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.
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.
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.
ATV Jamboree
May 2003 - 
Off-Road Adventures
Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. 84-85
Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree in Richfield, Utah.
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.
Moab: Surviving in Red Rock Country
May 2003 Moab Supplement - 
Off-Road
Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. 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
Snowmobiling near Moab, Utah
March  2003- 
4 Wheel Parts Adventures
Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. 30-32
Rock & Roll
February  2003- 
Off-Road
Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. 64-66
Rockcrawling competition returns to Johnson Valley with the Goodyear and Skyjacker rockcrawling finale
Jeepers Jamboree 50th Anniversary
February  2003- 
Off-Road
​Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. ​24-29
50th Anniversary of the Rubicon Jeepers Jamboree
Diesel Transplant
February  2003- 
Off-Road
​Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 70-73
Understanding and improving your braking system.
Tool Time
November  2002- 
Off-Road
Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. ​54-56
The ten tools you must carry in your vehicle.
Sidekick Off Road
October  2002- 
Off Road Expo Program
Article by George Thompson
p. 22
An article about Sidekick Off Road
Strange Brew -- Four-Wheeling in Canada, eh?
October  2002- 
Off-Road
Article by Rick Russell
p. ​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)
p. 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
p. ​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
p. 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
p. ​70-75
Testing of improvements from new camshaft and aluminum heads.
Air Brakes
June 2002 - 
Off-Road
Article & Photography by Rick Russell
p. ​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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. ​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
p. 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
p. ​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
p. 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
p. 98-100
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
p. 30-38
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
June 2001
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility
Article by Rick Curtis
Photography by Rick Russell
p. ​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
p. 90-93
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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. ​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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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)
p. 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
p. 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
​p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. ​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
p. ​144-145
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
p. 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
p. 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
p. ​64-65
Affordable prices keep used 3-wheeler market alive.
Big Bear California
Oct. 1991
Dirt Wheels
Article by Dirt Wheels staff
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
p. 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
Outdoor's 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
p. 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
p. 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