Hump N Bump
Where it happens: Logandale, Nevada
The basics: The Logandale Trail System, located 60 miles east of Las Vegas, is the home of this Vegas Valley 4 Wheelers-sponsored event. Sure, it's fun to say, but it's also fun to do. Held the weekend after the gargantuan SEMA show, this event offers a look at Nevada backcountry the compact-car crowd will never see. The Vegas Valley team has been holding this event for 28 years and the event has become legendary in part to trails like Bronco Falls and Rock Bottom. Of course there's a barbecue and raffle to cap off this cool two-day event.
More info: www.vv4w.org
Dakota Territory Challenge
Where it happens: Rapid City, South Dakota
The basics: This year marked the 26th anniversary of the Dakota Territory Challenge. This event is held in a spectacular area of the Black Hills over Labor Day weekend. The area boasts outstanding scenery and the event offers a wide variety of trails to run during the day, and a family-oriented atmosphere at night. This event made trails like Hal Johns and Upper and Lower Buzzworm household names. Headquarters are at the beautiful Whispering Pines Campground which is surrounded by Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. It's a great event held in a great area.
More info: www.bh4wheelers.com
Dixie Run
Where it happens: Upper Tellico ORV Area, Murphy, North Carolina
The basics: When we think of Tellico we think of this outstanding event. And why not? The Dixie Run has been around for 22 years. This Southern Four Wheel Drive Association-sponsored event utilizes the incredible Upper Tellico ORV area and features a wide selection of trails as well as gobs of family and kids activities in the campground. In 2008 there was even an Extreme Ridge Runners-hosted Rock Challenge competition scheduled.
More info: www.sfwda.org
Gravelrama
Where it happens: Cleves, Ohio
The basics: Talk about history. With 38 years under its belt, Gravelrama is a staple of the wheeling world. Without question its most notable feature is the Big Eliminator Hill Climb. It's something you have to see to believe and the action it creates as rigs try to climb it is extraordinary. But that's not all. Gravelrama also boasts a slew of other activities including flat drags and an obstacle course. This well-run, family-oriented event is held in August.
More info: www.gravelrama.com
Heat Wave
Where it happens: Austin, Texas
The basics: One would think that having a truck show in Austin in the sweltering month of July would be success suicide, but amazingly the Texas Heat Wave is a very well attended, successful event for both two- and four-wheel-drive trucks. It boasts a huge truck show with a slew of classes, a monster-truck show, burnout contest, motorcycle stunt teams, and live big name entertainment to name just a few of its features. Just bring water.
More info: www.heatwaveinc.com
Illini 4x4 Safari
Where it happens: Pittsfield, Illinois
The basics: For the past 7 years the folks over at the Two Rivers Jeep Club have held this popular event in the densely wooded terrain near Pittsfield, Illinois. This two-day event takes place in May and features guided rides on trails with names like Atlas, Myers Mayhem, Mongo, and Smacker. It's an up-close-and-personal look at what is lurking in the thick southern Illinois woods.
More info: www.trjc.com
Pit Bull Mud Bash
Where it happens: Bloomsdale, Missouri
The basics: This October event is 9 years old this year and it's held at the J&N Entertainment 4 Wheel Park that is adjacent to Custom Differentials. The Mud Bash draws spectators and participants from all over Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and points beyond and it routinely draws 1,500 vehicles. Of course it features mud racing, but it also has a sled pull, a huge play area, a rock garden, music, food, and much more. It's grassroots wheeling at its finest.
More info: www.custom-differentials.com