Early on Saturday, May 26th, members and friends of the Valley of the Sun EVA headed out to Fountain Hills for some donuts and coffee. A few minutes after 7am, with the sun resting low in the eastern sky, 4 Rivians (2-R1S and 2-R1T) set out up SR-87 to Four Peaks Road for a leisurely jaunt into the wilderness.

Shaun Barnette, who’s daily driver is a Chevrolet Bolt EV, rode with John Martinson in a Rivian R1T, and for parts of the route, got behind the wheel for some off-roading action. John’s friend, Stanton Perry, also came along and shared in the driving duties for portions of the trail. John’s daughter, Eco, rounded out their group.

The second R1T was piloted by Patrick Thornton, a veteran off-roader. Click here to learn how Patrick came to be a Rivian owner, thanks to VOTSEVA!

Gordon Digby, owner of a Forest Green Rivian R1S, found his way off-pavement for the first time. John Morrill, who’s daily driver is a Cadillac Lyriq, rode shotgun – he couldn’t risk scratching the shiny wheels of his Cadillac!

The fourth vehicle, driven by Peter Culin with his family on board (wife Rachel and their kids, Nathan and Agnes), was a Rivian R1S – the only dual motor variant in the group (the others all being quad motors). Peter and Nathan rode with John Martinson last year at the first annual Four Peaks run and were excited to be in their very own Rivian for this second annual drive.

On the way up the trail, the group passed an all-electric Toyota BZ4X coming down. Peter waved down the owner to stop, where a conversation was had and a “JOIN US” card shared. We hope to see him and his new ride at one of our future meetups!

At various points during the drive, for photo opportunities or bushes looking to be watered, curious offroaders in Jeeps, side-by-sides, Broncos and others, stopped to ask about the Rivians. Onlookers seemed geniunely impressed to see all-electric vehicles so far into the wilderness, and without a charger in sight!

If you’re interested in off-roading in an electric vehicle, and don’t have one yet, we encourage you to join our off-road EVentures – VOTSEVA’s owners and volunteers are willing and able to bring passengers (and sometimes drivers!) and welcome more participants to join in the fun.

Photo credit: Peter, Rachel and Nathan Culin