The Mud Life - 9 - December 2019

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2019

FORD RAPTOR HONDA CR-V SPORT MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER TOYOTA RAV 4 AWD CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE WINTER CAR CARE

Off-Roading inMarquenterre

NEWS, REVIEWS & ADVENTURE

Marquenterre, Fun in France pages 22-31

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IN THIS ISSUE

DAMIAN TURNER Editor-in-Chief, Writer, Photographer, Reviewer

KAREN LEE TURNER (A.K.A. The Muddy Madam)

Creative Director, Layout Designer, Reviewer

F O L LOW U S

THE TEAM

TURNER'S TORQUE 5 NEWS 6-13 WHAT'S ON 15 FORD RAPTOR 16-21 OFF-ROADING - MARQUENTERRE 22-31 GREEN-LANING Vs OFF-ROADING 32-33 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 34-41 WINTER CAR CARE 42-45 HONDA HR-V SPORT 48-53 GOODS & GEAR 54-59 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 60-65 IN SEARCH OF HISORY & RUM 66-71 TOYOTA RAV 4 AWD 72-77 GREEN-LANING - WANDERING IN WALES 78-83 FB PAGE OF THE MONTH 84-85 TOURING IN MOROCCO 86-88 DINE OUT WITH DAMIAN 90-91 READER'S RIDES 92-97 PAST JALOPIES - TRAVELLING SMURF 98-101 RETRO SNAPS 102-103 DIRECTORIES 104-105

FACEBOOK - TheMudLifeMag INSTAGRAM - themudlifemag TWITTER - themudlifemag WEBSITE - www.themudlife.co.uk

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TURNER’S TORQUE Hello again, we should stop meeting like this! Actually no, keep subscribing and keep reading - please!

Welcome to the latest issue of The Mud Life Magazine.

Although The Mud Life, in website form, has actually been going since 2016, this issue is a special one for us, as it marks

the magazine's 1st Anniversary!.

I’m not going to say it’s been a busier year when it comes to vehicle launches and shows, but it’s certainly been more full on as we now have deadlines to work to. Previously I would put a review on the website whenever it was completed, now I have to be a lot more organised, and no more procrastinating!

On the subject of money, you will be pleased to hear that The Mud Life remains free to read, even though those more qualified than me often advise against it. You may have also noticed that not only have we welcomed some advertisers to the magazine over the last few months, but as you’ll read elsewhere, we decided to create a Patreon page to help fund the magazine.

That’s it from me, enjoy issue 9 and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas & New year.

Thanks again for all your support, and see you all in 2020!

&

So far this year we’ve seen 35 press cars sat outside Muddy Towers, it would be more, but we decided that we needed to use our 1996 Toyota Surf (Deux Smurf) more, so we're now aiming for around three a month.

This ‘sacrifice’ gives us the opportunity to explore more green lanes in her, so keep an eye out for more adventures next year.

At the time of writing the magazines have been read nearly 13,000 times, and personally I think that’s an amazing achievement considering not a penny has been spent on advertising.

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year to all our readers

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Become a Mud Life Patron Creating this magazine on a monthly basis with only 2 people is hard. Between us we do everything, and 99% of the content is generated solely by us. This takes up a huge amount of time, and quite a bit of money (for the issuu platform, adobe software packages, website, fuel for the green-laning, camera and video equipment & more), and because it is so labour intensive we both had to cut down our 'real work' hours to be able to commit to a monthly schedule.

We always wanted the mag to be able to be read for free, but to do that, and be able to eat each month, we need a bit of support. Many artists and writers in the past had patrons to help them survive whilst they created their amazing works, so we would love you to become our 21st century patrons, and help us keep The Mud Life Magazine going.

MEGA MUD LIFER

Sunshine 4x4 Overland MUD LOVERS

• Edward Purkis • Nick Swankie • a mystery man (you know who you are)

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NEWS

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Aston Martin DBX unveiled

There’s so much to tell you about Aston Martin’s new DBX that I could probably fill the entire mag, so instead, let’s stick with the basics.

It’s a bold new chapter in Aston Martin’s illustrious 106-year history as they unveil their first SUV and a model that will hopefully propel the brand to new heights worldwide, and make ‘em oodles of money.

Built in Aston Martin’s purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan, Wales, the foundation of DBX is a new dedicated SUV platform, something rarely seen across the sector.

Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sports cars, the body structure is both very light and incredibly stiff, assisting in the delivery of an overall kerb weight of 2,245kg.

Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and 6

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electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a huge breadth of ability. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45mm or lower it by 50mm the air suspension gives any driver the confidence to tackle a wide range of terrain.

Powered by a new version of the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in DB11 and Vantage, DBX has 550PS and 700NM of torque. It also has cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel economy, yet it can also propel DBX from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph through a nine-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox and AWD system.

The DBX has an all-wheel drive system with active differentials featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited slip differential (eDiff). This allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle. When combined with the bespoke steering system that has been tuned to deliver feel and sports car-like response, DBX imbues the driver with an overriding sense of control, whatever the conditions.

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The DBX is Aston Martin’s first ever full-size 5-seat model and has 632 litres of boot space and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, just what you expect of an SUV. As well as the usual array of safety specs, you can also expect many optional accessory packages to suit customers’ needs, sports or pastimes. For example, the Pet package will include, amongst other things, a portable washer to help attend to the needs of a muddy dog after a walk. Alternatively, the Snow package will deliver boot warmers to make a ski trip just that little bit more pleasurable.

Up front, the daytime running lights have an integrated aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof, through the rear wing, over the rear window and on to the rear flip. This unique approach and design detail allows the rear screen to self-clear on the move.

Aerodynamic design has also played a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin’s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed.

Further adding to the desirability of DBX, the first 500 owners of this landmark model will benefit from an exclusive ‘1913 Package’. Fitted with a unique wing badge, sill plaques and an inspection plaque detailing its limited build-run, each of these first examples will be personally endorsed and inspected by Andy Palmer.

In addition, each customer will also receive a unique build-book signed by both Aston Martin’s CEO and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and an invitation to a regionally hosted Waldorf Astoria celebration cocktail party, hosted by a member of the Aston Martin Lagonda executive team. So get a move on with your order if you want an invite.

With a recommended retail price from £158,000 first deliveries are scheduled to begin Q2 2020.

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PEDDERS SUSPENSION FOR YOUR FORESTER!

‘Ezifit’ Self Levelling Conversion Kits 'EziFit' Forester SG Lift Kit If you have had a quote you will know that these are very expensive! Pedders Suspension have the cost effective solution to your problems.

We offer a replacement spring and damper kit for the rear of your Forester that will eliminate the troublesome self levelling arrangement. This is achieved by installing a conventional style rear shock and spring designed for this application.

Rather than purchasing separate springs, dampers, bump stops and then having to pay a technician to dis-assemble and re-assemble the parts for you, you can now buy the complete strut and just bolt it on yourself!

This kit is a direct bolt in replacement. NO modifications to the vehicle are required.

• Available for you Forester SG ( 2002 - 2008 ) • Lifts the vehicle 30 - 35mm • Allows fitment of bigger tyres • Improved ground clearance • Bolt on EziFit saving you more money in garage fees

Available for all ages of Forester.

Full range of suspension and brake parts available for all Foresters.

Specialising in Suspension solutions since 1950 For further information go to www.pedders.co.uk or please contact your local Pedders experts.

01296 711 044 info@pedders.co.uk

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ISUZU D-MAX wins Van/Truck of the Year The Isuzu D-Max has been awarded ‘Van/Truck of the Year’ for a second consecutive year at the 2019 On The Tools Awards.

Finalists were announced at a ceremony held at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham on Friday 15th November. The awards recognise and reward construction workers, sub-contractors, tool and equipment manufacturers, and construction companies from across the UK. The event was presented by stand-up comedian Justin Moorhouse, with 450 guests in attendance at a gala dinner, including builders, tradespeople and leading construction brands.

26 awards were given out during the night, including ‘Labourer of the Year’ which was sponsored by Isuzu UK once again, and awarded to Adam Forder.

From the day Isuzu were founded in 1916, in Japan, to when they started Isuzu UK in 1987 importing and distributing their legendary Trooper model, Isuzu say that they have always been about what their customer needs and want.

Today, equipped with a punchy 1.9ltr turbo diesel engine, the D-Max deliverers 164PS and 360Nm of torque. Each new model comes with 125,000 mile/5 Year warranty and 5 years UK and European roadside assistance. With towing capabilities of 3.5 tonnes, a maximum payload of 1,161kg and a 4x4 drive, the award-winning Isuzu D-Max works for customers day and night even achieving 40.4mpg, meeting Euro 6 emissions standards without the need for AdBlue.

Isuzu UK only sell commercial vehicles. They focus on making their pick-ups tough, strong and built to go the distance.

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JCB - WORLD’S FASTEST TRACTOR

Williams Advanced Engineering worked as an important part of a project team to support JCB’s World Record attempt to build the World’s Fastest tractor. Using its expertise in aerodynamics, Williams Advanced Engineering’s brief was to maximise the aerodynamic performance of the tractor, without compromising the integral shape of the vehicle.

Taking the standard JCB Fastrac tractor, the team analysed four key areas, which together,delivered the biggest reduction in drag and largest gain. In addition to adding an 'aero' bumper, a flat underfloor was incorporated to ensure smoother airflow under the vehicle. Mirrors were removed from the cab and the front overhang reduced. The rear farings were adapted to close the wake behind the cab and further modifications made to ensure only clean air was being drawn into the turbo inlets.

In all, Williams Advanced Engineering ran more than 65 individual Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The result was a reduction in drag of 25 per cent over the standard Fastrac tractor and, in the hands of Guy Martin, the vehicle went on to hit 153.771mph securing the Guinness record for the World’s Fastest Tractor.

Ian Turner, Head of Aerodynamics at Williams Advanced Engineering, said: “This has been a challenging and fascinating project, one that really showcases the effect that aerodynamic optimisation can have on speed and the versatility of CFD 10

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applications. In this instance, we’ve been able to bring learnings from race car design to an agricultural vehicle and in doing so, have been able to realise significant aerodynamic improvements.

We are proud to have played an integral role in the project and would like to offer our huge congratulations to the team at JCB and partner companies for breaking the world speed record for a tractor.”

The project was featured on a Channel 4 documentary on Sunday 17 November called “The World’s Fastest Tractor”.

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Sports Car Pace, SUV Space - AUDI's RS Q8 Say hello to the Audi RS Q8 which has made its world debut at the 2019 LA Auto Show, it’s the first ever fullsize Audi SUV to bear the RS badge and really pushes the boundaries of performance for a model of this type.

Available from early 2020, the subfour-second 0-62mph sprint, 600PS, twin-turbo V8, 5-door SUV (not a coupé as Audi insist on calling it), includes all the usual RS-specific goodies like adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, sport differential and active roll stabilisation.

If you’re concerned about the environment, the bi-turbo V8 draws on a 48v mild-hybrid system that can recover up to 12 kW of power and store it in the compact lithium-ion battery when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator at a speed between 34mph and 99mph.

Not only that, but at low to intermediate load and rpm in the upper gears, it deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by switching off fuel injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves.

Driving-wise, there are eight profiles from which to choose: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2.

The new RS Q8 comes standard with 22-inch aluminium wheels though optional 23-inch cast aluminium wheels are available.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but are expected to start north of £100,000.

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Fast and Furious Ford Cop Car Police forces across the UK are set to trial Ford’s latest blue-light vehicle – a 105mph all-wheel drive Ford Ranger Raptor. With its FOX shock absorbers and Baja desert race mode as standard, it has more than enough to keep up with crims making a getaway across gravel, mud and sand.

South Wales Police are among the first to trial the Ranger Raptor pick-up – capable of travelling off road almost as quickly as on it – which may prove to be the perfect tool to access some of the UK’s most rural locations.

And there’s no point trying to outsmart the police on-road, either, as evaluations of a 155mph Ford Focus ST estate are underway, too.

Both are the product of Ford’s Special Vehicle Preparation team, in Essex, which has added full Police livery with all-round emergency lights and sirens.

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The All New FORESTER E-BOXER The Forester has grown to become Subaru’s top-selling model in the UK and is a popular choice amongst customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable. The fifth generation Forester commemorates Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with e-BOXER. New from the ground up, the Forester comes to the UK with a completely new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

A refreshed and more substantial exterior design ensures the most spacious and capable Forester to date, featuring a high-quality interior, versatile boot space and 220mm of ground clearance. Perfectly suited to any on or off-road adventures, the upgraded X-Mode dial can now switch between two modes adapting to the most extreme weather and road conditions.

The Forester e-BOXER combines a 2.0ltr direct injection horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor.

A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pureelectric driving at speeds of up to 25mph.

Paired with an updated Lineartronic transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the Forester e-BOXER achieves smooth, linear, acceleration and highly responsive torque. Power-split adjusts according to the driving condition and alternates between 3 driving modes: EV driving, Motor Assist driving and Engine driving.

