RUBICON TRAIL, California – The legendary Rubicon Trail, a 35-kilometer (22-mile) odyssey featuring over 10 distinct lethal terrains and nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation change, stands as the undisputed pinnacle of off-roading difficulty (TR10-rated). It serves as the ultimate proving ground for tire capability. The deployment of the RIDGE BLADE X/MT tires on this formidable terrain marked the commencement of an intense contest between engineered performance and extreme limits.
1. Razor-Sharp Granite Slopes: Tenacious Traction for Steady Ascents
The Challenge: Navigating massive granite boulder fields, constricted rock passages inducing significant pressure, and treacherous steep inclines.
Performance Delivered: The aggressive "Viking Axe" 3D tread pattern locked onto steep rock faces, eliminating slippage. UTTER SHIELD® sidewall technology resisted cutting and crushing forces. Run at lower pressures, the extended sidewalls enhanced grip and impact resistance, delivering powerful propulsion for critical climbs.
2. Hidden Perils in Water Crossings: Mastering Deep-Water Obstacles
The Challenge: Big Sluice's deep water sections conceal sharp submerged rocks, creating slippery, high-risk conditions.
Performance Delivered: An optimized void-to-rubber ratio, coupled with dual mud-clearing grooves, efficiently expelled water, mud, and submerged debris. This maximized deep-water traction and stability, enabling confident navigation through hazardous wetland sections.
3. Deep Ruts, Side Slopes & Boulder Fields: Unshakeable Control in Extreme Rock Crawling
The Challenge: The Rubicon's core challenge – scaling massive boulders and slick rock faces on inclines exceeding 60 degrees.
Performance Delivered: The reinforced BAJA COMMANDER® racing compound provided exceptional surface adhesion. Extended sidewalls minimized deformation, preventing wheel spin and loss of traction. The result was remarkably stable and precise traction control on the most demanding rock surfaces.
4. Root-Infested Cliff Edges: Armor-Like Protection for Critical Safety
The Challenge: Exposed tree roots and large logs interwoven across the path, combined with consecutive S-turns bordering rocky cliffs. Pine roots pose significant puncture risks.
Performance Delivered: A robust 3-ply carcass construction provided armor-like puncture resistance. Integrated rim protection guarded against impacts on severe terrain. The reinforced under-tread structure ensured overall stability and durability, maintaining surefootedness even on precipitous edges.
Forging a Legend
The Rubicon Trail's diverse and unforgiving ecosystem commands respect. Over a demanding 72-hour traverse, the RIDGE BLADE X/MT tires unequivocally proved their mettle on this ultimate off-road course. Leaving their tread marks deep within uncharted terrain, they have forged a new legend in extreme performance.