• Jack-it Night: April 2024 RS Meeting Hey Guest: Wed. April 3rd is the next Rising Sun meeting, and you won't want to miss it. We're doing our annual offroad recovery equipment demonstration and trail skills training aka "Jack It Night." Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. (early) Click here for all the details.

Trail Leader Training

baja1d

Hard Core 4+
Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
2,541
Location
Littleton, CO
Updated, Updated, Updated! -----(Post #18 has class details from Bill himself.)

This year's Trail Leader Training will be March 18-19, 2017 in Grand Junction. We'll need to head over the hill sometime on Friday the 17th. Class is limited/capped at 40 people...

Why?:

Since the inception of Cruise Moab, Rising Sun has taken “trail leading” very seriously. It’s my understanding that, back in the day, the Cruise Moab Committee would personally invite specific RS Members to lead trails. Not everyone was given the opportunity because the CM Founders knew that this position would either make or break the event. It’s because of them that we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this coming year!

Over the years, “pre-runs” became the norm for the CM Trail Leader Training. Intimate familiarity with a specific trail is vitally important but it is NOT training. Changing the culture back to what it once was requires a standard. Therefore, we have commissioned Bill Burke.

What to expect?:

This is not a "Learn to drive" class nor is it a requirement to lead trails for Cruise Moab. It will be two full days of hands on training, driving, and scenarios. Registrants will receive training on all of Toyota’s 4wd systems from FJ40’s to present day. This will include instruction on “how to use them”, “when to use them”, and how to lead a new driver safely down a trail despite the location or time of year. Bill is a Subject Matter Expert and has spent the last 30 years training people how to offroad. He offers multiple training sessions throughout the year specifically tailored to suit the needs of the student, club, or organization. Depending on the need, fees for these classes are as follows:

  1. Private one-on one training is $1200. per person.
  2. On the road group training is $512.50 per vehicle.
  3. Professional trainer training is $1500 per day. (5 day class…$7,500)

The training that we will receive falls in between 2 & 3. Ideally, we would like all past, present, and future Trail Leaders to attend so that we’re all on the same page. It’s my belief that this is a sustainable training program that can be duplicated from time to time.

Cost?:

Drivers: All (10) driver spots are filled, please register as a passenger.

Passengers: $75.00
*Any participant that leads a trail for the 2017 Cruise Moab Event will have their tuition reimbursed on 5/6/17.

There are no "verbals" accepted!!! The only way you can secure a spot is by registering here: http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/paypal.shtml

Please state: "Trail Leader Training" in the PayPal description, post up here if you're planning to be a Driver or Passenger, and then email me your contact info. Travis (at) outerlimitsupply.com

**Accommodations:**

If you'd like to stay in a hotel we've reserved a block of rooms at the Grand Vista Hotel. There is a restaurant, lounge, pool/hot tub, and live entertainment 7 nights a week! Rooms are $55/night & you have a choice between a room with 2 double beds or 1 king. To receive this discount please mention that you're with the "Trail Leader Training" group. Otherwise, there is free camping out near the airport.

Here is Grand Vista's website: http://www.grandvistahotel.com/
 
Last edited:

baja1d

Hard Core 4+
Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
2,541
Location
Littleton, CO
Drivers:

1. Rising Sun Member
2. Steve Brady
3. Jackson (jps8460)
4. John (John657)
5. Bill Baker (Book Cliff Cruisers)
6. Bill Eirish (GoneMoab/NORAC)
7. Scott Howe (Wasatch President)
8. Ondrej Murin (COLORADO OFF ROAD ADVENTURE TOURS)
9. Dave Lyons (GoneMoab/NORAC)
10. Keith Gillespie

Passengers:
1. Travis Hurley (I can help shuttle people to GJ in my civic)
2. Art Volmer
3. Andy Lewien (Willing to drive if needed)
4. John Ferguson
5. Ben Blanton
6. Bryan Meenen (Wasatch Cruisers Treasurer)
7. Dave Steward (Wasatch Cruisers)
8. Evan (High Desert Cruisers)
9. Jake Wright
10. Mike Pando (Had to cancel)
11. Rachel Kaiser
12. Matt Farr
13. Greg Luer (RS President)
14. George MacKenzie (gjmack3)
15. Daniel Markofsky
16. Steve Crase
17. Brian (PhatFJ)
18. Scott Makee
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
 
Last edited:

nakman

Club Secretary
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Aug 23, 2005
Messages
14,551
Location
north side
Wow this is awesome! This training has value that extends far beyond Cruise Moab, what a cool opportunity.
 
