Efficient planning is critical to your success in knocking off the maximum number of breweries in a single day. The MCC staff likes to use https://www.routexl.com/ You can drop in up to 20 addresses at a time. Other routing programs include Google Maps, and Garmin Basecamp.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the first Mudd-e Chef Challenge! Thank you to all of the teams that participated in this event. I’ve included all the contestant’s videos below. YOU CAN PICK YOUR FAVORITE! Visit the Muddy Chef Facebook page.
BANANA SHIRTS:
SEAFARI:
603 ROVER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkpY19-CmB0
DEMON BREWER:
MAIN STREET KITCHENS:
Part 1 – Main Video
Part 2- Time Lapse of Prep
Part 3- Eating of Dish
Part 4 – Land Rover Winter Haven FL- Jason
Part 5- Last one- Land Rover Fun- Jason
OSKI BEARS:
(NOTE: The Oski Bears team is sheltering in place in the northwoods and do not have the capacity to upload a video. Please take that into consideration if you choose to vote for them in the public “who do you want to win” competetion)
Crunchy Muddy Chef Single Cow Apple Wood Smoked Burgers!!
Start fire before preparing burgers.
1 pound On the Edge Single Cow beef
1/2 chopped onion
3 smooshed and chopped garlic cloves
1/4 red bell pepper
Fresh ground Salt & Pepper
Moosh it all together using gloves or baggies. Incorporate the above ingredients on the inside of raw meat.
Meanwhile prepare and watch the apple wood fire.
Above mixture Held together with Drizzle of Worchestshire sauce, salt & pepper
3 tablespoons Panko Bread crumbs and
2 Mudd-E eggs.
Slice Cheddar, tomato, brioche bun. Butter buns and briefly smoke for 20 seconds on pan or foil. Fast.
Toast bun on Fire while burgers smoke and sizzle.
Put burgers on fire, flip once. Smoke and cover. Add cheese.
When cheese melts remove from smoker.
Whole cooking process is less than 10 minutes. Not including fire prep.
The egg panko mix makes the outer surface of burger crunchy. Like an egg bubble shell. The eggs do the work.
Voila!! Delicious!!
The Challenge:
Create a dish using two eggs and any other ingredients you choose.
We need you to shoot a short video (no longer than three minutes) and upload it to your Facebook or YouTube page. Then send the link to info@muddychef.com Once received, I will distribute the videos to our judges. Since the judges cannot taste your dish, you will be judged on the following criteria:
Depending on the total number of entries we will pick a first, second and third place winner. If we have more than 6 contestants, we will create a bracket-style leaderboard and the winners of each round will move on to the next round. Winners will receive a special edition Muddy Chef Challenge Mug and whatever prizes I can scrounge up in the MCC garage.
Competition begins: 4/6/2020
Competition ends: 4/12/2020
Due to the global virus emergency, I’ve decided to cancel the 2020 Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge. I know this will disappoint many of you and derail your summer plans. However, with the current global state of unrest and confusion, it’s better to put it off this year and look forward to 2021. We will, however, come up with a virtual Muddy Chef Challenge and offer you the ability to compete against each other from the safety of your home. Look for a registration e-mail in the next week. We’re hard at work designing 2020 MCC the event stickers and shirts, and as always Muddy Chef Challenge winners will receive a coveted Muddy Chef Challenge engraved mug.
Stay safe, have fun, and remember to take care of each other!
Eric and the entire Muddy Chef Challenge event staff.
Mike Ladden of Drive the Globe shot this awesome video!
Thanks to Dive the Globe for this fantastic video.
Thanks to Drive the Globe for this great video!
Land Rover Fairfield
Video from our friends at Drive the Globe (Mike Ladden)
The “how to” video that accompanies the Spring 2018 Field Guide Magazine.
The Solihull Questionnaire
If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
No. Hell no. Don’t want to play the “what’s that noise” game at 5,000 feet
Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
Born in New York City, Staten Island to be exact, aka the cousin Oliver of the boroughs. Grew up in Jersey. Went to college in New Hampshire fell in love with New England and never left. I practice real estate in Boston, but live about a 100 miles out of town in rural New Hampshire in a town with no post office and more dogs than people.
What’s your team name?
Team Blockheads. When you see my yellow labs it makes total sense
How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
A 73 Series 3 88, 96 Disco, 93 RRC, 95 RRC and currently a 60 109, 67? Lightweight and a 98 D1. By far the lightweight. Actually has a little speed, for a Rover
What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
They give you a sense of humor and patience and if they don’t, nothing will
What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
I’ve heard good things about something called “heat” inside vehicles. Hoping Land Rover decides to look into that one day.
Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
Are we talking a breakdown adventure? Because I don’t know how much room I have.
If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
A lhd 130 would be nice but a vehicle from Rover chock full of lightweight parts would be nicer. You know how tough it is to source lightweight parts in the States??
If you were on safari which three (living, dead, or fictional) people would you pick to bring along?
George Adamson
Denys Finch Hatton
Taylor Swift. I mean have you seen that video with her and the Rovers?
Event Registration and Campsite Setup
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. for all guests. Campsite setup and meet and greet. Campsite registration closes at 7:00 p.m. You must be onsite by 7:00 p.m.
The Low Range Games – Bridge To Nowhere / Rat Cage
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a challenge? Join us for two great events. The Rat Cage event will test your ability to handle your Land Rover and problem solve in tight confines. Service Bay – build a simulated log bridge and navigate your vehicle over the abyss. Minimum of three teammates required for this event.
Want to try your hand a fly fishing? Join the Orvis Adventures staff at the Orvis casting pond at the Orvis flagship store in downtown Manchester. The Orvis flagship store will open for a special private tour and sale – only for Muddy Chef attendees.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Vendor Village Opens – Vendor Presentations
13th Street Cocktails
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments.
Quiet Hours
11:00 p.m.
Late Event Registration and Campsite Setup
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
NEW! HOT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE RILEY RINK! 7:00 A.M – 11.:00 a.m
SHOWERS AT THE RILEY RINK 7:00 AM – 11:00 a.m
Beginner Off-Road Training
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Basic off-road skills and tactics. Dorset Quarry tour after training.
Guided Off-Road Tour
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join Logan/Gene/Peter for a guided off-road adventure. You will be divided into three groups. Make sure to speak with each group leader about your preference of off-road difficulty. Please have your vehicle ready for an afternoon of off-road adventure. Please make sure to have your vehicle fully fueled and ready to go. Vehicles will assemble into groups and depart promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Un-guided Off-Road (Maps will be provided in the field guide)
10:00 a.m.
Assorted Events (Falconry, Fly Fishing, Sporting Clay, etc.)
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Training – Using a spotter for challenging terrain. (new)
New for 2018. Join Eric Yohe for a quick lesson in effective spotting. Learn appropriate hand signals and how to use nonverbal communication to guide a vehicle through difficult terrain – without damage.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
RETURN TO CAMPSITE / PREP FOR CHOPPED / FANCY DRESS PARTY PREP
4:00 p.m.
Chopped at The Muddy Chef Challenge (BOORN BROOK FARM, 527 Benson Road, Manchester Center, VT)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
New location for 2018. Boorn Brook Farm and the Green Mountain Falconry School. Join the staff of the Boorn Brook Farm for a tour of this amazing estate, a chance to see an African Eagle and an assortment of birds of prey and cheer your favorite Chopped team!
What is Chopped at the Muddy Chef Challenge? It’s just like the Food Network TV show – without the kitchen! Contestants must bring everything they need to prepare, cook, and serve a gourmet meal – all from a mystery box of ingredients. Please note – there is an additional cost to register for this event. CLICK HERE to register. All Chopped contestants receive custom gifts available only to Chopped competitors. If you like a challenge this is the event for you!
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Vendor Presentations
13th Street Cocktails
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments.
Quiet Hours
11:00 p.m.
NEW! HOT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE RILEY RINK! 7:00 A.M – 11.:00 a.m.
SHOWERS AT THE RILEY RINK 7:00 AM – 11:00 a.m
Late Arrival Event Registration and Campsite Setup
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Final event registration and campsite set up. After 10:00 a.m. registration is closed unless you have spoken to the organizer and made prior arrangements. Have an emergency? Send an e-mail to info@muddychef.com
Beginner Off-Road Training
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Basic off-road skills and tactics. Anyone who took part in the Friday training will be qualified for an advanced trail run on Saturday.
Guided Off-Road Tour
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join Logan/Gene/Peter for a guided off-road adventure. You need to have your vehicle ready for an afternoon of off-road adventure. Please make sure to have your vehicle fully fueled and ready to go. Vehicles will assemble into groups and depart promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Un-guided Off-Road (Maps will be provided in the field guide)
10:00 a.m.
Assorted Events (Falconry, Fly Fishing, Sporting Clay, etc.)
10:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
4:00 p.m. Announcements ahead of the Muddy Chef Challenge
The Muddy Chef Challenge
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The MAIN EVENT! Your team will create amazing dishes for our judges. You need to prepare an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. Extra points are awarded for use of locally sourced ingredients. Click here for a complete list of rules.
13th Street Cocktails
9:00 p.m. – whenever!
Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments.
Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m.
Awards and goodbyes.
CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL SCREEN MAGAZINE
COVERAGE BEGINS ON PAGE 72
The Muddy Chef Challenge in the new issue of Land Rover Owner International. Sam Watson covers the event in his column – THE OVERLANDER (click image to enlarge)
TAKING THE MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
10 AUGUST 2016
Since 2008, Land Rover enthusiasts in the North East have been having fun cooking and camping in the annual Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge.. This year’s challenge at Lime Rock Park, CT was a culinary overload, says Bill Gonyea, General Manager at Prestige Land Rover, the event’s title sponsor.
What is The Muddy Chef Challenge?
This is passionate, die-hard Land Rover enthusiasts getting together in the picturesque grounds of Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut for three days of cooking, camping and a lot of fun. It’s been going on since 2008 and this year there were around 110 Land Rover vehicles with owners, families and friends attended, over 350 attendees in total. They hold lots of off-road adventures, seminars, fancy-dress parties, vendor displays and plenty of sampling of adult beverages around the campfire. It really is a fun event. The organizers like to describe it as Top Gear meets Top Chef.
Why the big focus on cooking?
The guy who founded it, Eric Yohe, is a passionate Land Rover enthusiast and an equally passionate foodie. I think it started out as a few friends taking their Land Rover vehicles camping and having fun cooking out. It has grown from there. Now, over the Muddy Chef Challenge weekend, there are two major cooking competitions with teams having to prepare gourmet meals using only locally-sourced ingredients, and only using cooking equipment they can carry in their Land Rover vehicles. It was amazing how elaborate some of the kitchens were, with huge tents and grills.
Who takes part in the event?
Passionate Land Rover enthusiasts, first and foremost. These are mostly Heritage enthusiasts who brought along their Defender, their 110s and 90s, their Series II, their LR3 and Discovery vehicles. It also draws in owners with newer LR4 and Range Rover vehicles. They come along with their families and friends, set-up their tents and focus on having a great time.
Prestige Land Rover was the title sponsor. Why does the dealership get involved?
This was our first year as title sponsor. The main attraction for us is the opportunity it gives us to increase exposure for our new models. We trucked-in twelve new Land Rover vehicles – Discovery Sport, LR4, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport. We also provided a few LR4 vehicles for the organizers to use as shuttle vehicles to move people around. We had test drive opportunities during the weekend and on the Thursday before the challenge, we held an off-roading event for customers at the nearby Orvis Sandanona clay-shooting grounds in Millbrook, New York.