We have one booked for January so keep an eye out for our review.

Priced from £33,995 OTR, Forester e-Boxer is available in eight colours and is in dealerships now.

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Click on the covers to read any of our past issues

ALL PLAY & NO WORK makes a Mud Lifer very happy!

Boxing Day Classic Drive & Ride In Day 26 December Lakeland Motor Museum, Cumbria www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk The event is open to the proud owners of classic cars, trucks, vans and motorbikes, as well as more recent hot hatches, superminis and highperformance sports cars.

No need to book & plenty of free parking for owners to display their pride and joy.

Everyone is welcome to attend, you don't have to own a classic vehicle to attend, just simply come along and join in the fun.

Lancaster Autosport International 10-13 January NEC, Birmingham www.autosportinternational.com Autosport International is the biggest preseason motorsport show, with iconic cars of motorsport on display, and racing celebrities on the stage sharing fascinating stories about their career highlights!

Highlights include a Live Action Arena, the Silverstone Auctions Autosport sale and a celebration of 50 years of Formula 5000.

It is the place for motorsport fans and professionals to get together.

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Ford Raptor What is it? (Or, when is a pickup not a pickup?)

The Raptor is a bit of a weird one, and if you aren’t already aware of the technicalities, I shan’t bore you, I’ll just say that to qualify as a commercial pickup in the UK, and therefore be eligible for the owner to claim back VAT, it must be able to carry over a tonne, which the Raptor can’t.

That’s not to say the Raptor isn’t heavy duty, it is, it’s just that Ford have focussed more on the heavily reinforced and upgraded nature of the Raptor which in turn means that with a gross vehicle mass of 3,130kg, the Raptor has a maximum payload of just 620kg and can ‘only’ tow 2.5 tonnes. With this in mind, the tax man sees the Raptor as a £48,000 car rather than a double cab pickup, meaning businesses can’t claim back the VAT. So, the Raptor is a pickup, but it’s not as good at pickup’ing as other pickups are, so what is it then? Well, read on…

On the road

What I haven’t mentioned yet is that the Raptor is fitted

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with Ford’s twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0ltr diesel engine and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Plant your right foot firmly down and there’s a lovely gruff sound that’s emitted from the exhaust, and even in the dry you can induce a bit of wheel spin from the back tyres.

Although the 10-speed gearbox is smooth, put it in manual and you’re forever changing up and down, in fact it can become confusing and tiresome, so I ended up leaving it in auto for most of the time. To be fair though, despite the number of gears, it shifts quite quickly and smoothly both in automatic and manual modes.

On the road the new suspension is quite dreamy, and without too much body roll either which is nice. It’s rather quiet too, no matter what the road surface, and the steering is reassuringly heavy and precise. In fact, it doesn’t matter if you’re dawdling around town or attacking fast and twisty B roads, the Raptor gives you a confidence that very few 4x4s of this size can match. Also, speed humps mean nothing to it.

Off-road

It’s seriously good. It drove everywhere I pointed it without a hint of hesitation as its supple suspension flexed over every obstacle.

With front and rear Fox Racing shock absorbers, a rear coil-over spring conversion with new Watts linkages, new forged aluminium upper front suspension arms and cast aluminium lower suspension arms, driving fast over crappy roads is where the Raptor excels.

I heard somewhere that the chief engineer said that the Raptor is happiest going over rough tracks at speed as the dampers are better if you go faster.

With that in mind there’s a green-lane not far from Muddy Towers, it’s basically a wide cobbled road that can only be driven at around 5-10mph in any normal car, but the Raptor conquered it in style at speeds of up 30mph. It would have quite easily gone faster, but it’s a greenlane so I had to show some restraint.

And that’s where the problem lies, there aren’t many places in the UK where you can stretch its legs without being branded a hooligan and giving the rest of the 4x4 community a bad name, there’s enough numpties out there ruining green-lanes as it is.

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Interior

The Raptor sits atop the Ford Ranger line-up above the XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak trim levels. There’s a lovely pair of leather and suede seats that are heated and electrically adjustable, a sports steering wheel with a dead-centre marking point, and a line or two of blue stitched leather on the dashboard.

My only moan are the heater controls that are buried below your left knee and therefore almost invisible to the naked eye. I had to switch the headlights on to illuminate the dash just to see them.

The Ford Sync 3 infotainment system is their latest 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia solution, complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although I didn’t notice it, I was told later that the built-in navigation offers the option to lay 'breadcrumbs', which you can then use to find your way back from somewhere, even if you're travelling where there aren't any roads, which is cool.

Conclusion

At the beginning I wrote that it isn’t as good at pickup’ing as other pickups are, and that’s fine because that isn’t it’s purpose in life. Essentially, the Raptor is an off-road sports car, and a seriously cool and very competent off-road sports car at that.

After our week together was over I was quite angry with myself as I had lots of trips planned but couldn’t

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find the time. I wanted to explore some lanes around Cumbria and Wales as well as a few other destinations, but it wasn’t to be I’m afraid.

What little time I did spend driving was thoroughly enjoyable, and maybe sometime in the future when prices are more manageable I can see myself buying one. I would fit a rear canopy, roof tent and in the back would be a Gearmate system, fridge and Muddy Madam and I would be off exploring, in comfort.

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Fun in France

When the invite from Ardent Off-Road came through to join them in France for an off-roading weekend at Marquanterre I started to note down some of the things I needed to do to Deux Smurf in preparation, like a service and replacing a couple of steering bushes.

Then I remembered that we’re skint and fuel alone would break the bank, so a press car it would have to be.

Because Parc du Marquenterre is a nature reserve with a myriad tracks made up of soft deep sand, my first thought was an Isuzu AT35, however none were available, so I figured a D-Max Huntsman complete with a 2” Pedders suspension lift and rear canopy would be the next best thing.

Friday morning arrived, and after throwing our camping gear and other essentials in the back of the D-Max we left at 7am for the 5-1/2 hour slog down the M6, M40, M25, M26 and finally the M20 into Dover.

After a calm crossing we docked into Calais at 3.30pm and made our way our campsite, du Champ Neuf in Saint-Quentin-enTourmont, arriving at 5pm ready for bite to eat and the odd pint of Guinness.

After introducing ourselves to Jon, Hattie and Sam from Ardent Off-Road and a few of the other customers we put up our brand new Robens Vista 400 tent and unpacked the D-Max. I’ll be honest, after the long and boring motorway slog it wasn’t long before I was wrapped up in my sleeping bag dreaming of difflocks and sand castles.

Saturday morning arrived bright and too early, and after breakfast and a mug of coffee we queued up outside the campsite’s indoor swimming pool ready for the off at 9am sharp.

After just a 10 minute drive in convoy we arrived at the park, and after helping ourselves to coffee and croissants we listened to the safety briefing. Once that was over we returned to our 4x4s, lowered our tyre pressures to 20psi, which didn’t do a lot for the 18” All Terrains on the D-Max. We were then split into two groups, allocated a group leader, which in our case were Hattie and Sam in the Ardent 110, and followed our park guide on his quad across the road and into the forest.

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Making our way along the single track lane, the ground was hardpacked sand. I had the D-Max in ‘High 4WD’ to keep up with our eager guide.

Weaving our way through the forest we suddenly, and without warning, came up to our first obstacle, a shortish incline with a 90 degree left hand bend at the top. Granted, that doesn’t sound much of an obstacle, but when you add soft sand to the mix it becomes fun.

Still in third gear high the D-Max soon ran out of steam, and just as I reached the top it subsequently stalled. Popping it into low range I reversed downwards a couple of feet, slotted it into second gear and gently eased us up the hill.

The next vehicle made it but by then the hard surface of the sand had been lost which meant that the rest of the group struggled or simply became bogged.

Thankfully, for every challenge there’s always an easy escape route, but as the day progressed even those became chewed up and quite difficult.

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Our next challenge was only a matter of yards away. After a tight right hand bend there was yet another hill, not huge but bigger than the last. At this stage I was 4th in line, so I watched as the other 4x4s charged up the incline throwing sand in the air with gusto.

In front of me was Craig in his Discovery 3 on low profile tyres, and after 3 failed attempts creating some decent sized ruts his Disco was having none of it, so he took to the easy road. It was my turn next.

I chose third gear low, and as I took the hard right-hand bend I floored it and the D-Max charged upwards throwing sand in every direction, things were looking good. Just as I reached the top though the revs died, I sank into the deep ruts and subsequently found the limits to the D-Max’s front suspension travel as the D-Max ground to a halt, literally.

I changed down the second and waggled the steering from side to side in the hope to find some grip, but all that did was kick sand in the air to the point the front was resting on the sump guard. Not only that, but the rear wheels had dug themselves into the soft sand to the extent that I couldn’t actually reverse back down as I was stuck.

Although I wasn’t the first person to fail a climb, I was the first who had to be recovered - the shame!

From here we followed Craig in his D3 along the easy route to the next section, and as soon as I glanced at it I knew I didn’t stand a chance, of course I had to give it a go.

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It was a much longer track, with a kink in middle that slowed you down in between two trees, then another short climb to the top where the challenges didn’t stop. As you reached the top there were more deep ruts to negotiate.

Leaving the D-Max at the bottom I ran to the top (nearly giving myself a coronary) just in time to watch Lee in his blue Discovery 2 put his winch into action to escape the ruts.

Next was Steve in his highly modified Ford Ranger, I think it took him two attempts and he was up and over. I gave it a try in both 2nd and 3rd gears and sank pretty much at the same spot not even reaching the kink with the trees, so again we followed Craig in his D3 to the next section.

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It was at this point the guide waved Craig and I on past the section, as he knew we wouldn’t make it. We pulled over and watched the others attempt it; some did, some didn’t.

And that’s pretty much how the morning carried on, the sections were relentless, some I managed, some I sank (again) and others I simply thought “Nah!” As the bigger Discoverys drove each section, more deep opposing ruts would form as their bigger than standard tyres dug deep, this was bad news for the D-Max and Craig in the D3, so it was decided that we should be in the lead which would give us half a chance.

In a lot of the following sections this worked well as we climbed the dunes with relative ease, but on others we just made it. If you ever want to practice driving on sand then you need to book this weekend with Ardent Off-Road, it’s fun, safe and a damn sight cheaper than going to the Sahara!

By now I was getting into the swing of it and learning what the D-Max could do, and more importantly what it couldn’t.

Stopping for lunch gave us the opportunity to relax and catch up with the other group. The weather remained quite hot and passing clouds gave me a bit respite from the heat and an excuse not to put sun cream onto my dusty face and arms.

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The afternoon was filled with more tracks, more dunes, and heaps more fun. At one point our guide led us to an open area with numerous tracks heading up into the trees, Muddy Madam and I decided to sit this one out and take photos. It was here where one of our group, and I’ve forgotten your name, sorry, got out his RC Wrangler and proceeded to show the rest of us what a ‘proper’ 4x4 can do!

On the subject of proper 4x4s, although the D-Max is a very capable pick up, it’s current set up on 18” tyres really wasn’t suited for this type of terrain, I was wishing for the XTR that I reviewed last month. With its taller lift and 32” all terrain tyres it would have been much more capable on the soft sand.

Arriving at another section the D-Max again ran out of clearance and grip, a few more vehicles decided to go the easy route, which chewed that up too! When it was my turn to leave the section I ended up sliding a bit too close to a tree, but people power helped push me to safety. I wasn’t out of the woods yet mind (pun intended), I was at the bottom of a track and after 4 attempts I just couldn’t get over the top, and each time I was reversing further and further up the opposite banking so I could get a longer run up. Just as I was about to make another attempt, the group jumped on the track and began filling in the ruts and smoothing off the top in preparation for a ‘full-on’ attack. The problem I was finding with the D-Max was that 3rd gear was a smidge too high and would run out of puff, whilst 2nd was too low and I couldn’t get the speed I needed. Before you say anything, ‘cos I know what you’re like, yes I tried starting in 3rd and changing down, but the sand was so soft that as soon as I did that I lost all momentum.

Anyway, thanks to the track building effort of the group I just about made it on the 5th attempt, with a couple of the lads behind pushing me up the last metre or so.

Behind me and last vehicle in this section was Craig in his D3. He struggled like me, and had to perform a little body removal surgery to get to the front recovery eye so that I could tow him up and out on to harder ground.

In my group, the most competent 4x4 had to be the Ardent Defender 110 with Sam behind the wheel, he managed every climb, maybe not on first attempt, but still. The rest of the Discovery 2s managed pretty much everything.

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After around 6 more sections our guide led us to the last challenge of the day, it was what can only be described as a huge sand bowl in which we could, well, mess about in. I took one look at how soft it was and thought better of it and decided to let everyone else have a play whilst again I took photos.

Unfortunately, this is where we had the first breakdown, and it was Craig in his Discovery 3 that blew a drive shaft, I think. Due to, umm, reasons, it took quite a while for the group to recover him, but when he was finally free of the giant sand pit we all made our way to the main road and back to the campsite for a well earned shower!

