You've read about it for three years, and maybe you even tried to win a spot on our trip last year. Once again, we're calling on you, the reader, to submit your information to see if you can hang with the Ultimate Adventure 2003 crew. In last month's 4xForward we gave you the rules and regs and a few clues as to where we are going, and now we'll give you the tentative dates and region where this year's Ultimate Adventure will traverse. We stress "tentative," because a real adventure has the hallmarks of being fluid. Our plan this year is to traverse the Southeast region of the U.S., including wheeling in Tellico, South Carolina. The seven-day trip is scheduled to start the fourth week in June. If you wish to be considered, you must be free the entire time, including getting there and back. Additionally, you are responsible for all costs including food, gas, and lodging, and whatever fees, tolls, and tickets you may receive.
The staff at 4-Wheel & Off-Road will select two entries to join us. We want a couple of readers who have good rigs and great personalities to join us on the trip. Our number one rule is No Whining!, so if you can't handle that one, don't bother applying. The rest of the rules are quite simple as well, so read on and decide if you can handle the Ultimate Adventure.
Rules for 4-Wheel & Off-Road's Ultimate Adventure
*No whining
*We are not responsible for you during this event.
*We will use the buddy system so you are partnered with another vehicle throughout this adventure. If you do not find a buddy before the first trail day, we will help you find one.
*We will try to stick together and help everyone, but with a group this size, it will not always be practical to delay the entire group for one or two people.
*Only one vehicle allowed per invitee.
*Vehicles must be driven (not towed) on the entire Ultimate Adventure.
*Vehicle may be towed to repair location-the intent of the no-trailer rule is to enforce the pavement portion of the adventure.
*The group will leave as close as possible to posted times-don't be late or you may be left behind.
*Bring overnight gear (sleeping bag, food, water, and so on) for unplanned late nights on the trail or by the side of the road.
*Participants are responsible for all of their own expenses (food, lodging, fuel, repairs, fees, and so on).
*Alcohol consumption will not be tolerated on trails or any time you are driving.
*Passengers may not drink on trails.
*Violators will get one verbal warning; the second offense removes you from the Ultimate Adventure.
*Illegal drug use will not be tolerated any time during the tour. There is no warning-first offense gets you removed from the Ultimate Adventure.
Vehicle RequirementsThere will be a tech inspection Saturday at check in. This requires that you check in during the hours posted. Your vehicle will be inspected for all of the following equipment. You will not be allowed to join Ultimate Adventure if your vehicle fails this inspection.
*Battery hold down*35-inch minimum tire size*CB radio*Fire extinguisher*Tow strap*Winch *First-aid kit*Rollbar (rollcage preferred)*Must be self suf-ficient (bring your own spares, tools, jack, and trail food)*Seatbelts for all occupants, which must be used*Vehicle must be street licensed and insured*Front and rear lockers (limited slips do not suffice)*Adequate tow-strap/winch attachment points, front and rear
Remember to send us a photo of your vehicle, any special items we need to see, and a short biography and reason why you think you should be selected. Make sure you include a phone number, e-mail address, or other contact information. All entries become the property of 4-Wheel & Off-Road and will not be returned. We will notify the winners by April 1, which will give you more than two months to get your affairs in order and meet us at the beginning of the 2003 Ultimate Adventure. Send your entries into Ultimate Adventure, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Good luck!