4x4 Magazine
A Brief History
Early on as a child I enjoyed writing. It came in doses as the“ Teen” years played out, then life itself began. Writing took a back seat as I“ sowed my oats” hitch hiking across the States, ending up in California. Growing up in the Mts., I was always out on the trails, hiking and then with my bikes, later on mini-bikes, finally graduating to dirt bikes.
Wanting to experience the Baja Races, California soon gave way to“ South of the Border“ and Ensenada, Baja Cali., Mexico. After a day’ s stay in Town at a Hotel, the wallet was thin, so other arrangements were sought. Spending some time talking with the locals I managed a“ lead”, and quickly had made friends with a guy who owned a Beach Resort with his Brothers. At that time bartering was a way of life, armed with my tools, I repaired American Owned properties at the Resort and took up residence in a 15 foot travel trailer, part of a barter, my living quarters.
After 18 months, I needed a visit to the Mts. of home in Pa., before heading back out on the road. I became“ hogtied” after meeting my Son’ s Mother. I began a house painting business, and used that to feed my“ Dune Buggy” racing, running a VW 1650 in the modified class, wheel to wheel on a short course. Fast forward 10 years, with age came a different taste in offroading, 4x4 trail riding and sharing the experiences with my Sons took over.
Combining my hobby of writing with my passion for the Offroad scene, it was a natural progression. I began writing for online 4x4 magazines and then founded Wasted Trails. com, a newsletter type site with 4x4 articles and photos of events and trail rides. Those outside the 4x4 Community often asked the meaning behind the name? It comes from all of the Closed / Wasted Trails, that no longer are available for Responsible Off Roaders to enjoy, because of a handful of individuals with no Respect for the the Land and harm it.
In 2004 I furthered my writing with several Print Publications over the coming years. Spring of 06’, single Fatherhood and relocation to the Mts. near where I grew up, with my Sons. 2011, just before Father’ s Day, I was diagnosed with a blood Cancer. At that time my eldest Son, Douglas, devised a plan to bring my 87’ Comanche pick up back to life in time for the 1st Bantam Jeep Festival later that Summer. It had been sitting idle for over a year needing repairs that weren’ t in my budget since becoming disabled.
Douglas, delving into my contact list, had many 4x4 aftermarket parts delivered, made arrangements with my 4x4 Club, Big Rubbers 4x4 Club, Inc. and Laurel Auto Group, the local Jeep Dealership, and together they brought“ Smokey” back to life.
I made it to the Bantam show and came across many old friends that I had not seen in a few years, several of whom, had sent out parts for Smokey, it was then I decided to“ Pay it forward” with Quest 4 Rest.
The Goal: to fill a 501c3 Fund with 100 Thousand dollars, with each year the proceeds going to help“ The Neediest of Cancer patients”, without ever touching the 100 Thousand dollars.
I set out last year to travel the Country and write about those travels for magazines. That was accomplished, but, I was looking for a New Avenue in which to raise more money to feed the Fund. Wasted Trails 4x4 Magazine is the answer.
Wasted Trails has been re-launched as a Non-Profit 4x4 Magazine, with proceeds from the subscriptions going to feed the Fund to help in reaching this goal. This 1st Issue is our Gift to everyone, then the magazine will be available thru subscriptions and each issue can be as low as $ 1.67. Along with the awesome stories each month, Readers can take comfort knowing that their Subscription dollars, helps Cancer Patients in need.
I hope to see you back again and Thank you for helping me, help others.
Doug“ Bear” Updyke
MAY 2013 WASTED TRAILS / 3