Challenge Yourself to Fun
This year has been a great challenge for us all. Perhaps “challenge” is an understatement. As we reflect back on the year, what have you faced and overcome? For me, I found 2020 to be a year of great growth, in my career and within myself. I suppose a lot of alone time will do that to you. It’s been officially a year of me completely taking over as editor and the positive response has been both rewarding and encouraging. I also have been a dog mom for a year now, and if that isn’t a reflection of yourself I really don’t know what is. Like with most things, we have our good days and more challenging ones, but most are full of licks, cuddles, and laughter.
I also find it very fitting that at this year milestone, I am coming out of a whirlwind of activity over the past month and a half where I was challenged some more. I embarked on my first long expedition trip, where I got the honor of joining a group on 950 miles of all-dirt exploring through Nevada. I like to get dirty, but that takes it to a whole new level. Who knew dust could get into every nook and cranny inside the vehicle like that? I also learned that I can endure that long without a proper shower, but the reward of a thorough cleanse at the end was heaven sent. A few weeks later, I took my nephew on his first camping trip. Although he’s 10 years old, I basically had to do it all myself. My challenge was teaching him how to be a bit more responsible and self-sufficient while trying to remain patient. It’s times like those I see my father come out in my behavior; a grunting bark escaping here and there. I’m sure there are plenty of parents out there who know what I’m talking about.
And one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had in a while was attending Overland Challenge in Uwharrie, North Carolina, put on by the guys from Southern Xpeditions. This was a trip of firsts for me. First time in North Carolina, and the first time breaking something. I had the joy of driving one of this issue’s feature vehicles, the Southern Xpeditions Tacoma, and I can personally attest to the thrills it brings. Yes, a supercharger is a lot of fun. So much so, I may have been going a bit too quick when I hit a dip, busted the rear window, and then got us stuck in a muddy ditch. As my heart rate was through the roof, Alex, the videographer’s assistant, fed me a granola bar that I then dropped on the ground because we were tilted at a 45-degree angle, unable to move much and held in snugly by the seatbelt. As we waited for our recovery vehicle to winch us out, I was told, “It’s OK, this is what happens.” All in the name of fun, right? It was my first time breaking something, even worse that it was on someone else’s rig. Good thing Derrick is a good sport and this wasn’t his first rodeo. More to come on Overland Challenge in a future issue, but it was worth mentioning as I came home excited from the event and looking forward to the year ahead of me and the next batch of challenges in store.
Similarly, a challenge we all face in current times is helping those new to spending time outdoors learn the unspoken rules. We all want our public lands to remain open as long as possible, and I felt Tread also has a responsibility to do our part in educating. I called upon the knowledge of Chris Collard, someone who has been in the wheeling world a long while and has plenty of experience with conservation efforts both in the offroad sector and beyond. In “Backcountry Conservation” Collard reminds us of the basic rules to tread lightly. Meanwhile, Mercedes Lilienthal echoes those efforts in “Wild BC,” a tale of her adventure through British Columbia.
As usual, we have the latest gear on the market, including a portable pizza oven. And take notice of the inclusion of some women’s gear, something you’ll see more of. Fellas, this is how you get your lady to pick up the magazine and admire that new front bumper you have your eye on (wink, wink). And if gear isn’t enough, there’s a detailed driving experience of the new Ram TRX from Bryon Dorr. See how it compares to the off-road vehicles of its kind and if it lives up to the expectations set forth.
As we close out crazy 2020 and step into 2021, I dare you to challenge yourself a bit. Appreciate the opportunities presented to you, whether it is a firsttime experience or the billionth time that pushes you to do more. I’ll admit, the beginning of this year was challenging for me. Had I not pushed through and met those challenges head-on, I wouldn’t have enjoyed the rewards of the last month and a half. Go on, push yourself. It’ll be fun.