Rating routes is a very challenging endeavor. The
roads and trails themselves are constants, only changing when the wind,
rain, or spring thaw dictates. The users of the roads and trails are
the variables in the rating challenge.
Some users are well equipped and well experienced with
many challenges and successful trips under their belt. While on the
other hand some users are new to the sport and may have stock vehicles
with no modifications. And then there are all of the varying levels
of operators and equipment in between. In order for anyone to successfully
use a rating system to decide which roads to take you must first be
honest with yourself about your ability, and the ability of your equipment.
If you are testing yourself and your equipment to learn
your ability or to improve your ability, be prepared to admit defeat.
Destroying your equipment and the route in the process to say you have
driven a road or trail helps defeat those who are trying to keep these
routes open for continued use. You can always return to an un-abused
trail or road to try again.
A road or trail's rating comes from the worst spot
that must be traversed. You could have a route 5 miles long with 4-1/2
miles being and easy 3, but the last ½ mile may give the trail
it's rating of 8.
Modify the numbers as follows:
If you drive a stock vehicle, normal open differentials, tires smaller
than 30", or if you are an inexperienced Four Wheeler, add 1 to
the number rating.
If you have Four Wheeling experience or are driving
a vehicle equipped with posi-traction, aggressive tires, off-road suspension
components, extra low gearing, etc. then you can subtract 1 from the
rating.
Weather is important in a route's rating and can change
it quickly. A normally dry section of road rated 5 can change to an
8 if it is turned to mud from a weeks worth of rain, or spring run-off,
or if there is more than 6" of snow.
