Sunday Jan. 6th

[Jrama]

Anybody feel like wheelin? Going to make it as interesting as I can hopefully we have some good conditions.

Typical requirements and common sense apply

Food, Clothes, Proper Tow points, Mechanically sound vehicle  Any make/ model welcome, Good attitude.

Be at Smitty's by 9:30 and head out.

[Mud]

Is that a Tuesday?

[Jrama]

I mean the 6th.....yeah

[Mud]

I'm a maybe, but will confirm by Friday.

[pastrana#199]

Hey guys do you think I could tag along on this trail ride? I'm 16 years old and just got a 07 jku with a 3" lift and 33's and would like to learn to wheel the right way so I can do it responsibly and not just break crap.

[Jrama]

Hey guys do you think I could tag along on this trail ride? I'm 16 years old and just got a 07 jku with a 3" lift and 33's and would like to learn to wheel the right way so I can do it responsibly and not just break crap.

More than welcome to come out, it will be a good day to learn and a fun ride  for some of the more seasoned folks.

I think being at Smitty's by 9:30 and heading out is reasonable

[pastrana#199]

I guess I'm out because my parents think it is too dangerous during the winter because of the snow. Unless you guys can come up with a good argument.

[binare]

If your old enough to drive, your old enough to decide when and where you drive.

[TL-Iguana]

Its more dangerous to drive on deerfoot in the snow than it is waiperous. Its kind of equivalent of driving in your back yard but with a slight grade here and there, and maybe a frozen stream...

[bullitt85]

while driving in waiprous you reach speeds of sometimes 30km/hr especially while travelling in a group, I am a lot more cautious of city driving with my jeep than winter wheeling.

I am a maybe for this, will know better later. Hope I can make it though.

[BUKI]

Winter wheeling is softer/cushier because of the snow (trust me I have leaf springs). Jamal knows his stuff  you will learn lots out with him.  After winter wheeling for the first time last year I can honestly say, I look forward to the winter.  With that said... Wtf is a 16 year old doing with a jk. My first car was a crappy civic.  . That's gotta be the nicest first ride ever.  Also welcome to the jeep thing. You'll have a blast.

[Jrama]

I understand where your parents are coming from. Trusting a 16 year old with a JK out in the bush off-roading does sound interesting.....That said I agree with all the above reasons for being allowed

You have to stress that you are doing this in affiliation (albeit loose) with a club that actively participates with Alberta Government to preserve and sustain our trail systems. Plus I can tell from your post that you have  good  intentions. It might be a good idea to bring one or both of parents to see what it is all about...or might not...depending

[specialk]

Being a parent of 16-18 yr olds,  I know where they are coming from.

1) Let your parents read this thread.
2) Let them know that you are going out with a group of people. We always go out in a group of 3 or more.  Even just 2 rigs can be dangerous.  Jamal is experienced and so are others.  They have the proper recovery equipment if needed.
3) Print out a map and leave it with your parents.  Jamal would be able to let you know which trails they will probably be on.
4) We never leave a vehicle behind...  it will always come out no matter how late
5) Odds are very high you should be home around 6-7 pm latest.
6) Wear the proper footwear, socks, clothes for winter in the bush...  If you are wearing runners, stay home.  Through in sleeping bag just in case
7) LOTS of extra food and water.
You will not have cell reception on the trail.

Drugs and alcohol ARE NOT ACCEPTED at ANY time on the trail.   This may be an open run that is not sanction by the CJA, but our members follow those rules.  

When out there, listen to everyone. Ask questions before driving into something like big hills or an obstacle.  

All else fails, have Dad join you...   He WILL have a blast and see how responsible you are being ;-)

Winter wheeling can be an excellent way to learn to drive off-road.  The snow can be quite forgiving but accidents can happen when least expected.  Damage to your vehicle is always a possibility and scratches WILL happen at a minimum.  More so in the summer than in the winter

Wheeling can get VERY EXPENSIVE very quickly.  I understand the want to do it, just make sure you are ready to handle the fiscal repercussions.

A note your parents...  As president of the CJA, I can vouch for Jamal - he will be in good hands.  This is much safer option going out with this group than exploring Waiparous or McLean in the summer on his own.  

What to learn more about our club and meet some people, our next general meeting is Jan 16.  

Good luck!

[morerpmfred]

There is also the jeep 101 that this club puts on every summer. A full day course on how to drive responsably on the trail using tread lightly principles. Bring your dad or mom along as a passenger.

[XXXj]

I stand for Jamal as well. He has guided me several occasions and as a beginner myself, I have never been left behind or have been guided to do ANYTHING that was out of my league. My husband and I bring our 4 year old daughter and 5 month old son along. He was 5 WEEKS old on his first Jeep tour. Your parents should join you or at least keep in mind all the above mentioned points. It's a great family thing to get into.

As for the run guys, Tyler and I are just finally completing our Dana44 front and rear swap so I'm going to get on him to get er done. All we have left is the Viair system...having some mounting issues. Other than that, we should be locked up and ready to go! Smitty's is where ? Cochrane or... let me know!