Heaven On Earth
988 miles, 32 gallons of fuel, 14 hours, 32 minutes, 11 seconds, 6 liters of water, 2 oatmeal cookies, 1 apple, 4 tacos, and 3 rest stops. That's what it takes to reach heaven on earth. Heading east, there's a 122 mile section of I-70 that offers no services. No help if you run out of fuel. No help if you get a flat. No help if you have an emergency, and absolutely no cell service. To most, this is terrifying. To me, this is freedom.
It lets me know I'm one step closer to my destination of Moab. A 4x4 mecca, mountain bikers dream, the photographers paradise. This marks my 8th time being surrounded by giant, red clay monoliths and the only arches I ever want to eat under. Unfortunately, two days ago on my way out, my camera bag was stolen from my car. My planned astrophotography outing was derailed. I've made the trek to my favorite place armed with only my phone. If that isn't irony, I don't know what is. I'm trying to see the bright side looking at what surrounds me. Trying. Next stop, who knows.
Cattle Pusher
As smoke began to pour from the rear of his trailer, Jim pulled off to the side of the road. I pulled off as well a few hundred feet ahead of him to offer a hand. Walking back I noticed Jim's gaze, as if giving me the once over to determine my intent. As I approached, I raised my hand with a smile on my face, "Hello there, can I give you a hand?"
I've been on Jim's tail for nearly 3 hours. Passing across the Great Plains just outside Rock Springs, Wyoming. After a few minutes of small talk, I learned that Jim is moving a load of steer across the state to his ranch in South Dakota. This is one of a dozen similar routes he pushes through every month to make ends meet. Delivering cattle across Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, Nebraska and as he put it, "I'll even go southern yonder into Cole (Colorado) when the money's right with me."
"Most people don't think 'bout where their food comes from. They just go into a joint, grab a steak and don't think about what it took to get it in their face. I'd like to think I do my part to make sure people eat, even though us farmers don't get much respect these days", he said with a reverence in his voice.
Jim and I sat on the side of the road for nearly an hour replacing the brake pads on his trailer while sharing stories. His tools were equally as aged as was his body. Hard winters and long summer days have worn on Jim, like a reliable coat you'd never part with.
With a firm and thankful handshake, I parted ways with Jim. The Cattle Pusher was back on the road, making sure you and I enjoy our next meal. Thank you Jim.
One Foot At A Time
I've never enjoyed running. Even though I grew up playing nearly every sport at one time or another, just going out to run never hit my fun meter. You mean, you just run, to run? There's no ball to kick, throw or shoot? Weird. As time has passed, I have grown to appreciate running, but I still can't say I love it. I've done a few races, all of them 1/2 marathon and under. Now, I find myself training for the big 26.2. After a year or two of inconsistent running, I've now put in 4 solid months of training and I'm finally seeing consistency. Just like every other goal in my life, great things take time to grow. I no longer look at my goals as massively difficult mountains to overcome. Instead, I step away from the final goal and look at each piece needed to complete the puzzle. If I'm going to run 26 miles I need to run 1 mile first. Then 3, 6, 9, and so on. When I finally reach my goal of 26, I will have already accomplished a number of goals on the way. Each feels like a win and that's amazing motivation to hit the next mark.
I'm sharing all of this with you because I hope it inspires you to look at your goals in a different light. Take it apart and look at the pieces that are needed to make it happen. Then conquer each piece and the puzzle will take shape. I promise. All it takes is one foot in front of the other...
All American Muscle
This isn’t Kyle Caso’s first rodeo. Over the past few years he has owned a few race inspired prerunners including this ’92 Ford Ranger. His Ford started off as a simple leaf sprung prerunner built for weekends in the desert and spectating the race scene. As the truck sits today, it has been rebuilt twice and is now a race winning Ranger that has spent time racing in 1450 and 1400 classes and has landed on the podium in the MDR, MORE, SCORE, SNORE, Tuff Trucks Challenge and Glenn Helen Baja Cup series.
I shot Kyle's truck in Ocotillo Wells circa 2006 for Off-Road Magazine. Kyle is a great, hard-working kid building trucks in his garage. I wonder where he is at today?
Hiking Siberia Creek
"Hey Jordan, do you want to go for a hike with me in Big Bear?" I responded with merely a grin. Jen had been telling me about one of her favorite Big Bear trails for some time. As soon as time permitted, I jumped at the chance to join her up the mountain. Not only is she an avid snowboarder in the winter, Jen has a second home in Big Bear and spends her summers hiking and biking when not shooting weddings.
After a quick stop at Leroy's in town, we made our way toward 2N10, where many of the US Cup Mountain Bike Races are held. 2N10 is a fire road that is mostly flat (you can drive a Civic down most of it but you may not want to). Following the 2N10 to the 2N11 will get you to a roundabout parking area and the start of Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail that leads into Siberia Creek.
Immediately following the parking area, you will find trail markers. They are very easy to locate and follow. I suggest hitting up Bear Valley Bikes in town or the Big Bear Welcome Center. Plenty of FREE maps available in the shops or online.
