JD Keating
Women guiding women.
Words and Photos JD Keating
@Dads_That_Wheel
Women empower one another. This is a common theme. Sit back and think about that for a moment. Women proudly supporting each other is a topic of distinction rather than an expected action. This is important to recognize, even in the four-wheel drive community.
Amber Block, with support from 4Lo Jeeps, hosted the second annual Not a Pavement Princess (NAPP) women-only off-road event last September, which attracted more than 50 wheelers in scenic Northern Ontario to push themselves, test the limits of their driving skills and encourage each other to get out and explore.
On a chilly late September morning, anxious, excited women gathered around a propane fire and raffle table chock full of cool prizes. The concept was simple. Bring your Jeep, bring a smile, and go wheeling, all in the support of the Minden Women’s Shelter.
Female-only off-road events are not new. However, in a pastime historically enjoyed mostly by males, an all-women event is unique. On this day, several different levels of trails were available to run and Block did a stellar job of organizing each group based on skill sets and capabilities. Guided by all-female drivers, the trails were spread out across a rolling, tree-swept landscape with leaves consisting of warm tones of yellow, orange, and red – the scenery couldn’t have been more beautiful.
The majority of attendees drove mildly built Jeeps with a variety of stock rigs. However, there were a few seriously built Jeeps and even Juggy’s (Jeep buggies comprised of a tube chassis and apparently a few stock parts). Regardless of the off-road arsenal, it was very encouraging to see partners of drivers participating, as well as those who were experiencing first solo runs.
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Getting dirty before the trail even begins.
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Airing down and disconnecting the sway bar.
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One of the four morning line-ups.
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Team Weber leading the way.
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After years of riding shotgun, this was Tamara’s first-time driving Mom’s TJ.
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The clean lines on this beauty XJ were hard to ignore.
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Following the leader, Amber Block.
Initially, the atmosphere felt essentially the same as every other off-road-related event, but then it hit me. There was a serene, calmness among this group. Obstacles were approached without assistance, unless requested. One person was doing the guiding with nobody else interrupting, and there was absolutely no yelling. These wheelers were calm and collected. In fact, there were a few guys running at the back of each group for mechanical support, only because no female mechanics were available.
On the optional route immediately after the gorgeous lunch overlook, our guide was tentative about pushing on as we approached an especially deep and lengthy water crossing. However, when the group was given the option of turning around or running the water, it was a nearly unanimous “heck ya, let’s do the water”.
It’s common to forget how exhilarating it can be to venture off the beaten path in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Having built our Jeeps to excess with a craving for hard-running adrenaline, this event was a welcome reminder that should we appreciate every moment while wheeling, including those on moderate trails. It was also inspirational to see the joy, smiles, and camaraderie among the eclectic group of drivers. All the positive signs of happiness emerged, and we quickly recalled how our initial addiction to off-roading began.
The group on this gorgeous, sunshine-filled autumn weekend took it all in stride. The ladies seemed to appreciate every aspect of each run, the obstacles, nature, exhilaration and most importantly, each other. This is what off-roading is all about. It’s about exploring, not knowing what’s around the next corner and facing the surprises and challenges head-on. It’s about sharing a common interest with friends and soon-to-be-friends, smiling the entire time.
Block organized an epic afternoon of off-roading for an unlikely group of friends. We could all learn a thing or two by attending more unique events like NAPP.
I know I did.