Magazine Articles
written by Rick Russell and/or photos by Rick Russell
or articles written by other authors about
Sidekick Off Road, Rick Russell or one of his vehicles
| Article Title | Magazine | Credit | Pages | Article Summary | |
| Slow Down | March 2011 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article by Rick Russell & Photography by Rick Russell & Bud Oliveira | p.24-28 | A Banks exhaust brake will keep your downhill speed in check | |
| Winter Driving Techniques | January 2011 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.16-18 | How to get the most out of a snow run | |
| Cover Photo | January 2011 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Photography by Rick Russell | front cover | How to get the most out of a snow run | |
| Internet Forum Goes Off-Roading |
March 2009 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.8-13 | FJ Cruiser Summit provided an opportunity for enthusiasts to meet in person. Most of attendees initially could only recognize one another by their screen name. | |
| Winter Snow Mushing - What does it take? | December 2008 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.14-16 | 26th California Winter Fun Fest | |
| Cover Photo | December 2008 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Photography by Rick Russell | front cover | 26th Winter Fun Fest in Grass Valley, CA | |
| Jeep AJ-8 Build-up, Part 2 |
August 2008 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.66-71 | How Rick Russell built his sidekick rig | |
| Jeep AJ-8 Build-up, Part 1 |
July 2008 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.28-37 | How Rick Russell planned to build his sidekick rig | |
| Can Four-Wheeling Be Considered Work? | May 2008 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.64-68 | Moab, Utah is a photographer's dream | |
| Dan Mick's Guided Jeep Tours | May 2008 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Photography by Rick Russell | p.12-14 | In Moab, Who to see when you want to see | |
| Slots, Entertainment, Mega Food & 4-Wheeling | April 2007 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.36-38 | Toyota Owners Rendezvous in Las Vegas | |
| Work Truck or Big Boy's Toy? You be the judge | March 2007 -
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.76-84 | A truck build-up | |
| Thinking About Upgrading Your Drive Train? | 2006 - Sportsman's Gear | Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.8-9 | A press release about Drive Trail Direct | |
| Rick's AJ-8 Custom Vehicle Photo | Summer 2005 -
Quadratec Catalog |
Photography by Rick Russell | Cover & Inside Cover Page | Photo of Rick Russell's AJ-8 Custom AJ-8 Custom Vehicle | |
| Moab Survival Guide Map |
Spring 2005 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Topographical Map
by Rick Russell |
p.30-31 | Map of all Moab area trails | |
| Third Generation Wheelers | 2004 | Article & Photography by Rick Russell | At the Colorado All-4-Fun Event in 2002 at Silverton a couple of Drifter Club members' rigs were noticed. | ||
| An Off-Road Course for the Honda Pilot | 2004 | Article & Photography by Rick Russell | Rick describes how he designed an off road course to show-off the capabilities of the Honda Pilot, their new SUV. | ||
| Basic Cherokee Upgrades | March 2004 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.96-102 | Making your XJ more off-road ready | |
| Cherokee Steering Beef-up |
February 2004 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.36-44 | Upgrading the suspension and increasing the size of the tires on your XJ Cherokee will greatly improve its off-road capabilities. The side effects of these upgrades can be significant, however, particularly for your steering components. | |
| By The Light Of The Moon | January 2004 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article by Rick Russell
Photography by Hossein Saeedy |
p.82-89 | 'Wheeling Jackhammer under cover of night | |
| Hot Dam, Trail Ride | January 2004 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article by Rick Russell
Photography by Rick Russell & Aaron Vandersomers |
p.74-77 | Dam Road Trail near Cedar City, Utah | |
| Limited-Slip or Locker? | January 2004 -
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.84-89 | The new Detroit Electrac is both a limited-slip and a locker. | |
| Hard-Shell Scrambler | December 2003 -
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.44-45 | Mike Starkebaum's 1983 CJ8, a no-nonsense, simply built vehicle for rugged terrrain. | |
| Fourth Year RCAA, First Year Modified Stock | November 2003-
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.48-55 | The 2003 rock crawling season opens with a new vehicle class. | |
