On The Trail With A Group

Traveling with a group has many advantages. Among these is learning new areas, an array of talents, i.e. mechanical, historical, medical, driving experience, social and help if needed. Summed up in a nutshell, it's usually safer and more fun with a group.

These advantages are not without some responsibilities. They include but are not limited to the following areas.

The Pace: The trail leader will (should) have a good idea of the length of the trail and the pace needed to get out in a timely fashion. You need to keep up, but not push, i.e. keep the vehicles in front of you and behind you in sight. That way no turns and/or problems go unnoticed. Do not follow too close. Tailgating makes almost everyone nervous, thus reducing their enjoyment of the trip. It also reduces your ability to view the total challenge of the trail making it harder for you to drive without mistakes. Remember, the group travels only as fast as the slowest vehicle.

Be Prepared: This area has 3 parts.

A: Mental - Prepare to be a positive part of the trip„ Help out when needed. If you don't like the way the trip is going, don't complain, but lead the next time, so it can go your way!! If there is time to play on problems/obstacles, do so if you wish and help out if you can. If time is a factor, stick to the trail and help keep the pace moving.

B: Vehicle: Have a vehicle that is equipped for the level of difficulty the trail poses. For instance, if you take a stock vehicle on a hard trail you will receive damage and require a lot of aid from others. This will normally slow the pace drastically and reduce the enjoyment level of the other participants either by "endless" waiting or by the effort required to constantly help. Most drivers don't mind helping a new person out on one trail you aren't prepared for. If you haven't spent the money and /or time to properly equip your rig, you will get to spend it to fix it and then get to spend it again to equip it!

C: Support needs: Tools and Parts. Carry basic parts for your vehicle. These include belts, filters, spare plugs, hoses and clamps, tire repair kit, some electric wire, bulbs, jack, lug wrench and other items you and your advisors deem necessary. Basic tools are also needed. If you are not mechanically inclined, you can usually find someone to help you, but basic tools are needed to make the repairs. If you are only going to carry the minimum tools make sure they are of top quality brand names. A poor tool is worse than no tool! Put the basic tools in an easily accessible place in a small pouch or bag or wrapped in a towel. Include a #2 Philips screw driver and a medium straight screwdriver: along with a locking (vise grip) pliers and a regular and/or slip-joint pliers: accompanied by a 6" or 8" adjustable wrench and a packet of Allen wrenches. A small bow saw often comes in handy and a shovel (folding or straight) is a necessity and required by law in some public lands.

Four important safety items are a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow strap (no hooks!) and a CB radio. A footnote about CB radios - don't get the kind that go to channel 9 every time it is turned on - you will usually be on the wrong channel! 9 is for emergencies only. Your vehicle should have tow hooks or anchor points front and rear to facilitate towing.

So come on along --- be prepared mechanically and mentally and be an asset or ------!!!

Revised: January 14, 2001