~When two vehicles are approaching each other on an incline the vehicle going uphill has the right of way. This is because it is easier to back up if you are going downhill.Hey SASers!
Attention trail leaders and tail gunners!
PEW PEW!
If you volunteered to trail lead or tail gun on the registration form this is a friendly reminder
To have a few trails in mind that reflect your driving experience/vehicle and ALSO recruit a tail gunner for your potential runs that you can radio communicate well with, a buddy or
New friend with good Communication skills to bring up the rear of the group.
10 TOYOTA’s max in a group on trail an hour apart PLEASE!
The “rubber band” technique were vehicles are evenly spaced on trail.1or 2 vehicle lengths
between. If you can’t see the trail behind the rear wheels of the rig in front of you, you’re TOO CLOSE! Some of us drive with a clutch also.(40s)
If you can’t see the rig in front of you at all, you’re driving too slow and it spreads group out too much.
All groups should have good comms, recovery equipment , toolsand experienced people who know how to use them.
Familiarize yourself with the trails you plan to run, the difficulty rating and possible obstacles.
Also a planned lunch spot, bathroom breaks, etc. or any special needs of your group. Communication is key.
Know the forecast of weather, and be prepared for it! Safety first!
If there was an emergency, what is the protocol and plan of action?
Ouray Mountain Rescue OR just a few winches for a recovery too close to an edge?
If you are a sponsor for SAS this is a great opportunity to engage and promote your business!
Please DM me on mud with 1or 2 trails you will lead on Mon, Tues so we will have a full board of trails for registrants/1st timers to partake in.
If I don’t hear from you I’m gonna come hunt you downand hold you to it!
I’ll send a TRAIL LEADER/TAIL GUNNER group email out shortly.
Let’s make this a great, safe experience for everyone please. Read over this carefully, some is common sense but we all, regardless of experience must be on the same page!
So I’ll reiterate :
Trail Etiquette:
~Limit your group to 5-10 vehicles. If you catch up with another group, slow down to space yourselves 15-30 mins apart.
~Make sure everyone has a radio that works and is tested before leaving camp, if not, make sure those who don’t are in the middle of the group. The Tail Gunner has to have a radio.
~Practice good radio communication. No foul language. Communicate difficult obstacles, broken down vehicles, etc. Don’t “clog” the channel with trivial stuff, leave the small talk for the campfire.
~ Pull off the road at the trailhead to prepare your vehicle. Don't block access to the trail while staging.(airing down, locking hubs, engaging 4WD, etc.)
~ Always keep the vehicle trailing you in your view. This will keep the Trail Leader from leaving the group behind.
~Stop at intersections so trialing vehicle sees where you turned
~When two vehicles are approaching each other on an incline the vehicle going uphill has the right of way. This is because it is easier to back up if you are going downhill.
~Always keep an eye out for places to pullover, sometimes you might have the right of way but if you can, safely pull over for the other vehicle.
~Give way to larger groups
~Distance yourself safely from the vehicle in front of you. On steep inclines let the vehicle in front of you crest the hill before you start up. On steep declines let the vehicle in front of you get to the bottom before you start down. Give those with manual transmissions room to get moving. They will roll back on a steep incline while engaging the clutch.
~Drive slowly around blind corners, if necessary, get out and walk to see if any vehicles are coming. Some places are very dangerous to back up. Don’t get yourself in a tricky spot.
~Use hand signals to communicate to oncoming traffic how many are behind you in your convoy.
~Pull off the trail when stopping for a break. Don’t stop in the middle of the trail.
~Three attempts and then it’s time to move on, give others a chance at the obstacle if there are others waiting.
~Bathroom break: Boys to the left and Girls to the right.
~Be kind and courteous on the roads and trails as we all represent the Toyota Community. Remember to watch your speed in Ouray and Silverton. Posted 25mph in Ouray and 20mph in Silverton.
~Slow down and yield to motorcyclists, hikers, horses and bicycles. When you encounter a backpacker, you could ask if they need water or if you can take any trash for them.
~Stop to assist. Don’t leave anyone behind.
~Drive on the trails only. Tread lightly and pack out all the trash. Leave the places you visit better than you found them.
~Have fun and enjoy Beautiful Colorado!
Friendly Reminders Checklist:
When packing for a day on the trail please remember:
Communication, we use GMRS, your trail leader will pick the channel upon departure
Radio with charged battery and/or charging cord
Radio conversion chart
Tires with Good Tread
Good Spare Tire
Tire Repair Kit
Jacks for your rig, at least one, suggested to have a bottle jack and a high lift or floor jack
Air Pump
Air Down Tool
Basic Tools
Fire Extinguisher
Recovery Equipment
Gloves
Tow Rope
Winch/shackles - and know how to use them
First Aid Kit / Trauma Kit
Medication for 24 hrs longer than expected - in case of an emergency
Maps - Paper Maps in case your device goes out or you have no service
Remember to download the maps on your apps. Limited cell service on the trails
Drinking Water
Snacks and Lunch, you never know how long you’ll be out on the trail
Rain Jacket/Poncho
Warm Gear - rain can show up quickly in the mountains and it gets cold when it rains
Toilet Paper / Wet Wipes & Pack it out! not all trails have bathrooms
Trash bags
Pocket Knife
Lighter
Shovel
Flashlight
Cameras!! Photo opps everywhere!!
Check Brakes
Check Steering
Check Fluids and bring extra, brake, oil, etc
Check Anything else that can be checked before hitting the trail
Know how to use your tools, equipment and vehicle before hitting the trail, please don’t use this time as a test run.
I was amazed at this the past couple of years. On the East Coast we have always said the one going down hill has the right of way. I was "told" that I was wrong and uphill had the right of way and they pushed on, as I backed up, uphill. As you state, it is easier to back down a hill than up one.
What gives? I know, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
