As hard as we try to capture real trail action on film, photographs just don't compare to being there in person. But Rick Russell of Sidekick Off Road has made a business of making superb trail maps and real-world videos of some of the nation's best trails. We showcased his latest Colorado efforts in our "Book & Video Review" (Aug. '98). In these tapes, Rick drives his modified, bright yellow '56 CJ-6 across the trails with a select group, while his video crew hoofs along covering all the participants. We were invited to tag along during the making of Rick's newest tape on trails in the Phoenix area. Rick chose very worthy trails for this video: Martinez Canyon, Woodpecker, and Upper Terminator. We've showcased these trails previously, even with many of the same 'wheelers we show here, but knowing the video camera is on often leads to some interesting driving. The Arizona Trails video should be out by the time you read this, and the photos shown here are but a sampling of the antics the camera crew caught. If you want a copy of this run or other volumes covering different areas, contact Sidekick Off Road, Dept 4WOR, 12188 Central Ave., Ste. 352, Chino, CA 91710, 909/628-7227, Web site www.sidekickoffroad.com. A perennial favorite, Mike Flores and his Chevy-powered '76 CJ-5 scaled this notch known as Brett's Hole on the Woodpecker Trail. Keeping to the passenger side of the pit leads to a dull crossing that most rigs can make, but the big dogs squeeze every ounce of fun out of this obstacle.A perennial favorite, Mike Flores and his Chevy-powered '76 CJ-5 scaled this notch known a We rarely see an Explorer on any trail, much less a difficult one, but Lee and Gloria Zimmerman have done quite a bit to prepare their Ford for the rocks. The custom-cut and -modified suspension has about 7 inches of lift to clear the 33-inch BFGs, and the stock 4.0L engine had no problem spinning them thanks to the modified nine-speed auto tranny.We rarely see an Explorer on any trail, much less a difficult one, but Lee and Gloria Zimm Even the fullsize-truck steering linkage on Greg Boetel's '51 Jeep Sedan Delivery couldn't keep a straight face and hammed it up for the camera. Lots of trail repairs on rigs keep some people out on the trail way past dark.Even the fullsize-truck steering linkage on Greg Boetel's '51 Jeep Sedan Delivery couldn't Side driving got a new twist as Brett McCullen showed the fun way to cross his namesake pit with his Scout II. Even the extreme articulation of the '77 'Binder didn't help when taking this line. Driving skill and ARB Air Lockers kept the 'Binder from flopping on its side. Even Brett's wife and kids in the back enjoyed the ride.Side driving got a new twist as Brett McCullen showed the fun way to cross his namesake pi The Upper Terminator Trail is tough enough when it's dry, but add some swimming pools, and it gets really interesting. Ian Liljeblad wasn't scared of getting his feet wet and dived right in with his '74 CJ-5, powered by an AMC 304 and Holley Pro-Jection. Lock-Rights in the Dana 44 axles spin the big Boggers. Eric Jensen and his Mangler waited in the rear to serve tow duty in case the puddle was rollbar deep.The Upper Terminator Trail is tough enough when it's dry, but add some swimming pools, and Even when obstacles disappeared, Brett Epperley found a way to slip to his side in his '80 CJ-5. The Dana 44 and 60 axles weren't heavy enough to hold the AMC 401-powered Jeep on the ground, but the Holley Pro-Jection kept it running 'til the beast was tipped back on the big 38.5x14.50x15 Swampers.Even when obstacles disappeared, Brett Epperley found a way to slip to his side in his '80 Our fearless trail leader, Ken Wadell of Off Road Unlimited, piloted his '85 4Runner over the Yellow Belly Rock on Martinez Canyon. The name comes from the first rollover by Marty Boetel and Robert McCullen, shown in "Hardcore" (Jan. '98). Marty also tried it this trip in his '79 CJ-7, and he made it up without repeating the previous roll.Our fearless trail leader, Ken Wadell of Off Road Unlimited, piloted his '85 4Runner over Another regular in the Arizona desert is the coral-colored rock Jeep we previously featured in "Impossible!" (Feb. '97). This is a three-generation Jeep: Don Campbell let his son Shannon drive it, but the best action was when Shannon's 2-year-old son Wayland drove it (from Daddy's lap) over some of the gnarliest parts of the trail.Another regular in the Arizona desert is the coral-colored rock Jeep we previously feature The Firehole on Woodpecker required a far left line to exit it this time, and Jack McCullen took his small-block-powered CJ-5 all the way up to make it. This seemed like Jack's backyard, considering how many times he's crossed the gash, and his spotting got most of the others who tried it up safely.The Firehole on Woodpecker required a far left line to exit it this time, and Jack McCulle This '53 CJ-3B wasn't the only flattie on the Terminator Trail, and James Mason worked for years on the high hood to make it a slick ride. Powered by an injected Chevy 350 coupled to an SM420 four-speed, the bead-locked 16x35x15 Swamper Boggers clawed along thanks to Lock-Rights and 5.38 gears.This '53 CJ-3B wasn't the only flattie on the Terminator Trail, and James Mason worked for By Rick Péwé Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