Although the evening’s entertainment was supposed to be a group BBQ, there were a few different friendship groups who chose to do their own thing, and after a quick burger with a few of them it was time for bed, it had been a long, but exciting day.

The following morning Muddy Madam had a quick breakfast, packed the tent, said our goodbyes and enjoyed a quiet and scenic drive back to Calais, stopping off at a small pâtisserie for some treats for the ferry.

Although the D-Max is a tough and capable truck, I felt the tyre size and manual gearbox let it down - the tyre size mainly. If I was to go again, proper sized all terrain tyres, ground clearance and good articulation are the name of the game. Also, a pair of good quality boots, the sand is soft and goes everywhere!

There isn’t much information on-line about about Parc du Marquenterre except for the occasional video on YouTube, but every year they cover the tracks with a fresh layer of sand, and almost every weekend they have 4x4 tours come and play from all over Europe.

Overall we had a brilliant time, despite having the least practical 4x4, and I wouldn't hesitate to go again.

Thanks go to Andrew and Jon from Ardent Off-Road for allowing us to join them on their epic weekend.

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What is the difference between off roading and green laning?

References to green laning being 'off roading' has to be one of the most common (and infuriating!) inaccuracies any responsible green laner will come across. It is common to be told “You can’t drive/ride here!”, when driving/riding perfectly legally, or to be termed as 'illegal off roaders' when doing nothing illegal!

So, let’s clear things up:

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What is green laning?

Green laning is the act of driving/riding unsealed public highways in cars or on motorbikes, i.e. roads without tarmac, and is as legal as driving/riding down the M6 or any other tarmacked road in the UK. A road legal vehicle is required to do it, all the same laws apply to motorists as on any other road and so do the same penalties for misusing them. Driving is slower than on tarmaced roads due to the terrain, usually under 10mph for 4x4s, possibly a little faster for motorcyclists.

What is off roading?

They are essential to our road network and to many people for all sorts of reasons and that’s why it’s important that they remain open to vehicular traffic, historically closures have resulted in lack of maintenance, overgrowth of flora making them inaccessible to all, or their complete loss from maps and records. GLASS and its members regularly provide labour and funding to county councils to help maintain our green lanes, see our website for examples of our work!

Who drives green lanes?

What should I do if I see someone driving/ riding where they shouldn’t be, or driving irresponsibly on legal green lanes?

Off roading can only take place on private land with permission, or at an organised event.Vehicles do not always have to be road legal, a charge is usually payable to join in, sometimes even a special driving licence (if the activity is motorsport related) and driving/riding is marshalled by on site staff. Driving/riding can be very technical, or very fast, or both depending on the event.

Anyone can! The average vehicular user is as difficult to define as who takes a walk in the countryside, users vary from age 17 to in their 70s, people with families take their children, locals use them as alternative scenic routes, enthusiast clubs meet to drive them in small groups, disabled users who cannot access the countryside on foot, cycle or horseback use lanes to access rural areas, or those who also walk, cycle or horse ride sometimes like a change.

As well as recreational users national organisations like the 4x4 Response service use them to train their volunteers in technical driving skills, as do many others like some branches of the emergency services who also use them to access injured parties. Utilities providers use them to access power cables and water sources, land owners and farmers to access their land and livestock.

Take registration numbers and/or photographs (if it is safe to do so) and report the incident to the police on 101. Let us at GLASS know too, we campaign against irresponsible driving and can help to repair any damage caused by those who don’t respect our roads.

For more information on green lanes visit:

https://glass-uk.org/ To Join GLASS go to:

https://www.glass-uk.org/join-glass.html Re-printed, with permission, from the Green Lane Association (GLASS) website

Promoting the legal and sustainable use of the countryside, campaigning against irresponsible use with the aim to ensure every green road is open for all to use.

• Regular digital bulletins • 2 printed magazines per year • Members website and forum • TW2, the essential green lane route planning tool • • Access to area reps for route planning and advice • Member discounts from selected suppliers • Legal challenges • Extensive knowledge base •

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We’ve had a look around for useful, interesting, and fun gifts for devotees of living The Mud Life.

All budgets are catered for from fun little stocking fillers to pet presents, and allsorts in between.

Enjoy...

Experiences JAGUAR LAND ROVER CLASSIC WORKS TOUR Treat your loved one or yourself to this Classic Works Tour showcasing everything Jaguar Land Rover does and stands for. It offers exclusive access to rare Lightweight E‑type and XKSS, our XJ220 servicing area, E‑type and Range Rover Reborn, as well as the complete Classic Collection.

A dedicated tour host will guide you through a 3 hour Classic experience, in which you will be immersed into the history and prestige of these two iconic British brands.

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On your tour, you will have privileged access to over 500 classic British cars, and the opportunity to witness our expertise, passion as well as our attention to detail and craftsmanship as we bring these cars back to life.

A unique insight into the heritage and the future of these two historic brands. prices: adult - £49 child - £39 book here » experience.jaguar.com

h

JEEP CUFFLINKS Perfect for the Jeep fan that has everything except a pair of these fun metal cufflinks featuring Jeep Wranglers.

Diameter: 2×1.5 cm price: £52.72 (currently on offer) more at » store.jeep.com

MG WORLD TRAVEL ADAPTOR If you are heading off for a New Year's holiday you need to get one of these handy MG World Travel Adaptors.

With US/UK/AU/EU 2 and 3 pull out pins, this adaptor ensures simple and safe connection in more than 150 countries.

LAND ROVER LOGO CAP Keep your head warm and show off your allegiance to your favourite vehicle with these stylish Land Rover caps. They have an adjustable branded buckle and grill quilted under peak. Complete with 3D embroidered logo.

Choose from Grey Marl or Navy.

Available in One Size.

The USB points allow you to charge a wide range of phones, and other devices, even when the adaptor is in use.

Designed in striking red and black, and featuring the MG logo, the clever compact design fits snugly into the stylish zip-up case also with MG branding. price: £21.99 more at » shop.mg.co.uk

price: £20 more at » shop.landrover.com/uk/land-rover-logo-cap THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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Bookworm Buys

NORMAN THE SNAIL BOOK

by Simon Henderson This isn't a car related book, but we love this book so much that we had to include it.

Norman the Snail and the Climb is the story of a little snail that wants to explore his dreams. It was written to show you that no matter how small you are, or how big your dreams might be, there is nothing to stop you chasing your goals.

Inspired by a friend of the author's son who liked to collect snails on his way to school. It has bright, colourful illustrations by the talented artist Bazmac.

A delightful tale for young children. price: £5.99 buy at in the UK » amazon.co.uk

THE COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF THE LAND ROVER

by James Taylor This comprehensive and highly illustrated book is a guide to all 300+ models produced between 1948 and 2016, including those built in Britain and those built (often with unique features) overseas.

Laid out with an easy-to-follow catalogue format, this book offers masses of detail on production variants, and also on many that never went beyond the prototype stage, as well as on the multiple special editions that were sold around the world in more recent years. price: £22.75 buy in the UK » amazon.co.uk

MANIFOLD DESTINY:

THE ONE, THE ONLY, GUIDE TO COOKING ON YOUR CAR ENGINE

by Bill Scheller and Chris Maynard

A few years back an internet bookshop ran a poll to discover the world’s weirdest cookbook and this won.

In 1989, the world's eyes were opened to car-engine gastronomy in the original Manifold Destiny, and the cult classic was updated in 2008. With step-by-step diagrams, crowd-pleasing recipes, and thorough instructions, you can turn your car into a kitchen.

Hilarious, bizarre, and actually useful, Manifold Destiny is and always will be an unparalleled original. So, slap a ham steak under the hood of your car, hit the gas, and drive until you reach delicious. price: £10.92 buy in the UK » amazon.co.uk 36

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Clothing for Chrimbo SAXX BOXERS Ladies SAXX Underwear have created undies that any man in your life would love, and these boxers keep your fella's Christmas Berries and Twiglet comfortably in place in what Saxx call a ‘ballpark pouch’ built into the inside.

There are plenty of designs available from plain colours to these fun 'Mud Life Man' designs.

Our glorious editor says "After jumping in and out of various 4x4s to open and shut gates on laning trips, and a lot of walking in both swealtering heat and torrential downpours, I can, hand on heart, declare that they work magnificently. " prices - around £25 more at » www.alpinetrek.co.uk

MUD LIFE - HOW I ROLL Get this great Mud Life exclusive design - How I Roll on allsorts of things including T-Shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Bags and Stickers Available in a wide variety of colours, and in sizes from kid's to adult's 5XL. Prices: from £4.99 to £24 more at » teespring.com/ stores/themudlife

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Kids Stuff REMOTE CONTROL TRANSFORMABLE DEFENDER

A

1:14th remote control version of the Defender, capable of transforming and driving with the push of a button. With a full direction remote, resembling a Transformer style, that is ideal for children and 'big kids'. price: £50.00 buy in the UK » shop.landrover.com

SQUELCH TRANSPARENT WELLY BOOTS & FUN SOCKS The idea is one of those simple ones, because young kids get bored with the same, bland coloured wellies, why not have a transparent welly with a great tread and have a variety of funky bright socks instead, so everyday is a different look.

From Christmas and Halloween socks, Squelch Wellies aim to add different seasonal designs to their collection regularly.

Their boots arrive in a 100% cotton drawstring bag instead of the wasteful shoe box, and when they’re too small they encourage their customers to recycle after use, hand down, give to charity or use as planters!

Not only that, but if you buy a pair of Squelch Wellies a chunk of their profit goes to charities and good causes. price: Welly Boots - £16 Socks - £3.50 per pair more at » squelchwellies.com

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Kids Stuff

LAND ROVER CHILDREN'S BACKPACK Start them off young in the ways of the Land Rover owner with these very useful and cute Forest Friends & Defender print backpacks, which have front contrast pockets, and elasticated netted side pockets.

Matching pencil cases and lunchboxes available

price: £20 more at » shop.landrover.com

BATTLE OF THE BEARS! Who doesn't love a teddy bear, and the car manufacturers are falling over themselves to give you what you love. The three bears I've chosen below reflect their brands, both in price and details.

BENTLEY'S MOTORSPORT BEAR

MG'S CLASSIC TEDDY BEAR is the most

LAND ROVER'S ADVENTURE BEAR

price: £42 more at »shop.bentleymotors.com

price: £15.99 more at » shop.mg.co.uk

price: £35 more at » shop.landrover.com

is very cute and cuddly, dressed in a Motorsport Team racing suit and white cap, capturing the spirit of the racing track.

Height: 40cm

reasonably priced, and comes fully kitted out in a Sherlock Holmes style grey deerstalker hat, pipe and coat, complete with MG buttons.

Height: 25cm

comes dressed in shorts, shirt, explorers hat and bag (very Indiana Jones), and has Land Rover branding on its chest.

Height: unknown

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EASYPETS ROLLABOWL We spotted this fantastic travel pet bowl at the GLEE trade show, and thought that it was a brilliant idea, providing a hygienic, safe eating area for your pets.

This practical, portable feeding bowl is a rollable one piece food and water bowl built into a non-slip mat made from 100% high grade, FDA approved silicone. Silicone is bacteria and mold resistant, durable, strong and very easy to clean, and it's also dishwasher safe.

POOCH & MUTT GIFT BOX HAPPY POOCHMAS We all deserve a present under the tree, even your furry family members. Treat your Dog this Christmas with the Pooch and Mutt Christmas Gift Box Working with some of the top nutritionists in the UK, Pooch & Mutt developed health food for dogs, which include positive nutrition, such as supplements and nutraceuticals, to help dogs lead happy, healthy lives.

Box contains: 1x Rope Toy 1x Christmas Turkey Chew 1x Christmas Dinner Tube Treats 1x Christmas Turkey & Duck Wet Food Carton. price: £9.99 more at » poochandmutt.co.uk also available at amazon.co.uk

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price: from £16.95 buy in the UK » amazon.co.uk

VESPER MINOU CAT BED & SCRATCHER A fun bed, scratcher and hideout all in one.

Your beloved moggy will love taking long relaxing naps inside, and sharpening its claws on the rounded sisal exterior (instead of your furniture).

It's a cozy hideout with two entrances, so your cat won’t feel cornered, and has a memory foam soft cushion that moulds to the shape of your cat.

Made from high-quality MDF oak-look laminate finish with a replaceable sisal scratching mat that will look great in any room. price: £49.99 more at » www.catit.com buy in the UK » amazon.co.uk

Presents For Pets MUD DADDY WASHER When babysitting Giz, our neighbour's big daft labrador, we take him for walks around the park. He tootles around lazily until he finds water, the muddier and stinkier the better, leaving us to figure out the best way to try any clean him off without him trailing it through the house.

This usually involves one of us running through the house to open the back gate, a hosepipe of cold water on the muddiest bits (which Giz doesn't really appreciate) and then one of us carrying the big lump upstairs for a proper wash in the bath. What a rigmarole!