You were also a judge in the cooking contest. How was the experience?
Both myself and Chris Turner, who is President of the Prestige Group and owner of a restored Land Rover Defender 110, were judges for the Saturday night contest. You have to remember that over 90 teams take part, that’s a lot of food to taste. Then there’s the added dimension that they pair most of the meals with a different beverage from some of the event sponsors, like Hillrock Estate bourbon or Thomas Tew rum. It was a long night.
Will you be back next year?
Most definitely. We’ve already had meetings with the organizers talking about ways the event might grow and how they might widen the appeal. I really do think it has the potential to be a much larger event in the future.
Madava Farms is perfectly situated in the historic Hudson River Valley where its 800 acres of century-old sugar and red maples enjoy perfect soil and ideal seasonal weather conditions to produce a superior sap for maple sugaring. Our maple syrup farm is also home to the most advanced maple syrup productionfacility in the country. Our ‘sugarhouse’ is the place where the pristine sap collected from our sustainably managed maple groves meets the latest in green, organic production techniques to produce a distinct, pure maple syrup with superior flavor and exceptional quality. LEARN HOW WE CRAFT CROWN MAPLE SYRUPI grew up spending summers exploring the woods and groves of my family’s farm in Illinois, so finding a place my wife and daughters could enjoy and call their own was important to me. We scoured the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions for just the right place. From my days at West Point, I was familiar with the Dutchess County area so we focused our search there.
When I first saw this property and it’s wide range of geography, incredible trout streams, forests and fields, and that phenomenal view at the top of the mountain, I knew we had found that place. We had found Madava Farm.
The Bullen Insurance Group is a boutique insurance brokerage and risk management firm with a thriving business in personal lines and commercial products. For more than a century we have been among the best in the business at advising high-net-worth individuals and families on the protection of their valuable property. Bullen also has a significant commercial presence, especially among hedge fund and family offices aligned with our sophisticated client base. Increasingly, our commercial clients are moving beyond just property insurance to professional liability protection in the current business climate to include family offices, multifamily offices, and businesses with a wide variety of specialties. Additionally, we offer advice and execution of Group Excess Policies for private or public entities.
Our local offices in New York and Florida have no geographical boundaries. We assist clients with their properties in over 30 states and around the world through our relationships with the finest underwriters in the high-net-worth personal and commercial business.
Our knowledge, sophistication and discretion in coordinating customized insurance programs from the industry’s finest underwriters, and our absolute commitment to client service, combine to make the Bullen Insurance Group the premier choice for protection of your personal and company wealth and assets.
PERSONAL INSURANCE
HOME AND PERSONAL PROPERTY • PERSONAL LIABILITY
AUTOMOBILE • FAMILY PROTECTION
VALUABLES AND COLLECTIBLES • FLOOD
YACHT & AIRCRAFT
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS • FAMILY OFFICES
COMMERCIAL LIABILITY • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION • TECH START UPS
ART GALLERIES / FASHION HOUSES
Lorenzo is the horizontal guy in the photo.
If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Only if it was first serviced by Lars Vigen over at Madison Motor Works…that way there is a better chance that it won’t go down, and if it did at least
Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
I’m an Italian/American originally from Bridgeport, CT and relocated to a little town in Litchfield County where my Landy has plenty of room to play. I am a Certified Financial Planner™ and I focus on investment strategies for companies and individuals that are strategic by design and tax efficient by purpose (because hey, if they are going to justify tax dollars being spent to crush Rovers then why give them any more tax dollars than you have to?). I know a lot about food, wine and travel and piece, by piece I’m learning how to fix up my Disco (practice for a IIA)
How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
This is my second Rover. I had a Range Rover P38 named Gertrude. We had a love/hate relationship. Mainly because of a fried ECU which controlled the switch from Hi-Low and an affair she had with the 3 Amigos…still hate those guys. I now have a 97′ Discovery.
I’m getting through her at a snail’s pace but it is a fun trip. She is a work horse on the farm and starts up every time…which why I forgive her for her leaky sunroof and lack of foot wells (rusted through). But I can say that her lack external beauty is made up for by her will to live. The question is will she end up as a camper or as a mobile kitchen for future Muddy Chef events? I loved them both for different reasons.
What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
When I first bought Gertrude it was all about getting from one place to another no matter what the weather. While she proved herself through the winter of ’13 it became more than that. I love the community. It is like a fraternity of owners. Most have gone through the trials and tribulations of owning a Landy. Those folks also know it is about how they look when covered with mud and not when they are covered with wax. It is about a friendly wave to a fellow owner or knowing that an owner stuck in a ditch has a very good chance of being pulled out by another owner (try doing that in the Prius club)
What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
They are never “done”.
Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
My only adventure has been to the 2015 Muddy Chef over at Lime Rock. It was my initiation into the community. It took about 30 seconds for my neighbors to come over and introduce themselves and within a minute they were helping with my gear and offering up all the tools I had forgotten. By the time the first campfire died out in the little hours of the morning I knew I was hooked.
How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
In 2015 I came very ill prepared. I had no idea what to expect. That being said me and my cousin formed “The Cooking Cousins” and took home the trophy for the iron-chef portion. We also teamed up with Co-Bro’s to take home an award for the Muddy Chef portion. This year I plan to have a lot of fun, be more organized and cook what I want to eat and what I want my fellow Landy Owners to enjoy. I’d love to take home the trophy again but this year I’m committed to meet more great people, make memories and smoke more cigars.
If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
A new Series. Leave the yuppie bells and whistles out of it (leave the A/C in). 30 Grand, leave the top off, factory snorkel extra fogs and a winch, It doesn’t need to get over 80 mph but if it could get to 55 in a hurry all the better.
What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
It’s the HSE package which gave it a lift out of the factory and apparently it is a big deal that it has chrome bumpers. Previous owner upgraded the stereo but not much else. First I’ll get it proper, then I’ll work on special.
If you were on safari which three (living or dead or fictional) people would you pick to bring along?
Tough one. I’d want Lars Vigen around because let’s face it…there is a good chance that something is going to break on a Landy so having someone around who can fix it is awesome. It would be even better if the Safari was driven in his truck.
Eric Yohe because for some reason good cigars and bourbon always seem to follow him. Let’s face it…no good story started with “while we were drinking water and chewing gum…”.
Finally, my cousin Tonino as long as he left his cell phone home. He is a good shot with a rifle if things get hairy, is a good cook (the other half of the Cooking Cousins), is funny as hell after a few scotches and he would never let me live it down if I left him home.
The Muddy Chef Challenge is for Land Rover owners. Land Rovers work best where they were intended – in the wild! We give owners the opportunity to drive vintage and modern Rovers in challenging real-world settings. As such, we take off-road trail use seriously. Our events do not destroy ancient town roads. We don’t pull down trees, or drive off predetermined trail routes. At every opportunity we collect trash and litter.
As a Tread Lightly! member we strive to promote responsible off-road trail usage. We hope everyone who joins our events will consider becoming a Tread Trainer to help spread the word! For more information about becoming a Trainer, click HERE.
I have a NOS (new-old-stock) Land Rover G4 tent for sale. This is the ultra rare Land Rover G4 Challenge Trango 4 Mountain Hardware tent. Virtually all of the G4 Challenge tents were 2 person, this tent is the 4 person model. Search Google or E-Bay, you won’t find another one anywhere. This tent is complete with the ground cover, rain fly, vestibule, etc. These tents are built like a tank. If you want something amazing to complete your Land Rover collection – this is it. From what I can tell the tent has never been used and except for a few tiny spots on the rain fly it’s completely perfect and complete. The G4 Trango 4 comes in two orange G4 tent bags. NOTE – if the tent looks a little wrinkled that’s because I did not fully setup all the clips and fasteners. Also, the Land Rover G4 logos are not faded. Rather they were printed on the INSIDE of the rain fly to preserve the waterproof coating. Lastly, I did not pull out the rear vestibule because I just wanted to set it up and take a few photos.
$600.00 plus shipping. Paypal (as a gift) is fine. Regular Trango 4’s sell for $850.00 The price is firm. E-mail me for more photos and info @ info@muddychef.com
Features & Specs
Cool old advertisement from Land Rover
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June 2015 Newsletter
Are Car Wash Extras Really Worth It? How to Get Tar off Your Car Join Us for the Muddy Chef Challenge This Month’s Viral Video & Win a Free Oil Change Meet the New 2016 Range Rover Evoque Land Rover’s Guide to Terrain Response Hot Tips to Keep Your Car Cool 
All rights Reserved. Includes copyrighted material of 1 to 1 News, LLC and its suppliers. |
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5 Questions for Crown Maple
(This question is for Annette Cantilli – CFO, Crown Maple) Tell me about your experience as a Judge during last year’s Muddy Chef Challenge and what you are looking forward to this year
I have never eaten so much in one sitting in my entire life. And the variety of food, the creativity, the comedy, and the pride universally displayed made for a fantastic event, one that all should experience at least once in a lifetime.
What am I looking forward to this year? – bringing the Jeep Wrangler
(This question is for Kerri Travis – General MGR, Crown Maple) We hear you had quite a time engraving the Crown Maple Muddy Chef Trophy last year.
The engraver (a local Spirits shop) had a very difficult time with the size of the gallon as she was accustomed to engraving wine bottles and wine & champagne glasses. Thankfully the front of the gallon was successfully engraved. Rather than chance a mishap we have come up with another plan to add the 2014 winners ‘Two Guys and a Rover’ to the side of the gallon.
(This question is for Tyge Rugenstein – COO, Crown Maple) You have a PhD, a Masters, an MS in Applied Mathematics, and a BS in Civil Engineering. How are you able to use those skills in a Maple Forest?
My background is in engineering and mathematics. Establishing a productive and efficient sap collection network and processing facility requires good design and technical knowledge, so my previous experiences translate well even though very different from maple production. Just as important is my experience working with soldiers during my 29-year career in the U.S. Army. The similarities between soldiers and those on the Crown Maple woods crew are many. They don’t shy away from hard work, they frequently work in inclement weather, and they must work as a team. They are key to the organization’s success.
Crown Maple is an amazing facility can you tell us more about it?
Construction on the Crown Maple sugarhouse began in 2011 and was completed in 2012. The facility can store approximately 50,000 gallons of raw sap and can process over 180 gallons of syrup per hour during peak production days. With 50,000 taps, the sugarhouse will make more than eighteen 55-gallon drums of maple syrup on a good day during sap season.
The reverse osmosis machine, which takes out over 80% of the water from the sap, will process nearly 9000 gallons of sap per hour. The building is capable of expansion with the capacity to accommodate 400,000 taps. In addition to the processing facility, the building is home to Crown Maple’s cafe, tasting room, retail space and corporate offices.
What’s the difference between “fake” and real maple syrup?
GOOD: Natural maple syrup is made by boiling the sap of maple trees in the early spring. It is commonly made from sugar maple, as well as red maple, and black maple trees. It takes 40 to 50 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. After the maple sap is collected, it is boiled to evaporate the water until a specific temperature is reached. The resulting syrup will be two-thirds sugar and one-third water. The primary sugar is sucrose with lesser amounts of fructose and glucose. Real maple syrup is healthier than fake syrup. It contains nutritionally significant amounts of manganese and zinc, minerals that can boost immune and reproductive health, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and riboflavin.
NOT SO GOOD: Imitation maple syrup, also known as fake syrup, is typically made from high fructose corn syrup with caramel food coloring, artificial flavors, cellulose gum, and food preservatives added. Imitation syrup is mainly composed of sugars with no vitamins or minerals.
