I look forward to the days when my truck club gets together for a big off-road group run. It could be as many as 50 or 60 trucks all moving down the trail and then stopping for a group lunch. It’s a chance for me to meet new people, talk to old friends, show off my truck, and spend time outdoors. There is nothing like being part of a big group with the same interests all moving in the same direction with the same goal. Although traveling in big groups can be exciting, there are some things to keep in mind to make the journey with others successful.
- Take it easy: Expect the journey to move slowly, considering various member situations and interests. Be patient with the group’s pace. The bigger the group, the slower it goes.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from others. Everyone faces challenges, and helping each other out is part of the experience. Almost everyone loves to be asked for help. Many love sharing their experiences and opinions. Take advantage of this. And then someday, pay it forward.
- Fall into Groups: Informally break into smaller groups within the larger one to manage logistics effectively, like moving through red lights, leaving or entering staging areas, and driving on freeways. Be extra courteous to others who have given the right-a-way to the group and be extra patient with those who don’t. Seeing a large group of trucks driving down the road can be irritating or intimidating to onlookers. Stick close to other members who are familiar with the route. Join back up for stops, breaks, and lunch.
- Communication Matters: If possible, use a GMRS handheld radio. It fosters real-time communication among group members, enabling coordination, sharing of information, and swift emergency response. It enhances group cohesion, keeping everyone informed and connected to enhance safety and prevent individuals from getting lost or separated.
- Engage in conversation to build camaraderie, don’t be afraid to join in.
- Identify yourself when speaking with a large group. Don’t assume that everyone knows your voice. At the beginning of your conversation and periodically after, call out your name. For example, say, “This is Brenda,” and then continue with what you want to say. Or say, “Hey Matt, this is Brenda.” And wait for a response before continuing.
- Limit transmissions to under 15 seconds to allow for emergency or priority communication to break in. Most radios have a transmit time limit setting to help with this.
- Check your audio quality. Ask others how you sound. Nothing is more annoying than trying to have a radio conversation with someone who has bad audio.
- Be considerate of topics and language. Be mindful of those listening to your conversation.
- Be a Good Citizen: Obtain necessary permits, passes, and licenses, and understand land rules. Follow traffic laws and decent driving behavior. Respect private property, close gates, and practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles. Don’t advertise or encourage others if you don’t.
- Keep the truck behind you in sight: If they have been out of site for a while, stop and wait up for them, make sure they are ok. Keep track of them, and ensure no one gets left behind, regardless of the circumstances. If you come up to an intersection or curve, make sure they see which way you went. Don’t assume. If you go through something difficult, make sure that they made it through too.
- Always be considerate: Be respectful of others enjoying the area too. Slow down as you approach pedestrians, cars, or animals, and avoid excessive dust. A warm friendly wave can go a long way when a massive parade of trucks rolls by you on the trail, interrupting the peace and quiet. Don’t come off as a rowdy group. Behave in a way that is becoming to the beliefs of the group.
- Pee Stops Are Okay: Communicate the need for breaks, including bathroom stops. No one should feel ashamed or be denied a rest break. If you need it early, call it out.
- Group leader Support: Support the group leader, as they play a crucial role in coordinating and ensuring the group’s safety and success. Organizing and leading large groups is a challenging job. Avoid making last-minute requests that disrupt the group’s plans or pace to accommodate individual needs, ensuring consideration for the collective journey. Encourage others to take the lead on future events, too.
- Handle Challenges Respectfully: Conflicting personalities are normal. Not everyone has to like everyone, it’s not required. Respect others even if you don’t agree with them. Don’t be an off-road bully.
Our group runs always lead to unforgettable adventures filled with camaraderie and shared memories. Let’s keep the good times rolling and create even more unforgettable memories together!