If only we'd had a Mud Daddy, a great product we came across at a recent show. It's a totally mobile, compact, environmentally friendly solution for cleaning, washing and rinsing. The unique design uses water pressure rather than any type of motor, so it’s completely silent, perfect for dogs and horses, and equally good for cleaning tyres after a good day off-roading or just cleaning kid's wellies after a muddy session of puddle jumping. prices: 5 litre - £39.99 / 8 litre - £49.99 / 12 litre - £69.99 more at » www.muddaddy.co.uk also available at amazon.co.uk

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Winter Car Care Valet at Leyland Car Care

The other day I needed to get something from Deux Smurf, but as I walked towards her I noticed she was looking quite grotty and unkempt, and when I opened her door the strange mud probably mixed with sheep poo, stench that escaped wasn’t good.

Yes, I’m a bad owner.

The problem is you see, is that pretty much every week I have a new press car to drive, and before I know it it’s been months since I’ve driven Deux Smurf. In fact, in this case, the last time I drove her was around 4 months ago, and that was for a particularly muddy green-laning trip.

Not only was she filthy on the outside, but mud adorned carpets, seats, door panel and pedals. I’m not even going to mention the amount of dust and crud on the dashboard, but I will! She was a mess, there was even moss growing in her door handles and inside her doors, I would’ve taken photos, but I was too ashamed.

That evening happened to be the North West Overlanders' monthly gathering in Preston where I got chatting to David Ward from Leyland Car Care.

Discussing my plight he told me they had a Winter Car Care valet, and for just £93.50, for a 4x4 the size of Deux Smurf, they would make her look and smell like new again.

Challenge accepted!

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In the interest of transparency, I was going to pay, but David offered Deux Smurf a complimentary valet, so that he could show off his team's skills, so a few days later I turned up at my allotted time, and the guys set about Deux Smurf whilst I headed up the stairs to chat to David and Tim about the company, .

The first thing on the agenda was to give her a thorough power wash to remove all the crud and greenery, which includes a wheel arch, wheel, door and boot gap blast. Once rid of the mud and mould that adorned her 23 year old body, the lads then shammy her down ready for the polish and ceramic wax sealant.

Incidentally, the last bit is worth £70 on its own, so you know you’re getting a bargain.

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What impressed me most about the valet was the attention to detail the interior received; I honestly can’t remember a time she was this clean, not even when I bought her.

They start with a full vacuum, all her seats and carpets are shampooed, all interior vinyls, plastics, vents and compartments are cleaned along with windows, both inside and out. To top it off, she got a tyre shine and her screen-wash topped up.

As I wrote earlier, I receive brand new press cars on a weekly basis, and all of them are valeted before they arrive, and being honest, Deux Smurf was cleaner than a lot of them.

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Being perfectly honest, I was actually lost for words at her transformation, to the point that on my way home I even avoided country lanes that I knew would be muddy.

I even avoided puddles!

The amount of effort these guys put in to make her look this good is immense, so if you have a filthy 4x4, or car, and you want it looking like new again, give them a call.

I left with an understanding of why Leyland Car Care not only have a huge following, but an incredibly loyal customer base. call them : 01772 455 474 more at Âť leylandccc.com

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Head to our Mud Life shop for loads of great stuff.

CLICK HERE

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both a relaxing and fun-filled drive, depending on your mood.

What is it?

Being 2WD, the HR-V has never been on my radar in recent times, but parking next to one a few weeks ago, its sporty styling tweaks and 180bhp 1.5ltr VTEC engine caught my attention.

On the road

Being quite enamoured by the looks of the HR-V Sport, did its good looks translate to on-road performance?

I think so, yes.

The steering is worthy of a mention too as it feels precise and nicely weighted. (I’m dangerously close to sounding like a proper road-tester here!) The dampers that I mentioned earlier also keep the HR-V Sport in check around corners which in turn gives you quite a lot of confidence.

With a 0-60mph time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 134mph, it’s certainly no slouch, and the engine pulls strongly from around 2,500rpm to 5,500rpm. You can have quite a lot of fun in the HR-V Sport.

Around town it feels perfectly docile, its new performance dampers doing a fine job at ironing out the holes. Find an empty B road and the HR-V Sport will bring a grin to your face.

On a 200-ish mile trip to the Lakes driving at normal motorway speeds it was all quite civilised with decent road noise levels. Put your food down and the engine gives a rorty response, though not too loud to be hooligan, but just right I found.

The first thing you’ll notice is the super-slick manual 6-speed gearbox and how smooth it is to use, it makes for

Drinking wise, after the aforementioned trip it achieved 45.6mpg, which I thought was rather good.

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Off road

Unlike its predecessor, the current HR-V is only available in 2WD, and despite its ground clearance and stance I didn’t venture too far away from the beaten track.

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Interior

I’ve moaned about other vehicles like SEATs, Skoda and even Cupra on how bland they are, they’re just dull and don’t make you feel special, but jumping into the HR-V always made my smile.

It wasn’t necessarily the switchgear and general layout that made me happy, which incidentally is good, rather the red wine coloured leather trim.

The front seats deserve a special mention for comfort and excellent lateral support, though they could do with being a bit longer in the leg, but liveable.

I also like the speedo for being quite fancy, it reminded me of my old Lexus LS400 which had a ‘floating’ dash. Overall it gave me a wry grin as I hurtled home after a particular stressful day at school.

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My only problem I had was that no matter what I tried I couldn’t get it to connect to my iPhone 6s which I suspect was a software glitch.

Standard equipment on the Sport includes Intelligent Speed Limiter, cruise control, reversing camera, Traffic Sign Recognition System, LED headlights and Heated Front Seats and door mirrors.

Conclusion

I really liked the HR-V Sport, it’s a lovely car to drive both around town and on the open road.

Faults are so minor they’re verging on the irrelevant, like when you close the doors they feel and sound a bit flimsy, but I could live with that.

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GOODS & GEAR O SO 360 GRIP UNIV ERSAL C A R M OUN T HOLD E R I’ve had this phone holder for 6-years, or thereabouts. At the time it was advertised as the worlds strongest suction cup technology, so I tested their claim by attaching it to the dash of my old Discovery. What sort of test is that you may ask? Well, at the time I hadn’t cleaned it for well over 3 years and it was covered in dust, sand, mud and something weird that I’d had to send off to a biology lab to identify. I gave it a quick wipe with a bit of spit on a cloth and that’s where the 360 stayed for the next 3 years without falling off once.

The 360 Grip has a lockable pivotal head that as its name suggests, pivots 360 degrees, and its grippy silicone coated U-Grip jaws securely holds any mobile phone from an iPhone 6s to the latest 11, and everything in between.

The great thing about the OSO range of holders and mounts are that they’re all removable and can be used almost anywhere. I’ve had the 360 attached to a kitchen cabinet whilst I’ve been preparing tea and FaceTiming a friend.

I don’t know what’s more impressive, OSO mounts flexibility, or my ability to multitask!

Because it’s not permanently fixed I often swap it from press car to press car, and every now, and again the suction base will get a bit grubby.

When it does, I simply run it under warm water, clean it off with my hand and leave to dry for a few minutes, after which it’ll be ready for action again.

Over the last 6 years my 360 Grip has coped with summer heat, dust, freezing conditions whilst being jolted around off-road in both in my old Discovery and Deux Smurf. A proper 5-star product if ever there was one. price £17.49 more at » osomount.com THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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GOODS & GEAR M ICH ELIN P ROG RA M M A B LE SUP E RF A S T 4 X 4/ SUV DIGITAL TYRE I N FLA TOR As 4x4 owners we all know that deflating our tyres before venturing off the beaten track is the best way not only to gain more traction by giving our tyres a larger footprint, but by decreasing the chance of spinning tyres also lessons the chance of both damage to our 4x4s and the tracks themselves. But deflating and inflating all 4 four tyres can be a pain and a bit laborious.

Not anymore, step up to the stage Michelin’s Programmable Superfast 4X4/SUV Digital Tyre Inflator - yeah, I know, it’s a bit of a mouthful.

To test it I deflated the 265-75-16 BFGoodrich KM3 on Deux Smurf to 10psi, plugged it into the 12v socket, screwed the hose onto the valve, set the inflator to 32psi, and waited. It just took around 11 seconds per psi and therefore a hares breath over 4 minutes overall, which I thought was pretty good.

Whilst still screwed onto the valve, I pressed the deflate button on the hose and reduced the pressure down to 18psi, which is a more realistic ‘off-road’ pressure, and re-inflated up to 32psi which took only 2 minutes 32 seconds.

It also automatically stops inflating once it’s reached your preset pressure.

In comparison I used it on Muddy Madam’s Skoda Fabia with 195-55R15 tyres and 1 psi only took 4 seconds.

The unit has a backlit LED screen that makes reading and inflating really easy, and display readings in PSI, KPA and BAR. The integrated LED light is ideal for inflating at night too, and it’s quiet, so there’s no worry of waking the neighbours first thing in the morning when you notice you have a slow puncture.

With a long power cable and inflation hose, reaching around any long wheel base 4x4 or van is easy. It also comes with its own carrying bag and adaptors suitable for small inflatables and bike tyres, there’s even a small holder next to the display unit to secure the valve cap so you don’t lose it!

Overall I can’t fault it, it feels sturdy and well built and not only is it a good piece of kit to have with you anyway, but it’s ideal for 4x4 owners and those of us who often have to re-inflate their tyres quickly after a foray off-road. price: £80 more at » gb.michelin-lifestyle.com 56

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GOODS & GEAR BL AZA BA LL Depending on what tools you use, lighting fires and BBQs can be either easy or difficult, so anything that makes life easy in my book is a winner. Which seamlessly leads me onto this cool product that I was kindly given to review.

It’s called the Blazaball, and I initially thought it was a solution to a problem that didn’t really exist, that is until I used it.

In the past when I’ve started a BBQ, I’ve either used a dirty old chimney in which I pour my coals into and try and light a small fire underneath using bits of old newspaper. This works with varying degrees of success depending on how windy it is. The other way is to use a fire starter and build the charcoal around it, again this has varied success.

Using a Blazaball, I simply place a fire lighter inside it, rotate the two sides clockwise until they lock into position, light the fire lighter and put it on the base of the BBQ, or fire pit, and pile charcoal or wood on top with gay abandon.

Made from 1.5mm stainless steel, the Blazaball secures the fire starter inside, and because the frame creates air pockets, it means that even if you completely cover it with wood or charcoal, air still circulates, and you’ll have a nice healthy burn in no time.

Once the fire is out and everything has cooled down, just remove it from the ashes, brush off the soot and put it away for the next BBQ. The blazaball can be used in stoves, BBQs, ceramic grills, fire pits and even wild camp fires and quickly becomes an essential piece of kit. price: £14.95 more at » blazaball.co.uk

We think this is one of the most straightforward videos, to explain a product, that we've ever seen.

Take a look...

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GOODS & GEAR AD V EN TURE MEDICAL KITS

S O L T RA VERS E S UR V IVA L K IT I was never a Boy Scout, but being a Land Rover owner for many years taught me to always ‘be prepared’ for most eventualities. Even now, in the back of Deux Smurf you will always find a small tool box, recovery kit, torch, gloves and a small stove.

CA M P, COOK , DINE

COOK B OOK If you check out our ‘Facebook Page of the Month’ back in our September issue you’ll see that we featured Camp, Cook, Dine. As Julian explained back then, it was created for the purpose of compiling a ‘not for profit’ cookbook using member’s recipes and lifting the standard of food enjoyed while camping. Julian wanted to dispel the myth that camping food is simply chucking some sausages and burgers on a disposable BBQ and that's your lot.

Well he did it, Julian created a handy cookbook that consist of four sections; Snacks Veggy, Fish and of course Meat. With a total of 40 easy to read recipes, some of which require nothing more than a single ring burner, perfect if you just have a Cobb, Cadac or caravan hob.

There’s a huge variety of meals to choose from, from a Cambodian Wedding Day Dip to one of my favourites (check out this month’s ‘Dine Out With Damian') the Patatas Bravas.

There are two versions available, a printed book that’s held together with a sturdy spiral spine on good quality paper, and an electronic version. Both are available direct from Julian.

Something else that’s buried away in the glovebox is a SOL(Survive Outdoors Longer) Kit, because, hey, you never know when you might be stranded somewhere.

The kit has you covered in four of the main survival areas: WATER - 2 x Water Purification tablets & 1 x Folding 1L Water Bag SHELTER - 1 x Emergency Blanket FIRE - 1 x Spark-Lite Waterproof Firestarter &4 x Tinder Quik SIGNALLING - 1 x Mini Rescue Howler 100dB Whistle All this is packed, along with Survival Instructions, a small roll of Duct Tape and a Safety Pin, in a lightweight secure box that measures 6.25” x 4” x 1.5” and weighs only 0.17kg.

Although the container isn’t waterproof it does have two very secure latches at either end, and it’s big enough to add a few additional items such as a Bic lighter, small pencil, notepad and additional water purification tablets or tinder.

