Our all-new TC Terrain camper is the culmination of our experience and expertise, combined with feedback from our customers. The Terrain offers a comfortable living space with a table and bench seating for four; convert that to a couch and table for two, or unfold the mattress completely into a queen size bed The indoor galley and optional portapottyallowyoutostaydryinsideiftheweathertakesaturn!
Customize your new Terrain with our online quote builder at TCTeardrops.com
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www.tcteardrops.com | info@tcteardrops.com
This summer has started out with a bang, and a snowstorm in the mountains of Idaho. What a surprise it was to wake up to the wet, heavy snowfall just a day after the summer solstice We braved wind, rain, cracked windshields, running out of gas (well, not us, but members of our party who insisted that we would make it to the gas station (famous last words, haha,) and had a blast despite all of the hardships and obstacles in our path
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
This issue is a testament to the power of community. Folks from all over the country came out to our newest event in Idaho, and our political leaders listened to the uproar over the proposed sale of our public lands In this issue you will find a recap of Range to Ranch through the eyes of Wisconsin Overland member’s photos, a piece on the Roadless Rule recision and subtraction of the public land sale, overlanding in America and useful tips and info on taking your kayaks and SUPs with on your adventures,
As always, here is your reminder to help us continue the discussion of magazine topics or anything adventure-related in the Northology Adventures facebook group Feel free to share your thoughts on articles or to just give us some feedback or suggestions so we can continue to craft this publication in a meaningful way. And let us know if you have a story to tell- we want to hear about adventures, activities, gear and adventure, outdoors & overland-related events you have attended. Email us at info northologyadventures@gmail com
See you on the trail!
-Cindy Pope
SHARE YOUR STORY
Creators- Drop us a line at or submit content on our website. We love stories and photos of trips, events, gear reviews, destinations and outdoor activities
Advertisers- Get in touch to learn about our current promos and how a presence here can help you tell your story to this amazing community and grow your business info.northologyadventures@gmail.com
PHOTO: Christina Goodwin
This is your chance to showcase your unique setup and be part of an inspiring community of enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, we want to see what makes your rig stand out Fill out the form and share your story, your modifications, and the creativity that drives you. By participating, you'll not only gain exposure but also connect with others who share your interests and passions. We can't wait to see the amazing rigs you have in store for us, so be sure to fill out the form and let your setup shine!
I have the Backwoods Adventure Mods front bumper and a Badlands 12k front winch So far it’s been an awesome combination The bumper is lightweight due to it being a both aluminum and steel!
For my camping setup I have an Alucab Canopy Camper. It’s the best setup I have had, however it’s a commitment It has the 270 awning and the shower room on the outside. On the inside of the camper I have an EcoFlow power station, the EcoFlow alternator charger, and a deep cycle battery for my diesel heater There is also a Iceco fridge in the back that keeps me off grid longer and makes travel simple Other than those major additions, the rest remains simple. Blue water jugs, Coleman stove, and anything else you take for basic camping.
>WHAT IS THE NEXT THING ON THE BUILD LIST?
>OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OR HOBBIES?
>WHAT DOES OVERLANDING OR
Next on the build list will be a high clearance rear bumper! Not sure which brand yet.
I will occasionally take mountain bikes or my dual sport motorcycle Almost always have hiking boots and a swimsuit for those beautiful Michigan days!
Vehicle based exploration where you can be self sufficient
FREE BIG IRON TICKETS FOR NORTHOLOGY PATREON PAID SUBSCRIBERS
We love getting out on the trail with our crew After all these years, even though our setups and builds are ever evolving, it gets to a point where one knows what direction they want to go, and what they need to do to dial in their vehicles and camp outfitting One thing we need to remember is that not everyone is at that point and every day there are new folks joining the adventure travel and remote touring activities.
