CREEPER JEEPERS GANG 4 WHEEL DRIVE CLUB
OF DURANGO,
INC.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEEDURES
(Also Known As "SOP")
Revised
June 4, 2010
ARTICLE I
1)Membership and
Dues
a.Dues for this club will be
collected in March, April, and May prior to the May
31st deadline. A member whose dues are in arrears after the
August 1st deadline will be required to reapply for new membership under
By-law requirements.
b.Applicants becoming
a member from March 1st through May 31st will be considered paid in full
for the following year. Members who came into the club prior to
March 1st will owe dues for the coming
year.
c. A portion of club dues goes for
membership into the Colorado Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs,
Inc. Dues for the Colorado Association membership are due and
payable June 1st of each year for the coming year. Membership
includes only those members in good standing for the coming year (by
payment of dues prior to May 31st).
d.Membership dues attached to an application will only be refunded if
applicant is denied membership.
ARTICLE II
1)Meetings
a.Monthly regular membership meeting will be held the 1st Tuesday of each
month 7:00PM at a prearranged location. If necessary, exceptions may
be made by the Board of Directors. Notification to members will be
given as far in advance as possible of any
changes.
b.Satellite meetings will be held
on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00PM at a prearranged
location. If necessary, exceptions may be made by giving
notification to members as far in advance as possible.
ARTICLE III
1)Any issues not specifically addressed in the
Club’s By-laws of this “SOP” may be handled by the Board of
Directors.
ARTICLE IV
1)Required Vehicle
Equipment
a.Integral metal top or roll
bar.
b.Seat belts in operating condition
for driver and all passengers.
c.Current
registration and/or license.
d.Current
insurance.
e.Vehicle must be in sound
mechanical condition and approved by Safety Officer.
2)Recommended Vehicle Equipment
a.Basic tools, including jack.
b.First-Aid
Kit.
c.Fire
extinguisher.
d.Vehicle recovery strap –
without hooks.
e.Attachments on front and
rear for strap hook-up.
f.A working CB
radio. Club channel is #4. Secondary channel,
#8.
g.Carry extra parts pertinent to your
vehicle: i.e. hoses, belts, U-joints, oil, etc. of what usually
breaks on your vehicle.
h.Adequate supply
of fuel and water to meet your individual needs.
3)Suggested Trail Supplies
a.Bring plenty of water.
b.Have more than
enough food.
c.Prepare for any
weather. Mountain weather can change in a matter of
minutes.
d.Always be prepared to spend the
night on the trail. Break downs do occur.
4)Assembly For Club Events
a.Have fueling and shopping completed prior to assembly
time.
b.Assemble 15 minutes prior to
departure time.
c.Leave at designated
departure time.
d.Prearrange any
separation from group with the trail leader. Always stay with the
group if possible.
5)Common Sense Conduct
a.Adhere
to “Tread Lightly” Program.
b.Trash –
“Pack it in, Pack it out.” When possible, pick up what others left
behind.
c.Help inexperienced drivers and
stock vehicles when necessary SO ALL CAN HAVE A GOOD
TIME.
d.The club member is responsible for
his/her guests.
6)Trail Ratings
a.In observance
of simplicity, we will utilize the “Red Rock Four Wheelers” system of
trail ratings.
1: County dirt road maintained for high clearance 2WD and 4WD use
in adverse conditions.
2: County dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after
rain or snow, 2WD high clearance with low gears, otherwise light duty
4WD.
3: Road with frequent use, but seldom maintained. Dirt,
sand, and slick rock surfaces, with mud holes possible (note: may be
impassable when wet due to soil composition). 4WD recommended under
most circumstances due to ruts or wash erosion.
4: Road surface consisting of loose rock, dirt and or sand with
some slickrock surfaces. Erosion, washes, gulches and rock steps no
higher than 12”. 4WD is recommended with good ground clearance and
driving skills. Aggressive tires and limited slip would be a
plus. Water and mud possible.
5: Road surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not
exceeding 14”, with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water not
exceeding 12” with some mud possible. Good vehicle approach and
departure angles are helpful. Tall tires (33” plus) and traction
added device (lockers, limited slips) is recommended. Above average
driving skills are desirable.
6: Roads are difficult with considerable erosion damage repaired
just enough to be passable. Water in excess of 12” is possible with
mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 24”. Tall tires (33” plus)
with traction added devices (lockers, limited slips) are
recommended. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension
travel and ground clearance are helpful. Excellent driving skills
are recommended.
7: Trail consists of rock; sand and considerable slickrock with
many steps exceeding 24”. Steep inclines and declines are
prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including
locking devices (front & rear), tall tires, maximum vehicle clearance
and tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills
are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely.
Roll over possibilities exist.
8: Extreme trail similar to #7 except a bit more extreme.
Excellent driving skills required. Vehicle damage is likely.
Equipment or mechanical damage is probable. Frequent use of your
winch may be required.
9: Extreme and beyond, similar to #8. Vehicle damage is
likely. Excellent driving skills are required. Roll over is
very common. Winches, spare parts and tools are recommended.
Be prepared to spend the night on the trail. Beyond the capability
of most modified stock vehicles.
10: Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street
driven 4X4’s should not attempt this trail. Modified factory
vehicles will not be able to complete this trail.
Choose your trails wisely, with honest appraisal of your equipment
and experience in this terrain. It’s better to go away saying you
had fun than telling a story of how you had to fix or tow your vehicle
(4WD tow trucks are very expensive and may not be able to get to
you). We urge you to error on the “easy” side.