It’s a great piece of kit if you’re going for a wander, or just to store in your car. for emergencies price: £19.99 (at time of writing) RRP: £27.99 more at » www.leisureoutlet.com 58

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The Camp, Cook, Dine Cookbook makes an excellent Christmas gift for friends and family who can’t see past burgers whilst spending nights under the stars and are looking for a variety of dishes to spice up their taste buds! price: £5 paper (+ P&P) or £3 digital version more at » Camp, Cook, Dine facebook page

GOODS & GEAR HY T EN SIL C U TL E RY SE T We have various cutlery sets here at Muddy Towers, but the one I tend to reach for more than any other is the one from Hytensil.

I could say it’s because it comes in its own carry case, therefore it remains clean before you use it, and doesn’t mess things up when dirty. I could also say that it’s because both the cutlery set and carry case are fully protected against bacterial growth with the addition of SteriTouch antimicrobial protection, but in reality it’s just a really useful, simple, yet clever design.

There are various ways in which it can be used. Firstly the Spork (it's both a fork & spoon) is fantastic for particularly deep food containers as you can extend the Spork out from its handle an extra 5cm to it’s maximum length of 23.5cm. You can also remove the spork completely, and extend the serrated knife from the handle, and eat properly with style and class!

Weighing in at only 120 grams every part of the kit feels strong a sturdy, and the knife is good enough to slice through a thick steak and for simply spreading butter. Made from tough polypropylene it’s available in a range of 4 colours (Cream, Turquoise, Navy & Black), and ideal for replacing single use plastics when eating lunch at work, or in my case, on the move - it's the perfect size for keeping in the glovebox.

Designed and manufactured here in the UK, it is targeted at the outdoor lifestyle market, where the compact yet hardwearing construction makes it ideal for camping and backpacking trips, as well as the office. more at » https://hytensil.co.uk price: £14.99

GIVEAWAY! We have this Turquoise HyTensil set & a Camp, Cook, Dine Cookbook to giveaway to one of you lucky readers.

Click here

Entry ends 31st December

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Mitsubishi What is it?

The Mitsubishi Outlander is probably best known for being Europe’s best selling PHEV SUV, and now in its third incarnation it boasts new styling, extra kit and a revised chassis. Mitsubishi have also done away with the diesel variant and replaced it with the 2.0ltr, 148bhp petrol engine which we have here.

On the road

Any thoughts of it feeling like a rough and ready 4x4 are quickly dispelled as soon as you take to the steering wheel, it feels remarkably light and very car-like to drive, so commuting is a breeze. That said, it’s still a long SUV so you may struggle to find a spot to park it.

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With 148bhp on tap it may not be the sprightliest 7-seater SUV on the market, but we took it on a few long-ish journeys and it was comfortable, visibility is plentiful, sound levels good and overall ambience more than adequate.

On both 1-1/2 hour motorway trips the 2.0ltr petrol averaged 33.2mpg, which isn’t too bad, considering its size.

Get the Outlander on the twisty bits and its CVT gearbox dampens the enjoyment a bit, but that being said I’m possibly forgetting why the Outlander exists in the first place. It isn’t a ‘sport’ model, it’s an AWD family barge, and with that in mind its performance suits its role.

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Off road

This isn’t an SUV that you buy to go ‘laning in, its approach and departure angles are quite poor and I was always conscious of them, though ground clearance is decent enough.

Even in 4wd lock mode the Outlander struggled a bit with traction on a few situations, especially when one or two wheels were off the ground, but using a bit more momentum got us through, albeit quicker than I would normally prefer! On mud and wet grass however it managed really well without hardly a hint of wheel spin.

Something I haven’t mention yet is its ride, on road it smooths out most imperfections, but off-road it glides over rough terrain far better than the Citroen C5 Aircross did. In fact it was just as comfy as the Ford Raptor with its super fancy suspension set up.

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Interior

I’m not going to say that when you get behind the wheel it’s inspirational and makes you feel like a million dollars, but it’s very comfortable, functional and airy with everything you need perfectly at hand.

The front seats are a tad narrow in the base but long enough in the leg for a 6ft 2” 19 stone bloke, and seating in the back is ample.

Of course the third row seats are reserved for smaller children and Oompa Loompas.

Have I mentioned that the 7-seat option is only available in the petrol version and not the PHEV? Staying in the back, with all 7 seats erect there’s 178 litres of space, lower the third row and you’ll liberate up to 913 litres, and 1,608 litres with all five back seats folded down, which is huge. In fact it’s that cavernous there’s also a commercial version available.

Conclusion

Whereas it’s bigger sibling, the Shogun Sport feels like it will take you across the Atlas mountains, the hard way, the Outlander is more civilised and much more suited to an urban life. It feels lighter and very car-like less chunky. But that certainly doesn’t mean that it’s fragile as it boasts a five-star Euro NCAP rating, including a 100% score for its safety assist systems which included adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, etc. price; £28,085 (as tested) more at » www.mitsubishi-motors.co.uk

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In search of History & Rum!

This was originally meant to be a travel report from Sri Lanka but the terrorist attacks on that island forced us to find another destination for our honeymoon at the last minute. After typing ‘All inclusive honeymoon’ into Google Jamaica was up there and we booked it the same day.

Words and Photograph

by Simon Hastelow

I should probably note that we still very much wanted to continue with our Sri Lankan trip. We’d been looking forward to it for a very long time and figured it was probably the safest time to go. However the UK government in their Health & Safety driven wisdom declared it a no fly destination and our tour operators just cancelled the holiday and issued a refund without even an apology.

But I digress, let’s get back to Jamaica.

The one big advantage of choosing a holiday destination at the last minute is that we did not know what to expect. All we had read was the details on the hotel website, coupled with a basic knowledge of where it sat both geographically and historically we set off on a voyage of discovery. (Well actually it was a Virgin flight from Gatwick but you know what I mean).

I won’t bore you with the details of the rest of our holiday, it was our honeymoon, it was an all inclusive resort where the bars don’t close. Fill in the blanks yourself!

However, on our ‘Welcome’ meet and greet with the fantastic resort staff they showed us around the facilities on the resort and also listed a few off-site trips we might be interested in. As soon as the words ‘4x4 Safari’ were uttered my gorgeous new bride cast a knowing, if slightly resigned glance. I suppose it could have easily been interpreted as “Don’t you dare!” but I was already reaching for the credit card.

The company organising the trips: CHUKKA, offered a range of adventure excursions including quad bike safaris, pony, trekking, kayaking, etc. So I figured it would be an adventurous trip even though I was firmly told that I would not be allowed to drive. And all the photos featured Land Rover Defenders in fairly mild but definitely ‘off-road’ conditions.

Let’s Go!

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Whilst waiting to be collected imagine my disappointment when a ‘Yota turns up!

Now I have nothing against Landcruisers but I was expecting a Defender. Not only was this a fairly ancient Toyota but it wasn’t even a proper Troopie. It was a pickup that someone had bolted seats into the back of. Nevermind, at least it was a proper 4x4 that would be able to tackle the rough conditions.

Sadly, it transpired that the off-road sections were very few and far between and easily navigable by any family saloon car that you wouldn’t mind getting a bit dirty and the vast majority of the driving was on tarmac. I hope that explains the severe shortage of photos showing cross-axled vehicles or trucks trying to navigate large boulders or wading deep rivers.

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This was a sight-seeing trip with only the vehicle choice to distinguish it from the myriad similar tourist trips on offer.

I should really quit the moaning and criticism, so this wasn’t the ‘4x4 safari’ I was expecting. But it most certainly was a worthwhile excursion and a welcome change from the hedonistic all-you-can-eat-and-drink holiday resort.

We left our hotel and set off to the North of the Island, towards an area close to Montego Bay. Our guide certainly knew her history and even while trying to navigate the sometimes less than smooth conditions of the tarmac and the I’ll-drive-wherever-I-like attitude of other road users she never stopped trying to point out interesting features or landmarks along the way.

Whether it was the Golf Resort that hosted the Johnny Walker Tournament, the place where Lennox Lewis owns a house or the remains of an old plantation gatehouse, everything was eagerly pointed out and described with a passion only a local could have for their country.

Did you know that the African Julip trees we could see dotted about were not randomly or accidentally placed but were in fact used as markers to separate neighbouring plantations?

Nor did we but our guide explained that its distinctive red foliage gave a clear and unambiguous waypoint that could not be moved or otherwise molested during any border disputes between neighbours.

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We also did not know that the 18th century church we visited was built largely from ballaststones let behind by trading ships.

Mixing tales of the historical significance of the building with details about how ships were loaded with these stones when on an empty leg of a voyage and were later cast aside and swapped for cargo kept us captivated and wanting more details.

You might be able to tell that by now I had completely forgiven them for misleadingly tempting me with an off-road drive in a Defender!

Our ultimate stop-off was the old plantation owned by CHUKKA the company organising the Safari - The Montpelier Jungle Outpost, and where they host most of their other adventure activities. The facilities are basic but functional, only the sudden influx of what seemed like the entire population of an American cruise ship seemed to stretch their ability to cope with tourists.

A wise purchase of two bottles of Guinness Export helped us cope with the chaos. Did you know that Guinness is brewed in Jamaica and is 7.9% abv rather than the miserly 4.2% you’ll find in the liquid coming out of Dublin. It is brewed under licence by the company that also brews Red Stripe on the Island.

After the short stop off for lunch and obligatory visit to the gift shop it was just a long slog back to our hotel. No chance of taking a nap when you’re just holding on to a plastic chair in the back of a pickup but we did discover that the ride was so bumpy that my fitness tracker started recording it as a workout!

It might not have been the 4x4 Safari in the Mountains of Jamaica that we were expecting but it was still a great day out.

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Dark times We cannot just ignore the troubled and turbulent history of the Island and our guide, on several occasions, seemed to spit out phrases like “because of The British!”. But we should not argue or take offence. It is true that the British involvement in the Slave Trade is a very large blot on our copybooks and Jamaica featured heavily in that era.

The Spanish originally took the Island for their own in 1494 and imported the first slaves to work on the quickly established plantations. It was 160 years later that English forces expelled the Spanish and claimed it for themselves, renaming it Jamaica in the process. For almost the next 200 years this Caribbean Island played a huge part in the slave/sugar triangle before finally giving all indentured slaves full emancipation in 1838.

During that time there were numerous rebellions and skirmishes between the white plantation owners, slaves and other inhabitants.

The physical damage caused by the most recent of these can still be seen in several locations.

Following the abolition of the Slave Trade Jamaica’s main trade was still sugar and fruits but now the workforce consisted mainly of Chinese and Indian immigrants.

Between Emancipation and Independence from Britain in 1962 Jamaica slowly took control away from the mother country.

Remaining part of the Commonwealth their economy boomed post independence and the island is still one of the richest in the area whilst still relying mostly on tourism for the bulk of its income

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4 V A R a ot Toy D ynamic AWD What is it?

Toyota’s RAV 4 needs no introduction, but I’m going to give one anyway in case any of our readers have been living on Mars for the last couple of decades.

In 1994, Toyota’s launch of the original RAV4 introduced a new kind of car to the world, one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an SUV with compact dimensions and handling more akin to a hatchback.

Now in it’s 5th generation, the RAV4 opens a new era of improved performance, capability and safety along with a new hybrid powertrain.

On the road

I first drove the new RAV4 around the Hill Route circuit at the Millbrook testing facility down in Bedfordshire and I was genuinely taken aback by the way it handled itself, it was poised, grippy and quite nippy.

Arriving at Muddy Towers a few months later, the majority of miles during our week together were either

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tootling here and there, the odd commute to school and a trip or two to Wales.

I really enjoyed driving the RAV4, it’s comfortable and quiet with a relatively supple ride and light steering, I always felt cosseted and a little bit smug as it barely ventured under 40mpg.

Although it packs decent pace, especially once you’ve pressed the Sport mode button, the 2.5ltr doesn’t sound that good, quite painful in fact, but that’s easily remedied by cranking up the volume on the stereo.

On the subject of volume, as you drive off, the car selects electric, therefore I had to be quite careful in car parks, as shoppers and pedestrians can’t hear you and never look; they often crossed out in front of me.

For the majority of time I selected 'normal' driving mode which allows the car decide for itself when’s best to deploy either the electric motor or petrol engine. Also, easing on the brakes as you reach a set of lights or a junction automatically increases the amount of electric power gained from the cars regenerative braking system, so it’s win-win.

Off road

As I drove down to the bottom of the gully on a wet and sloppy green-lane, I glanced at the lane ahead as it gently headed upwards out of the tree line, and to the left saw the tyre tracks of another 4x4 that had slid off the lane into a ditch. I couldn’t help ask myself if this short adventure was a lane too far for the RAV4.

Already in Trail Mode I was confident, so I eased forward, through the stream and upwards past the mess made by an unfortunate 4x4 owner, and onwards through the slush and wet grass without even a hint of wheel spin. I even pushed my luck by stopping to take photos and driving off again, up hill I might add, and the RAV4 wasn’t troubled, not one bit.

