| Author | Message | ||
     frederick johnson (Arkitect) New Member Username: Arkitect Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2004 |
Looking for a LR of North America "driving instruction course" They have these in the UK, I need one in the US, somewhere scenic and breathtaking too. I drive a '96 Disco. | ||
| Rick Neff (Lostinboston) Senior Member Username: Lostinboston Post Number: 355 Registered: 06-2003 |
try a bill burke course http://www.bb4wa.com/ | ||
| Eugene (Eugene) Member Username: Eugene Post Number: 176 Registered: 02-2003 |
Frederick, Land Rover used to have two driving schools in the US (Equinox in Vermont and Greenbrier in West Virginia). Equinox is no longer affiliated with Land Rover, so that leaves you with Greenbrier. http://www.landroverusa.com/us/en/Owning/Driving_Schools/default.htm My girlfriend and I did Greenbrier when I first purchased the Rover. It's expensive (I think it is just under $500 for four hours), although you use the school's vehicle instead of your own. There is a 10% discount for Land Rover owners. Our instructor was really nice and tailored the course/instruction based on the experience and confidence of the person driving. That being said, Greenbrier also has a fairly high-class atmosphere so we felt a little awkward walking around afterwards. Greenbrier was a nice introduction to off-roading, but I think it's more fun to use your own Rover on the trails. If you are willing to use your own Rover and do not require LR affiliation, there are many more options open to you. Rick's suggestion of a Bill Burke course is a great one. Here are three others I've come across: Off-Road Experience http://www.offroadexperience.com/ The 4x4 Center Off-Road School http://www.the4x4center.com/LandRoveroffroad.html Paragon Off-Road Driver Training http://www.paragonap.com/adventure_ordts.htm Hope this helps. | ||
| Ray Wallace (Rayd2) Member Username: Rayd2 Post Number: 53 Registered: 05-2003 |
Arkitect, there's none better than Bill Burke. He gets to the East Coast (but not to your islands) at least once a year, but most of his training seems to be around Colorado and Moab, Utah. Those would be great places for you to visit anyway. You use your own vehicle, 2 very full days of a wide range of training (driving on tough stuff, recovery, repairs, preventive maintenance, mental alertness, etc. etc), and the best trainer in the business. Not too expensive, either. Check his site (http://www.bb4wa.com/), email him with any questions you may have (and he or his wife Rachel will respond promptly), and you'll also find lots of helpful articles about driving, recovery, etc. on his site. I'm not his agent, but an avid, frequent student and member of his caravan as we cross the trails. Enjoy your rig! Ray | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Senior Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 395 Registered: 07-2003 |
Also look into AOA. www.aoadventure.com | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Senior Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 396 Registered: 07-2003 |
opps, www.aoadventures.com | ||
| Perry Ray Miller (Discojunky) Member Username: Discojunky Post Number: 118 Registered: 03-2003 |
Damn, how much can you learn in 4 hrs? I would think a weekend with some friends would be a better experince. If they know what they are doing! Or, maybe a video followed by a lot of trail time. | ||
| Eugene (Eugene) Member Username: Eugene Post Number: 177 Registered: 02-2003 |
Perry, You won't get Off-Road 101 in 4 hours, but you will learn some basic fundamentals to build on. A few of the things taught included: 1) As slow as possible, as fast as necessary. 2) Keep your thumb away from the inside spokes of the steering wheel. 3) Proper gear selection for ascents and descents. 4) Learning to choose a line. 5) No need to rush through an obstacle. Take the time to get out of the car and walk/look around. 6) Hi-lift jack basics. 7) Tread lightly. Some of the items I mentioned above might seem obvious to those on Dweb, but they are fundamentals that might not always get mentioned on trail rides. It's handy that Will Cupp mentioned AOA above. That was my second time off-road. The McCaigs and the Boggs do a terrific job with off-road newbies. I learned more in three days with them than I thought was possible. AOA was a completely different experience than LR driving school and I enjoyed it thoroughly. You carry the burden of responsibility for your vehicle and more importantly, the trails are real-world (as opposed to groomed). I will also admit that since AOA trips cater to your significant other, it's easier to justify spending time off-road and money on Rover parts. Then there are Dean and Peter's trips to the Pine Barrens. Those are unforgettable. ...and long after the swamp odor disappears, I still have a grin on my face. -Eugene |
