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Show SprtMeld By Ted Kesting i "Off-roaders are under fire. Those who use motorized vehicles to assault as-sault the wilderness simply 'because it's there' are running into some rough going and potentially impassable im-passable obstacles. The conservationists conserva-tionists who frown on wheels in the wilderness are joining the pre-I pre-I servationists who resent any intru-'sion. intru-'sion. Every clash between the extremists ex-tremists is bound to threaten even the most circumspect use of 4x4s and trail bikes. The best way to ensure continued freedom of leaving leav-ing paved roads for camping, fishing fish-ing and hunting in the backcountry is to avoid abuse," advises Jack Seville, Recreational Vehicles Editor Edi-tor of Sports Afield. Here are some pointers suggested by Seville: Stick to the trail; others have already proved it is passable. In remote or hazardous areaf,itj is a good idea to team up with two or more vehicles. At least one of' I lion when returning to the highway. high-way. Easy does it and you can crawl over incredibly large rocks like a persistent caterpillar. Keep in lowest low-est gear and let the vehicle do the work. Climbing a rock may not require re-quire use of the 'accelerator at all. Idling speed may be sufficient. However, be ready to break as the vehicle begins to descend the other side of the rock, for an easy landing. land-ing. If it stalls out in a climb, most experts will break to hold their position and restart, in gear, with just slight pressure on the accelerator. accelera-tor. Leave no litter and be super careful about fires, matches and cigarette butts'. Take along plastic bags to hold and carry out the empty " soda cans and cigarette wrappers. Leaving no litter may mean picking up trash left by previous pre-vious users. :: "... i"'". ' ' them would be equipped with a winch. .' Reducing pressure in tires improves im-proves traction and reduces danger of cuts on sharp rooks. A portable tire infiator easily returns them to proper inflation for highway travel. Desirable features on any 4x4 used off-road are padded roll bar and skid plates. " Keep thumbs parallel to the steering wheel. Otherwise when the . steering wheel is snapped out of your hands by a rock in your pathway, path-way, spokes in the steering wheel can break a thumb. In rough terrain plan 'a route which will keep the maximum ' number of wheels in contact with the ground. A passenger who is standing can get a high-angle view to help direct the driver. When high-centered, and traction is lost, jack up the vehicle and place small stones under the wheels. Fill holes with small loose rocks to pro-, vide traction. , If you fold down the windshield for better visibility on the trail, be sure to secure it in an upright posi- |