June 12, 2006
Practical 4x4 Off Roads Information
Subscribers: 4577Hi
Welcome to this edition of the 4x4 Newsletter!
Remember that your opinion matters and I am open to suggestions and ideas regarding the web site and the contents of this newsletter.
If you like this e-zine, please do a friend and me a BIG FAVOR and forward it to them.
TOPICS:
- A Note From The Editor
- On The Drawing Board
- Article Contest - Winners
- 4x4 Article Contest Summer 2006
- Readers Rigs Are On!
- New 4x4 Articles And Off Road Stories
- ARTICLE: Dangers of 4x4s and SUVs
- Your Single Biggest Wish?
- Tip - Go SLOWLY Down Hill
- Do You Have A Passion?
4x4OffRoads.com
May was sunny but rather cold. That should have resulted in lots of trips. Unfortunately as it turned out there was only one - but it was good - with the weather giving great views and the snow conditions perfect for cruising at high speeds.
I went to the first Formula Off Road Competition of the year at Akureyri in the north of Iceland. Got lots of cool shots of the action and you can read about it in the article and I even set up a page with the best shots in background wallpaper quality. Trust that you like the stuff.
Next competition will be in Mosfellsbaer just out of Reykjavik on June 24th.
eBook about 4 wheeling
Forum for 4x4s
Let me know what your biggest wish is by taking part in the SURVEY.
The Spring Article Contest resulted in some interesting and engaging stories. The results are in and the winners are:
GOLD - Lucas Sytsma - Netherlands
SILVER - Steve Tannhauser - Ontario Canada
BRONZE - Lucas Sytsma - Netherlands
- Loc Pham - Maryland - US
- Clay Greathouse - Colorado - US
Read more about the results and the articles here
4x4 Article! Spring 2006 Results.
I think articles from all over the world have enriched the 4x4OffRoads.com web site. I am therefore starting a new contest and this time you have all summer to think about an interesting subject or even experience a fun and eventful trip you want to share with other readers. Take your time to plan and dream about the stuff you want to do. Remember to have your camera with you and take some shots then do the write-up as soon as you can.
Please note that these articles will be a permanent part of the 4x4OffRoads.com web site and are only intended for the site. Articles that have been published on the internet or in magazines will not be eligible for prizes.
Specifications: Write a piece about a 4 wheeling adventure tour, off roading techniques, 4x4 modifications or related issues.
Submission Requirements:
* An original, unpublished piece not accepted by any publisher at the time of submission.
* Must have fewer than 1,000 words.
* Must fill out the below form with author's name, address and e-mail address as well as the title of the piece.
* Multiple entries are allowed.
* Must be free of pornographic content and must not promote racism or sexism. As young readers visit this site, strong language may be edited from published pieces.
* Pictures can be added to the article by replying to the automatic message and attaching the image file (jpg or similar).
* Must be sent in by September 15, 2006.
Judging: The editor, Thrandur Arnthorsson, will read and judge each entry. His decision is final.
Winners: The winner will be announced on this site by October 1, 2006. Gold, silver and bronze prizes will be given.
GOLD $250.00 USD - There can be only one!
SILVER $100.00 USD - Can be more than one.
BRONZE - All articles that are published.
4x4OffRoads.com receives first rights to the prize-winning articles. The winning entries are posted on this site. All other rights revert to the authors on October 1, 2006.
If you have a 4x4 you feel proud of and want to show others - please don't hesitate to submit pictures and descriptions.
Already there are a number of nice trucks up. My plan is to make these pages high-quality and accessible and I need your help in doing so. Almost all 4x4's are unique and I am sure yours is in some way. Share your experience and allow the rest of the 4 wheeling world to see your truck and how it is used...
Take some time in describing your 4x4 and how you enjoy it. Use as many words as needed. As more rigs are added I get more picky - choosing only interesting rigs with lots of information.
Here is the page for submitting your 4x4 and looking at other readers trucks.
Formula Off Road Background
Extraordinary background pictures from the Formula Off Road Championship
in Iceland. Pictures that show the most powerful 4x4s performing amazing
stunts. I only wish these pictures came with sound!
