15.1 Are You Ready For More?

By Perry Mack

This is the year that we are going to get more out of wheeling. More of what? More of everything. Most clubs have experienced a decline in membership over the last few years, which is just beginning to turn around now. It’s not old members coming back but new members joining in. And these members are typically new to the sport. This could be you – reading the mag write now. There’s nothing wrong with beginning new, in fact there’s everything right about it. It means you are the kind of person willing to expand your horizons by being open to new experiences. Expanding horizons and new experiences is what 4WDing is all about.

We’re starting a new feature in every issue called Off-Road Essentials. These are articles on driving techniques, builds and gear that explain how to get the most out of your 4x4 experience starting with why it’s done, moving through options and ending with state of the art enhancements, with an emphasis on offering 4WD readers value in vehicle set up. We’ll also explain trail running etiquette and even how to run a successful event.

Spear heading this addition to the publication is Dean Bradley who has been an avid 4 wheeler going on 30 years. He’s assisted fellow four wheelers for many of those years while acting as a Jeep Jamboree Trail Guide and Jeep 101 Instructor.  Dean has also taught and displayed four wheeling principles while working for Chrysler Canada as a Jeep College Instructor and Drive Team Coordinator. “Old Skool”, as he’s known over the CB radio, gathered his vehicle building skills by designing and preparing 4x4’s for all aspects of off-road driving and racing.  Finding success in Wheel to Wheel Short Course Racing, Mud Drag, Sand Drag and Auto Cross Competitions helped “Old Skool” recognize the vehicle modifications necessary to prepare 4x4’s for reliability and performance in the most demanding conditions.

Next to getting your rig ready, the most important thing is to get out there. For the ‘old skool’ guys - get the new guy out on a ride; get him to an event, heck - run a new event! Get a hold of me and 4WDrive will help.

Canada is a big country, full of people with big hearts, big rigs and a huge sense of adventure. Look out 2013 - here we come.

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