
anyone from ExPo would like to join our little trip.
Well, this is where things took a mind of their own
and our little adventure became a much more epic
trip. We had thought we might get one or two
takers to join us but as details started to unfold
online, we were getting to a point of a waiting list. I
made the executive decision to limit the group to 7
rigs, including our own. Any more and a group can
become a little unmanageable and days are short
this time of the year. Getting a bunch of people
moving first thing in the morning can be a
challenge.
With plans in hand, we waited for the big day to
come. Thanksgiving morning we set out to Baker,
CA to meet up with a couple rigs and to start the
first leg. After filling our tanks and bellies, we
headed north to an unmarked trail off CA 127, just
north of Dumont Dunes. where they are. It’s just
This trail, commonly known another one of those
as Ibex Dunes trail, heads mysteries of the desert.
west with a side spur to Ibex As the day was getting
Springs. Taking this spur short, heading to find
took us to the first of many camp was top on the
cool sites we would find on this trip. This was an list. Luckily Owlshead Mountain trail was easy to
old mining town and to imagine living out here a find and fairly well graded. We made the quick
hundred years ago is a little hard to fathom at times. climb out of the valley and found a great camp spot
Many of the original buildings still stand, fighting at Owl Hole Springs, which also had water. We got
the ravages of time. A very surprising find was the camp setup, a fire going and ate dinner. By 8:30
well, which is very full and still fed by the natural everyone was in bed for an early start the next
spring coming from inside the hill it was built upon. morning.
After some pictures, we were off again.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

Friday came with beautiful skies and weather.

Navigating the desert is so much different then a After breaking camp, we headed up Harry Wade
wooded area with very clear trails. Sometimes you Exit trail. This trail was used by the Wade party to
come upon a fork or wash and it’s not always clear escape Death Valley in 1849 after being part of a
which way to go. Luckily the GPS and books kept lost wagon train. This trail exits at the north on CA
us basically on track. As we headed back on the 178. Since fuel is always something to factor in on a
main trail, we made our way to Ibex Dunes. Though trip of this nature, we were heading north to
not large by many standards, they have a very Furnace Creek via 178 to gas up and meet with the
peaceful and tranquil feel about them. Surrounded rest of the group. Many could not forgo their
by rocky hills, it is kind of hard to believe they exist Thanksgiving Day plans. On our drive up, we

