ANNOUNCEMENT: Prepare Now For Wildfire Evacuation
Lifestyle August 20, 2024
This announcement is kind of like the garden seed catalogs you receive in late winter with reminders of what to do in each of the upcoming months. Are your backup supplies and kits ready for a long, exciting off-road adventure? Maybe the Rubicon? How about an emergency evacuation due... Read more
Pack Naloxone – You May Save A Life
Tech Tips July 8, 2024
Opioid deaths are taking a toll on American citizens. The problem is so bad, it’s been labeled an epidemic. Here are a few grim statistics, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Approximately 69,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2020. 82% caused by ingesting synthetic opioids. More than 107,000 people died from... Read more
Our group was traveling up Mazourka Canyon Road with plans to camp at Papoose Flats. Weather reports told of a big storm brewing off the coast. Bearing heavy winds and cold temps, it was scheduled to hit the Papoose Flats area in the evening. Upon arrival at Papoose Flats... Read more
Synthetic Rope For Winching
Tech Tips April 28, 2024
Every four-wheeler at some point needs to use a winch. The type of rope used is vitally important. I suggest synthetic rope, even though it’s more expensive than steel and is susceptible to abrasions. It’s far stronger: A 3/8” synthetic rope of Amsteel-Blue has an average breaking strength of... Read more
Every Off-Road Trip Needs A Leftie!
Lifestyle February 17, 2024
Pity the left-handed person. With something like 90 percent of the population right-handed, lefties are at a distinct disadvantage. But it’s not all bad news. In fact, lefties offer unique contributions to society. You’re probably thinking, “Hey, Tom, what do you know about left-handed people?” Quite a bit, actually.... Read more
The new year is a good time to revisit some fundamentals of four-wheeling. Key among those is how to drive on gravel and dirt roads. After all, four-wheeling necessarily involves driving on unpaved surfaces. First, we’ll look at the hazards. Then we’ll review steps you can take for safer... Read more
Great Gifts For The Four-Wheeler, Outdoorsperson
Lifestyle December 21, 2023
I must be working too hard. I fell asleep at the laptop while working on this month’s article. When I woke up, there was an elf at my elbow. The little guy was checking up on me again. (I’m pretty sure I’ve been good all year!) Apparently, he also... Read more
It’s Never A Good Idea To Split The Group
Lifestyle November 16, 2023
One of the fundamental tenants of four-wheeling is to always travel with at least one other vehicle. Meaning, of course, never go four-wheeling alone. Bad things can happen, even during nice weather in a seemingly benign area. But sometimes it’s necessary for a vehicle to leave the group. Implementing... Read more
Thank God for Junkyards
Lifestyle October 20, 2023
Bruce was in a bind. While far into the Rubicon Trail, both axles on his Wrangler broke. Inquiring into how that happened, he had no idea. Maybe they were just worn out! Hopping in a buddy’s car, they drove out to get cell coverage. Bruce dialed up a junkyard... Read more
Interview with a Bear on the Rubicon Trail
Lifestyle September 15, 2023
Ah, another night, another raid. Those humans sure do keep it interesting. One night we hit the jackpot. Another night, it’s zippo. As in nothing. You just never know what to expect. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Learning the ropes quickly Hello, I’m Frank. A native of South... Read more