In this week's episode I sat down with Jedediah Smith from West Virginia. I am from a state that could use some help in the outdoor adventure space so I asked if he would come on the show and he agreed to do so. Jed and his team of Backroad Of Appalachia focuses on communities that could use the extra revenue. By hosting multiple outdoor events that vary from drift car events, motorcycles, rally races and even overlanding routes. They have done an excellent job at doing so responsibly and respectfully.  Make sure you checkout their events. Follow and like their pages to show your support. Enjoy.

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Jedediah "Jed" Smith

Born to Tim and Debbie in Northern Virginia

Moved back to West Virginia at 1 

Raised in southern West Virginia

Rode ATV's and Motorcycles from Age 4 to current.

First off-road rig exposure was my Dad's FJ40 Land Cruiser

First personal off-road/overland rig was a 1996 Jeep XJ built by Jed and Tim (Dad)

Graduated 2012

Entered in US ARMY in 2011 as a junior in high school 
12N-Horizontal Construction Engineer (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Stepped away from motorsports for about 10 years to focus on shooting industry (Armorer, Shooting Instructor and Cerakote Applicator)

Moved back to West Virginia in late 2018

Purchased a Jeep in 2019 to begin the journey to current

Started "Appalachian Ridge Runners" off-road and overland guide service in 2020 to showcase the beauty of southern West Virginia

2019-2023 worked in marketing and media industry as a consultant (enjoyed networking and showcasing various products/assets)

2023-Current: Director of Operations for Backroads of Appalachia in WV

metal 6/15/25

Brief about:
My name is Benji. I am passionate about adventure travel and human connection. I enjoy talking, so podcasting came naturally to me. I interview guests in the overland and off road world about their travels, life and experiences! Thanks for being here, enjoy.

Previous Podcast: Budget Overland (RIP 2021-2024)

CONTACT: [email protected]

**Funded and made possible thanks to the Patreon crew https://www.patreon.com/newfoundoverland