| Behind The Scenes | August 2003-
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.46-50 | How to design a Rockcrawling Course. Designing routes over obstacles that will push drivers and vehicles to their limits. | xx |
| Kids On Public Lands | July 2003 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.36-42 | Inner city kids are brought to the forest to enjoy a 4WD ride, lunch, and lessons about the forest. | xx |
| Low Range Action in Reno, Nevada | July 2003 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.38-42,96-97 | The 2003 Goodyear/Skyjacker Rock Crawling Championship Series Begins in Reno, Nevada | |
| Tera's CRD 60R | July 2003 -
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.36-42 | A new reverse-cut differential designed for the rear of your 4x4. | xx |
| ATV Jamboree | May 2003 -
Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.84-85 | Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree in Richfield, Utah. | xx |
| Limited Slip or Locker | May 2003-
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | p.94-100 | The new Detroit Electrac is both limited slip and locker. | xx |
| Moab: Surviving in Red Rock Country | May 2003
Moab Supplement - Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 26-28 | Rick wrote article, assembled info and a two page map which covers all the major trails in Moab for this separate supplement about Moab. | |
| Detroit Truetrac with Attitude | March 2003-
4 Wheel Parts Adventures |
Article by Rick Russell | p.24-28 | xx | |
| Snowmobiling near Moab, Utah | March 2003-
4 Wheel Parts Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 30-32 | ||
| Rock & Roll | February 2003-
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 64-66 | Rockcrawling competition returns to Johnson Valley with the Goodyear/Skyjacker rockcrawling finale | |
| Jeepers Jamboree 50th Anniversary | February 2003-
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 24-29 | 50th Anniversary of the Rubicon Jeepers Jamboree | |
| Diesel Transplant | February 2003-
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 32-41 | The ultimate power plant for a Ford: Cummins Diesel Swap | |
| All-4-Fun 2002 | January 2003-
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 32-35 | http://www.off-roadweb.com/events/0301or_trailride/ | |
| On The Rocks | January 2003-
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 24-31 | 2002 Cedar City, Utah rock crawling event. Article describes the difficult task to design a competitive rock crawling course. | |
| Brakes | November 2002-
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 70-73 | Understanding and improving your braking system. | |
| Tool Time | November 2002-
Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 54-56 | The ten tools you must carry in your vehicle. | |
| Sidekick Off Road | October 2002-
Off Road Expo Program |
Article by George Thompson | 22 | An article about Sidekick Off Road | |
| Strange Brew -- Four-Wheeling in Canada, eh? | October 2002-
Off-Road |
Article by Rick Russell | 26-28 | 4 Wheeling on trails in Quebec, Canada. | |
| Rockin' The Roof in Farmington | August 2002- Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell (team Off-Road) | 68-71 | An interview with Mike Shaffer, the winner of the 2002 Farmington, NM ARCA rock crawling competition | |
| 36th Annual Easter Jeep Safari - Moab, Utah 2002 | August 2002- Off-Road |
Article by Rick Russell | 22-25 | Another exciting week 4 wheeling in Moab, Utah during the Easter Jeep Safari. | |
| Is Your 4x4 Trail-Ready? | July 2002 - Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 46-48 | Eighteen pre-run checks will help avoid common breakdowns on the trail. | |
| Bolt-On Power for a 350ci Chevy: (part 2) | June 2002 - Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 70-75 | Testing of improvements from new camshaft and aluminum heads. | |
| Air Brakes | June 2002 - Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 80-84 | Installation and testing of the new Gale Banks Exhaust Brake System | |
| Bolt-On Power for a 350ci Chevy: What do you really get for your money? (part 1) | May 2002 - Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 66-71 | The installation of two bolt-on performance products: a new camshaft and aluminum heads, which should provide the small-block Chevy with substantial horsepower gain. | |
| Women Rock | March 2002 - 4 Wheeler |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | Rock Crawling Championships features a new women's series | ||
| Rockcrawling at its Best | March 2002 - Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell & Aaron Vandersommers | 22-25 | The final event in the 2001 ARCA Series in Farmington, New Mexico. | |
