V-Notches and Victory Laps:

Behind the Scenes in Kingman, AZ

As the dust settles on the 2025 Build for Off Road Adventure Ride finale, we’re taking you behind the scenes for one last look at the final day of wheeling in the historic mining trails of Kingman, AZ.

Nestled just off iconic Route 66, these trails offered a different kind of challenge than the open desert. The highlight? A notoriously tight V-notch obstacle that proved to be a total gatekeeper. We watched Ian Johnson’s rig get wedged between a rock and a hard place (literally), requiring some precision spotting and creative winching from the Carbon Offroad team to squeeze through the narrow pass.

But while the heavy hitters were winching, one rig in the convoy decided to take the “unassisted” route:

“After watching Ian winch and Nate winch, I got my turn,” says crew member Pierre. “These are the type of obstacles I love, and it’s what the buggy was built for. Not having a body to worry about allows you to take questionable lines. I was able to squeeze my way through it unassisted, and that was a highlight of the trip for me.”

As the crew reached the end of the last trail in Kingman, we caught up with Ian Johnson, Matt Steele, Willie B, Brad and Adam Lovell, and more to get their unfiltered takes on the trip.

Watch the video below to hear what the cast and crew had to say after surviving five days of the toughest terrain the Southwest has to offer:

The Road Doesn’t End Here: Looking to 2026

While the 2025 Adventure Ride is now in the rearview mirror, the trail ahead is already expanding, with plans already in motion for two distinct Adventure Rides in 2026!

Between a Moab-bound overland trek and a deep-dive into the Tennessee backcountry, the 2026 season is shaping up to be our biggest content engine yet. And because of the success of this past year, sponsorship spaces for these upcoming rides are filling fast.

Don’t get left at the trailhead. Click the link below to get all the details on the 2026 Adventure Rides and find out how your brand can join the convoy.

Tell us in the comments below!

Tell us in the comments below!