{"id":248991,"date":"2023-03-24T16:49:58","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T22:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestop.com\/?p=248991"},"modified":"2023-03-30T11:01:08","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T17:01:08","slug":"heather-storm-shares-tips-for-beginner-off-roaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestop.com\/heather-storm-shares-tips-for-beginner-off-roaders\/","title":{"rendered":"Heather Storm Shares Tips for Beginner Off-Roaders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Living in Colorado, it became clear to me that many of the best adventures were found down a dirt road. So I got a new Ford Bronco and began to explore the roads less traveled. Over the past year of off-roading, I\u2019ve learned so much! I also met lots of folks who bought a new Bronco and were excited to get out in nature but hadn\u2019t been off-roading before and really weren\u2019t sure where to start learning.<\/p>\n

Last summer, my friend Cassie Hughes took me out on Medano Pass in Southern Colorado, a sandy trail that starts inside Great Sand Dune National Park. Cassie\u2019s been in the off-road scene for nearly a decade and she has a 2010 JKU Sport with a Bestop Glider that\u2019s had everything upgraded for wheeling except the skid plates.\u00a0During our day out on the trail she dropped a ton of knowledge and I was grateful to learn from a humble pro.<\/p>\n

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Meet Cassie Hughes<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the best way to learn?\u201d I asked Cassie. \u201cLean into your community,\u201d Cassie told me confidently.\u00a0 \u201cLearn from other women\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0So, as part of the community, and with Cassie’s input, I put together a few tips for folks just getting started and some resources where you can find more support.<\/p>\n

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KNOW YOUR VEHICLE.<\/h2>\n

Although it\u2019s a simple concept, many people wait until they are in a risky situation to understand the capabilities of their vehicle. Test your vehicle and understand it\u2019s limits first so you are prepared.<\/p>\n

As a new Bronco owner, I was invited to attend Bronco Off-Roadeo <\/a>an immersive experience that teaches new Bronco owners how to use the vehicle\u2019s built-in 4×4 features where I was fortunate enough to learn from off-road experts.<\/p>\n

START ON EASY TRAILS.<\/h2>\n

Always research the trail ahead of time and make sure you are comfortable with the obstacles along the trail. Don\u2019t go out on any trail that\u2019s beyond your capabilities. Start on trails with easier obstacles then work your way up. It\u2019s a progression so just enjoy learning as you go. Also, remember that some trails are seasonal, so just check it out before you go.<\/p>\n

PRACTICE TRAIL ETIQUETTE.<\/h2>\n

Everyone is out there to enjoy the natural beauty and have fun on the trail, so be conscious of others and keep a few things in mind:<\/p>\n