| Out in the Cold | January 2002 - 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 54-61 | This article is an off-roaders' guide to winter wheeling. | |
| Hot, Stock and Competitive | Dec./Jan. 2002 - 4 Wheel Parts: Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 70-75 | An article about the First Women's National Rock Crawling Championship in Farmington, New Mexico in October, 2001. Learn about the women who drove in this challenging event. | |
| Rock 'n' Roll in Cedar City | December 2001 Off-Road |
Article by Rick Russell, Photography by Rick Russell & Russ Douglas | 20-22 | Round III of ARCA's National Rock Crawling Championships pushes the sport to new limits | |
| Hi Desert Roundup | November
2001 - 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article by Russ Douglas - Photography by Rick Russell | 96-100 | Pictures and an article about the annual event, High Desert Roundup, that takes place near Barstow, California. | |
| Off Season in Moab | Oct./Nov. 2001 - 4 Wheel Parts: Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 32-35 | More activities to enhance your Moab experience. | |
| 35th Annual Easter Jeep Safari | August
2001 Off-Road |
Article by Rick Russell, Photography by Rick Russell & Randall Jachmann | 18-20 | Red Rock 4-Wheelers add another event to their legacy | |
| The Hybrid Dana 60 | August 2001 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 46-55 | A detailed installation article about Currie Enterprises' new Dana 60 front end that was installed on Rick Russell's CJ6. (note: Rick loves this tough, new front end) | |
| Searching for History in the San Juan Mountains | June/July 2001 - 4 Wheel Parts: Off-Road Adventures |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 92-95 | The trails between Telluride, Silverton and Ouray are perfect for sport utility owners who want to explore scenic backroads, mining remnants and historical sites. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #15-Silverton Colorado Video | |
| Heavy Muscle | July 2001 Off-Road |
Photography by Rick Russell | 98,99,100 | A detailed buildup article about Rick Russell's F-250 4WD dually pickup. For more details go to our website article: 1985 4x4 F250 Pickup Truck (notice the "before" pictures on our website and the "after" pictures in the magazine article) | |
| Trail Readiness | July 2001 Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 30,31,32, 33,34,35, 36,37,38 |
A detailed article about what you should carry in your 4x4 to be ready for easy backcountry roads or for the most extreme off road trails. For more details go to our website article: What to Carry in Your 4x4 & Equipping Your Vehicle | |
| Rock It | July 2001 Off-Road |
Photography by Rick Russell | 18,19,20 | Photos of Goodyear's Extreme Rock Crawling event in Johnson Valley and other locations. | |
| Where In The World Is Poteau? | June 2001 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article by Rick Curtis Photography by Rick Russell |
34 | The article explores the Kiamichi Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma where the trails are rugged, forested, and sometimes muddy. | |
| This Rocks | Feb. 2001 Car & Driver |
Article & Photos by Dan Neil | 90,91,92,93 | The article's author, Dan Neil, was given a chance to watch Goodyear's Extreme Rock Crawling Championship in Chokecherry Canyon, New Mexico. He also was able to experience 4 wheeling by driving Rick Russell's CJ-6. Page 93 describes his adventure with Rick Russell in a humorous fashion: "Rick Russell is one of the grand old men of off-roading, and with his white beard, bandana, and sun-roasted skin, he looks it." | |
| Smash It Up | Jan. 2001 Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 78-81 | This article describes the action, rules and competitors at Goodyear's Extreme Rock Crawling Championship in Farmington, New Mexico. | |
| Super Dana 300 | June 2000 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 82 | A new, Dana 300 transfer case is stronger and lower geared. | |
| Stage 3 Cherokee Buildup | Aug. 1999 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 76,77,79, 80,81 |
This describes the buildup of a Cherokee. For more details go to our website article: 1990 Cherokee Project: Stage 3 | |
| Say Cheese! Videotaping Arizona Trails | Sept. 1998 Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Pewe | 96-98 | An article and photos showing the action on the Arizona trails that are featured on Rick Russell's Off Highway Adventure Video #12-Arizona Trails: Martinez Canyon, Woodpecker, and Upper Terminator. For more details go to our website description of this video: #12 Arizona Trails Video | |
