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Dave M.
| | Posted on Monday, June 03, 2002 - 04:34 pm: | 
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I received a fabulous gift certificate from my wife for Christmas this year, 3 hours of instruction and trail ride at the Land Rover Off road Driving School in Manchester, VT. I'd been waiting until decent weather to go and this Sunday was it.
My wife and buddy Jack road along, we were met by my instructor, Greg Nicholas who walked us around the 2002 Discovery that we'd be driving. They keep their trucks stock except for a small winch bumper carrying a Warn9000. Stock suspension, stock tires... I was surprised. They only keep their vehicles for 5k miles, and then they get sold to dealerships as demos. Despite their hard use, they are quite sought after since they are impeccably maintained and all the lovely 4x4 bits get a regular workout.
We started out with Greg driving through the terrain of the school's private 4x4 playground. He explained about approach, breakover, and departure angles, demonstrated proper left-foot breaking, and showed how the various electronic traction controls and hill decent control works. The motto was "Slow as possible, Fast as necessary."
I think it is too bad that the Discovery has such a Soccer-mom rep because these trucks are ridiculously capable off road. They have a course set up with huge woopdeedoos, deep holes and off setting hills that put us in teeter-totter positions with the pass-side front and drivers-side rear wheels hanging in mid air with the other wheels on top of hills. :D There were also off camber side hills that have you staring straight down at the ground. Despite being a tall, narrow vehicle, the Discovery carries 80% of its weight below the midline of the door. This allows for a safe, but panty-twisting 30+ degrees of side-hill travel. Yikes! My wife said that this was the only time she was actually scared.
Then we went on to some hill-climbs. These really let the traction control shine� staying steady on the throttle and letting the truck just pull you up an over. Amazing!
Hill decent control is freaky. You put the truck into 4Low, and first gear, push the button, use some left foot breaking to ease over the crest, then take your feet off the pedals�. All you see is sky.. sky.. sky� then finally you are pointed 45° down the hill and weeeeeeeee�. The traction control uses the ABS and gearing to give you a slow, steady decent that is free of skidding and let's you steer the whole way. It's actually a bit faster then you initially feel comfortable with, but once you learn to trust the system, it is amazingly efficient.
We talked a lot about the advantages of the newer traction controls (99.5+ Discos) over the older Discos with locking center differential. He feels it is 6 of 1, half dozen of the other. Both do their jobs, and both will have scenarios where they will work better or worse then the other. He actually prefers the older, Series 1 Discos(94-98.5) for their mechanical simplicity, tidier dimensions, and larger aftermarket.
For our trail ride we headed to a local mountain trail to tackle a rockslide. This was a steep trail with many rock ledges along the way. Pinpoint tire placement and steady momentum would be necessary to avoid using the ledges in front as wheel chocks, and stopping our accent. Due to the narrowness of the trail, sidestepping the back end could also get us good and wedged in. Greg spotted me up, but 1 big bump caused me to back off the throttle and we were stuck. Lot's of slight back and forth didn't help and we had to winch over the biggest ledge. I wish I'd made it, but it was cool to learn how to properly use a winch.
Overall, it was a great afternoon. It showed me what a properly driven vehicle can do, even when stock. It gave me solid knowledge that I can use when I get my own 4x4, whatever it may be, and I gained even more respect for the British marquee that so vexes me. :D
I have about 40 minutes of video as a keepsake and a roll of film. I'll post some pictures when I get them developed. I'm off to cruise the eBay Land Rover pages. :D
A few other random LR notes from Greg�
� The Freelander is a hoot to drive ON-road, almost like a rally car, but can't handle the sort of heavy terrain that the Discovery and Range Rover does. He says you'd be surprised by where you CAN get it though.
� He just got back from CA and driving the new Range Rover and it is amazing. They are doing a big launch of it at the school and I'm hoping to get invited.
� His personal vehicles? Two Jeep Wranglers, based on cost and ability, nothing comes close. He's actually looking for a Series 1 Disco now that his newest Jeep is paid off.
� He started offroading in the Army, and has been doing it ever since. Teaching and guiding at the School is his full-time job. I meant to ask him how to get a gig like that but never did.
� He said most people are nice, but they get some real stinkers at the school too. He hates it when people don't listen and he even had one guy call him "Khaki-boy" once. He seemed happy to be out with just some "regular" folks. |
KJ
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 12:45 am: |
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Let me understand...you did this cool day and don't yet have a Land Rover or any other 4x4? Was this a way for you to decide which vehicle you might buy? Dayum, you have a most excellent wife, too, for giving you such a great gift! Sounds like a great day, I want to do it, too!
