The only downside to a well built factory off-roader is going to be the people who have never been off-road but buy one and get horribly stuck , in situations they shouldn’t be , tearing up trails more than they should . I guess it’s kinda a two sided coin because they also could become great advocates for off-roading and being a good steward of tread lightly .....
and perhaps in recognition of this, Ford has announced:
*Every New Ford Bronco Will Come With
a Free Off-Road Driving School*
...every Bronco and Bronco Sport Badlands will include admission to Ford's "Bronco Off-Roadeo" experience.
The program will take place at one of Ford's four off-road experience centers, which will all feature obstacle courses designed to teach off-roading fundamentals. They'll also be close to longer trailheads, giving Bronco owners the opportunity to take their trucks out on real trails with the help of experienced off-road guides. The four locations haven't been finalized, but expect them to be geographically spread for maximum convenience.
It'll be a two-day experience, with the first dedicated to fundamentals of off-roading. This'll include not only driving techniques, but also core tenets of exploration like "leave no trace" and "tread lightly." Ford knows that many Bronco owners won't have off-road experience, so they want to bring them up to speed in a closed environment with loaner vehicles so that they'll feel comfortable taking their own trucks to the trails. Community building is also a key part of this—necessary to take on Jeep's massive enthusiast support network—which is why day one also features a bonfire and lots of time for socialization.
On day two, you'll be able to pick between a more intense second day of off-roading or a "outdoor experience" day. Experience options will change based on the locations of the four experience centers, but think hiking, kayaking, or rafting.
Ford's "Off-Roadeo" program is supposed to get people comfortable with taking their Broncos off the pavement.
www.roadandtrack.com