Be sure to visit the tasting room, cafe and gift shop when you visit Crown Maple during The Muddy Chef Challenge! It’s an amazing facility!
MADE BY WHISTLEPIG IN SHOREHAM, VERMONT
100% rye. 100 proof. Aged for 10 years in New American oak barrels. Oh yeah, WhistlePig is a seriously strong, seriously good rye.
It’s full-bodied with great hints of wintery spice wrapped around a black pepper center. The long aging tames some of the heat and brings along the vanilla and a touch of dark chocolate.
It’s got a pretty good story, too: Dave Pickerell, longtime Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark, believed that rye was going to be the next big thing, so he went on a quest to find the best rye possible. He fell in love with an unusual 100% rye (rumor has it, it was made by our neighbors to the North, but he’s not telling). He teamed up with WhistlePig founder Raj Bhakta, who bought a 200-year-old working dairy farm in Shoreham where they began hand-bottling the whiskey. Today, they’ve built a distillery, are growing their own organic rye and are working towards distilling and aging their own rye whiskey.
Until then, we’ll just have to settle for drinking this powerfully delicious spirit of top-secret origin that has garnered rave reviews since it hit the market. How’s that for American pluck?
While whiskey at this price is usually too precious to mix, we love this rye splashed into warm apple cider for a restorative winter warmer.
As sister and brother growing up in Massachusetts, we always dreamed about not only working together but also working for ourselves. In the spring of 2009, after one of us had spent a few years working in New York and the other had just graduated from college, we came up with an idea: Steve was perpetually in search for the perfect fitting baseball cap (something he could never seem to find) and one that didn’t have brand names or team logos on it. Sarah had grown up needlepointing belts and pillows for family and friends, and we thought about how cool it would be to put needlepoint stitching on a baseball hat (something we had never seen before) and to give profits back to environmental organizations.
We went searching for over a year to find a manufacturer that could not only meet our high standards creatively, but also environmentally and socially. For us, knowing where, how, and by whom our products are made is paramount. Our manufacturer is FLA (Fair Labor), WRAP (Worker’s Rights) and SA8000 (Social Accountability) certified, and is known for meeting the goals of eco-friendly brands from around the world.
We give a percentage of our annual profits back to The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts based organization committed to protecting nearly 27,000 acres of land in the state. For more information, please check out GIVING BACK.
Our mission is to create unique products that look great and give back.
Nashville Lifestyle Weddings, Winter/Spring 2014
The Boston Globe, June 2013
Town & Country, April 2013
Nylon, September 2012
Women’s Wear Daily, July 2012
Town & Country, June/July 2012
Rhode Island Monthly, June 2012
Glamour, May 2012
Yachting Magazine, March 2012
The Boston Globe, February 9, 2012
Cape Cod Magazine, August 2011
5 Questions for Alex Josefson, President of Spectro Oils
Tell us about yourself, your history with the company and about Spectro.
About me? I’m an outdoorsman, I enjoy cooking (and eating), and I love anything with a motor, I am basically the embodiment of the Muddy Chef! Ha-ha.
My history with Spectro Oils is rather intertwined as it is my family’s business. It was my grandfather, Robert Wehman who started Spectro Oils in 1966 right here in Connecticut, where we have been now for almost 50 years! We have been family owned and operated since day 1, with the goal to make high performance, and quality lubricants.
It’s funny, but I never know how to respond to people who ask me how long I have been working here. I have been a full time employee for around 4 years now, but I have always been with the company in some regard. Even when it was sweeping the floors during the summers in High School to help out. It was amazing how I always got called in when there were weird odd jobs, or long time consuming ones, but it never mattered to me because I have always loved being around, and being a part of this company. My proof in that is whenever we package gear oils, every employee complains due to the smell, the additives in gear oils tend to be rather, shall we say….pungent. But to me it’s a great smell, it brings me back to when I would visit my dad, uncle, grandfather, and grandmother when I was young, to me it’s a nostalgic smell.
Most of the vehicles at The Muddy Chef Challenge use the ancient Buick designed flat-tappet V8. What’s a good Spectro oil and why?
Spectro makes a number of oils that would fit a wide variety of Land Rovers. But the ones that would best fit that Buick motor would have to be our Motor-Guard 20w50. We carry it in two forms, a straight petroleum, as well as a semi-synthetic.
The reason that Spectro’s Motor-Guard line is a great fit for these motors is that they are high in an additive called ZDDP, or if you prefer the long name Zinc DiakylDithioPhosphates. ZDDP is a must have in any race cars, and classic cars/trucks, especially pre-catalytic converter, or that have flat tappet motors. The most important part off ZDDP is the zinc, because it is what we call an anti-wear agent. In short zinc bonds to the metal surfaces inside of your motor, and acts as a sacrificial barrier to prevent engine wear. It helps reduce the internal damage in the motor that can lead to major repairs.
What was your favorite moment from last year’s Muddy Chef Challenge?
Do I have to pick one moment? I honestly enjoyed the MCC from the second I got to the Falls Village Inn for the pre-weekend festivities to the closing awards ceremony. The biggest thing I enjoyed about this event though is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s FUN!!! That’s what the whole adventure is about, and it shows from every aspect. From allowing contestants to bribe judges (Feel free to contact me ahead of time this year for a list of my likes, and dislikes), to the comradery, and the genuine feeling that everyone is there to have a good time, it’s an exceptional event through and through.
But when all is said and done the one thing that impressed me more than anything else at the event was how everyone helped each other out. I saw people helping to fix other Rovers that went down, people sharing spices and other supplies during the cook-off, and some who went out of their way to make sure everyone got a chance to go out on the trails and have an adventure.
I really cannot say enough about the MCC staff, the contestants, and the event itself, it was truly a special event to be a part of.
You had a unique perspective as a judge. What was it like tasting all those courses?
Divine. Filling. Hilarious. Let there be no question I was the least proper judge at the table. Other judges were using words I barely understood to describe the flavors, and textures (I’m fairly certain they made a few of them up just to mess with me). But I started to get the hang of it, and have pretty much had Food Network on every day since then to prepare myself for this year.
Now the problem is going to be stretching out my stomach before the event. I am a larger individual who has been known to eat large quantities in one sitting before, but I have never been as full as I was after the MCC3 judging. I beg all of you that are participating this year, please bring us smaller portion sizes. You put amazing food in front of me last year, and with every bite I got larger and larger. But who am I kidding, I loved every second of it!
What to you plan to display/sell/offer at this year’s event?
I plan on setting up a nice little retail operation at the track this year. I will make sure to have a number of different oils to make sure that I have exactly what you need. I will also have with me a few of our cleaning products so you can make that Rover nice and clean for the next day out on the trail!
I will also have a number of giveaways of hats, stickers, t-shirts, and other things of that nature.
Be prepared for awards for things like;
I would also just like to take a moment to thank everyone involved in the MCC. I have seen only a fraction of what Eric and Kristen do to make sure the event is as fun as possible and even that fraction was immense. Along with them are a number of instructors, photographers, other sponsors, and the Lime Rock Park office, all of whom don’t get enough credit for what they do to make this happen. I am lucky that I am able to do a lot of traveling for my job, and everywhere I went I was telling people about the Muddy Chef. I can honestly say that from Daytona to Milan, from Cologne to Chicago, there are many people out there who are jealous of this event. Please make sure that while we are there to really give credit, and thanks to the people that make the Muddy Chef possible.
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Of course. How could shoddy electronics or dissimilar metals corrosion possibly effect the safety and reliability of an aircraft?
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
I live in West Hartford, CT with my wife Rae. I make my living flying a Dassault Falcon 50 business jet out of the Boston area.
My first off-roading experiences were with the US Army while assigned to an Air Cavalry unit, in many of their slung loaded ¼ ton M151’s. Over the years I’ve owned a Jeep, a Bronco, and a Blazer, spending most of the off road time on the beaches of RI and MA.
In 2009 we bought our ’04 Disco, totally stock. After one trip to the Winter Romp, I was hooked, and slowly started to bolt aftermarket things onto and into it.
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
Just the Disco as of now, but we are considering obtaining a second one – to keep stock, clean, and running.
My favorite however would be the RHD Defender I was able to wheel at the LR Experience / West Country facility while on a trip over in the UK.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Being able to go anywhere, whenever, in a New England snow storm.
And of course, other LR owners / friends.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
Trouble shooting new noises, lights, leaks, and alarms.
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
November ’11. MA’s Old Florida Road (FYI – We just added this trail to the 2015 Muddy Chef Challenge, you have been warned! LOL), with the Bay State Rover Owners group. 12 hours to finish the four or so mile course, and then the winter drive home without fwd sunroof glass and a very bent track rod.
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
I’ve seen firsthand the competition from last year. I do not plan to beat any of them.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
A Disco or Defender type model that a Chevy small block could easily bolt into.
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Snorkle, HD suspension, steel bumpers/sliders, winch, aux lights, EasyPass, inline Chevy thermo mod, aft cargo conversion, new ‘old school’ Rover paint, and latest, a rebuilt ’67 Army ¼ trailer for the tent and gear.
10. If you were on safari what three people (living or dead) would you pick to bring along?
Vladimir Putin, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Bewitched’s Dr. Bombay. Then let the campfire banter begin.
And Kate Upton, assuming she’s off Keenan’s safari by now.
The Muddy Chef (www.muddychef.com) staff and a select few volunteers recently visited Crown Maple/Madava Estate. We spent the day pre-running the trails and moving a log or two. Lunch was served in the parking lot and everyone had a great time. Video provided by Brad Andrews.
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
Proust/Solihull Questionnaire
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Yes, but it would have to be a glider.
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
Ex Seafood industry exec from Westport, CT currently living in Weston, CT. Punted the corp arena in 2008 to professionally pursue auto racing career and that’s how I’m depleting my retirement funds now!
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
My 1982 Stage One SIII is the first Land Rover for me. Ever since my Uncle bought a SII back in the 70’s (named Ralph) I’ve wanted one. Still want an 88 as well.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Just being different and not having a carefree easy to drive car. It’s also very utilitarian for camping and farm work.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
Not being able to smoke, drink and text at the same time because I’ve got to watch the road at all times!!!
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
Since it’s a new acquisition the Muddy Chef 3 was my first foray off road. Needless to say I had an adventure at Orvis when she rolled on the side in the articulation section. See photo!!
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
Mario Batali is my co camper this year so I don’t need to say much more than that.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
Probably another gnarly basic off Series like vehicle. Jeep have taken this segment. Take it back.
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Pretty stock. US trailer hitch.
10. If you were on safari which three people would you pick to bring along?
Richard Leakey, Jim Carrey (most recently in Dumb and Dumber to), and my son.
Richard Leakey is Kenyan politician, paleoanthropologist and conservationist.
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
This week we interview attorney, new father, style icon and sunroof-less Discovery owner Max Simmons.
Proust/Solihull Questionnaire
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
I’d always trust a Land Rover to get me to the remotest location. I’d want an aircraft carrier there waiting for me in the event that it assumed the British position when I went to start it the next morning.
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
Blue-eyed blond welfare baby born to a teen single-mother in small-town central Illinois. After working my way through college (and I do mean working — ask me sometime about some of those jobs!) I spent nearly a decade working for non-profits and politicians in Wisconsin till opting for law-school. I now live in New Haven with my perfect wife, Abigail, and our perfect children, Emma-Marguerite and Francesco. My eyes are still blue but the hair is gray.
