The Backcountry Brief
Super Bowl LVIX Recap, fixing your blinding headlights, and if alcohol belongs in your gun-cleaning kit.
Welcome to my Backcountry Brief. Your weekly roundup of trail tales, gear reviews, and stories from America's Backcountry.
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Like this issue? Something else you would like to see? Let me know directly at rocklander@substack.com
In This Issue:
📰 Country Report: Weekly News Updates
🤔 Deep Dive: Super Bowl LVIX
🗺️ Trail Guide: Corkscrew Gulch and California Gulch OHV Trail
🛠️ Rig Tips: Adjusting Your Headlights After a Lift
⚡ Gear Review: Trasharoo Spare Tire Trash Bag
🗨️ Forum Watch: The Week's Top Discussions
📰 Country Report:
I’ve been keeping up with some interesting news from around the country. Here’s what stuck out to me:
I, like most Americans, am insanely curious about DOGE and what it is up to in the Federal Government. This article from DailyWire is insightful.
The BLM California Desert District is seeking public input on 2025 off-highway vehicle grant proposals. If you enjoy the BackCountry do not miss out on Public input opportunities.
Congressman Mike Lawler has reintroduced a bill to name a post office in honor of former Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson… a bill that honors real service to the community!
🤔 Deep Dive
Super Bowl LVIX: Celebrating America's Spirit
What a Super Bowl! The Eagles dominated the Chiefs in a way nobody saw coming.
This game was pure American theater playing out in New Orleans. The Eagles soared to a commanding 40-14 victory — (sorry, 40-22, forgot about the last minute nobody cares scoring), finally claiming their second Lombardi Trophy and crushing Kansas City's dreams of a historic three-peat.
The Superdome was electric. You had Eagles fans in their midnight green mixing with Chiefs fans in red, celebrities rubbing shoulders with regular folks, and even the President of the United States showing up….making history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl.
Jalen Hurts led the Eagles, putting up 24 points before halftime while the Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm. By the time Patrick Mahomes and crew started clicking, the Eagles had already written the ending to this story.
In true American fashion, even when the Chiefs were down big they kept fighting, battling to the end, putting up three late touchdowns to make the final score respectable.
This year's ads really hit differently too, displaying the values we hold dear.
Take that Harrison Ford Jeep commercial... here's this legendary actor, known for playing some of the most iconic American heroes, talking about the pursuit of freedom. The message wasn't about forcing anyone down one path… it was pure American: choose what makes you happy.
And in Brad Pitt’s ad, he compares the huddle to America itself…a place where we come together, shoulder to shoulder, to achieve great things. With imagery of our nation's triumphs, from the moon landing to the civil rights movement, the ad celebrates the audacity of the American spirit.
That's what I love about the Super Bowl…it's more than just a game.
It's a uniquely American celebration that brings us all together, whether we're die-hard football fans, just there for the commercials that celebrate American values, or watching for the halftime show, that captures the American spirit. We all have a part in it.
Congrats to the Eagles and their fans on an incredible win!
🗺️ Trail Guide
Corkscrew Gulch and California Gulch OHV Trail
Trail Info:
Location: Silverton, Colorado
Distance: 23.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,301 feet
Type: Point to Point
Difficulty: Moderate
Vehicle Requirements: Capable 4x4
Corkscrew Gulch and California Gulch OHV Trail offers a thrilling ride through the heart of Colorado's Uncompahgre National Forest. This 23.8-mile route is a mix of moderate and challenging sections, with steep starts and tricky line selections that will test your off-road skills. The trail rewards adventurers with breathtaking views from the top of both passes, making it a must-visit.
Rock’s tip: Plan your trip between July and August for the best conditions, and take your time to enjoy the numerous scenic stops along the way.
🛠️ Rig Tips
Adjusting Your Headlights After a Lift
If you're getting flashed by oncoming traffic after installing that sweet new lift kit, don't worry…you're not alone. Those lifted suspension components might have your headlights aimed too high, but it's an easy fix.
Start with the right setup. You'll need a flat surface and a wall, with your Jeep parked 25 feet back. Mark the wall at 36 inches high…that's your target height for the beam pattern.
The adjustment points are easy to access. On the passenger side, look between the airbox and headlight. Driver's side is straight behind the housing. A T40 Torx bit is your best friend here.
Take it slow and steady. Turn counter-clockwise to lower the beam pattern until it hits that 36-inch mark. The passenger side can go slightly lower since it's your ditch-side light.
Don't be that Jeep owner blinding everyone on the trail. A properly aimed set of lights keeps everyone safe and happy.
Want the complete step-by-step guide? Check out this vid for detailed instructions!
⚡Gear Review
Trasharoo Spare Tire Trash Bag: Keep Your Rig Clean on the Trail
Sick of your 4Runner getting trashed with wrappers, cans, and other junk on long off-road trips? At $49.99, the Trasharoo spare tire trash bag is a simple solution that keeps garbage where it belongs… outside your rig. Made from tough denier nylon with heavy-duty stitching, this bag can handle up to 50 lbs of your trail leftovers.
The Trasharoo secures to your spare with a double-stitched strap and reinforced load straps. An 8-inch zipper gives easy access for tossing stuff in, while drain holes prevent any nasty liquid buildup.
Rock's take: The Trasharoo works great for its intended purpose, but don't be afraid to get creative. I've used mine for hauling firewood, wet gear, and even a freshly caught fish or two. Just remember to hose it out after!
🗨️ Forum Watch
I am subscribed to a lot of forums for off-roading, overlanding, hunting, camping, and the outdoors... here are my favorite posts of the week.
Interesting discussion on TheFirearmsForum about using alcohol for cleaning gun bores. The consensus? Stick with proper bore cleaners like Hoppes #9. Sometimes the old solutions are still the best ones.
Clever DIY project on OffroadPassport showing a complete onboard water system with hot shower in a JK. Love seeing the ingenuity of the off-road community.
Fascinating thread on HuntingPA about how hunting camp traditions have evolved. Really hits home seeing how the old ways are changing…fewer multi-generation camps, less card playing, more solo hunters. Times change but the spirit lives on!
Until next week…
P.S. Got a story to share? Event for me to visit? Leave a comment and let me know—I'm always looking for great trail tales from the community.