Rocky Roads to the Middle of Nowhere
The best adventures are to be had where the tar ends, and the rough stuff begins. At the same time, these roads have the greatest potential to destroy your vehicle. In our series on mountain passes we are going to explore some of the best (or should we call them the worst 😉) that southern Africa has to offer. That said, we have a great belief that, whilst almost anything is possible, both you and your vehicle will be better off by following some cardinal rules relating to both mountains and passes.
By definition, mountains still exist because that which they are made of has withstood the wear and tear of weathering. Geologically hard substances which, when connecting with the metal of your vehicle, can cause immense damage. Many people are nervous of rock work when off-road. The reality is that it is the terrain in which you have the most control. It is slow and precise, and if you do it right, you should be able to plan your way over even the most extreme rocky terrain without damage.
The subject of off-road driving skills has been the basis of numerous books and endless debates the world over. Everyone has an opinion – some more valid than others. Whilst one may have been driving off-road for years, there are two vital questions to ask yourself. The first is whether you have been doing it correctly, and the second is whether you understand the state-of-the-art systems on your modern vehicle. I don’t believe it’s possible to train off-road driving skills by the written word alone. As with any practical skill, only experience creates ‘unconscious competence’. A hands-on practical training course with a professional is a highly recommended foundation to the extended journey of becoming a competent off-road driver. That said, it is possible to learn and apply certain basic theoretical concepts which, when combined with experience, will assist in improving your skill.
Every pass is different, and even within that, each changes – depending on the weather or the seasons and the resulting damage to the terrain. So, the first smart thing to do is to get information on the CURRENT conditions on the pass you are preparing to explore. Whilst off-road groups are an interesting source of information, their information may be dated. One bad storm can create a grade five obstacle out of what was previously merely a rough road. A better source of information? The local inhabitants. You don’t have to know them – simply call someone in the local town. A hardware, a butcher, or even the owner of the village hotel. If they don’t know, they will invariably know someone who does and be willing to share their information. If that pass happens to be the only way into that village / settlement, they will use that route as an access road almost every day for deliveries etc. They will definitely be aware of the current conditions. Then believe what they tell you…
The next set of tips begin WITHIN your vehicle, making an incredible difference to your comfort, safety and ability whilst driving off-road (and on the road too for that matter!). Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit securely. Bare feet, slippers, high heels, “slops” or large boots that do not fit onto the pedals all hamper control of the vehicle. Adjust the rake of the seat into a more upright position than would be used for everyday driving. At the same time, alter the height to ensure an elevated view over the bonnet, which facilitates scanning the terrain. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel (even when reversing), in the “ten to two” position; in the heat of the moment, this hand position also assists recall of the position in which the tyres are “straight”. Ensure that your thumbs are not hooked into the steering wheel – if there is ‘kickback’ from the terrain, bruising, dislocation or even a break could result, even with modern power steering. Leg position should be such your feet are comfortably able to depress the pedals whilst the knee remains slightly bent.
Finally, wear a seatbelt. Beyond the safety factor, it will prevent you sliding forward during steep descents, and when things get a little rough, the driver is held firmly in position, enabling better focus on control of the vehicle. Never underestimate the value of this – especially on really rough terrain. Remember to also ensure that any cargo inside the vehicle is firmly tied down as extreme angles can result in luggage moving – which is never a good thing and can actually cause an accident!
Whilst not always possible, DRIVING FOR BALANCE is imperative in wet weather – especially on rock and uneven terrain. A side slope with enough grip to comfortably negotiate in dry weather will inevitably become treacherous when wet – a scenario where you discover that “gravity sucks”. This is the perfect obstacle to then “drive for balance”. The simplest way of describing / understanding this is to ‘ensure your bonnet is level’. As little as one inch of grip on a tyre will hold a vehicle. When balanced, the vehicle has nowhere to slide to. So, for example, as opposed to putting one tyre in, rather straddle the V-gulley.
As a rule, it is best to have the vehicle in low range when doing rock work. Choose your lines carefully – and prior to getting into the ‘obstacle’. On large, stable rock, bring the vehicle to a standstill, and then slowly inch forward as the vehicle climbs / descends the obstacle. Beyond the control this affords you, remember that sudden drops cause“bounce”, which compresses the tyres, causing a reduction of clearance. It is better to ease your way over – gently. This also allows you to stop before damage occurs. And finally, this is the one terrain type where a spotter / guide is invaluable.
As far as hard and fast rules go, that is about all one can say as generalised advice on passes. In the next few columns, more specific advice will be offered as we investigate the individual passes you may wish to explore…
If we had to offer one final thought on the subject?
Remember that nothing destroys fun as quickly as disaster!
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