| 31st Annual Sierra Trek | Mar. 1998 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 24-32 | The annual Sierra Trek 4WD run is one of Rick's favorites because of the beautiful mountain setting in Northern California, the good food, the choice of easy and hard trails, and the friendly people who attend. For more information on this event: http://www.cal4wheel.com/ then click on "events" | |
| Chokecherry On Video | Dec. 1997 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 24-32 | Making a video takes months of preparation: select the location and trails, invite a small group of local 4 wheelers, prepare vehicles, prepare camera and sound equipment, arrange transportation and lodging/camping for the video crew, conduct drivers' meetings, on-camera interviews, run the trail, repair vehicles and review footage each night. After a few days on the trail, Rick drives back to the office and begins 200-400 hours of studio editing in order to complete a video. | |
| Street & Trail Transmission | Jan. 1997 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 68,69,70,72 | Rick installed the 5 speed NV4500 transmission on his CJ6. | |
| Telluride & Beyond | Jan. 1997 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Lloyd
Richards (from Sidekick Off Road) |
60-67 | The 10th Annual Rotary 4x4 Tour takes place on the trails between Telluride, Silverton and Ouray. This article includes GPS readings. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #15-Silverton Colorado Video | |
| 4x4 Ultimate Communications | Oct. 1996 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 66-71 | Getting a "No Code" (Ham) Amateur Radio License is easier than you think. | |
| Jeeper's Jamboree | May 27, 1996 Auto Week |
Article & Photography by Mark Vaughn | 30,31 | Cover Photos include one of Rick's CJ6. Article includes photos of Rick's CJ6. Article describes Rubicon Trail Jeepers Jamboree. | |
| Sierra Trek | Feb. 1996 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 16-27 | Fun on Fordyce Creek Trail and More. The annual Sierra Trek 4WD run is one of Rick's favorites because of the beautiful mountain setting in Northern California, the good food, the choice of easy and hard trails, and the friendly people who attend. For more information on this event: http://www.cal4wheel.com/ then click on "events" | |
| Jackhammer | Dec. 1995 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Phil Howell |
46-53 | The article describes a trip with Rick and his friends on Johnson Valley, California's Jackhammer Trail, near Sledgehammer Trail. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #8-Sledgehammer Trail Video | |
| A Good Sidekick | Oct. 16, 1995 Auto Week |
Article by Mark Vaughn | 52 | "For neophytes, the '4 Wheeling Basics' instructional video is the best place to start" He also describes our Off Road Maps as "route descriptions about as complete as you can get." For more details go to our website description of this video: 4 Wheeling Basics Video | |
| Clayton Mud | April 1995 Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road |
Article & Photography by David Freiburger | Clayton, Oklahoma is a great place to four wheel in the forest and mud and deep ditches. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #7-Clayton, Oklahoma | ||
| Jeep Towing Tricks | Mar. 1995 Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 102-105 | Tri-County Gear in Pomona, California tunes up a Dana 300 transfer case. Here are a few tricks that allow you to flat-tow your 4x4 without burning up your transfer case. | |
| Outdoors Column | Jan. 1995 Los Angeles Times |
Outdoors Column | C7 | "One of the most popular attractions [at the Sports Vacation & RV Show at the Anaheim, CA Convention Center] has been the Hummer display at the Sidekick Off Road Map booth." (note: Rick was able to borrow three Hummers during 18 months, driving 35,000 miles) | |
| Surprise Canyon | Nov. 1993 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Phil Howell |
60,61,62,76 | Surviving the road to Panamint City. | |
| Because You Can: Exploring the vertical route to a ghost town | October 18. 1993 Auto Week |
Article & Photography by Mark Vaughn | Rick and his CJ6 are pictured on the cover on Surprise Canyon Trail in the Panamint Mountains near Death Valley, California. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #5-Panamint Mountains Video | ||
| Is The Ershim Trail A Dusy? | May 1993 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 60-65 | This article describes the Dusy/Ershim Trail in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, east of Fresno. This remote, difficult trail is located between two Wilderness areas. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #3-Dusy Trail Video | |
