Letha Bell

About Letha:

Q: What is your favorite color?
A: "Green."

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: "BBQ."

Q: Do you have kids? 
A: "My oldest, Lilly is 20. She is the mother to my first grandson Aiden (2 years old). She is a beautiful young lady who is learning who she is. She is my mini me. She looks like me, but is also very much like me; stubborn and strong.  Savannah is 13. She is a beautiful soul, and has the most infectious smile ever. She brings absolute joy to everyone she is around. She is my other mini me, she looks so very much like me. Noah is 11. He is my only son, and holds a very special place in my heart. He is such a sweet spirit, very kind and loving. He is the most intelligent little guy I know. He made me the happiest woman ever, the day he came into my life. Grace is 10. She is my baby, my youngest, through and through. She is a spit fire, full of tenacity and love. She is so artistic and adventurous. This girl keeps me on my toes."

Q: Do you have any pets?
A: "I have Apollo, who is a Chihuahua. He is a mighty 3lb boy, who honestly believes he is a big dog. I adore my boy 100%. His spirit intertwines with mine. His eyes reach deep into my soul, and suck me in."

Q: Do you take your pets off-roading?
A: "I have before. The hardest part is that he is so small and susceptible to the weather. I worry about the heat when he is with me, especially during the summer months."

 

Letha's Off-Road Facts:

Q: How old were you when you first started wheeling?
A: "At 22 I bought my first Toyota Tacoma. I wheeled the heck out of that poor truck. I’m sure who ever has it now is still finding mud."

Q: Is your whole family into off-roading?
A: "My mother taught me how to drive in a 77 GMC Jimmy, running 35’s. She is an ex-truck driver. She always drove trucks and we always went on adventures as a kid. My uncle and grandfather used to wheel. My boyfriend loves to go with me, and watch my face light up. I love taking my kids with me, teaching them how to wheel and showing them first hand a woman can do anything they want to. We are limitless. I can follow behind someone else, or lead the pack."

Q: Are you usually the driver or the co-driver?
A: "I am always the driver…….. Am I supposed to let other people actually drive my Jeep?"

Q: Do you have any off-road traditions or rituals?
A: "My camera always comes with me. There are always lots and lots of pictures."

Q: How often do you get to go off-roading?
A:  "As often as I can. I have local spots where I go after work sometimes, just to play in the dirt or mud. If I don’t go every few weeks, I start to itch. I need it."

Q: How did you get started in the off-road world?
A: "When I bought my Tacoma years ago, I took it out to the 4-wheel drive park and taught myself to wheel. Once I learned what I was capable of, it took over and became life. When I got married and moved to the East Coast, I didn’t wheel anymore. I was too busy being a housewife and raising babies. I left my ex-husband 10 years ago and fled back home to the West Coast to start over again with nothing but my minivan and kids.  A year and half ago I bought my Jeep. It was the first time in 10 years I did something truly for myself. I drove it and wheeled it stock for a year. Last year I took my entire tax refund, lifted her and put tires on her. It is the best thing I’ve ever done. There is so much more I would love to be able to do to her, but being a single mom I am financially limited. I have replaced front and rear bumpers and added the winch. I continue to piece it together as I am able. I am consistently blown away by our capabilities. The Jeep and I together are unstoppable. I love learning new things and proving our capabilities."

Q: Where is your favorite place to wheel?
A: "So far, the Rubicon has been the best experience for me. It is so challenging and exciting. It was like Disneyland for me!! But, I enjoy heading to Prairie City to practice make new friends."

Q: How are you active in the off-road world?
A: "I joined CA4WD Association in hopes of going on more trips. I have several friends in Lincoln that are active Jeepers, and we spend a lot of time together. I am always looking for new wheeling buddies, and am in talks of starting my own club in Lincoln to recruit new members."

Q: What is on your off-roading bucket-list?
A: "Arizona!!!! Exploring in Oregon, and on the beaches. I would love to take a cross country trip in my Jeep. Just wheel and camp the entire trip. That will happen someday."

 

Letha's Off-Road Stories:

Q: What is your most memorable off-road moment?
A: "It was on the Rubicon. First would have been the gatekeeper. I remember looking at it, thinking I can’t do this. I even told my boyfriend that I couldn’t. But I did!! I love that I was able to run the Rubicon, and run it 100% myself. The group I ran with spotted me, but I did it! I was proud. And I didn’t even break anything significant, other than my stock plastic steps. Rock Sliders are on my list."

Q: What was your first wheeling trip?
A: "I took my Jeep to Lake Sterling, stock. I remember being around all the 4 wheel drive vehicles, lifted with huge tires, and I ran the trail."

Q: What was your longest wheeling trip?
A: "I’ve only been on day trips. I have 3 kids at home, so it’s hard to go for much more. I have a TJ, so there isn’t a lot of room for kids and gear for weekend or longer trips."

Q: What was your favorite wheeling trip?
A: "My favorite was definitely the Rubicon. To push my limits and be able to surpass them was amazing and empowering."

 

All About the Ladies:

Q: Who do you look up to in the industry? Why?
A: "I look up to regular people that wheel. You, my neighbors, friends and strangers, anyone who runs the trails. It’s a special thing, the camaraderie found in people that are into wheeling. I’m grateful to be a part of it."

Q: How do you feel as a woman in the off-road industry?
A: "I feel empowered. I love running trails and being the only woman, and making the trails my bi*ch. Showing men and women that anyone can wheel. I love that I have friends on Facebook that have messaged me, and told me they appreciate seeing my pictures, that their daughters love seeing them. They see me as “inspirational” and a “superhero”. That makes me feel amazing. I love empowering other woman and girls to be whatever they want to be. And hopefully igniting the spark in them to push their limits. Hopefully wheel someday?" 

Q: What advice do you have for ladies who want to get started off-roading?
A:  "Jump in!! Head first! There is an entire world of women and men out there willing to educate and assist you! Ask for help. Make as many acquaintances as you can. Join clubs and get out there!"

 

Letha's Vehicle:

About Letha's vehicle:
"I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler- Sahara edition V-6. I run a 3.5 Metalcloak lift, with quick disconnects and 35 inch BFG’s."

Vehicle Name: Rogue 

Q: Does your vehicle also serve as a daily driver?
A:  "Yes!"

Q: What is the best modification you have done to your vehicle?
A: "Installing the quick disconnects."

Q: Do you work on your own vehicle?
A: "Yes!! I am learning, and hope to do all my own work someday."

 

Vehicle Information:

Vehicle Type: Jeep Wrangler
Year: 2000
Builder: Roseville Auto Surgeon
Tire Make/Size: 35 inch - BFGoodrich Tires
Winches - Front/Rear Brand & Capacity: Barricade 10K lb

 

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Author:  Letha Bell

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