Trail Guide
From Faq
Planning A Trail Ride?
- Pre-run the trails!!! You and/or your trail leader(s) should pre-run any trails where you're planning on leading a group.
- If the proposed trail crosses private property, ensure you get the owner's permission to cross their land.
- When planning a trail ride, publish a recommended equipment list (see item 2c below).
- Specify the difficulty rating and the rating base (1-10, 1-5, etc.).
- Include whether difficult sections have bypasses.
- Restrictions (short wheel base, lockers, tread type, etc.)
- Damage probability (pin striping, body damage, etc.)
- General terrain (mud, rocks, hills, deep water, etc.)
Preparing for the Trail Ride:
- Now is the time to consider whether any of your fluids are low:
- Power steering fluid?
- Motor oil?
- Coolant?
- Brake fluid
- Clutch fluid (if applicable)
- Windshield washer fluid?
- Automatic transmission fluid?
- Level of fluids in both differentials?
- Have your brakes been checked fairly recently, or might you need to replace the pads/shoes?
- If traveling in a group at night, it's worth checking your taillights. Even alone at night you want headlights and reversing lights that work.
- SEAT BELTS!!! Seat belt usage is required by many state laws!
- Recommended equipment list:
- CB Radio
- Tow Hooks
- Tow Strap without metal hooks
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit
- Before We Hit the Trail:
- Explain purpose of waiver and collect signed waivers.
- Explain trail requirements:
- Difficulty rating and the rating base (1-10, 1-5, etc.).
- Include whether difficult sections have bypasses.
- Restrictions (short wheel base, lockers, tread type, etc.)
- Damage probability (pin striping, body damage, etc.)
- General terrain (mud, rocks, hills, deep water, etc.)
- Review Trail Etiquette (see "On the Trail" below)
- Does everyone have off-road experience? If not, review driving techniques such as the difference between 4LO and 4HI, compression braking, and anything else relevant to the terrain.
- Review that there is no such thing as off road driving without risk
- Explain that you NEVER loose site of the vehicle behind you, paying attention to the trail guide, and not being afraid to ask for spotting help.
On the Trail:
- NO ALCOHOL WHILE ON THE TRAIL!!! Consumption of alcohol on the trail will result in immediate revocation of membership privileges! There will be no second chances and NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Make sure the Trail Leader always knows who has the back door. This can change during the day. Ensure the Trail Leader knows who their Tail Gunner is! Trail Leader and Tail Gunner MUST be equipped with CB radios!!! Do not rely on cell phones!!!
- Probability of encountering other traffic
- Right of way: Generally whoever has the more difficult direction has the right of way, meaning if you encounter traffic on a hill the up hill driver should get right of way.
- Maintain the attitude that you will leave with MORE than you came with. NO LITTERING. Please take you trash with you. Do not throw your cigarettes out of your vehicle. If you must, "field strip" it!
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