Some thoughts from the 4/1/06 FCT ride

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I wasn't there, but good points. I have to mention about one thing said though. Although she did not reiderate needing to be near the rear of the line up, Canchaser did post in the original upcoming trail ride post that she needed to be in the rear because of time and needing to get back for work. I remember reading it. I think a good idea would be to start setting up a line up by someone when a ride thread is started, then when at the meeting point the day of, if there needs to be any changes we can, but at the same time if people posted something like Jess did, it is already set that way in the line up and not forgotten by anyone.
Another point, I have read the bi'laws, but do not know when they were last updated. It would be a good idea to go over these things periodically at club meetings (like the equipment mandatory list) and add things that we know are used pretty much every time we trail ride.
I am not a club member yet, don't know when I will be, it will take me some time to get my outfit set up to a personal minimum before I will trailride it, but I would still be more than happy to print up or whatever things like a updated equipment list for the club.
As for large vehicles up front, NO, you don't need one to brake trail. Figure it this way, every trail should be rated for a minimum rig requirement (i.e. 1-5). Each level your rig needs to have certain tire size, equipment as in lockers etc. If your rig meets these minimum requirements, then it can role and should be able to make it across no matter what the trail is. If it is for snow cover then have a winter trail rating and a summer for each trail. Larger trucks make larger rutts, therefore should be in the rear. The rigs in front cut the trail, then the larger ones have a foundation so they don't have to tear up as much to get through. (Why have a rig cut two rutts for others to follow with say 49" tires? This would mean the rutts could end up around 2 ft deep. If someone behind them is running 31's, then there rutt is only like 15" deep. If he goes in the same rutt as 49" now he's high centered and stuck. See the point, bigger in the back). That sinario is hipothetical of both rigs having same ground clearance with exception to tire hieght.
Last, as for lounging while others are working, where's the trailboss? To me a trailboss isn't just the one leading the way down the trail. He or she needs to be able to keep everything organized and together. No one wants to get stuck, but it happens. The more people that help to get unstuck, the faster you get unstuck, the more trail everyone gets to cover.
I don't know all of this best axles and lockers and such, but I know how to wheel and it can be done without the extras. Its not just the biggest, badest rig. I alkways say 90+% of wheeling is the skill of the driver. You can have an ultimate rig, but it don't mean nothin if you don't have the sense and gained skill to operate. Sorry if it's long, but that's my :2cents: .