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
My ’97 Discovery is my first. It’s perfect for me. Stepped roof, alpine windows, and super-robust frame and drivetrain echo the original safari-mobiles while the ABS, airbags, A/C and side-impact beams update it just enough (my friends say it’s perfect for me because it’s a little bit redneck and a little bit elitist). After a long region-wide search (I wanted one without sunroofs) I found it hibernating mostly rust-free in an East Haven garage. The owner bought it as a project that he never got around to starting.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Two things: (1) Seeing it waiting for me in the parking lot: It promises adventure and escape, even if only once in a while, and (2) the friendship with my mechanic.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
The friendship with my mechanic.
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
Besides the Muddy Chef? So far the adventures have been the steep learning curve in roadside repairs using bubblegum and duct tape.
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
Lock Eric Archer and Chris Copeland in the basement till August 3rd.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
An updated NAS Defender 110 (or a 130!). I’m a family guy, and I’d love to have a suitably sized Rover for hauling the whole herd into some more remote locations.
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
TrueTrac diffs, front diff guard, JATE rings, and . . . new headliner!
10. If you were on safari what three people (living or dead) would you pick to bring along?
I probably should say Selous, Stanley and Schweitzer, but more likely I’d prefer Groucho Marx, Julia Child and Ansel Adams.
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
This week we are interviewing Keenan Langlois – Muddy Chef competitor, professional Chef, LR4 owner, and the man with one of the coolest campsites at last year’s Muddy Chef Challenge.
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Yes. I would imagine if Land Rover made an aircraft it would be a helicopter, luxury on the inside with amazing maneuverability.
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
I am a chef at The Sinclair Kitchen in Harvard Square, and I live in Salem, MA just outside of Boston. My family were Jeep owners since the seventies until I drove my sisters 2003 Disco a few years back. I bought my first Land Rover in 2014.
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
I have had the good/bad fortune of owning my first TWO rovers in one year. This due to a wreck that totaled my first one in February. I soon was on the hunt for another same year and color, which I picked up four weeks ago.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
This year’s snowfall in the Northeast was abominable. Loved just getting in the LR cranking it up, raise suspension and put it in drive. No shovel required! This car also saved me a lot of pain from the wreck. I walked away from a 60 mph head on collision.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
The temperamental warning lights. What’s going to light up next?
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
My only great Land Rover adventure was MCC3, had a blast and looking forward to MCC4!
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
I’m not looking to win anything in the chef challenge. I just want to meet great new people and get into some serious mud.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
I’ll leave the planning up to the experts. Looks like they are going in the right direction with the Evoque and the new Disco Sport!
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Since recommendations from new friends at MCC3 I had added Johnson Rods and General Grabber AT 285/65/18. Lost in the accident, but I will rebuild.
10. If you were on safari which three people would you pick to bring along?
SOURCE: FORBES
I’ve been writing on wines and spirits for over 15 years, and living in Vermont for even longer, but the two have never had much in common – until now.
Unlike vodkas made from Maple syrup or even lactose (really), WhistlePig, which is bottled on a farm in rural Shoreham, Vermont, is not just another marketing gimmick – according to many critics it is the best rye whiskey in the world.
As I reported recently with the launch of a high-end rye from boutique bourbon maker Knob Creek, super-premium rye is the hot new spirits category. America’s favorite before Prohibition, rye is again all the rage among bartenders heralding a return of classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. But WhistlePig is almost too good for this, and can be appreciated on its own.
Introduced in mid-2010 and made in very limited quantity (1000 cases), the story behind WhistlePig is unique. Industry legend Dave Pickerell, the longtime Master Distiller for the renowned Maker’s Mark bourbon distillery in Kentucky, decided to devote himself to a quest for the best rye possible, the next evolution of boutique bourbons. He wandered the earth trying rye whiskies, until he found what he considered its finest expression in the form of a new Canadian version, made from nothing but rye grain (law requires the majority of starch to be rye in order to be labeled rye whiskey, just as it requires 51% corn for bourbon, but pure ryes are rare).
For various reasons, including the fact that rye grain is considerably more expensive than corn, but also because a straight rye distillation is very tough on equipment, gumming it up with sticky residue, few distillers have bothered with pure rye whiskey. But the Canadians solved the sticky problem with two solutions, using malted rye and by developing a special strain of yeast-like fungus for distillation (for much more detail on this issue, check out this article from a great site devoted entirely to Canadian whiskies).
So Pickerell teamed up with WhistlePig founder Raj Bhakta, a former contestant on The Apprentice, who purchased a two century old working farm in Shoreham and renamed it WhistlePig Farm and began growing his own rye. Bhakta purchased the incredible Canadian rye whiskey, still in bulk storage, brought it back to Vermont, hand bottled it, and it blew critics away with rave reviews. At the same time, Bhakta and Pickerell, now Master Distiller for WhistlePig, have set up their own distillery on the farm and are working towards producing their rye from start to finish going forward.
But where it is made is not nearly as important as how it tastes.
Pickerell fell in love with the stuff because of its strength, purity (100% rye grain) and maturity – he calls the combination of proof and purity 100/100 and along with 10 years of aging in new American oak barrels, claims it hits “the sweet spot” in all three categories. I think he is right, and the balance between the higher than usual strength, higher than usual purity, and lengthy aging is perfect. It certainly does not taste like 100 proof, or half alcohol, because the woodiness for the aging perfectly balances the strength. It’s got just a hint of herby spice, maybe a little mint or cinnamon, but nowhere as much as many whiskies and less spicy zing than most ryes. Rather it j tastes of grain, its essential component, in a good, earthy, bread-like way, with the caramel-rich mouth feel of well-aged whiskies. I hesitate to call it straightforward, because that makes it sound simple, but its straightforward – it tastes like rye.
I’m not the only one who likes it. When the first batch was just released in mid-2010, it immediately earned a whopping 96-point rating from Wine Enthusiast – the highest rating the prestigious magazine has ever given to a rye. The Tasting Panel magazine gave it 94, and F. Paul Pacult’s acclaimed Spirit Journal gave it the highest possible 5-star rating. Details magazine simply called it “America’s Best New Whiskey,” while the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top five whiskies of the year. There was no shortage of other accolades.
And the odd name? Well to really appreciate that, you have to listen to the funny story in first person audio from Bhakta on WhistlePig’s website, but hey, it’s as good as lots of names, and to go with it, they created a suitable logo which reminds me of the Monopoly board game guy crossed with a pig. If I’m going to buy a $70 bottle of rye from anyone, it’s as likely as not to be a cartoon high-roller pig with a top hat and cigar.
But seriously, as whiskey lovers continue to enthusiastically embrace WhistlePig, there is likely to be a lag between the sellout of the limited first batch and future production, so hesitation might not be the best strategy.
This is no diamond-in-the-rough. It’s not an “oldie but goodie” like Bowman’s well-storied Ram. This ravaged third-gen 4Runner a mean-muggin’ non-fucking-giving beater, and now we have the arduous task of taking care of it. Or, you know, destroying it.
Last night this lifted, bent, ratty Toyota 4Runner appeared at my doorstep like an abandoned baby in a basket. It smells faintly of Mexican food and everything aft of the front seats seem to have been converted to a sleeping/storage area.
At least somebody did put the wheel back where it’s meant to go, here’s the 4Runner as it sits at Truck Yeah HQ right now:
The whole thing is this cool militaryish green/grey with a Rhinoliner’d hood (why?). The front grille is definitely not straight and neither is the (aftermarket?) trailer-hitch rig. But really, all it needs is a light bar and maybe some funky Plasti-Dip on those wheels. Next stop Wal-Mart, baby.
Okay the real story is the owner (a former colleague) lit off to San Francisco and didn’t feel like paying for parking, I think, so he bequeathed it to Truck Yeah!/Jalopnik for an undefined period of time “as long as we promised to document its destruction.”
I dunno, the whole arrangement’s pretty vague but I’m basically running a rusty orphanage up here and I just couldn’t turn those sweet three-spoke wheels away.
After a brief assessment and lap around the driveway, I’ve concluded it may be too nice to simply suicide… sounds okay, tires are great, and the 3″(?) lift looks professionally executed.
So what are we going to do with this hog? Chase polar bears up Canada way? Mud racin’? Make it my new guest bedroom? Should be a good rig to teach my fellow NY-based bloggers how to off-road this summer… at the very least.
Your turn: Ideas. Go.
Andrew P. Collins is Jalopnik’s off-road and adventure guy. Shoot him an email atandrew@jalopnik.com or hit him up on Twitter @andr3wcollins to talk trucks.
Come to Rausch the weekend of the 24th. There will be a 5 speed Disco I in attendance.
You should come to Rovers on the Rocks this year, or Muddy Chef challenge up at Lime Rock if you want something more local to you.
A Land Rover Series III for sale? Wow! So you want a classic Series III Land Rover but ain’t a bank president. Or you are a bank president and you want an immaculate Series III Land Rover… The car below could be either. It’s an amazing original Land Rover with a huge amount of extra parts and some extremely rare stuff. Have you ever seen the original tool roll and the protecto-plate ID plate? No? Neither had I.
Almost certainly a frame. It’s crusty. But, the truck drives and runs fine and has an overdrive. That’s important for going somewhere closer than the local beach or camping trip.
Well, that depends. You can buy it one of two ways. As it is and do the work yourself. Or negotiate a new frame and have an amazing barn find truck to drive anywhere.
PM me at info@muddychef.com and I’ll hook you up with the seller. I’ll tell you in advance he ain’t looking for bargain hunters or tire kickers.
Before the American Revolution, most Americans ate rye bread and drank Caribbean rum. Dutch settlers pushing up the Hudson brought the rye grain with them from the Low Countries, and introduced it to their Yankee neighbors, who needed a crop that could survive a winter far harsher than what they had left behind in England. Meanwhile, British ships regularly offloaded large volumes of rum shuttled from their West Indian colonies to their great colonial ports of Boston and New York. If Americans drank whiskey at all, it was because they were backwoodsmen too far from these ports to access this rum. These pioneer farmers turned to building their own stills, and distilling whatever might be left over from their harvests, as a way to keep the chill off in the cold northern winter.
Things changed in the cities, though, after the colonists entered open rebellion. The Crown responded by hitting Americans where it really hurt: by placing an embargo on rum imports. Thirsty and resourceful, the young republic turned to something it could produce independently: rye whiskey. If the American Revolution had an “Official Beverage”, it would’ve been rye. All the classic American whiskey drinks, like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, called for rye. The hearty grain was right at home in northeast American soil, toughing out the long winters and persevering throughout the seasons. George Washington himself became the largest producer and distributor of rye in the United States.
than any corn-based whiskey.Though sturdy and resilient in the ground, rye couldn’t stand up to the punishment of the Civil War. Along with the rest of the country, the rye industry was torn apart. As the decades passed, the punishment continued; prohibition and two world wars conspired to keep America’s finest whiskey buried in the frozen past. Even during periods of great prosperity, from the Roaring 20’s to the Baby Boom, the country poured all its capital-crop love into the sweetest, easiest grain of all: corn. Poor old rye was hung out to dry. With the lowest sugar content of all grains, it is the most difficult grain to distill. Rye is tacky, bratty, and stubborn… but the labor of love is worth the struggle. Pure, aged rye is more flavorful, complex, and delicious than any corn-based whiskey – just ask The Founding Fathers.
