Jeff Allen
KORRBC Aug 2012
Perry Mack
This was such a great issue to put together, one that makes you proud to be a Canadian 4x4 enthusiast. From trails to tracks, builds to adventures, nobody does it like we do.
August is a huge month for great off-road events in Canada from coast to coast. From family oriented social events like Trail Jam and Trailfest to off-road race events like those put on by KORRBC and off-road trail competitions like Lee’s Tough Trail Challenge. On top of that we’ve got Canadians venturing south of the border, sharing their adventures in the Vegas to Reno race and an expedition to Baja.
Starting on the east coast Trail Jam 2012 put on by the Nova Scotia Jeep Club was a huge success with an incredible finale that will blow your mind. I would have to issue a spoiler alert if I went any farther, but fortunately for you the article is in this issue along with some great photography.
Moving eastward to the Kawartha’s in Ontario we’ve featured Trailfest 2012 hosted by the London and Area Jeep Owners Club (LAJOC) in these pages as well. Another great event with over 140 vehicles of all makes and over 300 people in attendance. As Lynne says, “… from those in diapers to octogenarians.”
When we get to Alberta off-roaders get competitive in Lee’s Tough Trail Challenge, with intense competition involving 4WD’s with 31” to 77” wheels, working their way through courses in the Safari Offroad Park in front of judges, video cameras and spectators - all trying to drive their way to glory and a piece of the prize money.
Kamloops Off-Road Racing in British Columbia ‘went off’ in August. Anyone who is in the vicinity of these events should go. I guarantee one of the most exciting afternoons you’ll ever experience – bring the whole family including the dog for an entertaining afternoon in the grandstands. These drivers are so committed to winning and the 4WD’s are so fast and so tough – it feels like watching a no-holds-barred big air competition to see who can bump and fly to finish line first – regardless of the cost to man and machine.
Four wheeling is also about more than trails and tracks. I was thrilled to be able to share two completely different stories and photos about Canucks on international 4WD adventures with you. Rich Walker, Matt Nieman and the boys went down to compete in the Vegas to Reno Best in the Desert off-road race – the longest and most treacherous desert race in the US - some guys just don’t know how to quit… never mind when to quit.
And Matt Van Emerick went completely off the reservation to explore Baja’s rough country when he decided to buy a 4WD for the trip. He didn’t pick Jeep, Toyota, Ford or anything else you normally read about it in these pages. Once I saw his choice of 4x4, I started seeing them everywhere and now I can’t get them out of my head – with all the unique features included in this 4x4, it’s unbelievable that you can’t buy anything like it here new.
We can’t all go out and buy Jeep Rubicon’s to hit the trails, and not all of us want to - so we tinker, stretch, gut and improve our 4x4’s, often from something that just should have been crushed and forgotten. They don’t look Frankenstein’s, although the body parts have been raided from tombs (garages) of friends, family and club members. If we can’t find it, we fab it – if it doesn’t fit, we redesign it. There are some killer builds in this issue that only came together because of Canadian built custom parts and design creativity. Why not put a Corvette engine into a Jeep? No room for compressed air – fill the roll cage. Nice work guys.
I’m off to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas at the end of October, acting as an international judge for the new product showcase. Next issue you’ll see and hear about what’s hot and what’s not.
Our Facebook page is up and running – yeah, we’re a little late, but we’ve been busy. ‘Like Us’ and share your adventures. We’re always looking for the next inspiring Canadian 4WD story – it’s probably yours - www.facebook.com/4WDrive.