An Exciting Off-Road Adventure

Krawlin' for Cops 

My Jeep lined up for the trail ride

With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I headed up to Rausch Creek Off Road Park this past Saturday for the fantastic event, Krawlin' for Cops. These emotions flood me every time I take my Rubicon out to wheel.

My Beloved Daily Driver

My Rubicon is not just my off-roading beast; it's my daily driver. With several years of payments still ahead and my limited mechanical skills, the stakes are always high when I hit the trails.

My Jeep on the rocks

The Love for Wheeling

I absolutely love wheeling, especially over the rocks. But with that comes the risk of breakage and the constant questioning of my skill level. Or so I thought.

My Jeep on a rocky trail

Early Morning Arrival

I arrived early Saturday to a parking lot packed with Jeeps from all over. I chose to wheel on green and blue trails, which was a thrilling step up for me.

Parking lot of Jeeps

A Surprise Role

Our group, Group 2, was led by a very experienced Jeeper, so I felt confident about having excellent spotting assistance over the rocks.

I lined up behind the other Jeepers in my group, right in the middle. But as we prepared to head out, I found myself as the tail gunner. With three stock Jeeps in our group, which had never wheeled before, they moved to the front for guidance, leaving me to tackle the blue trails mostly on my own.

Jeeps lined up for the trail ride

Tackling the Blue Trails

Blue trails are a step up from green, and while my Jeep Wrangler is more than capable, it was my own confidence that needed a boost.

Pole line at Rausch Creek Off-road Park

My Jeep on Blue 23

A Day of Success

I’m thrilled to report that I made it through the day's ride without any breakage and gained a whole new level of confidence. I tackled Blue 23 all by myself with no spotting whatsoever. I rocked it!

Krawlin' For Cops video 👉 Watch Here 

Selfie

Incredible Training Sessions

I owe this success to my incredible training experiences. I've been fortunate to learn from four I4WDT certified trainers. My first-ever off-road experience was with Kyle from Off-Road Consulting, whose expertise gave me a solid foundation.

This past Spring, I took a training class with Northeast Off-Road Driving School. Even after three years of wheeling, Scott and Jon equipped me with new techniques for the trails.

Charlene Bower from Ladies OffRoad Network also shared invaluable wheeling techniques and imparted the most crucial words of wisdom: my new motto, "I've Got This."

My Jeep on Blue 23

Unwavering Support

On Blue 23, while wheeling across the rocks on my own, I wasn't truly alone. I applied the techniques from all four trainers, each contributing to my success.

I can't forget our trail guide, who never doubted my ability, constantly reassuring me that I was a pro.

My Jeep the Tail Gunner on Blue 23

So I just need to remember next time ~~ I've got this!    

Checking my wheel placement