Tag Archives: lime rock park
FASTER THAN YOUR LAND ROVER / Your chance for hot laps at Lime Rock Park!
Thursday July 28, 2016 – Opening day of The Muddy Chef Challenge
This is your chance to take a one of a kind thrill ride around Lime Rock Park with a professional driver. This event is FREE but is only open to registered attendees of The Muddy Chef Challenge. Registration is first come come first served.
REGISTRATION BEGINS MONDAY.
Field Guide / MUDDY CHEF MAGAZINE
Every year we e-mail PDF files that include directions, event times, event locations, maps, etc. We also include an event schedule in everyone’s welcome gift bag. Somehow these seem to disappear or folks forget to print the directions, maps, etc. This year we are creating a full color, high quality magazine. The Field Guide will contain interviews, maps, the schedule of events, advertisements and coupons, and an assortment of great articles.
Want to advertise in the Field Guide?
NOTE – THE ORDER FORM SAYS “GET TICKETS” THAT’S INCORRECT. YOU ARE ACTUALLY BUYING SPACE IN THE FIELD GUIDE.
Will Hedrick / The Defender of Defenders / MCC Speaker
We are very excited to announce super lawyer Will Hedrick will be a featured presenter at The Muddy Chef Challenge. Remember that Thursday July 28, 2016 is more than an an arrivals day. There will be a free pig roast, beverages (always), vendors and activities – off-road training, recovery training, and featured speakers – like Will. So plan ahead to arrive early and attended these new events. Gates open at 10:00 am this year.
Will is called “The Defender of Defenders” for his work with owners who have had their vehicles improperly seized by Homeland Security. Will took on the case pro-bono and won. More than two dozen Defenders were returned to their owners. Join Will and the MCC Staff on Thursday July 28th for his presentation. It’s going to be awesome!
Fox News covers the story:
Article in Hemmings Motor News:
And of course, on Jalopnik:
This is the famous video of Homeland Security destroying an “illegal” Land Rover Defender:
SPONSOR PROFILE / Kristen Feeney – GS Promo Source
If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
No, I wouldn’t….unless I could get a HUGE life insurance policy. I wouldn’t get into a submarine they made either. If they made a Land Rover refrigerator I’d be screwed because Eric would have to have it, and I’d end up with a fridge that would overheat all the time with door lights that would never go on, and I’d have to replace the fridge’s drive shaft immediately or it would impale the ice maker. Not good.
Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
I grew up in Massachusetts in a family that valued great food and education with an extremely overprotective father (read…. was taught to shoot at an early age). I went to private schools my whole life. I got full scholarships for college and grad school, but living in Boston was not cheap, so I bartended and waited tables in some awesome places to get by. I currently live in Madison, CT, but I’m really looking forward to moving closer to NYC – the food and shopping Mecca of the US at the end of June. I own my own marketing/design company that specializes in promotional products and apparel called GS Promo Source, LLC. If you ever need the perfect product to thank existing clients, promote your business, give away at a trade show, incentivize your employees or promote a sales or HR program, I’m your gal. I am also the mom of a teenage son, named Jack and Eric Yohe’s better half aka Mrs. Muddy Chef.
How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
One and only one. I have a 2004 Discover II. I started referring to “her” as Maya as she is Mayan Gold, and it just stuck. I am comforted by the fact that if I ever get stuck, I will be found quickly as Maya is so “bright” that she can easily be seen from space.
What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
There are several great things about owning a Land Rover – versatility of terrain you can handle is my favorite – i.e. if Eric misses the drive thru we can just jump the curb and get into the lane – no worries. I also love that the my “girl” is gold and glamorous, yet versatile enough to jump a curb and beat the Maserati driving towards the parking space I want right outside Nordstrom’s shoe department.
What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
The worst part is that I can’t afford the Holland & Holland Edition Range Rover…yet. Really. It also bums me out that FCP Euro doesn’t offer replacements for every single part on my car…can you say lifetime warranty?
Been on an adventure? – tell us about it.
Right after I got my Discovery, Eric decided to give me an off-roading lesson. I’ve been told that I should be ashamed to say that I am the ONLY person that has EVER asked if I could put my car into 2nd gear (instead of 1st or 3rd).
If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
The Range Rover Holland & Holland Edition in that gorgeous dark green with matching Holland & Holland shotguns! A vintage remodeled Airstream to tow behind it would be a welcome addition as well.