When hosting events, we field a lot of questions. It warms my heart to know that someone has chosen one of our outings to dive into their first overland or off-road adventure. The single most-asked question goes a little like this- “This will be my first overland event/ adventure/outing, what gear or mods do I need?” The answer is to keep it simple Start with what you have and see what works and what does not. Experiment and find out what you would like to improve or have work better, and what you can leave at home next time. Do not go into this thinking that you have to build a rig or get outfitted for bear to have a good time and dip your toes in the water of overlanding. Be patient, make do and learn as you go. This will prevent making costly mistakes, because what works for some may not be the best route for you
If you are new to all of this, take a look at the list on the right, it is not comprehensive but will give you a good foundation to work off of Ground tents and Coleman stoves are welcome anywhere, you do not need anything fancy to have a great trip. Let us know if we forgot to list anything important, or head over to the Northology Adventures Community group on Facebook to add to the list or to the conversation Happy trails!
ADVENTURE LIST FOR NEWBIES
Essential Gear:
A reliable vehicle with good tires
Tent, rooftop tent, camper, or sleeping setup in your rig
Sleeping bag or bedding (it can get chilly at night!)
Camp chair and personal table if you want one
Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Water & containers (potable water is NOT available on site)
Cooler/fridge and food for the weekend
Cook stove or camp kitchen setup
Trash bags – Pack it in, pack it out
Clothing for all weather – Layers are the way to go
Toiletries & camp towel – There are no showers, so wet wipes may be your best friend
Optional but Great to Have:
Camp table, shade awning
Trail-ready gear (air compressor, recovery gear, comms if you’re hitting the trails)
Notebook or journal for workshops and downtime
Camera or binoculars – the scenery is wild out here!
Most Important of All:
Bring a sense of curiosity, community spirit, and willingness to unplug This event is about connection to the land, the trails, and each other. No pressure to have all the latest gear just come prepared to learn and enjoy
OVERLANDING - OFFROADING
KAYAKING - MOUNTAIN BIKING
FISHING - CAMPING SKIING
SNOWBOARDING HUNTING
SURFING - CANOEING PADDLE BOARDING
TRANSPORT TIPS: WATERCRAFT
A QUICK, PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TRANSPORTING KAYAKS AND PADDLEBOARDS ON OVERLANDING TRIPS
Mounting Options for kayaks and paddleboards-
1. Roof Racks (most common)
For kayaks, use crossbars with J-cradles or saddle mounts.
Use flat foam pads or SUP-specific cradles for paddleboards.
Consider low-profile mounts to reduce wind drag and clearance issues.
2. Bed Racks (pickup trucks)
Great for kayaks or boards when paired with ratchet straps or roll-on rollers. Keeps roof free for RTTs or solar panels.
3. Trailer Options
Small gear trailers can hold multiple kayaks or SUPs, freeing up roof space.
Securement &
Safety
Use cam or ratchet straps to secure boat to the rack, not ropes (avoid over-tightening). Bow & stern lines prevent bouncing and shifting at highway speeds. Check often. Re-tighten after the first 10–20 miles, especially off-road. Prevent theft with cable locks.
Transporting kayaks and paddleboards on overlanding trips requires a secure and trailready setup that balances accessibility with vehicle performance. Roof racks with J-cradles or SUP-specific mounts are popular for SUVs and wagons, while bed racks work well for pickups, keeping gear lower and easier to load. Regardless of the system, always use cam straps not ropes for securement, and add bow and stern lines for highway travel. For off-road use, keep your setup as low-profile as possible to avoid issues with trail clearance, tree limbs, or vehicle stability on uneven ground.
Off-road conditions demand extra attention to how your gear is mounted. A tall kayak or board adds wind resistance and a top-heavy feel, so double-check all straps before hitting rough terrain and avoid overloading your roof if also running a rooftop tent. Inflatable SUPs offer a great space-saving alternative and can be stored inside when deflated. Whether you’re crawling rocks or cruising forest roads, taking time to properly secure and protect your water gear i ’ d h d
For guidance on watercraft transport, call the awesome staff at Rocktown Adventures or read the article on the following pages by Rocktown’s own Kevin Versino
HOW TO TAKE YOUR PADDLE GEAR WITH YOU
BY KEVIN VERSINO
“TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SCENIC AREAS YOU ENCOUNTER ON YOUR ADVENTURES BY BRINGING SOME TOYS TO PLAY WITH.”
