First Ever Bronco Off- Road Connect Trail Drive [Barnwell Mountain, TX]

[buck_6G]

It's 2:22am here, and we just got home from the first ever Ford Bronco Off-Road Connect Drive, which was hosted at Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area in Gilmer, TX. I'd like to thank our trail guides, the folks from @BroncoNation , and the BMRA staff who made it a fun, educational, and exciting experience.

Fire away with questions!

The Experience
If you've been to Off Roadeo, the Off-Road Connect drives are a similar convoy-style outing with trail guides who instruct, spot, and keep you and your rig safe throughout the 1 day outing. BMRA was pretty different than the Austin Off Roadeo in 2 respects:

1) Mud. LOTS of mud. A powerful storm system had just moved through the prior night, so every trail had water, soft clay, and plenty of reason to use those lockers (front + rear)

2) Being East Texas, near the Louisiana border, there were a lot of flat trails, and a great deal of tight, technical trails for beginner to intermediate drivers. Unlike the Off Roadeo locations I've seen, many tight turns left only 5-6" of clearance on either side of the Bronco

Educational Content
Our group's head guide, Brian, was really friendly, encouraging, and knowledgeable. We reviewed and practiced trail etiquette when sharing the trail with oncoming vehicles, maintaining a contiguous convoy, recovery techniques and equipment (most valuable, imo), as well as the big 3:

1. Human preservation
2. Trail preservation
3. Vehicle preservation

We also reviewed the function and use cases for features including your front/rear lockers, sway bar disconnect, G.O.A.T. modes, trail control, and trail turn assist. Plenty of opportunities to test out each (and some obstacles where multiple were needed).

I would still recommend attending Off Roadeo prior to a Off-Road Connect drive if you are a novice, as the Off Roadeo is geared toward beginner trail riders, and is long enough to permit more in depth discussion of your equipment, line planning, and multiple recovery safety tips.

Takeaways
If you're looking to see what your Bronco can do in a less controlled environment but still benefit from the experience of seasoned trail riders, I'd highly recommend a Off-Road Connect drive, and plan to attend another when I'm able. Taking on more challenging terrain in a vehicle you're still getting used to is so much more fun when you aren't worried about trashing your $50-100k pride and joy (looking at you 700 day+ crowd). I can't say enough good things about everyone who turned out from The Bronco Nation, Ford, and its partners who turned out to launch this series with to help everyone appreciate just how much more fun they can squeeze out of their rig with the right techniques.

Sponsored

 

[GreyZ]

I just spent last weekend at Barnwell and had a great time. What were the trails you enjoyed the most? How did they split up different difficulty levels and capabilities?

 

[Lock]

Did you use your Bronco or do they provide one like the Off-Rodeo? Cost?

 

[GreyZ]

Did you use your Bronco or do they provide one like the Off-Rodeo? Cost?

With these events, you bring your own Bronco. I am unsure on price.

 

[Merc4x4]

Never heard of this before. A link to the website would have been nice...

https://broncooffroadconnect.com/#/

 

[Merc4x4]

FAQ:
Please see website for updated info. Posted here for convenience.
https://broncooffroadconnect.com/assets/pdfs/Bronco_Off-Road_Connect_FAQs.pdf


Bronco Off-Road Connect
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to own a Ford Bronco to attend?
Yes, you will be driving your own Bronco during the event. All Bronco models 2021 and newer are welcome.

What are the requirements to make a reservation?
To make a reservation you must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license, and currently own a Ford Bronco, model year 2021 or newer.

What does the experience include?
You will receive 6 hours of off-roading designed to build your confidence and expand your skills behind the wheel. Located at three different locations within Texas, Bronco Off-Road Connect includes opportunities to engage with our expert instructor team, all trail fees, lunch, snacks to refuel, as well as scenic views and shareable moments.

I’m a beginner. Is that okay?
Yes! Bronco Off-Road Connect was built for amateurs and experts alike. Our experiences are designed to build confidence and provide you with off-roading knowledge and skills. You will be participating with other attendees with a variety of experience levels.

I've already been to Bronco Off-Roadeo. Why should I go to this event?
Congrats on attending Bronco Off-Roadeo! These trail drive events are designed to help you put the tips, techniques, and technology that you learned at Off-Roadeo to work... behind the wheel of your own Bronco! It’s also a great opportunity to meet the Bronco Nation community in your local area, explore the great outdoors in your backyard, and continue to build your confidence off-road and beyond.

How long should I plan for my experience?
Plan for 6 hours of off-road adventure. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation time for check-in.

How much does it cost to attend?
A 6-hour experience costs $550 plus tax. This includes up to four (4) guests, trail fees, lunch, snacks to refuel, and expert instruction from our world-class instructors.

Can I bring a guest?
Of course! Bronco Off-Road Connect is about enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. You can add up to four (4) guests, or as many as you have seatbelts for!
To get behind the wheel, all driving guests must be 16 years of age or older and present a valid driver’s license at event check-in.

How old does someone have to be to attend as a guest?
This is a family-friendly event, and children 10 years of age or older are welcome! All adults and children must be restrained with an individual seat belt or appropriate child restraint device.
To get behind the wheel, all driving guests must be 16 years of age or older and present a valid driver’s license at event check-in.

