Training with Bruce Elfstrom

[Streakerfreak]

This past weekend ExPo New England and others got together for two days of training with Bruce Elfstrom of Overland Experts. http://www.overlandexperts.com/

Ever since Overland Training started I have longed to participate, but realizing our financial situation would not accommodate a trip out west, I decided to set up a training event right here in Connecticut with Overland Experts. I first found out about Bruce back in the Hi-lift article in Overland Journal. Yes, he wrote that. Soon the two of us fleshed out a training event. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=374573#post374573

Flash forward to April 4th. The first day.

Overland Experts is headquartered in Hadlyme, CT. Picture the perfect little New England village. One of my favorite areas of the country and absolutely breathtaking in October.

Our meeting spot for a quick Meet and Greet would be Gillete castle.

From here it was a short drive down to meet with Bruce at a little country market.

Overland Experts is located at Bruce's private training ground. First up was vehicle overview, understanding traction, diffs, etc. We had a variety of skill levels from beginner drivers such as Jenn (always my co-pilot, never the pilot) up to moderately experienced drivers. We had the ability to either use our vehicles or one of his jaw dropping rarities.

Slider talk on my rig

Then we were off to gravel pits next door for some introduction.

Jenns (Oceangirl) first time behind a 4x4. Knuckles as white as can be.

Sboada behind his Disco

more coming

 

[Streakerfreak]

The next two days would be full of a variety of situations we would encounter out in the world.

A lot of time was spent on hills.

7wt

xterraoffroad

Oceangirl in a dream rig

More coming

 

[Streakerfreak]

More to come

 

[Streakerfreak]

Well that is about it. I spent more time learning then worrying about taking photos so these images are rather bland in my opinion and technically terrible. 7wt took some good ones. Everyone feel free to post up whatever you want. I have many more images, but they did not tell the story well. I will send everyone higher quality images of themselves over the next few days. Also hit up 7wt. The story has been told, now lets see those images.

I feel it is wonderful to have this resource in our area.

 

[sboada]

Phil,

Good post, thanks for putting up the pics. I'm looking at the calendar already to plan another OEX course, maybe 3-4 days this time. Keep in touch and hopefully we can get another group together.

Thanks again.

-Steve

 

[Streakerfreak]

Phil,

Good post, thanks for putting up the pics. I'm looking a the calendar already to plan another OEX course, maybe 3-4 days this time. Keep in touch so we can get another group together.

Thanks again.

-Steve

Yes, I have been thinking about this too. I will see what I can put together.

 

[IceCap4runnerORP]

Great pictures Phil! :victory:

 

[7wt]

I had the time of my life this past weekend. A great collection of personalities and a wonderful time had by all! I can't begin to express my gratitude to Bruce for his patience, professionalism, willingness to hand over hard won knowledge, and his expertise. He was a very good teacher with more to teach than time permitted. I highly recommend attending any of his courses. I was impressed by the skill everyone picked up over the short two days. Graham managed to pick the smoothest line more than once. Phil wowed everyone with his excellent throttle control, keeping his engine dieseling at the slipperiest points to avoid wheelspin. Steve's (Sboada) eagerness no mix it up with his gorgeous Rover. Jeff's (xterraoffroad) first real dirt in his Xterra impressed me quite a bit, he never flinched putting his new baby through edgy stuff. Everyone did great especially considering the rest were learning the techniques at the same time they were learning to drive vehicles far different than what they were used to. This group was, Jon (Maryland Pinz), Mr. and Mrs. Rhode Trip, and Jenn (Oceangirl)

Phil in a state of happiness,

Who's that good looking guy?

Sboada's sweet rig,

 

[7wt]

Great pictures Phil! :victory:

What am I, chopped liver? You really don't want the rest of your pictures do you? :sombrero:

 

[Streakerfreak]

Great post man! Got more?

 

[7wt]

Great post man! Got more?

Yup, how about some of the red truck?

 

[Rhode Trip]

Mrs Trip and I are looking forward to doing it again. Great photos and write-up 7wt and Steakerfreak. Here's a few of mine:

"keep your wheels straight!"

The rigs head up hill through the trees

Xterraoffroad

Phil ponders his next move

Lynn in "the spongemobile"

navigating a ditch

Testing the flex

Sboada rockin' and rollin'

 

[MoGas]

Very cool. I really miss being back East sometimes. Looks like you guys and gals had a great time.


How far is this from Windsor, CT? I have people there I could base out of.


Dave

 

[Streakerfreak]

Very cool. I really miss being back East sometimes. Looks like you guys and gals had a great time.


How far is this from Windsor, CT? I have people there I could base out of.


Dave

Yes, there was a lot of stuff that we missed about this area when we were out West, of course there was stuff we did not miss.

Its about 50 miles away from Windsor which is about an hour away, since it is mostly old New England roads to that area.

 

[salsataco]

Looks like a great time. Bummed I could not attend.