05/29/2026
A "deep thoughts" moment with Ned. While we are laying out the course for tomorrow's Off-road Driving 101 class, we are enjoying coffee on the back deck reflecting on the road to get here. Never forget where you came from. We all started with small steps. It took me 3 years to obtain my I4WDTA Certification, a process that I wouldn't change for anything. To give some background, I grew up focused on athletics, with parents who never even touched wrenches, let alone a screw driver. I am severely dyslexic, and as a result learning mechanical skills, math and physics are super hard for me. These are major things in the off-road world. So over the last 3 years I had to do more than most to learn, absorb and execute, so that I could earn my spot among the best trainers in the world. It has made me a better person, surrounded by better people. Hence, why we at STL OFFROAD are so focused on providing expert I4WDTA training, principles and stewardship to those of any background wishing to get into the world of "wheeling". This gives me great joy and satisfaction to be able to be part of such an incredible and exclusive group that passes that information on to anyone willing and desirous of doing the right things on-trail.
