Bill Burke 2026 Winter/Spring Class - 2/28 - 3/1 2026

[timmbuck2]

YES
1 @KrissyJ82
2 @KrissyJ82 guest
3 @Well Sorted
4 @The Rock FurRunner
5 @Wild-FJ
6 @gearhead1
7 @Hants
8 Eric Freeman
9 @zgfiredude
10 @MonPetiteShoe
11 @MonPetiteShoe's better half
12 @CardinalFJ60
13 Heather King - Bookcliff Cruisers
14 Jason Castleton Wasatch
15 Jason Castleton's son Wasatch
16 gingerbreadman Wasatch
17 @brettf
18 @scheefdog
19 @RossM
20 @mcfenton13

WAITLIST
1. @mcfenton13'S better half


Maybe
1- @timmbuck2 and 1 to 3 sons....depends on who can make it
2. Liz

We are setting up another trail leader training class for the 2065 Cruise Moab event. Cruise Moab needs volunteers for trail leaders during the event and this is the best training opportunity for anyone interested in helping out. Moving forward we will be doing a better job of "vetting" our CM Trail Leaders, and attendance of a course like this will be highly valued! This class will be taught by Bill Burke and Chris Nelson. Bill is a renowned guide and recovery expert, Chris is a I4WDTA master trainer. Both gentlemen provide training for major automotive manufacturers and government agencies so it awesome that they take time to help our club and event. This is open to Rising Sun members and non members alike.

When: Feb 28 - March 1
Where: Grand Junction, CO
830am at the Grand masonic lodge 2400 Consistory Ct, Grand Junction, CO 81501
park in the back of the building, north side parking lot
What to bring: gloves, clothing to accommodate variable weather conditions, something to take notes with, sunscreen, water bottle (there is a drinking fountain in the lodge as well as bathrooms), sack lunch is recommended but there are restaurants available locally.
What this class covers: recovery gear and techniques, dynamics of on trail group management, emphasis on tread lightly principles with the delicate ecosystem of the Moab area, spotting signaling and communication, first aid basics and many other topics relating to our event. Class schedule is typically mornings inside the lodge, classroom style discussions and learning and after lunch, in field exercises depending on weather conditions.
During in field exercises carpooling is encouraged with a 10 vehicle max for those portions of the class only.

Deadline for cancellation is TBD, cancellation after that date will still require full payment of your portion. class cost will be calculated at that time and deadline for payment is TBD

Class cost is $2000 total for both days. 20 students = $100 per person, 15 students = $134, ect. Payment details will be posted as we get closer

20 students max.

Lodging in Grand junction is recommended

 

[gearhead1]

Yes! I'll check dates shortly and update here. It is 100% an amazing experience and toys recommended.

 

[dehru]

Does it ever align with Cruise Moab?

 

[jps8460]

Does it ever align with Cruise Moab?

Are you asking if it ever takes place during Cruise Moab? Or can you elaborate a bit?

On another note, I highly recommend this class. It’s a rare opportunity to ask questions and learn from someone that has been guiding and training civilians, military, and vehicles OEM’s for 40 years. I’m not sure there is another single human on earth that has the amount of knowledge and 4x4 training skill as Bill.

 

[dehru]

I wondered if this could be scheduled the weekend before Cruise Moab so that folks could attend this training and then maybe just stay in Junction to attend CM.

I had seen this in the past but it was separated from CM by a month or so I believe.

 

[Inukshuk]

Are you asking if it ever takes place during Cruise Moab? Or can you elaborate a bit?
On another note, I highly recommend this class. It’s a rare opportunity to ask questions and learn from someone that has been guiding and trading civilians, military, and vehicles OEM’s for 40 years. I’m not sure there is another single human on earth that has the amount of knowledge and training skill as Bill.

If anyone here does not know who Bill is, look him up or ask questions here about Bill and the class.

Bill first came on my radar screen many moons ago as a result of 4 Wheeling. He had articles, CD's, and was generally known if you were devouring every 4WD magazine you could. For a long time he lived here in Denver. He ran the driving portion of the FJ Trails Teams for Toyota. At some point he and his wife moved to Grand Junction. Bill would show up at Cruise Moab on occasion and other events like the FJ Summit - because he loves this stuff like we do and loves the sense of community and service Rising Sun maintains. Other Rising Sun members knew him better. To me he was a name and image. Over time I got to know him a bit where I'd say hello and he'd say hi back. At FJ Summit 2016 we even had a conversation! Woo hoo.

