"It's Your Best, Worst Weekend" : The Florida Trail Team Challange #111

JD welcomes Marc Lawson, owner of The Jeep Lab and founder of the Florida Trail Team Challenge, for a deep dive into Florida’s most intense off-road competition. With 45 challenges packed into one weekend—from recovery drills to blindfolded driving, marksmanship, survival tasks, and GPS navigation—the event simulates real-world wheeling scenarios that test skill, endurance, and teamwork. They discuss the evolution of the Challenge, the importance of Tread Lightly! ethics, and how trail stewardship is reshaping access in Florida’s Citrus Wildlife Management Area. Plus, Marc shares that you CAN wheel in Florida, building partnerships with organizations like the Florida Off-Road Foundation, and what it takes to pull off a volunteer-driven event that’s as exhausting as it is unforgettable.📍Trails and DestinationsCitrus Wildlife Management Area, FLCroom Wildlife Management Area, FLOcala National Forest, FLUwharrie National Forest, NCMoab Rim, UTPoison Spider Mesa, UTRubicon Trail, CA🛠️ Gear and ToolsAvenza Maps – used by FL forest managersGaia GPSonX OffroadPull-Pal land anchorHigh-Lift JackSacrificial socket & U-joint repair kitsThrowing knives & axes (Forged in Fire-style marksmanship)GPS trackers via Stinger Offroad / M2M Tech🚙 Community ShoutoutsMarc Lawson: The Jeep LabTampa Jeep CrewFlorida Trail StompersJD: MeAndMyYellowJK🌎 Advocacy & ConservationTread Lightly!Florida Off-Road FoundationBlueRibbon Coalition📰 News and NotesThe 2022 Jeep Gladiator has widespread engine issues—Marc is on his third motor.Paved roads in Citrus WMA caused controversy, but only improve access for equestrians and campers.QR-code signage now directs users to official trail maps—Marc’s team helped install them during last year’s event.The Florida Off-Road License Plate helps fund on-the-ground trail improvement.Jeep vs. Bronco: Marc says the 392 Wrangler wouldn’t exist if not for the Bronco Raptor.📅 Events and ResourcesFlorida Trail Team ChallengeThe Jeep LabFlorida Off-Road Foundation📞 Get InvolvedLeave a voicemail: Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review: Apple PodcastsFollow us on Instagram: @thetrailheadpodcastVisit our site: thetrailheadnetwork.comTrailhead Gear: Shop MerchDiscounts: Use code TRAILHEAD15 at Tyri Lights for 15% off