How We Operate

CURRENT RIDE LEADERS:  

Barry Yedlin
Bob Skjod
Jon Rodgers
Lyle Coren 
Jim Hurt
Glen Eisner
Frank Scaglione
Bruno Raes
Harley Hurt
Mick Bower
Gary Younger

RIDE PROTOCOL: 

Rides are announced via e-mail to the Grand 4-Wheelers roster and on this website. They will also be posted on the calendar (click on Ride Calendar, above). Details will include the departure time; the location to meet (normally the parking lot at Cimarron Center near the pickleball courts); the name of the ride; the length of the ride; the difficulty rating (see below); description of the ride; and the distance to the air-down location. Anyone wishing to participate should show up prior to the departure time at the Cimarron Center parking lot. 

Attention should be paid to the ride difficulty rating, and description, to determine if your vehicle is suitably equipped. Drivers are required to have GMRS radios for communication during the ride. (First-time drivers/visitors - there are sometimes radios available to borrow.) Because our rides are often remote, drivers should be sure to bring drinking water and snacks, as rides may be longer than expected due to unplanned incidents. 

The ride leader will: 
- verify the number of vehicles, drivers, riders; 
- determine the suitability of each vehicle for the ride, and inform any driver that he/she may not participate if their vehicle is not up to that day's ride; 
- answer questions regarding the ride; 
- provide directions to the air-down location, including the leader's cell phone number; 
- assign a "Tail Gunner" vehicle to stay at the end of the line to insure that no vehicles are left behind at any time. 

NAME TAGS: 

There are times during the Cimarron parking lot "circle-up" and during rides that you would like to be able to glance at someone's name tag just to assure yourself that you've got their name right. To assist in this, you can order a name tag as a member of the Grand 4-Wheelers. It is about 1" by 3" and has a white background with red letters. It attaches with a magnetic clasp (no pin holes). The tag includes your name, the club name and a small Jeep symbol. The cost is about $7.50. Spouses may also order name tags. When not in use for a ride you can add it to your collection of name tags for Sun City Grand activities.

Name tag orders can be submitted to harlz29@aol.com or call Harley Hurt at 623-975-2363; or tell Harley during the ride "circle-up". Specify what your name on the tag should be and the correct spelling. Payment is due before the order is placed. 

RIDE DIFFICULTY RATINGS: 

The Grand 4-Wheelers usually limit our rides to no more than 3.5 rating. Higher-rated rides may be attempted, but will be well-described in advance. 

1.0 
Maintained Dirt Roads: These roads are graded or maintained year round. Typical non-paved county roads. 

1.5 
Semi-Maintained Dirt Roads: These roads are occasionally graded or maintained. They may cross sandy washes and sections may be rough (washboards). 

2.0 
Easy 2WD/4WD: Features trails with obstacles that are easy to navigate. In optimum weather conditions, these trails may not require the continual use of four-wheel drive (4WD). 

2.5 
Easy 4WD: Moderately demanding trails on which 4WD will be required. You may encounter a wide variety of challenges (Potholes, minor washouts, medium size rocks, and mud holes) on these trails. Higher ground clearance and Off-Road tires are recommended. 

3.0 
Standard 4WD trail: Demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, ledges and large rocks) on these trails. Possible with stock 4WD vehicle, however, recommend traction device (limited slip) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range gears used often. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage. 

3.5 
Challenging 4WD trail: Challenging trails on which low range 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, ledges and large rocks) on these trails. Not recommended with stock 4WD vehicle. Lockers-front & rear preferred, aggressive tread and low air pressure. Higher than stock ground clearance is strongly advised. A higher level of experience and driving skill is strongly advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage. 

4.0 (Our group rarely takes on this difficulty level.) 
Difficult trail: These trails traverse very rugged terrain; low-range 4WD is required. Higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Lockers, front & rear, aggressive lift, and larger tires are highly recommended. These trails require above average Off-Road driving skills. High-Lift jacks and winches would also be helpful. There will likely be paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. 

4.5 (Not attempted in our group).
Extreme trail: These trails cross extremely rugged terrain with very steep inclines, large boulders, and potentially dangerous situations. These trails require modified vehicles, including lift, lockers, and over-sized tires. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. There will likely be paint damage, possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. There are possibilities of rollovers. Winches are recommended. 

5.0 (Not attempted in our group).
Impassable trail: These trails are for the extreme four-wheeler only. These trails require highly modified vehicles, including lift, excellent articulation, lockers front and rear, large tires with aggressive tread, winches, high lift jacks. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. Paint damage is virtually guaranteed, body and/or mechanical damage is very likely. Rollovers will be more common on these trails and a with will be used on at least one obstacle. 


(These ratings are similar to those published by Arizona Back Country 4x4 Club.) 

Questions/Comments regarding this site: Harley Hurt, email:  harlz29@aol.com 

OFF-ROAD REFERENCES: 

Guide to Arizona, Colorado, & Moab Back Roads and 4-Wheel Drive Trails, by
Charles A. Wells & Matt Peterson 

Backcountry Adventures-Arizona 

Four Wheel Drive Trails of Arizona 

Arizona Virtual Jeep Club www.virtualjeepclub.com 


LINKS TO OFF-ROAD Business WEBSITES: