Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo Driving Event

I had a chance to attend the Bronco Off-Roadeo over the past weekend. This event was created as an exclusive, complimentary off-road driving school and adventure experience for new Bronco and Bronco Sport owners to learn vehicle capabilities.  It is sponsored by Ford for new Bronco and Bronco Sport owners.

When I bought my Bronco about seven months ago, Cary Crouch at Blackwell Ford told me about the Off-Roadeo.  I’m not a hard core off-roader, so I initially dismissed it as just a nice perk of ownership.  That quickly evolved into a new adventure and a new appreciation for my truck.

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Bronco Off-Roadeo Locations

When the sixth generation of the Bronco was launched in 2021, Ford also created the Off-Roadeo events.  The events were designed as a masterclass to teach owners proper trail navigation, safety, and how to use tech features like G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes.

During the 2021 vehicle launch, Ford opened four regional locations: 

• Austin (Texas)
• Moab (Utah)
• Las Vegas (Nevada)
• Gilford (New Hampshire) 

In late 2024, they opened their fifth location in Maryville, TN.  This is about 30 miles southeast of Knoxville and the closest one to my home in Michigan. The Tennessee location also introduced a hilly, densely forested ecosystem. The tight trails, mud, ruts, and tree-lined obstacles contrast sharply with the desert sands of Las Vegas, the red rocks of Moab, and the mountains of New Hampshire.

The basecamp is situated right at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it a prime destination for an extended overlanding vacation. 

Getting Ready

After driving my Bronco through a Michigan winter, I wanted to learn more about its off-road capabilities.  Ford pays for my attendance at the Off-Roadeo, but I can bring an additional driving guest for $195.  

My wife has zero interest in off-roading, so I invited my son, Will, to attend.  Will bought a new Jeep Wrangler in 2024, so I felt he would benefit from the training.  Will and I met in nearby Lenoir City, TN the night before the event, then drove over to Maryville in the morning.

Driving Event

Ford provided a group of Broncos to use for the training, so there was no worry about damaging my truck.  We were separated into three groups of six vehicles. Each group was assigned an instructor who is well-versed in off-road driving and the features of the Bronco.  My group was assigned Darren for the day.

This was a full day event, with the morning spent learning off-road techniques and vehicle features.  Before lunch, we spent time on the trails learning basic maneuvers and trail safety.  After a delicious lunch, we headed back to the trails for more intense driving.

I did some off-roading as a teen in the 1970s, but nothing like Off-Roadeo.  As a teen, my vision of off-roading was more akin to Baja driving–fast speeds over bumpy terrain.  Typical off-roading is done at very low speeds, with a focus on vehicle control.  Most of our time was spent in four wheel drive low range, crawling at speeds under 5 mph. 

As I approached one of the first serious trails, I thought “there is no way I would ever take my Bronco this far off-road.” By the time I finished the day, I began thinking of several trails and sand dunes I want to try.  This is a tribute to the capabilities of the Bronco, we well as the strength of my instructor.

Our instructor, Darren, was outstanding.  His experience was obvious, and his ability to keep us motivated and encouraged was truly effective.  I’ve attended many product driving events in my career with great instructors. Darren ranks at the top. He is that good.

Key Vehicle Features 

The Broncos in our group were the higher level off-road trims.  All had selectable front and rear locking differentials, which lock the axles to force both wheels to spin at the exact same speed. This delivers maximum torque directly to the tires with grip, easily pulling you out of mud, sand, or deep ruts.

My personal Bronco has the basic GOAT modes, but no lockers.  We did not use the lockers often, but they were handy in a pinch.  I’m not sure I will miss that feature with my type of driving.

Luckily, all Broncos come with Trail Control, which operates like an off-road cruise control for speeds up to 20 mph.  This manages throttle and braking so the driver can focus entirely on steering through obstacles.  I like this feature and plan to use it down the road (or trail!).

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been part of some really good driving events in my career.  This ranks at the top.  It was extremely well organized, and the combination of classroom instruction and trail driving was effective, challenging and fun. Will has done a little off-roading in his Jeep, but seemed to pick up some new tips this weekend.  It was fun to watch his growth.

Part of me wishes I bought a more capable Bronco, but overall I am even more excited with my purchase.  Ford should try to find a way to bottle this off-road experience for prospective buyers.  It is a cool adventure that makes you appreciate your purchase.