Hear from Wilson Gabriel, fly guide, traveler, and longtime Jesse Brown’s team member, as he shares about his experience in Cruisers on the Rockies, a trail riding event for Land Cruisers in Colorado. Learn about his travels, fly fishing, and the sense of community in the beautiful setting on Silverton, CO.
Segment Highlights:
- Wilson Gabriel is participating in Cruisers on the Rockies, a 4-day/3-night trail riding event for Land Cruisers in Colorado. He’s traveling with 3 generations of family.
- They are cruising around Colorado, stopping for views and fly fishing in Pole Creek and the Rio Grande.
- The event takes drivers through old mining roads in scenic Colorado, with some roads well-maintained and others more treacherous.
- In the Silverton, CO area, the tourism industry largely focuses on the off-road trails, which visitors drive in Jeeps, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and more.
- Altitude sickness is important to remember in high elevations. In the Cruisers in the Rockies route, drivers reach up to 13,000 feet of elevation – much higher than Charlotte’s 640 feet!
- To fight altitude sickness, stay hydrated (even before you hit those high altitudes) and rest when not feeling well.
- Although there are some safer trails, it’s important for drivers to get experience with 4-Wheel Drive before participating in a difficult off-road trail. Gabriel recommends the trails at Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina.
- There is a strong sense of community among the group. Everyone is there to have a good time and are happy to help in uncomfortable driving situations.
- The event takes place at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area, and most participants camp in rooftop or ground tents. Gabriel and his family towed an Airstream trailer to the event this year for increased comfort!
- After the event ends, Gabriel and his family are continuing their travels, fly fishing and driving from Pole Creek eventually to the Bow River in Alberta.
Things You’ll Learn by Listening:
Learn more about the Cruisers on the Rockies event taking place each summer in Colorado. Wilson Gabriel shares his experiences from the event, safety tips in off-road trails, and the sense of community among the group.
If you Missed This Story:
Want to learn more? Check out the Cruisers on the Rockies website to see more about the event.
To hear more of the Carolina Outdoors, listen to last week’s episode with Palmer McIntyre about what the “Great Trails State” means for North Carolina.
Headed out west this summer like Wilson? Jesse Brown’s is your one-stop shop for duffels, waders, fly rods, hiking boots, or just plain old advice.
Not making it out west? Jesse Brown’s offers Guided Day Wading Trips to the mountains of the Carolinas all summer.
