not able to look up ride rules and big requirements.... suggestions?
I am interested in joining you on Jan 18th.... where do you all meet up?
Here is a copy and paste:
Beginning January 1st, 2008, we collectively established a few rules in order to participate in a GATR trail ride. Please make sure your vehicle meets the following requirements.
If you can not meet the following requirements, unfortunately, you will not be allowed to ride with GATR until your vehicle is in compliance.
1. Functional Parking brake or Line Lock
2. Tow strap (minimum 2"/20,000lbs, can be bought for +/- $20)
3. Jack (tall enough to change your own tires)
4. Fire extinguisher (must be secured and easily accessible; mandatory for certain ORV parks)
5. Seat belts/restraints for all passengers
6. CB with clear reception (***See note below)
7. Recovery hooks or D-rings front & rear. (Cheap Idea:
http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/gas/tj_hooks.htm)
8. Battery hold-down (OEM or after-market, bungy cords are not acceptable)
9. Emergency Contact Form (***See attachment)
10. Functional 4WD is REQUIRED. No 2WD vehicles are permitted.
11. Small First Aid Kit (Highly Recommended, Not Required)
*** The properly tuned CB radio is how we communicate on the trail systems. From time to time, we can not see or hear each other and this is where our CB's come in handy. If you are on a budget, you can pick up one of the best "budget" CB's on the market for around $59 (Uniden Pro510XL).
Since we are growing and our members are from all over the place, please take a moment to fill out the following Emergency Contact form and keep it in your glove box while attending GATR trail rides. It would not be good if you were to get severely hurt and we could notify immediate family or friends.
Again guys, thanks for continuing to make each GATR ride a success.
Thanks,
GATR Team
*********************************************
"As SUV ownership has increased, so has the level of off-highway recreation. There is no special license required to drive off-highway, even though there are many different techniques and practices involved. There has been an often unspoken etiquette that is practiced by old-school four-wheelers, which developed not just so that everyone can get along on the trail, but, primarily, for safety considerations. But, with the availability of trail-ready 4x4’s, like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Nissan Xterra, and the Toyota TRD, the slow and steady progression of four-wheeling initiation through involvement and camaraderie has been bypassed. The honor-by-association process misses the chance to be taught to the enthusiastic guy who just bought his first real 4x4. Not to sound like a snob, but it has become grimacingly obvious."
This is a very good read...
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/brandnew4x4wdrivers/a/OffRoadEtiquett.htmhttp://www.stu-offroad.com/misc/etiquette.htmhttp://sija.org/bounty/2006JJ/SIJAtrailEtiquette.pdfhttp://www.lonestarjeepclub.org/board/showthread.php?t=100531. Be mindful of your environment. Tread lightly and avoid creeks & stream crossings if possible.
2. Always take out more than you bring in.
3. Do not tresspass- Gates, chains, & signs are there for a reason.
4. Leave no man behind. Trust me it will come back around.
*If you have any other suggestions please let us know.