Bob Jones University business and marketing majors and student leaders took a recent daylong trip to Maryville, Tennessee, to experience the Bronco Off-Roadeo, a new event venue built for drivers of the Ford Bronco to experience the vehicle’s off-road features. The wooded terrain acts like a hiking trail, but for Bronco-sized travelers. BJU President Josh Crockett, his wife, Karie, and several members of the BJU Board of Trustees joined the fun.
Bronco Off-Roadeo designed the experience for anyone who owns a Bronco, and the company helps buyers learn about their new car and its features through the experience. The venue will be open to any adult with a driver’s license – Bronco owner or not – to drive a fleet of vehicles on site using a day pass rental.
Mark Kraatz, who is helping with marketing for the new venue, said its location near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was an answer to prayer for the company after plans for an original location fell through. In February, the current location became available. Over the past seven months, the company bought the land, built the facilities, cleared trails and hired staff. This location would not exist without the grace of God, Kraatz said.
We left campus on a bus at 7 a.m., Sept. 24, headed to Tennessee. Once we got there, we signed the required waiver and then were informed about the engineering of a Bronco and what makes the vehicle unique. They highlighted how the bars that connects the front two wheels and the back wheels can be connected or split. This makes it unique so that the vehicle can drive on rough terrain.
Our tour started by dividing into four teams and then split into pairs of drivers for each vehicle. Two trail guides directed each group and taught us how to use specific controls for different terrains and helped us navigate the trails. On our first expedition, we attempted a challenge: driving blindfolded. Our goal was to hit the least number of cones on the obstacle course. Teamwork was a key component. Each partner took a turn driving blindfolded and instructing their partner through the course.
After the blindfolded team-building activity, groups headed back to the hub to eat tacos prepared by the staff.
Then, we headed back out onto the trail. The second ride was more rigid than the first and tested the Bronco’s powerful engineering. We went over rocks, through creeks, and even down a 30-degree incline, fully trusting the traction of the wheels against the force of gravity.
After driving, we learned tour guides and marketing professionals about marketing tools needed to launch a business venue like Bronco Off-Roadeo.
As we ended our day, they handed out awards. Mrs. Crockett won best driver. Team Ashlyn hit the fewest cones during the blindfolded driving challenge. Tessa Bonnema won The Sasquatch Award.
On our way back, we stopped at Buc-ee’s to grab a quick bite. All in all, this opportunity can only be described as, “The Greatest Experience on Dirt.”
For more information about the Bronco Off-Roadeo, visit their website at Maryville, Tennessee Bronco Off-Roadeo | An Off-Road Adventure Playground (broncooffroadeo.com).