What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
The stairway to nowhere on the back door. A cool Bluetooth radio, that’s hands-free and has a great DVD player so I can watch movies when we’re broken down and Eric is fixing the car. Eric also added heated seats for me!
If you were on safari which three (living or dead or fictional) people would you pick to bring along?
I would like my dad as he was so much fun, a great shot (read protection), cooked yummy breakfast and gave the best hugs ever. I would also like (the character) Sabrina from B’witched, as she was naughty, fun and could snap her fingers to get me anything I wanted to eat, drink or instantly clean up messes. Sabrina could also make sure I was fully caffeinated and that my hair looked freshly blown out at all times (regardless of rain or humidity levels), elevating my mood while minimizing danger to my other companions. Finally, I would want Eric as he is my favorite person to be around, fun at a campfire (and his cigars keep the bugs away) and, (of course) I will need him to fix my Land Rover as Maya is sure to overheat or breakdown in the worst possible place, and he always has his toolbox, basic spare parts and plenty of extra oil and water handy. Who could ask for more?
Bullen Insurance Group / OFFICIAL SPONSOR
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ART GALLERIES / FASHION HOUSES
PROFILE / John Almstead
If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Hmmm…. Depends how high are we flying. No, just no.
Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
By day I am an Industrial Designer working for Unilever, and night I am a father/husband/Cub Scout leader/Rescue Diver for Newtown and surrounding areas/Adjunct Professor at Bridgeport University and Rover want-a-be mechanic (not that good at it yet)
How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
My first is my current 1982 Series III 109 wagon which I have had for 3 years. So this is my favorite at the moment. My father works for Land Rover in Darien CT. and I have had the opportunity in helping out during the summers. I was fortunate in running swaps from dealer to dealer in the tri-state area. Also was able to take part in the off-roading events when they used to have Defenders in their line-up.
What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Defiantly the community of Rover owners. The people that I have met these past years are great people.
What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
Winters, I would have to say New England winters. Since I drive my series as my primary vehicle the heat isn’t the best, and the salt has eaten my frame. But I do enjoy driving in the snow and knowing I am going to get were I need to go when heading out in the storm.
Been on an adventure?
Last year I took a road trip up to Rovers North in VT. I was delivering a bad gearbox that had been recently been swapped out. I took the long way up Rt7 through CT, MA and VT The ride up was fantastic. Having a Rover your forced to slow down and enjoy the journey and not the destination.
How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
Seafari Rovers has some new tricks for this year. It will involve custom tableware and one of a kind take aways for the judges. Stay Tuned…
PHOTO: Seafari was serious about incorporating local ingredients to their creations at the Muddy Challenge. That’s a receipt from the nearby Sharon Farm Market
If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
Rover Boat… doesn’t have to be fast
What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
The engine was recently upgraded to a 200 Tdi from a 2.25 Huge difference. Thanks to Rover Resources and North American Overland for this! You can see the video on Mike Sandones Face Book page North American Overland Tdi conversion. Here is the link to the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mks-6mxi65Y
If you were on safari which three (living or dead or fictional) people would you pick to bring along?
This is hard… many names come to mind. But I would have to say my wife, Aimee and my two boys Ben and James. I would want to share that experience with them, as it was the main reason for getting the 109 5 door for adventures and fun.
The Muddy Chef Challenge gets a cameo on Car and Driver
Eating a plain can of tuna for dinner tonight (don’t ask, #dietssuck) I came across this article on Road and Track. Crazily, the article was originally found on the Car and Driver website. Wow is that the work of a serious slacker. “Hey, let’s post content from the competitors website”. Anyway, as I read the post, the vehicle seemed familiar. After scrolling through a few pictures – lo and behold – it’s a Muddy Chef car! Great photos too. Here’s the article and a link to the e-bay listing.
Buy This Vintage Land Rover From When 4x4s Actually Went Off-Road
No nav, no heated seats. This stalwart comes from the days when a 4×4 was a working machine.
BY NICHOLAS WALLACE / CAR AND DRIVER (ORIGINAL LINK HERE)
Land Rovers have an undeniable charm. In America, we often think of them as little more than status symbols, cars practical only for those who can afford the high running costs. Elsewhere, however, the Land Rover name is synonymous with off-road capability and durability. No model exemplifies that better than the Land Rover Series II.
