To ensure that we'll have a memorable trip

 
Its not the rattlesnakes or skorpions threatening our well being during the trip.
Its fender benders in Los Angeles or La Paz, born from rushing and carelesness - and its vehicle damages or tire failures that have burdened some trips in the past needlessly.


The entire rear suspension was ripped out by agressive driving during one of the recent trips.

In order to have a trip with only pleasant memories, here a few driving tips:


• In cities and on freeways please lets stay together as a group.

• Keep sufficient space to the car in front of you - but don't stay a mile or so back.

• Under no circumstances enter intersections during "dark yellow" only to keep together with the group. We will always watch out for all vehicles and will never leave anyone behind. We will always wait for cars stopped at traffic lights. Mexican as well California highway patrol will not hesitate to write you a ticket when you enter an intersection during red light.

• In case you get separated from the group and have neither visual contact nor radio contact, you do best by driving back to the last known stop of the group. For a while we will usually have radio contact - to ensure that the connection is clear it is best to stop driving, so the group can advise you how to proceed. If we can't establish contact, please return to the last known stop.

• For bad roads and remote trails the following rule applies: drive as slowly as you feel safe and comfortable. There is absolutely no reason to speed in order to catch up with the group. The car in front of you will always wait for you at intersections to ensure you know which direction to turn (you can absolutely trust the driver in front of you!). So, there is absolutely no reason for an off-road race to stay together. You'll do the ame for the guy behind you - you'll stop at intersections long enough until the guy behind you can clearly see where you are going. Easy huh?

• Do not drive fast on washboard roads! It is the main reason for vehicle damage and injuries. 25 - 30 mph is a safe speed. We have plenty of time and no reason for rushing. And why would you burden your bank account with field repairs in Baja. Nobody in the group thinks its cool to wait around 2 days just to source parts in a country that barely has gas.
When washboard gets really bad then max. speed is about 10 - 15 mph. Boring but safe. If you don't like it - don't drive in Baja. Frequently we have had "smart drivers" who stayed way back only to then speed up and drive fast on washboard. The rattle and shaking of the vehicle goes indeed down to a bearable level. But the effect on the car is devastating. Aside from that, when you drive fast you are prone to make more mistakes - even as a good driver.

Always remember the main motto of my trips: Take it easy.

 
 

© 1996-2008 Harald Pietschmann

 

Trial,trail,rubicon,Jamboree,jambore,rubithon,rubathon,Loon Lake,Springs,Cadillac Hill,Sluice box, big, little, FJ 40, CJ 7, 4x4, SUV, 4-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, 4WD, SUV, off-road, offroad, 4wd, 4 wheel drive,Rubicon Trail,rubicon, Georgetown,four,jeepers,wheelers,fourwheelers,fourwheeler,trails,Jeep,trips,trip,jeppers,tour,tours,pirates