General: Off road videos (Borda training)

[Ron_XC90]

I did my BORDA training Yesterday in the XC, some videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/1903ronnie#p/u

Trainer, D3 driver and myself were very impressed with off road capabilities

[sumomeister]

Looks like you had fun mate

What was the event? Give us some details, sounds interesting.

[Ron_XC90]

Originally Posted by sumomeister

Looks like you had fun mate

What was the event? Give us some details, sounds interesting.

Oh yes, great fun

This was at Whitecliff4x4 http://www.whitecliff4x4.co.uk/ (Forrest of Dean) and is BORDA driver training/certification. I'm a member of the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire 4x4 response group and all their drivers go through the BORDA certification.

You can choose to use one of their vehicles or your own. I was determined to find out what the XC is capable of. Would definately recommend for anyone who is a bit more adventurous.
You can take your time on each trial and walk it first to check for ideal line and then decide to go for it or not. Aim is to learn, not to break things...

[owenfackrell]

very good.
What tyres are you currently using?
I recon that we need to do a group day some time it would look great to see a load pf volvos getting dirty.

[Ron_XC90]

Goodyear Wrangler HP (M&S) but must say that the fronts are down to 3 - 3.5 mm so not ideal in mud...

I'm all for a group day out in the mud and am sure Ian and so will join if they can

[AB-UK]

Ron,
Good video - thanks.
I'm reluctant to try off-roading for fear of dents and scratches, but as you say it is about learnig and not breaking things, and the site didn't look too dangerous. Was it all bodywork friendly?

What colour is your XC? It looks like it has a definite blue tinge to it.

[Ron_XC90]

Originally Posted by AB-UK

Ron,
Good video - thanks.
I'm reluctant to try off-roading for fear of dents and scratches, but as you say it is about learnig and not breaking things, and the site didn't look too dangerous. Was it all bodywork friendly?

What colour is your XC? It looks like it has a definite blue tinge to it.

Thanks AB-UK, it's silver metallic. The blue tint is probably caused by the camera (photo cam with HD video option, rather than a proper video cam).

The good thing with this training day was that it was just me and a friend in a Disco3 on the whole site (not a pay and play track where there are many cars). This allowed us to take our time and the instructor was great in giving advise on which challenges to take and which not.
The only part I have had touching the ground (gently) was the bottom of the towbar, other than that no scratches or dents. I left the towbar on on purpose, as it protects the back of the car and can handle the weight of the car easily (better than plastic trim pieces).

If enough people are interested, I could talk to the people at Whitecliff if it is possible to use the ground for a day. It will be more expensive than a pay & play site but at least then there are no other "bangers" driving round....

[sumomeister]

Not far from me, so as long as the cost isn't too high, I'd be up for that

[sumomeister]

I've just been on their website, looks good.

They do offer group discounts, and they do owner days, so if they can combine the two, it could be interesting.

[AB-UK]

If I still had my '53 SE with the Nokian WR tyres I'd be very tempted to give it a go.
Unfortunately, my new car is a 2010 Exec, with 19" wheels, naff-all rubber twixt road and wheel, and stiff suspension which already makes for a hard ride on normal roads.
I seriously doubt it would last long on the course, car-friendly or not.
Sigh!