When it comes to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in off-roading, there’s no better testing ground than the unforgiving terrain of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Our CEO, John Brindell, alongside a team off-roaders influencers and experts, embarked on a week-long journey to not only challenge themselves but also to put our INEOS Grenadier products to the ultimate test. This wasn’t just an ordinary adventure; it was a meticulously planned expedition that brought together some of the most respected names in the off-road community—each contributing their expertise, passion, and unique perspectives to make this a journey for the ages.
From the scenic, yet demanding, Million Dollar Highway to the heart-stopping switchbacks of Black Bear Pass, every mile covered was a testament to the capability of the INEOS Grenadier and the resilience of those behind the wheel. This is the story of how John Brindell, Dave Leisch, Chad DeRosa from Living the Van Life, Talon Sei from Sei Productions, Tim Hines from Adrenaline HQ and Andreas and Tom Bruckner from RRE Global, took on Colorado’s toughest trails, overcoming challenges and capturing every thrilling moment.
Join us as we delve into the highlights of this epic adventure, offering an inside look at the field testing and R&D of key products like our INEOS Grenadier Differential Skid Plates, Rock Sliders, ATS Steering Stabilizer and more. Discover the experiences, challenges, and triumphs that defined their journey through Colorado’s rugged landscape in the performance upgraded INEOS Grenadier.
The Journey Begins
Hesperus Forest to Ouray
John’s adventure kicked off with a night under the stars in the serene Hesperus Forest, just west of Durango. By the morning of July 29th, he was ready to conquer the legendary Million Dollar Highway, heading toward the picturesque town of Ouray. This scenic drive, renowned for its breathtaking views, was just the beginning of an action-packed week.
In Ouray, John wasted no time diving into the adventure. He scoped out local trails and terrain, setting the groundwork for the exploration ahead. Later that afternoon, he met up with the team at Adrenaline HQ, where the off-road excitement truly began. They ventured east of Ridgeway to tackle Owl Creek, an off-road trail renowned for its challenging terrain and stunning vistas.
Capturing the Action: Imogene Pass and Behind-the-Scenes
July 30th was dedicated to capturing the essence of their off-road journey. John and the team navigated the lower part of Imogene Pass, putting the INEOS Grenadier’s rugged capabilities on full display. Meanwhile, Chad captured every thrilling moment, ensuring that the adventure was documented from every angle. Back at Adenaline’s HQ, the team performed some much-needed maintenance on their vehicles, ensuring they were in top shape for the demanding trails ahead.
Regrouping and Preparing for the Ultimate Challenge
On July 31st, the team regrouped and set up camp in Ouray, which would serve as their base for the next leg of their journey. This preparation was crucial as they geared up for the most intense part of their adventure.
The Thrill of Poughkeepsie Gulch and More
August 1st marked the beginning of the most challenging segment of their journey. Initially planning to conquer Engineer Mountain and Mineral Creek, the team opted for a more thrilling detour to Poughkeepsie Gulch, The Wall, and Corkscrew. John’s rock sliders proved invaluable in protecting his Grenadier during this grueling ride. Despite a minor hiccup with Tim’s Grenadier’s 4×4 engagement, a quick field repair had them back on track. The day wrapped up with the team navigating back to camp via Highway 550, full of excitement and problem-solving.
Pushing Limits on Black Bear Pass
On August 2nd, the team faced the infamous Black Bear Pass, navigating treacherous switchbacks that tested both their INEOS Grenadiers. Chad captured stunning drone footage while John kept the energy flowing with his onboard inverter, ensuring all gear remained charged. The day’s journey took them through the breathtaking landscapes of Telluride and up the backside of Imogene Pass, pushing everyone to their limits.
The Final Ascent: Engineer Mountain and Beyond
The final day, August 3rd, saw the team revisiting Engineer Mountain, now a relatively easy drive for the well-tested INEOS Grenadier. They explored Lake City’s abandoned mines and tackled The Wall one last time before conquering Cinnamon Pass and California Pass. After a late breakfast back at camp, John hit the road back to San Diego, arriving just before midnight, concluding a remarkable off-road journey.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A special thank you to Chad DeRosa from Living the Van Life, Talon Sei from Sei Productions, Tim from Adrenaline HQ, Tom and Andres from RRE Global, and Dave Leisch for their invaluable support and contributions throughout this incredible adventure.
John’s Guide to Conquering the San Juan Mountains:
- This activity should be performed either by professionals or under the supervision of professionals.
- Stay Connected with Radios: We recommend using Rugged Radios to ensure clear communication with your group, especially in areas with limited cell service.
- Air Up and Down: Equip your vehicle with Onboard Air so you can adjust your tire pressure at any time according to the terrain and achieve better traction, efficiency and comfort.
- Protect Your Vehicle: Install off-road armor like Differential Skid Plates, Rock Sliders, etc. to safeguard critical components from damage caused by rocks, branches, and other debris you may encounter on rough terrain.
- Utilize a Base Camp in Ouray: Simplifies logistics and reduces the need for extra fuel. If you don’t use a base, be prepared to carry additional fuel.
