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| To tell the
truth, I was prepared to a boring ride along some graded roads and lecture
on the basics of four-wheeling. To the honors of our trail guides, they
not only managed to make the lecturing interesting, but decided to "go
for it" and to take people (some of whom had never been anywhere off pavement
before) down the trail where some people (of "been there, done that" type)
get to see the bottom side of their vehicles. I mean the trail known as
"Dangerous Road." The trail is steep, rutted, muddy, rocky in places, and
this time with some snow to pepper it up. I've counted two bumpers, two
A-arms, a hood and more than one fender around this trail. Now, this trail
is easy for skilled drivers, especially in the vehicles that won't take
a second mortgage to fix a dent or two. But, all the confidence you might
have driving a beater 20-years old jeep with 31" grippy BFGoodrich tires,
great suspension flex, plenty of engine torque and low gearing, will evaporate
if you sit behind a $20K+ vehicle, even if you know beforehand that it
will handle it. So, all the driving duties were carried out by my wife,
Lena. It was her second off-road trip behind the steer of a Discovery,
the first being loose dirt and some off-camber situations not requiring
any finesse.
She did great. Actually, everybody made it unscathed, largely due to the excellent spotting job by Pioneer guys. Some folks had their right rear tire up about 8" in the air (which would make me sick). To take it easy after the stress of the Dangerous Road, a mud hole run was offered. Strictly speaking, it is not a mud hole, just a cow poop puddle on a sandy road, but recent rains made it a foot deep. Lena hit it at 30 mph. The guys yelled "not so fast!" - but here we go, all or nothing. I've managed to snap a picture (bottom right) - quite a splash for a Landie! All the way back home it sported a distinctive countryside smell, reminding of our happily spent childhood. I didn't get a chance to wash the Rover before the next crusade - and it looks clean now! Click on the Read On button for what was supposed to be a peaceful ski trip to Big Bear (unfinished as of 2/23/00). |
Ah-huh, some rough stuff!!!. 
I've seen a picture of a Toyota pickup on its side right here. Landies are tippy, too, not inspiring much confidence, but very capable. 
Looks like Lena's made it!  |
back to part 1 |
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Read on - Big
Bear Snow Run
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