The truck is loaded. The bags are packed. If only you could bring your kayak with you! Overlanding takes you to remote locations most people can only hope they will see, and by default allow access to water few people get to dip their toes in. Take advantage of the scenic areas you encounter on your adventures by bringing some toys to play with.
There are many options for hauling your gear. Rocktown Adventures trusts Yakima to help us Gear Up and Head Out. Their easy to install rack systems, cargo carrying equipment, and water sport carry accessories make it easy to take your gear with you.
Yakima offers different types of water sport carrying accessories designed to help you get it there. We are going to introduce the most popular options our customers at Rocktown Adventures choose to help them enjoy the outdoors.
Jay Cradles: The LayLow and JayHook are cradle carrying systems. The JayLow folds down and has adjustable lean while the JayHook is a static piece. These cradles allow you to carry one kayak in a JCradle position or two kayaks in a vertical, stacker position. This image shows one kayak in a JayHook and one kayak in saddles, which are explained below
Load Assist: The Showdown is the first load-assist mount to handle both SUPs and kayaks, making it easy to load and unload heavy boats and boards. The lightweight mount fits into your crossbars and tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, taking on up to 45% of the boat’s weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride. At only 21 lbs. it’s super lightweight but built burly enough to wrangle an 80 lb. load.
Saddles: Yakima offers different saddle systems to meet YOUR needs. The Sweet Roll provides two front and two rear saddles with integrated rollers to get your kayak off the roof and on the water in no time. No tools are needed to mount to any bar type, making these simple to install. The DeckHand is a pair of saddles that can be paired with two more DeckHands for a secure four-point secure fit You can also incorporate the HandRoll as the rear saddles for an easy load assist that provide grip, protection, and stability at a fraction of the cost of most load assist systems, including the Yakima ShowDown, introduced below. The EvenKeel is an economical saddle style roof top mount consisting of four saddles that can be easily adjusted to snugly fit your kayak.
There are multiple factors to consider when determining the best kayak carrying system to fit YOUR needs. The key part is YOUR needs. What is good for the goose may not be good for the gander. Some of these factors to consider are your height and strength, weight of your kayak, height of your vehicle, and if you will be alone or paddling with someone. The good part about the Yakima system is no tools are required to add carrying mounts to your crossbars. Even someone not mechanically inclined, whose wife has her own tools, can easily install the gear you need to hit the water
Bring the gear you need to the places you love, giving you the freedom to wander. You will create memories that will remain long after the adventure is over.
This article originally appeared in the June 2022 issue of Northology Adventures. Check out our archive for lots more adventure content and useful info!
OVERLANDINGITS THE AMERICAN WAY
A HOMEGROWN TRADITION OF EXPLORATION
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and this is about the time many of us turn our eyes to the open road and the rugged landscapes that have shaped the American spirit. In the world of vehicle-assisted travel, some belive that “true” overlanding involves international border crossings. Global travel undoubtedly expands horizons, but this definition overlooks the rich legacy of overland exploration right here in the United States. In fact, to dismiss domestic travel as something less than overlanding is to ignore the very roots of the practice.
THE AMERICAN OVERLAND LEGACY
Long before GPS, Americans were blazin trails into the unknown The term “overland itself may have emerged from thes domestic expeditions
Consider Meriwether Lewis and Willia Clark, whose Corps of Discovery departe St Louis in 1804 on what could be called th original American overlanding expeditio Their mission? Navigate rivers, mountain and plains in search of a route to the Pacif with just grit, gear, and guidance fro Indigenous communities
Decades later, the Overland Trail carrie thousands of emigrants westward. Thes pioneers weren’t weekend warriors the were travelers seeking new lives beyond th Mississippi, traveling by wagon throug treacherous and untamed terrain. Th infrastructure of today's backroads an byways owes much to the determine treads of those early overlanders
THE OVERLAND TRAIL — AMERICA'S FIRST OVERLAND HIGHWAY
Long before the term overlanding entered the modern lexicon, the Overland Trail served as one of the earliest and most iconic examples of vehicle-assisted travel albeit powered by oxen and grit instead of diesel and differential locks.
