I was a sport compact kid from a small town in Minnesota. Lowered cars. Loud exhaust. Dreams of the big city and nights spent wrenching in the garage with friends. But no matter how far I planned to go, one thing always stayed the same — my tires said Toyo.
Twenty-five years later, I’m still rolling on Toyos. The cars have changed. The roads have too. But that connection — to the brand, to the journey, and to the road beneath my feet — that’s never wavered.
From Pavement to Pines
Somewhere along the way, streetlights gave way to stars. The sounds of turbo spools were replaced with the crunch of snow and gravel. And instead of chasing dyno numbers, I started chasing northern trails and quiet mornings. Overlanding became my life — and Toyo came with me.
I still remember the first time I drove north in the snow on a set of Toyos. No stress. No doubt. Just the hum of the highway, the warmth of coffee, and a horizon full of frozen lakes. Now I’m on the Open Country A/T III — and no matter the season, the performance speaks for itself. Snow, mud, rain, or hot summer pavement — they just hold on and keep going.
Back to the Lake
This trip was different. This time, I wasn’t chasing a trail — I was returning to one. My grandfather’s favorite fishing hole, tucked up north near a quiet bend in the road. We used to camp here when I was a kid. I’d watch him cast early in the morning while the mist danced on the water and the coffee steamed in our cups.
Now I pull into the same spot — Tacoma loaded down with gear, dog in the back, and a heart full of gratitude. Twenty-five years later, I still feel that same sense of peace when the tires crunch down on that trail. Toyo made sure I got here. Again.
The Road and the Reminder
Life moves fast. And yet, the best parts of it are slow — a perfect cast, a quiet campfire, a diner with a breakfast special you’ll never forget. These aren’t flashy Instagram moments. They’re memories. They’re real.
This lifestyle — the travel, the gear, the trails, the booths, the fishing — it’s all built on those quiet values my grandfather taught me: take your time, trust your gear, and go where it’s peaceful. Toyo has been part of that ride every step of the way. Not just a tire — a reminder to slow down and drive into something real.
Still Rolling
So here’s to 25 years. To Toyo. To every muddy pull-off, snowy shoulder, and crooked gravel road that brought me back to something I didn’t even realize I missed. I started out wanting to go fast and far. Now, I just want to go deep — into the woods, into the memories, and into what matters.
Life’s short. Pack a bag. Fill the tank. Grab your dog. Go back to your roots — or forward into the unknown. Just make sure your tires can handle the trail.
Explore the gear we trust or follow our next journey on the road — because all trails still lead north.
#ToyoTires #OverlandingUpNorth #AllTrailsLeadNorth #TrailBuilt #FishingHolesAndGravelRoads #OpenCountryATIII