The first time RS did a class in GJ with Bill was 2017. The classroom was in a meeting room at the Grand Vista. (Chime in if you were there) @jps8460 arranged it. It was Member only and here is the thread: https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/threads/interest-in-b-burkes-advanced-class.25282/ Here is the Trip Report (public) https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/thr...leader-training-march-2017.25280/#post-298575

In 2017 was pretty experienced. I was sure of that. I could tell you all about it! I had 20+ years of exploring roads. 10+ years of Cruise Moabs and trail leading. A few times leading at FJ Summit. Plenty of week-long trips with the club and the Outlaws Runs. 2 or three times chasing at the Baja 1000. Feels like it should be more than just 9 years ago.

Sitting in that class with Bill and Rising Sun members the curtain got pulled back. A world opened up that deepened my connection to 4-wheeling and what was possible. How vehicles worked. How to understand what was going on. How to drive better, Understand and recover safely. Not get stuck in the first place. Operate with groups on trail. Bring to others that awe and wonder with how we can get out on trail and back.

Read more about Bill and the International Four Wheel Drive Trainer's Association he co-founded 21 years ago. You may recognize a few people in the pictures.


That class changed the trajectory of my life. Your mileage may vary.

Why should YOU do the class?

#1 you will have FUN!! You love 4-Wheeling. You don't know what you don't know.

Most people here are lifelong learners. All of you are in RS because you like having a community. This is your community. Equip yourself to have the safest experience possible (from the perspective of vehicle operation and use) for yourself, your family, your friends, and other trail users.

Finally, this is a club event. You will, if you choose, have a heck of a fun time with fellow club member. It will not be all fun. There is serious classroom time. There is hard work in the field driving, running recovery scenarios, possibly field first aid awareness scenarios (this is not first aid or medical training). It will be meaningful time. All experience levels participate. From newbies absorbing like a sponge to experienced like me who needed had to be taken down a few notches before the real learning could begin



If you read this far:

• Oldest forum post mentioning Bill. Robbie went on to become a FJ Trail Teams Guide.
• Attending our Rally https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/threads/free-4wd-training-from-bill-burke.10408/
• Some 2006 Members Only chatter about being our best and "we could hire Robbie to reteach us what he learned from Bill Burke relative to spotting. You could tell they way they were doing it with two hands was better than most people do it, even in the club." https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/threads/we-lost-our-style.1185/post-9245

 

[Inukshuk]

I wondered if this could be scheduled the weekend before Cruise Moab so that folks could attend this training and then maybe just stay in Junction to attend CM.
I had seen this in the past but it was separated from CM by a month or so I believe.

I understand those logistics. There has been much conversation before about wanting it well before Cruise Moab to spread things out. Would make for a heck of a great week though!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I understand those logistics. There has been much conversation before about wanting it well before Cruise Moab to spread things out. Would make for a heck of a great week though!

There has also been talk of making a 'training run' on Friday or Saturday for those wanting to do some training as part of CM. Obviously different scope than the BB trail leader training but something that's been floated over the years.

 

[jps8460]

There has also been talk of making a 'training run' on Friday or Saturday for those wanting to do some training as part of CM. Obviously different scope than the BB trail leader training but something that's been floated over the years.

I this. OLT4X4 sponsored run @cruiseroutfit I’m in…

 

[jps8460]

I wondered if this could be scheduled the weekend before Cruise Moab so that folks could attend this training and then maybe just stay in Junction to attend CM.

I had seen this in the past but it was separated from CM by a month or so I believe.

Ahh I see, cool.

 

[TTViper]

I’d like to attend. I’m booked March 20-22 and 27-29.

 

[FJClay]

I would like to attend this year.

 

[Well Sorted]

Interested. My kids spring break is Mar 23-27 so the further away from that the better.

 

[AimCOTaco]

Very strong interest here!

It's been too long since I had some formal time with Bill and every session is a gem. Don't pivot on my calendar but if I can be there I'll move mountains to do so.

Thanks for putting this together!

 

[zgfiredude]

Very strong interest here!

It's been too long since I had some formal time with Bill and every session is a gem. Don't pivot on my calendar but if I can be there I'll move mountains to do so.

Thanks for putting this together!

Me too!

 

[BritKLR]

Sheeezzzzz......He's so cool he's got groupies wanting his autograph! (only me, but it counts!)

 

[baileyfj40]

Interested

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

If schedule works out I’m in and most likely @DomOfTheDead

 

[MonPetiteShoe]

As long as it doesn't fall during the last few weeks of Feb, We're in.

 

[RossM]

Interested.