Running roughly 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon and California, the Overland Trail became a lifeline for pioneers, gold seekers, and settlers in the mid-1800s. Unlike the earlier Oregon Trail, the Overland route also known as the South Pass route—offered a slightly more hospitable and efficient corridor through Wyoming, avoiding some of the treacherous river crossings and mountain passes that plagued earlier travelers . 1
By the 1860s, the route gained even greater significance when Ben Holladay’s Overland Stage Company began using it to carry passengers, freight, and U.S. mail between Missouri and Salt Lake City and eventually all the way to California . Stations were placed every 10–15 miles, where travelers could rest, change horses, and brace for the next leg of dusty, jostling travel.
2
Though the railroad would eventually render the trail obsolete, the legacy of the Overland Trail lives on in the very idea of remote land travel through rugged terrain. Today’s overlanders echo the same values: self-reliance, exploration, and a willingness to head into the unknown.
Modern rigs may have rooftop tents and GPS, but the spirit of the Overland Trail still rides with every traveler.
Resources
1.Hafen, LeRoy R. Overland Mail, 1849–1869: Promoter of Settlements, Precursor of Railroads. University of Oklahoma Press, 2004.
2.Mattes, Merrill J. The Great Platte River Road: The Covered Wagon Mainline via Fort Kearny to Fort Laramie. University of Nebraska Press, 1987
TODAY’S OVERLANDER:
STILL FOLLOWING THE FRONTIER
So why the gatekeeping? Why imply that a traveler who treks the Dalton Highway, the Mojave Road, or the Boundary Waters region isn’t “really” overlanding unless they’re also juggling visas and passports or bribing border agents?
To be clear: there is value in international travel. But American overlanders aren’t simply stuck in their borders they are choosing to explore a continent-sized country with a staggering range of terrain. From the alpine trails of the Rockies to the saguaro-studded routes of the Sonoran Desert, from dense Appalachian forests to the windswept Great Plains, there is no shortage of challenge, remoteness, and selfreliance required.
And let’s not forget the cultural patchwork that makes each region distinct One can “cross borders” in America simply by crossing county lines A trip from Arizona to Louisiana can feel more foreign than crossing from Spain into Portugal.
OVERLANDING IS A MINDSET, NOT A MILEAGE BADGE
At its core, overlanding is about intentional travel through remote places, with selfreliance and exploration as the goal. Whether you’re in Alaska or Argentina, that ethos remains the same. Carrying your own water, fixing your own rig, finding camp as the sun dips low over unfamiliar land that’s the spirit of overlanding
To reduce the experience to passport stamps and geopolitical boundaries is to lose sight of the deeper meaning: personal growth, discovery, and a connection to land and history.
CELEBRATE THE AMERICAN WAY
As we fire up our grills and camp under fireworks this Independence Day, let’s also celebrate the homegrown tradition of overland travel It’s not new It’s not secondrate. It’s deeply American.
So pack your rig, roll out the topo maps, and take pride in knowing that you’re participating in a legacy older than the Fourth itself. Overlanding doesn’t need a border crossing it just needs a curious spirit and a road less traveled.
Happy Independence Day, and safe travels wherever your American journey takes you
ROADLESS RULE RECISION
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR OVERLANDERS?
The rescission of the Roadless Rule depending on how it's implemented could positively affect overland travel and dispersed camping in several key ways, while also providing potential benefits to forest health and land management.
POSITIVE EFFECTS FOR RECREATIONISTS
Benefits for Overland Travel & Dispersed Camping Expanded Access to Remote Areas. Lifting the Roadless Rule allows for limited road construction and maintenance in previously restricted areas. This means overlanders and dispersed campers could gain access to more remote and rugged parts of National Forests, increasing opportunities for solitude, exploration, and backcountry adventure.
