Team Member Corner: Mud, Rocks, and Memories: Why I Love Four-Wheeling

I’m James Vozza, a SharePoint Developer supporting the TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) contract at Ft. Huachuca AZ where I focus on customer support for KMO developing apps and sites for The US Army Knowledge Management Program. Outside of work, I find adventure off the grid. Through AMSG’s Hobby Program—which encourages team members to explore and share the activities that bring us joy—I’ve had the opportunity to further pursue one of my favorite pastimes: four-wheeling across the desert.

One of my favorite pastimes is driving through our desert wilderness. Many times, it is an easy meandering unchallenging path.  Other times there are various obstacles such as washes or sand, large rocks or even sometimes mud. The vehicle I use is a 4WD (4 wheel drive) Ford truck.

I use a 4WD truck because the features enable the truck to send power to any of the 4 wheels – situationally depending.  There are also ranges that can utilize extra low gearing to give a mechanical advantage and enable the vehicle to climb high grade angles or get through extra sticky or slippery terrain.  Many trails have different options from easy to challenging to very difficult.

Many  of today’s 4WD vehicles have very technologically advanced systems but most use a transfer case after the engine / transmission mating to enable a choice of back wheels  or back and front wheels. There are also devices that can lock the front or rear axles together, so power is sent to the tire with the most traction potential.

The use of a 4WD vehicle enables one to venture further off the beaten path and access to many nature spots that are not as crowded as ones that can be accessed by most vehicles. The hobby can get extreme. There are so many choices to ramp up the experience! Choices of suspensions, tires, engine control modules, and self-recovery gear are endless.  Many trails have technical aspects that are conquered by skill at operating the vehicle in austere conditions.  Skills can be improved with practice and patience. Sometimes the price of unskilled driving or impatience can be severe: Blown tires, dented bodywork and even sometimes accidental impacts.

In trail riding, vehicle recovery can be a large part of the sport. Once a vehicle is “stuck” you can either try to drive out or self-recover using tools i.e. chains, straps, shackles, winches. Another option can be to recover one vehicle with another.  There are great options including kinetic straps that flex like a rubber band and use the power of elasticity to help recover.  It is always a good idea to travel trails with a team, a few vehicles together. If you go trail riding alone always make sure someone knows where you are heading and what time approximately you will be home.  Emergency kits with water, first aid supplies and comfort supplies are usually a good idea.

Using 4 wheel Drive vehicles to get out in the boonies can provide the driver and passenger with many beautiful vistas and  the ability to find natural resources such as semi precious stones, animal skulls, cool rocks or other types of souveniers. An important idea in wilderness travel is to leave as little impact as possible. Don’t destroy the environment, pack out one’s trash and be gentle with the natural world.  In my adventures I have seen flora and fauna, historic trails, national wilderness treasures such as sunset vistas over canyons or crystal clear lakes, even the sad damage done by wildfires or evidence of other natural disaster. It has enabled me to gather foodstuffs that are not available in many grocery stores like mesquite beans, wild grapes or cactus tunas . I have taken some incredible pictures. I have also have had  wonderful adventures and memories with friends and family.

If you get the chance to take a 4wd tour or if you have a 4wd in the driveway that never gets used, challenge yourself to take a few trails – you will be happy you did. That little dial on the dash can open up the world exponentially.

Written by: James “Jim” Vozza