For some people, learning off-road riding skills is just a waste of time. In fact, off-road is a type of outdoor activity that hones brain, physical, and mental abilities.
In addition, off-road has many types. Starting from plantations, military, mining, tourism, agriculture, humanitarian activities, nature exploration, hobbies, competitive racing, to disaster activities.
Preparation Before Learning Off-Road Riding Skills
Before learning to master off-road skills, there are several preparations that must be done. Starting from choosing a car that is suitable for off-road, physical and mental preparation of the driver, and checking the car before going off-road. Here is the explanation.
1. Suitable Cars for Off-road
Vehicles used for off-road should have four-wheel drive (4×4). Most modern SUV cars are only 4×2, so they are less ideal for off-road.
The latest 4×4 cars are indeed more expensive and the choices are limited. However, there are still many used 4×4 cars and the choices are diverse.
So, the first step is to make sure the car has a 4×4 drive. After that, pay attention to the type of engine, whether gasoline or diesel.
Each engine has its advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline engines are usually more responsive and suitable for aggressive driving styles. While diesel engines are stronger and fuel efficient.
If you prefer big power and fuel efficiency, choose diesel. However, if you like responsive traction, then gasoline is more suitable.
2. Physical and Mental Preparation of the Driver
In addition to the car and off-road riding skills, the driver must also be physically prepared. Off-roading requires energy because the track is extreme and makes the body shake.
The driver must have the strength to control the steering wheel on heavy terrain. This is not like driving on ordinary asphalt roads, the physical is tested.
In addition to physical, mental is also important for off-road activities. The driver must be able to control emotions and ego when driving off-road.
Do not force the car when obstacles are difficult, this can cause serious damage to the vehicle. Off-roading requires calm, patience, and a mature attitude from the driver. If you are not sure, the driver can take training or off-road school.
3. Car Inspection Before Off-Roading
Before off-roading, make sure the car is in good condition. No matter the brand or model, the important thing is that the car is in prime condition. This inspection is similar to a daily car that is going to be used out of town.
Check the engine oil, and make sure it is sufficient and does not leak. Check the cooling system such as radiator water so that it does not overheat. Do not ignore the little things because they are very crucial when offroading.
Mastering Off-Road Riding Skills
Off-road is now increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic. Outdoor activities like this are the choice of many people.
That’s why it takes complete training. Not just theory, but also direct practice in real terrain.
The goal of the training is not only to be able to go off-road but also to know how to be safe and responsible when doing activities. Off-road is not just about adrenaline. But also about ethics, safety, and protecting the surrounding environment.
There are still many off-roaders who ignore safety. Off-road riding skills training can increase the awareness of all parties. Here are some skills that must be trained.
1. Water Crossing and Route Mapping
Water crossing and route mapping are skills to direct drivers to the right path. The goal is for vehicles to be able to pass through predetermined routes.
This training also teaches non-verbal communication. When on an off-road track, there are many unexpected conditions. It is possible that HT communication is damaged or the position is too far. Therefore, visual communication is very important for safety.
Drivers must learn to use special sign language. The movement code is agreed upon between the driver and the supporter. There are no standard rules, the important thing is to understand each other.
Reporting from the YouTube video @JIP TV, there are several ways of non-verbal communication between drivers and supporters. For example, clenching a fist can mean stopping. Some use the right hand for steering. The left hand is used to give signals to move forward or backward.
2. Recovery Technique
The recovery technique is one of several off-road riding skills that must be mastered. The recovery technique is not just a winch forward. Technical recovery is more complex.
Recovery can use many tools, such as a front winch, snatch block, tree protector, and even a strap. The goal is not only to move forward but also to change the direction of the vehicle. Through the front winch technique, the car can move backward.
The function of recovery is to reposition the car when the path is too narrow or dangerous. If the steep descent is too narrow, the car can be repositioned using a recovery tool, such as a front winch, to adjust the angle of the vehicle.
The car not only moves forward but can be shifted sideways. This applies to the principles of physics such as a pendulum.
Recovery is not just about strength, but ingenuity. Where the driver tries to shift the rear position of the car in a safer direction. This process relies heavily on teamwork.
Technical recovery done correctly has proven successful. Although it takes time and precise angle calculations, the car can be shifted without damage.
Rather than forcing a risky path, it is better to repeat with safe and precise techniques. To move the position, several support points are needed. Form a triangle-like pattern so that the car can move safely.
The key is at the right angle. If the angle is wrong, the vehicle can deviate or even get stuck deeper. This technique is rarely used on regular tracks. However, when needed, the knowledge is very useful and can save the vehicle.
Mastering off-road riding skills not only increases the safety and security of the driver. However, it also provides an unforgettable off-road experience. /endah
