The challenge for Mike Kelly began, quite literally, on a Sunday afternoon last May. Pretty much right after the final vehicle left Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area from his inaugural Wheelers LLC Overland Adventure.
The tents were still up. Banners flying and swirling. And Kelly’s mind followed suit at that moment, whirling in thought about how to best improve his event following its successful first edition.
”Yeah, the day that one was ending I was already in the process of locking in the weekend dates for this year,” Kelly, owner of Wheelers LLC, said. “I was definitely thinking about all the new stuff I wanted to do and who to bring in for this second one to make it even better.”
So he put in work throughout the year, scraped up more sponsorships and new classroom ideas, and assembled all kinds of industry vendors in order to ensure those thoughts would become a reality.
And now all that effort is approaching a payoff as the second annual Wheelers Overland Adventure, with Quadratec as a title sponsor, is set for May 17-20 - once again at AOAA in Coal Township, Pa. Registration is currently available.
The WOA is as much a celebration of the outdoors as it is an off-road driving and overlanding event. Something that has training and informational classes, vendor displays, trail rides, overlanding circuit, as well as games and a scavenger hunt.
”For this second year, we did make some changes we thought would enhance the event for everyone,” Kelly said. “We knew there was a need for more space and AOAA had it, so all classes and the vendor area will be in the field adjacent to the event building at the park. Trail rides will form here as well. This gives the participants a more definite meeting point for all activities with the exception of the nightly campfire, which will be in the campground like last year.”
”We also made it a point to collect all necessary details in the registration process, so there is no additional need to collect further information at the event. We also were able to add an additional day of access to AOAA this year, so every registration covers the driver and (up to) three passengers Friday through Sunday.”
The event was originally created and organized by the northeast-based off road group Wheelers LLC., headed by Kelly, which promotes and organizes safe off-road events and activities for all platforms and skill levels utilizing purpose built, expedition ready vehicles.
”The idea for this Overland Adventure came from the participation we have had in different events, many times something far from New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” Kelly said. “Every time we were at an event, the atmosphere made us want to share this experience with others. When speaking to more local folks, many express how great these events sound, but how they are too far, or their vehicle is not quite ready, or that they just were not comfortable wheeling such a distance from home.”
”So doing this is important to me for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps to open up a new group of local four wheelers to the overlanding lifestyle, and then it helps share information concerning other overland events. Second, vendors from the aftermarket industry and off road instructors are critical to discuss products and help everyone understand the technical aspects of vehicles, equipment, and trail riding.”
The format for year two remains pretty simple, and designed to allow WOA attendees to do as much, or as little, as they want each day. Like last year, there will be classroom sessions each morning on topics like trail communication, winch training, trip and travel planning, hi-lift jack basics, recovery gear and navigation. Kids activities will also be available during the day.
However, classroom attendance is not mandatory and those who want to head to the trail, or explore the park, can do so at any time.
”Classes are offered to give another element to the event that is unique,” Kelly said. “A good part of the participants do not partake, but those who do are eager to exchange ideas and situations with the instructors who can give each person individual attention, given the class sizes are typically smaller then 15 people. The instructors are all part of the event as well, and are there through the day to discuss any topic that might fit into off-road or overland.”
Afternoons are intentionally left open for participants to go on guided trail rides offered by Off-Road Consulting, or otherwise check out the park with their own individual group. There is also plenty to see in the surrounding area thanks to attractions like Shamokin Reservoir, Mini Graffiti Highway, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Weiser State Forest.
In addition, for those not interested in more formal trail riding, the popular overlanding loop is back. This year, it will be a self-guided loop provided with the event maps. This way, riders can group with friends and leave at any time.
Kelly said those who have never traveled off-road before, or are unsure if their vehicle can handle it, should know everything has been set up in order to appeal to all levels of drivers.
”All the trails at this event are rated by color for difficulty from stock vehicle to rock crawler - green, blue, black, red,” he said. “We offer loops at the green and blue level for all participants, and they can even get the Maprika app on their smartphone and download directions for the trail.”
“Beginners running a green trail will ensure they’ll encounter no terrain that would get one into a situation more difficult than a stock vehicle can handle. “
That, in part, is why AOAA makes for such a great partner for the WOA event, Kelly said.
”It is such a large park which is always expanding. Year to year new trails are being added and new sections open. The network is large enough that even with hundreds of vehicles in the park, you are not likely to run across any traffic jams on the trails.”
All attendees are invited to bring their own food or snacks for the weekend, but just like last year, there will be food available for purchase throughout each day.
This year, Kelsea’s Kitchen is providing coffee Friday morning and will have its food truck present from 8 a.m to around 7 p.m each day. Quadratec is sponsoring breakfast Saturday, while Forest Hills Fire Department will offer a BBQ chicken dinner Saturday. There are also several great area restaurants within a short drive of AOAA.
Event participants do not have to camp on site, but there will be an overland field set up for primitive camping, while the Trailhead Campground is on AOAA’s property and has campsites available for rental.
“This event has something for everyone,” Kelly said. “Classroom instruction, trail riding, industry vendors to answer questions. Fun and games. Kids activities. All inside a great off-road park that offers trails of all levels from beginner to expert.”
”We want everyone to come away from the weekend having plenty of good times and a memorable experience.”
