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Club Trip Information Back to Trips MenuThe Range Rover Club NSW branch has an extensive calendar of events open to all members of the club, including…….
CAMP ETIQUETTE & TIPSOne of the attractions of four wheel drive touring is being able to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a beautiful campsite. Your camping experience can be ruined easily by the inconsiderate actions of others or by being unprepared yourself for the trip. Here is a few tips on making yours (and others) camping experience pleasurable.
CHOOSING YOUR CAMPSITERespect others rights to privacy and solitude. Avoid where possible camping too close to others and be sensitive with your behaviour. If no alternative is available ask the people already camped if they mind if you share their site with them before setting up. Avoid playing loud music. Never pitch your tent under large trees, as many trees 'shed' branches without warning. Never camp in dry creek beds due to the risk of flash flooding. Choose the most level patch of ground to pitch your tent and remove any sticks or rocks that may damage your tent. Plan to arrive in camp prior to sunset as setting up your camp is more easily accomplished when it is light. If it is windy park your vehicle upwind to act as a windbreak. Abide by any regulations or restrictions and obtain the necessary permits and passes.
CAMPFIRESObserve all fire restrictions and bans. Minimise bushfire risk by using existing fireplaces, or by digging a hole for the fire, and surrounding the pit with a protective barrier of rocks (do not use river stones as they can explode) and removing all flammable material from the surrounding areas for a distance of 2 metres. Site your campfire downwind from the tent and vehicles and use alternative fuel sources during windy conditions. Consider firewood is a scarce resource, collect and use only what you need. Fallen timber often provides a habitat for plants and animals. Keep your fires small - they work best anyhow. A cooking fire's heat comes from the coals, not the flames. Never cut down trees for use as firewood. Never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it well before leaving camp.
RUBBISHTake all rubbish (both yours and others) with you. Leave your campsite better than you found it.
WATERTake an appropriate amount of water for the trip. An amount of 5 litres per person per day is an accepted allowance, but more or less may be required. Use several smaller containers rather than one large one to minimise losses through damage to storage containers. Conserve water by washing hands and faces with 'Wet Ones' or similar. When bathing or washing up, keep all soaps and detergents at least 50 metres away from streams, river or watercourses.
DRESS APPROPRIATELYChoose appropriate footwear to protect your feet against splinters, burrs and bites. Heavy, chrome leather riggers or gardening gloves will protect your hands when performing recovery operations, collecting firewood, or handling hot camp ovens. Choose clothing appropriate for the conditions. The best way to stay warm is by 'layering' clothing. Start with a t-shirt, add numerous thin layers in between (depending on the climate and your activity level) and finish with a wind and rain proof shell. Don't forget the sunscreen and your hat. A hat will keep your head warm in winter and helps to keep the rain off too. Protect yourself from insect bites by using repellents, citronella candles or mosquito coils.
CAMP HYGIENEAlways use camp toilet and shower facilities where they are provided. If no facilities exist then bury waste well. Waste should be kept well away from streams, rivers, and watercourses.
WILDLIFERespect and avoid disturbing wildlife. Keep food and rubbish in your vehicle to avoid being 'raided' by wildlife in search of an easy meal. Never feed wildlife as you may be doing them more harm then good. Keep tents zipped up at all times. Never leave shoes, jumpers or jackets lying about outside. Keep all unused clothing in your vehicle or tent. Observe all warning signs regarding wildlife. In northern areas be aware of crocodiles. They are well-adapted, patient and resourceful predators. Camp in areas above waterfalls if you can, crocodiles can't climb.
SAFETYNever use a fuel stove in your tent as the danger of the tent catching fire is very real. Avoid parking your vehicle in long dry grass, as the heat from the catalytic converter could start a grass fire. Carry a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in a readily accessible place in your vehicle.
MEAL PLANNINGPlan ahead the meals you would like to cook. Make a list of the items you will need for each meal then estimate how long you will be between re-supply points. This will enable you to gauge what your food requirements will be. Always allow for an additional 24 hours worth of food and water, so any delays can be accommodated. Be aware of quarantine points restrictions and regulations across Australia for the transportation of fruits and vegetables, this avoids the disappointment of having to hand over newly purchased fruits and vegetables at checkpoints.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDRENTravelling with children can be a rewarding experience, with a bit of planning and effort. Take regular breaks whilst travelling so children can work off that excess energy. Make sure children drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Allow children to pack their own small activity case, where they can choose and take their favourite toys. Keep this case near them at all times. Consider things like colouring in books and pencils, or their own diary to record daily events on a long trip. Personal stereos or Game boys provide a range of entertainment from games to music to talking books (just remember to take some spare batteries!). Don't forget the old standbys of "I Spy" and other observation games. Most importantly don't forget your child's favourite comfort aid, the toy or blanket that they can't live without. Children usually disappear once you get to the campsite, so set clear guidelines about how far they can go when exploring the area and what is 'off limits'. It is also important to have clear rules for around the campfire. Provide children with their own torch that they can take to bed with them. Protect children against the elements and insects as you would yourself. If travelling with very young children consider taking a backpack that they can ride in on walks; some often can be used as a 'highchair' around the camp. There is no such thing as a disposable nappy in the bush. Carry them with you to a location where you can dispose of them properly. Older children can be set tasks when arriving at the campsite from collecting firewood to helping with the camp set-up. Don't be concerned about children getting dirty - let them go! Just clean their faces and hands before meal times. Gumboots are an excellent idea for smaller children when it is wet.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES on a Club TripParticipating in a Club Trip is a great opportunity to get and see what this great country has to offer. Trip Leaders are experienced four wheel drivers so if you are unsure of what to do then the Trip leader will be able to advise you. As a participant you have various obligations to contribute to the smooth, safe and timely running of Club activities. These include: Arriving at the meeting on time. If you are experiencing difficulties contact the Trip Leader as soon as possible. If you need to pull out ofa trip (for whatever reason) notify the Trip Leader as soon possible Always drive in a safe and courteous manner and maintain a safe following distance between yourself and the car in front When traversing difficult terrain, allow one car at a time to negotiate the obstacle. Once clear of the obstacle, advise the car following that it is safe to proceed Carry the appropriate recovery gear, food, water and other supplies required for the trip. Your Trip Leader will advise you what you will need Assist where possible in any recovery operations as directed by the Trip Leader or Recovery Manager. CLUB TRIPSThe Club organises many trips throughout the year, run by xperienced Trip Leaders. I They may be of one, two or more days in duration and may vary in difficulty from a scenic drive to a very difficult trip where winching and other recovery techniques will need to be employed.
