2016 EXPLORING ELEMENTS: Year In Review

Winter Arizona solo moto adventures to start off the year

2016 was full of adventure on the road less traveled! I’ve now lived the nomadic North American overland lifestyle for over 5 years, with glimmers of change in the air, as international flights have already been booked, and the possibility of a home base on the east coat to launch adventures further afield from materialize. While I still struggle every day to create positive financials, relationships, friendships and an adventure balance in life, which is both fulfilling and sustainable, it is all worth it to live life on my own terms.

Discovered the gem that is Brian Head Resort

A HUGE thanks has to go out to all the people and companies who believe in the life of adventure, and all that we do here at Exploring Elements. In 2016 by far the biggest supporters where Garmin/DeLorme and Ninkasi (Team Total Domination). Without the support of these amazing companies it would be hard to keep this site alive. Remember to support quality companies with your hard earned dollars!

The KTM 640 Adv is so fun, and soooo buzzy!

I put my home on wheels up FOR SALE this year, the EEXP, with no new adventure partner found for this incredible overland adventuremobile just yet. I also sold my KTM 640 Adv, and purchased a KTM 950 Adv, which I’ve already ridden over 6,000 miles. I’ve got lots of foreign adventure plans, new 4-wheeled adventuremobile build ideas and 2-wheeled adventures in the planning stages for 2017.

Preparing for 12 days of self supported winter paddling down the Grand Canyon

The photos and links here should give you a pretty solid recap of all the happenings here with Exploring Elements in 2016. I’ve already got lots of big adventures, more in-depth gear reviews and I’m sure a few surprises for us all to enjoy in the works for 2017. Check out the Exploring Elements SCHEDULE to stay up to date with what we’re up to.

Crossing the not so Little Colorado River

Camping with friends WAY off the beaten path!

ADVENTURES

2016 was full of adventures, shows and events across America. While the travel was plentiful, I put in far fewer road miles than years past, and still yearn for more international travels. I will fully admit that with 5 years of roaming across North America I still have MANY places to visit and experiences to have, with a to do list that just keeps getting longer, as I take in the diverse sights and sounds that this continent has to offer.

2016 Adventures:

MY TRIBE: Overland Expo East 2016

Vermont Overland Rally 2016

SWEATSTIVAL: Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival 2016

Northwest Overland Rally 2016

HYDRO-FEST: Hydro Flight Takes Off

OVERLAND EXPO 2016: “Blowverland Expo”

ADVENTURE DRIVEN: Crossing The Not So Little Colorado

OPENING DAY 2016: South Fork American River

The 30th Annual Santa Cruz Paddlefest

A WHOLE NEW CHALLENGE: Off-Road on Two Wheels with PSSOR

Lots of cold Ninkasi flowing at Overland Expo 2016

Adventurist Life showing that you don’t need a large or expensive adventuremobile to have some fun!

GEAR

So much gear, so little time! I love putting outdoor, adventure and off-road vehicle equipment to the real world test of life on the road. I got to share a bunch of interesting in-depth reviews in 2016, and highlight a few more in the LIFE OF ADVENTURE: Holiday Gift Guide. I was also able to give you an industry inside look at the latest in outdoor gear at BEST OF: Summer OR Show 2016 & Winter Outdoor Retailer 2016.

DISCOVERY

There is so much to discover on our travels, online and through others. I learned a lot from all of the above in 2016, and tried to absorb as much knowledge and experience form the world around me as possible.

Ski Resorts:

BRIAN HEAD RESORT: Who Knew?, Discover Solitude in The Wasatch

Books:

OVERLAND: Work Less To Live Your Dreams

Vehicles:

SEMA 2016: The Jeep Invasion Continues, SNAPSHOT: Mastodon Motor Company, SNAPSHOT: Australia Adventuremobile, SNAPSHOT: Couch Offroad Engineering

Whitewater:

Our favorite colorful contributor Bobby “The Dogg” Miller checked in with some awesome tales of whitewater action in 2016: From Wreck to Redemption, A DOGG TALE: Putting the Party in the Braap!, A RIVER ON FIRE: First Annual Cuyahoga Falls Race, THE FIERY CRUCIBLE: First Descent of Shannondale Falls.

Side work, photography & ops, at the Northern Nights Music Festival

Tread Magazine photo shoot with the AT Overland Dodge Truck Camper build

In 2016 I was also lucky enough to get the opportunity to create quality content for companies, online outlets, magazines and events such as: Ninkasi, DeLorme, Garmin, Buckstop, Maxtrax, AT Overland Equipment, Adventure Driven, Jackcovers, Icon Raiden, Autoweek, Canoe & Kayak, Outdoor X4, Tread, Diesel World, Gear Junkie, Santa Cruz Paddlefest, Northwest Overland Rally, Northern Nights Music Festival and Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival.

Bobby “The Dogg” Miller getting his BRAAP on

Introduced my niece to kneeboaring and wakesurfing

Remember that you can help keep the #LifeOfAdventure rolling down the road, and the quality content coming on this website, by purchasing Exploring Elements gear from the STORE, purchasing products on Amazon through THIS link or by buying us a cold one or tank of gas by making a Paypal donation HERE.

5K+ miles on my KTM 950 Adv over 26 days

Camped along the Trailway in Newfoundland

Fuel pump failure in the middle of the Trans-Labrador Hwy

Thanks for following along on the journey! A special thanks goes out to all the new and old friends who made this year one for the record books. I look forward to being inspired by you all, and hopefully providing some inspiration, in 2017.

Cheers, Bryon Dorr