The Cronies are the glue that holds Unreal Adventure together. These guys have hundreds of years of combined ‘wheeling and wrenching experience. If you need some help, just ask one of them and they’ll do anything they can. If you need to pull over for any reason, one of these guys is going to pull over with you to lend a hand and also lead you back to catch up with the group. These are the guys that got your back for the duration of the trip.
Keith Bailey
As the owner of Off-Road Connection in Fultondale, Alabama, Keith is equally versed in repairing any 4×4 as he is driving the most challenging terrain imaginable. With a seemingly infinite catalog of off-road information in his head and a smile on his face, Keith is a major asset and a pleasure to ‘wheel alongside.
@offrdconnection
Sam Gillis
As a retired Sergeant Major in the US Army, Sam’s wit is as quick as his ability to get things done. No matter what the task, Sam is one of our go-to guys no matter what the need, from rescuing broken down rigs that won’t move under their own power, to running intricate winch rigging, to anything in between. And his on-point commentary will have your sides splitting with laughter.
Clifton Slay
As a former US Army Airborne, Clifton is our go-to when the brown stuff hits the rotary oscillator. As a lifelong off-road enthusiast, recovery expert, and rescue paramedic, Clifton safeguards both life and limb of our mechanical conveyances as well as our biologics. No matter what the task, from patching a sore foot together to welding an axle back together, Clifton is definitely the right guy for the job.
@hoplite_venturetrek
Ken Smith
A retired US Army combat helicopter pilot who flies all sorts of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, Kenny is as cool as they come, both in demeanor and personality. Willing to help with any task and maintaining a personal arsenal of super-cool off-road vehicles, Ken is our most humble Crony and the least likely to show up in the same vehicle he drove the previous year.
@kenfly64
Dave Chappelle
With his own powerful YouTube channel and a raft of high-profile automotive shows in his portfolio, Dave has all the makings of an elite off-road celebrity but you’d never know it by his humble nature and approachable demeanor. Dave is truly one of the nicest guys you’re ever going to meet, willing to lend you the shirt off his back, and able to fix anything you’re likely to break.
@dirthead_dave
Fred Williams
Along with Christian and Verne, Fred is a former magazine guy, in addition to host of one of the biggest off-road shows that’s ever been aired. Despite the fame, Fred is as down to earth a guy as you’d ever wanna meet, and always willing to do anything to help the event and its participants. He’s always Freddy-on-the-spot, whether it’s running video crew into position, entertaining the audience with on-camera revelry, lending a spare part or tool, or arranging a surprise ice cream delivery.
@4xfredwilliams
Verne Simons
Verne is a creative genius from whose mind springs an eternal volume of unique and memorable trail vehicles. A true renaissance man, Verne simultaneously can tell you in intricate detail all about the terrain’s geology in perfect pantomime of your choice of accent while rebuilding your front diff with his right hand and shooting photos with his left. Verne is also the mastermind and creator behind some of the most memorable off-road vehicle builds ever created, including the Deranged Rover, the CJ-6D, the Wicked Willys, and the Ultimate International. With a former career as a magazine guy alongside Christian and currently President and Chief Fabricator of Verneco Fab, Verne is an off-roading treasure, a great friend, and an exceptional human being.
@verne.simons
Tom Boyd
Tommy is our class clown with a heart of gold. He’s always on hand to provide any help required, lighten the mood with an anecdote or prank, or provide insightful commentary to the camera. Tommy has been on every event we’ve done and it just wouldn’t be UA without him.
@boyd.tom
Chris Durham
If there’s one guy you want on your team in an off-road apocalypse situation it’s Chris. A true Swiss Army knife of a human, Chris “Mr Fix It” Durham can effect a field repair at a higher level of quality than many can muster in a fully stocked shop, drive on- or off-road at a level that rivals any professional racer, and whip up one of the best trail dinners you ever thought possible.
@chrisdurhammotorsports
The Staff
Christian Hazel
With a career as an off-road journalist spanning over 25 years, Christian has lived, breathed, and evolved with the ever-changing 4×4 world, from running the world’s three largest off-road titles, managing numerous events and vehicle builds, and producing/hosting countless video projects. This is not just a hobby for Christian, it’s a lifestyle. He’s a firm follower in the ethos that true success is due to the team you build as much as it is from any individual’s efforts, so the opportunity to lead the exceptional Unreal Adventure team is a highwater mark each year in Christian’s long portfolio of work.
@hbombindustries
Trent McGee
Having a start in the print magazine industry right out of college, first at 4×4 Power and later Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Trent has been an integral part of the off-road community his entire adult life. If there’s a hat with an impressive pedigree attached to it, Trent has worn it, from staff or freelance writer, photographer, hosting TV and video shows, managing several large company’s marketing programs, and enjoying his true calling as an exceptional route planner and event trail guide. Equally adept at piloting a 4×4 through insane terrain, plotting navigation waypoints along a super-interesting route, or speaking smoothly and entertainingly to camera, Trent is an invaluable partner in Unreal Adventure and a key component to the success the event enjoys with audience, participants, and sponsors alike.
@mcgeemedia2