NOV. 3rd MOAB EXPERIENCE

Sounds like a great time, Chuck; thanks for sharing your experience. Jason seems to have excellent teaching skills from the reviews.
And are you thinking of the BN grille badge? I thought we used to have these offered at Off-Roadeo; maybe they are out of stock, @London?

Did you do any trail wheeling on your own? I heard that BLM has closed off 1/3 of the Moab backroads and trails (Aaaarrrrgh!) Anybody know anything about that?

BostonBadlands

Did you do any trail wheeling on your own? I heard that BLM has closed off 1/3 of the Moab backroads and trails (Aaaarrrrgh!) Anybody know anything about that?

Sure! BLM is attempting to close 317 miles of trails/camping sites that mostly overlook the river. There have been, according to the BLM, issues between river and motorized users for some time. I think it's mostly related to river users being offended at seeing and/or hearing vehicles, thus ruining their "wilderness experience".
There is a multi-faceted approach including an appeal/law suit/Utah state bill(s) trying to stop the closure, so as of right now, nothing is closed. There is little impact to the trails most tourists are familiar with but when you close down trails, you move other users into that smaller space, so in the future the trails left will likely be more crowded.
You can learn more about it and what to do here: https://www.sharetrails.org/the-brc...actions-you-can-take-to-fight-for-our-trails/

Melissa Clark

Sure! BLM is attempting to close 317 miles of trails/camping sites that mostly overlook the river. There have been, according to the BLM, issues between river and motorized users for some time. I think it's mostly related to river users being offended at seeing and/or hearing vehicles, thus ruining their "wilderness experience".
There is a multi-faceted approach including an appeal/law suit/Utah state bill(s) trying to stop the closure, so as of right now, nothing is closed. There is little impact to the trails most tourists are familiar with but when you close down trails, you move other users into that smaller space, so in the future the trails left will likely be more crowded.
You can learn more about it and what to do here: https://www.sharetrails.org/the-brc...actions-you-can-take-to-fight-for-our-trails/

Thanks much. I think the issue is a prevailing ideology, an overly romanticized, purist (I might even say neo-puritanical) view which means -- for many -- "re-wilding" the landscape. An anti-motorized, even anti-industrial, ecology philosophy on steroids. It's also politically hostile to certain constituencies. (Read between the lines.)
And that mindset is, at least for now, dominant in the halls of power.

Chuck Ellison

I attended the November 3rd Moab Off-Rodeo. In a word - AWESOME!
I've been off-roading since the early 70's, mainly in the Pismo Dunes and in the Los Padres National Forest. Despite this previous experience, I have been a little hesitant to hit it hard in our Wildtrak Sas, given the independent front suspension and the lockers.

I am glad I went as I learned more in 8 hours under Jason's guidance then I ever expected and found his advice on how to use the wildtrak's standard equipment to compensate for the lack of a sta-bar disconnect.

Jason was an amazing coach. He was patient with each of us in the group as we learned the proper way to utilize the many features the new Broncos have.

Also the gal in the office was super helpful to my wife who spent a ton of time shopping for family xmas gifts while I was enjoying my time on the trail.

MY ONLY COMPLAINT:
I was disappointed not to receive a "grill badge" or at least the ability to purchase one upon completion of the course.
In my opinion it sets one apart as a "badge of honor". It might also be good for business, especially now that they are opening up the experience to all, as it shows other Bronco owners your attainment of skills and experience off road.

As for me, an avid collector of all kinds of "items", it just might encourage me to set collecting all four site badges as a goal in 2024.

Thanks to Jason and the Moab Team for an amazing day of food, fun, and learning!

Chuck

Hi! Normally the grille badges are in stock and available for purchase. Apologies for that! If you want to buy one, I will give you free shipping to make up for it:) Send me a private message with your email!