The rumble was impressive and the color palette broad enough to lay challenge to a rainbow. Much of what we were hearing were hundreds of pistons cycling within a five-liter volume, and those powerplants were moving a substantial “herd” of colorful 4WDs all around us as their drivers readied themselves for a day on the trails.
Each year a hearty group of Ford ’wheelers gathers to pay respect to one of the early domestic sport utility vehicles and its off-road prowess. Of course, we’re talking about the venerable Ford Bronco, and the event is the Arizona Classic Bronco Stampede. It’s a 4WD family gathering where enthusiasts gather to show off their rigs, play 4WD games, share in the camaraderie of the like-minded (Bronco fanatics) plus run some excellent desert trails and explore a little Arizona history.
Many of the owners who showed up for the 20th annual event brought with them one of the first generation classics from 1966 to 1977. There was also a handful of the larger second-generation Broncos (referred to as OJB, as in O.J. Simpson Bronco), and one or two of the downsized Bronco II variety amongst the 109 vehicles attending this year.
Needless to say there were...
Needless to say there were lots of cool Broncos to see and the variety of year models, body configurations, and level of drivetrain modifications was immense. We found everything from a couple of Bronco bodies stretched over Ford Focus donor chassis to near buggied rockcrawlers, and everything in between.
The group gathered to camp in Rock Springs, just a short drive north of Phoenix. This served as a meeting point and a spot where owners could meet to share experiences. From there some groups ended up running a number of nearby 4WD routes over the three-day event. Nearby are a good variety of trails ranging from scenic dirt roads to more challenging routes that meander through the mountains, and then the even more challenging trails that are nestled down in sandy washes strewn with all manner of boulders and interrupted periodically by solid rock ledges.
Like Broncos? If so, you might want to check out the Stampede event in the spring of 2012. For more information, check out the Arizona Classic Bronco website at: www.azbronco.org
From above, we got some clear...
From above, we got some clear views back across wide valleys. We were just a bit early this year to catch the cactus and wildflowers in full bloom, but this time of year often brings with it colorful displays of vegetation.
One of the more popular Broncos...
One of the more popular Broncos in the bunch is this vintage 1968 Stroppe Team race rig owned by Andrew Norton and Todd Zuercher. What started life as an engineering truck at Ford Motor Company went on to become the overall race winner in the 1969 Mexican 1000 race at the hands of Larry Minor and Rod Hall. After restoration over 40 years later, it raced again in the 2010 NORRA Mexican 1000 race, covering 1,107 miles to finish first in Production Class 5C. A true classic!
On Saturday, we ran a trail...
On Saturday, we ran a trail that explored the peaks around Williams Mesa, a flat top mountain nestled in the Bradshaws that tops out at just over 3,000 feet above sea level. Here the trail winds up and around a few smaller peaks.
“Cowboy” Bob and Margi Sohren...
“Cowboy” Bob and Margi Sohren joined us on the trail in their Bronco II. You just don’t see many of these around these days, much less out running trails. You may have heard of their son “Pistol” Pete. He does a little desert racing.
Saguaro cacti thrive in this...
Saguaro cacti thrive in this area of the Sonoran Desert. In places, hundreds will blanket a hillside where germination and growing conditions are most optimal. In other places, a lone ancient survivor stands tall after growing there for well over a century.
Bill Sanders was out running...
Bill Sanders was out running the rocks in this exceptional-looking blaze orange classic. We ran into him and a couple of other Broncos headed out of the Terminator trail on Saturday. The trails in the area vary from old mining dirt tracks to flash flood-ravaged wash bottoms scattered with boulders and rock ledges.
Justin Brice pauses for a...
Justin Brice pauses for a moment in his ’69 model Ford to take in distant views while running the Williams Mesa run. The trail was not high on the difficulty scale, but offered commanding views across expansive valleys as the trail meandered up and down the mountainous terrain. Justin’s Bronco is a strong runner with the almost requisite 302 V-8 under the hood that’s followed by a 700R4 tranny and an Atlas transfer case.
There were plenty of dog companions...
There were plenty of dog companions at the event and out riding on the trails. This little guy seemed content to watch over his master’s Bronco while the group took a short break on one of the trails.
We stopped for a short lunch...
We stopped for a short lunch break at one of the old cattle corrals in the area. This area of the Bradshaws has seen extended history of desert inhabitants from miners to ranchers to outlaws. One trail nearby leads to the old Tip Top Mine, a historic silver mining area that prospered in the late 19th century. Also near here are remains of the ghost town of Gilette. It was the original ore mill site for Tip Top, and now resides on private property.
In places, the sandy wash...
In places, the sandy wash gives way to large rock slabs jutting from below. The geology of this locale is unusual and varied. Much of the wash rubble and surrounding hillsides consist of decomposed granite. But other stratified rock criss-crosses the trails to add more play obstacles along the way.
Steve and Jackie Lancea nose...
Steve and Jackie Lancea nose their Bronco down one of the steeper hills we encountered and smoothly tip it up on three tires.
After a BBQ dinner served...
After a BBQ dinner served at the nearby outdoor caf�, there was a prize raffle featuring thousands of dollars worth of off-road booty. The spoils included two sets of tires, a couple of winches, a rollcage, and tons of other 4WD-related parts and accessories. There were attendees that also drug along some parts for swapping with other owners over the weekend.
The Agua Fria River runs through...
The Agua Fria River runs through one of the broader washes in the area. It was fairly shallow for this time in spring as the area had not had recent rains. Once a shower or two comes in, the water rises and makes crossing in 4WDs a more exciting venture.