First time Off Road!

A Day that Changed the Path of My Life

This was the day my Jeep Life morphed from daily driver to weekend warrior. I would soon come to find my new passion would become off-roading. Little did I know that day how it would completely change my life. My Jeep and off-roading would take me on so many adventures to amazing places. 

Check out My First Time Off-road video on YouTube. 

My First Time on the Trails

I got up early to embark on a three-hour drive to Pennsylvania. My destination was Rausch Creek Off-road Park. I had arranged a one-on-one off-road driving instruction session. 

I was eager to learn more about my Jeep and its features, and finally get out on the trails to learn how to drive off-road. It was something I had never experienced and had no idea what to expect. 

Rausch Creek Off-Road Park - Pennsylvania

Nervous Excitement

My nerves on edge and my tummy filled with anxious butterflies, I walked up to the window to check in. My instructor, Kyle, was there to greet me. He set my nerves at ease with his easy going welcoming personality. We wasted no time and began the training. I was thrilled when I finally engaged 4-wheel low and drove a few circles in a dirt lot to get a feel for my Jeep's capabilities.

Off-Roading 101 with Kyle

Kyle is a well-educated and seasoned professional trainer. He is knowledgeable about the capabilities of my Jeep. He explained them in terms I understood. Plus, it helped that I was an experienced driver in the snow and ice.

An Amazing Day! 

Facing My Fears

As I tackled the first incline, I was nervous about tipping over. However, after seeing a picture of the incline, I realized it wasn't as bad as it felt. Something I remind myself still to this day.  I continued to learn, navigating washouts, hills, mud, and rocks without damaging my Jeep.

First time off camber. 

Traversing the Trails

Kyle took me and my Jeep through wash outs, up and down hills, through the mud and over rocks. I didn't even damage my Jeep at all. I did hear some clanks and bangs -- only four -- so I think I did pretty good.

Hood shot of the trail

Mastering the Hill Descent Control

One of the coolest things I learned was about the Hill Descent Control button. I was amazed at what my Jeep could do without my help, and it gave Knight Rider's Kit a run for its money.

Hood shot of Jeep in front 

First Time Water Forging

Kyle even took me through the center of a pond, which was a scary feeling, but I trusted my Jeep. I was reminded that my Jeep is not just a toy, but also my mommy vehicle for daily tasks.

Water forging is one of the Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated Badge tests.

First time taking my Jeep through water. 

Manual Automatic Transmission Magic

Another feature I learned to use was the manual automatic transmission, also called autostick. This is second nature to me since I grew up driving a manual transmission with a clutch. 

This post will show you What is Autostick and How to Use Autostick 

Hood shot of the Jeep in front

At the time, I wasn't ready for more difficult rockier trails. It was a fantastic day and I was eager to take another class so I could venture out on my own.   I didn't know where it would lead me at the time but it was all an amazing journey.

Check out all my other Adventures and see the amazing journey I have been on since this first day. 

Enhancing the Jeep Experience with Zipper Pulls

Getting Topless is Simple & Easy Now!

Exploring the great outdoors in a Jeep Wrangler is an exhilarating experience. The ability to bask in the sunshine and feel the wind against your skin is a major draw for Jeep enthusiasts. The ability to be topless is the main reason I bought my Jeep.  However, managing the convertible features of a Jeep, such as taking the top down and putting it back up, can sometimes be a hassle. That's where zipper pulls come in to revolutionize the process.

Taking care of your soft top is crucial for a long life. Read More ➤➤ Soft Top & Zipper Care

Various shots of Jeep Momma using the soft top zippers

The Challenge of Zipping Up

While taking the top down is relatively straightforward, zipping up the windows can pose a challenge, especially when dealing with small zipper handles. It is a one person job however, many Jeep owners have experienced the frustration of struggling to zip up their windows, particularly when fingers aren't quite strong enough to manipulate the zipper handles effectively.

Close up shot of soft top zipper

Discovering the Solution: Zipper Pulls

Enter zipper pulls—a simple yet ingenious solution to the cumbersome task of zipping up and down the windows of a Jeep Wrangler soft top. These small accessories can significantly streamline the process, turning what was once a frustrating ordeal into a quick and effortless task.