stopped at Badwater, which is one of the lowest
points in North America at 280 feet below sea level.
Traveling on to Furnace Creek, we stopped for gas
and met most everyone else for lunch. This is a
neat little town and hosts the Furnace Creek Lodge
which is truly an oasis in the desert.
After lunch we headed back south to pick up
Death Valley West Side road. This is mainly a
graded dirt road with some interesting stops along
the way. We stopped at a couple sites but time was
ticking away and we still had a fair amount to cover
before reaching camp. The West Side road meets
up with Mengel Pass trail to the east (aka Warm
Springs trail). We were heading towards the
“cabins” which are DVNP Adopt-a-Cabin sites. Old
mining cabins, they have been preserved and
maintained, available on a first come, first serve
bases. We had hoped one of the three would be
available. As it would be, all three had been taken.
Okay, onto plan B. One member in the group
APRIL/MAY • 2010
scouted ahead of the main group, looking for a
suitable spot. One was quickly found near Striped
Butte. As it was, it was now dark so everyone got
their camps setup and started dinner. Luckily a fire
pit was there (no open fires in DVNP) so a fire was
started as temps were dropping quickly.
Surprisingly the last couple managed to find us in
the middle of nowhere. I had to give them credit as
I am not sure I would have found us and I knew
where we were.
Morning came and with the dawn, we saw why
Striped Butte got its name. It is a very unusual hill,
pushed up vertically so all the strata layers are
almost vertical, unlike any of the surrounding hills.
Very cool to see but it makes you think about what
forces it took to create this. Packing up camp, we
head to Mengel Pass, the hardest part of the entire
route planned. This is somewhat of a rock garden
type climb, in two different steps. Our group
consisted of a very mixed set of rigs, from our
Cherokee with Kamparoo travel trailer to a Liberty
with an Adventure Trailers Horizon in tow, a couple
well built Tacomas, one with a new Flippac camper,
an Xterra and even a Land Rover. This made for any
interesting morning, seeing how the different rigs
and drivers handled the rocks. Surprisingly our
Cherokee and trailer walked up the obstacles
without any drama and almost made it look easy.
Most of the other rigs came thru without much
issue but there was some rock stacking to help
them along. The only one that had any issues was
the Liberty, with open diffs front and rear and trailer
in tow.
If you have never done any offroading with a
trailer in tow, it is a very different experience than
just wheeling your rig solo. You have to take into
account you have what amounts to a big boat
anchor behind you and you have to think about
vehicle placement, not only for the main rig but the
trailer behind you. You do things much slower and
with more finesse than just hammering down on
the loud pedal. As it happened, we decided to
hook the winch up from a rig that passed thru
already and give an assist to get the Liberty and
trailer over the hardest spot. After that, he was
good for the rest of the trail. As a side note, we
found out later that we came over Mengel Pass “the
hard way”. I guess most people go down it,
heading east, where we went up heading west. I
guess a number of groups have turned around after
trying to go up pass. Who knew?
 Making our way over the pass we were greeted
with a few snow flakes. A storm was coming in as
we headed down to Baker Ranch, made famous as
the place Charles Manson was found hiding out.
The once still maintained ranch house was burnt
down in May 2009 for unknown reasons. It was sad
that vandals felt the need to destroy a piece of
American history regardless of who was caught
there. It was a beautiful spot and you can see why
someone would want to build there. From there,
we headed out of Goler Wash with towering vertical
walls and onto Ballarat. This is basically a ghost
town, left over from the many mining operations of
years past. A few people still call it home and let’s
just say they are some interesting folks.
After a short visit and some pictures, we headed
over to CA 178 on the Panamint Valley side. What
was an amazing site to see, all of the surrounding
mountains were covered in snow. Though we only
got a little rain up to this point, the storm dumped a
large amount of snow at higher elevations. As it
was, just cresting Mengel Pass, we got a few snow
flakes falling on us. Driving north towards Panamint
Springs, you get a real sense for the size of the park.
It just seems to go on forever. We arrive at
Panamint Springs for some needed gas and a late
lunch. At this point the weather was becoming very
unpredictable as looking out the window of the
Café, the valley would disappear in rain or clouds.
After eating, we decided to head up to the last
camp spot on the trip, China Garden Springs via
Darwin Falls trail. We got there just before dusk and
the stop was a great location but looking at the
weather, it could make for a very bad escape route,
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 as it was one way in and out, should the weather Death Valley is. So many look at the desert and see
really turn bad. At this point the decision was made nothing but a bunch of sand and rocks. There is so
to call it a trip and everyone head back home. much more if you really start looking around. There
Disappointed but knowing it was most likely the are things out here that you will not see anywhere
best call, we headed back to San Diego. else in the world. Overland travel gives you the
Reflecting back on this trip, a few things really freedom to see these sites that so many, who never
stuck out. First and foremost, the great people we travel off the pavement, will never see. As a group,
traveled with, many having never met face to face we tried to follow the principals of Tread Lightly and
before. There were no egos, complaining or issues. Leave No Trace, to minimize our impact on this
Everyone worked together for the common good of sensitive area. If we all follow these guidelines,
everyone else. It didn’t matter what your rig was or places like this will be open for generations to see
how much money you spent on it, it was about and cherish. Enjoy, get out and explore. Until next
getting out and experiencing what life has to offer. time…
That brings up the second thing, how amazing
APRIL/MAY • 2010
 Authentic OutdOOr FOOtweAr

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 Installing a Warn 9.5Ti Winch on a Mopar
Off Road Bumper
by Adam Rosenfeld

The following write-up is for the installation of a Warn 9.5ti onto the Mopar
Off-Road steel bumper with wince mount. Mopar suggests installing the
winch prior to bumper installation. However, I, like many others, bought
the bumper first and then acquired the winch at a later date. So to answer
the questions of many: Yes, you can install the winch without removing the
bumper. Other winches can also be installed this way, but depending on
their size, may require some different steps. For example, the Warn M8000
may need to have the solenoid installed after the winch is in place.

So without further delay, here are the steps I followed:

1. Take a towel and wrap the bull bar to prevent scratching of the bumper,
the winch, the grill and your hands as you work. I simply taped a towel in
place.
2. remove grill (not required for installation, but it’s too easy not to do, and
you can work without the worry of scratching it. You must reinstall the
grill prior to bolting down the winch.)
a. To remove grill, first unplug the parking light wiring harness. Then
remove the plastic retaining clips along the top of the grill. With all
clips out, pull the grill forward, away from the Jeep separating the
lower part of the grill at the lower retaining clips.
3. If you have a front skid plate (the ones that protect the sway bar
disconnect motor) like I do, it must be removed to access the rear two
bolts of the winch mount.
4. The Mopar bumper will need some slight modifications.
a. All four mounting bolts on the winch plate should be widened a
SUMMER 2009

