First time Off Road!

A Day that Changed the Path of My Life

This was the day my Jeep Life morphed from daily driver to weekend warrior. I would soon come to find my new passion would become off-roading. Little did I know that day how it would completely change my life. My Jeep and off-roading would take me on so many adventures to amazing places. 

Check out My First Time Off-road video on YouTube. 

My First Time on the Trails

I got up early to embark on a three-hour drive to Pennsylvania. My destination was Rausch Creek Off-road Park. I had arranged a one-on-one off-road driving instruction session. 

I was eager to learn more about my Jeep and its features, and finally get out on the trails to learn how to drive off-road. It was something I had never experienced and had no idea what to expect. 

Rausch Creek Off-Road Park - Pennsylvania

Nervous Excitement

My nerves on edge and my tummy filled with anxious butterflies, I walked up to the window to check in. My instructor, Kyle, was there to greet me. He set my nerves at ease with his easy going welcoming personality. We wasted no time and began the training. I was thrilled when I finally engaged 4-wheel low and drove a few circles in a dirt lot to get a feel for my Jeep's capabilities.

Off-Roading 101 with Kyle

Kyle is a well-educated and seasoned professional trainer. He is knowledgeable about the capabilities of my Jeep. He explained them in terms I understood. Plus, it helped that I was an experienced driver in the snow and ice.

An Amazing Day! 

Facing My Fears

As I tackled the first incline, I was nervous about tipping over. However, after seeing a picture of the incline, I realized it wasn't as bad as it felt. Something I remind myself still to this day.  I continued to learn, navigating washouts, hills, mud, and rocks without damaging my Jeep.

First time off camber. 

Traversing the Trails

Kyle took me and my Jeep through wash outs, up and down hills, through the mud and over rocks. I didn't even damage my Jeep at all. I did hear some clanks and bangs -- only four -- so I think I did pretty good.

Hood shot of the trail

Mastering the Hill Descent Control

One of the coolest things I learned was about the Hill Descent Control button. I was amazed at what my Jeep could do without my help, and it gave Knight Rider's Kit a run for its money.

Hood shot of Jeep in front 

First Time Water Forging

Kyle even took me through the center of a pond, which was a scary feeling, but I trusted my Jeep. I was reminded that my Jeep is not just a toy, but also my mommy vehicle for daily tasks.

Water forging is one of the Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated Badge tests.

First time taking my Jeep through water. 

Manual Automatic Transmission Magic

Another feature I learned to use was the manual automatic transmission, also called autostick. This is second nature to me since I grew up driving a manual transmission with a clutch. 

This post will show you What is Autostick and How to Use Autostick 

Hood shot of the Jeep in front

At the time, I wasn't ready for more difficult rockier trails. It was a fantastic day and I was eager to take another class so I could venture out on my own.   I didn't know where it would lead me at the time but it was all an amazing journey.

Check out all my other Adventures and see the amazing journey I have been on since this first day.