What should I bring with me?
Prepare for a 6-hour excursion in the wild! We recommend bringing the following:

• Your reservation confirmation email (digital or printed copy)
• Valid driver’s license for anyone planning to drive onsite
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Any medication you may need
• Comfortable clothing! We highly recommend long pants, and clothing with sun protection and good breathability. You will get dirty!
• Closed-toe shoes that allow for maximum feel and control such as thin-soled boots, sneakers, or running shoes are recommended. Bring shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy!
• Layer up! Plan for unexpected weather changes with lightweight layers, e.g., jacket, hat, and/or rain shell

Please note that alcohol is not permitted onsite.

What if I want to reschedule my Bronco Off-Road Connect reservation?
In the event you need to reschedule to another event:

• You may reschedule your experience at any time for no fee, subject to availability at another event

What if I need to cancel my Bronco Off-Road Connect reservation?
We hope this won’t be the case! In the event you need to cancel your reservation, the following terms will apply:

• 24 hours or more before your experience – you will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing charge
• Less than 24 hours before your experience – no refunds

What if I need to change a guest name on my reservation or I need to add or cancel a guest?
Need to switch navigators? No problem. If you need to change the name of your guest, or to add or cancel one, you can simply contact Bronco Off-Road Connect Program Headquarters at [email protected] or (855) 545-8593.

Where can I find information about Bronco Off-Road Connect’s terms and conditions?
Please refer to the following documents:

• Terms and Conditions
• Participant Waiver

Help! What if I need further assistance?
If you’ve hit a roadblock anywhere in the registration process, or if you need any additional help, please email Bronco Off-Road Connect Program Headquarters at [email protected] or call (855) 545-8593 Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST. A Bronco Off-Road Connect Specialist will be happy to get you back on track.

 

[buck_6G]

Did you use your Bronco or do they provide one like the Off-Rodeo? Cost?

Ah, great question! The Off Road Connect drives are all BYOB (Bring Your Own Bronco), so I got to see what my specific rig could do. Off Roadeo was great, but I drove two different vehicles, and one was a 2D, so not really similar to mine on all the trails

 

[buck_6G]

With these events, you bring your own Bronco. I am unsure on price.

The price is $550, but if you have a paid Bronco Nation membership, they discount it 10%

 

[Mpatient1]

thought 550 sounded spendy until I saw they upped the guest price at the offroadeo to 495/595 non/driving

 

[buck_6G]

thought 550 sounded spendy until I saw they upped the guest price at the offroadeo to 495/595 non/driving

It definitely is a lot for less than a full day. Having a group of trail guides what really what I wanted, to have some fun while minimizing risk, since I don't get to go out often enough to feel confident judging every obstacle. If you think of it as insurance against extreme damage, it's an easier pill to swallow.

 

[HDHAGLE]

Did you use your Bronco or do they provide one like the Off-Rodeo? Cost?

Hey Holly here. I attended also. It was great. We used our own vehicle withe guidance of instructors from the Off Roadeo experience. Was a great second trip for a beginner like myself. Not at all like Horseshoe Bay off roadeo. Different terrain, soft red clay. Huge storms the night before so lots of mud. Tight turns etc. Was 550.00 and you could take guest at no cost. Got alot of questions answered, some spotting techniques etc... so would do another.

 

[Bronkers]

It's 2:22am here, and we just got home from the first ever Ford Bronco Off-Road Connect Drive, which was hosted at Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area in Gilmer, TX. I'd like to thank our trail guides, the folks from @BroncoNation , and the BMRA staff who made it a fun, educational, and exciting experience.

Fire away with questions!

The Experience
If you've been to Off Roadeo, the Off-Road Connect drives are a similar convoy-style outing with trail guides who instruct, spot, and keep you and your rig safe throughout the 1 day outing. BMRA was pretty different than the Austin Off Roadeo in 2 respects:

1) Mud. LOTS of mud. A powerful storm system had just moved through the prior night, so every trail had water, soft clay, and plenty of reason to use those lockers (front + rear)

2) Being East Texas, near the Louisiana border, there were a lot of flat trails, and a great deal of tight, technical trails for beginner to intermediate drivers. Unlike the Off Roadeo locations I've seen, many tight turns left only 5-6" of clearance on either side of the Bronco

Educational Content
Our group's head guide, Brian, was really friendly, encouraging, and knowledgeable. We reviewed and practiced trail etiquette when sharing the trail with oncoming vehicles, maintaining a contiguous convoy, recovery techniques and equipment (most valuable, imo), as well as the big 3:

1. Human preservation
2. Trail preservation
3. Vehicle preservation

We also reviewed the function and use cases for features including your front/rear lockers, sway bar disconnect, G.O.A.T. modes, trail control, and trail turn assist. Plenty of opportunities to test out each (and some obstacles where multiple were needed).

I would still recommend attending Off Roadeo prior to a Off-Road Connect drive if you are a novice, as the Off Roadeo is geared toward beginner trail riders, and is long enough to permit more in depth discussion of your equipment, line planning, and multiple recovery safety tips.

Takeaways
If you're looking to see what your Bronco can do in a less controlled environment but still benefit from the experience of seasoned trail riders, I'd highly recommend a Off-Road Connect drive, and plan to attend another when I'm able. Taking on more challenging terrain in a vehicle you're still getting used to is so much more fun when you aren't worried about trashing your $50-100k pride and joy (looking at you 700 day+ crowd). I can't say enough good things about everyone who turned out from The Bronco Nation, Ford, and its partners who turned out to launch this series with to help everyone appreciate just how much more fun they can squeeze out of their rig with the right techniques.

Nice write up

Sponsored