Speaking of fathers, WhistlePig was born in 2007, when Raj P. Bhakta bought the Farm. Rather, he purchased the farm. The point is, he is alive and well and married and a father, and the proud owner of WhistlePig Farm. After spending his last dime on 500-plus magical acres in Shoreham, VT, Raj joined forces with Master Distiller Dave Pickerell (of Maker’s Mark fame) to plot the long awaited return of rye whiskey to the States. The two men got their hands on the best batch of aged rye in North America. A few months later, in February ’09, they hatched a 5-year plan to transform WhistlePig Farm into the first ever single malt, one-stop rye shop, with all stages of the process located on site: from growing the grass, to distillation, to barreling and aging, to bottling. With the opening of our single-estate farm distillery in the summer of 2015, what was once a pig-headed dream will be a top-shelf reality.
On January 1, 2010, Raj & Family cleared out an old barn, rolled up their flannel sleeves, and started bottling the exquisite rye. The ‘Pig was out of the pen! In 2013, the gang harvested its first crop of rye. And when distillation begins on the farm on July 4th, 2015, the WhistlePig vision will be complete. Just like that, after 200 years of lying dormant, Miss American Rye is back on her feet.
July 2nd, 2012
Whisky Advocate’s managing editor and contributor Lew Bryson reports on his visit to Hillrock Estate Distillery.
I recently took a trip up to Hillrock Estate Distillery, near Ancram, New York. The distillery is east of the Hudson River, near the Massachusetts border, in a rolling, wooded valley near the Berkshires, an area that was settled by Dutch grain planters. This is a part of the country I’m well familiar with; my wife grew 
up here, and we were married about fifteen miles away. So I wasn’t surprised to find that the roads to Hillrock were narrow and winding, or that the place itself was beautifully rural.
Hillrock is the baby of Jeffrey Baker, who made his money in banking…but has a farming background. He’s been involved in small-scale farming as a sideline for over 20 years, having started with a dairy farm in 1989, then organic beef, finally moving down from the Vermont border to Ancram, where he became interested in the concept of field-to-glass distilling. He was particularly interested in the idea of tasting a difference from grain grown in one field vs. another, and eventually hooked up with well-known distilling expert Dave Pickerell.
Dave’s spent quite a bit of time here in the past year, and was there when I arrived at Baker’s 1806 farmhouse. They were in a mood to celebrate: they had just that very minute received an approval email from ATTTB for their solera bourbon label. We went out on the porch, looked down on the distillery, sitting in a sunny spot between a barley field and a rye field, and talked.
Hillrock’s all about details. The rye and barley is grown here and on another 100 or so acres in the valley (the corn is grown by local farmers); it’s being grown organically, but they haven’t received their certification yet. They built a malthouse with floor maltings, what 
they believe to be the first such in-house distillery maltings in the country since Repeal. They’re using a variety of smoking techniques for some of the malt (and looking at old maps to find local peat sources). They are distilling on a combi-still (a pot still with a column) with a series of adjustments applicable to the type of spirit produced that Pickerell would take pains to show me (distillation began in October, 2011). They are currently aging spirit in seven different barrel sizes.
It was the seven different barrel sizes that led Pickerell to laugh and admit, “Sometimes I do things that are a pain in the ass.” His day-to-day distiller (and maltster, and warehouse manager, and bottler…), Tim Welly, grinned in tacit agreement.
That in turn led Baker to admit that he went along with all of it, and instigated some of it. That’s why he’s the sole investor. “I’m a detail-oriented guy,” he explained. “If you’re going to do this, something this insane…do you really want an investor looking over your shoulder?”
We did sit down and taste the solera bourbon, which includes aged stock they bought and mingled with small-barrel aged Hillrock distillate. It is a good whiskey, with a cinnamon-spicy, fruit-laced finish. Dave recalled his excitement when that spicy note appeared. “That’s from that field,” he said. It was proof of the terroir concept, when they knew they had something with the estate-grown grain concept.
The solera bourbon will be available in New York around the beginning of October, as will a single malt whisky that is about to begin a wood finishing process. Dave was a bit cagey about that, only saying that he’d done research and found a dynamite wood to season whiskey; further pressure would only get that it was a type of fruit tree. Or maybe a nut tree. And he wouldn’t tell me more.
The tasting room is more like a small vineyard than most small distillery’s, with graceful wood furniture and samples of locally-grown foods. The whole place is simply elegant, and will make a great tour once it’s open.
There’s not going to be a lot of whiskey out of Hillrock, but I suspect we’ll be seeing more of them, and more of this type of high-end distillery; like Distillery No. 209, a high-end gin distillery in San Francisco that I visited last fall. This is going to be part of the future of whiskey distilling, a small and very interesting part.
From: http://whiskyadvocate.com/whisky/2012/07/02/hillrock-estate-distillery-tiny-vertical-and-beautiful/
Lime Rock Park
497 Lime Rock Rd Rt 112
Lakeville, CT 06039
9:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014
The date has been selected! July 30 – Aug 2, 2015. We are excited to continue our relationship with Lime Rock Park as event host. Also, since last year several million dollars has been invested there in infrastructure and grounds. That means all new showers and facilities! Heck, we even have a Tequila sponsor. It’s going to be great!
New this year – pick your campsite through an interactive map. We have VIP spots in reserve also.
Please visit …
Robert Parker: Monkey 47 gin deserves 100 points
25 February, 2015
By Martin Green
The world’s most famous wine critic has thrown his weight behind Black Forest craft gin brand Monkey 47.
At a press conference in London this evening Robert Parker, famous for “making or breaking” wine brands by scoring them out of 100, said that if ever a gin deserved 100 points it was Monkey 47.
Parker said: “Monkey 47 is the greatest gin I have ever tasted. It’s as good as it gets. If ever a gin deserves 100 points it’s that.
“The aromatics on it are just amazing.”
He added: “I tweeted about it and the owner sent me a letter, he was really pleased and he said they tried to make this gin like a wine.”
Wing Commander Montgomery Collins of the RAF created the gin when he was posted to the British zone of Berlin after the World War II, inspired both by the local flora and his upbringing in Madras.
Collins also sponsored a monkey in Berlin Zoo and later opened a guesthouse called the Wild Monkey. When the house was being done up at the start of this century the recipe was rediscovered and the gin was reborn as Monkey 47.
Monkey 47 is distributed by Spirit Cartel in the UK and retails for £40-£50.
Harvey Nichols’ wine and spirits buyer Ivan Dixon describes it as “a perfect combination of background story, quality of liquid, versatility and genius branding”.
At Land Rover Farmington Valley, our commitment to uphold the Land Rover standard of excellence allows our Connecticut Land Rover customers access to our unsurpassed industry knowledge and expertise. We’re proud to offer Waterbury, Torrington, Hartford, Bristol, West Hartford and Avon, Connecticut Land Rover drivers with a fully stocked inventory of new luxurious Range Rover SUVs, as well as high quality certified pre-owned Land Rovers and other used vehicles.
We strive for the highest customer satisfaction possible at our Connecticut Land Rover dealership, and will go the distance to ensure you are satisfied whether you’re buying a new or used Land Rover, getting your model repaired at our service center or just picking up genuine Range Rover parts.
Our Connecticut Land Rover finance experts are available to assist by helping you receive a great Land Rover loan or lease, and our expert Land Rover and Range Rover service and parts technicians are standing by to help you with any car repair or parts replacements you may require. Visit us today at 95 Albany Turnpike in Canton and experience our passion firsthand, or call us at 888-773-9479. We look forward to serving you.
Our Mission and Promise
Our mission here at Land Rover Farmington Valley is to provide our customers with the safest and most reliable luxury vehicles available in the market, and do so by way of sales and service experiences that assures total satisfaction. We promise that we will only deliver you a vehicle after:
We further promise to be there for you for as long as you own your vehicle. Your satisfaction isn’t “total” unless it lasts for the life of the car.
From our expert technicians in the service bays, to the sales guides in the showroom, to our courtesy shuttle drivers out on the roads of Connecticut, everyone here at Land Rover Farmington Valley is a devotee to the “Above and Beyond” brand. A large number of us are Rover owners and drivers ourselves, and we’re not ashamed to break from the ‘talking business’ to reminisce over the Defender we drove years ago, or share our thoughts about the future of the new models and design changes, if that’s what interests you. (It interests us, too.)
Our sales staff has over 25 years of combined automotive experience with Land Rover, and along with the Mitchell Auto Group, we just celebrated our 90th anniversary here in Canton this past year. We work to further appreciation of these great vehicles though our New Owner Open Houses, model unveilings, and other events that allow us to celebrate the strong sophistication and rugged beauty of the Land Rover line.Supporting Our Community
Back in 1922, Robert Pringle, fresh from Scotland, started a small automotive garage on Canal Street in Weatogue, Connecticut. From that humble beginning, the Mitchell Auto Group has grown to become one of Connecticut’s premier dealers for seven automotive brands in their Farmington Valley area stores, along with a state-of-the-art body shop and detail centers.
Land Rover Farmington Valley
95 Albany Turnpike
Route 44
Canton, CT 06019
Founded in 2006 Congleton Service (formerly Congleton Racing and Restoration) is an independent Land Rover repair center. We repair Range Rover, Range Rover Classic, Range Rover Sport, Defender 90, Defender 110, Discovery, LR2, LR3 and LR4 Land Rovers. We also specialize in classic Land Rover Series I, IIA, III and Forward Control 101’s.
Our facility is clean, well lit and comfortable. Be sure to stop and visit with your Land Rover. Our customers are our best supporters and friends! We look forward to exceeding your service needs. Please take a stroll through our website to see what’s going on in the shop. Our “Social” page provides up to the minute Instagram photos of what’s happening. If you subscribe to Rovers magazine from Rovers North, be sure to look for our regular tech and how-to articles.
Congleton Service 412 Westford Road Milton, VT 05468 Tel: 802-879-0200
Calling all Land Rover enthusiasts. Pack up your oriental rugs, leather chairs, Land Rover flags and signs, gourmet grub, camp grills and lots and lots of gusto and head up to Lime Rock Park for a weekend of off road adventure, fine food and drink and lots of camaraderie.
The Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge 3 is an adventurous weekend for Land Rover drivers who want to push their vehicle to the limits in rivers, over mountains and through woods, all under supervision, of course.
Planned for July 31 through Aug. 3, Land Rovers will descend upon Lime Rock Park and spend the weekend at area venues and proving what rugged, sturdy vehicles they really are built to be. Preregistration is required online.
Aside from a camping fee of $35 a night, the event is free. Proceeds from a weekend raffle will benefit Autism Speaks.
(Right, the 1982 Land Rover 109 Stage 1 owned by James Wollschlager of Mystic. Photo by Eric Archer of Warwick, R.I.)
“Land Rovers are your sort of rugged, safari, adventure-type vehicle,” says event creator Eric Yohe (below). As an owner of an unrestored, 1961 Land Rover Series IIA, the Madison resident is passionate about all things Land Rover and is a foodie.
Yohe arranged the first Muddy Chef in Stowe, Vermont, and went on to host last year’s event in Mystic. Bringing the road race/cook-off to Lime Rock was a natural progression and embraced by the park’s Director of Business Development Walter Irvine, another Land Rover enthusiast, and former owner of a Land Rover LR2, who enjoys the “culture.”
“Off-roaders (are) very adventurous, typically very philanthropic, really up to doing crazy stuff like off-roading all day and then coming back and putting on a blazer and making a gourmet meal AT their truck,” Irvine explains.
Cooking a gourmet repast is part of the challenge. Attendees may cook whatever they can transport in their Land Rover. The dishes are then judged by an esteemed panel of fellow epicureans. No one walks away hungry and everyone has lots of fun concocting what they think is the tops in haute cuisine.
“It’s exciting and it’s nerve-wracking and you have to adapt, but it’s tons of fun,” says Madison participant Kristen Feeney.
