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