about us
We started this adventure…
because many people that get trucks or SUV’s in Virginia often want to take their rigs off road but don’t know where to start.
“Virginia Off-Road is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting Virginia’s off-road community through education, trail stewardship, and responsible adventure. We empower off-roaders of all experience levels with the knowledge, resources, and community support they need to explore safely, protect public lands, and preserve access to trails for generations to come.“
Anyone with a motor vehicle that is capable of going off road. Trucks, SUV’s, motorcycles, side by sides, ATV’s.
Our Board Members & Leadership
Meet our team of avid off-roaders and professionals that help run our non-profit. Every person is a volunteer and takes no salary to help keep our cost needs down.
Joshua Gabrielson
Director
Joshua is the director of the program and his favorite off-roaders are Jeeps and Toyotas.
John Bahadoor
Treasurer
John helps manage our funding and is favorite off roader’s are Ford’s, F250’s and Jeep JL Saraha.
Ken Waybright
Group Admin
Ken helps with membership services and provides new ways to help members grow. He’s a Jeeper!
Rick Gabrielson
Sponsorship Coordinator
Rick helps with sponsorships and he lives and breathes all things Jeep. J10- XJ, TJ, JT, JLU.
Danielle Middleton
SWVA Ambassador
Danielle runs Big Lick Broncos in Roanoke and one of our board members. Current Bronco Owner.
Justin Gentile
Central Region Ambassador
Justin is a great off-roader and has a lot of experience out west in Colorado. he is a Bronco owner.
Mike Miller
NOVA Ambassador
Mike owns and operates BullRun4x4 in NOVA and does all Jeep Stuff, JL, JT, JK and everything else
Chris Galloway
Tidewater Ambassador
Chris is a Jeep owner, he loves dogs and works at Barneys Auto in Hampton, VA.
Carole Gabrielson
Member at Large
Carole is a lover of manual transmissions, Toyota’s and enjoys photography.
Evan Davis
Program Director, Trail to Recovery
Evan loves camping and overloading and he heads up our veteran program at Virginia Off-Road.
Benjamin Griffin
Community Leader
Ben helps create trail meetups and local community events. Ben drives a JK and spends time with family.
Our Trail Guide Leads
Justin Gentile
Trail Guide Lead
With more than 25 years of off-roading experience, Justin has explored trails nationwide, gaining extensive knowledge of diverse terrains. Among his most memorable routes are Yankee Boy Basin in Colorado and Kane Creek in Moab, Utah. He currently navigates the trails in his Ford Bronco.
John Smith
Trail Guide Lead
John has been an active trail rider for the past four years and frequently explores Bald Mountain, one of his preferred local destinations. He is most often seen on the trails driving his yellow TJ Rubicon.
Travis Jay
Trail Guide Lead
Travis brings over two decades of off-road experience and is well-versed in the region’s most challenging routes. His favorite run is the Union Springs to Flagpole Knob trail. While his primary vehicle is a Toyota Tacoma, he also maintains a TJ for recreational use.
Keith Venner
Trail Guide Lead
Keith began his off-roading journey in 2007 and has since owned multiple Jeeps, including his current vehicle, High Hopes. His first off-road build was a modified Liberty, and today one of his favorite trails is Dicky Bell at Uwharrie National Forest.
Melinda Larson
Trail Guide Lead
Melinda has been off-roading for approximately four years. She developed her passion for the sport in Pennsylvania, where she often explored the Ben Franklin Range. She continues her adventures today in her Jeep, affectionately named Honey.
Ben Griffin
Trail Guide Lead
With 15 years of off-road experience, Ben recently expanded his focus to include trail riding. One of his most memorable outings was tackling Enchanted Creek during a rainstorm, an experience that left a lasting impression. He drives a burgundy TJ.
Rutwij Kulkarni
Trail Guide Lead
Rutwij is an enthusiastic newcomer to the off-roading community who enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring behind the wheel of his Subaru. Although fairly new to the group, he brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of creative ideas that help strengthen and balance our team. His contributions are especially valuable in connecting with and supporting those who are just beginning their off-road journey.
Hank Turner
Trail Guide Lead
Bio coming soon.
Our 501(c)3 Information
We’re not just a group or a club that you typically find among the various off-road organizations, we are a registered 501c3 non profit public charity.
EIN: 33-3804321
Date: March 2025
Virginia Off-Road (VAOffRoad.org) is a registered with the Department of the Treasury, a division of the IRS.
Our educational content comes from the America Off-Road Standards Institute in Devner, Colorado. AORSI is a board certified organization that oversees off road education in the United States for various organizations such as ours.
