4x4 Training Weekend

In order to use my new Jeep without breaking it, I signed up for a two-day offroad training class through Badlands Offroad Adventures.

I woke up early to head to Borrego Springs.  The class met up at a small resort for a vehicle inspection and a few hours of classroom time.  After learning the basics, we aired down our tires and headed to Christmas Circle for lunch.  Then it was off to the dirt!  The rest of day 1 and all of day 2 was conducted in an OHV area a few miles east of town.  We started on easy hills and sand and progressed from there.  At the end of the first day, most of the class met up for dinner at Carlee's.  Half the class was only taking the first day so the rest of us scattered to various campsites or hotels.  I headed down to Glorieta Canyon to a wonderful site overlooking the valley.

After waking up, I had some time to hike up the canyon a bit before heading back to the circle to rendezvous for day 2.  Day 2 was a continuation of the skills we learned in day 1 but on bigger hills, steeper slopes and narrower trails.  We also did some drills with cones on the ground to practice turning and work on wheel cheat.  The "final exam" was going down a steep 25 degree slope (called Graduation Hill) in soft sand.  We had to pick a line and keep the rig under control so we could stop at any time.  I didn't think we could do this after just 2 days of class but the instruction was very good.

Students' rigs

Top of Graduation Hill

Desert Sunrise

Campsite near Glorieta Canyon