We have finally learned the secret to why backcountry motorsports enthusiasts love what we do so much. We can now wrap our arms around the magic that keeps us all working on our machines and hitting the trails, dunes, deserts, and mountains. It is about freedom. It is about access to the heritage of freedom that has been fought for so hard in our country and overseas. It is a fundamental component of patriotism.
As authors, we’ve struggled for some time trying to “label” the passion, devotion, and commitment many of us have to our motorized conveyances. We know now that was the wrong approach; it’s not the machine; it’s what it gives us. It’s about freedom.
Undoubtedly, the good old U.S. of A has some marvelous and spectacular scenery, coupled with a vast array of cool historical stuff to see. But the freedom we have to explore gives us the opportunity to enjoy all these things. Our machines take us to places that give each of us a sense of our own heritage and freedom.
We recently cruised in our Jeep, sharing some trails in a southwest desert with ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and dune buggies. We were all breathing the same dust, admiring the same blue skies, loving the volcanic tableland of the high desert, and just plain relishing the camaraderie that accompanies users of the great outdoors. It mattered not what someone was driving/riding; it was that we were all out to treasure our heritage and righteously enjoy the freedom we have fought for and earned.
Patriotism is best described as having a “devotion” to one’s country and supporting the cause of independence. Well, there you have it. That’s us. And like you, we are patriots.
Yes, we do all these things responsibly. That goes without saying. But no matter how you cut it, it’s still about getting out there and doing it – the way you like it! It’s about access, and it is about freedom.
An essential part of the outdoor passion for freedom is having the ability to share these things with our friends and family. Passing on the heritage and history of our country and responsible outdoor recreation is a big part of what we do and why we do it. There is nothing like seeing a kid’s eyes light up after a gnarly hill climb or seeing a child give a big thumbs up while safely strapped in the back of a bouncing rig. It is also why we fight so hard to help keep what is left of our public land and trails open so that we can all get out there and enjoy ourselves.
We are about access, and we must never forget the freedom and liberty that have been fought for by so many when we are out there sharing the trails, sharing the dust, the scenery, and the off-pavement lifestyle. Just remember, it is all about independence. Just picture John Wayne riding off into the sunset. It is a passion, our American way of life; it is how we express our off-pavement patriotism.
We are freedom fighters, and by God, we should let no one stand in the way of our access to our heritage. So stay in the game with us, and keep up the fight.
At your service, Del & Stacie Albright
Del Albright Ambassador
Internationally published author; WorldWide ModernJeeper Abassador and 2014 Inductee of the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. Del has been involved in the Jeeping Lifestyle for longer then most of us can count. His educational and mentorship programs have helped developed warfighters in the ongoing battle to keep Public Lands Open to the Public.
