4x4Wire

Four-wheeling is best enjoyed in groups. (Indeed, I stress group outings for safety reasons.) At times you will be a participant. Others times you will want to be the Trail Leader. You’re proud of your skills and want to showcase the trails you enjoy exploring.

Being a Trail Leader isn’t a particularly difficult task. But it does entail many responsibilities. In 10 Qualities of a Great Trail Leader, I touch on the role mostly from the technical side.

This article takes the guests’ perspective. Specifically, how to ensure that your guests enjoy the best trip possible. (Note that I don’t use the word “customer.”  These people don’t pay to participate.) Certain aspects are beyond your control. But many others can be influenced by you.

Get Your Silverado Camping Ready

PAOLI, Pa. (July 1st, 2019) – In this episode of AmericanTrucks’ “The Haul” YouTube Series, host Joe Dick selects his favorite camping gear for Chevy Silverado owners. Whether you are camping, tailgating, or just trying to have some fun during an off-road excursion, this video offers a few excellent suggestions to make your time with your truck, away from home, an enjoyable one.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – This Memorial Day weekend, public land visitors will be heading outdoors for recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, camping, rockhounding, backpacking, hiking, boating and off-highway vehicle use.

In California, the Bureau of Land Management oversees 15 million acres of public lands that support the agency’s multiple-use mission, which includes 1,735 miles of nationally designated trails and 356 miles of rivers.

Enjoy public lands and rivers safely this summer  With that said, the public is encouraged to keep a few things in mind:

Have you ever wondered about being a Trail Leader? Ever imagined yourself guiding a group of four-wheelers down historic trails and through scenic landscapes?

What has stopped you?

Most likely a lack of confidence. Understandable. Leading a group of four-wheelers is quite a bit different from being just another participant.

Even the best-planned excursion experiences a hiccup or two. Heaven knows I’ve seen a bunch in my time. By making and overcoming mistakes you learn and grow.

We constantly stress the need for preparation before a 4WD trip. Even so, something is bound to come up.

Here are my Top 10 fears a Trail Leader could face, and what to do about them. (Don’t worry, though: You’re not likely to see more than a few during any one trip.)

It was the second day of a three-day excursion to the Sweetwater Mountains, just north of Bridgeport, California. We stopped for some sightseeing high on the peak of Mt. Patterson. At 11,674 feet, we marveled at the incredible views. East looking into Nevada are the Bodie Hills and Corey Peak and looking west provides an extensive view of the Sierra Range.

Unfortunately, not everyone enjoyed the stop. One guest complained of a headache and brief spell of dizziness when making a quick move to exit the vehicle. Talking with the others, I learned that everyone experienced shortness of breath while setting up camp the night before.