Approach Angle 16.1
By Budd Stanley
Well, I've officially been introduced to what Big Mack likes to call the silly season. No, its not a time that will see us trading some of our install writers to Chatelaine in exchange for some lifestyle writers who are better in touch with their feelings. No, this is the crazy season, in which we're busy prepping for the year ahead of us, planning trips, launches, cool new products to test, and of course getting companies on board for future project rigs coming down the pipe. If that wasn't enough to keep our days going well into the twilight, there is also the concentration of issues going to print in the next couple months. As many of you know, we've added a couple more issues this year, making for a tight schedule. Not to mention that Suncruiser Media's other publications are also ramped up at this time of year, which has Mr. Mack pumping out a magazine a week for the next six weeks. I don't know how he does it!
It's also a busy time of year on the international auto show circuit. All the new car manufacturers are in the heat of flaunting all their latest goods with the dust just settling in Detroit and Montreal, while Chicago is just getting ramped up at the time of writing. Detroit was a big one with some 4WD worthy news that we have teed up for you, while Chicago is always a big truck show that we'll be sure to bring you all the latest from. This is also the time of year where we see the epic Dakar rally, which we have dedicated a fair chunk of space to get you up to date with what you couldn’t see on TV. We’ve got a bit of a nostalgia theme going on with reviews of the new Range Rover and the return of the Cherokee. And of course, we’re still wrenching in the shop, Bryan will have lots of greasy tidbits about how to upgrade your Jeeps hubs and brakes, and we shed a little light on LED’s.
Yet with all the long days spent behind the desk, as much as I love what I do, I sure miss the great outdoors. So I say to you, while many of our kin flock to warmer climates during the dark days, don't let the grip of winter keep you from enjoying the pastime we love so much. Get out there in the snow and see where those big tires will take you. As soon as we send this issue off to print, I've got a diesel powered Grand Cherokee just begging to explore the local mountains.
Switching gears slightly, there has been something eating away at me lately. The lack of compassion I have observed by people who don’t stop to see if another is in need help. Late last year I joined the CSPS (Canadian Ski Patrol System). Now I didn't volunteer for the free seasons pass (although that is a great perk) but to help those who are in need. All too often I come across a situation where people can't be bothered to take a few seconds to ensure that a victim of an accident or crime does not require aid, and either drives, ski's or walks right by.
Traveling over the Coquihalla highway as much as I do, I tend to come across a fair number of accidents. Late one night not so long ago I came around an icy corner to find a work truck on its side in the middle of the highway, with the contents of the bed strewn across the oncoming lanes. I stopped to check on the driver and found they were trapped inside. After blowing out a window, the lady inside said, "thank God you stopped, I didn't think anyone was going to." She figured ten to fifteen cars travelled by, even driving over the ejected equipment, and didn't even lower a window and yell to see if everyone was alright.
It was only a few weeks later that my wife and I were up at Revelstoke Mountain for a day of riding. After four hours we were cooked and headed for the base. A long flat and icy cat track to the village requires a good bit of momentum to make it all the way down, and the packed surface was kicking my board sideways, nearly catching an edge. As it was the end of the day, this run was packed full of people trying to reserve a table for Après ski. Little did I know that just behind me, my wife did catch an edge, whip lashing herself into the icy ground at full speed smashing her head. Realizing she wasn't behind me when I got to the village, I hiked up the run to see if I could find her. There she was walking down the run holding her head. No less than twenty people witnessed the accident and did not ask if she was okay, and another twenty people passed her as she was rolling on the ground groggy and in pain.
These are only two stories of many I've witnessed. The lack of compassion in people today really does test my faith in humanity. So please, when you're out on the trail, driving in town or out enjoying the great outdoors, and notice something that's out of place, take a couple seconds to take a look, or call out to ensure that no one is in need of emergency aid. The next time it could be you trapped upside down in a vehicle or tree well, with no one no one asking to see if you're okay? Build up some good Karma, trust me, it’s a good feeling.