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

Update: 2025-07-31

Description

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 Destinations

🛠️ Gear and Tools

Avenza Maps – used by FL forest managers
Gaia GPS
onX Offroad
Pull-Pal land anchor
High-Lift Jack
Sacrificial socket & U-joint repair kits
Throwing knives & axes (Forged in Fire-style marksmanship)
GPS trackers via Stinger Offroad / M2M Tech

🚙 Community Shoutouts

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

📰 News and Notes

The 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 Resources

📞 Get Involved