After another short and uneventful green-lane foray I returned and drove back down the lane and it was just as easy.

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Any concerns I had of tobogganing into a ditch was immediately quelled by the control I had via engine braking, despite being on what appeared to be summer tyres.

Ground clearance isn’t bad, though you do need to be careful as its approach angle isn’t the best, you just need to be careful of deep ruts.

With this 5th generation RAV4, Toyota has introduced improvements to its intelligent all-wheel drive technology (AWD-i).

The system efficiently generates drive torque using power from the hybrid system and an additional motor on the rear axle. This design reduces energy losses, saves weight and optimises AWD operation in different driving conditions. It sounds easy enough, and the best thing is is that it worked really well on all surfaces.

Interior

Every thing about the interior, from large tactile rubber switches to the seats are a delight as well as being well thought out and easy to use. I really appreciated the chunky steering wheel, internal door handles and large rubberised temperature dials that are easy to use and grip, especially when wearing thick gloves.

The wide and comfortable seats are heated and cooled (depending on model) and offer oodles of support. In fact it’s nicely finished throughout with plenty of room for everyone, just as a family SUV ought to be.

It’s spacious in the back too, with a massive 580-litre boot capacity - not the biggest in its quite class, but close enough. Even though it’s shorter than the outgoing model, Toyota has gained extra space by extending the wheelbase by 30mm - no, I can’t figure it out either!

Engine ‘n’ gearbox

There’s only one option I’m afraid, but it’s a good set up. The new 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine offers 215bhp in frontwheel drive form and 219bhp with all-wheel drive, the result of which is 51.2mpg & 102g/km CO2, depending obviously on wheel and tyre set up.

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Conclusion

I really like the RAV4, and as I’m sat in the drivers seat waiting for it to be collected I’m genuinely having difficulty coming up with any glaring dislikes. Ok, it has one of those silly iPad sticky up things, I don’t like them in any car if I’m honest, I think they’re an afterthought of lazy designers!

However, it works well in the RAV4.

Unlike the 1st generation RAV4, it wouldn’t be my first choice if I wanted a green-laner, even though its AWD worked an absolute treat, but as a family barge it’s much more appealing. It’s roomy, comfortable and nice to be in. As a financial and fuel-saving choice it really does take some beating. price £36,945 (as tested)

Discover historic Normandy and the D-Day landings on our family friendly, self-drive tours.

We explore important battlefield sites and locations, linked by greenlanes, travelling at a leisurely pace through the beautiful French countryside.

2020 Dates

3 day tours - £775

4 day tours - £995

• 10-12th April

• 6-10th June

• 13-15th April

• 11-15th June

• 15-17th May

• 10-14th August

• 18-20th May • 10-12th July • 17-19th July

• 15-19th August all prices based on 2 people per vehicle, with luxury B&B, museum entries and guides included

New exciting destinations including email: hello@dday1944.tours Poland, Ukraine, mob: 07888 060099 Estonia and Italy facebook: Normandy 1944 D-Day Tours coming soon! website: www.dday1944.tours

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Wandering in Wales - Mooch We visit North Wales quite a bit, both because Muddy Madam senior used to live there and it’s also a great place to take press cars.

There’s always been one thing that’s eluded me over the years though, and that’s driving any of the green-lanes. The main reason for that is, is because we’ve always been in press cars and I’ve never known how bad or good the conditions of the lanes are, so I’ve never wanted to risk it. With a free weekend looming I decided that I’d drive down in Deux Smurf and have a proper explore.

After loading Deux Smurf with a few essentials, namely my Contigo full of coffee, a packet of Pringles and of course some recovery equipment, I set forth to Llangollen which wasn’t far from my first lane.

Lane 1 The first lane that had pencilled in was Trailwise ref: SJ1439-01 and takes me from Ceiriog Forest to the A5.

It was truly a pain to get to via a myriad of single track lanes often blocked by locals having a chat, and being honest, I was a little disappointed.

According to ViewRanger it was just under 4 miles long, but after around a mile or so the dusty track turned to tarmac. T he drive down towards the A5 was a steep, single track road, and although it offered some stunning views, it isn’t a lane I’d bother to drive again.

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Lane 2 Joining the A5 I headed west towards Cerrigydrudion where I turned right and headed towards Llyn Brenig to drive the dirt track that circumnavigates it. Being a forestry track it’s well maintained and open for cars, walkers, cyclists and is access for those of us who fish. There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy both the views and solitude.

As I've written previously, ‘off-roading’ isn’t always about testing you and your 4x4s ability in the rough stuff, it’s about enjoying access and the freedom it brings. Having said that, these tracks are flat and I wouldn’t hesitate driving an F-Type along them.

At this point it was lunch time so I decided to pull over and make a brew and a burger using my Ghillie Kettle. As usual I had boiling hot water for a brew within minutes, and as the fire was still burning hot I removed the kettle from the base and fried the burger in the the pan - lovely.

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Lane 3 Returning to the A5 I would normally turn left onto the B4407 towards Ffestiniog, however the next lane I wanted to drive is just a few hundred yards further on, and one I’ve been wanting to drive for a while.

SH8449-01 is now sadly fully graded and is access to a number farms, great views though.

Heading down into Ysbyty Ifan I had 2 lanes on my list and the first was SH8348-01 but on Trailwise it mentioned there was a rocky section, so my plan was to get out and walk it. However, by this time it was around 3.00pm and was really hot and I wasn’t in the mood to walk, so I figured that I’d leave it for next time.

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Lane 4 Turning right at Ysbyty Ifan I left the B4407 around 300yrds further up past a farm that eventually leads me to SH8049-01. Take your time here because there are some beautiful views to soak in. You go through a couple of gates before you even get to the lane, and although it appears that it hasn’t been driven for a while, it’s in good condition and looks like it has a fresh layering of white stone along its way, probably by the farmer.

There are around 5 gates to drive through and all but one are a decent width, the other one however was a very tight squeeze in Deux Smurf. It didn't help that the gate wouldn’t fully open and I had no one with me to hold it in place and shout encouragement, I had to swing her round a bit so I could be straight and just squeezed through.

Once through and at the top which, according to ViewRanger, is around 400mtrs, the views were stunning, to the left there are hills and on the right there are, well, more hills.

Heading back down the other side of the hill there were quite a number of deep diagonal channels dug into the track to direct rain water which were the most challenging part of the lane. Eventually reaching the end I was glad I drove from the Ysbyty Ifan

side, as access from Penmachno would be quite confusing due to the number of gates that allow access to fields and farms.

From Penmachno I headed back towards A5 for a mile or so along the B4406 before turning left onto another spectacular road, the A470.

I turned left and headed for the train station at Pont-Y-Pant and onto the next lane that is made up of a few Trail Wise reference points, SH7352-02, SH7452-01 and SH7453-01. The only advisory warning about this lane was that there’s a narrow bridge to drive through.

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Lane 5

Starting from the Pont-Y-Pant side it’s quite narrow and I had to get out and scout the track for a good hundred yards or so just to be certain I could fit as there’s no room to turn around.

After a steep-ish rocky decent it veers to the left with a high bank on the left and tall stone wall on your right.

Getting out to open the gate was fun, but not as fun as the 5-point turn for the 90 degree right hand bend to get under the very narrow railway bridge!

Once I'd lined myself up, I jumped out, folded both mirrors in, took a deep breath and went for it, albeit, very slowly.

Emerging unscathed the rest of the lane was nice and open, basically you drive along a rutted track through a field with the railway line to your left and river Lledr on your right, I couldn’t resist stopping for a quick paddle to cool down.

And that was it, I turned right in the middle of Dolwyddelan onto the A470 and headed towards Blaenau Ffestiniog, then A496 towards A487 towards Porthmadog.

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I missed the last lane I wanted to drive as by the time I had realised driven past the start I couldn’t be bothered going back for it, I was hungry, hot and knackered.

On reaching Pwllheli, where my parents were staying, I set up the Cobb BBQ and threw on a couple of homemade burgers, cracked open a cold Guinness and chilled for the rest of the evening and reflected on quite a productive days ‘laning.

• • • • •

PC, smartphone and tablet friendly Toggle between BOAT, UCR and Legacy layers Information on restrictions and closures Multiple mapping options including OS Easy to zoom in and out

• • • • •

Add comments and photos against routes Extensive coverage of England and Wales Share a lane on Facebook or Twitter Available exclusively to GLASS members TW2... TrailWise, but smarter!

WHERE WILL YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

acebook Page of the Month Once, not so long ago, if you wanted to catch up with like minded enthusiasts, you’d join a forum.

It appears these days however that Facebook has taken over the mantle for the place to go for information. So, in the aptly titled ‘Facebook Page of the Month’ every month I will invest hours of time, effort and energy searching Facebook for interesting and relevant groups so you don’t have to. It’s serious work, or so I tell Muddy Madam!

facebook.com/northernmonkey4x4 Northern Monkey is 4x4 group based predominantly around the North West of England, though they welcome people from all over, with any make and model of vehicle, all they ask is that members have a genuine interest in 4x4s.

WHO STARTED IT IT? Adam Metcalfe, Liam Greenwood, Rachel Parker, Gazz Parker, Sammy Sam, Geoff Heywood, Glen Hanson, Nick Ormiston, Mark Hayes and Catherine Johnson.

WHEN & WHY? Northern Monkey was formed in June/July 2019.

Initially we were just a group of friends from a previous Land Rover specific club that wanted to branch out and integrate with other makes and models from the 4x4 community.

It was formed to be a truly friendly and welcoming group that allows members to participate in all types of activities 4x4 related. So far we have hosted green laning trips, camping weekends, static displays and pub meets.

Northern Monkey 4x4 is also aiming to improve the presence of, and represent, the 4x4 for the better, to that end we have also participated in a G.L.A.S.S repair day to complete repair works to a green lane that had become impassable much to the thanks of the land owners and local authority.

We have also supported a charity event for the Chernobyl Children's Project at Wormhough 4x4 club where teenagers from regions affected by the Chernobyl disaster are brought to the UK on a 4 week long recuperative holiday. They are given medical and educational support, and get to do activities they would not normally have access to, such as our 4x4 off roading day. The event was a huge success and a credit to all involved.

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HOW MANY MEMBERS SO FAR? We have 700 members in the Facebook group currently.

CAN MEMBERS ORGANISE THEIR OWN TRIPS? Members are encouraged to organise their own trips and events.

AREA? Mainly North West England however we welcome enthusiasts from all over to participate in discussion and attend events where possible.

ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Northern Monkey 4x4 would encourage all 4x4 users & enthusiasts to join, we are a free club with no membership fees charged. Members can donate to our cause via PayPal to help support insurance and event costs if they choose to do so. We will continue to arrange laning trips, 4x4 days, static shows and club stands and to participate in events for the good of the whole 4x4 community where possible, if you would like to get involved please join us on FaceBook or you can see us on Instagram - northernmonkey4x4.

ARE THERE PUB MEETINGS? Yes, we currently have an arrangement with the Lancashire & Cumbria Green Lane Association to co-operatively host our meetings so keep an eye out on ours, and their pages.

If you, or your group, would like to be featured as FB Page of the Month send us a quick email to:

POTM@themudlife.co.uk The Mud Life is on Facebook too:

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As I’m hoping you know by now, The Mud Life isn’t any ordinary 4x4 magazine, it’s lovingly put together by Muddy Madam and I. When Tom from 4x4 Adventure Tours decided to advetise with us we thought it'd be fun to find out about what it's like to join a tour and enjoy a Moroccan 4x4 experience.

PrePared TO gO furTher Overland TOurs

Morocco Portugal Pyrenees

uk TOurs

Wales, devon lakes & Yorkshire salisbury Plain and Many More

0776 933 6099

info@4x4adventuretours.co.uk

www.4x4adventuretours.co.uk

@4x4AdventureOverland

4x4adventuretours

What do you mean by an overland adventure expedition?

You're on a two week holiday, but we like to try to create a spirit of adventure. This means we expect the group to work together as a team, and the group will need to be active participants in the adventure.

The routes and agenda are flexible depending on the parties abilities, vehicles and preferences, as is accommodation choices. We often look to explore some new tracks as part of the adventure. Re-treading old ground isn't as adventurous. Team work allows us to take on more challenging and adventurous routes that would otherwise not be possible as individuals. Each participant may be asked to carry additional pieces of recovery equipment.

These trips are intended as an off-road 4×4 adventure, not a cultural tour, and don't specifically include site-seeing trips, though if time allows it may be possible. We look to seek out challenging terrain that tests driving skills and use the full capabilities of the vehicles.

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What preparation is needed to go on a 4x4 Adventure Tour of Morocco?

It depends on the vehicle really, but in general, there isn't a massive amount of preparation needed for a Morocco trip.

The vehicle needs to be well serviced, and will need some decent tyres, with possibly a second spare; you certainly don't want to set off with any known problems. It's also helpful to take some tools and recovery gear. The best upgrade you can make, if you're going to spend money on your vehicle, is on your suspension. We always carry additional fuel and water, although it's not often needed, it's more for emergencies.

