FTE‘s Guide to Off-roading Experiences for Beginners
The great outdoors is calling for you and your Ford. If you’re new to off-roading, though, these experiences will get you going fast.
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to take your off-road-ready Ford truck to the muddiest paths, dustiest trails, and rockiest roads our beautiful country has to offer. There’s simply nothing stopping you from making the most of your summer in your Ford.
Unless, of course, you’ve never taken your Raptor or Ranger off the beaten (and paved) path. If that’s the case, don’t worry. We’ve got your back with our guide to experiences and training for newcomers to the off-roading lifestyle. No matter where you are, there’s likely something to help you get ready to tackle the toughest terrains like our examples below.
Overland Experts
Before you hit the trail for the first time, it’s always a good idea to learn all the ins and outs of off-roading. One way to do that is through the experts at Connecticut’s Overland Experts.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, the instructors for OEX teach a curriculum “based on real life experience.” The off-roading experts bring a total of 35 years of such experiences gained upon “all imaginable terrains” for “a core curriculum that just cannot be matched.”
OEX has three branches along the Atlantic coast, including one each in Virginia and North Carolina. Each branch presents a controlled environment where mistakes can be made without them growing into major problems, and where drivers can improve their skills behind the wheel, and away from it. Prices start at $750 for a day of training in one of their vehicles, or $600 for a day in your Ford.
Northeast Off-Road Adventures
Ninety minutes away from the Big Apple is New York’s Northeast Off-Road Adventures. Like OEX, NORA offers off-road driver classes on its own private course, located in Ellenville. And they are serious about the training, too; not only do they offer intro classes to cover the basics, but also survival skills covering everything from what to do in the backcountry, to dealing with active (i.e., human) threats to you and/or your friends and family.
Once you’re ready to go, you can bring your F-150 to one of NORA’s adventure tours and other events in the Catskills and Hunter Mountain. Such events are held every year between late April and late October, and some are overnight affairs to allow you a chance to get close to nature when not traversing through the woods.
Should this be up your alley, classes start at $175 for the driver. Tours begin at $299.
Midwest Offroad Expeditions
If you happen to be in the Midwest, then Detroit’s Midwest Offroad Expeditions is your ticket to adventure. The Raptor enthusiasts organize four to five events annually “to give participants a taste of every season.” Everything from route planning to obtaining all the right permits is handled by M.O.E., so you and your friends only need to worry about showing up and having a wonderful time.
If you’d like to join the fun in your Raptor (or your Ford truck of choice), prices vary depending on the event; the previous two events for the year (at St. Helen and Drummond Island, Michigan) were $100 and $150, respectfully.
SpeedVegas
SpeedVegas offers some high-octane off-road thrills in the Nevada desert. If you’ve always wanted to drive a Baja Race Truck, the team at SpeedVegas has got you covered. They have a private stadium track where you can drive a through a thrilling course, take on five major jumps, and take on twists and turns in a custom built high performance V6 truck. From high speeds to peaks and valleys, these trucks are made to take it all on.
If you’re feeling daring, you can take on the epic 60-ft table top jump on the course.
They offer different experiences, such as desert tour where you can get the full high desert experience in all its dusty, exciting glory. Prices start at $395 and vary based on which adventure you choose.
Expedition X Off-Road
Expedition X Off-road (EXO) offers a number of expeditions in a variety of locales. Some of their offerings are (off) road trips, traveling hundreds of miles over the course of a few days or even a week. It is a great way to see some of the United States most breathtaking sights, and drive your Ford through some challenging terrain. Most of the expeditions are in the Southwest and West. Going from the desert to the beach, with a great group of fellow travelers; that is a great way to get hooked on off-roading.
Prices vary based on which trek you choose. Check out Expedition X Off-Road’s Instagram to see some of their recent adventures.
Got any recommendations for great off-roading? Let us know in the comments, or join in the discussion in the forums!
Photos: Overland Experts Facebook, Northeast Off-Road Adventures Facebook, Midwest Offroad Expeditions, SpeedVegas, Expedition X Off-Road
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