A few weeks ago we discussed why choosing the right team is so important to any adventure, because let’s be honest, we’ve all be on at least one terrible trip or trail ride with a group.
So where do you start? First you want to make sure you’re not an ass hole someone that people want to travel with (if you’re a lone wolf feel free to stop reading now), once you’ve worked that out you can move on to the next step.
Now you need to start putting together your team, and I realized after a few trips, putting together the right group of people to travel with can be a pretty difficult task. So to help you along the way I’ve put together a list of the 5 people you want on your next trip.
The Dreamer
He usually spends his days dreaming about running a Jimco Trophy Truck in the Baja 1000 or putting together a trip that will take you across the entire continent of Africa. This is the first guy you want to recruit for your next trip. While his goals and dreams are lofty, he’ll make sure you stay motivated to get out on the trail. Plus he might even convince you to go to the Daytona 500 which will end up being the second best experience of your life (your wedding/first child/Redskins winning a Super Bowl will probably come first).
The Professional
Not only does he have a built truck and all the equipment necessary to cross the Darien Gap, but this guy has the skills to get the job done. He’s spent thousands of man hours taking training classes and practicing his skills, and he’s always happy to share his knowledge. You want him on your team because he’ll have all the gear you forgot at home, and if something goes south, he’ll be the one to get you home.
That “Guy”
His motto is “When in doubt, throttle out!” He’s not an expert driver, doesn’t own half of the necessary gear (because he can just borrow it from you), but he’s the guy that makes sure every trip is a memorable one. From getting hit by a lamp post (yes you read that right) on 95 South, to managing to get his truck stuck between two trees with zero body damage, you need want to have this guy around. If only for the fact that you’ll be telling stories about your experiences with him around the campfire for years to come.
The Tech Whore
He’s got all of the latest and greatest electronic equipment and he’s not afraid to use it. GPS mapping system? Check. Satellite dish to communicate with the International Space Station? Check. iWatch? He’s probably reading this article from it right now. When you’re out exploring back country roads you’ll be glad to have his cached maps, and when you get home he’ll be able to show you exactly where you went. You’ll just have to deal with his dog taking a dump in your living room.
The Utility Player
Sometimes he owns a truck, and sometimes he owns a Kia Soul, but he’s the guy that can pick up any slack and fill any gaps when you’re off the beaten path. Need someone to take pictures, cook some steaks, pull some cable, or chop some firewood? He’ll do it all without complaining once because he lives the motto of “one team one fight.” He does have a tendency to drink his weight in beer though so make sure you pack accordingly.
Honorable Mention – The Guy That Stays At Home
While you’re out sleeping on the ground in your sleeping bag, he’s getting 8 hours of sleep in his warm king size bed under a feathered duvet. Eventually we all end up being this guy at some point, newborn children, buying a home, or lifting weights will eventually take priority for most of us over hitting the road for the next adventure.
You’ve probably realized this by now, but I’m describing my good friends who I’ve been lucky enough to travel with and who I consider to be family. They make up the core of the DirtRoadTrip team and each and every trip would not be successful without their support. I hope this list helps you bring together just as strong a team as we’re lucky have for your next adventure!
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