Joined
Dec 25, 2015
Messages
29
Awesome!

I've been busy with life lately and haven't been too active with Rising Sun BUT that's about to change!

I just signed up to be a driver! I'll be available to head down early if need be. I'll be on Transition Leave from the end of January until I get out of the Army on March 25th!!!

I will have a lot of free time this upcoming spring so please let me know if there is anything I can help with.

-Joe

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 

DouglasVB

Rising Sun Member
Joined
May 5, 2015
Messages
2,158
Location
People's Soviet Socialist Republic of California,
I'm interested but I can't commit until sometime in January or early February. From my friends driving other brands of 4x4s, I've heard good things about Bill's classes. Of particular interest to me is picking lines for vehicles other than mine and recovery techniques.

Once I can commit, I'll be able to drive or ride depending on what the needs are.

Oh, and this year my truck will have sliders :lmao::lmao::lmao:
 

Fishy

Hard Core 4+
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
1,932
Location
Centennial, CO
Will BB4WD be giving all participants Driver Training Certificates? That may be useful if anyone is hoping to lead trails at other events or even get a job as a trail guide in certain areas.

What does the fee cover? Any suggestions on CM paying for a portion of it since we'll be tasking these folks with being trail leaders at our largest event?

Most importantly, if someone is willing to write a story on this training for Toyota Trails, you'll be able to reimburse your wallet for the fees you have to shell out.
 

DaveInDenver

Rising Sun Ham Guru
Joined
Jun 8, 2006
Messages
12,950
Location
Grand Junction
My hope is that this training will bring in a lot of new Trail Leaders. I'd also like to call attention that this is Trail Leader Training...not Cruise Moab Trail Leader Training.
To your and Steve's point, I'm thinking about signing up (it would have to be as a passenger unless the 3-seat requirement is waved) primarily because I'm hoping to get my ducks in a row and become more active again. If that leads to CM so be it, but that's not the sole consideration.
 

AimCOTaco

Cruise Moab Committee
Staff member
Cruise Moab Committee
Joined
Aug 13, 2010
Messages
2,248
Location
Longmont, CO
I'm really looking forward to this experience. I need to make the calendar happen and see if my truck will be ready or just me (need a winch yet).

A few points until Travis can chime in, as I understand it:
CM will be paying most of this, the fee is to help offset that and to encourage follow through.

This training is NOT required to be a Cruise Moab trail leader, CM trail leader approval is subject only to committee approval.

We're optimistic that this will help get new blood on the leader roster by offering potential leaders this opportunity. We're also trying to raise the general leadership quality to set Cruise Moab apart from so many other events.

If your an existing trail leader and have any interest in this, please raise your hand. The statement Travis made about letting the new folks fill in first reflects the goal of building out the list with new blood and his optimism that this event ends up full with a wait list. Travis will have final discretion about who goes based on the value to the event...

This should be fun!
 

Rzeppa

Rising Sun Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2005
Messages
8,217
Location
Kittredge CO, USA
I'm really looking forward to this experience. I need to make the calendar happen and see if my truck will be ready or just me (need a winch yet).

A few points until Travis can chime in, as I understand it:
CM will be paying most of this, the fee is to help offset that and to encourage follow through.

This training is NOT required to be a Cruise Moab trail leader, CM trail leader approval is subject only to committee approval.

We're optimistic that this will help get new blood on the leader roster by offering potential leaders this opportunity. We're also trying to raise the general leadership quality to set Cruise Moab apart from so many other events.

If your an existing trail leader and have any interest in this, please raise your hand. The statement Travis made about letting the new folks fill in first reflects the goal of building out the list with new blood and his optimism that this event ends up full with a wait list. Travis will have final discretion about who goes based on the value to the event...

This should be fun!

Andy nailed most of the stuff that people seemed to be missing.

Here's the thing: One of the things that sets Cruise Moab apart from other TLCA events is our guided trail runs, and especially the high quality of our trail leaders. We set the standard for TLCA events. This is an opportunity for us as a club to set that bar even higher.

From the early days of Cruise Moab, trail leaders are the cream of the crop, the best of the best from within our club (and Wasatch, thank you!). Leading a trail for Cruise Moab is a huge privilege and responsibility.

Over the past several years we have gotten away from Trail Leader Training and instead been simply doing preruns. As a committee, we are making a determined effort to steer our emphasis back to Leadership.

