by HARDTRAILZ » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:18 pm
- Trail Ready: Entry level trails, few trails a year, one organized trip
- Weekend Warrior: Mild difficulty trails, numerous trails a month, numerous organized trips cmopleted
- Offroad Rated: Well versed in recoveries maneuvers, self recoveries, mild to difficult trails, experienced trails across various offroad regions
- Trail Guide: The member has planned and been in charge of at least three posted trail rides of varying nature, easy - mild - moderate. Trail rides must have numerous vehicles.
Offroad Guide: Same as above but moderate to difficult trails
- Expedition Ready: Completed at least one expedition trip consisting of 5 consecutive nights with assistance from an experienced party.
- Expedition Rated: The member has performed a solo expedition and/or led an expedition party consisting of 5 consecutive nights.
On the expedition stuff, I love AlekG's posts and trips, but he was smart and did nothing really severe offroad. Expedition or Overland? Not well versed in that stuff, but I think the difficulty of offroading is as important as the length of trip.
The more i think about it, the tougher it is to differentiate categories. I mean anything under 45 degree slope is mild to me, but some people that would scare the crap out of and they would say it was difficult. There are trails where I go that lead to and around the rock garden and those that lead through it, but it is all considered one trail. How do you know which line they took and how difficult it was. Is 14 inches of mud or loose sand tougher as an offroader? Tight off-chanbers w trees or 4 foot rock step up?
Out of the ranking listed I would be most proud of the Offroad Rated. It to me means you can go anywhere and wheel. You can save yourself from flipping or flip yourself back over if needed. I think it is alot of your mindset. I would rather wheel hard all day and camp in a campground with facilities than carry my own facilities with me. I would rather run smooth lines all day and make it look easy than plan and lead a trip. Everythng has its place, but there are 3 categories up there...offroad, expedition, and leading. The ranking are not all based on offroad prowess, which you need to decide if it is an offroad ranking or just something to say you are.
Special Wheeler--One up for anything that has tried and conquered and tried and failed, but continues on through sheer love of the sport and outdoors. Jack of all trades and master of none. Prepared, but not with the perfect tool. A trail macgyver that will take you out and bring you back, but not necessarily without damage.
I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone...but
they've always worked for me.