An off-road event is bringing together trail riders, radio users, and the local community for a good cause. The First Annual 4×4 4Food Run, hosted by The NotARubicon and supported by Buy Two Way Radios with prizes and event swag, is scheduled for May 9, 2026 in the Cougar Buttes area near Lucerne Valley, California.
This event is built around a simple idea. Bring food to help people in need, spend the day on the trail, and take part in a community effort that goes beyond off-roading. All donations will go to The Neighborhood Vineyard Church Food Pantry in Rancho Cucamonga. Participants receive raffle tickets based on how much food they bring, so larger donations increase the chances of winning prizes.
The trail runs are designed to accommodate a wide range of drivers. There is a 22 mile route that most 4x4 vehicles can handle, along with a more advanced option that works through the tougher terrain in Cougar Buttes. That route includes well known obstacles such as Chicken Rock and The Staircase, which should appeal to experienced drivers looking for a challenge.
The raffle adds another layer to the event. Prizes include GMRS radios and swag, along with larger items like a television and computer equipment. Buy Two Way Radios is contributing radio gear as part of the giveaway, reinforcing the role that radios play in organized trail rides.
Communication is not an afterthought here. It is part of the plan. Organizers have assigned GMRS Channel 19 for staging, with Channels 20 and 21 used during the trail runs. A local repeater will also be available to extend range across the area. In a remote location like Cougar Buttes, reliable communication is essential for coordination and safety.
The schedule is straightforward. Food drop off begins at 8:00 in the morning, the raffle drawing starts at 10:00, and the trail runs begin at 11:00. The location is remote and there are no services on site, so participants are expected to come prepared for the day.
For The NotARubicon, this event reflects what their community has been building toward for some time. For Buy Two Way Radios, the sponsorship highlights how radios are used in real world situations. It is also a reminder that communication tools do more than keep groups connected. In this case, they are helping support a local food pantry.