THE ROAD TO RELIC RUN

Pa r t 3: Vi ntage overla nd i ng i n Wyom i ng

By Verne Simons editor@fourwheeler.com Photos: Verne Simons

In Part 1 of The Road to Relic Run (Aug. ’22), we documented how we combined two Intermediate CJ-5s into one. In Part 2 (Sep. ’22), we reported on the overlanding trip to the event, from a suburb of Phoenix to southern Wyoming. And while the trip began with some drama (we blame the heat and a dubious repop temp sender and gauge), the rest of the trip—despite a few hiccups along the way—was downright pleasurable. And the 2021 Relic Run event was a pleasure, too.

The Relic Run is a vintage overland event hosted by Expedition Utah. Relic Run is best described as an assemblage of old off-road vehicles (mostly 1989 and earlier), camping gear, family fun, and more. Relic Run is about vintage 4x4s, but also about old-school off-roading, camping, and generally paying homage to off-road enthusiasts of the past century. The three-day event is about getting to the new-every-year base camp, hanging out with friends on a trail ride, and convening with friends and like-minded vintage overlanding and camping fans. Bonus points are awarded (hypothetically) for period-correct vehicle modifications and camping gear. You wouldn’t believe the stuff Relic Run participants bring along to give the event that vintage touch, from old camp stoves to lanterns and more.

POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO SEE HOW WE BUILT A JEEP CJ-5 FOR RELIC RUN

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Day 1The first day of Relic Run was a trickle-in-day. Folks arrived, hung out, and got comfortable in the amazing campsite on the Wyoming side of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation area. Old friends reunited while new acquaintances were made over a common interest in vintage overland 4x4s and camping gear.

The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is known for cool waters, good fishing (apparently, we’re not good at fishing, and yes, we had the proper Wyoming non-resident fishing license), and Wyoming’s unpredictable weather. As the sun set, the weather was perfect, but a strong wind picked up and blew in a rainstorm from the southwest to make the night more of an adventure. As they say in Wyoming, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes!”

Day 2This was the first day of the official Relic Run trail ride. Our group headed east on backroads and eventually got on some trails that lead the group to the Three (not four) Corners Monument. This is a geographical landmark where the states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah converge, and it was a great place to hang out and have lunch at 8,400 feet above sea level. First surveyed and marked in 1879, the Three Corners area was restored and a sign with information was erected by Boy Scouts and the BLM in 1999. We checked out the monument while youngsters collected rocks, filling their pockets with prized pebbles till their pants fell.

We returned to the main camp via the same amazing route that followed two-track trails and then maintained backroads for a round trip of about 60 miles, mostly through southeastern Wyoming. We spotted lots of wildlife, including birds of prey (an osprey, a red-tailed hawk, and

a falcon), pronghorn antelope, and even a moose on the shores of a high mountain pond. As the sun set, participants brought forth food and treats for a vintage Relic Run potluck dinner. And while the food was fresh, the theme was to serve recipes from a bygone era, once again paying homage to the past and introducing younger off-roaders to recipes they may not know. Our favorite was a family recipe for pineapple upside down cake. Yum!

Day 3As the sun rose, Day 3 of Relic Run was upon us. The vintage overland vibe was carried over into another day of boating and fishing (our luck with the hook was the same as the days before). The day was relaxed with the whole group participating in some lakeshore activities (mostly soaking feet and going for a swim) or exploring the roads and shore near camp.

Later in the day was the unofficial BB gun target shooting competition, where a few Red Ryder BB guns allowed competitors to set their sights on some empty soda cans to see who had the best shot. Winners received vintage toys and a solid pat on the back. We solidly lost the competition with a big smile on our faces. Dinner for the last night was supplied by the Mayor of Relic Run Town, Bob Dubois, who provided 50 pounds of authentic carne asada, which was prepared on several vintage camp stoves to great applause by all in attendance.

Relic Run 2021 was a huge success. Special thanks to Bob Dubois for hosting us on this event and Ryan Kennelly and Phil “Red” Griffiths for helping us make it to the vintage overland event in our freshly built CJ-5, and thanks to all the Relic Run participants for tolerating us. FW

THE 4X4S OF RELIC RUN

’72 Chevy Blazer, Ryan Kennelly ’72 Dodge 3⁄4-ton Power Wagon, Ron Smith ’73 Ford F-250, Bob Dubois ’73 Jeep CJ-5, Verne Simons ’79 Ford Bronco w/Four Wheel Camper, Glenn Lavelle ’79 Jeep CJ-5, Kevin Richards ’84 Toyota X-Cab truck, Marci Dubois ’85 Toyota FJ60, Jake Smith

’88 Toyota FJ62, Bryan Meenan ’88 Toyota BJ71, Andrew McAllister ’89 Toyota BJ73, Brandon Smith ’90 Toyota FJ62, Brayden Hill

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