Exploring Organ Pipe National Monument With the 2021 Sierra Denali
Jun 19, 2024
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Exploring Organ Pipe National Monument With the 2021 Sierra Denali
It was a hot and humid day while driving back to Michigan from San Diego this past summer and I'd passed mile after mile of Route 66 attractions without taking a moment to stop for a break. I was on a mission to deliver a car-load of booze across country and keep it as temperature controlled as I could. In a way I felt a bit like a smuggler in one of those space games I used to play... Then I discovered that I was going to be driving right by the world famous Uranus Fudge Factory... I knew I had to stop. If for nothing else, I figured it was worth a laugh to tell Heather and Jim that I stopped to get some fresh fudge from Uranus. What I didn't expect to find was that this a surprisingly comprehensive destination filled with all sorts of double entendre, dirty jokes, and "family" fun.
For years I've looked at the opportunity to get a truck to take care of those periodic needs that I have where I need to haul a lot of "stuff". I don't have kids and so a three-row SUV had been something I never really paid attention to or had a desire to actually own. During our recent move from San Diego though I had the opportunity to test two very similar - but also very different - three row SUVs back to back. The first is the 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited and it was impressive if for no other reason that it showed just how far Toyota has come in terms of refinement. We already know that Toyota excells in terms of practicality and dependability but I was truly impressed by how well it handled and how easy it was to load during those dozens of trips between our loft and various places around town.
While college might be the time for academic pursuit, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore, learn more about yourself, and create lasting memories. Thus, taking a trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of your college life. Whether it’s a road trip with friends, a study program abroad, or a solo adventure, college provides a unique window of opportunity to travel while you’re still unencumbered by life’s responsibilities. A road trip will help you learn about different places and people and have fun. Are you wondering how to make the most of your college trip? We have some amazing tips for your trip to ensure you have a fun and safe adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
As a travel advisor who has helped tons of men plan ultimate guys trips over the past decade, I've had many clients inquire about the best type of rental car for their getaway. For some the car is just a mode of transportation and so booking sometime basic from Hertz or Budget is sufficient. However, for others, the debate often revolves around choosing a convertible sports car or a luxury SUV from a more specialized rental company. When I first began to get these requests for advice I thought the concept was silly and folks just wanted to show off to high-school friends at reunions and look fancy for the weekend. However, the reality is that the right set of wheels can set the tone for your entire trip and so this is not a trivial topic to discuss!
In the world of three-row family haulers there's an almost infinite number of options. It's a category that tends to lean towards practicality over fun and performance but leave it to Mazda to turn that on it's head with a vehicle that was as fun to drive as it was practical for loading donations and supplies during our move from San Diego a few weeks ago. During this gauntlet we quite literally took multiple trips each day where it was loaded to the gills but then needed to take breaks before doing it over again. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plugin Hybrid filled the bill so well that Heather and I immediately added it to our short list of vehicles to consider buying.
When it comes to adding mods to your car, the conversation is usually centered around adding power, adding lift so you can overcome obstacles, or adding something like a roof-rack so you can haul more stuff. However, right now I'm facing a challenge - I want to buy a new car so that I can make my vehicle more environmentally friendly but quite frankly - with high interest rates and high sticker prices, it's easier to look at ways to make my existing vehicle better for the environment than doing a full upgrade.
It's honestly been a while since I've had some time to get dusty on the trails but I'm hoping to break that streak soon now that things are getting more stable and the weather is starting to cool off again. Plus, now that I'll be in Michigan - I have a whole bunch of new trails to explore. One thing though that remains the same, whether I'm cruising through sandy washes in 120 degree heat or ice crusted forest trails in Michigan - being able to communicate with the other folks in your pack makes things more fun and far safer too. While mobile phones are good on highways, on the trails they don't always work and that's where Cardo Systems comes in with their Packtalk Edgephones ORV.
Rockford Fosgate has just introduced their new Ranger Roof Audio System, a trailblazing innovation in outdoor sound technology that will absolutely make you the loudest guy at the party. This audio system is specially engineered for Polaris Ranger off-road vehicles and features eight speakers, two subwoofers, and a remarkable 1,500 watts of sound.
Last month, I flew to Minnesota with Indian Motorcycle for my first King of the Baggers race at Brainerd Raceway, excited to learn what exactly bagger racing was all about. On the surface, the concept seems a little crazy, taking big, heavy motorcycles and racing them like they are sportsbikes. But after you see one whiz by you at 180mph and lean 50º into a turn, you start to look at it differently. And just like that, you're totally hooked.
