4x4 Fun Day update 01/08

[Trugga]

TIP #3

If you get stuck, sound your horn or wave your arms to summon assistance. DO NOT, under any circimstances attach a tow rope untill the rest of us have turned up to laugh out loud and take lots of photographs.

Remember, you get bonus points if you actually fall over and double points for losing a shoe.

Lawrence

(What are the odds on me now being the first to get stuck ?)

[sollihull]

Tip #4

If you're doing the Mud-Run and see me behind you, please ensure all windows and sunroofs are closed as I will try to splash you!! lol

[Apache-Andy]

GM - best bet is to u se yell.com as stated, but there is a Travelodge just down the way at Oversley Mill - you never know if you look now you might be able to get one of their special £10 a night for a room deals.

SSteve - has anyone warned the site yet as to how many of us are coming from here? Just worried about numbers and that we might overload them if a load of solihull skips turned up too.

[sollihull]

You're asking for a Slap now Andy!!
You're asking either to be slapped or left in the middle of Great Alne!!

But I digress, Yes the Site Organisers are aware of a minimum of 14 Vehicles attending from this Forum.

[sollihull]

Apache-Andy, Frontera
Bumptj Frontera
Colin (Panda) & Denise (Bumpers) AKA tempra_mental Frontera
Dazliss Frontera
Driftwood Frontera
Frontera Administrator Frontera
gotafrontera Frontera
greasemonkey Frontera
HL3 HiLux
kelly-westmids Frontera
MuddyCarl Frontera
phil.a Frontera
REMF Frontera
Sandy Landy
SolihullSteve Frontera
Trugga Frontera

[Jamie]

IS this course likely to damage your motor as i need to use mine for work aswell.

[Trugga]

Hiya Jamie

The majority of the site is an open meadow, although there are a few climbs and a couple of weather dependant mud runs there for the temptation.

I would say that this venue is non-damaging (but that all depends on the nut holding on the steering wheel)

I think all of us us our Frontera's as our daily driver - me included. Should not be a problem for a standard Frontera.

Lawrence

[Drift]

Ste

IS this course likely to damage your motor as i need to use mine for work aswell.

As Trugga says most of use use them for work.
The car can take a good beating
You should be fine if you take it easy , like me
Ste

[gotafrontera]

you wil be suprised at how much punishment these jeeps can take.

i hit a bolder in the dark the other day and was actually up in the air with front wheels still spining , just reverced off and the next day took a look under my sump to find my sump gard had a nice big dent in it but its still in no danger of hitting the sump so its all good

just take it slow and if in doubt watch some one else mess it up and then you know not to do the same

[Drift]

You will be safe if you follow me
coz when I get stuck just dont go there

Oh my mate in his Surf cant make it
Ste

[Apache-Andy]

Any more pitches needed for the camping site? I shall go and book it today - 15 places. Please let me know ASAP if any more are needed...

[sollihull]

I'm tempted to have a drive on Monday and have a word!!

[Trugga]

A lot of these ideas have been put forward before (and probably lost a few pages back) so I've reproduced them here and added a few more.

Vehicle preparation

• The week before, wash and wax your vehicle - this ensures it is easier to clean after the event.
• Ensure your washer bottle is full, perhaps with an additive.
• Ensure you have all the tools required to change a wheel (locking wheel nuts !).
• Ensure you know where your tow points are (saves embarrassment on the day).
• If possible (and you don't need it), remove any drop-plate fitted to your towing bracket.
• Sort yourself out with a decent tow rope.

On the day - General

• Wear suitable "out doors" clothing and appropriate footwear (muddy field).
• Ensure all passengers wear seat belts.
• Small children will see better if seated on a (approved) booster cushion.
• Ensure all cargo is firmly restrained where possible so as not to injure occupants (there is some rough ground).
• Be aware of your vehicle's abilities - don't push to exceed its capabilities (break-over angle, wading depth, side slope angle, etc).
• If you are unsure, ask - we were all novices once.
• Be sensible and don't take risks.

On the day - Driving

• Keep your speed down - there is no need to drive fast in this environment. A slow speed will allow the suspension to keep all the wheels on the ground to aid traction. Speeding over rough terrain will most likely cause something to break.
• There is no "one way system" (you drive wherever you like), therefore please be aware and look out for, other vehicles (that might be about to drive up the slope you are about to drive down).
• Give way to other vehicles already in an obstacle and those driving up-hill.
• Don't go rushing into the first obstacle you see. Take time to watch how other vehicles tackle an obstacle. If they make it through/over, follow their tracks - if they don't, wait for someone else to succeed before giving it a go.
• On arriving at an obstacle, stop. Look for the route you want to take, the exit point, imagine how your vehicle will react (dip to the left, grind out, etc), advise passengers of your intentions, then drive your selected route.

On the day - Recovery

• Do not practice "snatch" or "kinetic" recovery techniques - the Frontera's recovery points are not strong enough.
• If you are asked to tow someone, let them get muddy. Let them attach the rope to their vehicle, you attach it to yours. If you're not comfortable assisting, say so.
• It is better to be towed backwards out of an obstacle, rather than be dragged further into it.

Communication

• CB radio - channel: 8
• PMR - channel: 4

Refreshments

From past experience, there has been a butty wagon on site, even so, it might be worth taking along a flask and some snacks, just in case. I can't recall having seen any toilet facilities though.


General thoughts

There is a raised, firm gravel car park (so to speak) where people congregate in between "playing", although it is a bit on the small side. Saying that, there are plenty of open grassy areas where we can get the Frontera's together for a "photo shoot"


Web Links

• Organiser’s website
• Multimap - location map
• Multimap - aerial photo
• Aston Cantlow photos

Lawrence

[Jamie]

Ok count me in but i won't be camping. See you on the sunday morning.

[Red Oktober]

Hi trugga
your information is very informative thanx m8


C

[Jamie]

Is it ok if a mate comes in his Mitsubishi Delica & maybe a L200???

[Trugga]

Is it ok if a mate comes in his Mitsubishi Delica & maybe a L200???

I don't think that would be a problem at all.

We (FronteraOwners.co.uk) have not hired the venue and therefore do not have exclusive rights to it - we are just turning up on the day to a normal monthly event. (We have, out of curtesy, advised them that we will be a group of 12+ Fronteras' though)

Further details of the organisers of this Pay & Play day can be found at http://www.4x4funday.co.uk

Lawrence

[sollihull]

Is it ok if a mate comes in his Mitsubishi Delica & maybe a L200???

Your Mate can drive both at once?
Bring it on Jamie, the more the Merrier!

[Guest]

Hi
if youngest doesn't come can i pitch a small tent and pay on the day?
he's a bloody teenager and can't say the day of the week let alone
something in more than a few hours time
cheers
GM

[Drift]

Hi
if youngest doesn't come can i pitch a small tent and pay on the day?
he's a bloody teenager and can't say the day of the week let alone
something in more than a few hours time
cheers
GM

Yup mines 12 going on 18
I reckon he will go though he loved the last outing.
Ste