Logistics

A selection of articles related to gear, organization, and planning:

LONG ISLAND BEACH 4×4 ACCESS

(Permitting Process for OHV Routes on LI Beaches)

Long Island beaches have strict regulations for 4×4 access, and there are no areas where driving is allowed without a permit. There are two different kinds of permits available to access area beaches: the OHV 4×4 Permit and the Fishing Access 4×4 Permit… [read]



INSIGHTS: TRIP PLANNING POST-PANDEMIC

(5 Tips for Overland Trip Planning in the New Normal)

As things begin to “re-open” post-pandemic many of us are anxious to get back outside and back on the road. “Back to normal.” However, things are not exactly “normal,” so here are a few tips on planning our outdoor adventures during the transition … [read]



DESERT DIFFERENCES

(Driving differences between the Sahara, the Gobi and the US Southwest)

Not all “deserts” are the same. That sounds pretty obvious, but as we’ve become more comfortable with “desert driving” in general, we started to note some the different idiosyncrasies of driving and navigating the Sahara, the Gobi and the American southwest … [read]



PLANNING: WEATHER ON THE TRAIL

(Understanding and preparing for weather issues)

Backcountry driving conditions can change rapidly due to weather events making a multi-day journey into remote areas a real challenge. In addition to preparing for the expected seasonal weather conditions, it is important to have contingency plans in case roads become impassable… [read]



GOING GHOST-TOWNING

(Exploring in the backcountry)

“Ghost-towning” and backcountry exploration can be a great combination for anyone attracted by historical curiosity and the opportunity for interesting photography. Harsh environments and difficult terrain can make it a real challenge… [read]


CAMPING ACROSS AMERICA

(Camping styles, options, and public land usage)

Camping across America is a great way to really see the country up close and personal. It is also a very affordable way to travel. But not everyone has the same idea about what camping means. For some, it means minimal supplies, tent and sleeping bags… [read]



FIELD FIXES: RIGHTING A ROLLOVER

(Getting a vehicle uprighted)

Preparing for an expedition that covers potentially dodgy terrain, it is important to be ready for anything — including the possibility that a vehicle rolls over. Here are some things to consider when recovering a vehicle that has flopped… [read]



FROM PAPER MAPS TO GPS AND BACK

(Tips for working between paper maps and GPS)

Exploring new trails and unfamiliar routes often requires using paper maps, digital mapping tools and GPS units. When working back and forth between them, there are a few key details that are important to understand for accurate navigation… [read]



FIELD FIXES: POPPING A BEAD

(Fixing a tire that comes off the rim)

Desert driving in soft sand requires airing down — a lot. And below a certain pressure, there is concern that a tire could get unseated and actually fall off the rim. That’s what happened to us while training in the dunes. Luckily, there’s a relatively simple “field fix” for this situation… [read]



GETTING UNSTUCK: THE MAGIC OF MAXTRAX

(Self-extraction from soft sand)

No one wants to get “stuck” out in the desert, but we all know it is going to happen. Probably more often than we expect, too. During the rally we will need to be able to get ourselves “unstuck” without depending on someone else to give us a pull… [read]



CONSIDERING COMPASS OPTIONS

(Comparing compasses)

Precise navigation will be key to a good performance in the Gazelle rally. From how carefully we plot our lines on the map to how well we can maintain a straight track while driving off-road, the smallest errors can add up quickly… [read]



SOMETHING ABOUT SAND DUNES

(The structure of dunes)

There is something mysterious about the vast seas of sand, the great ergs, of the Sahara. They stand intimidating in their magnificence, and the idea of even trying to drive across them seems pure folly. Yet that is exactly what we will have to do during the Gazelle Rally… [read]



CHOOSING A TENT FOR THE DESERT

(Considerations and comparisons of tents)

During the Gazelle Rally we will be tent-camping for roughly two weeks. However, this is not a “typical” relaxed fun camping trip, and our choice of tent may be more important than we realize in ensuring that we are well-rested and ready for the route each morning.… [read]



STAYING ORGANIZED ON THE ROAD

(A look back at organizing the Jeep during our “Great American Roadtrip”)

Despite the temptation to carry every possible spare part and emergency item during the Gazelle Rally, we have been told by folks with experience in desert rallies that we will have to limit the amount of stuff we pack in the Jeep.… [read]


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