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DRIVING SKILLS
The key to successful and exciting backcountry adventures is to
develop your driving skills to the highest level. A big part of the
challenge is developing skills so that you minimize damage to your
vehicle, damage to the trail, or getting stuck. Like most
endeavors, backcountry driving requires basic knowledge and
considerable practice, which is a good thing, considering the
environment where you get to practice.
Minimize trail damage by avoiding unnecessary wheel spin. Do
this by being very gentle on the throttle pedal. Like you learned in
driver’s ed, pretend there is an egg between your foot and the
pedal. Squeeze the pedal gently, don’t mash on it. And if you do
get wheel spin, back off the throttle. More wheel spin will only
create more dust, splash more mud and kick up more rocks. None
of this is good for your rig or the trail.
If in doubt about a trail section, get out and look over the
situation. Every time I’ve done this, the trail looks easier and the
best path becomes more obvious. If the section is tricky and
visibility is reduced because of the steepness of the trail, use a
spotter (someone outside the vehicle giving the driver directions.
Discretion is the better part of valor”. It is always perfectly
acceptable to go back if conditions are not acceptable. If you’re in
a group, this can be a tough choice. If anyone gives you grief
about that choice, ask them if they are willing to pay for any
damage to your rig. That will stop the razzing cold.
While a spotter or other observers have valuable input, the final
decision concerning your path or route is always up to the driver.
And it best to rely on only one spotter, one who is riding with you
or one you choose.
The key to successful and exciting backcountry adventures is to
develop your driving skills to the highest level. A big part of the
challenge is developing skills so that you minimize damage to your
vehicle, damage to the trail, or getting stuck. Like most
endeavors, backcountry driving requires basic knowledge and
considerable practice, which is a good thing, considering the
environment where you get to practice.
Minimize trail damage by avoiding unnecessary wheel spin. Do
this by being very gentle on the throttle pedal. Like you learned in
driver’s ed, pretend there is an egg between your foot and the
pedal. Squeeze the pedal gently, don’t mash on it. And if you do
get wheel spin, back off the throttle. More wheel spin will only
create more dust, splash more mud and kick up more rocks. None
of this is good for your rig or the trail.
If in doubt about a trail section, get out and look over the
situation. Every time I’ve done this, the trail looks easier and the
best path becomes more obvious. If the section is tricky and
visibility is reduced because of the steepness of the trail, use a
spotter (someone outside the vehicle giving the driver directions.
Discretion is the better part of valor”. It is always perfectly
acceptable to go back if conditions are not acceptable. If you’re in
a group, this can be a tough choice. If anyone gives you grief
about that choice, ask them if they are willing to pay for any
damage to your rig. That will stop the razzing cold.
While a spotter or other observers have valuable input, the final
decision concerning your path or route is always up to the driver.
And it best to rely on only one spotter, one who is riding with you
or one you choose.
Copyright 2009 Don Alexander
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