2019 Four Wheeler Overland Adventure
Overlanding
Overlanding, a type of self-reliant adventure-travel where the journey is the main focus. It’s a lifestyle that follows in the car-camping footsteps of old, seeking the untouched beauty of the American backcountry for a better appreciation and understanding.
Genesis
Last January, Four Wheeler magazine unveiled the plans for the first-ever Overland Adventure. An “all-star” team of 20 four-wheel-drive overlanding (self-sufficient, capable of extended backcountry travel and camping) vehicles was chosen from a slew of applicants to take on an amazing three day trek through stunning Arizona backcountry, ending in Flagstaff for the Overland Expo West – the incredible off-road trade show dominating the scene since 2009.
The Machines – Trucks, 4×4’s and Other Beasts
Calling them “vehicles” would do little justice to these incredible machines. If you hadn’t known better, you would think this was a real-life reenactment of Mad Max. From Military Spec Tactical beasts to modified ’71 Chevy’s to fully optioned Raptors, the field was stacked. Our friend (and voice of Trail To SEMA) Jason Lewis of AutoEdit went down with videographer Kyle Niemer to capture the adventure for PowerStop in Jason’s built Ram 4×4.
Check out the full breakdown of the 20 vehicles chosen here!
The Journey – Overland Adventure
Day One, the participants met at Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona to undergo tech, pick up two-way Rugged Radios, and meet their new friends for life. It was a melting pot of enthusiasts from all over the country bonding over their shared love of Overlanding.
The next morning marked the beginning of the adventure as the crew went straight from the Flying E Ranch saloon through the ever-stretching land of Saguaro cacti. Some of the best scenery and landscapes America had to offer was now the temporary home for the 20 machines and Overlanders. The graded dirt roads quickly became the coarse, sandy floor of an ephemeral stream. Later, the team chose their own path out of the wash and crawled out of the canyon. At the close of day, altitude was gained and communal camp was set up at a backcountry ranch where a professional chef treated the Overlanders to much earned dinner.
Cows broke the morning for the campers, who were quickly warming up under the sun after a 40 degree (Fahrenheit) night. Day three was filled with the spice of life: variety. Nearly 120 miles of flat grasslands, dense forests, and elevation peaks & valleys were covered. Highlights included a scenic lunch on the Verde River and then reaching the highest elevation point of the adventure while traversing the Prescott National Forest. The vehicle’s limits were pushed, as hauling/towing extra weight through treacherous terrain is no easy task. See Jason, for example, who had to rely on his PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow brakes during an extended downhill segment to keep safe and comfortable. After pushing the boundaries of their vehicles and selves, it was finally time to eat. Dinner was another professionally crafted experience that preluded an even colder night than the one before it, as the campsite was 7,000 feet above sea level.
The adventure concluded in Flagstaff, Arizona with a carefully prepared banquet and raffle celebrating the all-star group’s journey.
That’s Not All – Overland Expo West
After the adventure was over, the group was awarded free entry into the massive Overland Expo West trade show. The vehicles were placed in an exclusive area where trade show goers could drool over the Overland Adventure machines while participating in the various activities, classes, and programs of the Expo. Watch our embedded video to see just how huge it is.
Real People, Real Love – Z36 Truck & Tow
One of the lucky and skilled participants, Dan Cressall, leaned on his PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow brake kit the whole journey. See what he had to say in his review video:
Thank You
Huge thank you to Four Wheeler Magazine for Overland Adventure 2019 and allowing us to be official brake sponsor of the journey!
The 2019 Four Wheeler Overland Adventure is also sponsored by BDS Suspension, Bubba Rope, Dick Cepek Tires, KC HiLites, Conqueror North America, VTX Wheels, Rugged Radios, Canyon Coolers, and Offroad Power Products.
Be sure to follow us on all our social media channels to keep up to date with out latest adventures!
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