Earlier this month, the Jeep_® Blog asked what “Freedom of the Open Road” means to you, our loyal readers and Jeep brand enthusiasts. The contest is over, and the response was, in a word, overwhelming. From simple responses about letting the open air flow through a top-down Jeep vehicle to stories of the freedom that our ancestors fought to secure for America, your writing was thoughtful and passionate, and gave everyone a look into the authentic, rugged voices of Jeep brand fans.

We chose our three favorite responses. In addition to having their exceptional responses featured on the Jeep Blog, these Jeep-brand enthusiasts will each receive a $500 REI® gift card. The first two winning entries are here. The final winning entry is below.

Elizabeth Davidson

A smooth interstate connecting friends and family, allowing for businesses to transport the things we need and want to our doors.

A two-lane road through the mountains, twisting and turning this way and that. Driving my car to show its performance while being driven. Stretching my skills as a driver, maintaining great control of the car while experiencing a ride more fun and longer than any roller coaster could provide.

A gravel road ultimately leading to a friend’s home out in nature, a place where you’re not the first, or the last, but still treated to somewhere special.

A dirt path, called a “road,” leading somewhere unexpected. Somewhere untraveled, not fully revealed, not completely safe — where you have to know the limits of what your machine can do. A path that you help create as much as follow.

These are all examples of the freedom of the open road — the imagination and inspiration encouraged by getting out and exploring our world, our universe. Meeting new people, visiting old friends … new experiences, new tastes, new sights — all for going out there on the road, or allowing the road to bring them to us.

The possibilities are endless!