Every Jeep has a story.
For someone out there it may be the result of a long-held promise to graduate college. For another, it might be Saturday nights delivering meals to the less fortunate. Maybe your story is something you’ve experienced with your Jeep club or a cross-country trip with friends.
All these stories bind us. Captivate us. They prove to us that these iconic vehicles are something more than just hunks of metal clogging our driveways or invading our garages. In the process, they generate memories that last forever.
At The Quadratec Channel, we are all about the story. And we realize these great products we send out everyday to Jeep owners around the world can help make every story better – one shipment at a time.
Welcome to Tuesday's Tale - a Quadratec Channel Exclusive. On select Tuesdays in 2017, we will share someone's personal and passionate Jeep story in their own words. So come along for the ride and read all about what makes these vehicles so great for other Jeep enthusiasts. Or, even better, tell us your story: [email protected].
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For this week, we take a look at first-time off roader Trudy Laidacker's story. Everyone has to start somewhere, and summer is usually the best time to really enjoy an off-pavement adventure. Whether it is the longer daylight, warm weather, or all the possible events to attend, these summer months are packed full of things for those looking to take their Jeep into the wild for the first time. Laidacker attended the recent Krawlin' For Cops benefit event at beautiful Rausch Creek Off Road Park in Tremont, Pa., and was kind enough to share her thoughts.
Her story:
Trudy Laidacker - 2004 TJ
My first off-road experience was nothing I've ever dreamed of. I had made plans with a friend to start with Krawlin' for Cops at Rausch Creek as I see that there are perfect "starter trails" for newbies like me.
Then time finally came to drive to Rausch Creek, but my friend bailed and I almost didn't go because I was scared to go alone. I went anyway and met an amazing group of people. On the way there I was worried if I would fit in...I only had a stock jeep, was I out of my league? Would I be laughed away? None of that happened. Everyone was welcoming.
I was very excited to get started. I honestly thought I was just going to be on a regular dirt road, maybe with a couple small stones. Personally, all I wanted to do was play in the mud so when I came up on my first set of large rocks I freaked out a bit. My tour guide stopped and got out of his Jeep and talked me through every step. The more obstacles I came upon, the more comfortable I was. Never before in my life would I have considered going over the obstacles they had me going on. But I did, and my team cheered me on the whole time and it definitely got easier and less scary as time went on. My confidence was built the more I drove. And I knew if anything went wrong I had my whole team who would help me. There were a few hills I was very afraid to try. But not cause I didn't think my jeep could handle it at this point, but more so because I was afraid I couldn't do it. Going downhill was my biggest fear.
Everyone was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. And I had an excellent tour guide who made sure to always talk me through exactly what I needed to do, like airing down my tires at the start, which gear to use, and which way to turn to get over the trickiest obstacles. Not only did I finally get my Jeep covered in mud, I am now addicted to climbing rocks and can't wait to get my Jeep lifted - which will be my first upgrade. The sound of my back end landing on rocks scared me enough to where it's definitely time. Not a large one right away. Just enough to not scrape on everything and not worry about a puncture to my gas tank.
I am now aware of just what a "Jeep family" really is and I'm very happy and proud to be a part of it.
