Day 4
After spending two solid days of changing wheels, unloading tools, and airing tires up and down, we decided to head for Doran Canyon near Barstow for a half-day trail ride. Originally used as a mining road, the canyon trail is surrounded by hints of its historical roots. Chunks of old asphalt lined the trail floor, both faded and darkened by rippled canyon walls. Hidden in all directions were dozens of abandoned core burrows and mine shafts along the trail passage.
In true 4-Wheel & Off-Road style the day could not begin without some type of vehicular carnage. The first breakage occurred less than 15 minutes into the trail, and the victim this time would be the passenger-side CV axleshaft on the Red Sled. Good thing Tech Editor Fred Williams' truck doubles as a rolling repair shop, as with proper tools and extra parts on board, he swapped out the shaft in record time.
Doran Canyon is hands-down one of the most entertaining spots that I have ever wheeled. Growing up in the coastal plains of North Carolina, it was refreshing to be in an environment that offered so much historic scenery and varying obstacles. Look closely and you can still see what's left of the original mining road that dates back to the early 1900s. This is also a good time to fold in your mirrors and start thinking skinny thoughts. | 
The road going down Big Bear Mountain gives you an idea of the elevation that you are at. Surrounded by ridge and valley formations, it's easy to see why it is such a huge destination spot for outdoor enthusiast. These call boxes are especially helpful in aiding stranded drivers, or the occasional 4-Wheel & Off-Road staffer that happens to lose a tire. | 
After riding in the Jeep, I was impressed with the performance of these tires both on-road and off. The Hercules proved to be a stand-out tire both in the rocks and the mud. Air lockers front and rear and a flexible suspension gave us the opportunity to focus on the tires more than vehicle limitations. |
Jerrod Jones and Web Producer Jason Gonderman would both leave a few traces of their fiberglass fenders behind, as narrow passages and tight bends can make light work of those high-dollar aftermarket panels. This part of the interview was a great opportunity for me to walk the trail and get used to taking pictures of a trail ride. For those of you wondering, yes, you walk and work a lot more than you drive; that's part of the job.
The trail ride had reached its end. Fred needed to get back home so he could fly out for another event and as much fun as we were having, we regretfully headed back for the three-hour trip to the fog-filled basin of Los Angeles.
Day 5
Though somewhat similar to the sandy mud pits of Wilmington, this mud seemed to pack more easily. The slick silt gave Jerrod and Rick the opportunity to test their rev limiters and evaluate how well the tires could cut through the sticky stuff.
I had taken notes, changed tires, and snapped photos every time I could. I had asked questions and told my own stories. The stage was set and all my cards were on the table. Only one day left on the trip and still no job offer! Rick's A1 remained a muddy mess so we quickly hosed it off. Covered in mud and with the Jeep still dripping in the sunlight, we got in and took it for a little air-dry ride to grab some lunch.
Reeking of suburbia, the steady stream of SUVs and their pill-powered drivers stared in confusion as though Rick's A1 was some medieval time device that should not be allowed on the road. With my ears ringing from gear whine and exhaust noise, and still wet and muddy to boot, I looked at Rick and laughed. "I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a wet ass than an Escalade." Not long after sitting down at the table at In-N-Out Burger I was given the greatest job offer of my life. I had passed the interview that was more like boot camp, and I quickly accepted. By the time you read this I will have started my new job here at the magazine. I hope you'll like what I have to offer and look forward to seeing you on the trail.