Overland Journal Spring 2009

To our readers, You might have noticed this issue is a bit late. We decided to delay printing in order to include a special report on the first Overland Expo, produced by ConserVentures and held in Prescott April 24th to 26th. The event was an astounding and gratifying success, and proved that overland exploration has a bright future. Please see our coverage starting on page 22, and thanks for your patience. The Overland Journal team Keep it Coming I am in receipt of my charter subscriber renewal reminder and just subscribed for another two years. I’m sure you hear it all the time, but can one ever really partake of too much praise when it is rightfully due? I have benefited from reading each and every issue, and typically read it twice to make…

If you ask me what was my favorite part of the Overland Expo, there are at least a dozen answers I could give. There was, of course, the astounding camaraderie of 800 people gathered together for one purpose—to celebrate overlanding and the exploration of our world. At no event of this size I’ve ever attended has this been the defining theme, and the result was a non-stop roar of convivial conversation from late Thursday to Monday morning, when the last of us reluctantly headed home. In fact, throughout the weekend, with the exception of a couple of trailer manufacturers who indulged in a somewhat lively debate as to the respective merits of their products (you know who you are), I don’t think I heard a cross word all weekend. Everyone was…

Mark D. Stephens Mark Stephens has made a fistful of journeys into Mexico and a litany of others throughout the backcountry of the American Southwest because, as he says, “The cultures I’ve encountered while traveling dirt roads and empty spaces were fascinating and friendly. Like home. But elsewhere.” He brings his trademark narrative voice to this issue in a true tale of trying events while traveling with his wife and 11-month-old daughter. A writer living in the Sonoran Desert, he holds a degree in English from Arizona State University, and insists on driving a partuliar black Nissan Frontier. markdstephens.com Lois Pryce Weary of the daily grind in jargon-infested London media-land, Lois Pryce jacked in her job at the BBC to ride from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego astride her Yamaha XT225. Upon her…

Two-wheeled EVs Thanks to the stark situation facing most auto manufacturers, many new efficient engine designs have fallen off the drawing board. Since the 4WD community is not getting the kind of alternative energy options we want, what about bikes? Motorcycles have always been a good platform for innovation. So it’s only fitting that we can find refuge from the barrage of bad automotive decisions in the cult of the motorcycle. Recently, motorcycle designers have responded to the interest in electric vehicles, and despite my misgivings about EVs (their limitations and true environmental impact), for a majority of motorcycles, electricity is a perfectly viable energy option. Electric motorbikes remove some involvement that has long been an inseparable part of the motorcycle experience, but who would really miss changing oil and filters and spark…

Adventure Trailers Teardrop$18,000 (est.) We know a product is going to be a success when Overland Journal’s designer, Stephanie Brady, takes a keen interest in it. Stephanie is normally indifferent to our talk of trucks and gear, but every once in a while something grabs her attention. The new Adventure Trailers Teardrop had barely rolled into the Overland Expo before she had walked over to take a closer look, and to suggest it be available in orange. Besides its retro-cool appearance, the trailer is packed with innovation, including AT’s long-travel independent suspension, an Engel fridge, maple interior, and LED lighting. So Mario, is it available in orange? adventuretrailers.com, 877-661-8097 OME Nitrocharger Sport $100 Old Man Emu has released a new hybrid shock design with a focus on improved durability and handling. The new…

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Overland It’s always an exciting development for a growing industry when the big manufacturers take notice. So we were thrilled to see the Jeep “Overland Edition” Wrangler Unlimited concept vehicle making the rounds of the North American show circuit, debuting at the Easter Jeep Safari and the Overland Expo. The Overland package features several AEV components, including their stamped-steel bumper and snorkel system. Mopar accessories contributed the overland-sensible two-inch suspension system and 17-inch steel wheels. An ARB roof rack, roof tent, and awning provide shade and shelter. A great job from the company formerly known as Willys-Overland. jeep.com Royal Geographical Society Overland Workshop According to Sam Watson of the RGS, “There has been so much interest in overlanding amongst folk that the Royal Geographical Society are supporting an Overland Travel…