bit. I used a ½” drill bit as it was the largest metal bit I had, and I
wiggled it around while drilling to broaden the hole to my needs.
Ideally, you should use a larger bit. Don’t go too large. I suggest
first putting the winch on and test fit the bolts a few times. Each
bumper is slightly different.
b. The “mail slot” opening for the winch cable to feed through on the
Mopar bumper is designed for a Hawse Fairlead. However, the
Warn 9.5ti comes with a Roller Fairlead which I prefer. If you want
to use the Roller Fairlead, the opening must be enlarged. I didn’t
 notice this until I completed the installation. Bad for me, good for
you! Here’s what needs to be done:
i. The bottom of the slot needs to be lower or else the cable
will rub along the metal. Additionally, the sides need to be
widened too.
ii. I suggest you put the roller fairlead onto your bumper and
see if your opening is any different. Then take a pencil or
other straightedge to simulate the cable passing through
at all angles to see if it will rub on the bumper anywhere.
iii. I cut the bottom of the opening ¾” which was nearly all the
way down to the bottom weld. The sides need to be cut to
the fairlead frame.
iv. I used a pneumatic cutting wheel to cut the opening. It
was slow going (switching to a thin blade helped). But
here’s what I suggest you do:
1. without the winch in place, mark how much you
want cut, drive over to a local welding shop or body
shop, and ask them to take a plasma cutter and
cut along your marks. It will take them just a few
minutes and come out nice.
5. Now that the bumper is finally ready to accept the winch, you can begin
the actual installation process.
6. First you must install the Roller Fairlead. Because of the extremely tight
clearance inside the bumper, you will have to install the bolts from the
inside facing out. By now you may have noticed that the bolt holes
for the fairlead ARE TOO LARGE! (Maybe this is different with a Hawse
Fairlead.) Get two good, stainless steel washers for the bolts. Bolt on the
fairlead and, because the holes are too large, you’ll have to align and
level the fairlead. I pulled it up as high as it will go within the holes so
the cable is as far from the bumper as possible. Use a modest Loctite®
here.
7. You can now re-install the grill, or you can do it after the winch is
dropped into the bumper. Either way. Just make sure you put a towel
between the grill and the winch to prevent scratching. (When done,
there is barely 1/8” between the grill and the winch.)
8. Drop the winch into the bumper. The 9.5ti is a nice, low profile design.
It’s shape makes it easy to grab and handle the winch as you lower it
down into the bumper.
9. Next, using a telescoping magnet as shown, slide the square nuts into
the slots of the winch’s base.
10. Working from underneath the Jeep, loosely thread all four bolts into the
SUMMER 2009

winch. Once you are sure it all fits, and you don’t need to further drill the
mounting holes, put Loctite® on each bolt and torque it down per the
installation instructions.
11. Now run the wires to the battery. I ran them under the grill (not through
it), around the radiator, snaked up behind the fluid reservoir (I actually
fed a coat hanger down and used it like Fish Tape to get the wires where
I wanted them.), then along the inner fender to the battery.
12. Make sure you are not scraping or resting the cables along any sharp
edges. Note how I used 5/8” heater hose over my wire between the
fender and the air box to prevent the wire from chafing on the fender
 bolt. Also note that I put the red power wire web site give step by step instructions on this process.
on the bottom and the black ground on top so You really do want to practice and play with the winch
that if any wire makes contact on that bolt, it’s before you hit the trail. You don’t want to get the feel
the ground wire and not the power wire. Plus
of how it works when you’re stuck at a Jeep Jamboree
the black wire is less of an eye sore there.
13. Bolt on the wires to the battery and you’re done with a crowd of people around you anxiously awaiting
with the installation! the action.
And finally, a word on safety. Because I usually wheel
Winch Cover with my young kids around, I was very concerned
I bought Warn’s Neoprene winch cover and am very about the safety aspect of a steel cable versus a
glad I did. It fits great, looks great, and protects the synthetic line. After extensive research, I learned that
grill from contact with the winch. Also, being that I there are actually many safety advantages to steel
live in the Northeast, I don’t want road salt and grime over synthetic. For example, in the Northeast, we
being constantly thrown onto my winch and cable. have a lot of trees, rocks, woods, etc. It’s very possible
You must treat the cover periodically with supplied that as you winch your Jeep, the path of the cable will
303 waterproofing/sun protection. change due to the Jeep sliding side to side in the mud
or off a rock. If the synthetic cable gets dragged over
The cable needs no lubrication. It’s galvanized.
a rock or against a tree, it could certainly snap, where-
Anything you put on will only attract dirt. I have
as the steel line will not. I’ve also learned that it is
verified this with both Warn and the US Air Force.
extremely hard to snap one of these cables. Warn told
Don’t store the cable by hooking it to the side like me they only snapped one, ever. And that was in the
you commonly see. That 90* bend is not good for lab when they were trying to break it. And it took
cables. Instead, spool the cable up as close as possible considerably more load than expected and advertised
to the fairlead without making contact under power to do so. As long as you put a heavy blanket (I keep a
or you’ll bend the rollers. You can turn it the last few mover’s blanket in the Jeep for off road trips) or coat
inches by hand if you like. or buy a cable dampener. Oh, and buy a winch acces-
I like it stored this way as I mounted my license plate sory kit. You do want to use a snatch block often, you’ll
right to the rollers using two Mag Light mounting need the gloves and tree saver always, so just bite the
brackets screwed right to the plate. It’s cheap and bullet and get the accessory kit. You’ll be glad you did
SUMMER 2009

easy. Plus, the plate will block the aforementioned when you are on the trail.
road salt and grime from entering the front bumper all
winter and getting on my cable. Enjoy, and Tread Lightly!
Adam Rosenfeld
Stretching and Re-spooling your cable (aka AdamIsAdam on the forums)
The winch ships with the cable all nice and neatly Related Links:
wound up. Take a picture if you want to look at it this http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/9.5ti.shtml
way, because you have to unwind it all and re-spool it http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/
under 1,000lbs of load. The Warn instructions and images/55/64714-C4.pdf
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 Hut Meals and
Tree Snacks
By Alison Williams

