Offroading Fun

[Dominic]

Had a lovely day out exploring and taking photos for the blog. Some superb off-roading with severe white knuckles, and as the light faded we had to dig the Pajero out of a flooded stream.

Good fun.

And we are glad that we always pack a shovel when we go off-roading. Does anybody else have any must have accessories for exploring?

[Polemi Dave]

Dominic

Did you know there is a 4X4 group that does 4X4 runs every 3rd Tuesday in the month. No subs, but we all go for a meal at the end of the run.
Suitable vehicles are all double cabs and Pajero type vehicles. New members are always welcomed to this experienced but friendly group.
If you are interested I can let you know details of the next run.

As to accessories if you are on your own:
Parrot beak cutters
Bow saw
Shovel maybe
Strong webbing tow rope
wellies
Phone
& most importantly a pal with a double cab or land rover who you can phone if you get stuck. It does happen more than we want to admit.

[Dominic]

One day I might like that. At the moment we are too full of the pioneer spirit to handle something so organised. I am sure given time when we have explored ourselves silly we will welcome the company though.

What do you use the parrot beak cutters for?

[PhotoLady]

I never knew parrots were so vicious..... had the odd dealing with a parakeet and would quite happily have chopped the beak off a couple

[Dominic]

That's nothing. I originally thought Polemi Dave said you needed a bone saw.

[Polemi Dave]

One day I might like that. At the moment we are too full of the pioneer spirit to handle something so organised. I am sure given time when we have explored ourselves silly we will welcome the company though.

What do you use the parrot beak cutters for?

We would expect you do do your share of organising. Trips take several 1/2 days out on your own to plan and test. With a group of very experienced off roaders you get to see places you would never find on your own.

The Parrot Beaks are used for cutting back trees, bushes,brush not thick enough for a saw. A bow saw is the technical name for a wood saw for cutting still alive branches, it is shaped like a bow without an arrow.

[PolemIan]

Dominic, when you are ready there is someone in the Polemi i can out you in touch with who is part of a group that does organised off road trips. May be the same Group as Polemi Dave mentions but suspect not. Pop ion the shop and say hello - I'm in on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

[johnoddy]

Dominic,
Having "done" the Akamas numerous times I can recommend the views from the weather station at the point, the last leg of the route does take a bit of nerve....oh, don't take anyone with you who is scared of heights! Also the flat topped mountain above Aphrodite Baths has stunning views.

[memory man]

This is real "white knuckle" stuff..............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2WemoMwKqI

[Kili01]

Just looked at the video link. Truly scary stuff!
I enjoy off roading, but not having a 4x4 I get a lift with a friend who is very experienced off road. He prefers to go out with at least one other vehicle, its a safety issue.
Considering its fairly small size, there is an amazing network of old roads and tracks, but no accurate maps, so use of GPS is very useful, as its possible to get lost! The list of safety equipment already given is what many experienced drivers would carry. We have been to some amazing places, the views are wonderful. You find abandoned villages, churches, mosques often miles from anywhere. I call it hidden Cyprus.
Dee

[Polemi Dave]

Dominic, when you are ready there is someone in the Polemi i can out you in touch with who is part of a group that does organised off road trips. May be the same Group as Polemi Dave mentions but suspect not.

There are 2 groups one was formerly associated with UKCA but has not been for over 2 years. This is the 4X4 group, we don't do much socialising other than off road trips. The other group is the former Pajero club. It has a new name and now allows other 4X4's to join. It was suggested that the clubs amalgamate but in the end it was decided that the Pajero people do different things. For example they have a much greater social life, coffee morning etc.

The 4X4 group has more challenging runs and some of the Pajero people do join us every month. There is no competition between the clubs and they both compliment each other

[Bograt]

This all sounds fun, and absolutely up my street. I'm not an experienced off roader though, just really into driving around Cyprus off the beaten track and exploring. My little 4x4 wouldn't cope with some of this stuff - she's just a Terios! When we live in Cyprus more, we'll have to upgrade her to a more sturdy Cyprus-mobile and get into this lark. We've always got a rope in the back, just in case, but have managed to avoid needing a bone/bow saw as yet. I wonder if anywhere gives advice as to the "proper" way to handle the Cypriot conditions, to avoid getting into too much of a pickle?

[Polemi Dave]

Hi Bograt
The 4x4 group would love to see you. The runs I organise are usually more scenic than challenging, however some are more challenging. No one would want to see your Terios damaged. So indeed some of the groups runs would be suitable for the Terrios and others not. You would have to ask the organiser of each run if it were an easy run or more challenging. People have been out with us with the Terios vehicle before. Even if you don't come of the run you would be welcome to join the group for lunch after - lots do. Pm me with your email and I will have you put on the information distribution list.

[Bograt]

Hi Bograt
The 4x4 group would love to see you. The runs I organise are usually more scenic than challenging, however some are more challenging. No one would want to see your Terios damaged. So indeed some of the groups runs would be suitable for the Terrios and others not. You would have to ask the organiser of each run if it were an easy run or more challenging. People have been out with us with the Terios vehicle before. Even if you don't come of the run you would be welcome to join the group for lunch after - lots do. Pm me with your email and I will have you put on the information distribution list.

Thank you Polemi dave, that's so kind of you! The Terios has already had a few altercations with bushes, along with a particularly lively road sign that blew over in the wind as we were passing it, so I'm not too precious about it

I've pm'd you as you suggested...

[Polemi Dave]

Thank you Polemi dave, that's so kind of you!
I've pm'd you as you suggested...

Tis done

[paulok]

A must have for offroading here in the UAE is a Kinetic Snatch rope. It allows the towing vehicle to snatch the stuck vehicle out of the sand or whatever hole it might be in. Ordinary tow ropes just snap under the strain.

https://www.amazon.com/KINETIC-RECOVERY ... B004W3P6AK