This past summer, I attended the Ford Save the Manuals event. It was there I learned how to drive a manual transmission car. Little did I know that this journey would soon come full circle. Ford generously loaned me the 2022 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package. This provided me with an incredible opportunity to continue honing my manual driving skills. The memories of my initial attempts at navigating the complexities of a manual transmission were still fresh, and I was determined not to let these skills fade away. Today, I invite you to join me as I share the thrilling story of persistence, courage, and the joy of embracing the unknown.
Rekindling the Connection: A Manual Bronco Adventure
My journey with the 2022 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package was more than just a driving experience. It was a chance to fully immerse myself in the world of manual driving. It was about applying the techniques I had learned and breaking through self-imposed barriers. This story celebrates the power of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the extraordinary.
About the 2022 Ford Bronco I Test-Drove
The Bronco I had the pleasure of driving for approximately five days was the same one that had kickstarted my manual driving journey: the 2022 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package. This 2-door, 4-passenger 4×4 SUV sported a stunning Hot Pepper Red Metallic exterior, cloth gray/black seats, and 35-inch tires on 17” Black ALM Beadlock Alloy rims. While not ideal as an everyday family car for our family of four, which includes a toddler in a car seat, it was an absolute blast to drive. The attention it drew from onlookers was a testament to its striking appearance. Plus, the removable front panels of the gray molded hard top allowed us to savor the sun on our skin, making the most of the good weather during my test drive.
Continuing My Journey to Mastering Manual Driving
Embarking on this extended manual driving endeavor with the 2022 Bronco equipped with the Sasquatch package was both a thrilling challenge and a testament to the progress I’ve made. The Bronco’s test drive opened up a window of opportunity, allowing me to immerse myself further in the world of manual driving. My first mission? Picking up my daughter from summer camp—an excursion that unexpectedly put my skills to the test.
Navigating New Territory: Picking Up My Daughter
With the invaluable advice from Autumn and Ryan fresh in my mind, I set out to conquer the roads. “Place the car in 1st gear, and slowly release the clutch while your foot hovers over the gas, the car will start rolling, and then you’ll lightly press the gas.” Simple, right? As I soon discovered, real-life traffic lights and stop signs had other plans for my grand strategy. In the streets of Long Island, where patience is scarce, the pressure was on. I encountered a couple of stalls, experiences that temporarily shook my confidence. An impatient driver zooming past me served as a stark reminder of some driver’s unforgiving pace.
A Weekend of Refinement
Thankfully, the weekend arrived like a beacon of hope, with my husband stepping in as an additional guide to help me refine my skills. His insights and patience provided a much-needed boost, transforming my initial uncertainty into newfound determination. The Bronco’s manual transmission, which I was quickly becoming well-acquainted with, responded to my growing confidence with grace and precision. Through perseverance and guidance, I was beginning to reclaim my rhythm on the road.
My Passenger Was My Mentor: Navigating with Guidance
Enlisting my husband, a daily manual transmission driver, as my trusted co-pilot was a strategic move. With his experienced presence beside me, I found myself with an invaluable teacher, ready to offer guidance and reinforcement as I honed my skills. His reassuring words echoed in my ears as I smoothly transitioned through the gears, from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th, and even conquering the 6th gear.
Stalls and Encouragement
Even through moments of stalling, often at stop signs, his encouraging demeanor never wavered. His supportive mantra, “Your goal should be to stall at least 20 times because you’re still learning,” transformed the experience into a journey of growth. My husband generously shared indispensable advice for slowing down and stopping—his method of seamlessly shifting gears at intersections became my newfound skill set.
On the Road: Manual Driving Lessons in Action
Venturing beyond the familiar cityscape, we embarked on a late-night drive to the Meadowbrook Parkway’s very end. This nocturnal voyage provided the ideal setting to harness the Bronco’s automatic high beams while confidently navigating gear shifts. Our escapade laid the groundwork for the following day’s expedition—a trip to Lanoka Harbor, NJ.
Clutching My Way to Highway Mastery
The highway offered a new level of instruction. Negotiating stop-and-go traffic presented a multifaceted challenge, serving as an intensive practice arena. Armed with the collective wisdom of my mentors—Autumn, Ford’s NASCAR driver Ryan, and my husband—I embraced the highway with newfound confidence. A lone stall was a mere blip, overshadowed by the knowledge gained from this transformative learning experience.
Embarking on Endless Possibilities: Embracing New Skills and the Road Ahead
As I reflect on my journey of mastering a manual transmission SUV, I’m reminded that the path to acquiring a new skill knows no age limit. At 38, I boldly ventured into the realm of manual driving, proving that it’s never too late to add another string to your bow. My 5-day encounter with the 2022 Ford Bronco with Sasquatch Package transformed into an empowering lesson in resilience and determination. Alongside the patient guidance of my mentors, I navigated challenges, embraced stalls as part of the learning process, and emerged with newfound confidence in my capabilities.
Remember, the road to growth often leads through uncharted territories, testing your mettle and sparking a thirst for continual learning. Don’t let perceived barriers stand in the way of your ambitions—be it learning a manual transmission or any other skill that beckons. It’s a reminder that life’s most rewarding journeys begin with that first courageous step. As you tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities, always remember the motto: “Clutch forward.” With each gear shift, you’re propelling yourself toward greater mastery and uncharted horizons. So, let’s keep driving, exploring, and unleashing the power of possibility together. Onward and upward!
Disclosure: Ford provided the Bronco a test drive for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Kim is a Black millennial, working full-time in managed healthcare, all while juggling the roles of a wife and a hands-on mom to her two daughters, her rainbow babies. She is the proud owner of Beauty and the Bump NYC, a platform where she shares her perspective on all the things that bring joy to her life: family, travel, cars, food, and more.
Recognizing the need to create a dedicated space for her automotive content, Kim established WhatDrivesKim.com. Here, fellow millennial moms can find authentic and valuable insights into all things car-related. Kim’s goal is to provide the real deal on cars, helping moms make informed decisions about their vehicles.
As a contributor to A Girl’s Guide to Cars, Kim extends her passion for cars by offering helpful tips and car reviews from the unique perspective of a modern working mom. With Kim, you can trust that you’re getting practical and relatable advice about the world of automobiles.