Sponsored by:

Ahhh, spring time! What a rejuvenating time of
the year. Cabin fever, I’m sure, has set in at its
maximum and you’re all itching to get out there
and feel the suns’ kiss again. I can feel it now. A
factor responsible for our grumpy and sluggish
behavior lately is due to our lack of sunshine
exposure which provides for us our vitamin D. We
all know that ultraviolet rays from the sun are
damaging to our skin if exposed for long periods of
time; however, with too little exposure to these sun
rays can cause depression among other things.
During the winter season in the northern
hemispheres, the suns’ rays are too weak in
supplying enough to synthesize the recommended minimal amount of work and time, two essential
amount in our bodies which is why the typical
American diet is deficient in vitamin D. During the
summer season, when the sun is high in the sky, we me thinking though: what else could you pack
have enough sun exposure to synthesize an
adequate amount of vitamin D without getting it
from our diet. If you’ve noticed there aren’t too
many things that have a good dose of vitamin D
which is why some foods require fortification, like
milk. In some cases, supplements are
recommended. This is an essential nutrient
because it aids in the absorption of calcium and if
you’re mother hasn’t drilled that into your head yet,
APRIL/MAY • 2010
too advertised and required reservations. Nah, not
for me, I wanted a hut built for two and hidden
away from everyone. I’m working on a trip that
requires a few huts to stay at along the way, and it’s
here that my advice column comes into play.
I was recently taking a stroll down a Jax
Mercantile Co. isle and came across a wall full of
freeze-dried meals. They were made by Mountain
House and had Jambalaya, Beef Stroganoff,
chicken, and mashed potatoes, peas, and even
dessert! After inquiring with some questions and
doing some research, these little bags of energy
are quit cool. They have been designed to take
elements while you’re out in a limited environment.
I was intrigued by what a great idea this is. It got
that’s light, space savvy, contains an adequate
amount of calories, doesn’t taste like an energy bar,
and isn’t freeze dried?
The answer? Zootaloo! That’s French or something
for “I got it!” We’ve all had the traditional GORP but
face it, it gets old right? Let’s switch it up and add a
couple of things to jazz up our lunch and our
energy.

Freeze dried meals are popular and are very light

it is extremely important for strong health bones…
but that’s another topic I’ll get into in another issue.
Now that our sun is coming back it’s time to go
out and play! My recent activity has been
backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Diamond
Peak up Cameron Pass and Loveland Pass in
Colorado are our favorites. A friend/ guide of mine teaming up with Chef D on this one because I’ve
told me he likes to go up for a couple of days to
various huts people build, open to whoever finds
them. How fun! So naturally, I researched local huts
and fellow hut-hunter blogs. The ones I found were
weight but can get pricey. The local grocer can
provide just as many options that are fast, light,
and tasty. First thing to consider when creating our
picnic-on-the-go is whether it provides enough
energy to get us to the top and back? Second and
definitely important is that it has to taste good. I’m
tried his 7 Bar and Grille culinary modification tools
and they provide a great punch for a crafty treat.
If you can afford to use a cryovac machine, the
 Here are some ideas for your hut
meals and tree snacks:

possibilities are endless and very GORP:

