The 2023 results.
The 2024 Plans.
A little bit about our Mohawk Trail Challenge history.
What is the Mohawk Trail Challenge? When the event was created, it was a 4×4 endurance route the club leadship and founders had laced together into a loop with some of the most challenging and scenic unmaintained roads and public right of ways in the state. Some of these are known as Legacy Trails and are hundreds of years old. Our first use of the loop in the northwest Berkshires and around the Mohawk Trail highway was over 30 miles. Talented and knowledgable members have helped us grow the total available length and connectivity to up to 70 miles of adventure.
The original challenge is to complete the 30+ mile loop in about 13 hours. Or the 70+ mile loop! Having a lot of route options is very helpful. Trail rides of this magnitude require volunteerism by our members and additional volunteers in the local communities. We are very fortunate to have such generous and experienced volunteers that are always willing to help people with less experience and/or help lesser equipped 4WD vehicles. We do try to offer both less challenging routes and more challenging routes. Therefore, multiple groups will use alternative options or sections of the loop, as well as common sections of the loop during this main event. We like for the event to be inclusive and inviting to a variety of vehicle operators and their vehicles.
*Let’s put the FUN in FUN-DRAISING!*
In 2018 there was a lot of discussion about “The Challenge” aspect. Was it becoming a competition? The consensus was no, it’s not a competition. “The Challenge,” is teamwork and cooperation and to have as many vehicles as possible go from start to finish. In 2018 we gave a trophy to the couple (not pictured) that completed the Challenge and exemplified the Spirit of Mohawk 4×4 Adventures. Mohawk 4×4 Adventures offers family friendly event organization and execution. (Below is a picture of a founding member and what he’s become in the last 10 years.) Motivation, Inspiration and Leadership – but in a fun way!
In 2020, an idea was presented to the club’s board of directors and a vision was created. The Mohawk Trail Challenge would include a new challenge. Our epic trail loops would become an epic fundraisers, too. We had set a goal of providing 10,000 meals by donating $2500 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
We have been working towards our goals for 4 years with a 5th year coming up now, in 2024.
Mohawk 4×4 Adventures would like to thank our members, families and friends for supporting all of the fundraisers for The Food Bank of Western Mass . We are looking forward to the 2024 event series. Very generous donations by our club, our members and our friends and family raised $2,830 this past year. This amount raises the bar! Our collections will help the Food Bank deliver 8,490 meals to those in need in 2024. Our motorized 4WD community has raised the bar higher than ever before raising. (This has been an incredible year!)
Since 2020, this club has raised $9,104 which is 33,586 meals. We donate every penny collected and the donations have no overhead expenses to cover.
Every rig in attendance on the Nov 25th, 2023 event completed the entire Mohawk Trail Challenge! That’s about 50 miles of two-track roads, natural ledge, rocks and water – and it is uphill almost all the way. It is the first time during the event that every rig completed it. Our experienced Trail Guides made sure we had a plan for success for everyone, and we experienced no major delays or breakage. There was a lot of talent and teamwork on display!
Mohawk 4×4 Adventures then added a second challenge for Dec 30th, 2023. With less intimidating trails on private property. we wanted to raise more money. Drivers pushed the envelope on optional obstacles or stuck to the easier main trail. Volunteers helped coordinate safety inspections, check-in and we were ready to rock and/or roll on an excellent trip after a quick driver’s safety meeting. And that, my friends, is a HUGE check in the done column. Thank you.
Inflation is hurting everybody, including non-profit and charitable organizations. Mohawk 4×4 Adventures, Inc and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts have been affected.
Adapt and overcome.
Our previous events for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts were able to acquire 4 meals/$1 with our donations. This year’s challenge really surprised us – like a stump just over the crest of a hill right into our collective steering linkage. The value per dollar dropped to 3 meals/$1. To reach our goal of funding 10,000 meals, our club, donors and participants would need to contribute even more. Despite raising more donations than ever before, we only funded for 8,490 meals. This past year was a learning experience, and our 2024 plan is in place to meet the increased funding goals. How will we change our event to achieve the new financial goals?
The 5th Annual Food Drive for the Food Bank of Western Mass is already on the schedule for November 30 and December 29, 2024. A big change for this coming event is that we are starting off planning a two part event. One event will feature our classic tour and the most challenging trails. The second event will be less difficult, but on purpose built 4×4 trails on private property similar to what we did this year. Our goal of 10,000 meals, for the eligible people of Western Massachusetts, will remain the same. The estimated dollar amount to reach that goal is currently $3,334.
A new strategy is being planned for 2024. Secure collection boxes placed in locations that are local to the board of directors and volunteers will lessen the burden on our members.
The Food Bank of Western Mass has been servicing the area since 1982 and distributing food to the residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a national network of 200 food banks.
Mohawk 4×4 Adventures, Inc and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts partnership are ready to meet the new challenges and will continue to deliver nourishing meals to the people in Western Massachusetts in the upcoming years.