It’s OK to say NO
Offroading can become an addiction. It will generate exhilaration, a sense of accomplishment, a state of adventure, and lasting friendships. Once you get a taste of “dirt” — you begin to crave hitting the trail as often as your schedule and wallet allow.
Sometimes, though, you just need to step back and tell yourself “NO.”
Scheduling Conflicts
We never know for sure what time a trail run will end. Sure, based on a pre-run of only a few vehicles piloted by experienced drivers, the run may have only taken a few hours.
Add a dozen more vehicles, including a few that are stock, and every obstacle along the route takes way more time for everyone to clear. Factor in that some of these drivers may be relative beginners, and it now takes even longer.
Hopefully, none of the vehicles get any flat tires. And that nobody suffers any mechanical breakage. Keep your fingers crossed that the trail hasn’t eroded since the pre-run, necessitating detours.
Lots of factors may affect how long any trail run will actually take. Finishing times for club runs are just best-guess estimates.
So don’t participate in a run if you have someplace else that you need to be at by a certain time! There is no “speeding up” a run just because you will be late for your reservation or event.
We do not allow anyone to just break away on their own and leave early. Vehicles start as a group and finish together as a group. If that doesn’t work for you, then don’t go on the run.
Cranky kids and pets
We love children. We love dogs. They may enjoy bouncing along in the Jeep as much as we do. It is great family bonding.
Sometimes, though, they don’t tolerate long confinement to the backseats for hours. Kids and pets can become antsy.
Please do not FORCE them to accompany you on a run. If they start acting up, or throw a tantrum — you do not have the option of going home early.
Only bring the little ones, or the furry four-legged ones, if they are eager to participate. Otherwise, find a sitter to watch over them for the day.
If you cannot find a sitter, then YOU should sit this one out.
Bad vibes at the Drivers Brief
Not all clubs are friendly and well organized. There are many 4x4 Jeep or Offroading groups that function primarily as Facebook bulletin boards and discussion groups rather than structured “membership” clubs (many of which are registered non-profit organizations) with elected officers and functioning committees.
Someone in the group will post a run on Facebook or Meetup, and anyone who wants to can show up.
When you sign up to participate in a posted trail run, you want to assume that it will be safe, friendly, and somewhat structured.
However, what you experience during the Drivers Meeting (assuming that they even conduct one) may give you second doubts. Trust your instincts!
Do the Trail Leader and Tail sound confident and experienced?
Did they pre-run the route? Did they discuss the general plan? Did they discuss trail difficulty and what obstacles will be encountered?
Did they make any introductions and ask who was new to the group, or who was new to offroading?
Is the group friendly towards outsiders, or very cliquish and snobby?
Did anyone discuss Comms? If GMRS, what channel? If not GMRS, are they using legal frequencies, and is everyone equipped to be on those frequencies? When we were new to the game, we have gone out on runs with “new” clubs where only a few drivers were able to communicate with each other. The Leaders really did not care. So long as the clique could talk to each other, there was no concern about the rest of the group. Not good.
Are other drivers popping a beer in the parking lot before the run? Do you smell freshly lit weed? No one should be DUI on a run!
Do the Leaders answer too many questions with a snarky, “Fuck Around and Find Out”?
You have procrastinated in getting things fixed
Life has been keeping you busy, and there hasn’t been time to take the Jeep in to the repair shop… or to get that patched up tire properly fixed. Maybe some stupid indicator warning light comes on intermittently. Or the trans makes a funny noise in third gear.
A trail run into the wilderness is NOT the time nor the place to be hoping that everything holds up mechanically.
I know this seems like it should be obvious, but time and time again we have seen Jeeps break down on trails while hearing drivers lament, “Damn it, I thought that problem went away” or “That tire seemed like it was only losing a little bit of air overnight.”
If you have any doubts whatsoever about the fitness of your vehicle or your tires, exercise caution and DO NOT go out on the run.
Biting off more than you can chew
Offroading runs the gamut from super easy, National Park tourist roads to Red Bull crazy boulder climbing.
Carefully read the description of the run before you sign up for it. If the posted description is vague, then Google it and see if there are any recent trail reviews. Search on YouTube for recent videos.
Try to contact the Trail Leader to find out more about the level of difficulty.
Is the run stock friendly?
Is it suitable for someone of your limited experience?
Do you require larger tires, such as 35’s or 37’s?
Do you need a lift? Lockers?
Trail Rating numbers provide a rough indicator of difficulty, but do not trust them completely. Ratings are very subjective.
Some regions tend to exaggerate difficulty levels based on the single hardest obstacle along the route, regardless if it can be bypassed. We have driven on 4’s that we would have called a 2 or 2+.
On the flip side, we have signed up for 3’s that felt a lot more like a 5. States like Utah are known for offroading, and boast some really good drivers. So they tend to down-rate many of their popular trails.
In other states, where Jeeps rarely leave the asphalt, simple trails that barely merit a 2 might be described as difficult.
When you do encounter an (optional) obstacle, do not feel group pressured to tackle it if you feel that your Jeep or your driving skills are not adequate. Yes, you should be willing to challenge yourself and go outside your comfort zone, but there are common sense limits. Observe the other vehicles as they engage the obstacle. Are those vehicles better advantageously equipped than yours, with higher lifts, lockers, bigger tires? Or, are they similar to what you have?
Respect your limitations, but conquer your fears. A good Trail Leader should be able to judge and advise you whether to attempt the obstacle or not.
If the cars ahead of you are about the same as yours mechanically, then maybe give it a try. Follow in the tire tracks of the car ahead of you. Ask for some spotting or coaching, but see what your Jeep can do. It will surprise you just how capable these machines are.
On the other hand, if even highly modified vehicles ahead of you are wildly struggling — then maybe just opt out and take the bypass. Park, join the audience, and enjoy the show.