Better Maintenance of Existing Forest Roads
Forest managers can now more easily repair or reopen roads that were previously neglected due to rule constraints. Improved access means safer travel conditions and fewer closures due to impassable routes, especially following wildfires, landslides, or severe weather
Increased Dispersed Camping Opportunities
As more areas become accessible by vehicle, dispersed camping options could increase. This helps reduce overcrowding at traditional campgrounds and helps spread out visitor impact across a wider landscape, potentially preserving the quality of the experience.
FOREST HEALTH & MANAGEMENT BENEFITS
Improved Wildfire Mitigation.
The ability to create or maintain roads can aid in wildfire prevention and response. Fire crews can access vulnerable areas more quickly, and land managers can implement strategic thinning and prescribed burns more effectively key components in reducing catastrophic wildfires.
More Effective Land Stewardship.
With increased mobility through forest roads, agencies and conservation groups can conduct better monitoring, invasive species control, and restoration work in backcountry areas. This can lead to healthier ecosystems that benefit wildlife, watersheds, and long-term recreational use.
Adaptive Management in a Changing Environment
As natural challenges intensify (e.g., beetle infestations, drought), having the flexibility to build or restore access roads enables proactive and timely management interventions.
While the rescission opens doors for overlanders and improves forest service capacity, it's important that access is expanded responsibly. Collaboration between user groups, land managers, and conservation organizations will be critical to ensure that new or reopened roads don’t compromise sensitive habitats or lead to overuse.
ROADLESS RULE RECISION AND PUBLIC LAND SALES SUBTRACTION: CONNECTING THE DOTS
Access vs. Disposal
The rescission of the Roadless Rule and the subtraction of public land sale provisions from the Big Beautiful Bill (comprehensive public lands legislation) may seem unrelated but together they reflect a broader pivot in federal land policy: toward sustainable access and stewardship, not privatization or restriction.
Roadless Rule Rescission: This policy rollback allows for strategic road construction and maintenance in designated Roadless Areas. For overlanders, firefighters, forest managers, and dispersed campers, it restores the ability to reach, use, and care for public lands that were previously inaccessible even for needed restoration or emergency access.
Striking the Public Land Sales Clause: The original draft of the Big Beautiful Bill included language that would have allowed the sale or disposal of certain federal lands. That language was stripped out after public outcry, ensuring these lands remain in public hands, open to recreation, conservation, and responsible use.
Together, these changes send a clear signal: The federal government listened to the outcry and is prioritizing keeping public lands public and making them meaningfully accessible. Rather than locking up lands behind legal barriers or selling them off to the highest bidder, these combined policy moves support active engagement, responsible recreation, and localized land management, giving adventurers, volunteers, and local stakeholders a renewed role in how these landscapes are accessed and cared for
A
WIN FOR RECREATION AND CONSERVATION?
A balancing act
Do environmentalists have any legitimate concerns on these topics or is this a win for conservation and for recreation? The reality is more nuanced than a simple win for conservation and recreation. The rescission of the Roadless Rule and the removal of land sale provisions each have different implications, and while some outcomes may benefit overlanders and forest management, others may come with trade-offs.
The Conservationist’s Perspective:
Roadless Rule Rescission concerns include:
Habitat Fragmentation: Building new roads no matter how limited can fragment wildlife corridors and introduce invasive species, noise, and pollution into previously undisturbed ecosystems.
Precedent for Resource Extraction: The original Roadless Rule was created in part to protect forests from logging and mining. Even if the intent is improved recreation access or fire management, the rule’s rollback could open the door to commercial interests in remote public lands
Loss of Ecological Reserves: Roadless areas are some of the last semi-pristine places on U.S. public lands. Conservationists worry that increased access could degrade their ecological integrity.
Subtraction of Public Land Sales:
Generally seen as a win for conservation most environmental groups and recreation advocates supported this move. Keeping public lands in public hands helps safeguard:
Public Access for non-motorized and motorized users alike
Habitat Protection under federal oversight
Long-term Stewardship, rather than short-term profit
So Is It a Win for Recreation and Conservation?
