Part 1 is located here.  The rest of the series of videos will be posted throughout the week.

Big thanks to the New Mexico Offroad League for getting these events put together!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out the post in the 4×4 forum for the event schedule for these races as well as other information.

The event is by registration only and it is not uncommon to see more than 300 rigs signed up and traversing the canyon.  In previous years, the four day event has gathered around 2,500 for the event, but this year the event has been closed off to spectators.  The reasoning behind this decision has to do with the Beauru of Land Management having concerns about the impact of the environment caused by the large number of people who normally attend the event.

The Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club has put together a great event that owes much of it’s success to the great landscape that surrounds Las Cruces and the fact that members of the LCFWDC have volunteered their time and effort to lead the rides and organize this annual event.  The proceeds from the event are donated to organizations that help keep access to trails open for further use.  This includes the Blue Ribbon Coalition and the Southwest Four Wheel Drive Association’s Land Access Fund.

The 2009 Chile Challenge will be held February 18-21st outside of Las Cruces New Mexico.  Follow details of this event over at the forums and at the Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Association website.

The New Mexico Virtual Jeep Club came about during the summer of 2002. After several months of exchanging ideas and tips with other Jeepers around the area, a couple astute members realized they weren’t the only ones in the Albuquerque area.

The member list blew up in a few short days, from the original 2 or 3 names, until the day of our first ‘real’ run, when it included about 12 individuals and families with the common foresight and good taste to own a Jeep vehicle. As of May 2008, our numbers near 1000 members.

What NMVJC does?
We Jeep, therefore we are.

Why does NMVJC do it?
It’s Virtual Jeep Thing, your computer wouldn’t understand.

When does NMVJC do it?
Whenever there’s enough interest from members to get together and see the more scenic side of New Mexico, they start asking other members. The trips aren’t carved in stone months ahead of time like some other clubs.

Whatcha gotta have.
* A Jeep. Any year, make, or model, but ya gotta have a Jeep. Like the ad says “Only in a Jeep”
* A driver. Having a license is even better.
* A computer helps, since it’s the link to the others. All the meetings are held online through the NMVJC website and at group meetings at the end of the trail.
* The name says New Mexico. So being a resident helps, but exceptions may be made for visitors and others who enjoy the Land of Enchantment.
* Regular maintenance on the Jeep will help keep you going on the trail. It’s always easier to change parts in the garage than on the trail.

Whatcha don’t need!!

* Attitude.
* Alcohol. A cold one at the end of the trail is fine, but not while we’re driving.
* A $50,000 super truck. First of all, you’re already in a Jeep, and secondly, see the first “whatcha don’t need”
* Superior driving skills. If it’s your first drive off-road in a stock Jeep, NMVJC willl help you.

How to Join.

All there is to joining the NMVJC is to register on the webpage and join us! No dues, no fees, no required meetings. Just plain fun!

To learn more simply visit their website: http://www.nmvjc.org/