The Range Riders 4 Wheelers conducted a 4 Wheeling 101 Clinic on November 16th. This clinic was free to the general public, all licensed drivers of 4 wheel drive vehicles were welcome to attend this event.

Tom led a ground course in a parking lot to provide literature, explain vehicle preparation steps, go through 4 wheeling do's and don'ts and answering questions. Several students were in attendance as well as a reporter from the Sierra Vista Herald who drove her own Bronco through the obstacles for a hands-on lesson.

One student had to drop out at the beginning of the course as his transfer case linkage would not engage 4 wheel drive. After some road-side repair he was able to engage 2 wheel drive. Back to the transmission shop for him.

Marty led the group of beginners through some easy trails in the Huachuca Mountains, stopping frequently to show everyone how to walk the trail to determine the path they will take as well as the importance and physics of tire placement in maneuvering through obstacles.

Our first challenge was a rut in the road that was perhaps a foot deep and 2 feet wide.  New member, Susan, was the first up for this lesson.  Tom and Marty were coaching her through, explaining to approach at an angle to alternate wheels as well as using the forward momentum of the vehicle (no braking or clutch) to help move through the rut to keep tires in contact with the ground.  Susan's natural instinct was to brake as the first tire dropped into the ditch, she had to back up several times as she lost the momentum necessary to get both front tires onto solid ground.  She was determined to get through this obstacle and overcame her need to brake which allowed her vehicle to travel through the rut with relative ease.

We climbed several hills, giving the students experience in using 4 Wheel drive low range to ascend and descend with the use of gearing for power and engine braking to control descent.  One hill had a crest that was a bit alarming and required faith that the ground was on the other side as all you could see was sky before the hood lowered as you began the descent.  Marty prepared everyone for this area and Tom stood by to coach people through if their nerves weren't made of steel.

The end of the first trail provided the best obstacle: Ruts to straddle to get to the bottom of a gradual hill where there was a large, washed-out ravine with an off-camber climb through a sandy ditch to bypass the ravine.  Everyone parked at the top to get out and walk the path to determine their best approach as Tom and Marty gave pointers and advice.  Marty took the top portion to guide drivers through the ruts and Tom took the bottom portion to direct them around the ravine and through the ditch.  Several people got stuck in the sand and had to back up to try a few times to navigate the ditch.  The off-camber factor as you had to climb the bank on the other side to get your back end through to avoid the ravine was an added bit of excitement.

Part 2 of our course took us on a trail with longer, steeper hills, higher elevations and bigger obstacles as we made our way to our meeting place with the group of club members who had gone on a separate run.  One hill, in particular, claimed Chris's Ford F250 as he was hung up on a large boulder.  After a bit of rock stacking and backing up he was able to make it the rest of the way up the hill.  Susan, having learned all about momentum and path choice, did an amazing job at climbing over the rocks all the way up the hill without once stopping. 

We made our way to the meeting location where several members demonstrated their articulation and skill on a large waterfall-type hill.  The students, instructors and members had enjoyed the beautiful day spent in the hills of the Huachucas.  We look forward to our next clinic in the spring to share our passion with beginner 4 wheel drive enthusiasts.  If you are interested in attending please keep an eye on our website, you are also welcome to attend any of our club meetings, held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month except December.