There's a big difference between simply knowing the trail and being a good driver in a built rig, and being a LEADER. That's what we, as a committee are emphasizing with this approach, and Travis has my full support in his approach to qualifying new leaders and re-qualifying existing Cruise Moab Trail leaders.
 

jps8460

Cruise Moab Committee
Cruise Moab Committee
Joined
Feb 15, 2013
Messages
2,911
Location
Broomfield
I'm pretty certain I can make this if there is room. Sounds like a great way to learn/grow.

Cheers!
 

Hulk

RS Webmaster
Staff member
Moderator
Cruise Moab Committee
Joined
Aug 22, 2005
Messages
16,431
Location
Centennial
Over the past several years we have gotten away from Trail Leader Training and instead been simply doing preruns. As a committee, we are making a determined effort to steer our emphasis back to Leadership.

This training with Bill Burke is an excellent idea. I won't raise my hand just yet since I fall into the more experienced category. But I can always learn something new, and I welcome this opportunity. I hope I can attend.

I do think the folks leading pre-runs in the past have talked about leadership along the way and provided solid advice for being a good leader. Let's acknowledge the good work they have done in the past rather than trying to take sides here. This new trail leader training event is new and interesting and potentially great. That doesn't mean what was done in the past is without value.

I do agree that being a good leader is more important than knowing the trail. My thanks to the CM Committee for seeking out something new to improve our skills!
 

On the RX

Rising Sun Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2016
Messages
1,867
Location
Superior
This sounds like a great expirience and something I would be interested in. March might be hard to do though.
 

Hulk

RS Webmaster
Staff member
Moderator
Cruise Moab Committee
Joined
Aug 22, 2005
Messages
16,431
Location
Centennial
HEY, WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE POSTS?

They have been moved to a sister discussion thread here. Nothing has been deleted.

This thread is specifically for people raising their hand to participate in the training. If you want to comment and discuss, please check out the other thread.

Thanks!
 

LXBRADY

Hard Core 4+
Joined
Oct 16, 2008
Messages
2,635
Location
Highlands Ranch
Cost?:

Drivers: $50.00
Passengers: $75.00
*Any participant that leads a trail for the 2017 Cruise Moab Event will have their tuition reimbursed on 5/6/17.




I went to the meeting last night and had a moment of clarity this morning.

Travis please confirm the following.

Scenario:

1) If I sign up for one of the options above, I pay for this training, I am reimbursed for CM17 when registration opens in January.

2) I lead a trail during CM17 and I will receive a stipend of $25 per day to lead each day of the event.

3) I then take my daily stipends buy $75.00 of raffle tickets with the chance of winning hundreds of dollars in raffle prizes.

Am I understanding this correctly?

If so this sounds like a great deal to me!
 

baja1d

Hard Core 4+
Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
2,541
Location
Littleton, CO
Cost?:

Drivers: $50.00
Passengers: $75.00
*Any participant that leads a trail for the 2017 Cruise Moab Event will have their tuition reimbursed on 5/6/17.




I went to the meeting last night and had a moment of clarity this morning.

Travis please confirm the following.

Scenario:

1) If I sign up for one of the options above, I pay for this training, I am reimbursed for CM17 when registration opens in January.

2) I lead a trail during CM17 and I will receive a stipend of $25 per day to lead each day of the event.

3) I then take my daily stipends buy $75.00 of raffle tickets with the chance of winning hundreds of dollars in raffle prizes.

Am I understanding this correctly?

If so this sounds like a great deal to me!

Pretty much! However, I'll have to reimburse the Trail Leader Training Class Fee ($75.00) at the event on Saturday for two reasons:
  1. Every time we mess with the registration process something else gets affected. In other words, trying to build a discount into the registration could crash the system!
  2. I've been stood up a few times over the years and we've had to scramble to find a Trail Leader for the day. To ensure that everyone stays on the same page the "No Lead/No Training Reimbursement" policy is currently in place!
 
Last edited:

Inukshuk

Rising Sun Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2005
Messages
7,271
Location
Denver, CO
I plan to sign up as soon as I resolve cash-flow. (Too much travel and kitchen remodeling the past 6 mos, not enough work) Till then the spigot is shut. I'll drive or be passenger, whichever is available.
 

baja1d

Hard Core 4+
Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
2,541
Location
Littleton, CO
Hot off the press and because we are officially booked with BB4WA:

From B. Burke:

"18/19 March 2017. Although it is early yet for actual logistics of meeting time and place - I will have us meet at a classroom type place Saturday morning 0800 - following are some area logistics for the group to get started on their plans.

