For the second time in seven years, a total solar eclipse will soon cross the United States. Ford happens to be holding one of its Bronco Off-Roadeo events in Texas on April 8, the date of the eclipse. In fact, Bronco owners at the party will be right in on the whole thing. And to mark this celestial event, Ford will unveil a special blackout package for the Bronco Raptor.
We won’t compare the vehicle’s black trim to one of the most incredible transcendental experiences one can have in a lifetime, in part because the details of the package won’t be revealed until then. Presumably, this involves black elements and badging for the highest version of the Bronco, but we won’t know for sure until Ford reveals the truck in full after the eclipse. It begins around 11:07 a.m. Pacific Time in the South Pacific Ocean, and those in the path of totality will experience more than four minutes of maximum darkness depending on location. For participants in the Bronco Off-Roadeo near Austin, this happens around 1:35 p.m. Central time. Provided the sky is clear, of course.
There is a price to pay for experiencing the eclipse with Bronco owners. The event costs $1,995 and spans two days of adventure for up to four people. The price includes five meals, guided off-road slots and two nights of camping. This is done to help alleviate traffic problems as people flock to the 115-mile-wide Path of Totality in the area. Ford expects 4 minutes and 13 seconds of totality, one of the longest times we can experience during this eclipse. Those only interested in a day trip can sign up for $595.
Ford opened Bronco Off-Roadeo events to non-Bronco owners last year, but this one is exclusive to owners, including those with a Bronco Sport. Past Off-Roadeo participants and future buyers with new Bronco reservations in the system can also register.
“94 percent of people who ride the Bronco Off-Roadeo give it a 5-star review, according to our surveys,” said Matt Simpson, general manager of Ford Enthusiast Vehicles. “We now offer Bronco and Bronco Sport customers a unique opportunity that adds another star to the mix.”
The 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible to some extent across the entire continental United States. Totality will occur in several major cities, including Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Niagara Falls. Places like Memphis, St. Louis, Detroit and Pittsburgh will be near totality. But as someone who experienced a completely eclipsed sun for just under two minutes in 2017, your author recommends the whole thing. No words or photos do this justice. It’s truly transcendental.
If you miss this one, the next total eclipse will cross part of Europe and the Arctic region in August 2026. However, those in North America will have to wait until 2044 to return home.
