Participant Code of Conduct
Be advised that while the trail leader will offer guidance and support, they and the club are not responsible for you, your passengers or vehicle. Use common sense.
Prior to the Run:
• Review and understand vehicle requirements (is low-range/2-speed transfer case and/or full size spare required? Do you have these?)
• Ensure you, your passengers, and vehicle are prepared
• Review and understand the spotting hand and arm signals
• Ask questions
Trail staging:
• Arrive on time with your vehicle fueled and equipped for the trail
• Introduce yourself to everybody
• Let the Trail Leader know your driver skill level. If you are new to off-roading or have years of experience, etc., be honest
• Let the Trail Leader know your vehicle capabilities; Radio type, equipment, etc.
• We will have a driver meeting prior to departure
On the Trail:
• Leave no trace, Tread Lightly, and Stay the Trail principles. Leave only tracks, take only pictures.
• Be considerate of others on the road or trail
• Slow down when sight lines are poor
• Keep speeds low around other recreationists for safety and to minimize dust
• Keep pets under control
• Maintain distance between vehicles:
o Allow the vehicle ahead of you to clear the obstacle (especially steep ascents) before proceeding
o Watch the vehicles behind you. If you lose sight of the vehicle behind you, stop and wait for them. Keep up but don't leave the truck behind you.
• Know where the differential or the lowest point on your vehicle is. This will help in negotiating terrain and prevent vehicle damage resulting in oil and fluid spills on the trail
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers (when parking, do not leave the trail or trample vegetation)
• For your safety, travel straight up or down hills (called the "fall line")
• Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail (do not "splash" through water puddles). The weakest part of the vehicle are the tire sidewalls; drive over sharp obstacles with the tread of the tire while trying to protect the sidewalls as much as possible--remember when planning your route; your rear tires but also clear the obstacle so plan accordingly
• If you intend to stop after clearing the obstacle to guide the vehicle behind or take photos, ensure to move far enough beyond the obstacle for the next vehicle to clear
• Mind your mic: do not place your radio where the 'push to talk' button can accidentally be pressed. Do not use profanity or disparage anyone over the radio. Do not let your children use the radio for silly conversation--the radio is for short bursts of information transfer, we don't want to hog the radio waves
• If you are being 'spotted' through an obstacle, your focus should be on the spotter not other bystanders. Only follow the directions of the one spotter you've designated. Being spotted is an 'aid' to you and you are still responsible for your driving and choices. This is a club event and not a paid training event; fellow club members are there to help but do not replace your responsibility. Do not 'spot' unless you have the experience and confidence to do so.
Passing Vehicles:
• Smile, say hello
• When passing or meeting other riders on the trail, give them a hand signal to let them know how many riders are left behind you in your group:
o Four fingers mean you have four or more riders behind you
o Three fingers mean you have three vehicles behind you
o Two fingers mean you have two riders behind you
o One finger means you have one more vehicle behind you
o A closed fist means you are the last vehicle in your convoy
Right of way on the trails:
• Slower vehicles should yield to faster vehicles
• Descending vehicles should yield to climbing vehicles
• Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses
• When encountering horses on the trail, move to the side of the trail, stop, turn off your engine, show your full face—you want the horse to know you are human. Ask the rider the best way to proceed
• Proceed with caution around horses and pack animals. Sudden, unfamiliar activity may spook animals—possibly causing injury to animals, handlers, and others on the trail
• If you stop on the trail, try to pull to the side as much as possible to allow others to pass (Tread Lightly though!)
Adult beverages and similar:
● Social imbibing is at your own pleasure, when camping, as long as reasonable limits are maintained, and no unpleasantness results.
● Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous to yourself and others. It is not allowed or tolerated at club events.
● Illegal substances are prohibited at club events.
● If caught driving while intoxicated, you will be subject to suspension or expulsion, at the discretion of the BOD.