The New Ford Bronco: The Perfect Vehicle for an unforgettable New England Foliage Adventure
The story that brought me to this one needs its own article but here we are with a 30-second recap. I was at the Detroit Concours d’Elegance where I met Jiyan Cadiz the gentleman that runs PR for Ford and he liked my photos of their new Mustang display. He offered to loan me a 2021 Bronco in exchange for photos and an article chronicling my adventures. Of course, I enthusiastically agreed and immediately envisioned myself behind the wheel, crawling over boulders on an off-road trail.
A few weeks later, I arranged to have Ford deliver the Bronco to my apartment. When the day finally arrived, I waited impatiently near the window like a kid on Christmas. I lurched when I got the call that they were waiting outside but the first vehicle I saw was a Ford Escape and my heart sank. As I got closer I saw the bright red Bronco behind some hedges and my frown turned upside down. I instantly recognized elements of the 2021 model that harkened back to the original Broncos of the 1960s. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the huge 35-inch mud tires and a Sasquatch Edition badge indicating its enhanced off-road capability. This was an added bonus because I wasn’t expecting the top-of-the-line model. I am less concerned with the specifications and stats a vehicle possesses and instead value the driving experience, seeking adventure, and making memories to last a lifetime.
Before venturing out into the wild, I loaded up the huge trunk with my camera gear and navigated the busy streets of South Boston to a photo shoot at Venezia Restaurant. Driving the Bronco in bumper-to-bumper traffic was doable but I was itching to get out into the mountains to really put the beast to the test.
I decided at the last minute to trek up to Lake Placid while the fall foliage was still in full bloom.
On the way, I spotted in the distance two tall, irregular structures popping out of the multicolored trees. As I got closer I recognized the towers as the original ski jumps constructed when Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympic games! As I got closer I realized there were professional aerialists actively practicing on one of the jumps and instantly recognized an extraordinary photo opportunity. As luck would have it, I was able to buy a lift ticket to the viewing deck halfway up the tower and capture the airborne athletes up close!
From there I used the seamless Android Auto integration to navigate to Lake Placid Airport where I managed to book a scenic flight with my friend, Chris Dydzulis, a pilot with Adirondack Flying Service. It was exhilarating to board a plane and get a bird’s eye view of what appeared to be a sea of Fruity Pebbles down below. The breathtaking photos I took of the multicolored mountains are some I will not soon forget. My only regret was not being able to capture the vibrant red Bronco meandering the windy mountain roads from above. Realizing I needed a copilot to take moving pictures of the car, I phoned my best friend, and fellow photographer, Chris Roux, and made plans to explore New Hampshire’s White Mountains the following weekend.
Shooting automobiles for auctions is unique because I often have to travel to unfamiliar destinations and scout out ideal backdrops on the spot. Previous efforts to choreograph these types of shoots did not go as planned and resulted in disappointment. Instead, I have to get creative to be able to capture a vehicle in a natural setting, free from obstructions and spectators. I’m also a perfectionist when it comes to framing the subject of each photo as this attention to detail minimizes the need for editing later. Chris Roux is an extremely skilled photographer that specializes in portraits, weddings, and graphic design so I knew his talent and different approach would make him an extraordinary copilot. However, Chris is accustomed to shooting meticulously planned events so I knew it would be a challenge for him to adapt to my spontaneous tendencies. He was a little uneasy when I picked him up in Winchendon, MA, and told him we were heading to Franconia Notch with no particular destination spots in mind on the way there. Nonetheless, we put our heads together and pretended we were filming a Ford television commercial. As we meandered the windy mountain roads we came across a campground and seized the opportunity to get a photo with the Bronco next to a tent. Always the avid risk taker, I drove around a campground looking for a seemingly vacant tent so as not to disturb potential occupants while Chris and I tried to play it off to bystanders. Of course, the shot came out awesome and now we have a funny story to tell.
My last day with the Bronco was fast approaching and I still hadn’t found an opportunity to put its off-road capabilities and beastly frills to the test. I had envisioned taking it down muddy backroad trails and crawling over boulders, putting Jeep owners to shame. The first people that came to mind were my friends Rebecca and Kase who offered to meet me in their Toyota Tacomas and guide me through some familiar trails in northern Rhode Island. They led me through some pretty rough, rocky terrain that the Bronco with its four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and rugged suspension handled with ease. Heavy recent rainfall created huge unavoidable puddles that when barreled through caused the water to splash up against the sides of the truck and onto the windshield leaving impressive streaks of mud on its previously clean red exterior. I even launched my drone and positioned it in strategic locations to capture a combination of slow-motion video and long-range and close-up still shots of the action.
After getting the vehicle sufficiently filthy with caked mud, I headed straight for the carwash early the next morning as I intended on returning it in the same pristine condition as when it arrived. On my way to the car wash, I spotted a dirt road leading to a small field blanketed with fog and recognized one last photo opportunity. I even set up some studio lamps as fog can diffuse light and create a soft, dreamy effect. I had just enough time to get it washed and detailed before reluctantly handing back the keys.
All in all, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sasquatch Edition exceeded every expectation of a sport utility vehicle with enhanced off-road capabilities. I felt confident knowing the vehicle could handle deep mud, power through steep inclines, crawl over rocks, and whatever other challenges the trail may throw my way. The Bronco has ample torque and horsepower to make these obstacles feel effortless while its springy suspension allows for a smooth ride. The well-designed cabin, its touchscreen user interface, and its modern conveniences were an added bonus. My only regret was not taking advantage of the removable doors, side panels, and roof! If ever given another opportunity perhaps I could make that happen on a summer sand dune adventure!