2013 Great American Jeep Rally

This past Saturday, September 14th I had the time of my life capturing a ton of fun that was happening at the 11th Annual Great American Jeep Rally held at Valley Truck and Off Road located on Lower Butcher Road right here in Ellington, Connecticut.

Jeep enthusiasts traveled from all over the northeast to show their appreciation for Jeeps of all kinds…military, antique, new as well as old, stock to even heavily modified. There were multiple raffles given by the generous sponsors and seven different trophy awards for a variety of categories including “Best in the Show”. There were over 750 jeeps (a new record) that attended this event and as an attendee they were able to test their Jeeps articulation on one of the RTI Ramps and play in the Rock Garden just to name a few of the events. Driving their jeeps through the mud pit seemed to be quite the thrill for many. There was entertainment for folks of all ages throughout the day. Great food vendors, vendors selling Jeep ware and local organized wheeling clubs.

So why the Rally? To raise money for charity and continue its efforts in supporting The Northeast Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. (NEA4WDC). This organize, established in 2001 has twenty-two member clubs with a combined membership of over 3,000. Its mission is to protect and promote environmentally responsible Off-Highway Vehicle recreation…YES! However, maintaining a harmonious relationship between OHV enthusiasts and landowners. To support and educate our Local, State and National agencies in the preservation of OHV recreation.

The member clubs in the NEA4WDC have been enjoying Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation on permission granted land for several years. These clubs and others similar have removed tons of illegally dumped garbage from our natural areas. I love that…protecting our beautiful environment. The members practice the principles of Tread Lightly®, respect private property and always leave with more than they come with.

One of the charities for this year’s event was “Helping Hands Monkey Helpers for the Disabled”. An organization established in 1979, and the only non-profit organization in the world that raises and trains capuchin monkeys to provide daily, in-home assistance to people living with spinal cord injury or other mobility impairments. More information can be found at www.MonkeyHelpers.org.

Enjoy browsing through the photos to get a glimpse at the excitement I witnessed. I took many, many photos and they will all be available for purchased with 20% of all profits going directly back to The Great American Jeep Rally Organization. Please click here to see all photos for sale.

These first four images I just LOVE because of the way the processing came out. What great posters they would make!

Just a couple of the many wonderful sponsors that came out for the event.

This is the beginning of the “Rock Climb” as I referred to it. These jeep enthusiasts are brave and they surely don’t mind the smashing and crashing their
jeeps take going through the course. I was truly blown away.

The mud pit from the rear view and the jeeps drove through it! Watch out…you could get covered with just a bit of mud!

Three cheers for the girls that came out and did the courses…I was pretty darn impressed. You girls “rock’!”

Things started out ok for this rider but you’ll see…he made the best of it…then flip. The crowd loved it!

All the jeeps lined up to take their chance going through the mud pit! Way to go ladies!!!

They don’t even look like they got a bit of mud of them…impressive.

Yes sometimes the big machines were brought out to assist with helping the jeeps get out of the rocks.

I met Dorian from Vernon and loved watching him have the time of his life jumping in the mud.

When necessary the Bob Cat was brought out to make the mud pit a bit more challenging. That looks like a job I would love to do.

If any jeep got stuck in the mud these two assisted in pulling them out.

There were many old classic and vintage jeeps at the event to admire and check out.

Some seemed to need a bit of work too.

Many looked like this one at the end of the day. All in need or a good car wash.

There were trophies given to the winners at the end of the event. How wonderful it must have been to receive one of those.

Looking around I spotted this jeep that I could see myself owning. Perhaps some day!