How do fresh Nantucket bay scallops on a bed of local roasted sweet corn sound? To Yohe it sounded like a winning entry last year. Alas, other venturesome gourmands apparently served entries better tasting, better presented and better liked by the judges.
Away from the rugged terrain, attendees will put on their best cocktail attire—blazers and shorts and Lilly Pulitzer shifts—and visit two local venues.
The Falls Village Inn, complete with a taproom designed to honor the Lime Rock legacy, is “intimate and comfortable…A feel that honors not only Falls Village, but also that of Lime Rock Park, our famous neighbor,” says the website.
Up the road in Dutchess County, New York, a long winding road will take guests to theMadava Farms where Crown Maple Syrup is tapped and refined to make a one of a kind maple syrup. While feeling like they have entered a Napa Valley winery, guests may partake in a maple syrup tasting in a finely appointed tasting room complete with a copper bar, website:
Some of the events sound outrageous: “For those of you who want super rock crawler, smashed body panel gnarly you have access to Old Florida Road and MaBelle in Western, MA,” according to muddychef.com. Yet Yohe stresses there is something for everyone.
“What I like about it the most is, despite the stressful things you have going in your life you really can’t think about anything else in your life except how am I going to get this vehicle and myself through these woods, over this obstacle,” Robert Wollschlager says. “It’s fantastic.”
Wollschlager, of Mystic, will join in on the fun with his dad, James. They will bring two of their four Land Rovers – a 1972 Land Rover Series 3 88 and 1982 Series 3 Stage- 1 V8 109.
Each morning there will be vehicle inspections and safety talks. The only prerequisite is that “your vehicle should be in good repair without any serious frame rust and able to handle basic off-road challenges.”
“The majority of our vehicles are the rare ones, the early ’60s ones, the ’70s … the classic Land Rovers,” Yohe says. In addition, the event draws drivers of “the Defender, which is what you see on safari…we get lots of those.”
Atlantic British Ltd. is a pioneer in Land Rover parts supply. In 1970, Atlantic British opened for business and became North America’s first mail-order resource for maintenance parts for Land Rovers. In fact, during 1974 – 1987, when Land Rover’s dealer network pulled out of the United States, Atlantic British was one of the very few sources available for Rover accessories and parts.
Many of our “charter customers” are still with us, as are many of their sons and daughters who have also been bitten by the Rover bug.
Serving Land Rovers owners for over 3 decades, we’ve tailored our service and products to meet the needs of the discerning Land Rover enthusiast. We’ve even expanded our line in British heritage vehicles with a full line of parts and accessories for MINI Cooper – available at our sister website, MiniCarParts.net!
We know you want quality products and great service. Customer satisfaction is our number one goal and has been since we opened our doors in 1970! From pre-sales consultation through purchase and order follow-up, we strive to ensure our customers are 100% satisfied with their purchase and happy with their experience. Our knowledgeable Sales Representatives are more than just order takers, they are product experts that understand the mechanics of your vehicle and are ready to help you identify the parts or accessories that meet your needs and budget. Call us toll-free and ask an expert – we’re ready to help!
We know you want choices, so we provide you with a wide array of premium Land Rover parts, accessories and performance upgrades imported from around the world; many of which are available no where else in North America. As direct importers, we pay no licensing or import agent fees, and we are free to offer you the very best items for your Rover, be they Genuine Land Rover parts, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or quality Aftermarket parts and performance upgrades that enhance your driving experience even more.
Take advantage of our convenient and exclusive prepackaged kits! They come complete with everything you or your mechanic needs to do the job right the first time – nuts, bolts, pins, clips, seals, gaskets – everything! Convenient, prepackaged kits are a big reason why many home mechanics come back to Atlantic British for their vehicle projects and D-I-Y jobs.
We stock the parts we sell – and that’s more than 7,000 items and growing! The premise sounds basic and simple, but it’s very important when you’re considering a purchase. If it says ‘in-stock’ here on our website, it’s almost always on the shelf in our warehouse. In fact, with our expanded warehouses in New York and Nevada, we fill an average of 97% of orders from stock when you order by phone by 3pm eastern or order online before 12pm eastern, Monday – Friday. And with warehouses on both East and West coasts, we can offer fast and cost-effective shipping from UPS, FedEx and the USPS – from ground to overnight delivery!Read more…
We know you want to order with confidence, so everything you buy from us comes with our 1-year warranty against defects and a 30-day return/60-day exchange guarantee. (excluding electrical parts, shop manuals and videos). See our Store Policies page for more details.
We know you want information to help you maintain your land Rover in peak condition. Look for our convenient Product Instructions that will give you detailed information of product installation (you’ll find these conveniently tab-displayed on our product feature pages.) You will also find a special Tech Tips section for tips and pointers on properly maintaining your vehicle and solving common issues. We even have complete online Parts Catalogs for your Land Rover Vehicle with exploded drawings and assembly diagrams to help you find the part you need… And, of course, you can always Email Us or call us toll free for the most knowledgeable Rover Customer Service Reps in the business!
We know you want Rover enthusiasm and camaraderie, so we provide links to Land Rover Clubs across the continent where you’ll find fellow Rover enthusiasts gathering for off-road adventures. (When you join a Club, look for us there. It’s not unusual to find an Atlantic British staff member riding along.)
And, after all this, if there is still something you want that you’re not finding at Atlantic British, all you have to do is call or contact us and we’ll do our best to get it to you. Because you can’t stay in business all these years without being responsive to your customers. No matter how fast we grow or how big we become, that’s one thing about Atlantic British that will never change.
You have our word on that.
Happy Rovering,
 |
 |
Dick Taylor |
Steve Springer |
Partners, Atlantic British Ltd.
 Buy Direct & Save. |
For the first time ever. Lime Rock Park is allowing guests to bring their pets. Obliviously the usual common sense rules apply. Vanilla and Brady – my two English Chocolate Labs are howling in delight!
Muddy Snack from Christopher Macecsko on Vimeo.
Preregistration is required at http://muddychef.com/.
Aside from a camping fee of $35 a night, the event is free. Proceeds from a weekend raffle will benefit Autism Speaks, for more info visit http://www autismspeaks.org#sthash.iaELlP2p.dpuf.
“Land Rovers are your sort of rugged, safari, adventure-type vehicle,” says event creator Eric Yohe. As an owner of an unrestored, 1961 Land Rover Series IIA, the Madison resident is passionate about all things Land Rover and is a foodie.
Yohe arranged the first Muddy Chef in Stowe, Vermont and went on to host last year’s event in Mystic. Bringing the road race/cook-off to Lime Rock was a natural progression and embraced by the park’s Director of Business Development Walter Irvine, another Land Rover enthusiast, and former owner of a Land Rover LR2, who enjoys the “culture.”
“Off-roaders (are) very adventurous, typically very philanthropic, really up to doing crazy stuff like off-roading all day and then coming back and putting on a blazer and making a gourmet meal AT their truck,” Irvine explains.
Cooking a gourmet repast is part of the challenge. Attendees may cook whatever they can transport in their Land Rover. The dishes are then judged by an esteemed panel of fellow epicureans. No one walks away hungry and everyone has lots of fun concocting what they think is the tops in haute cuisine.
“It’s exciting and it’s nerve-wracking and you have to adapt, but it’s tons of fun,” says Madison participant Kristen Feeney.
How do fresh Nantucket bay scallops on a bed of local roasted sweet corn sound? To Yohe it sounded like a winning entry last year. Alas, other venturesome gourmands apparently served entries better tasting, better presented and better liked by the judges.
Away from the rugged terrain, attendees will put on their best cocktail attire – blazers and shorts and Lilly Pulitzer shifts – and visit two local venues.
The Falls Village Inn, complete with a taproom designed to honor the Lime Rock legacy, is “intimate and comfortable…A feel that honors not only Falls Village, but also that of Lime Rock Park, our famous neighbor,” says their website, http://www thefallsvillageinn.com/taproom.php.
Up the road in Dutchess County, New York, a long winding road will take guests to the Madava Farms where Crown Maple Syrup is tapped and refined to make a one of a kind maple syrup. While feeling like they have entered a Napa Valley winery, guests may partake in a maple syrup tasting in a finely appointed tasting room complete with a copper bar, website: http://www.crownmaple.com/visit-madava-farms.
Some of the events sound outrageous: “For those of you who want super rock crawler, smashed body panel gnarly you have access to Old Florida Road and MaBelle in Western, MA,” according tomuddychef.com. Yet Yohe stresses there is something for everyone.
“What I like about it the most is, despite the stressful things you have going in your life you really can’t think about anything else in your life except how am I going to get this vehicle and myself through these woods, over this obstacle,” Robert Wollschlager says. “It’s fantastic.”
Wollschlager, of Mystic, will join in on the fun with his dad, James. They will bring two of their four Land Rovers – a 1972 Land Rover Series 3 88 and 1982 Series 3 Stage- 1 V8 109.
Each morning there will be vehicle inspections and safety talks. The only prerequisite is that “your vehicle should be in good repair without any serious frame rust and able to handle basic off-road challenges.”
“The majority of our vehicles are the rare ones, the early ’60s ones, the ’70s … the classic Land Rovers,” Yohe says. In addition, the event draws drivers of “the Defender, which is what you see on safari…we get lots of those.”
Every morning, before venturing out there will be vehicle inspections and safety talks. The only prerequisite is that “your vehicle should be in good repair without any serious frame rust and able to handle basic off-road challenges.”
In need of a break from the rigors of off-roading, guests can head over to Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds in Millbrook, New York to experience sporting clays at “the oldest permitted shotgun shooting club in the country,” they boast on http://www.orvis.com/sandanona.
Back on the road, how about the Overland Challenge in the Housatonic State Forest?
“It’s sort of a high-tech Easter egg hunt,” says Yohe. “Drive to a spot with the GPS, get out and use the compass to go in the direction we tell you to go, start walking and you will find what ever it is. Somewhere in that forest is something to find like an orange flip-flop nailed to a tree.”
Whether you are an experienced off-roader or want to try it for the first time, love adventure and the thrill of the ride, or want to spend a weekend in the country learn more at Facebook/The Muddy Chef Challenge.
The mission of OutdoorX4 is to promote responsible 4×4 adventure travel along with the utility of 4×4 and dual-sport vehicles to enjoy all forms of outdoor recreation. In essence, we want to help create solidarity amongst all communities of adventure enthusiasts because at the end of the day, enjoying the great outdoors should be a right of which we all share rather than a privilege.
The Magazine
So what makes OutdoorX4 different from other publications? Well, for one our content is a hybrid of all areas of outdoor recreation and adventure. Whether you’re an avid 4×4 adventure traveler, mountain bike enthusiast, camp cooking aficionado, world-class fisherman, dual-sport motorcyclist or weekend warrior, OutdoorX4 is focused on providing the most engaging and unique content to appeal to the broadest range of outdoors enthusiast while providing expert advice in the field, suggestions on places to visit along with an expanded perspective on the history of the areas we travel, as well as dynamic photography that inspires the outdoors enthusiast to choose the road less traveled.
Frank Ledwell, Editor-in-Chief
Frank is an avid explorer, adventurer, and advocate of responsible outdoor recreation and off-highway travel. Frank has had the fortune of traveling throughout the world, including destinations throughout North and Central America, as well as across Eastern and Western Europe. When he’s not cycling across Texas on his road bike or climbing in the Swiss Alps, he is touring the backcountry in remote destinations throughout the United States and abroad in his diesel Grand Cherokee.