easy to heat up. You can create Smoked almonds Flax seeds
your meals completely cooked and Cherries/dried pineapple/mango/ Sunflower seeds
place it in a bag, then toss it in the papaya Oats
freezer. By the time you need it, it’s Dark chocolate m&ms Honey
thawed out without concern of Coconut Cinnamon
bacterial growth. Very easy and
uses little space; however, not all of - Toast coconut, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and oats at 350°F until golden brown. Warm
us can afford a good cryovac honey and cinnamon in a pot until it boils. Toss toasted mix in warm honey, leaving bit sized
machine so for the rest of us we’ll clumps. Let it dry and mix in rest of ingredients.
use the picnic method. Two things I
would bring with me on my
adventure are a compact pocket Curried Couscous with Veggies:
stove and water. The water you can ¼ cup Peas, fresh or dehydrated 1 tsp powdered ginger
carry in a camelback and/or water ¼ cup Carrots, fresh of dehydrated 1 tbsp curry
bottles stored in the side pockets Green and red bell pepper 1 tsp garlic powder
of your backpack. There are Onion 1 tsp turmeric
lightweight and collapsible stoves Toss in 2 T olive oil and 1/4c carrot 1 tsp cinnamon
that can be found online and in ginger juice (optional) place in a bag 2 tsp sea salt
outdoor stores. Don’t forget to 1 cup couscous tsp cayenne pepper
throw in utensils!
Now, let’s get to the grits of this Place in a bag
operation…no pun intended. I Heat ¾ cup water to boiling. Add the couscous and accompanying ingredient bag to the water.
noticed a favorite for breakfast Once couscous is “fluffy,” mix in vegetables bag.
while on the trail are pancakes. A
tasty treat for some which could be
nice on a day trip, but for longer Power packed Oatmeal:
vigorous trips this might not ½ cup Quick oats
sustain you with enough energy. 2tsp Brown sugar
It’s very important on these back 4 tbsp Dehydrated milk solids
country ski and backpacking trips ½ tsp Flax seeds
that you are giving your body an ½ tsp Cinnamon
adequate amount of calories so Dried bananas, blueberries, dates, toasted sliced almonds, and/or raisins
you aren’t using up your reserves 1cup Water
which is your muscles mass. This Heat water to boiling, add quick oat and heat until half of the water is absorbed by the oats.
requires, for some, more than 4,000 Add rest of ingredients and heat to desired consistency.
calories or roughly two pounds of
food a day. Pancakes will only give
you about 100 calories and Trail-friendly Jambalaya for a Hearty Lunch:
additional weight in the rear. 1 cup Parboiled medium grain rice
Protein and fat are good sources of Canned tomatoes
energy and will stay with you Salumi (you’re suggestion on the type)
longer until your next meal. Don’t Black beans
forget packets of your favorite hot Chicken bullion
beverage (like Chef D’s Mountain Chef D’s Hell’s Revenge Trail Dust spice
Man Cocoa mix) or if it’s a short trip, ½ ct Water
a Nalgene of your favorite vino. This is a reheat dish. Add all ingredients to pot and heat up.

On the Blog
Chef Mark DeNittis
Host & Director of The 7 Bar Grille,
JPFreek’s Camp Cooking Video Series
Chef Mark M. DeNittis, President of Rocky
Mountain Trade Enterprise, oversees
multiple businesses and has been a
longstanding Chef Instructor at Johnson &
Wales University, Denver. His accolades and
Find it
RECIPES
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Pepper, Green onion Pancakes with Southern
Comfort Syrup
• 7 BG Las Cruces Chile Challenge Spiced
Colorado Bone- in Lamb Rib-eyes with Easy
Bake Sweet Potatoes and Charred Greens
• M
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Easy No Mess Camp Burgers
by Mark Stephens

Why would you be reading about cooking camp burgers? Because I believe this one
ranks as “The Easy No Mess Method,” in which you’ll dirty no plates, bowls, flatware, nor
will you have to tote around (or clean) a disgusting grill.
Cooking your hamburger on a campfire by wrapping it in foil and placing it right on
the coals has some big advantages: you get a juicy burger even if cooked to well-done;
there’s no mess; there’s no fuss; they taste even better when you cook them with the
veggies. Check it out.

Ingredients
• Standard burger stuff: Ground beef patties, your toppings and seasonings of choice

Directions
1. Place individual patties on a sheet of aluminum foil (should be large enough to be
folded over and fully enclosing the meat and toppings)
2. Sprinkle your seasonings - suggestion: garlic salt and Mrs. Dash
3. Add your vegetables; exceptions are ettuce and tomato which should be added after
cooking
4. Wrap the foil around your meal, leave no holes exposed.
5. Using a shovel, scoop out cooking area within your fire ring, and place a bed a hot
coals.
6. Place your wrapped burgers on the coals and and cover with another layer of coals.
7. Let ‘em be. Don’t touch. Drink a beer.
8. Check one at 10 minutes. It should be cooked to medium at this stage, and still
extraordinarily juicy
9. Serve, eat, and be merry.