Partially. Recreation advocates (especially overlanders, hunters, and dispersed campers) see improved access and preserved ownership as victories. And many fire scientists and land managers agree that strategic road access is essential for modern forest health But it’s not an outright conservation win. It’s a balancing act between access and management and preservation and restraint Ultimately, the impact will depend on how the policies are implemented. If agencies build trust through transparent decision-making, environmental assessments, and collaborative planning with stakeholders (including off-roaders and conservationists), it could become a model for multi-use public land stewardship. We would call that a win-win.
WISCO TO IDAHO
Several members of the Wisconsin Overland Facebook group made the long trek west to join the Range to Ranch Retreat in Idaho, proving that community and a love for adventure travel know no bounds These dedicated overlanders brought their Midwest camaraderie, off-road spirit, and trail-tested rigs to the high desert and mountain passes of the Lost River Range, connecting with fellow enthusiasts from across the country. Their presence helped bridge regional communities and showed just how far the reach of this grassroots overland movement truly extends.
Christina Goodwin of the GoGoGoodwins on Instagram instigated the Wisconsin Overland members to post up epic photos from their journeys and we promised to share them with you here. Enjoy!
Trail ride lineup. Photo: Tim Matuszak
Evening gathering. Photo: Chris Holloway
Valley views. Photo: Jill Carr
Lost River Range. Photo: Jen Banks
Epic trail ride in the making. Photo: Christina Goodwin
Event guide vibes. Photo: Christina Goodwin
Dusty trails. Photo: Rob Mateer
Gathering with Will. Photo: Cindy Pope
Twins! Photo: Christina Goodwin
Majestic Mountains Photo: Richie Fernandez
Turning point. Photo: Christina Goodwin
Mountains aglow. Photo: Jess Smith
Chef Jess. Photo: Todd Mowrer
All smiles. Photo: Christina Goodwin Camp HQ. Photo: Cindy Pope
Mountain music. Photo: Cindy Pope
J & I on fire. Photo: Cindy Pope
New friends. Photo: Christina Goodwin
Full sized trail boss. Photo: Christina Goodwin
Good laughs. Photo: Cindy Pope
Going up. Photo: Christina Goodwin
Rude awakening on Sunday. Photo: Todd Mowrer
Packing up and leaving camp. Photos: Cindy Pope
Dirty convoy on Trail Creek Rd. Photo: Chris Carr
Trail Creek Road. Photo: Jess Smith
Trail Creek Road. Photo: Jill Carr
The Range to Ranch team was thrilled to have so many aspiring YouTubers and content creators present We are so grateful to have Will Fowler of Venture2Roam, Rob Tabor of Generation Overland and Matt and Cara McClellan of Ozark Overland Adventures with us to add to the educational element of the weekend (plus it was so cool to get a sneak peek of Matt and Cara’s new Rossmonster!)
Huge thanks to Will for bringing members of his amazing Patreon community to Range to Ranch Retreat and helping elevate the experience for everyone involved. From hosting the Creator Camp, screening a new episode and leading trail rides into the mountains, to sharing his insights during a filming adventures clinic, Will’s energy, knowledge, and generosity made a lasting impact Your support helped create a truly unforgettable event.
Inspired by the idea of creating a smaller, boutique overlanding retreat that focused on culture, exploration, and community, I reached out to Koar Overlanding Retreat as I kept seeing that event pop up on my feed and I was intrigued
Cindy and I spoke and immediately felt the connection to create something great, it was like a calling that we were meant to do great things
“The vision was clear: create a special, intimate gathering that felt authentic and true to the spirit of overlanding...”
-Noah Botnick
Together with Cindy, I co-founded Range to Ranch Retreat a unique event that brings together overlanding enthusiasts, vendors, and like-minded individuals who share a passion for the outdoors.
The vision was clear: create a special, intimate gathering that felt authentic and true to the spirit of overlanding, something that was missing from the larger expos
Today, I’m dedicated to building Range to Ranch Retreat into something truly special My goal is to create a space where people can connect, share their love for the outdoors, and experience the beauty of Idaho’s rugged landscape For me, it’s not just about the destination it’s about the journey, the connections, and the memories made along the way
Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or just discovering the world of adventure, I invite you to join us on this incredible journey as we continue to explore, connect, and create something truly extraordinary year after year!
