Land: Public/Private :

• Owner's Permission (if private land)
• Use Fees
• Liability waivers
• Point of Contact (name & phone)

   Site:

• Meeting area location
• Nearest gas station, convenience store
• Nearest air source (if tires need to be aired down)
• Directions to meeting location from major surrounding areas

   Trail:

• Directions from meeting area
• Overall trail difficulty (1-10)
• Highest obstacle difficulty
• Bypass routes for difficult obstacles
• Obstacles requiring spotters
• Total trail length
• Estimated time required to negotiate trail or section
• Trail maps (if available)
• Logistics (if needed):
• Local service stations and repair facilities
• Local restaurants
• Local lodging (locations, phone numbers)
• Camping facilities (locations, fees)
• Parking areas for breaks (lunch, etc.)
  

Event Planning:

Date of event:

• Conflicts with local events or holidays
• Start time must include reasonable arrival time (to include travel to meeting location and trail preparation (airing down, securing of tow straps, last minute details, etc.))

   Publishing the event:

• Internet/mailing list postings
• Non-internet 4-wheelers notification
• Include this info at a minimum: Date/Time, Location of Meeting place/directions, General trail rating, Minimum vehicle requirements, and point of contact.

   Group list or manifest:

• Number of vehicles in party
• Amount and type of special/ recovery equipment

Event Day:

Designate Tail Gunner:

• Confirms convoy group past obstacles
• Alerts group of rear approaching traffic
• Assists Trail Boss

Safety inspection: (This is for the safety of the entire group, and does not constitute animosity towards anyone deemed unable to participate due to safety violations.)

• Tow points
• Undercarriage clearance (appropriate for the trail at hand)
• Condition/type of tires (appropriate for the trail at hand)
• Spare tire(s), jack, lug wrench
• Vehicles in good running order (brakes, clutch, fuel system, electrical system, etc.)
• Trail Preparation:
• Air down (if needed)
• Hook up tow straps to rear tow point
• Line up vehicles in trail order (Trail boss first (unless using a guide), tail gunner last)
• Driver's meeting:
• General scheme of the event
• Overview of trail(s) covered
• Special times or events
• Significant obstacles

  Primary and alternate CB channels

Safety advisory:
1. Do NOT walk or stand directly downhill of any vehicles
2. Use safe winching/ tow strap procedures
3. Travel in convoy with lights on
4. Always keep an eye on the vehicle behind you

Tread Lightly Advisory:

• Pack out more than you packed in
• Don't blaze new trails
• Don't harass the wildlife
• Share the trail (backpackers, motorcycles, horse riders, etc.)
• Identify Trail Boss, Tail Gunner (Name, vehicle type, location while traveling)
• Communicate any significant actions or obstacles along the trail
• Alert the group of oncoming trail-users
• Designate spotters as needed
• Control the travel speed

Tips to remember:

1. Don't get frustrated when things don't go as planned. Have a backup plan.
2. Be flexible, but keep in mind you're in charge.
3. Be clear when explaining start times... differentiate between meet time and depart time.
4. Spread out the winch equipped vehicles
5. Use CBs for direction and organization... keep chatter to minimum
6. Designate areas to stop for "restroom breaks"
7. Slow down around obstacles... let people enjoy the challenges (pictures, cheering, etc.)
8. Enjoy yourself... don't be uptight, angry, or bossy.
9. Keep it safe.