Shortcuts & Healthier Versions

• This is the shortcut
• Use ground turkey patties instead of beef

Other Tips
• The options are as endless as your creativity. Sure, wrap your patties in bacon if you
want. Add barbeque sauce. Whatever, it’s your food.
• I’m fond of adding red onion slices, rings of green bell pepper, and and sliced
jalepeño to the package with raw meat. It sends a rush of flavor to your mouth and
you’ll be happy.
The recipe of sorts comes courtesy of Mark Stephens, publisher of AdventureParents.com. Visit this website for more recipes,
adventure galleries, and ripping narratives: www.adventureparents.com
 More
Common Trail
Techniques
Text by Mark Filonowich
N 47° 28.320’ W 092° 27.070’
In the last column, we discussed a few common trail
techniques that readers and students commonly
encounter. This issue we will explore a few more. Bear in
mind that every situation is unique and no one solution
fits all, but use this column as a starting point for creat-
ing your own strategy to safely and successfully travel
down the trail of life. As always, I strongly recommend-
ing stopping, looking, and thinking about what you are
attempting before committing yourself beyond the
point of no return. So many guys are too proud or too
shy to ask for advice or assistance, but many times I find
that just getting a second opinion can save a lot of time
or trouble later.
Many years ago my club used a trail that included a
section affectionately called the “Tire Wash”. It was a hard high. He was lucky he and his passenger weren’t more
sand bottom (quite smooth) and was about 16 inches
deep. No problem driving slowly through and cleaning
the mud off the tires. Trouble was lurking, however, for
anyone who strayed off the trail. As long as you stayed
on the “high ground”, the water was 16 inches deep. But
it quickly dropped to 4 feet deep (or more), and was well
beyond the fording capabilities of most vehicles. The key
was to follow the leader who knew the sightlines and
reference points to stay on the high ground. This leads
me to the first trail technique of this issue:
APRIL/MAY • 2010
Know how deep the water is you just can’t see. Trail riding at night, or cresting a hill
BEFORE you get into it…
When things go from bad to worse, they tend to get
there rather quickly. Sucking water into the intake
creates a condition known as hydro-lock. The pistons
cannot compress water the same way they compress air
and fuel vapor. Water also does not have the same
lubricating properties that oil has. Damage occurs
suddenly and somewhat permanently, and will certainly
be expensive. Even if you don’t get water into the motor,
it might enter the transmission, transfer case, or differen-
tials (through leaking breather tubes). Water can also
enter the passenger compartment (ask me why I have
enlarged the drainage holes in the floor of my Jeep).
None of these situations are particularly pleasant, and all
can be easily avoided with a little common sense or
good spotting. The smart driver spends a few minutes
planning and checking out the trail ahead to avoid the
costly mistakes.
When I was about 17, I remember seeing a pick up
truck stuck in the ground nose first. The driver had gone
up a hill, over the crest, and straight down into the
ground. There was no trail…just a drop off about 20 feet
seriously hurt! That leads me to the second trail tech-
nique of this issue:
Know what’s on the other
side BEFORE you go over the
hill…
Most of the time, you can see what is ahead of you on
the trail. Most of the time, your trail speed is quite slow,
so you have time to react or plan as you go. Occasion-
ally, however, trail conditions create a situation where
are both examples where the lack of clear vision can
create a potentially dangerous situation. In the example
above, the “trail” probably should have been clearly
marked and blocked off , but we all have to take respon-
sibility for knowing where we are going. The other
mitigating circumstance was the hill that required some
momentum to climb. I’m fairly certain he was going fast
enough to get over the top and had no chance to stop
when he realized what was happening. I mention it now
to give you a chance to avoid his mistake. Look first and
be confident before you start the climb, because some-
times there is no easy way to undo what is about to be
done.
My final trail technique deals with an error of my own. I
was trail riding by myself (something I strongly recom-
mend against). I was marginally prepared (I had a tow
strap, a shovel, and a brand new Hi-Lift jack). I was
exploring some logging trails and looking for muddy
ruts (because I was young and invincible and wanted to
see what my new mud tires could do). In hindsight, I got
what I deserved. I was stuck in the middle of nowhere,
with no one to pull me out, and nothing to attach my
Hi-Lift jack to. Today’s trail technique number three is:
HOPE for the best, PLAN for
the worst…
I spent some time proving to myself that I was really
stuck. I had a few hours of daylight left, and I wasn’t that
far from civilization. First, I tried jacking up one corner of
the Jeep at a time and dropping some logging scraps
into the ruts, hoping I could claw my way out of trouble.
Next, I tried scraping down the high spots hanging up
my Jeep, but that didn’t get me free. Finally, I dug a hole,
ran my tow strap through the center of my spare tire
and buried it. Then I used the hi-lift as a winch to pull
myself forward. The bummer was discovering that the
tow strap stretched (quite a bit) before the hi-lift actually
moved the Jeep. Slowly, painfully, and with a LOT of
effort, I won about 6” of progress (on a 48” Hi-Lift). After
repeating the process 4 times, I was able to climb out on
my own power. As I went to bed that night, I was pretty
sure I learned something important. I was just too tired
to realize what it was. Make sure you don’t have to learn
this lesson the hard way. I’m certain I could not muster
that much energy ever again.

Iron Range Offroad, Minnesota’s only off-road driving school, is excited to announce it’s 2010 calendar. The
classroom setting is the spectacular Iron Range OHV Park, 3 hours north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The classes are
geared toward entry level Jeepers, stressing safety and environmental responsibility. Trail riding is broken up with
class modules that cover trip preparation, vehicle maintenance and repair, driving skills for different terrain,
extraction techniques, vehicle upgrades, and much more. Customers who register for classes in 2010 will also
receive a copy of Jim Allen’s book, Four Wheeler’s Bible, Second Edition, an amazingly complete and detailed volume
that incidentally features some fine photography of the Iron Range OHV Park and one of the off-road driving
classes. To sign up for trip or request additional information, please visit:

