Got sucked into this ditch

Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 10:14 p.m. (ET), we received a request for help with an offroad recovery in Pennsylvania. The requester, Chris Vesperman, submitted the following information: “Got sucked into this ditch while otw up fire rd its about 3 miles in on a in maintained rd 2019 Subaru forester AWD not stuck too bad just need a pull Will be back tomorrow (2/6) / I’m with the vehicle / I can help cover the cost of fuel.”

Our administrator, Al Fontan, contacted the requester and verified the contact information provided, GPS location, and current situation before sending the request to local volunteers. In this particular recovery, we contacted volunteers within a 55-mile radius.

He submitted the request late at night, but asked us to release it to the volunteers early in the morning. So, at 7 a.m., (EST), we’ll send the request to our local volunteers.

We reached out to some volunteers, and Rock Pifer agreed to take charge of the recovery. Duncan Seguin also offered to be a backup in case Rock needed some extra assistance.

Rock took care of the recovery, and by 4:00 p.m., it was all set. We got a quick note from him later, which we’ve shared below.

From Rock

The recovery took place on a moderately steep; off-camber corner. The Subaru slid off the road into a ditch that was about 2 1/2 feet deep. The forest fire-road was a sheet of ice; VERY slippery.

To get him out, I positioned my 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ off to the side of the road in the snow. I was able to gently winch the rear end up out of the ditch and had the car in a diagonal position on the road. Then, using my Rhino Tree Saver, and a re-direct pulley, I attached to a large tree and spun the car around and got him centered on the road, and pointed out. 

 Word of Caution: 

Forest roads in Northern Pennsylvania are extremely icy this time of the year. While the roads look great to start on; they quickly gain elevation and can become treacherous, and there is NO PLACE to easily turn around without getting stuck in a snow bank. The driver was a very polite young man who was looking for a spring fishing spot and just slid off the slick road. He tried to pay for the services; but I suggested he and his young companions go have lunch instead.

Rock also shared with us his youtube channel where he shares all offroad content he generates.

We want to thank Rock for a great job, also Duncan for offering help. You guys are awesome. (offroad recovery in Pennsylvania)

If you would like to receive a text message when we get a request near you, create your account here: offroadportal.org/signup