Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 22:42
Hi Justin,
What a great question.
With so many people going offroad there are huge differences in experience and skills what is the Holy Grail here??
There is a lot to it!
Without sounding to philosophical.... he he he
Some people never really become "one" with the machine and the terrain.
Others just have nouse and good bush sense.
Its part experience part professionalism and lots of passion, - not fear or "attitude".
Its the ability to look at something and intuitivly know what will work and what wont work.
Its awareness of vehicle, terrain ,limitations and capabilities.
Its being a smooth and seamless operator.
Knowing when the wheels need to spin to keep up momentum or when they need to float over the surface with a bit of traction to keep the existing momentum.
I have a friend who has lived in the bush all his life and still gets bogged in
places that I get through in 2wd - he simply cannot grasp the concept of not spinning his wheels (panic??) when things get tough. He also has difficulty in picking the best path. get him out of the vehicle and you would not find a better bushman and guide.
Does emotion get in the way of clear thinking???
What does one need, - perfection??
What makes a capable singer or dancer??
How good does one want to be??
Natural ability is important , anybody can learn but to be a "gifted" driver may be the holy grail.
Personally I think passion and good common sense and co-ordination are the 1st steps and lots of experience and reflection and ability to look at yourself honestly and assess how your emotions run while you are in the hot
seat during a perceived crisis.
Mis-Adventure is when you exceed your knowledge limitations and capabilities.
You can always improve your Knowledge and capabilities, and know your limitations.
Again a great and pertinent question Justin.
keen to hear others views.
Kes
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