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 'Wheel'n
101 is a program aimed at teaching high school level teens the basics of
wheeling. Teens participating in Wheel'n 101 learn pre-run procedures as well as
environmentally friendly practices. Wheel'n 101 also helps cut the cost by
offering half off membership dues upon completion of the apprenticeship.
The basic apprenticeship program is as follows:
▪ Show up to meetings
and runs on time ▪
▪ Introduce new
guests ▪
▪ Promote and abide
by Tread Lightly rules ▪
▪ Perform safety
inspections prior to trail runs ▪
▪ Conduct run sign in
▪
▪ Assist with trail
clean up ▪
▪ Keep a positive
attitude and have fun! ▪
'Wheeling
101 program founders Charlie Kyger, Jodi Duffy and Ryan Plummer are avid
wheelers who take the sport of 4-wheeling seriously. They recognize the
inherent dangers associated with our sport and understand the need to
protect our forests through responsible actions.
Run and Safety Rules
Run Regulations
Required Vehicle
Equipment
Recommended Vehicle and Safety Equipment
Trail Safety and
Etiquette
Tread Lightly!
Run Regulations
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Each member and their vehicle must abide by all State and Federal
laws.
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A
sanctioned Club run must have 2 or more vehicles participating. No
one should ever go 4-wheeling alone.
-
Removable objects in vehicle must be secured in case of sudden stops
or rollover. (i.e. passenger seat, tool boxes, ice chest, etc.)
-
Members will be responsible for their guests on Club functions. They
will inform guests of rules as needed and monitor their conduct.
-
Vehicles on the highway en route to a run will have their headlights
on and maintain proper distances so as not to interfere with other
traffic. If vehicles get separated in town, notify the trail boss by
radio so that a safe location can be selected by him to regroup the
convoy.
-
Maintain visual contact with the vehicle behind you. If you do not
see it, particularly at intersections, stop and wait. The vehicle in
front of you will lose sight of you and stop, and so on up the line
to the leader.
-
Each member will obey the trail boss as to the rules of each outing.
The trail boss is in charge of the run.
-
The trail boss is responsible to plan the run and to keep it
organized throughout the outing. The run normally consists of a
meeting place at which the trail boss outlines the run and goes over
additional requirements (tires, safety equipment, etc.) The trail
boss plans the complete run (duration and destination) and notifies
everyone prior to the event so that they may properly prepare. It is
highly recommended that the trail boss familiarize himself with the
area before leading the group there. This will avoid running into
closures, dead ends and lack of suitable challenges and play areas.
-
It
is not stated that the trail boss must be in the lead at all times,
but only the trail boss can change the lead vehicle.
-
The group will start and return as a group, avoiding if possible
having vehicles break away early. If unavoidable, notify the trail
boss of your planned departure route so that your safe return can be
assured.
-
There will be no usage of private property without the oral or
written permission of the landowner. Proper use of Federal, State
and other public lands is the responsibility of each member.
-
Participants will not use open cut-outs or exhaust systems while on
roads, trails, play areas or in camp, except at Competition Events
where the event rules prevail.
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Required Vehicle
Equipment
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Seat Belts - Seat belts are required for all
occupants, even on vehicles originally delivered from the factory
without them. No vehicle will be allowed to participate in any event
if any of it's occupants are not restrained in seat belts.
-
Roll Bars/Cages - Roll bars are required on all soft-top and
removable hard-top vehicles. Roll bars should be commercially
manufactured or equivalent. Steel tube minimum wall thickness is
0.125 inches and minimum diameter is 1.75 inches. Bolted "light
bars" will not be accepted in lieu of a roll bar. A full roll cage
is recommended in addition to a roll bar.
-
Citizen's Band Radios - CB's radios on channel 4 are required
in all vehicles and may be either permanently installed or
portable/hand held models.
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Fire Extinguisher - A 2-1/2 pound dry chemical extinguisher
with operative pressure gauge will be in each vehicle. It must be
accessible from the driver's seat.
-
Fire Season Equipment - While on public lands during fire
season, each vehicle will carry an axe, shovel and pail a prescribed
in Forest Service regulations. During off-season, it is recommended
a shovel be kept in the vehicle.
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Spare Tire and Jack - Each vehicle will have a spare tire and
rim of the proper type at all times. An operational factory jack is
acceptable, however a high-lift type is preferred.
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Recommended Vehicle and Safety Equipment
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First Aid Kit -
A well-stocked first aid kit should be in every vehicle.
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Survival Gear -
All vehicles should carry water-proof matches, cutting tool,
compass, blanket, drinking water and essential tools and spare
parts.
-
Recovery Devices
- Every vehicle should carry a recovery strap of at least 2000
pound rating with sewn loops instead on metal hooks, and all
vehicles should have suitable front and rear attachment points.
Chains will not be used for recovery.
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Trail Safety and Etiquette
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Obey posted speed
limits. The speed limit while camping shall be 5 mph within 300 feet
of camp. Treat it as a safe zone and watch for children.
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A $1.00 fine will be
enforced for littering, including while driving on runs. Provide a
garbage bag for your own trash, don't expect someone else to take
care of it for you. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.
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There will be no
unnecessary display and handling of firearms on runs and campouts.
Firearms will only be discharged at a safe and prudent distance from
any group of people.
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When stopping on
narrow roads or trails, park to one side so as to not block the
road. You may not wish to challenge the obstacle the group stopped
for, but don't prevent others from moving about to do so.
-
Know your vehicle's
capabilities. Don't try to out-do them. Always use common sense.
Personal safety shall be the primary concern of everyone. Given a
choice of person or vehicle, the person always comes first.
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Never tailgate a
vehicle engaged in overcoming an obstacle; the driver in front of
you may need to back up rapidly for reasons unknown to you.
Tailgating also severely limits their ability to maneuver safely.
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Avoid traveling
side-hills as much as possible. Never get downhill of a vehicle in
trouble. Evacuate people on the uphill side only and only after
weighting or securing vehicle from the uphill side.
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All persons will
stay clear of towing and winching operations in case of strap or
cable breakage. Winch lines will have a buffer (blanket, jacket,
etc.) placed on them to absorb cable inertia in case of failure.
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On overnight
campouts, be courteous towards your fellow campers regarding noise
and driving in camp. Use of campfires shall first be checked with
the trail boss. Dogs will be leashed at all times in camp. You may
think of him as a member of your family, but others may be bothered
by dogs.
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Children are
welcomed on all events. They should, however, be closely supervised,
especially around moving vehicles. Children should never be left in
unattended running vehicles. Keep children clear of vehicles trying
to overcome obstacles and vehicle recovery efforts.
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Dogs are not allowed
on normal one day Club runs.
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Tread Lightly
Tread Lightly! is a nonprofit organization with unique products and
programs to help recreationists minimize their impact on the
environment.
Their mission is to empower generations to enjoy the outdoors
responsibly through education and stewardship. They offer educational
materials, training courses, restoration opportunities, communication
pieces and a variety of tools to help spread their crucial outdoor
ethics message.
Your participation is vital to their work. Make a difference today!
The Tread Lightly Pledge:
Travel & recreate with
minimum impact
Respect the
environment and the rights of others
Educate yourself -
plan and prepare before you go
Allow for future use
of the outdoors by leaving it better than you found it
Discover the rewards
of responsible recreation
Tread Lightly! provides more tips and materials at
www.treadlightly.org
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