Coyote Flats at just about 10,000 feet
Coming back from the Independence Day outing, I took some time to reflect on this amazing hobby. Over the years I’ve enjoyed countless hours admiring many fascinating places in the western US. There are so many possibilities open to four-wheeling that at times it’s easy to take this all for granted.
Four-wheelers know that driving privileges on public lands can be curtailed or eliminated. Responsible drivers are diligent about taking care of property and following the rules.
But when we act responsibly “ and encourage others to do the same “ we help ensure a future for this fun hobby. As I reflected further, I came up with five broad categories or qualities that we can celebrate about four-wheeling.
Magnificent natural areas to explore. Four wheelers have access to numerous state parks, federal parks, and BLM lands. The views can be stunning and the experiences last a lifetime. Some locations are only accessible by a 4WD vehicle.
Access to those public properties continues because 4WD enthusiasts are responsible individuals. They adhere to Tread Lightly!, “Pack It In, Pack It Out,” and other principles that promote good stewardship.
Saline Valley
A hobby that allows us to enrich our driving skills while we explore. Four-wheeling often exposes drivers to various obstacles and challenges, such as crevices, soft terrain, steep hills, and rocky terrain.
Skills gained mastering off-road obstacles can be applied to urban environments. Driving in snow, for example, uses many of the same techniques employed for sand or soft terrain.
Another example entails avoiding an accident on the freeway. Because you’re experienced driving in tight spaces, you can recognize an opening between crashed vehicles that other drivers won’t. You confidently slip through, knowing full well where your front and back wheels are.
Great vehicles that help us enjoy our hobby. Newer vehicles come equipped with features designed for off-road use. Some of those features include hill descent, traction control, anti-sway bar disconnects, and front axle disconnects.
The downside, though, is that all those new buttons can be intimidating. Instruction classes on the proper use of these features allow drivers to take full advantage of everything their vehicles offer.
Peer support in the four-wheeling community. Thousands of like-minded people are willing to share their knowledge and skills with others. This is really evident when there is a breakdown. Other drivers “ sometimes total strangers “ stop by to help get a disabled vehicle back on the trail.
Many four-wheelers post blogs, host podcasts, and offer other educational tools to educate audiences on the finer points of this hobby.
Green Lake
Strong organizations backing our cause. Professional associations, hobby publications, and four-wheeling groups further educate on the many aspects of four-wheeling. They encourage drivers to obey the rules and be courteous when off-road.
These organizations also work to spread a positive image of four-wheeling. They educate the lay public on the positive aspects of our hobby while dispelling many of the myths.
A four-wheel drive vehicle represents a degree of freedom. It allows us to go places and see things that not everybody can. But there’s so much more to the hobby. And the memories of time spent with friends and family members are cherished for a lifetime.
Having the freedom to go four-wheeling is truly something special to celebrate.
# # #
Did you miss the previous articles?
2021
¢ 2021-06-21 Great Books for Summertime Reading
¢ 2021-05-19 Beginning 4-Wheel Drive Mistakes
¢ 2021-04-20 A Great Campsite
¢ 2021-03-20 Four-Wheeling for Seniors
¢ 2021-02-13 How to Be a Great Camp Cook
¢ 2021-01-15 4WD Trail Guide
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
Camp in the pines
See the entire 2021 Schedule
https://www.4x4training.com/w/2021-schedule/
July 2021
July 24, 2021 Starting Rock Crawling
July 31, 2021 Getting Started Off-Road – Day 3 – La Area
August 2021
August 16, 2021 Rubicon Adventure
August 28, 2021 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving “ Oceano Dunes
August 29, 2021 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving “ Oceano Dunes
September 2021
September 04, 2021 Labor Day Club Run
September 11, 2021 Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Mini Clinic
September 25, 2021 Winching Clinic
October 2021
October 15,2021 Death Valley Adventure
October 23, 2021 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA Area
October 24, 2021 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA Area
October 09-10, 2021 Two Day Package Getting Started Off-Road “ LA Area
October 23, 2021 Getting Started Off-Road “ SD Area
October 24, 2021 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ SD Area
October 23-24, 2021 Two Day Package Getting Started Off-Road “ SD Area
San Rafael Swell Off Road Guide Book & Companion Map $38.50
I have 4 of these books left.
If you want to order one: https://www.4x4training.com/w/product/san-rafael-swell-off-road-guide-book/
At almost 300 pages, San Rafael Swell Off Road: A Trail Guide to 42 Destinations for Automobiles, 4WD Trucks & ATVs is a guide to the in the San Rafael Swell area of Emery County. The desert area is ringed by small towns like Price, Green River and Castle Dale.
The San Rafael Swell area of south-central Utah. This is an area that provides approximately 2,000 square miles of fantastic scenery, fascinating history, and fun off-road adventures. The only paved roads in the San Rafael Swell are Interstate 70, which bisects the Swell in an east-west direction for 67 miles, and a spur of I-70 called the Moore Cutoff.
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a friend. You can forward them the email. If you received a forwarded copy of this newsletter and would like to subscribe for yourself, go to: www.4x4training.com/w/contact-us.html and follow the instructions to join our mail list.
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, 4×4 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 2021, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.