Tag: Summit Tour

Summit Tour 2021 – Empowering Veterans Through Overlanding

Written by RA Staff on July 31, 2021. Posted in Events.

The Summit Tour 2021, organized by the nonprofit Racing Anxiety, was a profound journey that not only challenged participants physically but also honored the values of camaraderie, teamwork, and patriotism.

Route:

From Price, UT to Telluride, CO, passing through Black Dragon Canyon, Moab, Ouray, and Telluride

Day One: The Mud Challenge and Emotional Beginnings

The first day introduced participants to the grueling terrain, marked by a daunting mud crossing that tested their mettle. Only a few vehicles made it through without assistance, while one unfortunate vehicle became buried frame-deep in the unforgiving mud. For a nerve-wracking 40 minutes, the team rallied together, attempting to dig it out. Eventually, Tapley’s 4Runner was strategically positioned in front of the stuck vehicle, deploying a winch to pull it through the mire. During this time, the fuel tank of the stuck vehicle filled with water, necessitating its removal and careful draining before the team could continue on their journey.
As they confronted these early challenges of the trail, a profound transformation was underway. The adversity they faced on day one was merely a foreshadowing of the trials to come, but it was in these moments that the bonds between participants deepened. The Summit Tour 2021 was about more than just conquering terrain; it was about conquering personal challenges, both physical and emotional, and forging lasting bonds.

Day Two: The Clutch Job in Moab and The Power of Teamwork

The trials continued on day two when BloodBath, the iconic 1995 Dodge Dakota with its red bedliner coating, faced a significant setback with a throwout bearing failure in the blazing heat of Moab, Utah. The repair effort was nothing short of miraculous. They had to undertake this task with limited tools and resources, under the relentless gaze of the desert sun. It was a grueling, unrelenting battle.
But it was during this struggle that the true power of teamwork became evident. Everyone pitched in, sweat and determination glistening on their brows. No one was content to merely watch, and the term “selfless” took on a whole new meaning. The repair of BloodBath’s clutch became a symbol of resilience, not just for the vehicle but for the participants as well. It was a reminder that challenges could be overcome with grit, determination, and the unwavering support of one another.

Day Three: CV Axle Replacement and Empowering Education

On the third day, the participants faced the dual challenge of repairing a damaged CV axle, which had failed and was cut out on day one, and absorbing vital lessons about mental health. This day marked the beginning of daily mental health classes designed to teach participants how to build a strong mental health support network, respond to signs of suicide risk, notice the warning signs of suicide, and establish habits conducive to mental well-being. These classes led to some emotionally charged stories being shared, underscoring the significance of the event in promoting mental health.

Day Four: Abandoning the Land Cruiser

Day four was a turning point in the Summit Tour 2021, as it presented challenges that tested the group’s resolve to the limits. Despite the best efforts of the driver and the repair crew, they faced an insurmountable problem with a Land Cruiser. The vehicle suffered from persistent overheating issues that proved elusive to resolve. Every repair they attempted seemed to beget another failure. They replaced cooling fans, temperature sensors, and performed coolant flushes, but the issues persisted, ultimately culminating in the difficult decision to abandon the Land Cruiser on the trail.
This setback was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of overlanding and off-road adventures. It demonstrated that even with a dedicated team and a wealth of expertise, some challenges couldn’t be overcome, and tough decisions had to be made. Despite this setback, the group continued on, carrying with them the memory of the Land Cruiser and the unwavering spirit that defined the Summit Tour 2021.

The Daily Flag Ceremony: Honoring Patriotism and Unity

The daily flag ceremony remained a cherished tradition throughout the event. Each morning, the American flag and the POW MIA flag were flown proudly over the entire trail, symbolizing the participants’ dedication to their country and the military. Veterans participating in the event played a pivotal role in this ceremony, selecting two individuals each day to carry these flags.
Carrying the flag remained a profound honor, with the recipients chosen based on their outstanding participation, teamwork, leadership, hard work, and overall improvement.

The Heroes Chosen: Jared and Landon

On the fifth and final day, the veterans unanimously selected Jared, the trail mechanic whose unwavering dedication and expertise helped keep the group moving forward, to carry and bring home the U.S. flag. Alongside him, Landon, one of the trail leaders who exemplified leadership and dedication throughout the journey, was chosen to carry and bring home the POW MIA flag. These selections were a testament to the values of unity, resilience, and honor that defined the Summit Tour 2021.

The Limitless Power of Perseverance

The Summit Tour 2021 was more than just a series of off-road challenges; it was a journey that tested the limits of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. The struggles with repairs were not just mechanical; they were emotional and psychological battles as well. They were reminders that adversity could bring people closer, that the power of teamwork could conquer even the most daunting challenges, and that the human spirit could overcome the most trying circumstances.
In the end, the Summit Tour 2021 was a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the power of unity, and the resilience of veterans. It was an event that celebrated patriotism, camaraderie, and the unwavering support of those who had served their country. It was a journey of personal growth and empowerment, proving that together, we can overcome life’s most challenging obstacles and emerge stronger than ever.

