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View Full Version : a few reminders as prime wheeling season approaches



BigDaveZJ
04-09-2007, 11:42 AM
From Tread Lightly! (http://www.treadlightly.org)

10 Ways to Tread Lightly When Driving in the Outdoors

1. Stay only on trails, routes, and areas designated for off-highway vehicle use.

2. Cross streams only at designated fording points, or where the road crosses a stream.

3. Cross large rocks and other obstacles slowly, at an angle, one wheel at a time. Always know where the differential or lowest point on the vehicle is.

4. Avoid riding in mud. In soft terrain, go easy on the gas to avoid wheel spin, which can cause rutting.

5. Straddle ruts, gullies and washouts even if they are wider than your vehicle.

6. Don't turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain, or unstable ground. Backup until you find a safe place to turn around.

7. Don't ride in meadows or marshy areas and remember that areas designated by the government as "Wilderness" do not allow motorized vehicles.

8. When winching, attach the towing cable, tree strap (Dave's note: make sure you use a tree strap if winching off a tree), or chain as low as possible on the object being winched. Let the winch do the work; never drive the winch.

9. Pack out what you pack in. Consider carrying a trash bag in your vehicle to pick up litter left by others.

10. Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites, camping 200ft from water resources and trails, and minimizing use of fire.

For more information on ways to minimize outdoor impacts, click on "Recreation Tips" at www.treadlightly.org (http://www.treadlightly.org)



All very simple and basic stuff, but it if everyone would abide by these guidelines we wouldn't have nearly as many issues as we do. Please be smart on the trails this year!!!