Co-Founder, Range to Ranch Retreat | Spokane Creative
Hi I’m Noah Botnick, and my life has been a journey of passion, adventure, and connection to the natural world. Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, I spent my formative years exploring the woods and the serene beauty of Twin Lakes Even after moving to Spokane, Washington, I never lost my deep-rooted love for the outdoors, often retreating to our family’s cabin on Twin Lakes to reconnect with nature
From a young age, I found solace and excitement in camping and exploring the mountains As I grew older, this passion evolved into a love for overlanding a modern-day adventure that combines exploration, travel, and a deep connection to the land Whether it was driving up into the mountains with friends, throwing pillows and food into the car, or embarking on solo adventures, my spirit has always been guided by a desire to explore and experience the world around me
After completing school, I took a winding path through various careers, from autobody repair to working at Papa Murphy’s Pizza However, it wasn’t until I discovered my knack for event management, marketing, and sales that I truly found my calling In the early 2000s, I ran a music venue called the Knitting Factory, where I hosted events and met some incredible artists and people One memorable moment was meeting Bob Marley and the Wailers (of course Bob was not there) but an experience that left a lasting impression on me
In addition to my adventures in overlanding and creating Range to Ranch Retreat (RRR), I am also the proud owner of a digital marketing company Called Spokane Creative, over the past 13 years, I have developed a deep passion for videography and storytelling, crafting narratives that connect and inspire
This professional focus complements my work with RRR, allowing me to bring a unique perspective and creativity to both endeavors
When I'm not immersed in planning and growing the RRR event, this is where I channel my energy and skills, continuing to explore and share the stories that matter.
Fast forward to last summer, my life took another exciting turn when I met the owners of Swenson Butte Ranch On my way to the Overland Expo Mount West, I stopped by the ranch and instantly fell in love with its stunning views of the Lost River Range, serene atmosphere, and excellent trail access The property’s layout and potential for hosting events struck a chord with me, and I knew it was the perfect place to bring my vision to life
“...we wanted to create an experience rooted in place, Swenson Butte Ranch in Idaho’s Lost River country felt like the perfect backdrop: wild, welcoming, and full of potential.”
-Cindy Pope
Co-Founder, Range to Ranch Retreat | Northology Adventures
I’m Cindy event wrangler, publisher, writer, overland route scout, and the creative force behind Northology Adventures If it involves remote campsites, great coffee, good people, and dark night skies, I’m probably there boots dusty, clipboard in hand, trying to make something awesome happen
For years, I’ve worked to build a community around vehicle-based adventure travel in the Midwest and beyond I’ve hosted events, published a digital magazine, and helped bring together folks who care deeply about public lands, self-reliance, and sharing stories around a campfire I am so grateful for those who came out of the woodwork to support these events and causes- it truly does take a village, or should I say a campsite full of folks with the same passions and yearnings for the wild, off-the-beaten-path places
Range to Ranch Retreat was born out of a friendship and shared vision between Noah and I an idea that adventure events could feel more intentional and immersive We didn’t want to just draw lines on maps or park rigs in rows we wanted to create an experience rooted in place, stewardship, and connection Swenson Butte Ranch in Idaho’s Lost River country felt like the perfect backdrop: wild, welcoming, and full of potential
Working with Noah, whose creative spark and videography background bring this landscape to life in new ways, made this project feel less like work and more like the next chapter in an ongoing adventure Together, we’re aiming to build something that’s equal parts gathering, getaway, and grounded celebration of the overland lifestyle
2025 RANGE TO RANCH RECAP ON INSTAGRAM
@ R A N G E _ T O _ R A N C H
Charity & Stewardship Partnerships
Range to Ranch supports many stewarship and charity partnerships These collaborations are crucial for promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation as well as community building and supporting worthy causes
Mission: Provide outdoor recreation experiences for military veterans, active duty personnel, retired service members, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS to relieve stress and build a supportive community.
