### Off-Road Chronicles: Yoco's Jeep Journey
Hey there, fellow off-road enthusiasts! My name is Yoc Jr., but everyone calls me Yoco—a nickname that sticks like mud on a rainy trail. My journey into the world of off-roading began with a rather questionable choice: a 1996 Forest Green 4-cylinder Jeep. Now, let me confess right off the bat: I had absolutely zero idea what this little beast could do. I was like a kid in a candy store, blissfully unaware that some of those candies were actually hot sauce!
Fast forward to 2019, when I decided it was time to step up my game and purchased my second Jeep, affectionately named La Morra. This beauty was a 2018 JLU Sahara in Firecracker Red—yep, she was a jaw-dropper! With her online 4 and turbo engine, she was the belle of the off-road ball. But, as I quickly learned, this fiery lady had a temper. Push her just a tad too hard, and she’d threaten to combust like a dramatic movie star in a soap opera. Sadly, after a year of fiery romance, I had to trade her in. You know what they say: sometimes love just isn't enough!
Then, I jumped into the driver's seat of a 2020 JLU Rubicon in Stingray Gray, whom I named STINGY—not because she was a meanie, but because she takes ALL MY MONEY! Have you ever tried to keep a Rubicon fed and happy? It’s like feeding a bottomless pit! She’s lifted 3 inches with 35-inch tires, sporting a mix of Teraflex and BDS suspension. I swear, every time I look at the bank statement, I can almost hear her giggling.
One key lesson I’ve learned through my Jeep adventures? Build your vehicle for your style of wheeling, not just for looks. My second Jeep got a shiny new set of metal bumpers, a flashy LED light bar, and a sound system that could make your ears bleed. But guess what? All that bling added unnecessary weight, which contributed to my turbo burning out faster than a cheap spark plug. Lesson learned: it’s not about the glitz; it’s about the grit!
Since creating Twin City, I’ve also realized the importance of planning. You can’t just grab a group and venture into the desert willy-nilly! I mean, you have a responsibility to bring everyone back in one piece—preferably without anyone resembling a sun-dried tomato.
And let’s talk about the off-road community! The brotherhood that comes with being in an off-road club is something many other groups envy. When you roll out with nine buddies, you can bet that nine will roll back in. I’ve witnessed it firsthand, and it’s a beautiful thing. It’s like a big, muddy family reunion, minus the awkward small talk and with way more horsepower!
So, I hope you all enjoy this blog detailing how we started and where we’re headed next. I’m incredibly proud of our team and everything we’ve accomplished in such a short time.
Can’t wait for the next chapter of our wild ride—stay tuned, and let’s hit the trails!
