Trip Report:

LADIES DRIVER TRAINING

Every now and then, we have a "Ladies Driver Training" weekend. This give the girls a chance to learn the tricks of 4WDing, without having to put up with the "daring do" of their "other half".

Just for something different, here are some reports of two different "Ladies Driver Training Days" - one from the perspective of a lady, the other, from an observing husband.

From the Ladies' perspective

Our group of novice drivers met at 8.30am with introductions all round. We waited nervously to start our day of driving. Ian explained convoy procedures and with many words of encouragement from Ian and his little helpers, John & Ross (Did I say Little?) we were off.

The Morning Sermon by Pastor Ian

Being VERY keen I had already reduced tyre pressure when Ian quite matter of factly says, ‘Oh you don't need to let your pressure down for today's training'. Thanks Ian!

We drove for about 3 kms along Heathcote Rd before turning left to enter the bush where we put our vehicles into 4WD. We then proceeded further along the track driving through a number of deep mud puddles (mind you the previous weekend Jim & I washed and polished our 4WD!) and small rock ledges. A few kms in and we stopped for a combined morning tea and lunch. With our tummy's filled the training continued with the recovery session in which all the ‘ladies' happily participated. There were lots of laughs with all the grunting and groaning as we pulled John Munday's truck up a rock ledge. Doesn't time fly when you're having a good time?

Before we knew it, it was time to head home. Confidence already built we drove back dodging and going through more mud puddles – even driving over some large washaways. As we neared the end of another deep gully-come-wash-away that all the women drove over quite successfully, we looked back to see Ross sitting precariously at a forty-degree angle - somehow he had slid into deep crevice. However it didn't take long to get his GU out - but not before everyone had a good photo session. Luckily, no damage was done.

Day 2 . Sunday morning 8.30am and once again we all met at the big rock near Menai. It was not as cold as the previous morning. ‘At least the sun is shining,' I thought, 'for today the training will be a little tougher, but we ladies are prepared for anything.' And we needed to be because not far down the track we encountered some difficult ledges, which we all completed successfully.

Next, was there an even bigger challenge. Only two of us knew what was ahead of us (because we had watched hubby do it time some time ago). With confidence high we all were keen to have a go and after much discussion with Ian and the others we decided on which line we wanted to take. Next came some strategically placed rock building on some of the larger ledges. ‘We ladies will show you guys how four-wheel driving is really done!' was heard from an anonymous somewhere. Maureen was the first driver to take on the challenge and she showed us all how it easy it was. The rest of us made it down with no problems - with maybe just a little help from our trusty guides Ian and Ross. We were very proud of ourselves and with loud Yahoos! We all cheered as each group member reached the end of the harder bits.

At last it was time for morning tea and after a well-earned rest we continued with our training. Ian asked whether we want the long or short trip out - meaning the easy or the hard way. ‘The long way,' everyone said. So off we went and it wasn't long before we came up behind four young guys in four-wheel drives who were having trouble getting up over some rock ledges. Good luck for these guys because with some good advice from Ian and Ross regarding tyre pressure and some rock building from our guys, the young four-wheel drivers made the climb with no further problems - and big smiles on their faces.

Of course we made it without any real problems… After climbing more rock ledges we stopped for a quick lunch with everyone scrambling for a bit of shade as it was quite warm. Before setting out again, it was time for that group photo.

The weekend crew

Ian came up with the idea of playing musical partners and asked the men get into different vehicles. Michael Dignam came with me and how relaxed he looked - even though the claw marks on the front dash seem to show otherwise! The afternoon passed quickly and with just a few more crossings and climbs, before we knew it, the trip was over. It was a wonderful drive and one not to be missed if you get the chance.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and I learnt a lot from our instructor's expert advice. I was very nervous and quite frightened about doing the driver training but all my fears were put to rest and now I can't wait to get behind the wheel when Jim and I go out four-wheel driving!

A very big ‘thank you' to Ian, Ross and John Munday for all their help and especially their encouragement. It meant a great deal to all the ladies. Lastly, another big ‘thank you' to our wonderful husbands for their support during the weekend.

- Dulcie Zenner

From a man's perspective

Deep within the male psyche is a fear that when you have bought your brand new Patrol, someone or something is going to scratch it, bend it, or somehow break it rendering it totally useless.

So it was with bated breath (I said bated, not baited, that came later) I gave the keys to my wife, trusting to the various gods of four-wheel driving that all would be well. I had confidence in our brilliant driver training team so I didn't have many concerns but she confessed to being nervous so I had to drive to White Rock. Some of the men who were with their wives looked seriously nervous, too!

Saturday was a glorious day. Fourteen vehicles of various shapes and sizes - and women drivers of very different degrees of four-wheel driving experience – were there. From the Jimny to the Patrol, it was clear these ladies were here to do serious business, and as an added bonus, we had the enjoyment of parts of the day being captured on video.

It was quite clear from the outset that the trainers had some sort of idea that they would go easier on the ladies than they do on the men. That rubbish was quickly thrown out the window when we stopped for a cuppa, the run through the manuals and the walk around the cars. Most of the questions were similar to those asked by the men in the course I had attended, but Ross should beware, the answers that included comments about scones, cups of tea, and genteel afternoons were clearly going to be dealt with when it came to the driving stakes!

The obligatory first rock shelf (yes Ross, that one where you forgot to engage your hubs, and where John Munday broke his finger) was dealt with in better time than the men had done. The ladies were clear about instructions and with only a couple of minor moments when someone forgot to watch the instructors due to nervousness, the stream was crossed quickly.

The lack of the competition element was quite striking. Clearly that is a male thing – being macho and getting it right, better than everyone else. The women took a quieter approach – that of working with clear concentration. However when it comes to road building, none of them seemed too keen to get their hands dirty. Still that's what the men are for, isn't it?

At lunchtime, everyone brought out their food and relaxed, talking about trips they had either been on or were about to go on. Next came the equipment demonstration, with Ross and John displaying their usual mixture of dry humour and serious fact. The tirfor had been cleaned with a good dose of diesel oil, so moving John and his car was a lot easier than we had previously experienced. Still it's all right for him to sit in the car and be winched about. What about those ladies doing all the hard work?

Sunday again was bright and clear, and with the driving experience of Saturday under their belts, the women looked quietly confident. Sunday is traditionally a more driving-orientated day and so it was this time, with the tracks providing that wonderful mixture of dust and exhaust fumes. You could tell when things weren't going too well in a car… the man got out (usually looking a bit sheepish) and watched from the sidelines. As far as I can recall there was one particular incident where Margaret B. must have taken offence - either at Ross' instructions, or at Jeff sitting beside her. Instead of crossing the stream to the normal exit point, she aimed directly at Ross, and the one-metre bank he was standing on!

Jocelyn didn't do much better – first time through the stream she didn't go fast enough. The second time, she forgot to stop and almost emptied the creek! Ah well, that's the learning curve for you.

All in all it was a great weekend with friendships made and strengthened and competent drivers added to the Club's membership. Ladies, it was a pleasure being with you, it great to have you on the team!

- Simon Argue