5 Trail-Etiquette Tips all Wheelers Need to Know

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Words by JD Keating @Dads_That_Wheel

Approximately 12,800 years ago, massive glaciers cut swaths through the Ottawa Valley region area, exposing what is now known as Calabogie, ON. Although not quite icebergs, our wide Jeep JL’s would prove to be tricky behemoths to navigate through the White Pines of Sullivan Lake.

This area is home to more than 900 lakes, making it a popular wilderness destination for anglers, hunters, ATV’ers, dirt bikers and wheelers like us. All the trail heads start from one location, the top of the local Calabogie GS North Branch Dam. While airing down, we were one of several lines of groups ready to go out on the trails. This begged the question, who gets to go first?

Unlike Mother Nature, we cannot just push our way through the forest. There is no manual to off-road adventure. So, what are the rules? For today’s adventure we reached out to an old friend, a fervent wheeler and an all-around enthusiastic personality, Tasha McDonald. McDonald’s welcoming smile is always a stark reminder to check your ego at the door.

So, from extending respect among the wheeling community to practising courtesy on the CB, here are five rules of thumb to follow on the trails when you head out this season.

Rule #1: Be Polite

Tasha is a mom that wheels and while she may be petite, she’s one capable driver. As we prepped to hit the trail, Tasha introduced her crew to our group leader and our tail gunner, ensuring that everyone knew their names. This was just the start of what would prove to be a lesson in hospitality on the trail.

Rule #2: Your Reputation Precedes You and First Impressions Always Last

Just because we all share the same common interest doesn’t always mean we all have matching personalities. Travelling and wheeling – we meet all sorts of wild characters and you’ll never know who (or what) you might encounter. However, the trail is also where many lifelong friendships are born. So, always be on your best behavior and while the wheeling community may be growing, we are a fickle bunch and word travels fast.

Rule #3: Tread Lightly and Haul Out What You Bring In

Our trail guide and crew for the day had last been in this track at night in the Fall 2019. So, even our trusted guide was a little in the dark. Sullivan’s Lake trail is a tight, twisty path originally created by ATV’s to gain access to the lake for fishing and camping. Huge White Pine trees grow in this lush, humid, valley. During the heyday of Canada’s logging industry, the hills of Calabogie were a major contributor to the country’s exports. The regrowth of a once, decimated forest was a stark reminder to respect our surroundings.

Rule #4: Effective Radio Contact and On-Trail Courtesy

As we squeezed and shimmied our way through the plush landscape, the cackle of the CB was the only noise to break the stillness. “Everyone ok back there, over,” blurted Tim, consistently checking in on the pack, mentioning particularly large boulders and offering line-choice guidance when he felt necessary. In fact, the communication was so resourceful, we oftentimes felt as if we were participating in a club-sanctioned event, but we were not.

Rule #5: Choose Your Rig and Trail Mates Carefully

When driving in potentially precarious situations, it’s not all that uncommon to rely on those around you to spot you’re driving. Putting your own safety and the safety of your vehicle in the trust of others can be dangerous. Be sure you know your spotter, trust your guide, and have faith in your fellow trail mates, should you need recovery assistance. You may very well end up entrusting your life with this group or at the very least, the life of your rig (which to some might be worse).

Every twist and turn of Sullivan Lake Trail had us choosing and re-choosing line after line to ensure we kept our fenders intact. This trail quickly turned into an extremely fun run. The tight lines, fun group and gorgeous scenery made for one hell of a day. We respected one another while respecting the forest. Your 4-wheel drive vehicle takes you places most people cannot go. Use it, get out, escape the city buzz and the hum of hydro. Immerse yourself in nature, soak it in and remind yourself what makes you smile.

Just remember to follow the rules.