Frank is the Editor-in-Chief of OutdoorX4. Additionally, he was the Co-Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of JPFreek Adventure Magazine from 2006 through mid-2012 as well as publisher of several industry journals. He is a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association, and his articles on off-highway travel, adventure destinations, and product reviews have been featured in numerous publications. Frank resides in Texas with his family.
John Herrick, Publisher
With a deep and varied background in business and a nose for keeping work fun while doing what he enjoys, John Herrick publishes OutdoorX4. John makes sure the book gets to subscribers and the newsstand while enjoying as many adventures as possible the rest of the time which also includes producing CRAWL Magazine as well as producing special outdoor events.
He’s been published as both a writer and photographer, an avocation he took up in his late teens.
An avid Jeep owner, John also enjoys desert racing, rock crawling, and other motorsports. With an eye towards responsibility, he heads the CRAWL Trail Foundation which promotes grass roots trail preservation.
John lives in Northern Nevada in the shadow of the Eastern Sierra, with his wife Pam of 30 years.
Phil Golden, Director of Technology, Contributing Editor
Phil was born with a determined desire to explore. Whether by Jeep, dual-sport motorcycle, mountain bike, road bike, kayak or on foot, Phil pushes himself to go further and do more. Phil can often be found alone on his adventures as he enjoys the purity of being surrounded by nothing but wilderness. He recently traveled solo on the Continental Divide trail from Mexico to Canada, self-support by Jeep and completely off-highway. Additionally, he has logged over 6,000 miles and numerous legs of the Trans America Trail via dual-sport motorcycle from Tennessee to Oregon, and owns the oldest active geocache in the state of Louisiana.
Phil is an avid endurance cyclist, randonneur, and runner. When Phil is not pushing himself to the limit, he is on a mission to raise awareness for the rare terminal disease his son has called Adrenoleukodystrophy. He has written numerous articles and conducted several interviews regarding his awareness campaign – Expedition Awareness. While his passion runs deep for the great outdoors, it does not compare to that of his family.
Phil resides in Wichita Falls, Texas with his wife and three children.
Jonathan Hanson, Overland Columnist
Jonathan Hanson’s expedition experience encompasses land and sea-scapes from Baja, Mexico to the Beaufort Sea, from the Libyan Desert to the Namib, and modes of transportation from sea kayaks to sailboats to bicycles to Land Cruisers and Land Rovers.
He has traveled among and worked with cultures as diverse as the Seri Indians and the Himba, the Inuit and the Maasai.
Jonathan has taught wildlife tracking, natural history writing, 4WD techniques, and other subjects for many conservation and government organizations. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club, and a charter member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. His writing experience spans a dozen books and two dozen magazines, including Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Nature Conservancy, Sea Kayaker, and Backpacker.
Jonathan and his wife, Roseann, are the creators and owners of the Overland Expo, the largest adventure travel event of its kind in the world.
Kraig Becker, Gear & Adventure Author
Kraig is a freelance writer and world traveler who covers mountaineering expeditions, polar exploration, adventure travel, and other outdoor pursuits.
He has served as the Media Director for the Primal Quest expedition adventure race and is the editor of The Adventure Blog.
He is a regular contributor to travel site Gadling.com and the outdoor blogs for The Clymb and the Wenger brand. He has also published stories with Outer Edge Magazine, National Geographic Adventure amongst others.
Kraig resides in Austin, Texas.
Wes Craiglow, Contributing Author
Wes was bitten by the adventure bug at a young age, spending his boyhood exploring the family farm from sunup to sundown, annual vacations on lonely backroads across the rural South, and dedicating his summers to staff employment at a Boy Scouts camp.
When not on extended paid vacations to Southwest Asia for Uncle Sam, Wes can be found guiding backcountry trips and documenting routes, destinations, and stories in the U.S. and Central America.
Wes is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Central Overland, an online magazine dedicated to vehicle-based adventure travel, and resides in central Arkansas with his wife and two kids.
Mark Stephens, Contributing Author
Mark is an adventurer who was born of, reared by, and educated in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.
He has climbed the walls of Devil’s Canyon, trekked the trails throughout the Rocky Mountains, slept on the ground in most National Parks, rope-swung into a river here and there, driven the back roads of the southwest U.S. and Mexico, enjoyed song and cerveza in the cantinas of the Baja peninsula, and otherwise traveled like a backpacking pilgrim from British Columbia to Peru.
Mark holds a degree in English from Arizona State University; he learned from composition maestros such as Jeanne Dugan, Robert Krut, and G. Lynn Nelson. His work has been published in Overland Journal, Nissan Sport Magazine, Arizona Outdoorsman, and JPFreek Adventure Magazine. Mark and his wife are also the curators of Adventure Parents, a resource focused on the adventures of raising children to enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Mark resides in Arizona with his wife and two children.
Allan & Jackie Ellis, Contributing Authors
Alan & Jackie are avid off-highway enthusiasts who have immersed themselves into a lengthy list of outdoor activities, be it land, water, or air.
Their primary recreation vehicle is a Jeep Rubicon and it has traveled all over the continental United States on backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, sailing, and skydiving adventures.
Additionally, Jackie and Alan are professional skydivers and work as instructors at Skydive Dallas in Texas.
You can follow their adventures on their site at Jackie and Alan’s Outdoor Adventures.
Andrea Ledwell, Contributing Author
Andrea is the better half of our Editor-in-Chief.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Andrea spent her time as a child adventuring while on her bicycle and called the Smoky Mountains her second home.
Andrea is an avid explorer, artist, musician, mother, wife, adventurer, seeker of truth, and on a quest for all things beautiful and good.
The Muddy Chef Challenge could not have happened without the fantastic support of our friends at The Great Mountain Forest. To learn more about this fantastic organization click HERE. To make a donation, click HERE.
Joel (Jody) Bronson, a fourth generation land manager and forester, began working at Great Mountain Forest as a seasonal student forester in 1976 after attending Unity College’s Forest Technician program. He transferred to Keene State College as an environmental science and geography major and continued his seasonal employment at GMF. In 1978, he began his forestry career under the guidance of then forest manager Darrell F. Russ and in 1990, became forest manager upon Darrell’s retirement.
Jody oversees all phases of forestry operations including timber harvesting, wildlife habitat improvement, road building and maintenance, assisting researchers, and supervising student forestry interns, to name a few. Jody also manages the forest deer population through periodic census and oversees an annual deer hunting program. He is a member of The Society of American Foresters, Connecticut Forest and Park Association and is a Connecticut licensed forester. He is also a professional member of The Forest Guild. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Austin Cary Practicing Professional Award given by the New England Society of American Foresters. This award recognizes NESAF members who have shown exceptional achievement as practicing forest managers.
Jody and his wife Jean, GMF’s business manager and program coordinator, live in Falls Village, CT and have two daughters, Emily and Rachel. Jody’s email: jody@greatmountainforest.org
Russell Russ, a 1987 graduate of SUNY ESF with a bachelor’s degree in forest resources management, began his employment at Great Mountain Forest as a student forester working on the “summer crew”. After positions with the Connecticut Division of Forestry and in the landscape and building construction industries, he joined the staff of Great Mountain Forest in 2001. He holds the position of forester/weatherman and is responsible for recording and monitoring daily weather activities for GMF and the National Weather Service – a position formerly held by his father, forest manager Darrell Russ.
Assisting forest researchers, helping with on-site seminars, mapping and boundary work and timber harvests are just a few of Russell’s daily duties. He is a Connecticut licensed forester and has been a continual member of the Society of American Foresters since 1987. He has been active working with the Exotic Conifer Cooperative and as a Cooperative Weather Observer with the National Weather Service.
Russell grew up in Norfolk and now he and his wife Kim live in Colebrook, CT with their two children, Taryn and Jack. Russell’s email address is russell@greatmountainforest.org
Jean Bronson, a graduate of Northwestern Connecticut Community College, first worked atGMF beginning in 1984 as a cook in the Yale Forestry Camp kitchen. Through this work, she got to know many of the people who have been involved with the forest over the years.
As Business Manager, Jean handles the GMFfinances, including accounts payable and receivable, the budget and donations. She also serves as Development Director for the corporation.
As Program Coordinator, Jean develops educational programs and workshops for adults and children, recruits teachers and assists in program implementation. She also coordinates special events, receptions and field tours and manages our lecture series with local libraries. Jean maintains our website, writes our e-news and manages our Flickr photo archive. She still occasionally cooks at Yale Camp for a few of her favorite groups.
You’ll often see Jean on GMF’s cross country ski trails or walking her dog Nanook through the woods. She is married to forest manager Jody Bronson and they have 2 daughters, Emily and Rachel. Jean’s email address is jean@greatmountainforest.org.
Wes graduated from Salisbury School, then went on to Paul Smith’s college in New York and graduated in 2013. He worked as a GMF forestry intern summers during college, and now has joined the GMF staff. His duties include timber inventory and marking, forest products, and road and equipment maintenance. His knowledge of silviculture and his mechanical ability make Wes a well rounded Forest Technician. He lives in North Canaan on thirty acres of woodland that have been in his family for many generations. Wes loves the woods and anything mechanical.
Muddy Snack from Christopher Macecsko on Vimeo.
We are pleased to announce Yeti coolers will be providing gifts, stickers and materials for The Muddy Chef Challenge! Yeti and Land Rovers go together! What a great way to support the MCC than via great stuff. Stay tuned for more information about Yeti Coolers!
Written by Ed Higginbotham
Hey, all you folks out there in Lime Rock Park Land, are any of you a Land Rover owner?
If you Land Rover/Range Rover you are invited. Whether it’s from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s or—okay, you get it—any model from any era, brand-spankin’ new included, you are invited.
And can you drive a decent grill?
Because if you own a Land Rover/Range Rover of any stripe and you enjoy making excellent food “on the road”—think The Great Race meets Top Chef—you definitely want to sign up for the Lime Rock Park-hosted Muddy Chef Challenge 3, July 31 through August 3.
Did we mention that proceeds benefit Autism Speaks, one of the great charitable organizations out there?
First come, first served, so get to clicking.
https://classicmotorsports.net/
https://classicmotorsports.net/news/the-muddy-chef-challenge/
The Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge supports Autism Speaks. Beginning Thursday July 31, and continuing through Saturday afternoon and early evening, raffle tickets will be sold with all proceeds donated to our Charity. David Austin from British Starters has donated a Series high torque starter or a Land Rover V8 high torque starter (winners choice). These things are works of art. Help a good cause and enter to win one heck of a deal!
