Off Roading / Overlanding Thread

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
Never really looked into the as an activity per se, but I do enjoy driving the Defender on rough tracks when I get the chance. What sort of 'event' did you have in mind?

2
Hi all,

I see that there is some interest in this forum for off roading in Switzerland and in neighbouring countries. Therefore, I would like to open this thread in order for all members to discuss/inform about any events, areas where off roading is OK (not legal nor illegal.. kind of grey area), to organise group event in a suitable location etc.

For example I am planning to go to this event in September, and it would be great if other English speakers could join Camping is allowed and should be a good weekend away in the mud!

I will post more events like this in Switzerland and I would really appreciate if others contribute to this thread with ideas and any events you know about.

Mods: Please feel free to move this thread if the section of the EF is the wrong one and delete if this thread is not within the rules.

Cheers all!

3
Hi Ace1,

I just opened a new thread. I don't have anything special. I want to know if theres enough interest in the forum to organise an event in few of the areas mentioned in this thread.. it would be a great adventure as a group.

As for events in Switzerland, I am going for the overlander weekend in September (details in my other thread). It would be best to go as a group rather than alone

Defender is a bad ass rig. modified?

4
Naah, pretty much vanilla TD5 110 SW. Functional extras like heated screen, side steps,+40PS chip, driving lights, seat riser... but nothing off-roadie.

5
I know you can go off-road in Norway, Sweden and even Germany has off-road tracks, though I don't know where. I've also been to some in Holland, but all these were some time ago so some more research is needed.

Southern Africa is the place to go. from S. Africa through to Zambia, Malawi, via Namibia or Botswana there are some truly amazing rides to be had. There are many books and magazines published in South Africa giving plenty of ideas and routes.

Best thing to do is buy a Nissan Patrol or Land Rover, second hand good ones can be found for around CHF 7-10,000, then sell it back after. You won't lose a lot and many reputable dealers will give you a guaranteed buy back price. Also buy Tracks4Africa for your GPS. This has so much information on it, such as camp sites, rest areas, hotels etc.

A friend did this recently in SA, buying an 18 year old Nissan Patrol for about CHF 5k (figures converted from Rand) with a guaranteed buyback of CHF 4,500 after 2 months. Of course it had to be in the same good condition. He spent a further CHF 700 prepping it and when he returned sold it privately to a fellow off roader from Europe for CHF 5,500!

6
Here are a few websites to look at:

tracks4Africa.co.za

https://www.sa4x4.co.za/

http://www.landymag.co.za/

7
There's at least one road in CH open only to 4x4s due to the conditions...

I'll post more information later... need to dig it up...

8
Thank you for the information. I'm more into events, places in Switzerland or closer to it.

I'll keep this information as it may come handy with my retirement plans

9
It will be great if you are able to dig that information. Thanks.

10
I would also have an interest in this topic. Due to family obligations, I haven't had much time to properly research the practical aspects for Switzerland.

11
Great. There's some events organised in Switzerland, but they do not advertise them a lot. This is why I created this thread so that all can contribute if they know of any events or places where we could rent.

What kind of vehicle you got?

12
[Posts copied/moved from previous thread]

Opening up this old thread to see if there is still an interest for off roading event in EF.

I would like form a small group of English speaking off road group, where we can organise an event to go to a place where off roading is permitted (i.e. Italy or France). A group will be more fun rather than going alone. This is something similar to the KFC run I have read about

Also, I see that loads of people know some good areas to off road in France and Italy.. It would be an great idea to organise an event / weekend away.

I am up for it.. let me know what you guys think (should I open a seperate thread?)

Cheers

13
This one:

http://www.visinand.ch/rando/pieds/S...Mont_Gardy.htm

Also look into these:

Sex de Marinda

Tomülpass

The old road to grimsel pass

Col des Gentianes

Corne de Sorebois

Buvette d'Arolla

Parpaner Rothorn

If you're ever doing some, ping me a PM... I'm always up for something. The car I have here is fairly stock (too much hassle to fit winches), but its got a sump guard and has tackled a few 3600m+ mountain passes around the alps.

EDIT: Note that some of these tracks have gradients in excess of 30%. You need something very different to the normal British mud pluggers, or air-hungry high torque american motors. Light does wonders. Think Panda 4x4, Lada Niva, SJ410 type vehicles and you'll have no issues...

14
That's really good information. I will check them out and send you a PM, Thank you!

Remote tracks like these is best done as a group. I will send you a PM when I can go. Great it you could join.