There’s hardly anything like exploring the great outdoors with your friends or family. A simple off-read adventure can turn into the perfect getaway from all the noise and pollution. It’s an opportunity to do something different and take a break from your everyday life. But how exactly do you execute the perfect off-road journey? Here are five tips that’ll make your adventure a memorable one.
Choose the right destination
There are so many great things about riding in off-road vehicles. However, the best thing about it is that you can visit places that are otherwise inaccessible. With that said, why go on an off-road adventure if you’re going to visit a place you can drive to in your car? Instead, use the opportunity to check out some beautiful natural features. This can be anything from woods and waterfalls to canyons and beaches. The point is that you have the freedom to choose any place you want. Talk to the people who’ll hit the off-road with you and choose the destination you like the best. Before your big trip, check the terrain online just to make sure your vehicles can handle it.
Map your route
Riding in off-road vehicles isn’t as easy as it seems. One of the things people often overlook is remembering routes. No matter how much you try, remembering the directions just won’t cut it. Luckily, we live in the age of smartphones and it takes just a few taps on the screen to open the map. If you believe you won’t have an internet connection where you’re going, mapping your route and saving it on your phone may be a good idea. This can save you a lot of hassle, especially when traveling to a place you haven’t been to before. If you’re old-school, you can even print out the map and keep it in your pocket. Just keep in mind that heavy terrains mean you’ll have to ride slower and it’ll take you more time to reach the destination than usual.
Pack appropriately
Depending on how long you want your adventure to last, there are different things you might want to pack. Another thing that to take into account when packing is the terrain you’ll ride on. If you’re spending a day in the mountains, a small cooler and a bug spray will get the job done. On other hand, if you plan to spend an entire week in the desert, you’ll need things such as canned food, a small fridge, and sunscreen. People often forget that their vehicle might need some maintenance, especially when the terrain is difficult. Your safest bet is to pack an entire off-road tool box. Packing recovery gear is also a good idea, no matter where you’re going and how long you’re staying.
Get your vehicle ready
Imagine taking a road trip without having your car checked out. Well, the same goes for off-road adventures but you’re putting your vehicle on a far bigger test. This is especially the case if your trip includes difficult terrains. Therefore, before the start of your trip, you need to check out your vehicle. Start by taking a good look under the hood and making sure everything works fine. Once you do that, it’s time to examine your tyres. If they show signs of wear and tear, getting a new set of offroad tyres is a good idea. If necessary, talk to the experts about which tyres are the best choice for the terrains you’ll ride on. Last but not least, check the filters and fluids level.
Think about safety
Safety always comes first when undertaking journeys like this. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your little ones, you have to be extra careful when riding. For starters, be sure that at least a few people know where exactly you’re going and how long you plan to stay. If possible, provide them with your route map so that they know where you are at all times. Keeping your phone with you all the time is also a must. Another smart thing to do is to buy a solar charger if you plan to camp. That way, your friends and family will be able to access you even if you’re taking a long trip. Finally, make sure that you and everyone else in the vehicle wear seat belts. Depending on the terrain, you can even consider wearing helmets as well.
Over to you
Getting off the road is more difficult than it seems. If you want to stay safe and have fun, some extensive planning is necessary. Do everything new talked about in this post and you’ll get to experience the off-road at its finest. Be extra careful when riding and the adventure will turn into a wonderful memory you and everyone else going will share for a lifetime.
Guest article written by: Dan Radak is a marketing professional with twelve years of experience. He is currently working with a number of companies in the field of digital marketing, closely collaborating with a couple of e-commerce companies. He is also a coauthor on several technology websites and regular contributor to Technivorz.