PHOTO 1: LAND ROVER V8 STARTER PHOTO
1.9 Horsepower Nippondenso Gear Reduction Starter machined specifically for the Land Rover Aluminum V8. Our starter is brand new, and comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner with free technical support via phone or email. This unique, high torque, gear reduction starter will outperform your old original starter. The difference is amazing. No more clicking or labored cranking when you push your starter button or turn your key! These starters have a built in solenoid which can easily be bypassed if your car uses an external solenoid. It works in both positive and negative ground setups. It is stronger and lighter than the original starter with no permanent modification needed to you vehicle. Simply remove your old, tired starter, and bolt ours in place. This is a simple upgrade that can be done by most owners with basic mechanical skills. The quality and performance of this starter has made us the go-to supplier for a number of Restoration Shops whose customers demand only the very best performance parts for their classics. Electrical Hook-up: This starter has one large bolted terminal for the positive battery cable from your vehicle. There is also a second small solenoid terminal (1/4″ male spade connector) which connects to the wire from your vehicle’s ignition switch. You have the option to bypass this starter’s solenoid for simplicity and to retain the use of your truck’s original external solenoid. Lifetime Warranty
2: LAND ROVER SERIES STARTER
1.2 HP Nippondenso Gear Reduction Starter specifically machined for the Land Rover Series trucks, including the 2.25 4cyl and the 2.6L 6cyl variants. This starter works in all year vehicles and in all engine sizes/configurations. This unique, high torque, gear reduction starter will outperform your old original starter. The difference is amazing. No more clicking or labored cranking when you push your starter button or turn your key! These starters have a built in solenoid which can easily be bypassed if your car uses an external solenoid. This particular unit uses a 2 bolt mounting pattern. It works in both positive and negative ground setups. It is stronger and lighter than the original starter with no permanent modification needed to you vehicle. Simply remove your old, tired starter, and bolt ours in place. This is a simple upgrade that can be done by most owners with basic mechanical skills. The quality and performance of this starter has made us the go-to supplier for a number of Restoration Shops whose customers demand only the very best performance parts for their classics. One year full warranty from date of purchase. Electrical Hook-up: This starter has one large bolted terminal for the positive battery cable from your vehicle. There is also a second small solenoid terminal (1/4″ male spade connector) which connects to the wire from your vehicle’s ignition switch. You have the option to bypass this starter’s solenoid for simplicity and to retain the use of your car’s original external solenoid.
One Year Warranty
Be sure to visit one of my favorite of Dave’s websites – British Barn Finds. It’s really cool.
Manic Pixels is proud to be a part of the Muddy Chef Challenge 2014. We will be out all weekend in the dirt and in the sky (yes…that says “in the sky”) to capture all of the off-roading, cooking, challenges and antics that make this event so special.
A little about us:
Manic Pixels, a fusion of creativity and technology, was born from the idea that small businesses and individuals should have an affordable yet beautiful way to represent their brands and express themselves digitally. Priding itself on a boutique experience, your project will be handled from conception to completion by a single individual. We are always excited to sit down with you and plan out how we can make your digital ideas a reality. Whether you are looking for website creation, logo / brand design, a video slide show for your daughter’s wedding or a presentation for a corporate event. The possibilities are truly endless. We are also pleased to announce that we have added long term time-lapse photography and aerial photography to our list of services. Aerial photography provides a great way to showcase your real estate, document your property for insurance purposes, or capture an outdoor event. Visit us at www.manic-pixels.com to contact us or see a complete list of our services.
The Muddy Chef Challenge is a unique event. Unique in that it’s completely FREE and run entirely by a dedicated VOLUNTEER staff of Land Rover lovers and enthusiasts. This is no a “not for profit” event, it’s a ZERO profit event. So when you consider other events that charge registration fees. Ask yourself where does that money go? This year we decided to go the extra step and find a charity to donate to. Classic Car Performance has donated a High Torque Land Rover (Series or V8) for a charity raffle.
We will sell raffle tickets at the event and donate 100% of the funds collected to Autism Speaks.
We figured if Wayne did it, we should too!
Dear Friends of Harpoon,
We started the Harpoon Brewery in 1986 because—like today—we loved beer and wanted more quality choices.
There was only one problem: we were beer lovers, not brewers. We knew what we wanted to drink, but we needed some help actually brewing it. So we enlisted our first brewer, took over some warehouse space on the Boston waterfront, and began introducing fresh, local craft beer to Boston drinkers. We tried to do it in a way that captured the spirit of fun that had brought us to beer in the first place. From that warehouse, surrounded by fish companies on the docks of South Boston (neighboring what is now the Seaport District), we couldn’t imagine that craft brewing would become what it has today.
We still remember our days on the other side of the bar, and have spent as much time spreading the joy of beer drinking as we have focusing on recipes, ingredients, and brewing equipment. Hopefully our sense of gratitude is reflected in both the quality of the beer and the spirit of fun and enjoyment surrounding our beer and breweries. We invite all of you to visit our Boston brewery, where it all began, and our beautiful brewery in Windsor, Vermont.
We look forward to having a beer with you soon!
In this case, good things DO NOT come to those who wait. We are rapidly running out of registration space for the event. Remember registration is free, the event is free too. The only thing you have to pay for is camping fees to Lime Rock park at a reasonable $30.00 per night! Tons of prizes and free swag. Shooting at Orvis Sandanona, beautiful Lakeville, CT location, race cars, Land Rovers, Crown Maple Syrup, what else do you want?
Orvis Sandanona is a place where the traditions of the field and the hunt are held in the highest regard and is the oldest permitted shotgun shooting club in the country. The main lodge was built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and using its richly textured past as a foundation, Orvis Sandanona has built a thriving, modern sporting clays shooting ground that is consistently ranked among the very best in the nation. Orvis Fly Fishing and Wingshooting Schools, and a fully-catered lodge facility that includes ample meeting space create a benchmark experience for both corporate recreation and individual sporting pursuits. Sandanona is open 363 days a year.
Our good friend and supporter Eric Riston (Atlantic British) is selling his ridiculously tricked out Land Rover Defender 110. At under $30 grand this is a serious bargain. Don’t believe me? Check out the price insanity on e-bay. Consider this – if you worked at a Land Rover parts supplier would you skimp on anything? NO WAY. At that price this thing will be gone ASAP.
1984 Land Rover 110 Diesel manual transmission title : clean
It has a long list of upgrades that where recently done.
ARB Air lockers FT and Rear
Front Great Basin pegged diff
Front HD axles from Rovertraxs
Air tank with front and rear outlets for tire inflation
Xbrake handbrake added for extra safety
Warn 8240-50 winch
Synthetic winch rope
HD Steering rods
Steering skid plates
Diff protection plates
In the last 300 miles the following is new
Radiator
Steering box
Steering hoses
Steering pump
Fan and Fan clutch
Battery
Fuel lift pump
Fuel injectors
Valve seals
I have been into Rovers for over 20 years and this was my dream truck that I built to keep, but bad knee is forcing the sale.
The fine folks at Orvis Sandanona have offered guests and participants the opportunity to shoot sporting clays and spend time off-roading with an instructor at Sandanona. We have negotiated a $75.00 per person rate. June 6, 2014 – Well, they changed the rate to $100.00 However, the increase includes the gratuity for the coach. As a Ski and Driving Instructor I can appreciate a built in tip. Shooting includes the targets, a Trapper, a fine sporting shotgun and ammunition. That is a serious value! To book your reservation for Friday August 1, 2014 please call Orvis Sandanona at 845-677-9701. Make sure to mention you are a participant in The Muddy Chef Challenge!
Sandanona Shooting Grounds
3047 Sharon Turnpike Road
Millbrook, NY 12545 | 845-677-9701
Email: sandanona@orvis.com
Open 7 Days a week, 9am – 5pm
Take a virtual tour
Want a customized Range Rover Classic? The perfect Defender? How about a one of a kind Series I or II Land Rover? Congleton Racing and can do it all. Visit them at www.congletonrr.com/ or their blog at http://congletonrovers.wordpress.com/
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We are almost ready to reveal a whole bunch of swag for the Muddy Chef Challenge! Some will be for sale and some will be for prizes! We are creating original design hats, t-shirts, stickers, and maybe the coolest item of all, high-tech fabric Safari style shirts with embroidered logos!
Check the “Merchandise” section of the website shortly for pricing and ordering information!
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Vendor at the Muddy Chef Challenge? Be sure to visit our Sponsor section for more information. Alternately just send an e-mail to info@muddychef.com and we will respond to you within 24 hours with a sponsor information package.
Ok, enough goofing around with phony $100,000 tables and spork holders! We are finally getting around to the real deal! The first item we have is a high quality sticker for your vehicle. It’s UV coated, guaranteed not to fade and perfect to enhance your off-road street credibility!
One for $3.00
Two for $5.00
The stickers will be available for purchase June 1 at British by the Sea and on this website shortly thereafter.
Stay tuned. We are prepping event T-Shirts, Off-Road Safari Style Shirts, Hats and Water bottles.
Used by Navy Seals, Recon Marines, Boy Scouts, SAS Commandos, James Bond, and Special Forces Operators world wide. The Muddy Chef Challenge Camel Trophy (not really, but it sounds cool) Spork Holder is the perfect accessory for your Land Rover. Compact, rugged, and utterly useless (like the speedometer indicators above 60 mph on a 1960’s Series IIA).
The SporkCase makes it easier to bring along your Spork regardless of if it’s a hike a trek or a trip to the beach. With its snap closure the SporkCase keeps your Spork clean on the way out and your pack clean on the way home. Made of polypropylene material the case is as tough as it is attractive and is available in a variety of colors. Eyelet allows it to be hung around your neck. Fits 1 or 2 Spork Original Titanium or Lefty. Comes with 1 BPA-Free Tritan� Spork.
Features:
– Keeps Spork clean inside a pack and keeps a pack clean from a dirty Spork!
– Includes 1 BPA-free Spork made of Eastman Tritan�.
– Case constructed from durable polypropylene.
– Carries 1 or 2 Spork Originals Titanium or Lefty.
– Tight snap closure and eyelet for hanging.
– Durable and dishwasher safe.
– Weight (w/ 1 Spork): 1 oz. (29 g)
– Orange
Features:
MCC Exclusives Price: $89.43
Tired of being beaten by a frustrated Culinary School/Top Chef Dropout? Want bragging rights and the respect of your peers? Then look no further than The Muddy Chef Challenge Mobile Kitchen. While this is technically a violation of the rules of the MCC3, effective bribery of select officials will allow you to compete with pride. We have specially modified this trailer to meet the vigorous demands of off-road gourmet activities.
| The 24’ trailer comes with a host of standard features and includes cooking equipment to meet your needs. Trailers come standard in black, red, white, green, blue, or yellow. But what’s critically important is to stand out in the crowd and make it your own. Let us help your personality shine through with customized graphic wraps. Please contact us at 800-Mud-Chef |
The seven wonders of the world – Muddy Chef Style
PHOTO: Seven Wonders of The World
Thanks to: Robert Wollschlager
Unlike other events, the Muddy Chef Challenge is NOT FOR PROFIT and it NEVER WILL BE. We don’t believe in charging our attendees one cent. Last year we took up a collection for food, drinks, etc. I think everyone who paid felt that they received an excellent value. Everything else was due to the generosity and participation of attendees. This is a grassroots event with a soul. The soul of our participants and our Land Rovers.
I believe in keeping it honest, valid …
Muddy Chef Challenge 3 – August 1,2,3 Mystic/North Stonington CT
Yahoo! We just finalized the dates for the 2014 Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge. August 1,2,3 2014. We are looking for a place to have the event and your suggestions would be welcome. Last year it was at the Mystic, CT KOA Campground. Which was both good and bad.
On the good side, we had electricity, running water, pool, places for the kids to play, etc. It was close to the trails. On the bad side we had nowhere enough room and it was kind of a pain for our friends to visit, etc. Also, as we booked the event really late last year there were not enough campgrounds and it was a bit crowded.
So, I’m searching for an alternative site but planning to use the KOA as a backup. I’d like to have room to stretch out and build a really big bonfire!
We have a website up www.muddychef.com and I’d invite everyone to visit and be patient as we get things running. There will be a registration page soon and a bunch of other neat stuff.
One of the biggest problems I had last year was getting info on the attendees and their vehicles (my fault), also my awards cameraman was “in his cups” so the awards video (who got what and for what) vanished and I’d have liked to have had that.
As always, this is a firmly grassroots event. We ain’t tryin to make a profit. I’ll keep the costs as close to zero as possible.
For now, can I get either “I will come” or “I want to come” or a “Hell no, I ain’t coming”
Also, your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
We are excited for August!
