The fun is only limited by your imagination. So they say, however when it comes to 4×4 adventure, the fun is only limited by the lack of big tyres.
Every 4×4 adventurer knows that the crew is just as important as the vehicle that they drive. Yes the vehicle has to be ‘pimped up’. The undercarriage, the shocks, the springs and of course the tyres must be replaced with heavy duty equipment suited for serious 4×4 fun.
Some say that when on a 4×4 adventure the passengers will feel like the whole world is shaking more than the driver, much like sitting in a small cabin when an earthquake begins. As the passenger will definitely be bouncing all over the place, hitting his or her head on the car’s ceiling, side window, and scraping and bumping their elbows and knees on everything else. That’s just half the fun.
The most important person in any 4×4 expedition is the person next to you – the navigator, as they will be able to guide the driver, and advise them regarding the terrain, obstacles and the dangers that may arise.
They are the extra pair of eyes. The extensions of those eyes are the other members of the expedition. They will communicate to all the drivers in regards to incoming cars, hazards, unforeseen obstacles and the like. Communication through CB (Citizens’ Band) radio is possibly one of the most important communication devices when going on a 4×4 adventure.
I had the chance to be on such an adventure. What amazes me was the teamwork and the cooperation of all the team members of the expedition. All members lent a helping hand, whether it was to give guidance on a tough obstacle or to just simple push the vehicle when it was stuck in the mud.
Other times they would give advice to the driver on how to overcome the obstacle on their own. If the driver is unable to manage the obstacle then the more experienced drivers would step up and take over. There are certain tips given to novice drivers when facing a tough obstacle, whether they are stuck in the mud, or on a particularly tricky path. Firstly, they must never panic, and remember that they are not alone. The team is there to lend a helping hand.
Never drive under stress as it aggravates the situation, and clouds reasoning and logic. The simplest situation will become unbearably difficult if the driver is under stress and is not thinking clearly. This is very important in particular when navigating tough, tricky terrain. Driving when tired is also a danger, as fatigue seeps in, the driver may become more and more reckless. Its dangerous enough on usual roads, on tough terrain its a killer.
When embarking on a 4×4 adventure, one must be sure that there are experienced drivers on hand who can handle the chosen terrain. Equipment must be complete, such as jacks, spare tyres, extra fuels, tools, and a wench.
If possible there must be at least one person who has mechanical skills as well as knowledge of first aid. Since 4×4 adventures always seeks out, out of the way terrains where help will most likely be difficult to come by.
That’s just some of the more basics of 4×4 adventures. Those who wish to embark on the sport must know the basics as well as the equipment that they are to be using. 4×4 promotes teamwork as well as team building, it also develops a person’s driving skills and confidence.
This sport is becoming popular in Brunei, where old 4×4 vehicles like the Toyota mark II are much sought after. Upgrading a 4×4 vehicle could run the bills more than $10,000 in some cases $20,000.
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