www.ironrangeoffroad.com
 A Winter of Fun
By Will Morgan
Each year as the seasons change we look
forward to all the upcoming outings we have
planned. With the winter months in full-swing at
the time I write this article, it is time once again
to trade one seasons gear for the next as we
begin planning our weekends well in advance.
Away go the mountain bikes, climbing gear, and
kayaks and out come the snowmobiles, the skis,
sleds, and inner tubes for the trips we can
squeeze into the season. Some of these trips will
be out exploring mountains on a snowmobile
with friends, skiing around the country at
various resorts, or hitting the closest sledding
hill with good friends and family.
APRIL/MAY • 2010
There are some great times to be had and
memories made during the snowy season, and
they can be had with a simple hill and a handful
of friends and family. Sledding is a blast and still
fun at any age and as an adult, it can sure make
you feel like a kid again as you fly down a hill
with the spray of snow flying back up at you. So
the next time you’re sitting around bored in the
winter trying to find something to do with the
neighbors, the kids and family, remember that
some snow, a cheap sled, and a snow covered
hill are all you need….gravity will take care of
the rest!
Another favorite winter pastime is
snowmobiling. Last year we featured the Big
Horns Jeep Jamboree held at the Bear Lodge
just outside of Dayton, Wyoming. The place was
so beautiful in the summer and the owners and
staff members at Bear Lodge were so much fun
that I wanted to head back this winter to see the
mountain with several feet of snow on it. The
folks up there were so accommodating and
offered to make sure I saw the best of the Big
Horns if I came back in the winter that I just
couldn’t pass on the opportunity to do so. Bear
Lodge is a full season operation: in the summer
they can schedule you for a guided horseback
ride as well as quad rentals and trails that go all
over the mountain in addition to the Jeep
Jamboree. In winter, their whole focus is on the
snow mobile crowd that comes here to get
away and just play. Many people take their own
machines up there and take advantage of the
great lodging, restaurant, and bar all under one
roof. For those that don’t have their own machines, there
are rentals available as well as a shop to handle any
repairs that may be needed.
Snowmobiles, like Jeeps, are a great way to get out and
see some great country and they allow you to get back
to those areas that can still be called “wilderness.” The
folks at Bear lodge have some great guides and one of
them who knows the area better than anyone would be
Bruce Burkhart. Bruce was kind enough to take time to
show me what the Big Horn Mountains have to offer in
the winter time for scenery, and why so many people
escape to these mountains to play and unwind. I would
like to extend a special thanks to the folks at Bear Lodge,
Arrow Head, and The Elk View for their generosity and
highly recommend considering taking a trip to the Big
Horns to see what Wyoming has to offer. Check out their
websites for details and feel free to call these folks and
see what they can do to help you book your Wyoming
winter get away at www.bearlodgeresort.com or at
www.arrowheadlodge.com/. They have recently opened
yet another lodge on the mountain: http://www.
elkviewinn.com/
Skiing is another great way to get out and make the
best of cold, wintertime temperatures, and it offers the
opportunity to get out and not only have fun in the
snow but it’s a great way to get exercise as well. Now
there are many places around the country to ski but one
place that most people would not immediately think of
for their ski vacation would be South Dakota. Just
outside of the famed Wild West town of Deadwood sits
the ski resort Terry Peak http://terrypeak.com/, allowing
visitors the chance to enjoy the day skiing or
APRIL/MAY • 2010

snowboarding with family and friends. The summit of

Terry Peak is at 7,076 ft and boasts the highest vertical
drop between the Rockies and the Alps. It provides
some great views of the surrounding area from the lift or
the top of the mountain. Terry Peak is a great place to ski
with plenty of room for all levels of skiers to enjoy the
day and mountain without feeling too crowded, utilizing
two high-speed detachable quad chairlifts, one fixed
grip double, one fixed grip triple, and the snow carpet
 offer a smooth ride up the slope keeping the wait time
in the lift lines at a minimum.
If you want to stay in Deadwoods’ premier hot spot
during your visit then The Lodge at Deadwood is the
place that you’re going to want to stay at. They have
everything that anyone could want to have access to
while staying in historic Deadwood http://www.
deadwoodlodge.com/. Nestled into the base of the
mountain just as you arrive into town, The Lodge at
Deadwood is one of the first things you see when you
arrive and quickly gives you an inspiring welcome. The
staff and accommodations at The Lodge are not only
second to none, but they will ensure that your stay will
be one that you enjoy and remember for a long time to
come.
When planning your trip to South Dakota, make it easy
on yourself and simply visit the folks at www.
blackhillsvacations.com. They will happily answer any
questions you have in regards to planning your
vacation. They have all the information and contacts
and will be perfect for helping you plan your get away.
You would be hard pressed to find any place that could
give you more information on the area with just one
phone call.
So if you want to plan either a back country
snowmobile trip or a ski trip to the famed Wild West
town for some gaming and small town entertainment, I
encourage you to look into either of these destinations.
If you are looking for some great deals on ski
equipment check out www.sportsoutlet.com.
For all of you Jeep enthusiasts out there, both of these
APRIL/MAY • 2010

places have great Jeep Jamborees that are highly

entertaining. Info and dates for either event can be
found at www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.
 Our mission is to empower generations to enjoy the outdoors
responsibly through education and stewardship. So join us. Try
to use existing campsites, camp at least 200 feet from lakes and
streams and pack out what you pack in. For more ways to
minimize your impact while camping, go to www.treadlightly.org
or call 1-800-966-9900.