Grand Junction has many good hotels and a variety of RV and camping options. There are many services, eateries, brewpubs and shopping options also. Most of the hotels along the airport access road off I-70 - Horizon Drive exit 31 - are generally clean, established and convenient to all we will be doing. There is a Safeway on Horizon with good deli and a gas station.

Down town there are 3 hotel properties: Springhill Suites, and Hampton Inn are the 2 most popular - they are very convenient to the walking downtown we have. Downtown is safe, easy to get around and lots of food places. There is a City Market w/deli near those hotels downtown.

Some hotels offer breakfast... some also offer (depending on the number of folks that stay at one place) small conference rooms for the use of folks that stay.... an option - I do have a place I use - but... it would be convenient for the people attending!

I have no contact for a "block of rooms" type price.

Saturday: 0800 we will meet at a classroom place (TBD) - and spend a couple/few hours there. Then proceed to the field (very close by) work some in the field then have lunch out there. The rest of the day in the field.
Sunday: full day in the field. We will decide where to meet based on how Saturday goes. People that have to leave early on Sunday - (they will catch the Denver traffic Mtn slowdown) - should let me know. Otherwise both days will be about 10 hours each minimal. Folks should be prepared for the weather, Portable Toilet if wanted and working in the dirt the full day. Camp chairs, sunscreen, bug juice! The handouts can be used for note taking! Personal Protection Equipment - gloves, sturdy boots (I will send people away in flip-flops or open toed sandals) and proper outdoor clothing.

Medical, dietary and hydration needs must be adjusted for this full day in the field.

Those that may come out early and stay over: Fruita is a cool little town and great Mtn Bike stuff: Hot Tomato Pizza and a couple breweries there. Palisade is the Wine country - the little town is cool to visit: Palisade Cafe is good food - the Palisade Brewery is decent food and great beer.

Wheeling: Sat: we will be in the area of 29 Road OHV - a legitimate OHV area, great terrain and we can do some good scenario and recovery out there. It can be very technical - but it is usually not damaging to vehicles. FYI: we held the Camel Trophy US trials there, introduced the "new" FJ Cruiser and Trail Teams training there, and Toyota Motors sends their engineers and technicians to me and we train there. Little trivia for the Toyota Club.

Sunday: based on the group dynamics etc. We will more than likely run the area of Bangs Canyon which includes Tabeguache Trail (very much like Moab) which is terrain of the Colorado Plateau sandstone. Bangs is also home to Billings Canyon hard-core trail. We will not run that - as we need to focus on Trail Leading scenarios not getting through a rock-crawl wash!

If others want: there is 21 Road, Rabbit Valley, Cameo Cliffs, up on the Mesa (snow?) Long Slough.. and a few other great wheeling trails. The local Jeep club is: Grand Mesa Jeep Club - well established, very happy to take folks out. There are some real gems out here - not all are "in the book" or on the "tracks" pages. I'm happy to give advice.

I will supply handout material and training aids. When you get a final count of bodies... let me know so I have the correct amount of copies. I expect vehicles to be running well, in good maintenance and with proper equipment in good condition. I don't care if trailer queen or stock. The terrain we will be running will be moderate (not easy) - depending on vehicle setup. But, remember, it is not about the 'wheeling.. it is about Trail Leader training. We will be challenging people and vehicles though it all.

We will "car pool" while on the trail. People can leave their rigs at the trailhead safely - or pool from the hotel. Depending on bodies.... we'll get the rigs sorted. I don't need a long "conga line" out there though.

So: maybe require a 32" tire up to 35", adequate protection and frame mounted recovery points front and rear. Extra gas is not needed as long as they start out with a full tank. Do NOT top off...Saturday will have some good side hills! ;-) Liquid can get into OE fuel evap systems.....

Legal Stuff: I'm sure the club has a "risk" form; all well and good. We will be operating under permit with the BLM using BB4WA permits and insurance. I will ask all attending to sign a "risk acknowledgment" form. 3% of the fee goes to the BLM for permitted use.

That about does it on this end for now.

any other questions or discussion.... ask away.

regards,

Bill"


I've stayed at the Grand Vista Hotel off of Horizon Drive multiple times. It's probably 2-3 star but they do have a lounge, pool, and hottub. If folks are camping out by the airport, this may be the most convenient hotel to book and still join folks around the campfire...or vice versa if the weather turns south!!! Here's their info: (970) 241-8411 http://www.grandvistahotel.com/
 

Inukshuk

Rising Sun Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2005
Messages
7,271
Location
Denver, CO
I have talked to Travis and reached out to a bunch of GJ Locals for help with a suitable camping area for the group and central hotel recommendation.
 
Top