Paul Meunier
Trailfest 2011
The Trailfest trails were designed to provide an exciting off road experience for all levels, from novice to seasoned off-road drivers. All trails, including “Over the Ledge”, “Purdy”, “Black Bear Bog”...
By Lynne Rabak
For the person new to going off-road it can be an intimidating process to figure out what approach is best to use to ‘fit in’. First, locate a local off-road club that organizes trail runs. It’s the best way to get started since they will know the trails and their accessibility (depends on time of year, other user groups’ plans etc.). Pick a group that supports the Tread Lightly philosophy as these responsible wheelers are the ones who diligently try to keep the trails available to off-road users. Never wheel alone.
Planning Ahead:
A good day on the trails means being prepared. Pack enough food for more than one meal, and lots of water to drink, just in case. Have a variety of clothing for all weather conditions, blankets, towels, bug spray, sun screen, hats, spare ignition key, toilet paper, wet wipes, paper towels, garbage bags, basic tools, camera, leather gloves, heavy-duty tow strap and fire extinguisher. Since everything should be secured in the back, purchase cloth bags with zippers or plastic bins that can be tied down with ratchet straps.
Mandatory items:
- Front/rear tow hooks or points: properly mounted to the vehicle’s frame.
- Skid plates: While most off-road-friendly vehicles come with skid plates, check that the transfer case and gas tank are protected (gas tanks are usually held up with the skid plate).*
- A full-size spare tire and jacking system (hi-lift or exhaust jack is recommended).
- First Aid kit.
*Jeep JK owners: a recommendation would be to invest in an evaporator canister skid plate.
At the Trailhead:
Most “Newbies” don’t know about airing down – that is, decreasing the air pressure in your tires to less than 15 psi. This is very important for being able to properly negotiate the obstacles on the trails. Purchase a good low-pressure gauge (increments below 20 psi) and make sure all your tires are the same pressure. At the end of the run, you will need to bring your tire pressures back up to about 30psi so purchasing at least an entry-level air compressor is a must.
Tie down loose items so that they don’t become projectiles. A good trail leader will decide the place in line for each vehicle based on driver experience and vehicle capability. Those with winches should be strategically placed to not only negotiate harder obstacles first but to aid those that cannot get through an obstacle on their own.
Trail Etiquette:
Request that you be placed behind an experienced driver with a similar vehicle, if at all possible. That way you can follow the line they take over obstacles to reduce the chances of damaging your undercarriage or breaking something: tires on rocks and stumps rather than straddling them and enter water slowly. The golden rule is “slow as possible, fast as necessary”. It’s not at all like the commercials on TV! Most trail runs are essentially at a walking or slow jogging pace, believe it or not.
Don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely and never enter an obstacle until the vehicle ahead is clear. Keep a look-out for the vehicle behind you and wait for them to catch up. They may be having issues so it’s a lot easier than having to reverse back down the trail to help them out. If you have a CB (good idea) let the trail leader know you have stopped or that someone is waylaid so that your group doesn’t get stretched out to thinly.
The standard for “private moments” in the bush is “men to left of trail, women to the right”. Bury toilet paper to leave the evidence hidden under the soil. Bears do it in the woods, so should you! Never poop on the trail!
If you’re with others who are more experienced with off-roading, they will likely be inclined to help you gain experience and be willing to teach you. In keeping with this willingness to mentor, don’t push yourself way beyond your limits just because someone is available to pull you out or you feel you have to prove something. Also, if you feel uncomfortable trying something that the more frequent wheelers try, be sure to say so. We were all beginners at one point in time.
Finally, always remember to respect the trails and leave them in good shape for the next user – pack out your garbage and anything you find on the trails from mindless people who should know better. The Tread Lightly! program outlines the essentials for good trail stewardship. Have fun!
Lynne Rabak is President of Canadian Shield 4x4 Outfitters