These are the guidelines we have found to be helpful on a typical club outing. They are simple rules, not intended to restrict your fun, but rather act as a reminder. If these rules are followed, it will increase everyone\u2019s enjoyment of four-wheeling and camping, and will provide a measure of safety for you and your family, and club members.<\/p>\n
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS\u00a0<\/strong>FOR CLUB RUNS<\/strong><\/p>\n ALL club runs require:<\/span><\/p>\n For trails rated 3 and above the following is highly recommended: <\/span><\/p>\n Spare parts, tools, spark plugs, fluids (brake fluid, gear oil, motor oil and coolant), spare gasoline, radiator sealant, electrical spares, fuses, electrical wire, universal electrical connectors, electrical tape, and a knowledge of vehicle mechanics. Members must be self-sustaining.<\/p>\n TRAIL RATINGS AND HAZARDS\u00a0<\/strong>INCLUDING GENERAL INFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n Trail Difficulty<\/strong><\/p>\n The Trail Difficulty component of the Rating System describes the challenges found on a trail and is a general indication of the skill required to safely complete the trail. Use this section to get a better understanding of the terrain of a trail.<\/p>\n Rating<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Description and Conditions<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 1<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fire Roads<\/span><\/strong>: Paved or gravel road with pot holes and\/or gravel with washboard. A passable road with a standard high clearance vehicle.\u00a0 Forest Service fire roads would fit this category.<\/p>\n 2<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Desert Roads\/Trails<\/span><\/strong>: Dirt road with some steep hills, pot holes, loose sand, rocks, mud. Narrow trails with mild rock gardens, bowling-ball size rocks. Typical of Panamint Valley dirt roads and our Adopt-A-Trail (Sourgrass).<\/p>\n 3<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mountain Trails<\/span><\/strong>: Large scattered rocks, loose sand and soil, moderate off-camber. Large rock piles, steep switch backs with rocks, narrow trails. \u00a0Niagara Rim trail and Deer Valley would fall into this category.<\/p>\n 4<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Challenging Trails<\/span><\/strong>: Stair steps (1-2\u2032 tall steps), slick rock, some off camber slopes, very steep loose hills, deep water crossings and mud. Flops and roll-overs possible if not paying attention. MOAB and Dusy come to mind.<\/p>\n 5<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Extreme Trails<\/span><\/strong>: Long steep climbs, loose silt, large rocks throughout trail, steep off-cambers, big pucker factor, winching and changing your underwear likely. \u00a0Body damage and carnage easily possible, trail repairs may be necessary. Deep water crossing, deep mud, tight passes, etc.\u00a0\u00a0 This is Rubicon and Fordyce country, bring spare parts or stay home.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Trail Hazards<\/strong><\/p>\n The Trail Hazard component of the Rating System describes the risk of damage inherent in attempting a trail. Use this section to get a better understanding of the risks associated with a trail.<\/p>\n Rating<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Description<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 1<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Typical driving<\/strong> (normal risk involved) on paved or dirt roads. Minimal danger due to relatively flat wide trails. Good traction.<\/p>\n 2<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Narrow trails<\/strong>, steeper loose climbs, reduced traction. moderate climbs and descents. Reduced traction and the risk of getting stuck in mud, sand, or water.<\/p>\n 3<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mountain Trails<\/strong> with increased risk of flopping over large rocks, getting stuck, winching may be required due to loose dirt, mud, \u00a0water crossings, including off-camber passes and narrow trails. Traction limited in some places. At least one locker required, may lose a tire bead.<\/p>\n 4<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some risk of damage<\/strong> due to steeper hills, very narrow cliff-side trails. High risk of flopping over on side due to extremely steep and narrow climbs. \u00a0Winch required as well as minimum of one locker, preferably two lockers.<\/p>\n 5<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Likely body damage<\/strong> and broken parts with lifted and locked vehicle. Considerable off-camber in multiple directions. Extreme rock climbing requiring possible external help to stabilize vehicle. Two lockers and a clean pair of underwear required, and spare parts.<\/p>\n NOTES:\u00a0 Each successive category may include components of any level preceding it.<\/p>\n Sample Ratings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n