Summit Tour 2021

Written by Tapley on July 21, 2021. Posted in Events.

This year our tour starts in Logan, Utah, where you will check in, sticker up, and cash out on all the awesome swag from our sponsors. This is where you will also meet the people you are sharing this experience with, our amazing pit crew, sponsors, and attendees. Once orientation is over it is time for the fun to begin. The next five days will be full of challenges, victories, tears, smiles, mountains, and most of all summits. Every day will be a mix of training, trails camping and special challenges with one goal in mind: get everyone to the summit. Reaching the summit is not only about physical elevation gain, it is about every step, every problem, every setback. Reaching the summit is about carrying on when everything seems to be an uphill battle. On this tour you’ll find an internal summit as well as the 1,300’+ peaks we will be ascending before the close of the event in Montana. ”

IT IS AN AMAZING, ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!

Each vehicle needs to be highway legal, registered, and insured. Each driver needs a valid US Driver’s license. Unregistered participants are not allowed in participating vehicles during the event.

If you do not have all of the required equipment, let us know! We may be able to get you covered for the duration of the trip.

Required Equipment

Valid US Driver’s License
State Registration
Proof of Insurance
First Aid Kit
Spare Tire
GMRS Radio, (Our personal recommendation click: Here)
Spare Fuel (50 mile range min)
Spare Water (3 gallons per person)
Shovel
Jack
Recovery Straps
Shackles
32″ Tires Minimum
overnight camping gear
Must be able to pass safety inspection

Recommended Equipment

Winch
Roll Cage
Off Road Bumpers
Front Locker
Rear Locker
Off Road Lights
Skid Plates
Basic Tools
Air compressor
Tire Gauge

Shared Agenda

Check in
- August 14th Launch: 8:00 AM
- Logan, UT
Gift bag delivery
- Each vehicle will receive a gift bag prepared by our sponsors.
- Additional prizes will be awarded throughout the event.
Sticker package application
- Each vehicle will run the full sticker package for the duration of the event.
Food
- Group meals are available.
- $5 per person per meal.
- Breakfast and Dinner will be provided.

Daily Trainings offered
- Wilderness Survival
- Recovery Training
- First Aid
- Mental Health Crisis Training
Camping
- We will be spending every night in a 5 million star resort.
- Each person is expected to bring their own gear for nightly camping. If a hotel is necessary, please let our team know as soon as possible so accommodations can be booked. All accommodations will be at the expense of the attendee.
Mission accomplished
- The event will end Friday, August 18th at 5:00 PM in Montana.

Every day of the Summit Series Tour will include a drivers briefing, training segment, and most importantly: off road trails. This year we will be starting in Logan, Utah where you will meet the group and receive your sticker package, gift bag, and first driver’s briefing.

Each day will follow a similar schedule: Breakfast will be held (most important meal of the day, right?) followed by training for the day, a driver briefing and then dirt. After a day of trail riding and adventure, we will set up camp, have dinner, and retire for the evening.

Each day will reveal a new part of the journey. Only the necessary information will be given to the drivers, keeping you on your toes for the duration of the trip. Each day is going to be epic.

At the end of the trip we will have a final debrief where the last of our prizes and awards will be handed out. The event will close at 5:00 PM on Friday the 18th of August in Montana. You’ll have the rest of the weekend to explore the beautiful mountains of Montana, or take your time to make your way home. It is common for participants to do an additional day.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on the form below.

We love our great nation and everything it stands for and we carry the US flag over every inch of distance covered on the entire trip. The veterans are tasked with this responsibility and at the end of the event they award the flag to any guest, or pit crew member they feel earned it the most. The flag is folded at the close of the event while the attendees learn about the 13 folds of the flag, and the symbolism of each fold.

Our vets put it all on the line for our freedom and our great nation. We have partnered with Hero For a Day and Trail Hero to sponsor veterans who wish to join us on the tour. Some veterans may not have a rig, so if you have space for a vet in your rig let us know and you may get your entrance fee covered.

Our veterans help moderate the daily challenges by forming a council. The council allows the veterans to participate in the challenges with their team, and judge the results.

Closing Ceremonies

At the closing ceremonies, the veterans retire the flag and are given the time to give a short address to the attendees of the event. While participation in this is voluntary, usually all of the veterans share their thoughts with us at the close of the event.
Veterans also participate in the final flag ceremony and award the event flags to whomever they nominate.

Have any questions? Reach Out!

There is a $50 application fee. It will be refunded at the beginning of the Summit Tour. It is non-refundable if you cancel. This is an event that is centered on Veterans and their families.