Jeep Momma zipping off the rear window

Simplifying the Window Management Process

Gone are the days of spending precious minutes wrestling with stubborn zippers in the driveway. I struggled many times as my fingers weren't strong enough to grasp the little zipper handles and pull up and around. With the help of zipper pulls, attaching and detaching Jeep windows becomes a breeze. By providing a larger, more ergonomic grip, zipper pulls empower Jeep owners to effortlessly zip up their windows with ease.

Jeep Momma zipping off the Jeep rear window

Crafting Zipper Pulls: A DIY Option

While some Jeep owners may opt to craft their own zipper pulls using paracord, others prefer the convenience of purchasing pre-made sets online. Whether homemade or store-bought, the addition of zipper pulls enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of any Jeep Wrangler.

Top-Zip Paracord Products for Jeep Wranglers

Paracord Zipper Pulls 

In the world of Jeep ownership, it's the little details that can make all the difference. Zipper pulls may seem like a minor accessory, but for those who cherish the open-air lifestyle, they represent a significant improvement in convenience and practicality. By simplifying the process of managing Jeep windows, zipper pulls enable enthusiasts to spend less time fussing with zippers and more time enjoying the journey.

Bucket List: Warrior Dash Completed

Reflections of an Amazing Day!

Jeep Momma showing she's ready for the race

Saturday morning greeted me with a blend of nerves and determination. The prospect of racing solo, as a 40-something-year-old woman, stirred apprehension within me. Doubts clouded my mind about handling the obstacles that lay ahead. Yet, I repeated to myself: quitting was not an option. Running and completing this race solo became a personal mission, a testament to my capabilities.

Check out my blog page on How to Crafting Your Own Bucket List 

Jeep Momma eyeing up her competition

Team of One: Rediscovering Independence

Unlike most participants, who raced alongside teammates or partners, I stood as the entirety of "Team: Me, Myself, and I." The solitary pursuit symbolized a journey toward rediscovering my inner strength and independence. Conquering the race solo represented more than a physical feat; it was a declaration of self-reliance regained amid life's twists and turns.

A Free Beer after finishing the race awaited me. 

Testing Limits: A Trail of Endurance

The race course emerged as a testing ground for endurance and resilience. The initial mile led me into the dense woods, navigating treacherous hills that seemed to ascend endlessly. While others succumbed to fatigue and walked, I persevered, transitioning from a run to a determined jog. Each step propelled me forward, even as the trail morphed into a quagmire of mud and muck.

Jeep Momma jumps over the fire obstacle

Finding Joy in Adversity

Amid the collective grumbles echoing along the trail, I found solace in the adventure unfolding before me. Traversing the muddy terrain, I reflected on the resilience of soldiers who braved far greater challenges. If they could endure, then surely I could conquer this muddy mile with ease.

Jeep Momma uses the rope to climb up a wall

Confronting Fears: Triumph Over Heights

The ultimate trial awaited in the final mile, replete with obstacles that tested my resolve, particularly my fear of heights. With each climbing wall conquered and each obstacle surmounted, I confronted my apprehensions head-on. The pinnacle of the challenge lay in a narrow beam suspended 25 feet above a ravine, with only two ropes for support. Drawing a deep breath, I pressed forward, refusing to yield to fear.

Jeep Momma climbs up over a cargo net wall

Triumph Amidst Mud and Milestones

As I crawled through the final stretch of mud, a surge of exhilaration swept over me. The journey neared its conclusion, leaving me exhilarated yet yearning for more. The race had become a testament to my resilience, a reminder of the depths of endurance within me. With newfound confidence, I eagerly embraced the prospect of future challenges, signing up for the next race. I would end up running several 5k's and eventually checked My First 10K off my list. 

Jeep Momma belly crawling through the mud

Jeep Momma makin sure her shoes are tied

Jeep Momma down the slide obstacle

The runners start the race

Jeep Momma and other racers get cleaned off

Jeep Momma full of mud