Jeff Knoll joins Big Rich to share the winding path that took him from a childhood spent riding motorcycles and dune buggies in Southern California to becoming a major figure in off-road racing and land-use advocacy.
Jeff reflects on growing up in Menifee and Glamis, his early experiences at the Boardmanville Trading Post, working through school, starting a family young, and overcoming periods of homelessness. He explains how plumbing, Jeep clubs, rock crawling, and desert racing eventually led to the creation of the California Rock Crawling Association and the early days of King of the Hammers.
The conversation explores the vision behind King of the Hammers, its first competitors, the importance of media and storytelling, and Jeff’s decision to leave the event as it grew. Jeff also discusses the personal cost of the Save the Hammers campaign, which helped establish Johnson Valley’s first congressionally designated OHV area.
Additional topics include Rally Venture, public-land permitting, the challenges facing motorized recreation advocacy, and Jeff’s work with One Voice. He shares why the Potato Salad Hill Cleanup Challenge remains one of his proudest accomplishments and explains how small acts of stewardship can change perceptions.
Looking ahead, Jeff hopes to retire from Lincoln Electric, build a Jeep and camper setup, and return to exploring trails across the country.
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