F IRING ORDER

FIRING ORDER

Long-running 4WD events

This issue of Four Wheeler includes coverage of the Easter Jeep Safari from Moab, Utah. Easter Jeep Safari, commonly known as EJS, celebrated its 56th event in 2022 and that’s a pretty darn impressive number of decades. Imagine how much has changed in the off-roading world and the Moab area since 1967. The growth of the event and the town is incredible, and kudos need to go to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, who have run EJS since 1983, for the great job it does with the event.

EJS’ long history got me thinking about 4WD events that have been around for a long time. For example, the Mile-Hi Jeep Club’s All-4-Fun event in Colorado. All-4-Fun is celebrating a darn impressive 56 years of the event in 2022. This event is unique in that it’s held in a different location each year, utilizing local trails. The last All-4-Fun I attended was in Silverton and it was an impressive, finely tuned event that offered some incredible wheeling on legendary Colorado trails along with a robust collection of features.

Gravelrama is another long-running event and it’s put on by the IOK 4 Wheelers. It celebrates its 51st year in 2022. The six-day event in Cleves, Ohio, has a rich history, capitalizing on racing in various forms. I had a blast at Gravelrama a few years ago and I think I’m still pulling pea gravel out of my camera bag.

Dakota Territory Challenge, put on by the Black Hills 4 Wheelers, is celebrating its 40th event in 2022. I have great memories of this South Dakota event and the trails are epic. I recall going on one of the harder trails and it was a lot of fun. In a way, it reminded me of the Rubicon Trail, right down to the rocks and trees.

Another long-running event is the Total Off-Road Rally in Dresser, Wisconsin, which is put on by the Minnesota Go-4 Wheelers. The event marks an impressive 53 years in 2022. I’ve always enjoyed this event, which combines trails, racing, camping, and more into its five days, all in a great location.

A long-running winter event is the Sno*Blind Expedition in West Branch, Michigan, that’s put on by the Mudchuggers Four Wheel Drive Club. The club stops chugging through mud and puts

Above: This photo was taken more than a decade ago on Black Bear Road during the incredible All-4-Fun event in Colorado. The year this photo was taken the event was based in Silverton. Below: This photo was taken about 10 years ago during the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Time flies. EJS is now celebrating its 56th event in 2022.

together a well-tuned event that offers the participants the opportunity to chug through snow. In 2022, Sno*Blind celebrates its 28th annual event. I’ve had great times at Sno*Blind and the most memorable is the year a major snowstorm hit during the event.

Other events with long-running histories? Sierra Trek (55 years), which takes place in California’s Tahoe National Forest; Jeepers Jamboree (70 years!), on the Rubicon Trail; and the Willys Reunion in Aurora, Ohio (29 years).

Of course, there are many more off-roading events with long histories and there are many that are on their way to becoming long-running 4WD events.

Do you have a favorite long-running 4WD event? Or have you attended an event that you think is going to be around for the long haul? Drop an email to the address below and tell me which event it is and why you dig it!

–KEN BRUBAKER

KEN.BRUBAKER@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: KEN BRUBAKER

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