| Ride Spot: Hungry Valley & Alamo Mtn. | June 1993 Chaparral Reporter |
Article by Rick Russell | 13 | Hungry Valley is a great place to go 'wheeling with a 4WD, ATV or motorcycle. This area is about 55 miles north of Los Angeles, CA. | |
| Pismo Dunes | April 1993 Chaparral Reporter |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 1 | Pismo Dunes is a large sand dune off road area right on the beach near San Luis Obispo in central California. | |
| Calico | July 1992 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article by Rob Bourgeau | 44-45 | Trails near the California desert ghost town of Calico are described and pictured. | |
| Strictly Business | May, 1992 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility |
Article by Alan Phillips | 58-59 | This article features Rick Russell's custom-built 1956 CJ6 that is used to explore and map rough terrain. For more details about this vehicle go to our website description: CJ6 Buildup | |
| Off-road map series helps guide motorists to the wilds | March 28, 1992 The Orange County Register |
Article by G. Chambers Williams III | E4 | A product review of our Off Road Maps. | |
| Good Thing Award | Jan. 1992 Dirt Wheels |
Article by Dennis Cox | 12 | Sidekick's Off Road Maps were listed as 'Good Thing #7" out of 10 items. | |
| ATV Bargains | Dec. 1991 Dirt Wheels |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 64-65 | Affordable prices keep used 3-wheeler market alive. | |
| Big Bear California | Oct. 1991 Dirt Wheels |
Article by Dirt Wheels staff | 50-53 | Rick and his young children are seen riding ATVs on trails in the Big Bear area of the San Bernardino Mountains of California. | |
| Too Hot In The Desert? Try riding Across The Border | Aug, 1991 San Diego Off Roader |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 22-23 | Tips, trails, off-road areas in northern Baja, Mexico. | |
| The Evolution of Pismo Dunes | July 1991 San Diego Off Roader |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 16-17 | Pismo Dunes is a large sand dune off road area right on the beach near San Luis Obispo in central California. | |
| Fearless Foursome | June 1991 Off-Road |
Article by Tom Morr | 68-70 | Rick's 1956 CJ6 is pictured along with three other custom-built 4x4s. For more details about this vehicle go to our website description: CJ6 Buildup | |
| Canyon Surprises | May 1991 Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road |
Article by Ed Fortson | A group of custom-built vehicles, including Rick's CJ6 were featured traveling in the Panamint Mountains near Death Valley, California. For more details of this area go to our website description of this video: #5-Panamint Mountains Video | ||
| 4x4 Reservation | April 1991 Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road |
Article & Photography by Stuart Bourdon | 44-45 | Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, east of Temecula, California used to be a challenging place to go four wheeling. When the area was open to the public, Sidekick published a map of these trails. | |
| Off The Beaten Path | Aug. 15, 1990 Los Angeles Times |
Article by Rich Roberts Photography by J. Albert Diaz |
Outdoors Page | "For those who go off the beaten path Russell's' Sidekick Maps make those hard-to-find spots easier to reach." This article was written about Rick Russell, his rugged CJ6, where to go four wheeling in Southern California, and why he left his corporate management job to start a business concentrating on what he loved to do: four wheeling. | |
| Gonzaga Bay or Bust! | June 1990 Off-Road Advertiser |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 18-20 | Rick loves traveling to Mexico. Gonzaga Bay is south of San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. | |
| Rick Russell of Chino | April 1990 Los Angeles Times |
Article by Pete Thomas | Outdoors Column | Description of Sidekick's Off Road Maps (19 lines). | |
| Sidekick Off Road Maps | May 1990 Dirt Wheels |
Article & Photography by Rick Russell | 40-43 | Several off road areas in Southern California were described in this article. |
| Rick's Photographs have been seen in: Sidekick's Off Road Event Calendar: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001,2002,2003 Ramsey Winch Catalogs: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Sun Performance Catalogs - 4 Wheel Drive Hardware Catalogs - Jeep World Magazine: Oct. 1993 - Currie Enterprises Catalogs |
| Product releases featuring Sidekick's Off Road Calendars, Videos and Maps have been seen in dozens of off road magazines |
