Off-Roading 201
Mentor a new Off-Roader
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If you are an experienced off-roader:
If you genuinely care about this hobby, mentor a new wheeler. Share what you know.
Taking the time to help, teach, and mentor a new off-roader is a great way to support our hobby. Maybe the best way.
Teach them the little things. Tell them why we air down and show them how to do it. Explain the benefits of disconnecting the sway bar on some vehicles. How about when and when not to use lockers or what recovery gear to have? Maybe explain how to use gearing down and engine braking to make downhilling smoother and safer. (Yes, even with most modern auto-transmissions.)
Demonstrate a good line for them and teach them how to choose a good one themselves. Of course, offer to be a spotter.
There is so much more you can offer. Teaching them the time-learned tricks and tips will help the new off-roader have more fun and less fear.
Remember, these skills are learned. Few, if any, are intuitive and sorry "experts", but nobody is born with this knowledge. Anyone who thinks driving around town prepares them for what we do is mistaken. So, sharing what we have learned is not just helpful; it may be crucial for someone else to develop the same love for our hobby that we have.
I don't know about you, but I enjoy teaching the skills common to our hobby almost as much as the trail ride itself...sometimes even more.
Helping someone, sure they are firmly stuck in the snow, learn and use the techniques we have learned over time to drive themselves out of such a spot is something I and many of my fellow wheelers get a real kick out of.
If you are that newbie:
Remember that a great way to find help and knowledge is to find a good local club. There are almost always great mentors in a well-run club, and the cumulative experience of a good group is an unbeatable knowledge base. Fellow wheelers provide valuable support and safety while you learn.
Whee Safe!! Teach others to, too.
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