I've been talking with Bill and Racheal Burke about doing a training event somewhere near the DC area. It appears they have an event scheduled for Ohio and an interest in coming to PA in mid-June and doing a training event (perhaps at RC) if there is enough interest.

I've trained with Bill on a number of other occassions and IMHO, there is no more knowledgable off-road instructor. In addition to his experience on the subject matter, he also has a gift for teaching. He has developed lesson plans to cover every possible recovery situation, navigating in the wilderness, emergency repairs, and of course driving techniques.

Website: http://www.bb4wa.com/

If you are new to the hobby, the kind of class Bill offers is an absolute Godsend. If you are experienced, then it is a chance to fine tune your skills, learn new ones and identify and get rid of some bad habits.

Please post if you have questions and especially if you think you might be interested.

The first trail we did in Moab was taught Bill Burke style and it was very beneficial. My uncle lives in Philadelphia, it would be nice if I could make it for that.


How far is RC from Philly?

RC aint'far from Philly. I might be able to go- depends on lots of stuff.

I'd love to attend. Have to see what things are like in the Gadget household by then...

I heard from Bill yesterday; its official, he will be conducting training events in both VA and PA in June.

Exact dates haven't been finalized yet.

ItHIt looks like a great opportunity to learn the ropes. I checked out the Burke website - are the courses really worth the $600 - $950 fee he is charging?

Not sure where you are getting your information, but here is the straight dope:

June 12-13: VA near Blacksburg (Pearisburg) southwest of Roanoke -- This
private property, gated access terrain is tight with trees, can be muddy
with slippery rocks if it rains. Sections of the route offer boulder-sized
granite and mud ruts.. $465./vehicle. Limit 8 vehicles.

June 19-20: PA: Rausch Creek Off-road Park – Mid/East Pennsylvania off I-81
North of Harrisburg – terrain will be what I decide when we see who and what
show up for the training. Camping on site, locally, hotels nearby.
$465./vehicle. Limit 8 vehicles.
*Note: This park requires membership and entrance fee.

I'll more than likely be at the RC event.

Damn that's high!

What all do you get for those prices?

For example SCARR is like a 5 day event for 1/4 the price.

Bill is a great "teacher".

This is NOT a typical off-road trail ride, this is a well organized three days filled with lesson plans that range from how a 4-wheel drive system works, troubleshooting mechanical problems on the trail, off-road driving skills and strategies, and advanced recovery techniques.

Its definately not an event for someone who thinks they already know it all.

I know in Moab we went on a Bill Burke, sponsored I guess is the word, trail and yeah, I'll admit, I did learn a lot, especially about recovery.

It was fun, there were a lot of people there that had no idea what was gonna happen on the trail, but the way I see it:

Actual Bill Burke event - $465 - 2 days
Land Rover National Rally featuring off roading 101 - $120ish - 6 days

Which has the better value?

When I went to MAR Bill had a 'women's only' course. I figured eh what the hell, why not? Always wanted to meet him so I did it. Most of the women that were there were um, how do you say... less than knowledgeable. I did learn a couple things I didn't know. The thing I remember most was he was asking, what's this, what's that, and I finally decided to participate and got the snatch block. He smiled and said, I like to call it a pulley block because some people might get offended by the other word. I had never thought of it like that before so now I always cause a big stink (with a big grin on my face btw) whenever one of my male friends asks for the snatch block haha.

When we actually got out on the trails, we did some easy stuff. The chick behind me totally drove off the side of this small bridge. To this day I still don't have a clue how she did it. I already had my strap out and was getting the shackle ready when he walked up and he was all impressed with how ready I was to drag her out of the ditch. Some guys were standing around laughing at all the women who didn't know how to drive and Bill yelled at them to pretty much blow it out their a$$. It was probably a bunch of Dwebbers hahaha

It may be expensive, but it's worth it. Bill's a great guy and definitely knows his stuff. I won't be able to make it, but I would recommend it.

Any of you want some RonC trail training? Come to Nevada - Give me about $100 per day and I can guarantee about 200 miles of exploring each day - No memberships required - You will not see another vehicle or another person all day - Very cheap hotels in area - Very cheap casino restaurants - Breakfast at a casino at about 7/8 each morning - Lunch on the trail - Dinner at a casino - Gambling on your buck - Reno is 35 miles away if you want to party -

Training will depend on what you bring - Beginner to advanced - After a couple of days with me you will be an advanced Nevada explorer - Your trainer has a great deal of knowledge on the history, geography and geology oof Nevada - Plus years of Land Rover Treks worth of trail experience.....

One day, two days, a week - Group size = 8 trucks or less - 5 is the best -

Back when Land Rover Rocklin was making more money; I did quite a few training events for them; some in California, some in Nevada......

We can do any one of the 170 or so trails that I have already explored or explore completely new country...Your choice..

Kara said, "Snatch block..." Heh heh heh...

LMAO

Oh and Ron, remember you should have people coming out there next spring.

Yea, okay. You do get what you pay for and if all your looking for is a ride or a tour then don't waste the coin. But if you areinterested in learning something, well there is no one better to do that from.

BTW the Rover Club in Puerto Rico has Bill out there this week:

http://caribbeanrovers.com/bburke.php