Why should people go to Morocco with a guided tour, rather than on their own?

You can go on your own, many people do, however, a guided tour is a great way to get the best out of the time you have. We have the knowledge of the best routes, and the best places to stay.

Working together as a team, you can achieve more than you could on your own, and if you get into difficulties, then there are other people and vehicles to help.

Are there specific areas that are not safe to travel?

Morocco is generally very safe, although some areas are riskier than others, especially in the Rif Mountains. Certain areas are difficult, and you would not want to do them on your own - the sand dunes in the Sahara, and mountain passes in certain conditions.

If your vehicle got stuck or breaks down whilst on your own, you could find yourself in a serious situation; with a group of vehicles, it makes it much safer.

What are the driving conditions? How hard will it be?

A lot of the tour is just normal driving, even though you are off-road.You are driving tracks and trails used by local vehicles. There are some areas that are more challenging and technical, and a few lost routes the locals no longer use. Much of it can be weather dependant.

The sand dunes are unique, and a highlight of the trip. They are also a stand-alone section, and can be risky, so we can head to some of the smaller dunes to test driving skills, or they can be avoided entirely and people can take a camel ride instead. If drivers are up for it, we can guide them through the middle of the dune sea. Personally, I don't think there is a better experience than driving a 4x4 through the dunes.

There are other technical sections, and the trip is tailored to the capabilities of the vehicles and the people. We don't do a lot of technical routes in Morocco, partly due to being a long way from home. We're not looking for very serious technical off-roading. It's more about driving through the desert, driving through the mountains and then the forests and seeing the ever-changing scenery. It's still challenging, but in a different way.

How unique is Morocco as a driving destination?

I think it's unparalleled, really. It is an absolute dream to drive, because of the amount of variation, and the continually changing scenery. You would have to travel a very long way to find a similar environment. There is everything, forests, mountains, deserts and sand dunes, all within a few days of each other, and it is such a friendly country as well. It's a pleasure to travel around and speak to the locals.

The country is very accommodating to travellers, and with the history and heritage of the Dakar rally, and continuing Desert Raid scene, it is well set up to receive groups of 4x4s.

European drivers are frequent visitors, because it's much easier for the French and the Spanish to get there. There's no fuss about where you drive or where you can go, and they've got some good mechanics out there that are used to fixing problems with 4x4s.

Is it a 'roughing it' style tour?

Not unless you want it to be! There are choices to be made; alot of the campsites will have rooms, or there are other local hotels. If you bring the right equipment, you should not be roughing it anyway, and part of the fun is wild camping, especially out in the desert. We often make a specific trip into the forests on the way south to pick up firewood; there's nothing like wild camping with a roaring fire in a desert, real darkness and a sky full of stars. However, we don't wild camp every night, there are stops to get cleaned up every couple of days at campsites or hotels.

The trip is flexible enough to allow the clients to make these choices.

Is it purely a 4x4 trip, or are there tourist elements?

Primarily it is a 4x4 driving tour, it's not a cultural trip. If you want to see the big cities you're better off booking a normal holiday. Realistically it just limits the scope of what you can do in you 4x4, because the best driving is found further south in the desert, and the further you can get, the better the driving is. A day in the city is a day missed driving.

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There are exciting things to see and do on the way, it's not all driving. There is time to visit markets and local attractions on the route, and see the real local culture, especially the Berbers.

We often unexpectedly come across memorable sights. On the last trip we saw a Houbara Bustard (a very rare cousin of the great bustard birds found on Salisbury Plain), desert foxes and a nomad with a massive herd of camels in the middle of nowhere.

What is Morocco like as a 4x4 destination?

It's an awesome place to drive around in a 4x4. There's nothing like the vast open desert stretches, and the feeling of freedom you get travelling down the Draa valley and Lake Ikiri - huge open expanses where you just pick your line and go for it. There is nothing like the challenge of driving Dunes, it takes 100% concentration and a mix of foot to floor power, but all done with great care and restraint too. Mix all this with the mountains and the forests, and Morocco has everything to make a two-week holiday seem like a proper adventure.

Tell us about your adventures...

Our trip is sold as a 10 day trip (often it's 11days) in Morocco, including the day arriving and departing on the ferry. Part of the journey is getting yourself down to southern Spain. We usually take the Brittany ferries down to Santander on the Northern coast of Spain, then it's a one and a half day drive to the official start of the trip at a campsite in Southern Spain (although we are happy to travel down with you from the UK, if our schedule suits yours).

The first day we cross via ferry into Morocco. We like to get offroad straight away. There are tracks effectively straight out the port to the first night stop at Chefchaouen, across the Rif Mountains.

There are always going to be some tarmac section although we try to minimise these. The second day and the last day especially. Once we get down towards the Atlas Mountains, the real tracks begin.

We try to say off-road (off the tarmac) most of the time. Some tarmac is unavoidable, but we look to avoid driving long sections.

We want to get out in the wilderness, driving some great tracks, and there are some exciting ones.

What sort of support do you provide as a guide?

I am a professional guide with years of experience driving in Morocco and Africa, and I try to provide as much support as possible. I'm am also a mechanic and carry an extensive tool kit.

We take plenty of spares for our own Land Rovers, which could be used on similar vehicles, and we also know a network of garages and mechanics that are very helpful and resourceful. There is a good chance we can fix many of the minor problems, but if we can't, then we will get you to a local garage to get the vehicle fixed.

A full preparation guide is provided before the trip, and we are always happy to offer help, support and advice, before, during and after the trip.

To join upcoming 4x4 Adventure Tours to Morocco, check out their website : www.4x4adventuretours.co.uk

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Each month we give you an easy menu that any buffoon can make whilst out in the great outdoors, and when I say ‘any buffoon’, I obviously mean me.

In the Goods & Gear section earlier in this mag we’ve review the Camp, Cook, Dine Cookbook (which we have a copy for you to win), and it would’ve been remiss of me not to share one of my favourite recipes from it, Patatas Bravas.

This one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to prepare and make, and guaranteed to warm your cockles. It's the type of meal that’s begging to be mopped up with a loaf of crusty bread.

Head to the next page for the receipe...

Patatas Bravas Equipment Single hob Frying pan Chopping board Sharp knife Wooden spoon Ingredients 175g chorizo, thinly sliced 350g new potatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp cumin 1 fresh red chilli, sliced 1 garlic clove, chopped 400g can of chopped tomatoes Loaf of crusty bread (optional) Instructions Put your frying pan on whatever stove you’re using to heat up and add the chorizo and dry fry for around a minute.

Add the thinly sliced potatoes for a round 5 minutes. Like the chorizo, the thinner you slice them the quicker they cook.

Add the cumin, garlic and chilli and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Depending on how much heat you can manage, you may want to deseed the chilli.

Empty in the can of chopped tomatoes and simmer for around 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender, then devour with some crusty white bread.

Top Tip

Don’t wear a white shirt whilst preparing or eating!

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es d i R s ' r e Read

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Keith Smith and I work in a Finance team wrangling spreadsheets and frequently telling members of the public they’ve called through to the wrong department History of cars leading up your present 4x4 In order: 1977 Ford Escort MkII, 1979 VW Passat MKII (loved that car!) 1981 Volvo 245, 1973 Reliant Scimitar SE5a, 1979 Mini 1000, 1984 Mini 25, 1990 Mini Italian Job (I love classic Minis, OK??), 1985 Pug 205 GRD, 1999 Ford Ka, 1992 VW Polo Coupe, 1996 Ford Escort 1.6, 1999 VW Polo, 2007 VW Polo Sport Present 4x4(s) The current fleet is comprised of my 1980 Land Rover Series 3 88 (Mattilda), 1975 Land Rover Series 3 109 (The Biggun), and a 2002 Land Rover Freelander td4 as my daily driver (Manny) Modifications done On Mattilda, electronic ignition, parabolic springs, converted to soft top (she was a utility van when I bought her), ‘Wolf’ wheels, Wright Offroad acoustic matting, remote axle breathers and USB & 12v power sockets in the dash. The Biggun’s a work in progress but has had an engine swap (Nissan LD28 to 200Tdi), Ashcroft High-Ratio transfer case upgrade, parabolic springs with +2” dampers and I changed the plastic Defender-style front end for a Stage One grille and headlamp bezels. The Hippo has benefitted from steelies and slightly oversize ATs

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Favourite Modifications That’s a tough call between Mattilda’s soft top and the acoustic matting – since they’ve both helped considerably reduce noise levels, can I say both??

Modifications to do I plan to fit a gasflowed unleaded head to Mattilda and probably a stainless exhaust while I’m at it. The Biggun will soon get a hard top and fitted out for camping, plus new boots all round and a snorkel, while Manny will get a 30mm lift and a new, slimmer exhaust back box so I don’t keep dragging it’s a**e along the ground on rutted tracks!!

Favourite green-laning trip Any one where I don’t have mechanical issues at the end of it!! But actually Strata Florida last year with another well-known (Land Rover) magazine was fantastic – the route itself was amazing, obviously, but the camaraderie with a bunch of folks I’d never previously met to me summed up everything that’s great about the laning community Lottery win 4x4 I’ve thought long and hard about this one, it’d be a toss-up between a Land Rover 101FC and a Series 1 80” with lights through the grille – I think the S1 pips it but hey, maybe it’ll be a big enough win to buy a whole fleet of classic 4x4s!!

Favourite car related film Well this one’s a no-brainer, clearly it can only be The Italian Job. I won’t specify ‘the original’ because there’s only one version as far as I’m concerned! It’s got Minis (did I mention I like Minis?) and a Land Rover in it, what’s not to love??

Favourite biscuits I don’t have a massively sweet tooth but I do quite like a salted caramel cookie.

I’d rather shove a sausage roll in my face though Where can we find more details?

I’m on Facebook as Mattilda’s Journey, but mainly Instagram as mattildas_ journey, and also mannythehippo for those of a Freelander persuasion.

I also have a work-in-progress website at www.mattildasjourney.com

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es d i R s ' r e Read

Who are you and what do you do?

Adam Metcalfe – Business Change/Project Manager.

History of cars leading up your present 4x4 Vauxhall Vectra (first car), Defender 110 TD5 (the one that got away), Mazda 3 MPS, Defender 90 300tdi (the dog), Mazda 3 MPS (so good, I bought a second one), Nissan Patrol Y61, Seat Exeo, Discovery 3 TDV6, Present 4x4(s) Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 – My luxury off roader.

Modifications done • Suspension lift rods • 32.5” mud tyres • roof rack • CB radio • bush cables • LED Spotlights • exhaust chop and stickers.

Favourite Modifications Must be the exhaust chop where I removed the back box.

It really lets the V8 breathe and shout and now has a very grumbly bark when I put my foot down. Not great for fuel economy but it’s all about smiles per gallon.

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Modifications to do Light bar, leisure battery, rear shelf/draw system with integrated sleeping platform, jerry can storage, rear ladder, rock sliders, snorkel, underbody protection and maybe some custom steel bumpers.

Favourite green-laning trip I love getting out to the Lake District, its only an hour drive away for us and gives access to some of the best lanes out there with stunning views!

with a huge camper set up on the back and room for a ‘toy carrier’ to haul a smaller 4x4 with it. Live and play from the one vehicle!

Favourite car related film Not sure if its strictly car related but I do love the old Mad Max films with the modified rat cars they have and the eternal struggle for petrol – its very relatable to me driving the V8.

Favourite biscuits Has to be a Hob Nob!

Lottery win 4x4 One of the truck 4x4’s like a MAN KAT or Unimog probably

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es d i R s ' r e Read

Who are you and what do you do?

Will Rhodes, international sales and marketing guru, with a passion for modifying. I set-up my website xs4x4.parts in 2013 to bring the best upgrades from around the world to pick-up truck owners in the UK, and then in 2018 started doing the same for van owners.

History of cars leading up your present 4x4 -- My first car was a Montego 1.6 GL that rolled onto its roof in the new forest.

-- a Peugeot 405 GRI -- MG Montego turbo, driven into the back of a lorry. Sold it for parts on my drive over three months, and made more than I paid for it.

-- a MK1 Manta -- Peugeot 405 MI16 in full max power spec with over £3k in Rockford Fosgate ICE. This is when I got into my modifying stride with Span suspension and 18” team dynamic wheels to look like the BTTC 405 race car.

-- loads of crappy company cars for a few years, the normal drivel of Vectras, Focus and one particularly beat up Mk4 golf turbo diesel. I had to drive it down the M3 back to Bournemouth with a bust turbo.

-- a Lexus MK1 GS300. threw 19" kahn wheels on this -- more crappy company cars for another few years. until I was able to get a new 3 door Mk5 Golf GTD turbo with 160bhp.You had to drive it like you stole it to keep the turbo spinning but it was hoot and still gave 40+MPG. -- I invested in a brand new Lexus IS220D for a new job. It was gutless and never felt like the 179bhp offered, neither did it give the MPG promised.