The Land Rover’s birth, much like that of the Willys Jeep, came right after the end of World War II. At the time, Rover’s car sales were struggling, so the British company explored the option of building a roadgoing truck that had the off-road capabilities of a tractor. The resulting vehicle was the Land Rover Series I. Initially, the truck was supposed to have a short production cycle, one just long enough to provide working capital for Rover’s other projects. Sales boomed, however, and the Land Rover brand was born.
In the late ’50s, the model saw several improvements, such as short- and long-wheelbase variants, revised exterior styling, and a new 2.25-liter gasoline engine that produced 72 horsepower. These models were called the Series II and Series IIa.
This particular example, which is currently for sale on eBay, is a short-wheelbase 1966 Series IIa. The owner doesn’t state its mileage but does claim that it’s nearly rust-free and has been daily driven for the past six months (!). That’s the kind of commitment we love to see. And while a Series II Land Rover can go a lot farther afield, you could also take it to Whole Foods if you wanted.
Via Car and Driver
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD! For a tasty $17,350.00! Here’s the old ebay listing. Hopefully that $$$ will go into another Land Rover.
Sporting Clays at The Beretta Shooting Grounds/Dover Furnace
PROFILE / Bill Lucas
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.
PROFILE / Robert Nimkoff
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.
LIME ROCK PARK / Track Improvements
Last week I visited Lime Rock Park to check on the upgrades and changes to the track. Perhaps the most interesting change for Muddy Chef participants can be seen on the map below and highlighted in yellow. If you were with us last year, you may remember the hospitality tents were setup on a hillside. That hill is no longer there. The new paddock showers and bathrooms should be fantastic! I’ll post photos shortly.
Checkout the press release from Lime Rock below for more information.
Lime Rock spending millions as it builds a better competitor and sanctioning-body experience
LAKEVILLE, Conn. (April 16) – Lime Rock Park Track President Skip Barber recently committed more than $3 million to a wide variety of projects to significantly rebuild Lime Rock’s infrastructure, with a primary goal of providing vastly improved facilities to specifically benefit competitors and sanctioning bodies.
“We’re changing Lime Rock’s competitor-supporting infrastructure from pre-historic to near state of the art. And it will all be beautiful,” Barber said.
By early summer, the project will result in acres of trackside pavement significantly larger than at any time in Lime Rock’s history. The A- and B-Paddocks will be perfectly smooth asphalt and combined, there are 7 acres of paddock pavement. Both paddocks will also be attractively landscaped.
Not since Lime Rock Park’s race track surface itself was re-built in 2008 has a construction project of this magnitude been greenlighted at the famous 1.5-mile automotive and motorsports venue in Connecticut’s Northwest Corner. Some of these projects will be complete in time for Lime Rock’s season-opener – the Memorial Day Weekend Trans Am Series, and Royals Sunday Car Show, May 22-24 – and the rest in time for the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar weekend July 24-25.
“In 2008, the track itself had to get done – it was exceedingly bumpy, it needed more guardrail, better run-off areas. Now we’ve addressed the paddocks in a significant, competitor-centric way,” Barber said.
“We’re doing what we need to do – what we want to do – to ensure the track’s professional racing future,” Barber says. “Major sports car races have defined Lime Rock since the day it opened, and I’m making sure that continues well into the future.
“It’s important to note that everything we’re doing, all the changes, all the improvements… all will make Lime Rock more useful, easier to navigate, more sensible – but all with an eye to making Lime Rock even more beautiful than it already is. I have no doubt that, just in the case of our paddocks, Lime Rock’s will be the most useful and attractive in the U.S.”
Of the multitude of Road to 60 projects underway, the highlights are…
A-Paddock
To be completely re-done and much larger, plus: laser-graded-and-paved to eliminate standing water; it will be landscaped; there’ll be defined spectator walkways and cobblestone curbing; and the roadways through the paddock will be much wider. The new A-Paddock is specifically designed to allow two complete race rigs, tractors included, to park in-line – with a walkway in between – from inside Big Bend up to Victory Circle. Additionally, it will provide large and extremely efficient driving exercise and hospitality acreage for automakers as well as other ride-and-drive, press day and driver-training clients.
April 2015: A-Paddock will have an attractive retention pond behind the all-new Big Bend inside guardrail
B-Paddock
To be completely re-done: Paved in its entirety (and also laser-graded to eliminate standing water), there’ll be much more usable space.