Vision:
To create a strong, resilient community of heroes who find healing, connection, and purpose through outdoor adventure.
A key partnership is with H.E.R.O. (Heroes Exploring & Recreating Outdoors), which helps veterans and their families connect with nature through recreation. Range to Ranch provides resources for these heroes to experience the outdoors' healing power.
H.E.R.O. was founded by Blake Service, a U.S. Marine Veteran, to create a community of public servants who could support each other, learn from each other, and decompress in the outdoors After sharing his ideas with his close friends, family, and members of the community, HE RO was born
The sole purpose of HE RO is to provide an avenue for military and first responders to surround themselves
with like-minded individuals, who can relate to the trials and tribulations of those around them, and find peace in the outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to overland adventures, hunting & fishing trips, mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, kayaking, snow sports, powersports, etc
“We’ll facilitate these activities in conjunction with the participant, at no cost to them,” says founder, Blake
BlueRibbon Coalition works to defend your right to access and recreate on public land.
Sharetrails.Org/BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is a respected national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, Sharetrails/BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists.
Sharetrails/BRC is guided by a host of Board Members who have graciously donated their time, skill, and talents These largely unsung volunteer heroes, who serve or have served, continue to represent the interests of recreationists across this country by communicating & meeting to develop key strategies, policy, and implementation plans for the future
The successful Sharetrails/BRC strategy of working administratively, legislatively, and legally for effective recreational advocacy is now a quarter of a century time tested and ground proven The Sharetrails/BRC TEAM looks forward to continuing its mission to “champion responsible use of public lands for the benefit of all recreationists” into the future.“
The Idaho State 4x4 Association is an elected board of club and individual members dedicated to offroad recreation in Idaho, focusing on preserving landscapes and promoting responsible stewardship of public lands.
The Idaho State 4x4 Association is about promoting goodwill and education to the public about responsible off-roading Being involved and partnered in the decision making process with our local, state and federal land managers Working with land managers to maintain and expand trail opportunities for off-roaders
The Idaho State 4x4 Association works with organizations such as Blue Ribbon Coalition, Tread Lightly! and the Idaho Recreation Council in efforts to keep public lands open for all
“We aim to preserve our beautiful landscapes while promoting a sense of responsible stewardship on our public lands for all. Giving offroad clubs and the world an off road experience they can only dream of.”
Mountain West Recreation Alliance (MWRA) has worked tirelessly to protect and enhance access to Idaho’s public lands What began as grassroots clean-up days has evolved into a powerful coalition of volunteers, land managers, and community leaders committed to long-term stewardship and sustainable recreation.
The Mountain West Recreation Alliance completed dozens of impactful projects across the state opening new trails, restoring damaged ecosystems, and constructing critical infrastructure like trail connectors and backcountry bridges. Our work, in partnership with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Fish and Game, and the US Forest Service, ensures Idaho’s wild places remain open, safe, and accessible for generations to come
In addition to on-the-ground work, MWRA is deeply invested in education and outreach We host a variety of educational events, public workshops, and youth engagement programs that promote land ethics, trail safety, and responsible recreation Through these efforts, we are growing a culture of stewardship and building the next generation of public land advocates
Tread Lightly!
Promoting responsible offroad recreation through stewardship, education and communication. Plus we get out there and live it.
Tread Lightly! is a non-profit organization that leads a national initiative to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors Our goal is to balance the off-road and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users’ need for adventure with the need to conserve the places where they ride and explore
To support this, we offer a wide range of projects, programs, trainings, and educational materials to promote a responsible outdoor recreation message Our work includes educating off-road and OHV users on responsible riding practices, reducing the impact on the environment and protecting natural and cultural resources
We rely on the support of our members and industry partners to deliver programs and complete trail maintenance and restoration projects that make a meaningful impact on the environment, the off-road community and the neighboring communities where they live and play.
A D V D I
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Building a community while we we adventure & overland in our 2020 Cement Gray Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road
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CALENDAR
June 19-22
Range to Ranch Retreat Mackay, ID
August 1-3
Patreon Free Adventure Weekend White Lake, Wisconsin
