trail rides?

[jeepblur]

I have been curious about jeep trail rides. I've never been on one, but have read about them and always wanted to do it. My experience has always been us good ole boys going out into the woods for mudding or adventure to see new things. Kinda sounds the same, but I have only experienced the informal rides. My problem is this. I don't have a tow vehicle for my jeep, and I'd have to drive it to the trail ride. I'm afraid if I rely on the jeep to get me there, I could break it while on the trail and get stranded. I'm pretty good in a clutch with emergency repairs to get me home. The jeep has never let me down before. My question is whether there are varying degrees of trail rides? I don't want to sound like a wuss, but I'd probably have my wife with me, and I can take care of myself if I was by myself. Anyway, it still sounds like fun, but would want more info. Help out if you can!

[Gryphon]

I've been learning about the same thing...
I've never been involved with an organised club before, and not gone on any club-sponsored rides...never lived where there was a club before.

I was offered to come check out a local club a few days ago. I've been scouriung their website and looking into their trail ride anouncements and reports: They have rides that are tough and rides that are not with tough optional obstacles for those who can afford to break things. They have a ride coming up that is rated 2 for one short section of trail, the rest being a breeze with several 3 and 4 rated optional routes. This seems to be the norm for good, organised rides, rated tails, optional bypasses and opbstacles so drivers of all skill levels and rigs of all stages of built (or stock) can come and play.

I'd look into some local clubs and see what they offer. If there are none, get the boys together, plan a run and have some fun with it.

[jeepblur]

cool! Thanks for the feedback Gryphon. I'll check into it.

[Hill, Bill E]

Gryphon hit it right on the head! A good 'organized' trail ride, has something for every level of rig and driver. We always have a guy out front, and at least one in back, in touch with each other by CB or FRS radio.

Some of our rides are geared toward more experienced drivers, and some are for less experienced drivers. The same with the rigs, and thier mods/capabilites, if needed we split into 2 groups.

We never leave anyone behind. Even if it means some of us staying overnight, until we can get the rig out

See If there are any clubs in your area, if not, think about starting one.

'Organised' trail rides range from club members/friends who all know the trails, and just go together, to our annual open house at the off road park, my club host's the open house, and we plan trails for everyone, light trails, heavy/hard trails and scenic trails.

If you can find one, do it! A lot of people need thier rigs to get back home,
or even to work the next day, so don't let that stop you. Just find a group that's your level, and go with them. Don't feel like you have to do an obstacle/trail. A good trail guide will mke sure there is a bypass, and most Jeepers aren't going to give you any gruff, we all had to start at the beginning.

[Sccafire]

We never leave anyone behind. Even if it means some of us staying overnight, until we can get the rig out.

Our club is the same way even if your a guest or a member nobody gets left behind.

Our club has a meeting one time a year to decide where we go and who the trailmaster will be. The runs are from Forest Service roads to the Rubicon. We try so plan it so everybody can go on an outing with all different skill levels and all different Jeep types of modifications.

[G-tar-man]

I have gone on quite a few trail rides with my jeep stock. I only had skid plates and great spotters to tell me where to go. There are usually bypasses around difficult sections of the trail, and the group won't go on a trail your jeep isn't capable to handle. Check to see how modified the jeeps are you plan to go with. If they are extremely modified then I wouldn't want to try and tag along. Where are you located?

[GPER]

In the 34 years of driving a CJ, I have never towed it to the trail. Getting to the trail and getting home is part of the trip. You will have people trying to talk you into things, but YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT. I see no reason to crawl up every goat path we come to, I there for the scenery.

[brownrc]

Clubs are your best bet, because most have rules and never leave any one behind. I know most in our club carry spare parts and willing to share if any one needs something. We only have a couple people that trailer and we have a good assortment of vehicles. From near stock to pretty much well modified.
We do a ride every month or more plus some other club events.