Hospitality Acreage
Manufacturers and teams now have choice of three large areas of Lime Rock property dedicated to corporate, race team and VIP hospitality. The popular Outfield hospitality acreage remains essentially the same but the existing hospitality area in the Infield (between the Chalets) has been significantly increased in size and laser-graded. The third is an exciting new hospitality area that overlooks the Righthander and No Name Straight. “The locations of our hospitality facilities will be second to none,” Barber says. Lime Rock also has three chalets, and multiple (and recently refurbished) trackside meeting rooms.
Infield Spectator Hillside
Completely re-done: Close to 100,000 square yards of earth was moved, re-contoured, re-sloped and/or removed to dramatically improve and expand the sightlines as well as make Lime Rock’s famous “picnic-blanket-and-lawn-chair” experience even more enjoyable. Thanks to the re-working of the hill, close to 45 percent of the track can now be seen from this Hillside – with just a turn of the head.
Additionally, the Infield Spectator Hillside has been extended all the way through the inside curve of the Righthander, creating an entirely new and exciting viewing area of No Name Straight and the Uphill. The Hillside reconfiguration has also allowed the spectator fencing to be moved even closer to the circuit in many locations.
A-Paddock Rest Rooms
The Men’s Room will be completely rebuilt – designed by Sam Posey and David Moore – and the Ladies Room totally refreshed.
Handicap Access
It will be improved and/or added throughout much of the facility.
Also: There’ll be a new PA system; expanded and robust wi-fi; improved cellular service; and improvements and expansions to the other spectator areas
PROFILE / Max Simmons
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.
WINNING! / CHECK YOUR MAILBOX!
If you have registered for the Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge be sure to check your mailbox this week for a surprise! What better way to get psyched for the event than with a surprise. We are working on adding additional challenges to the event. These might include equestrian, water, mud (lots and lots of mud) and field engineering.
Hillrock Estate Distillery in Whisky Advocate
Hillrock Estate Distillery: tiny, vertical, and beautiful
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/
HEROS! / Our friends at The Great Mountain Forest
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.
STAFF
Joel E. Bronson
FOREST MANAGER
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 M. Russ
FORESTER
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
BUSINESS MANAGER/PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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.
Wesley “Wes” Gomez
FOREST TECHNICIAN
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.
YETI Coolers! / Event Supporter/Sponsor
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!
Our Charity – Autism Speaks
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!
New Event Sponsor The Falls Village Inn
The Falls Village Inn. A Litchfield County Landmark.
Built in 1834, Restored in 2010, a Bunny Williams Design
Register now – less than 30 spots left!
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?
Real Merchandise! Muddy Chef 3 Stickers
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.
FIXED! The MCC3 Registration page is working!
MCC3 Staff headed to Lime Rock Park
UPDATE 4/14/2014
We (Eric, Peter, Gene, & Chris) are heading out to Lime Rock Park this week to meet with Skip Barber and staff. I’ll take photos of the racetrack, the campsite and surrounding areas. We are also headed to the Orvis shooting school (and the former location of the Land Rover Driving School) with a Land Rover G4 Challenge Discovery and may take a few laps around the old school course.
Also, we will be visiting our off-road areas and scouting trails. We will rate them (like ski trails) green, blue, black and double black. An important goal this year is to avoid trail traffic jams and keep everyone moving all day.
The Registration page on www.muddychef.com is not working as well as I’d like – so expect to see changes there soon. Also, there will be a link to Lime Rock’s campsite reservation page and a special MCC3 discount rate. Look for that sometime next week.
Registering is important as it locks in your place and provides you with the event ticket, etc. Remember – its free!
Want to be an event sponsor? We have left and right cap side logo areas on the event hats. Sponsors will receive 4 free hats as a reward for sponsoring the event. Email info@muddychef.com to learn more.
Check back later in the week for site photos, trail photos and videos.
Regards,
Eric
MCC Exclusive / Mobile Kitchen
COST: $42,000
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.
- 6″ Lift with Old Man Emu Gas Shocks and Old Man Emu Springs
- Rovertym sliders with NATO recovery loops
- 2″ thick steel plating across the entire bottom of trailer (IED protection)
- Nato Trailer Hitch and D-Shackles
- Gun ports, gas mask racks, weapons racks, utensil racks, etc.
| 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 |