Formula Off Road - Akureyri 2006
Akureyri is a quiet little town by the north coast of Iceland. This
weekend that is all going to change specially built 4x4 vehicles are
hauled in by various means of transportation. Some in trailers and
others in large trucks.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Wallpaper
Stunning wallpaper pictures of my Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The pictures
are high resolution and show the Sport Trac in use in the beautiful
scenery of the Icelandic highlands.
Offroad Eiríksjökull
Primary purpose of going offroad is often to experience nature close up.
Whether it is taking a hike or going skiing or mountain biking.
Fiat Hummer Concept
Fiat Hummer Concept that they name "Oltre Fiat" was premiered in Bologna
Motor Show this winter. The Fiat Hummer is an interesting concept. It is
based on a military vehicle so it has little luxury.
ARTICLE
Dangers of 4x4s and SUVs
In a recent article in BBC News - 4x4 vehicles 'school run hazard' -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/4900000.stm there is talk
about the dangers of 4x4s in regards to school children.
In the article you can read about the different views of British
teachers (Association of Teachers and Lecturers) and the motor industry
(Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders).
This is not the first time we see articles and discussions about the
pros and cons of 4x4s. Environmental issues like CO2 emissions, safety
issues like accident reports, diesel vs. petrol and urban vs.
countryside are all commonly mixed up to make a great big spagetty pile
of unsolvable mess.
Here are a few often stated phrases and some of my observations and
points.
o 4x4s and SUVs are dangerous to pedestrians - True - but so are ALL
other types of cars and fast moving vehicles.
o Height of 4x4s and SUVs is the same as torso or even head of small
children - True - but same can be said about other types of cars like
vans and shuttles and buses and full size trucks. It should only tell us
to be extra careful where children hang out like playgrounds and
schools.
o 4x4s and SUVs emit more CO2 - The fact is that C02 emission is mostly
dependent on fuel consumption and fuel type. Heavier vehicles usually
use more fuel and therefore emit more CO2. Not all 4x4s or SUVs are
heavy.
o Diesels are more environmentally friendly - This is debatable. True
that diesel engines are more fuel efficient than petrol. Also true that
diesel engines emit less CO2 than comparable petrol engines. On the
other hand, diesels emit other types of pollution that can be just as
bad like ultra-fine particles and hydrocarbons. Diesel engine
development has been fast in the last years and if it continues we will
have clearer choices.
o 4x4s and SUVs are gas guzzlers - Like before, this is more an
indicator of weight. There are a number of light 4x4s like the Suzuki
and Honda. Newer vehicles are getting more and more fuel efficient.
o 4x4s should only be for the countryside - Then you are forgetting that
city people will also want to go for trips! Since I have the choice I
use a small car for urban driving and my 4x4 for trips. Some people
don't have access to more than one vehicle and some need a carrier for
bigger stuff.
Unfortunately a lot of prejudice is evident. Keep this in in mind when
this discussion comes up. What is needed is more research. Then let it
be the manufacturers responsibility to make the necessary improvements.
I am adding more and more content and value to 4x4OffRoads.com.
Please... if there's anything IMPORTANT that you wish I would do, anything that will make your life easier and/or bring you better knowledge...
Reply to this e-mail with your biggest wish for the site!
Another option for you is to take part in a simple survey I set up. It should only take a couple of minutes to fill out. Also you get to voice your preferences regarding further development of the 4x4OffRoads.com web site.
I review all wishes and use to build a list for the most wanted, which I then prioritize according to demand.
Driving down hill can be risky. Especially if the slope is long and loose with uneven surface. If you apply the brakes to hard you run the risk of loosing control with the 4x4 sliding to either side and possibly rolling over. Begin by estimating the danger and if the slope can be safely driven by you and your vehicle. For demanding hills use the low range and the first gear. Apply a light pressure on the brakes and be careful not to lock them up. Try and choose as straight a path as you can. Concentrate on getting the truck and passengers safely down.
I am sure you do!
Are you interested in knowing more about the internet and how to be a part of the fastest growing marketplace in the world?
I have put up a special section for downloading high quality e-books. These e-books have changed the way I look at the internet and the possibilities it represents! I suggest you download the ones that interest you and I would love to hear your thoughts on them.
If you like you can send me questions about how you can go about starting your own site. The space of ideas is without limits. Your experience and knowledge is something you can and should share with the world. It will make the world richer in so many ways.
Best wishes and keep on wheeling,
Thrandur Arnthorsson
4x4OffRoads.com