You're not alone in yearning for a smoother, comfier ride. Part of the joy of a motorcycle road trip is that unlike cruising down the highway with glass and steel wrapped around you, on a bike - you are exposed to the elements and connected to the environment that you are passing through. Unfortunately, that can sometimes be far less comfortable that the ride on a luxury SUV. Revamping your motorcycle to make the ride more enjoyable doesn't need to break the bank though. With a few tweaks, you'll be cruising in style and comfort.
Road trips are a fabulous opportunity to bond as father and son but while educational opportunities will certainly appear spontaneously, most dads will want to stack the deck and make sure that their son can learn something while having fun on the road trip. That's why we've put this post together to help make your next road trip that much more fun and educational. Hang on... we're about to turn your holiday into a fantastic learning adventure!
There's something special about Ford's F-150 pickup truck. While the big three play a game of one-upmanship every generation, for more than 75 years Ford has remained synonymous with trucks as a symbol of masculinity and the need to continue raising generations of hard working men. With the launch of the 2023 F-150 Heritage Edition, Ford presents a tribute to those generations of dads and grandfathers who have made the platform an American icon.
Simply put, I'm absolutely in love with the Ford Maverick and it is the first vehicle that has compelled me to put in a pre-order when they open later this week on July 17th. While many guys like big trucks because they ooze masculine power and brute strength, that isn't why I love trucks. My love of trucks is focused more on them being a tool for off-road prowess and exploring un-reachable places rather than the everyday experience of driving one. Regardless, there are times like picking up a grill, doing DIY projects, or going camping where a small utilitarian vehicle would be nice to have.
That's exactly where the Maverick shines over it's brothers - Bronco Sport and Escape that share the same platform. This is the truck for non truck buyers and I'm hooked!
I love EVs. Electric vehicles are undoubtly the future and while there are some enormous obstacles that some say are unsurmountable, I am an optimist. Technology is advancing so fast that issues such as range anxiety and battery production will be resolved quickly. However, I'm also a realist and some issues such as needing more power generating ability to support the paradigm shift to an all-EV future will take longer. Regardless, while I try to be balanced in my views - many people only react to what they see from detractors who like to spread false and unflattering news about EVs. So, let's take a look at eight myths about EVs that too many people simply assume are true.
It's hard not to say nice things about the 2023 Ram Rebel - it's got a perfect balance of good looks, technology, and specs that would make it an ideal option for any man looking for a beefy full-sized truck that is both comfortable to drive and capable. After a week driving it around Michigan, let's take a look at how it fits into our list of trucks and suv's we're considering as part of our truck buying journey.
Usually I'm pretty cool with any truck, car, or SUV that I get to review and as they say... there's an ass for every saddle. That's true for 2500 trucks too. They are designed to haul, they are work trucks, and there is a segment of guys who just simply want the biggest truck they can find to showcase their superiority over all other men on the highway. That's how I felt while driving the 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel around Toledo and North West Ohio for a week. While it checks all the boxes that an HD truck needs to have... the personality was just a complete miss-match for me and my wife's style.
I've been fortunate to embark on countless adventures, conquering diverse terrains from driving a Baja Challenge car through Mexico to navigating an old Toyota across Java. I even joined forces with the BMW GS Trophy team for some exhilarating off-road experiences on two wheels. But let me tell you, my recent three-day escapade in Moab with the CAM Mobility crew left me awe-struck and taught me more than I ever imagined.
If the thought of buying a motorcycle has ever crossed your mind, a Harley Davidson will have been on your shortlist. Quite frankly, a Harley hog is something every petrolhead should own at some stage. Many dream purchases in life turn out to be nothing short of a nightmare. However, a Harley Davidson will live up to your expectations and put you on the road to happiness. Here are just six reasons why!
I'm trying something new this year and already it has shifted my perspective on trucks and SUVs that I am reviewing here. While we've historically fallen into the trap of simply promoting the latest and greatest trucks and basking in the joy that comes with getting a brand-new truck several times a month. What's changed now is that we're moving to Michigan and need a beefy vehicle that is capable in bad weather, gets good gas mileage and is comfortable for road trips, and ideally can tow a boat in and out of the water. After all, this is Michigan and along with having a gun, the state requires that you either have a buddy with a boat or you have one yourself. As a result, I'm going to be looking at these trucks with a different perspective in mind... someone who is actually looking to BUY a truck. Not simply someone interested in the latest and greatest shiny stuff on the market.
Jeep has been a brand more closely associated with capability than luxury for most of its life but after spending a week driving the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, it is clear that luxury is just as important as off-road capability under the new strategy lead by Stelantis.