©2005 Tread Lightly!

Pressing needs, pressing schedules,

pressing deadlines; sometimes the
whole world seems to be pressing in
around you and you just need some
relief. We think that you should grab
one of our products and get away for
a while. Trust us, you’ll love it.
APRIL/MAY • 2010

www.gsioutdoors.com

s h t h e
n ’ t Tr a
Do
Land Use & Access
o m Severin
By T
r t e s y of Tom
co u
Photos
It’s no secret that Americans generate a lot of trash.
Millions of tons of it every year. Not all of it ends up
in garbage cans, either. Our streets are littered with
cigarette butts, gum wrappers, and other trash.
Sadly, our parks and other recreational areas are also
cluttered with this stuff.
As a conscientious 4-wheeler, you adhere to the
TreadLightly! philosophy. One of its core principles
implores you to leave an area in as good or better
condition as you found it. You know you’ll be taking
supplies with you, so what can you do about your
garbage and trash?
This whole process starts even before you leave
home. The best way to minimize the amount of trash
you generate is to eliminate as much packaging as
possible. Take cereal, for example. You don’t need
that big box with you. Pack just the bag of cereal
inside. A rubber band will keep the bag closed, and
you can use the rubber band for other things. Ditto
for the plastic bag. If you eat up all your cereal, fold
up the bag for future use.
Some products, such as glue and batteries, often
come with extra packaging. The individual unit(s) is
blister-packed onto a larger package. Take out the
one or two items you need for your trip, and leave
the rest, including all the packaging, behind.
Beverages present other opportunities for creative
packing. If you’re a wine drinker, transfer the wine to
n m e n t
Enviro
oo
r in & Trashar
Sev e
a soft plastic container or the Platypus Platy Preserve
Wine Preserver Bladder. The wine tastes just as
good, and you’re not stuck with an empty bottle.
Plus, as noted above, you can use the bladder to
hold other stuff if you manage to polish off your
wine.
Glass bottles present a real challenge. They break
easily and take up lots of space. In fact, some public
lands prohibit glass containers. When possible,
consider buying beverages that come in aluminum
cans. Once emptied, you can crush them into mini-
pancakes for easy storage.
Steel (“tin”) cans also are a bit of a hassle. They
don’t crush down well, so unless you can find a new
use for empty cans, you’re stuck with bulky trash.
Many folks like to cook while off road. You can save
on waste and packaging there, too. Chop or cut up
your onions, peppers, carrots, and whatnot at home,
taking only the amounts you need for your weekend
meal(s). You save space and have less garbage left
over.
Food waste presents a special problem for the
outdoors. It takes up space and attracts
unwanted critters to the campsites. You’ve heard
of the grizzly bears in Yellowstone digging
through Dumpsters and climbing into people’s
cars. Out here in the southwest, we have a real
problem with ravens. Their populations are
soaring (700 percent in the past 25 years)
because too many people are leaving food waste
at their campsites. It doesn’t take much. A few
crumbs or morsels at each site add up to a lot of
food.
Consider reusing your drinking water when
possible. The water used to wash potatoes and
other vegetables, for example, can be used to
clean your dishes. Afterward, that water contains
chunks of food which, as noted above, attracts
ravens and other critters. Strain the water
through a commercial-size coffee filter or similar
product to remove the food particles. Pour that
water on your campfire ashes to make sure
they’re out.
What about burning trash? That’s a bad idea,
too. For starters, it is tough on the environment. off-highway driver, you are held accountable for
The Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality addressed this issue in its brochure titled, that’s reality. Plus, we want to show everyone
“Don’t Burn Trash at Your Campsite”:
“Burning trash, even paper, can release acidic
gases, heavy metals, particulates, and toxic
chemicals such as dioxin into the environment.”
Further, trash burning is a significant cause of
wild fires and the ash can contaminate soil and
groundwater. If you must burn anything, use a
fire pan so you can collect the ashes and throw
them away when you get home. Many areas now
require the use of a fire pan even for campfires.
There is a new product on the market that
makes it even easier to haul your trash out. The
Trasharoo carries up to 50 pounds of trash on
your spare tire. A 30 gallon trash bag will fit
inside and the sturdy Trasharoo is lashed to the
tire so it does not flop around like a burlap bag.
www.trasharoo.com
Finally, make a point to pick up trash you see
along the way. Unlike hikers and backpackers,
you have lots of extra room for trash. And as an
the garbage out there. It may not be fair, but
else that we are good stewards of the land. Leave
your area in better condition than when you
arrived. You’ll feel better, and our hobby will be
better for it.
Tom Severin is a Certified Master Tread
Trainer and is the President of Badlands
Off Road Adventures, Inc. To learn more
about BORA or to join Tom on one of
his adventures, please visit:
www.4x4training.com
 WARN WINCHES. WHEN IT’S TIME
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