Posted: 7/20/12
The Azusa Canyon OHV Park has been a go-to spot for 4X4 and off road enthusiasts from all around So-Cal for many years. On July 14, 2012 a new edition to the park was finally unveiled. First conceived as far back as 2001 by Mike Bishop, president of Azusa Canyon Off Road Association (ACORA), the 4X4 obstacle course is now open to the public. The 3 acre course presents challenges not only for heavily built rigs but for near stock 4X4’s as well. Work began in the summer 2010 and was near completion by September 2010 when the Forest Service told Mike and the team that a 'seasonal' stream cut directly through the site. Nothing was going to stop ACORA at this point. So with some clever revisions, and the help of Falken Tire, not only was the stream protected but a new obstacle was born. With the last hurdle out of the way the final touches were added including a mini ATV track for kids. As part of the grand opening festivities Axial was invited to set up some gate markers and run a demo RC course. Several Axial rigs appeared out of nowhere to participate in the fun. When the demo concluded the announcement was made to gather around the podium so the opening ceremonies could get underway. Among some of the local dignitaries that spoke were the Mayor of Azusa, Joe Rocha, Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, and the Director of LA County Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Russ Guiney. They were all very excited to witness the unveiling and hopeful of its future contribution not only to the local economy but to off road enthusiasts from all around. Alas the ribbon was cut and immediately after all who spoke during the ceremony were practically forced, by Mike Bishop, to go for a ride on the course. Professional drivers were on hand, including Axial's Randall Davis, giving many their first taste of extreme 4X4 driving. I assure you the smiles were of no shortage from the passengers. Afterwards the course was fair game to anyone that wanted to test the limits of their rig or simply get a tire up on a rock. As the day came to a close CORVA continued to raffle off some awesome prizes including a set of Pro Comp tires courtesy of 4Wheel Parts and an Axial AX10 RTC that was ready to hit the rocks. The Azusa Canyon OHV Park & Obstacle Course is a perfect model, for off roaders anywhere, proving that these types of recreational parks can still exist. The off roading community and government agencies can work together benefiting both. Remember united we stand, divided we fall. Tred lightly fellow off roaders!For more information on the Azusa Canyon OHV Park take a look at their Facebook page: Azusa Canyon OHV Park Facebook
The red carpet ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the obstacle course.
You can really see some genuine excitment and jubliation in this shot.
Off road enthusiasts from all around attended the grand opening.
The Mayor of Azusa, Joe Rocha, and Assemblyman Roger Hernandez heading to the obstacle course just after the opening ceremony.
Axial's Randall Davis taking Tom Sanchez, Azusa Chamber of Commerce BOD, for a ride through the course. Mr. Sanchez later e-mailed us about his experience: "Thank you so much it was a blast and I 've never been to a course such as this and I'm telling you Randall this will not be the last I've been spreading the word and will encourage the chamber members to continue to support your efforts in this very exciting sport. I was amazed how these drivers can control the vehicle over these massive boulders without flipping the truck. Thanks you guys for a wonderful experience and remember whatever we as a chamber can do to support you count on us."
Wheeling anyone?
We had a chance to throw down some gate markers to give the course the RC seal of approval. The possibilities for course design were endless....
The winner of the AX10 raffle who said he would be giving it to his son because he had been wanting an RC crawler.
Far right: Axial's own Randall Davis concentrating on his line.
An AX10 making a steep decent down a rockface.
An SCX10 doing work! Wouldn't it be cool if SCX10's came right out of the box with a Jeep body? One can dream right?
A very customized SCX10 Trial Honcho braving the course.
A good view of the obstacle course.
Rebel Offroad's Chris Towles taking his JK though the course.
A Jeep getting up and over a cement road barrier.
Road Race Motorsports John Rocha and his old school Willy's. I overheard a few people chatting about how top heavy this rig must be and how it must not wheel very well. They were silenced quickly after watching him take some challenging lines through the course. The Willy's will amaze!
Axial's Randall Davis assess's the situation. "Well there's your problem!?", he says.
If you get enough wheelers together, pushing the limits of their rigs, there is bound to be roll over which provides a good chance to practice recovery technics.
Some video footage of the various action taking place on the course. It's like a big playground for 4X4's!
What happens when you lay a V8 powered TJ on the front driveshaft? It's gets slightly tweaked!
I've see this super clean and capable Toyota at quite a few off roading events. It reminds me alot of a SCX10 Trail Honcho. The owner and I got to talking and this beast even has a TRD supercharged V6. The cab is so clean that it's hard to believe the paint job was only $400!?
4Wheel Parts was on site and even raffled off a set of Pro Comp tires.
Road///Race Motorsports had a nice display including their 2007-2012 Jeep JK Power Packages. For more information visit their online store:
Road///Race Motorsports Store
Raceline Wheels had an awesome array of rims. From bling bling to beadlocks they have what you want. Raceline also donated some rims to the raffle. For a complete look at their products visit their website: Raceline Wheels
For a complete look at all the pics taken please visit Axial's Flicker profile: Axial's Flicker
Axial also visited the Azusa Canyon OHV Park 'Obstacle Course' several times before it's grand opening to the public. See the links below for details and pics:
Axial visits Azusa Canyon Off-Road Park
Axial attends RC Truckfest and ACORA BBQ
