Overland Sprinter 101

Join us for classroom and hands-on training while surrounded by the rugged remote beauty of the San Juan Mountains, just outside of Creede, CO. Get away from civilization for a weekend – less than 5 hours from Denver, Albuquerque, or Grand Junction, but a world away.

At 8,852 feet above sea level, Creede is a small town in big surroundings. With only about 400 residents, it boasts two museums, a theater, restaurants, hiking, incredible views, and the historic 17-mile Bachelor Loop driving tour. Creede is a tiny town with a charming old-west business district tucked into the mouth of a high mountain canyon, site of a major 1890s silver strike. A high-quality grocery, sporting goods stores, gift shops, galleries, eateries and a repertory theatre line Creede’s 6-block “downtown.” Creede has a reputation as an arts center with a laid-back attitude, and was voted Colorado’s Top Art Town in 2010.

The Bachelor loop is a great way to get in a little off-pavement driving after a day and a half of learning! Starting in Creede, during the self-guided tour you can stop and explore abandoned mining sites or simply enjoy the nearly constant scenic vistas. On the Bachelor Loop Tour, you will reach nearly 11,000 feet; see Nelson Mountain; the famous Humphrey Mill; and the Bachelor Town Site. 

Agenda

Friday
Arrive Friday afternoon – check in (after 1:00 pm) and then relax, explore, enjoy. We will get together about 5:00 pm for introductions and light hors d’oeuvres, followed by a potluck dinner.

Saturday 
Discussion session:
·      Basic principles of off-road driving: traction, momentum, and vehicle control.
·      Understanding the Sprinter four-wheel-drive and All Wheel Drive systems.
·      Terrain assessment: Identifying different types of off-road terrain and their challenges.
·      Van Readiness checklist and Vehicle 360
·      Airing down 

Hands-on / in the vans: 
·      Execute van readiness checklist
·      Air down to trail pressure with your tool of choice
·      Driving preparation 
·      Precision Driving / Spotting Exercise

Recovery introduction and basics:
·      Types of gear / uses
·      Sprinter recovery points and rigging
·      Gear ratings and recovery loads for vans
·      Stuck assessment and recovery
·      Recovery rope rigging demo
·      Winch rigging demo
·      Vehicle to vehicle rigging demo

Jacking and tire changing
·      Tools and demo
·      Hands on exercise

Group Dinner

Sunday
Hands on recovery
·      Winching exercise
·      Vehicle to Vehicle (KRR) exercise

We should finish up mid morning, leaving you time to explore the area. Explore Creede, drive the Bachelor Loop, or head over to Lake City with a stop at Lake San Christobal. The Rio Grande River starts in the mountains just west of Creede – see it here and then see the other end with us at Big Bend in October.

If you have to head home, there’s so much to see and do along the way. Head up to Buena Vista and the Collegiate Peaks, and make a quick detour up to quirky St. Elmo ghost town. Head west to Pagosa Springs and Durango, then up the Million Dollar Highway towards Ouray. Or go past Durango to Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners area. Heading east? Check out the Grand Sand Dunes National Park.

There’s so much to see and do you might want to come see us for a couple days, then stay for a week or more!

Registration fee includes all training, two nights camping, and dinner Saturday night.

Registration opening soon. Fill out this form to be notified when registration opens.