Off-Roading training/lessons

[TRex]

I'm (completely) new to off-roading, and before I go out and completely destroy my 03 Disco, I'd like to get some pointers from someone who knows what they are doing. I am aware Land Rover has training centers set up in Cali, NC, and Canada, but I'm looking for something local to the tri-state area.

Does anyone know of anything?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.:confused:

[rmuller]

Usually the best way to learn is just to go out there and do it.. go on some trail rides and gain experience from there.. Paragon used to do monthly rides for all experiences.. but Paragon is closed now.. not sure if rausch creek (www.rc4x4.org) offers something similar..

Did you buy your 03 from the dealership? Call them to see if they have any "Wheels" events.. which is where they'll take you offroading and teach you the basics.

There is also www.overlandexperts.com in CT.. and bill burke (www.bb4wa.com) who does regional touring occasionally.. Bill Burke also has some great videos that will give you overviews on getting prepared and recovery basics.

Otherwise, also just keep your eyes open on the boards, we run trails often..

[KevinNY]

Bruce at Overland Experts is a great instructor and has a purpose built course on site. I did a weekend of winter wheeling with him and BSROA a few years ago. I like him because he pushes you a bit.

[kirkt]

Come to the Robesonia Trials event in November - see this thread:

http://forum.roversclub.org/forum/showthread.php?t=801

and this post:

*****
Nov. 11
Pennsylvania ROVERS Club Fall Robesonia

The spring Robesonia event is certainly one not to miss. A technical Trials course and family friendly event all rolled into one!

Due to the popularity of this event, there is a maximum of 20 vehicles and all entrants must be current members.

see this thread:

http://forum.roversclub.org/forum/showthread.php?t=801

and this gallery to see photos of previous Robesonia trials:

http://gallery.roversclub.org/thumbnails.php?album=4


Here's a shot of my old 2000 D2 at Robesonia a few years back:

http://kirkt.smugmug.com/photos/36308954-M.jpg

A trials event involves negotiating your vehicle through a series of short "stages" that are comprised of a set of 10 gates. The gates are made up of a pair of canes (think 3/4" diameter PVC tubes sticking about 4 feet out of the ground) numbered in reverse order - your mission is to drive through each stage without your vehicle touching any of the canes. The cane that you do touch on each stage is the score you get for that stage - the object is to clear each stage with a perfect "0" score and, like golf, to rack up the lowest total score of all the stage scores combined. Thus if you hit the first gate you get a 10, etc. The stages are set up on private property that is graciously made accessible to us twice a year by a club member and contains a variety of terrain to test all vehicles from stock to modified. The trials are usually split into two classes: leaf sprung and coil sprung. You will really enjoy it and it is a great event to learn how your vehicle performs and how to drive off road. There a bunch of very knowledgeable people at the event to tutor you on the finer points of various off road situations as well. Just don't follow me unless you are vying for last place.

It is about 2 hours from Baltimore. There is a trail prep day the day before and some of the trail prep people will be camping out that night in preparation for the next day (see the thread for the full discussion).

Kirk

*****

clipped from the thread:

http://forum.roversclub.org/forum/showthread.php?t=867

Kirk

[flippedrover]

Come down to MAR and/or come out to the next trip to Rausch Creek probably won't be untill after MAR.

[MDDisco]

Sounds good to hear there is another newbie! Us Young Jedis are not alone! I will def be at Robesonia to see how bad of an off-road driver I really am.

I know its points based(lowest wins).... Does anyone ever finish with a perfect score of 0?

[crazyfish]

Does anyone ever finish with a perfect score of 0?

I think Evan has in his 88, so we don't let him compete any more :)

[MDDisco]

I think Ill try and hit my truck year.... 03 :)

[kirkt]

I'm trying to keep my score below my truck year: 1974.

[TRex]

It looks like the Robesonia event may be the way to go.

That said, is there an official link for registration, etc?

[galen211]

http://www.roversclub.org/html/events.html

Click on Robesonia at the top of the event list and it will open a word document that you can send in.