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10 Excuses Heard Off-Road


(Click picture for a larger image.)
You’ve heard fishermen complain about the “big one that got away,” right? Well, there’s a similar phenomenon that occurs when four wheelers go off road. Inevitably, something goes awry during a trip. Usually it’s a minor thing, such as someone forgetting to pack a piece of gear. As I noted in another article, Extra Gear To Loan, other drivers often step in and help out. Other issues generate the funniest explanations (excuses, really) in the drivers.

In the 40 years I’ve been involved in this hobby (10 years of which spent as an instructor), I think I’ve heard it all. (And in all honesty, I’ve used—or tried to use—a few of these myself.) Even though some incidents are fairly significant, sitting around the campfire that night we can’t help but marvel as the driver puts his spin on the tale.

Here, in no particular order, are my 10 excuses heard while four wheeling.


  1. I was doing just fine until my spotter screwed up. Texting while spotting should be a crime. I just learned you cannot trust a spotter with a camera in one hand! I think he just wanted a good picture.


  2. That blasted rock moved! I had a good line until the rock my tire was on rolled under the vehicle.


  3. They told me that pond/stream/mud pit wasn’t that deep. Of course, they should’ve known I’d be coming through here this weekend. Who put that log in there?


    4. Front Drive shaft Photo by Lion
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  4. That approach worked last time!


  5. My mechanic told me he fixed it.


  6. The vehicle in front of me created so much dust that I didn't see that big hole.


  7. My air gauge must be off. It’s my spare gauge. I loaned out my good one and didn’t get it back yet. Anyway, that brand of tire is known for breaking beads.


  8. My vehicle is stock. I don’t have enough clearance for off-road use. On top of that, I have all these new parts on it that haven’t been tested. I am waiting for them to make a better one.



    9. (Click picture for a larger image.)

  9. The dog ate my map. Right. Who needs to read the map anyway?


  10. The electronic controls messed me up. This “drive by wire” has me all messed up. It just spins tires!


As you can see, four wheelers are pretty creative when it comes to making excuses. Fortunately, they are also quite resourceful. That resourcefulness allows them to get out of the quirky situations they sometimes get into.

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Lower Desert
Palisade Glacier - Palisade Group of Mountains in Sierra Nevada Range
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Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures

Did you miss the previous article?

Some Upcoming Events

(click on the link for details)


Birds
Salton Sea, CA
(Click picture for a larger image.)


Here is a summary of upcoming events.
  1. July 19 Starting Rock Crawling - Lucerne Valley:
  2. July 26 Wine Safari Adventure

  3. August 02 Getting Started Off-Road - LA area:
  4. August 03 Day 2 Getting Started Clinic- Mojave:
  5. August 04 Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Mini Clinic - Mojave
  6. August 11 Rubicon Trail Adventure

  7. Sept. 06 Getting Started Off-Road - LA area:
  8. Sept. 07 Day 2 Getting Started Clinic- Mojave:
  9. Sept. 27 Sand & Dunes - Pismo:

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Wine Safari July 26

We have a big event coming up in July - The Wine Safari! We let our Wine Master have the last two summers off but it is time for her to go back to work. The Wine Safari is just a few week away so sign up now.


Wine Safari



Don't miss the Wine Safari. Click here for all details.
Our Wine Master will have a whole new bunch of bottles and some old favorites to taste. Make it a get-away weekend. Camp with us or stay in a local motel.




Register now.
http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#wine.

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Rubicon Trail Adventure August 11- 14, 2014


The Rubicon Trail
Since we are talking about big events and planning, you should consider, signing up for one of the Rock Crawling clinics. They are good practice and will help you shake down your rig for the Rubicon trip. There is one more this month.

It is time to sign up if are planning to go on the Rubicon trip

Here are more details on the Rubicon trip


And here is the rock class.
  1. July 19 Starting Rock Crawling - Lucerne Valley:


Winch Recovery Bandana & Winching DVD

Winching Recover Bandana
Click for higher resolution image
We have our new stock with many new colors (Red, Orange, Green, and Blue) on hand. The Bandana is packed full of useful information and is a quick reference in the field when no DVD player is available."

The Bandana layout follows the “Vehicle Recovery Plan” with pathways to more detail. A unique section of the Bandana, gives the steps for a “Winch Rigging Check: Walk through” so that you verify every element of the rigging before you commit to the pull. Stuff this in your recovery kit and you will always be ready!

Pick up or order the Winching DVD too! There is no substitute for hands on training. If you can, sign up for one of Badlands Off-Road Adventure’s Winching Clinics.

Warning – the Bandana and DVD are not a substitute for proper training and use of quality equipment that is used within the bounds of their safe working load. We advise you to use the information provided in both the Winching Recovery Bandana and the "Basic to Advanced Winching and Recovery DVD" at your own risk. We cannot control the quality and specifications of the equipment used and the methods actually employed.





Winch Recovery Bandana Order Button
Colors



Order a Basic to Advanced Winching & Recovery DVD too!

Winch DVD
(Click picture for more details)



I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2014, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.





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