I was Trail Leader one afternoon as we were driving the Mojave Road. Glancing to my left at one point in Mojave River wash, I noticed that the back half of my group was driving a parallel path a significant distance away. We had just entered a huge basin with… Continue reading
A driver wants to make a 90 degree left turn down a steep hill and cannot see the trail. The Trial Leader offers to spot, and stands to the left of the vehicle. He focuses on the front wheels. The vehicle begins to roll into the turn. Soon a loud… Continue reading
The recent fires in southern California are a thing of the past – for now. But what a destructive event it was. Just in the Los Angeles area alone, more than 16,200 structures burned and at least 29 lives were lost, according to CAL FIRE. The most significant fire occurred… Continue reading
Electronic gadgets and equipment can add to a four-wheeling adventure. But careful attention must be paid when installing that equipment. Whether a GPS receiver, tablet, smartphone, or other device, plan well how and where you’ll install the gear. Safety of driver and passengers is paramount Safety isn’t normally top of… Continue reading
Four-wheelers understand that injuries can occur while on the trails. Most are minor – scrapes, bruises, burns from a hot pan, maybe an occasional bee sting – but occasionally someone is hurt badly. If that injury entails bleeding, knowing what to do can make a big difference in the outcome…. Continue reading
This announcement is kind of like the garden seed catalogs you receive in late winter with reminders of what to do in each of the upcoming months. Are your backup supplies and kits ready for a long, exciting off-road adventure? Maybe the Rubicon? How about an emergency evacuation due to… Continue reading
Opioid deaths are taking a toll on American citizens. The problem is so bad, it’s been labeled an epidemic. Here are a few grim statistics, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Approximately 69,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2020. 82% caused by ingesting synthetic opioids. More than 107,000… Continue reading
Every four-wheeler at some point needs to use a winch. The type of rope used is vitally important. I suggest synthetic rope, even though it’s more expensive than steel and is susceptible to abrasions. It’s far stronger: A 3/8” synthetic rope of Amsteel-Blue has an average breaking strength of 19,600… Continue reading
One of the fundamental tenants of four-wheeling is to always travel with at least one other vehicle. Meaning, of course, never go four-wheeling alone. Bad things can happen, even during nice weather in a seemingly benign area. But sometimes it’s necessary for a vehicle to leave the group. Implementing the… Continue reading
Summer has arrived. Among the myriad outdoors activities that come to mind is four-wheeling. Many four-wheelers go off-road during the winter months, of course, but summer is a particularly popular time. With weather conditions generally calm, it’s natural to assume that the trails and back roads are open and accessible…. Continue reading
Every four-wheeling excursion involves some preparation. Even individual components of the trip can require careful planning to ensure a smooth drive. This is especially true when negotiating hills. Whether climbing or descending, knowing how to handle certain situations can mean the difference between continuing on and getting stuck. Before tackling… Continue reading
Hazards are an accepted part of four-wheeling. Driving off-road, in remote parts of the country (or the world), oftentimes on uneven or (treacherous terrain) is naturally risky. But it’s not just mechanical issues we face. Toxins occasionally present themselves, so it’s important to be aware of the situations that may… Continue reading
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