Every year, it seems like we end up in Big Bear, california, at the same time the inland empire 4 Wheelers (IE4W) are holding their annual Forest Fest. This year was no exception, and we got to wondering just what it is that makes us come back to this run instead of many others year after year.
The Forest Fest draws vendors from all over who donate products toward a raffle and consists of two days of wheeling, camping, and a bunch of good people who enjoy Jeeping. The only two downsides to it are that the weekend is limited to the number of Jeeps that can register and you can't really tent-camp at the site because the event's base is in a parking lot. But camping is available nearby, and there are plenty of hotels within minutes.
Much of the money that IE4W makes goes toward keeping trails open and providing a voice with the government to counter the enviro-nazis. The rest of it is used for vari vari-ous fees associated with the event, so it really is a nonprofit run for the club.
Fortunately, this year we made it for the 10th annual Forest Fest, had our cameras in hand, and were able to document some of the attractions that keep us coming back. For information on this year's event, go to www.ie4w.com.
For most obstacles, there's a bypass, but for this one, there isn't really any way around. smooth and slow is the way to go here. | 
Here's a shot of some of the booty donated for the raffle. in addition to the raffle, there's a tech inspection to make sure your Jeep is safe and has certain safety items, a rock wall to climb during the day, plenty of items to look at in vendors' booths, and an easy atmosphere in which to talk to the people who actually make the parts you want on your Jeep. | 
Look at the license plate: "ondarocK." even experienced wheelers can sometimes get crossed up. We still think he posed for this picture just because of the license plate. |