At Ride Shocks, we don’t usually get into public land policy. But when something affects the trails we test on, ride on, and care about—it’s worth speaking up.
If you’ve ever wheeled through Johnson Valley, you know how special it is. Wide-open lines, rock gardens, camping spots that feel like your own slice of nowhere—it’s one of the last places in the U.S. where off-roaders can push their rigs and themselves in a true backcountry setting.
But that freedom is under pressure again. There’s a new proposal to expand the nearby Marine Corps base, which could reduce public access to key parts of the Johnson Valley OHV Area. We respect the military. No question. This isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about preserving space that’s been central to the off-road community for decades.
For Ride Shocks, Johnson Valley is more than just a map dot. It’s a real-world testbed for the suspension systems we build. It’s where we tune shock valving, chase ride quality under load, and make sure our lift kits hold up when things get unpredictable. There’s only so much you can learn in a shop or on a paved road. This terrain tells the truth.
And we’re not the only ones who rely on it. Johnson Valley is a home base for off-road racers, weekend trail crews, and families teaching their kids to spot for the first time. It’s where events like King of the Hammers happen—where the whole industry shows up to see what works, what fails, and what earns respect.
Losing access to this land would hurt more than our brand—it would impact innovation, community events, and the off-road culture itself.
That’s why we’re proud to support the #SaveTheHammers effort. Not because it’s trendy. Because it’s right. Because places like this matter.
If you’re part of this community—whether you’re just getting started or have been building rigs for decades—we hope you’ll take the time to learn what’s going on and add your voice where it counts.
Thanks for riding with us.
— The Ride Shocks Team