The Trail, The Heat, and a Whole Lot of Jeepin’
The #STOPPINGTHEWORLDtour continues with a stop at one of the most iconic off-road events in the U.S.—Jeepers Jamboree on the Rubicon Trail.
The R1 Concepts crew rolled into Georgetown, California, joined by our event partner Nitto Tires, for a weekend packed with technical terrain, unexpected breakdowns, and nonstop adventure. From the start of the Rubicon Trail to Buck Island, this trip pushed both people and builds to the limit.
Between overheating brakes, suspension failures, and six-hour trail days, we got a front-row seat to why proper off-road gear matters more than ever.
What Went Down on the Rubicon Trail
Kicking things off at the Rubicon entrance, spirits were high. But it didn’t take long before the terrain started testing everyone. A broken upper control arm link, tight rock crawls, and creative maneuvers like using sliders to pivot the chassis became the norm.
By the time the crew reached Buck Island, everyone had a few battle scars. Limited water, fading energy, and the constant concern over fuel kept things interesting. But with good company, trail humor, and solid gear, we powered through.
Quotes from the trip say it all:
“Take it at a really weird angle”
“You’re using your slider to pivot quite a bit”
“That was six hours start to Buck Island”
Off-Road Tested, Trail Approved: Our Brake Setup
The word “heat” was repeated over and over on this trail run, and for good reason. Trail braking under load builds up serious thermal stress. That’s where our off-road-focused brake system showed its strength.
Our recommended setup for the Rubicon:
R1 GEO-Carbon Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors
Designed to improve cooling and reduce fade on extended descents and rock crawling.
R1 PERFORMANCE Off-Road/Tow Series Brake Pads
Formulated for aggressive trail use, towing, and heavy loads with consistent stopping power in extreme conditions.
The crew needed total control to safely manage steep terrain, oversized wheels, and unpredictable obstacles. This setup delivered the confidence and reliability needed throughout the journey.
Why Off-Road Brake Upgrades Matter
Off-road demands are nothing like daily driving. Trail runs require a braking system that resists heat, maintains grip on uneven surfaces, and lasts under pressure.
Key benefits of upgrading to R1 off-road brakes include:
- Reduced brake fade on long descents
- Stronger performance in dusty, wet, or muddy conditions
- Better compatibility with lifted vehicles and oversized tires
- Extended lifespan under high-impact driving
Braking is often overlooked in off-road builds, but it’s one of the most important upgrades you can make.
Watch the Jeepers Jamboree Recap
The full adventure is available on the R1 Concepts YouTube channel. You’ll see the obstacles, breakdowns, and victories that made Jeepers Jamboree 2025 an unforgettable ride.
Check it out on YouTube and follow us on Instagram @r1concepts for more updates from the #STOPPINGTHEWORLDtour.
Final Thoughts
This trip proved that solid equipment, strong teamwork, and a bit of grit can take you through the toughest trails. With Nitto Tires and R1 Concepts performance brakes in the mix, our crew conquered the Rubicon with confidence.
Whether you’re planning your first trail run or heading back for another round of Jeepers Jamboree, make sure your build is equipped to handle the heat.
Trust R1 Concepts to help you Stop the World, one trail at a time.
