TAP Note: All of the info contained in this article is based on my subjective experience only and not meant to be taken as a generalization for entire populations. Lori Palmer: TAP editor
Pass it by the CFO- Right after I got my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon I spent a lot of time at the dealership getting her “built for overlanding adventures”. (See our Wrangler write up for components.) One day, as I was leaving, I overheard a salesman and a customer talking. The customer was saying that he wanted to add some components to his rig but would have to pass it by the CFO first; his wife. The salesman smiled and nodded, understanding this dilemma perfectly.
Enjoying the overlanding Community- When Andy and I went to our first overlanding event we met a great group of like-minded people. Gear heads, trail fiends; it was great fun discussing runs, sharing experiences, and learning from each other. Getting together with a group of people that we didn’t know but who had common interests to ours, was a uniquely rewarding experience. They had driven some of the same trails we had and had experienced some that we wanted to do and visa versa. A lot of fun.
Overlanding; she said, “No thank you”- I met some wives there, started talking and soon saw a trend. This was their husband’s gig, period. They were there for their husbands but had little to no personal interest in overlanding. Most of the guys went out with groups of their friends and when the wives went along, they were passengers. They said that although the areas were beautiful, the journey was bumpy, boring and uncomfortable.
Get overlanding ladies!- When I asked the women if they would be interested in driving, I got a lukewarm response. When I asked if they had tried it; most had not. I honestly believe that if SOME, not all, but some women got behind the wheel and tried off-roading they would enjoy it. I was indifferent to driving off-road until boredom drove me behind the wheel. After taking turns driving my husband’s Taco off-road, I was hooked. Also, taking an off-road driver’s training class helped build driving skill and confidence, which enhanced my off-road experience immeasurably and gave me the courage to drive trails I would not have tried before. Once again, I cannot express how much fun we have off-roading together.
Overlanding: Play together, stay together- I am in no way advocating that men should give up their overlanding road-trips with their buddies. We all love our tribe time. But, I do believe that if you invite your partner to drive and she “kind of” likes it, then turn her on to an off-road training class to help build knowledge of safety and driving techniques and then get out there and play! (A shout out here to Badlands 4×4 4WD training courses in Southern California. There are 4WD certified trainings all over the United States. ) When a couple switches off driving, navigating, and filming they can have a blast. We do and so do our friends who share this passion. Play together, stay together and watch your CFO gladly go for purchasing that snorkel! Ya’ all are basically roommates for life, so common adventures are key.
Women Only overland 4WD training Info– There is potential for two different Women’s only Training courses. I am in discussion with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) about the potential for a FREE Women’s Only Beginner Training Day in Florence, Oregon in Feb 2016. I would host the course alongside AEV trainers. Prerequisites for this course are an AEV built Jeep,or a stock Jeep. This is an event I went to last year (I was the only woman driving with a great group of guys.) and not only did I improve my driving, safety and tread lightly skills and knowledge, I got a chance to experience driving in an amazingly beautiful place. I have also spoken with Tom Severin of Badlands Off-Road Adventures and 4WD training about a Women’s Only beginners course. Again, I would host and Tom would train. The class would take place either in Anza Borrego State Park in San Diego CA or Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area in L.A. Any style of 4×4 can be used. Price to be determined. We at TAP have taken a few of his courses and highly recommend them.
THESE CLASSES WILL ONLY HAPPEN IF ENOUGH WOMEN SIGN UP! CONTACT ME DIRECTLY AT lori@theadventureportal.com SPECIFY THE CLASS(ES) YOU ARE INTERESTED IN, AND LETS GET OUT THERE AND GO!!!
Happy tag-team overlanding!
Share your experiences in the comment section below.
Check out where you can go in Southern California on our Overland Trails and Points of interests write-ups.