As you make your way to the end of Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail, stay alert for the Siberia Creek Trail 1W04 signpost. After stopping to checkout the Champion, we headed towards Bear Creek. The trunk of this tree is enormous! I would have gone up and hugged the tree if it wasn't fenced off. I really wanted to, but rules are rules.
Less than a mile in, you will come to the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail telling you all about the history of the worlds oldest living pine tree. The tree you are about to see below stands 110 feet tall and has been living for over 440 years. Respect. Think of all the fires we've had in this area over just our lifetime, this guy made it.
There he is in all his glory. Standing dead center, the trunk of the tree splits in two near the top, recognized by the blue sky peeking through the middle. Horrible views, right?
Jen knew all the great spots for snack breaks. Handy having a local with you on the trail.
Now here is something you don't see everyday. You have certainly seen a cut down tree before, but how many dating back to the Civil War? Someone spent some serious time counting the age rings and wrote in various historic dates. We spotted, World War I, WWII and many more. Awesome! (I don't support graffiti but I do love history)
The entire trail is amazing to look at and relatively flat for the first mile. Don't forget you are hiking at 7,900 feet. Keep that in mind and plan ahead.
Although we knocked several times, we could not find any Keebler Elves at home. We could have really used come cookies.
If you have the time, I suggest visiting Bear Bear between May-August. The weather is at its peak and you’ll be in for a magical forest treat. Bring a camera.
This sign reads, "Trail Not Maintained". From here on out please exercise caution and common sense when hiking. Honestly, you should be already. Up to this point, the trail would be great for cycling. I hate to admit it but I was too busy focusing on the trail to snap any photos ahead. A few miles past this sign you will reach Bear Creek. The trail becomes very loose and rocky, as well as dropping in elevation quite a bit. We continued on for about a mile before heading back for the day. My double-fail of the day was not turning my Garmin GPS watch on until we started back for the car. Our return trip marked roughly 3.2 miles and 1733 feet of elevation gain. I would say total roundtrip elevation would be around the 2500 mark.
We had a great day on the mountain and I look forward to heading back and hiking all the way to Bear Creek. Next time, my watch will be turned on and I won't leave my hiking poles in the car. Plan for a good 3-4 hours of hiking and bring plenty of hydration and food if you go.
Directions from Fawnskin/Big Bear Lake, CA: Travel west on Highway 18 and turn east on Hwy. 38. From there you turn right (south) onto Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10). Follow Mill Creek Road for 4.5 miles and turn right (east) onto 2N11 and continue for 1 mile to the trailhead.
I hope you enjoyed out hike. Stay safe out there and plan ahead with water, food, some sort of communication device and first aid supplies. If you are traveling solo, please let someone know where you are going and when you should be expected to return. Better safe than sorry.
Keep Going
Life is very black and white these days. It feels as though I'm running stairs leading up and down at the same time. For every forward step comes a punch to the gut. I've still got some left in the tank and plan on fighting my way through 2017 if it takes my last breath.
SEMA 2016 P2
What most of you have come here for, the Trucks and Off-Road vehicles of SEMA 2016. So many great NEW builds popped up this year. That is definitely worth noting as we often see rebuilt, repurposed and over-used vehicles brought back year after year. It was refreshing getting to lay eyes on so new creations. SEMA may be an industry only event but I highly suggest you try and come to Las Vegas during the show. There is plenty you can still see in the outdoor areas that are open to the public. That includes most of the live driving demonstrations that happen throughout the entire SEMA week. Enjoy part two, Trucks and Off-Road.
Photography: Jordan May
All of these photographs were taken with my Fujifilm X-T1 and 18mm lens.
This gallery was originally posted to. A Gentleman’s Word.
SEMA 2016 P1
Welcome to the 2016 SEMA Show in the fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks my 8th year covering the show. This year my agenda ran slightly different than in years past. Without an official plan, I was able to spend much more time shooting vehicles that interested me as well as meet more owners. In the past, I was typically sent to this booth, to that truck, to talk to these people. It was nice wandering around photographing the show in a way that my viewers enjoy. I decided to split this years gallery in two. Not only is there a huge amount of photographs I want to share, I thought it would be appropriate to separate the Trucks and Off-Road vehicles. Enjoy part one, Hotrods and Customs.
Photography: Jordan May
All of these photographs were taken with my Fujifilm X-T1 and 18mm lens.
This gallery was originally posted to A Gentleman’s Word. To learn more about AGW, please visit my about page.
Gary Hough THAT’S RIGHT
If you grew up near the deserts of Southern California, chances are you know Gary Hough. Gary has owned some of the nicest trucks you will see running around Ocotillo Wells, Anza Borrego, Glamis and the surrounding areas. Having gotten to know Gary very well over the years, I learned that unlike a number of off-road personalities, he is a really nice guy. His part-time property in Ocotillo Wells is perfect for when the race team needs a weekend away.
I've photographed several of Gary's trucks over the years for publication. This is one of his trucks from 2006. Enjoy a couple of the snaps.
