When we first entered the Jeepin’ community as a magazine in the fall of 2017, we were invited by Central Florida’s Blackwater Jeepers to sponsor the first annual Jeeps vs. Harleys event. It was a baptism by fire, and I mean that in the best possible sense. My family, the magazine staff and I quickly learned that the off-road lifestyle is about much more than wheelin’. It’s about enjoying the time we have together while pushing the limits of our abilities and giving back however and whenever possible. It’s a way of life.
Every Jeepin’ event is special, but Jeeps vs. Harleys was our first, so it will always hold a unique place in our hearts and minds. You can only imagine how delighted we were when Coty Byers, Blackwater’s president, asked us to produce the event starting in 2019. It’s an ideal setup. We have learned so much about the Jeepin’ community over the past two years, and my company has been producing automotive industry events from Orlando to Las Vegas for more than 20 years.
You might wonder what we plan to change, and the answer is not much. Jeeps vs. Harleys organizers have already built an enviable following of off-roaders, riders, spectators and vendors. Attendees have a good chance to win a trail- and highway-ready Jeep or Harley, among other raffle prizes, including kids’ toys and gear. The food, the live music, the spirit of charitable giving — none of that will go away on our watch.
Our plan for 2019 and beyond is to get bigger and better. Instead of one starting point for the convoy, we’ll have three. We will also send two lucky winners on an all-expense-paid trip for two to Moab, Utah (for the winning Jeeper) or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota (for the winning Harley rider). We will invite area Jeep and Harley dealers out to showcase their lineups. We will have more vehicles, more spectators, more vendors, more music, more food and more fun.
So stay tuned to the magazine and our website for updates, and if you are so inclined, spread the word. Everyone is welcome at Jeeps vs. Harleys, an event that celebrates rugged individualism just as passionately as community togetherness. That’s the spirit upon which this magazine was founded, and we couldn’t be happier or more honored to have this opportunity to take a more active role in this amazing event.