Club run improvements

[woooody]

Based on my mud run experience, I thought a dedicated thread might be useful to log some ideas to improve how we do these runs.

I think we can all agree that letting someone know where you are is important. We also generally agree that we shouldn't wheel alone. However, things can always happen that cause people to get separated from the group. I know my first Rubithon was tough because I didn't know how to get past mud lake.

I think we've taken some of our requirements too lightly. Things like CBs. How many of us still have a functioning CB? They have such a short rage that many people don't feel they are worth having.

Recovery gear - I certainly have them, but I've grown too reliant on others. I have a complete ARB bag that I won at a Cruise Moab, but I didn't carry it. I own a winch, but I hadn't reinstalled it. I had a strap and shackle.

What do you all think about having a check in / check out sheet? Especially on runs where there is more than one exit route. Even though John knew that I had gone back to catch up with the group, no one saw me, so the thought was that I had left. If our check in sheet had cell numbers, then someone could have called to verify that I had left. Or I could have "signed out" on a sheet posted at the airport. We could also have the run leaders provide everyone their contact numbers in case there were problems.

Also, I was very happy that Don had picked up maps. When I left the group, I should have verified which trail they were going on next.

Those are a few of the ideas I had. Please feel free to add to this.

 

[wapitidon]

Good ideas Ross. There is always a checkout sheet formed when we do the raffle. We just need to use it. Communication is probably the most important thing, especially in a large group. Weather its over the air waves or personal. I remember being impressed with the drivers meetings at the start of our first Rubithon. When everyone introduces themselves , their rigs, experience on the trail, etc. it sort of lets others know who might need a spot and who probably wont. Maybe start the drivers meeting by reading a list on the do's and don'ts to refresh our memories.
As for CB's, personally I think they suck...that being said I'm in the process of buying another one because Cruise Moab requires it. I think I've got four on the shelf that no longer work for one reason or another. We have switched to mobile FRS/UHF units in the rigs and the radios work fantastic(they are also Ham but I don't have my license so I don't use those frequencies). My personal favorite is the hand held Garmin Rino series where the person you are talking to shows up on your screen and gives you distance, direction and path. I've had mine for 7 years now and it works great but pretty expensive even for the smaller radios and works better when on foot.

 

[peesalot]

I agree Ross , I should have not let the news that you were not spotted again pass so easily. That was one of the reasons I felt necessary to head back against all advice and at least try to reach you. I think a check in / check out sheet posted either at a know location or at a station etc. is a great idea and as a club organizing an event would be prudent from PMC's standpoint. gee, would that be the club secretary's responsibility

 

[Dreamin]

I for one agree to all of what has been said, but I think that if we just use a tighter regiment of standard trail rules, this would not happen.

We are all just so comfortable with wheeling with each other, we have the attitude of "ah he/she will be fine". Just like when there is a newbie in the run, everybody watches them with an eagle eye. Hey, does he/she know the trail, can he/she wheel? The point is if we keep this attitude with regulars this would not happen.

Most trail rules are simple, the BIG one is keep the person in front of you, and behind you, in sight AT ALL TIMES. This rule is made just so no-one gets left behind. But so many times I will stop to wait for the person behind me, and I see the person in front of me just keep driving off. Soon I am all alone, finaly I either go back to check behind, or they catch up. Then it is a big race to see if we can catch up. But we all need to participate for this method to work.

As for CB's, they are very important, but again with eye contact front and rear, simple universal hand signals and horns work just fine. CB's can be on board, but if not tuned right or broken, you might as well not have them at all, and with the front and rear in sight method, safety is always kept.

Again this is nothing new to us, we just need to keep it an important part of our wheeling, you wouldn't go out on a run with out gas, well this is just as if not more important than gas.

Safety First

 

[Taylor]

We have had a guy go out on a run with out gas. Mud in your eye. How many of you guys have a compass in you trucks?

 

[martinez fj40]

No gas at mud

HAHA Taylor

 

[Dreamin]

COMPASS CHECK? not needed here
When ever I leave the city limits, even if just traveling to a nother city, standrad travel items are.
Hand held GPS
Flashlight, with compass built in
at least 1 Knife
snack food
warm clothes
and usually a sleeping bag
A lighter
and standard stuff always in truck, rope, jacket, gloves, tire repair kit, firstaid kit, oh and just in case a roll of TP resides in every one of my vehicles at all times, what can I say I was a boy scout, always be prepared!!!!

and even though they dont always work, the cell is in my pocket at all times

All tthings to get in good habbit of carrying.