5:00 in the morning. Dion Kedian and Derek Greber embarked on a trip they would never forget. A trip that took over six solid months of careful calculating and planning; a trip that was changed over and over again until it had been perfected.
[Not a valid template]The two KJ enthusiasts departed for the Red Rock Challenge in Moab, and it would take them across Canada, down through the United States, and all the way to the scorching climates of Moab, Utah during a hot summer in July.
Hosted by the KJ Expeditionary Group, the Overland Expeditions Team readily jumped to the occasion and had begun planning for the challenge well in advance.
The team consisted of: Dion Kedian, a British Ex-pat of Milton Ontario, Canada; Derek Greber, a Polish ex-pat of Mississauga Ontario, Canada; Scott Cole of Tennessee, USA, also known as “The Boss” of Illinois, USA. Over the next six months, the team worked tirelessly to prepare for a trip they would not soon forget.
For this incredible journey, the team chose two Silver 2006 Jeep ® Liberties, and would live, sleep and eat from these amazing machines in a true test of their mechanical endurance.
Back in time to 5am.
Dion waited patiently for Derek to arrive in the Liberty with bags packed. Still dark outside, Dion saw the tell tale silhouette of a Jeep Liberty, expedition-ready, pull around the corner. Dion picked up his bags and placed them in the Liberty, and hopped in the passenger seat anticipating the journey ahead.
Dion then checked the wireless laptop mounted in the Liberty, GPS-ready and connected, and received a confirmation email from Scott in Tennessee saying that he was ready to go and looked forward to meeting the team. The Red Rock Challenge was a go!
As Derek drove out of the Greater Toronto area, Dion inspected the GPS data, confirmed their route, and prepared for the first leg of the journey.
As the sun broke, the duo arrived in Tobermory Ontario and prepared to embark the formidable Chi-Cheemaun Ferry to South Baymouth on Manatoulin Island. On the Ferry, Derek inspected the GPS data on the laptop and discovered they have only travelled 235 kilometres…another 8800 kilometres to go. The team is both excited and awe struck at the sheer length of the journey ahead.
The team arrived at South Baymouth Manatoulin Island and continued immediately north on Highway 6. As they exited the Ferry, they were given waves from pedestrians, saw some people taking photographs while others stared as they had never seen a Jeep Liberty with a 2.5 inch lift, off-highway tires, lights pointing in every direction, a roof rack loaded with a spare tire and a variety of weather proof storage solutions, and decals from front to rear. An impressive sight, or so it would seem to onlookers.