Karen  |
Dave M.
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 07:51 am: |
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I've been "into" Land Rovers for a long time but my budget has never allowed one. I really want a Series III 109 but that is just too impractical. Now we are looking for a second vehicle and it will definately be a 4x4 SUV of some sort. I'm hoping to find a good early Disco for weekend fun, camping trips, etc. It all comes down to money. |
Greg French
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 08:29 am: |
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Sounds like it was a great time!
BTW...I am selling my 97 Disco. See the pics in the photo gallery. There is more info in the for sale BB under "I'm Selling My Disco"
Let me know if you are interested. |
Michael Noe (Noee)
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 01:12 pm: |
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Dave M:
Keep your eyes and ears open. I just saw a 99 D1, exterior in very good shape, interior not bad, mechanicals seem pretty good: $17,500. There are deals out there, especially later model D1s. |
Dave M.
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 03:50 pm: |
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I'm actually finding a lot of 94-96's for under $10k. Still to rich for my budget, but you never know.
I'm more likely into a Cherokee or an old Trooper right now. Money is tight with a baby on the way. I want something I can buy in cash. |
Clif Ashley (Cta586)
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 04:28 pm: |
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How about a good ole RRC? You can get them well under 10. Just a thought, trying to stay Rover. |
Dave M.
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 04:53 pm: |
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Cliff,
I've been looking, believe me. I *really want* a Rover, and if I can find a decent one for a decent price, I will get it... plain as that. :-) |
Brian Lewis
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 05:43 pm: |
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Dave M,
The driving school sounds really good. I looked into the costs on their website. Do they let you take your Wife without charging for another person ? I have a 2001 DII & would like to see what it is capable of from an expert.
Thanks,
Brian |
JB
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 05:54 pm: |
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Go to ebay and search under range rover great divide - awesome base model rovers for cheap. |
muskyman
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 06:11 pm: |
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these scools are great as introductions to a new kind of driving.
back in the late 80's I became addicted to Skip Barber driving schools. started with a "free day" compliments of BMW that turned in autocrossing school,into formula fords and so on. If you have the dough to go play you can get a buncha thrills and learn some really good driving expierience that a life on the street will never teach you.
once again yae "gotta pay to play" |
Kim S (Roverine)
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 01:44 am: |
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KJ,
"Sounds like a great day, I want to do it, too!"
You GO girl!
Kim |
Erik Olson (Jon)
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 02:09 am: |
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I'd like to make an offer for your wife. Is she pretty and does she cook? Oh, forget it, I'll take her based on her gift-giving prowess alone!
Should I have posted in the Wanted section?
You should be able to find a great deal on a D1 prior to 1997 - my 95 has been really good so far. Take the plunge!
Cheers,
e |
Dave M.
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 08:08 am: |
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Thanks for all the feedback gang, it is appreciated.
Brian,
The 3 hour class/trail ride was $450. which is WAY more then we ever spend on each other for Christmas. But my wife had done some freelance work and wanted to get me something really special. Needless to say, she succeeded. All I ever talk about is Land Rovers so this gift was spot on. My previous off-roading experience was pretty slim and she wanted me to learn the right way, so that when we do get a 4x4, I won't break it (too often).
JB,
I'm keeping my eye on a couple of GD RR's right now on eBay. There are also a few others close to me for reasonable money. Now I just need ot come up with some dough. Anyone need a good kidney?
Erik Olson (Jon),
The wife is not for sale :-P
Size Question:
I'm a big guy and just barely fit in the DiscoII. I understand the DiscoI is even narrower. So I need to find one with manual seats and get some longer seat rails (I've seen them online) so that I can have more room to stretch out. What about the Range Rover Countrys?? Are they just as tight up front? |
KJ
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 10:02 am: |
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LOL, Kim! You're a great cheerleader!
I'm afraid I'm going to have to make do with my tiny hill in the horse pasture for a while. Either that, or get me a great wife who gives generous Christmas gifts! (G)
Karen |
jay caragay (Jcaragay)
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 10:36 am: |
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Dave-
You should be able to find a Disco1 in your price range. It'll just take some time and patience to find the one that meets your budget. A friend found one for about $8K with about 180K miles and in decent shape. |
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