EDITOR’S NOTE

DIESEL INVASION IN MOAB

Since the Jeep became popular decades ago, but more recently with the boom the JK has created, Jeeps are everywhere you go and you’ll rarely be able to hit an off-road trail anywhere in the country without seeing one. Several years ago, a few friends of mine decided to rebel against this Jeep Invasion at one of the largest yearly gatherings of off-roaders: Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Being fans of full-size rigs, they decided to call this rebellion “Fullsize Invasion.” Fullsize Invasion started as a small gathering of trucks and SUVS hitting a trail or two and grew into a massive group hitting one or multiple trails per day during the EJS week. On these rides you’ll see anything from mainly stock tow rigs to fully built rock buggies. Everyone is welcome (Jeeps, mini-trucks, cars, etc.) and there’s no cost involved other than the gate fee ($5). EJS happens each year the week before Easter.

Last year they decided to try something a bit different and called out diesel owners for a ride on the slick rock. It would be called “Diesel Invasion”— still part of Fullsize Invasion, but with a twist. It was a great turnout with maybe a third of the group running #2 diesel. This year, however, was a totally different story. Diesel Invasion drew roughly 35 trucks, all full size, and all but maybe five were diesel. It was a great way to spend the evening, listening to turbos spooling all around me and watching big trucks dominate obstacles their smaller, generally more capable brethren struggled to get atop. Plus, the looks we got from others—no one could believe we were taking such large vehicles on the trails. The size of the group made those reactions even more fun. By the end of the week our group had really become great friends and the comradery was great to see. As I mentioned, everyone is welcome on the Fullsize and Diesel Invasion trail rides. If you’ve never been to Moab, it’s a gorgeous place to visit with tons to see and do. It’s worth the trip no matter where you call home. Heck, I did 24 hours of driving just to be in town for one day. Put EJS and Diesel Invasion on your calendars for next year. I’ll see you there.