Jeep CJ - 4Word

Back To Camp

By Mark Nobles

It doesn't feel like it's already been a year since I returned from Charlottesville, Virginia, and all the pageantry that surrounds Camp Jeep. But, here I am heading east again. For those of you who have never been, this event is a Jeeper's paradise. It encompasses all things Jeep while also promoting a slew of outdoor activities, from mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and river rafting. Of course, there are also daily trail rides led by local club members that cater to every level of off-road experience. In short, Camp Jeep attempts to pack into a few days everything that the brand image tries to promote: nature as lifestyle.

And what could be better? There are historical retrospectives with vehicles on display that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. As well as engineering roundtables that give the average Jeeper an opportunity to ask the kinds of questions that typically evolve as a result of time spent on the trail. There are golf clinics led by industry pros, photo workshops conducted by the likes of National Geographic, and even fly-fishing experts who will perfect your cast. And if you have children, there is probably no other event of its size that can compete with Camp Jeep when it comes to activities the little ones will revel in.

In short, Camp Jeep is fun. Even for those who have no interest whatsoever in four-wheeling, it's a blast. It all culminates on the final evening of the event, when the headline entertainment - this year Leanne Rymes - is followed by a spectacular fireworks display, the likes of which most people have never seen so close. So if you ever have the opportunity, try a few days of Camp Jeep. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Speaking of fun trips, I recently spent some time in Buena Vista, Colorado, where I got together with Phil Carnevale and the folks at Tomken to shoot the installation of the company's new coil conversion suspension for the Jeep CJ. It took nearly three days to complete, but I came away impressed with the amount of time they put into the R&D process and the off-road abilities of the kit. For the full story on the complete installation, see page 22.

Our trail coverage this month has something for nearly everyone. The Rosser Roundup in Tennessee brought hundreds of Jeeps out of the Southern woodwork. The Bronco 35th anniversary run in Southern California saw the single largest gathering of Ford Broncos ever. Our piece on Upper Heldorado was a Suzuki-only trail ride that gave these little machines a chance to shine. And the 4Runner Jamboree in Johnson Valley was strictly a Toyota affair that lured some awesome rigs to the Hammer trails for a long weekend of 'wheeling fun.Enough, I say. Turn the page, keep reading, and enjoy.

EDITORIAL
Publisher/Truck Group	Dave Withrow
Editorial Director	Kevin Wilson
Editor	Mark Nobles
Technical Editor	Christian Lee
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	Phil Howell, Tony Huegel, Michael Lawler, Sue Mead, Allen Merritt, Mark Werkmeister

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