To assist members with selecting a trip that is suitable for their skill level and interest, the Club has I a trip grading system in place. Trips are graded from A to E and the grading is advertised in the Club Calendar in 'Marque' and on the Club's website. The Trip Classification System, published on the next page, is designed as a guide, and the designation for each trip can change from the time of designation to the actual trip. Weather also plays an important part, and a change of weather conditions can turn an easy trip into a difficult one, and vice versa.
Members are requested to complete a Trip Attendees form at the start of the trip listing the names of all persons participating, their vehicle details and membership number.
A Club Diary listing upcoming trips and events is published each month in 'Marque' and on the Club's website. Members are requested to complete their details on a Trip Attendees Registration Form at the start of each trip. Your Trip Leader will co-ordinate this.
All Members are encouraged to run a Club trip as they become more experienced. It is not difficult to run a trip and is a very rewarding experience. Advice on 'how to' run a Club trip is readily available from any Committee member or by attending the 'How to Run a Club Trip' day held by the Driver Training team.
When listing a Club trip members should contact the Vice President on the phone numbers listed in 'Marque'. When listing your Club trip please have an outline of the activity, your name and your preferred contact methods for publication in 'Marque' and on the Club website.
Should you require any information about a particular Club Trip, please do not hesitate to contact the Trip Leader. They will be more than happy to provide advice about the trip or guide you as to whether the trip may be suitable for you. Their contact details will be listed alongside the advertisement for the particular trip.
Convoy ProcedureThe underlying rationale behind Convoy Procedure is the security of the group sticking together with each vehicle in sight of the one ahead and behind. Each driver has the responsibility to maintain the integrity of the group ensuring that no vehicle can break down, or 'fail to proceed', is left behind or gets lost.
The Trip Leader should remind all drivers that convoy procedure becomes applicable, and must be followed, when moving off from the meeting point. The Trip Leader will ensure that members of the convoy are self-sufficient. No driver will drive in a manner, or at a speed, that may endanger him/herself or anyone else.
Each driver shall wait at an intersection until the following driver has identified the correct route. It is the responsibility of all drivers to maintain contact with the following vehicle, visually if possible. Maintain a minimum safe operating gap of 3 seconds between vehicles. This gap should be increased during adverse conditions.
Always keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, particularly after driving through water. Nevertheless, avoid falling back too far, as this slows the entire convoy.
When negotiating a hazard, only one vehicle shall attempt the hazard at a time. When negotiating hazards, wait until the vehicle in front has completed the hazard before proceeding. After negotiating a hazard, wait until the following vehicle has negotiated it also.
When negotiating closed gates, the second vehicle will pull to one side and wait until the convoy has passed through. After closing the gate he will rejoin the convoy immediately in front of the last vehicle (Tail End Charlie). The two positions in a convoy that always remain unchanged are Trip Leader and Tail End Charlie.
Driving Attitude & SafetyEvery bit as important as the proper preparation and correct maintenance of your vehicle, is your driving attitude. The right frame of mind is very necessary. Nobody likes an idiot, and they are liked even less when in control of a four wheel drive vehicle. Seat belts should be worn at all times. Driving attitude is not only the way the driver handles the vehicle. It is remembering to select low range (and diff lock if equipped) at the appropriate time - and being aware at all times that makes the difference. It is the operational mindset of the driver.
That difference can mean covering a rocky patch without a problem or crossing a river without getting stuck, resulting in less delays for the convoy. Such delays can mean hours difference, when a number of vehicles have to cover a track that needs that extra concentration and care.
Correct four wheel drive operation is a partnership between driver and machine. Aim for a partnership that is as harmonious as possible. Driving off road is not a race, it all happens smoothly and calmly. Vehicles don't bog themselves, they need a little help from the person behind the wheel to accomplish that feat. It can take as little as 30 seconds to bog a vehicle, but it may take hours (or even days) to get it out.
Spinning wheels break axles, diffs and the like, they throw stones up under the car and damaging it. They cause track deterioration making it more difficult for those who follow.
Recovery OperationsAll recovery operations are dangerous. Should a vehicle 'fail to proceed' for whatever reason then the Trip Leader should be notified immediately. This will allow him/her to halt the convoy and assess the situation. Each recovery scenario is different and the method used to extract a vehicle will depend on a number of factors. The Trip Leader is in charge of the recovery operation unless he/she chooses to nominate another more experienced person to supervise the recovery. Participants should follow the directions of the Trip Leader or his/her nominated Recovery Manager throughout the recovery operation and assist where directed. Persons not directly involved in the recovery operation should stand a safe distance away. Where a vehicle has 'failed to proceed' on an obstacle the following vehicle should not attempt the same obstacle until it is clear and they are directed to proceed by the Trip Leader.
Please Note:
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