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Let's Go Jeepin
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| Learn to Drive Off-Road | Short Cuts | ||||
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By: Randy Halvorsen - 8/2000
Day One
The first morning begins with introductions all around. Levels of experience are discussed, as well as the types of vehicles that each party is driving for the weekend. Dora then steers the conversation around to 4x4 basics. She tries to determine the extent of each participants knowledge of four wheeling, which in most cases, is pretty basic.
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| Most vehicles, in stock form, do not ramp well.
photo by: the author |
The pros and cons of each type of four wheel drive systems are discussed, along with the terms 'open differential' and 'lockers'. The students are led through the terms 'gear ratio', 'wheelbase', 'approach angle', departures angle', and 'breakover angle'. Dora spends time discussing why some vehicles will outperform others in some situations, but will concede in others.
The staff of Let's Go Jeepin believes that each participant should be fully educated in the world of off roading, so they spend time discussing modifications to vehicles. This includes armor and recovery equipment, as well as the assortment of lifts, tires, lockers and other modifications that those in the 'know' are so conversant in.
As the first morning continues, trail safety and etiquette are discussed, along with the philosophy of the Tread Lightly program. The staff of Let's Go Jeepin is deeply committed to the mandates set forth by this organization, and passes this commitment on to each student who goes through the weekend course.
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| While highly modified ones can ramp very well.
photo by: Dora Fang |
After this, the 'fun' stuff begins. Each class participant brings their respective vehicle to the RTI ramp, and establishes a 'base' index. Then, the students are shown how to disconnect their anti-sway bars, and told to try the ramp again. In some cases, the increase in travel can be dramatic.
The balance of the day is spent traveling a specially-marked course which the staff of Let's Go Jeepin has set out, that offers increasingly challenging obstacles. The students are shown how to climb up and down hills, cross sand and pea gravel, and are even given a chance at some mud.
The day comes to a close with an optional group dinner at a diner in town.
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