Donna Mayo – 2017 Ladies Offroad Challenge Featured Entry
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Donna Mayo – 2017 Ladies Offroad Challenge Featured Entry

Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatDonna Mayo
Tooele, UT
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"Donna has been her husband's co-driver for nearly 7 years. She drove for the first time at this year's EJS at Area BFE! She enjoys jeeping and camping with the family; she has even attended Sierra Trek for the past 22 years. Along with loving seeing places outdoors, photography, scrapbooking, reading and movies, she is a mother of twin 16 year olds, married to her best friend, and juggles work as a busy Human Resources Manager for 300+ employees."
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Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatTell us about yourself.

I am a mother to twin 16 year olds and married to my best friend. I juggle family and work as a busy Human Resources Manager to 300-plus employees at Cabelas. I enjoy Jeeping and camping with the family along with photography, scrapbooking, reading, and watching movies.”

 

How long have you been offroading?

“I have been attending Sierra Trek with my husband for 20-plus years as a bystander. 7 years ago we purchased our 1988 Jeep Cherokee and began our adventures on trail runs in Nevada. I have always been the co-driver and photographer.”

 

Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatHow did you get into offroading?

“EJS in Moab, UT 2017. I was invited to drive in a beginner’s trail. It turned out to be more difficult than beginner’s. It is a different experience in the driver’s seat and I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it . It also gave me a new appreciation for what the vehicle is capable of.”

 

Tell us about your vehicle:

“1988 Jeep Cherokee X5; 8-inch lift, 35-inch tires, 456 gears, lockers, winch, on-board air frame stiffeners, 4.0 5 Speed.”

 

What has been your favorite off-road experience?

“As with most areas of my life, I enjoy every moment. It is difficult for me to name a favorite. SPending time with family, enjoying their company and nature mixed with challenges, it doesn’t get better than this.”

 

Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatWhat was your most exciting off-road achievement?

“Being new to the driver’s seat, I have only the one experience. It was, however, more than I expected. What was supposed to be a beginner’s run turned out to be more complicated. With the help of great spotters and my husband Roger as a co-driver, I did excellent and had a great time.”


What excites you about off-roading?

“My favorite thing about off-roading is getting off the main roads and seeing nature that hasn’t been changed by man or visible without the extra effort. There is nothing like fresh air, family, and an open trail.”

 

Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatWhat do you think is the most challenging aspect of off-roading?

“Identifying the correct lines to take that will ensure my rig is taken care of so that I will have a functioning rig at the end of the day. Then there is always the time and money required to balance the needs and wants.”

 

Which aspect of off-roading do you think is the most fun?

“For me, I love the time spent together as a family. There are no TVs, video games, and generally limited phone service.”

What does prepping for an adventure look like in your world?

“I used to be a serious planner until I met my husband, who isn’t. I plan, and then I trust. I don’t overthink it. It has been my experience that everything works out as it should. It is more about the moment and enjoying life than stressing about it.”

 

Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatWhat is on your off-roading bucket list?

“For the past few years the Moab EJS was on our bucket list along with the Rubicon Trail. We moved to Utah a little over a year ago and made a plan and crossed that off this year. We are in the process of upgrading parts on our Jeep and will be running the Sierra Trex as a participant for the 1st time this year. We have been spectators for the past 20-plus years.”

 

Tell us about your typical off-roading companions:

“In our rig is my husband Roger, daughter Brooke and occasionally our son Logan. When we can we go out on trails with my brother-in-law and his wife. Our daughter is hooked and got her own ‘98 Jeep Cherokee and is looking forward to tricking out her ride.”

 

Donna-Mayo-2017-LOC-FeatWhat is a piece of advice you have been given that you instill in your offroading adventures?

“In life you will always regret what you didn’t do rather than what you did. If I didn’t follow this advice I would not have driven in Moab this year. Life is an experience and it is meant to be experienced.”

 

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

“I want to thank my husband Roger. He never hesitates to support me in everything I do, including this. Without his support I’m not sure that I would have the courage to do a lot of what I have accomplished. He is a great role model for me and our kids. I am blessed beyond belief.”

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