New Mexico Gila EXP-4WD Training Traversal

Friday, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th, 2024 – A rugged, remote, and immersive four-wheel drive and expedition/overland travel skill building experience presented by NMBR’s Jake Quiñones

Overview

New Mexico’s Gila Region – Black Range & Continental Divide // 3 Days & 2 Nights // Approximate training route distance: 125-Miles // Approximate training route elevation range: 4,250 to 7,875-Feet // Visit NMBR’s Gila Overland photo gallery to preview the terrain and landscapes that will captivate NMBR’s EXP-4WD Training experience LINK - goo.gl/UsrcF6

The Experience

This April, NMBR will be providing an intensive four-wheel drive and expedition/overlanding skills overview and training program that will cover a host of subjects including (but not limited to) driving techniques and terrain negotiation, vehicle maintenance and preservation, vehicle recovery techniques, and overland kit assembly. The in-field program is primarily geared towards beginner and intermediate level overland enthusiasts who are looking to jump-start or boost their knowledge, experience, and confidence levels. For advanced skill level overlanders, NMBR’s EXP-4WD Training provides a comprehensive refresher or brush-up course that will [undoubtedly] provide new tips and tricks. New Mexico Black Range has provided this training course to a multitude of four-wheel drive and overland enthusiasts, companies, and government agencies including U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement.

The three day in-field program will unfold during a 125-mile overland traverse of the rugged and remote 3.3-million-acre Gila National Forest. The backdrop for NMBR’s EXP-4WD Training route will include a diverse range of scenery including grassland, chaparral, canyon bottoms, and mountainous forests with elevations ranging from 4,250 to 7,875-feet. Areas of exploration will include the Gila National Forest’s Black Range, Gila West, and Gila North. Road types and conditions will include washboards, two tracks, primitive non-maintained, graded, mountain shelf, dirt byway and (least of all) pavement. All nights will include camping and enjoying the company of fellow overlanders, deep in the backcountry. For those that join in, the only guarantee is that they will conclude their adventure with strengthened skills, new friends, dirty rigs, big smiles, and an accomplishment that will make their fellow overlanders envious.

Where, When & Pricing

NMBR’s Spring EXP-4WD Training will take place Friday, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th, 2024. Participants will meet the morning of Friday, April 26th in southern New Mexico; the exact departure location and details will be provided during the registration process. Pricing for single driver (single participant) is $972.00 (plus tax). Pricing for each additional participant in vehicle (passengers, second drivers, minors) is $794.00 (plus tax).

Planning & Preparations

NMBR’s Spring EXP-4WD Training will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, meals, and supplies/provisions. Services or re-supply of any kind, including cell signals, fuel, food, water, or anything remotely civilized, will be unavailable for stretches of up to 150 miles or more (if re-routes occur). Sound enticing? Please, read on…

Go Boldly with NMBR - Over the past decade, NMBR has written a series of informative overland travel-based articles (NMBR’s Field Preparedness Manual) with topics ranging from field kit assembly, to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, to equipment and gear advice. These articles, paired with extensive checklists and instructions, are provided to NMBR’s EXP-4WD Training participants to serve as a solid foundation for what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring for the in-field program. During the pre-training planning and preparation period, NMBR will be available to provide expert opinion and feedback for any questions or concerns related to getting ready and gearing up. The self-sufficient aspect of EXP-4WD Training challenges and prepares trainees for their future 4WD and overland based endeavors—to go boldly, prepared, and with confidence

NMBR’s Overland Training Subject Matter

All of NMBR’s in-field training is straightforward, logical, and step-by-step. NMBR’s 4WD/Overland training course covers these main subjects:

Overland Overview: Gearing up and kit assembly; What to take into the field (4WD/Overland specific with tool, equipment, provision, and kits overview); Provision and supply conservation; Safety; Vehicle based-camp tips and tricks; Assigning purpose to every mile of the journey (from planning to post-trip).

Vehicle Dynamics and Operation (off-pavement application specific): Overview of vehicle 4WD system operation, under-hood, suspension system, steering system, traction factors, tires/air-pressure.

Vehicle Care and Preservation: Preventative maintenance, vehicle check-ups, and careful driving techniques to help ensure the conservation of vehicle, equipment, and resource (failure and damage avoidance).

Traversing Challenging Terrain/Conditions: Safe, environmentally responsible, and effective terrain negotiation (driving techniques for a variety of off-pavement situations).

Basic Field Vehicle Repair and Issue Resolution: The basics for addressing vehicle issues far from the beaten path utilizing the available resources.

Vehicle Recovery & Lifting: Utilizing safe and effective means of vehicle recovery utilizing the proper recovery equipment (non-winching applications for vehicles without winches); Utilizing safe and effective means of lifting vehicles for recovery/repairs.

Register

Ready for your next great adventure? If you are interested in joining NMBR's Spring EXP-4WD Training, or would like to receive extended details for the program, please email jake@newmexicoblackrange.com and additional driver/equipment requirements and registration information will be provided.

NMBR also provides in-field private EXP-4WD Training programs for those individuals, groups, agencies, and companies seeking specific dates and training needs. Contact NMBR for details.