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-- After nine months and an accident, the 220 was part exchanged for a 2006 Mk3 Lexus GS300SE, and fitted Tanabe springs and 20" Vossen wheels. After years of getting trapped on the M27 and M3 in rush hours, I got my bike licence and this is where I really fed my modification bug.

-- Bought a brand new Suzuki SV1000SZ, and fully modified the suspension to WSS spec and upgraded the engine & brakes, new ECU and Yoshimura sport exhaust from the USA Thundertwin race series. It was a 3-year project that included having the suspension tuned by one of the guys from Crescent Suzuki BSB race team.

-- It handled so well on the track, but was too hard for the road, so brought myself a new road bike, the Suzuki B-king.

All panels were replaced with carbon fibre panels and custom twin exhaust. The Hayabusa engine with a super smooth gearbox was a joy to ride on a dry day, and, with the super short exhaust it sounded like an angry Ferrari! The smoothest riding bike I ever rode.

-- I was made redundant in 2009, so both bikes and the Lexus GS300 had to be sold, but I was able to get a £400 part-ex bargain from a car dealer friend, a MK1 2.4td Pajero which lead me to 4x4s. During a couple of years unemployment, and depression I rebuilt and refurbished that old truck. The support I received from the 4x4 community, and being able to take out my Pajero was a godsend. Very cheap thrills compared to what I had done in the past, but who knew you could have so much fun driving at 5mph all day round Salisbury Plain.

-- After selling the Pajero, I purchased a 4.7ltr Jeep Grand Cherokee, a great car to start modifying. In 2012, a glorious weekend on the Isle of Wight with the Dirty Bastards Jeep Club gave me the confidence to start my own marketing and sales consultancy business.

-- From there I worked as a sales and marketing consultant for Lazer Lamps and Wilderness Lighting, and during this time I noticed a lot of products for the modern day pick-up truck were being sold in Europe, but not in the UK. Xtreme Sales 4x4 was born in June 2013 with our first company demo truck, a 2012 Toyota Hilux 3.0TD invincible.

Present 4x4(s) Toyota Hilux 2016 2.4td Icon.

Modifications done Because it’s a company demo vehicle, we’ve gone to town on the mods…

• After market grill with running lights.

• Rival underbody 6mm Aluminium bash plates from the front to beyond transfer case and fuel tank, all sprayed in red Raptor paint.

• Rival4x4 front and rear bumper Upol Raptor coated in body matching colour.

• Goldfish 9.5c winch with synthetic Dynamic rope with Factor 55 fairlead and a factor 55 Ultrahook in Anodised blue.

• Currently running Black Rhino wheels Chase 18x10" wheels with Atturro AZ800 285/60R18 tyres.

• It has had 20" Overland with Atturo XT, and 18" Method race wheels MR306 with Renegade MT and Cooper ST Maxx, my favourite tyre for pick-ups.

• Kutsnake Monster Flares smoothed and colour coded, fitted with chemically blacked Stainless Steel bolts.

• Clearview towing electric Mirrors.

• Wilderness lighting Led lights 20" solo, two compact 40w in the front bumper 40w scene light in the rear bumper and blue rock lights all controlled by the great Switch Pros SP9100 8 switch system with full wireless control with you phone, including the winch.

• Rival tree rail/ side steps.

• SuperPro Europe front and rear antiroll bars.

• Adjustable upper control arms and all the bushes upgrade to SuperPro. • 2" easy lift kit and strut top mounts.

• 100% pull out load bed.

• Load bed fully coated in colour matched Raptor.

• Two options for the load bed, I ether run a soft tonneau cover or a custom design rack system with 40" rear facing scene led light. I have even carried thirty 3.9m scaffolding planks on the rack and didn't move an inch.

Favourite green-laning trip?

Salisbury Plain with the Pajero Owner's Club when I had just finished the 4 inch lift kit build on my 4.7l V8 Grand Cherokee.

It attacked every hill effortlessly and didn't break a cv on the prop shaft either. Can't say that was always the case.

Lottery win 4x4 The new Rivian EV truck. If it’s half as good as it looks on paper this could be the ultimate trip car, or the Desert spec Nissan Patrol only sold in the Middle East. The fit and finish is superb and comes with double beadlock wheels, raised suspension and underbody protection as standard.

Favourite car-related film The Italian Job, the original one, and the best chase scenes Ronin - no special effects, no CGI, just great stunt driving.

Favourite biscuits Bourbons / Dark Chocolate digestive Where can we find more details?

Facebook: Xtremesales & rhodesVans Instagram: xtremesales & rhodesvans websites: xs4x4.parts & rhodesvans.co.uk

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PAST JALOPIES

Travelling Smurf Pt.3 Last month I left you with the news that, after long trip to Scotland and back for new year celebrations, I decided to treat the Smurf to a new set of tyres, BFG All Terrains to be precise. I’d had them on my old ’74 Range Rover and 90 hybrid and absolutely adored them.

It was soon March, which meant warm weather, and during one particular lovely Spring afternoon whilst driving home from work I opened all the windows to let some fresh air in. Over the roar of the big diesel however, I could hear this annoying little rattle from underneath, it was like driving over a cattle grid every time I drove over a bump.

An inspection underneath found worn anti roll bar bushes.

New bushes were ordered from Milner, replaced, fitted and... nope, it wasn’t that.

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Let’s have a look at the shocker bushes - fine, steering guard? Fine, arghh! It wasn’t until July, when a chance peek on www.hiluxsurf.co.uk brought the answer, hub bushes. A thread had been started by a forum member and the conclusion was to replace them with Toyota Part numbers T90381-30003 and T90381-30006. The photos that appeared on the site showed them to be plain brass bushes with quite complex spiral oil ways in the bore and also across the flange.

PAST JALOPIES Fortunately I managed to save a small fortune by buying a set off a hiluxsurf member for just £25.

Around the same time, some buffoon left one of the interior lights on over an entire weekend which led to two completely flat batteries. Idiot. Whilst the Britannic rescue bloke was attaching a booster pack to both batteries (one wasn’t sufficient!), I noticed that one of the fan belts looked a little worse for wear. She was due for a service anyway, so I phoned Steve Wilson Auto’s in Bolton and a full service was booked; oil change, timing belt, etc. Whilst he was at it, I asked him to replace the hub bushes, and a few other bits ‘n’ bobs.

All the above was sorted with the up most efficiency just in time for a weekend away in the caravan at Ambleside, again, the journey was uneventful. The last time we were up there it was during a cold, wet and miserable February (aren’t they all?). Muddy Madam and I attempted to drive the Wynose and Hardknotts Passes in our old ’74 Range Rover, but were beaten by deep snow and treacherous ice.

This time it was late August, so there was no excuse. At about 380 metres above sea level with severe bends, it’s an awesome road.

Driving around the steep, tight bends brought high pitched squeals from the huge 31-10.50R15 BFGs, and my rubber joined the many skid marks on the road where other drivers had obviously fought for traction. From there we explored a few green-lanes whilst making our way back to the caravan.

Whilst on the hiluxsurf forum one afternoon, a conversation was started about Toyota recalling a lot of Surfs due to to a dodgy steering rod. The words ‘dodgy’ and ‘steering’ are two words that really shouldn’t be seen together, so I decided to do what other members had done and send an e-mither off to Toyota Customer Relations enquiring to see if my Smurf was affected.

I must admit that I thought Toyota replacing a part on a twelve year old imported vehicle was going to be a long shot. Anyhow, a week later I received a rather pleasant phone call saying that Toyota had authorised the repair under the terms of the recall, and all I had to do was contact my local dealership, quote my case reference number, and arrange a date to drop her off.

It was all very efficient, I dropped her off and I even got a lift home again. I would have got a courtesy car but there was an old dear sat behind me who had a broken 'yota, and she wanted the same car, so I let her have it, the courtesy car that is.

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PAST JALOPIES

True to their word, I received a phone call a few hours later saying that it's all complete, and their driver would be at my door soon. I went down stairs to get my coat and there he was! When I returned to RRG, I was greeted by Rob, the workshop foreman, who explained why Toyota had felt the need for the recall in the first place. Apparently some steering rods had fractured under immense strain whilst the vehicles were on full lock in off road conditions, sometimes they would then break and this would leave both front wheels facing inwards, which is never a good thing to happen.

I didn't get a free bottle of bubbly, nor a free valet, as others had had from the forum, but efficient and helpful service, to be honest, is more important to me. Well done Radcliffe Road Garage in Bolton.

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PAST JALOPIES A few weeks later I noticed a squeal emanating from the Smurf when driving, it didn’t matter if I was braking, accelerating or just cruising, it was a constant squeal. Turned out to be the front brake pads were wearing down. You see, Toyota fit thin metal strips to their pads, so when the squealing begins you know it’s time to change ‘em. Unfortunately, with the super sound proofing in my Smurf, I can only hear them when the windows are open, and because it was almost December the windows aren’t open that often. Armed with 8 new brake pads and the minimum of tools, I set about changing them all, and as usual working on the Smurf was an absolute doddle, it was so easy it’s hardly worth a mention.

That was another year of Surf ownership over, she had towed the caravan on a few holidays, taken us on quite a few green-laning trips, 4x4 Pay and Play days and of course the daily commute without letting us down once.

But wait, what’s that noise? Surely that isn’t the exhaust that’s about to snap in two, is it?

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ARC National RETRO SNAPS

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Eastnor, 1998 Can you spot you or your motor in these photos from bygone mud adventures?

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Fancy an off-road challenge?

Want to get your 4x4 filthy?

Don’t ruin our ancient byways, try out your local P&P site instead…

A few pointers…It’s important that you check the site’s requirements before you visit, such as: Does your 4x4 need to be road legal?

Do you need to show proof of age, vehicle MOT and insurance documents? Are your recovery points secure? Do you even have any recovery points?

To avoid disappointment, always check with the individual site before you set off. Also remember that, as well as a good quality tow rope, it’s always useful to bring along some rags and a bottle of water to clean your lights and reg plates so you can stay legal whilst driving home!

Pay & Play Directory NORTH

Avalanche Adventures

Hill ’n’ Ditch

Activities: Pay & Play http://www.hillnditch4x4.com 07974 398201

Explore Off Road

Activities: Pay & Play, Off Road Driver Training, 4x4 Experiences http://www.exploreoffroad.co.uk 07970 286881

Kirton Off Road

Activities: Pay & Play, 4x4 Experiences https://www.korc.co.uk 01652 245022

SOUTH Essex Rochford & District 4x4 Club Activities: Pay & Play http://www.4x4er.co.uk

Devils Pit

Activities: Pay & Play http://www.devilspit.co.uk 07764 159478

R 104

Activities: Pay & Play, 4x4 Experiences https://avalancheadventure.co.uk 01858 880613

4x4 Without A Club

Activities: Pay & Play http://www.4x4-withoutaclub.co.uk 07887533168

4x4 Driving

Activities: Pay & Play, Off Road Driver Training http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 07802 582826

Piccadilly Wood

Activities: Pay & Play http://www.piccadillywood4x4.co.uk 07984 543886

Ultra Adventure Driving

Activities: Pay & Play / 4x4 driver training http://www.ultraadventuredriving.co.uk 01978 358 444

John Morgan 4x4 Driving / Slindon Safari Activities: Pay & Play http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 01903 812195

emember, motorsport is dangerous, and it can also be a lot of fun, so be sensible out there.

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

4x4 Tours D-Day Tours

Ardent Off Road

Highland All Terrain

One Life Adventure

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.dday1944.tours 07773 110101

Activities: 4x4 Tours, 4x4 Experiences https://ardentoffroad.com 01757 638479

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.highlandscenicsafari.co.uk 01528 544358

Activities: 4x4 Tours & vehicle prep training https://www.onelifeadventure.co.uk 01347 830188

Cambrian Way

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.cambrianway.com 01550 750274

Off Road Driver Training & Experiences NORTH

SOUTH

SCOTLAND

North Yorkshire Off Road Centre

Wild Tracks

Scottish Off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

Tours http://www.nyoffroad.co.uk 07787 555060

Explore Off Road

Activities: Pay & Play

Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.exploreoffroad.co.uk 07970 286881

UK WIDE All Terrain Services

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training

4x4 Experiences

Self Drive Tours https://www.allterrainservices.co.uk 01792 862669

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences https://www.wildtracksltd.co.uk 01638 751918

True Grip off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.truegripoffroad.co.uk 01233 662251

Protrax

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training https://www.protrax.co.uk 01536 772238

Avalanche Adventures

Activities: Pay & Play

4x4 Experiences https://avalancheadventure.co.uk 01858 880613

Ash 4x4

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.ash4x4.com 07581 030331

Activities: Off Road Driver Training http://www.scotoffroad.co.uk 07711 217759

Far X Four

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.farxfour.com 01450 860275

4x4 Driving

Activities: Pay & Play

Off Road Driver Training http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 07802 582826

WALES Bala 4x4

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training https://www.bala4x4.co.uk 01536 772238

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