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
Do You Suffer From HOTGS Syndrome?
Lifestyle August 10, 2023
This week, our friend Tom Severin’s article struck a chord in me. Like all of us, Tom is struck by what he calls HOTGS, and I’m pretty sure we all have it! Many of our garages or storage spaces become almost unusable over the years…we know it but seldom... Read more
Ticks and Other Summer Time Complaints
Lifestyle July 9, 2023
Four-wheeling isn’t inherently hazardous. But like all outdoors activity, some risks are always present. Now is a good time to review a few common issues encountered while outdoors. Included are steps to mitigate the situation and prevent it from happening altogether. As a wilderness first responder, I am familiar... Read more
The Secret Art of 4-Wheeling – Visualization
Lifestyle May 24, 2023
“Begin with the end in mind” is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There’s a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things. Stephen R. Covey, “7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” That passage is from Habit 2 of Covey’s... Read more
Pickle Thinks He is a Big Dill
Lifestyle April 10, 2023
Whew. Drove an exhilarating event recently. Boss wanted to hit Death Valley for the annual Death Valley Experience March 22-25. Hosted by the California Four Wheel Drive Association, this trip lived up to its name. What an experience it was! But ol’ Pickle came through with flying colors (well,... Read more
Don’t Let Inclement Weather Dampen Camping Experience
Lifestyle March 14, 2023
You pull up to the campsite after a long day on the trails. You’re tired and anxious for the evening to begin. A light drizzle has followed you along all afternoon, with no end in sight. So much for relaxing around the campfire. What to do? Get creative during... Read more
Badlands Off Road Adventures Clinic!
Tech Tips February 28, 2023
We had a very successful AWD only clinic in February. We are planning another clinic for March 18th in Borrego Springs, CA. This all-day clinic will provide the knowledge and skills to drive an AWD vehicle off-road. The clinic is schedule for March 18th from 8:30am to 4:30 pm.... Read more
Be A Good Sport: Tread Lightly
Land Use Updates February 15, 2023
The nation (and world) continues to bounce back from the from the pandemic. A sure sign of that can be found in the large crowds that visit our parks, national forests and other public lands. While it’s nice to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, there is greater... Read more
What We Share And Don’t Share Off-Road
Lifestyle January 11, 2023
One December about five years ago, I took a group to Saline Valley to celebrate New Year’s Eve. While at the campsite I realized I didn’t have a tent. Completely forgot to pack it that day. As a seasoned four-wheeler, this basic blunder was especially difficult to swallow. On... Read more
Useful Gadgets For The Four-Wheeler!
Lifestyle December 16, 2022
Tis the season for gift giving…whether for yourself or another four-wheeling aficionado. With that in mind, Santa Tom offers up these fine gifts and ideas sure to please any four-wheeler or other outdoors enthusiast. Continuous ratchet strap: Most ratchet straps have a hook on each end. A continuous ratchet... Read more