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* An original, unpublished piece not accepted by any publisher at the time of submission.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 30, 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 15, 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 15, 2006.

Submit your article here...
 

Formula Off Road - Finland 2006 - 2
The second day in Finland is the fourth Formula Off Road World Cup event in 2006. After a night of little sleep for many contenders - who were fixing their trucks - the competition will be tough. Weather is cloudy and the forecast is for some showers. Lucky for all it stays dry for the most part.

Formula Off Road - Finland 2006 - 1
The third and fourth Formula Off Road World Cup events in 2006 are held in Finland. The events take place in a rock mine close to Kangasala and Tampere some 200 km north of Helsinki. Today is the first competition of the two.

4x4 Pics
Interesting and fun 4x4 pics shot by 4 wheeling enthusiast from all over the world.

Formula Off Road - Blonduos 2006
The fourth and final Formula Off Road event in the 2006 Icelandic Championship is held in Blonduos. Blonduos is a friendly little town by the north coast of Iceland. The weather man said it would be rain around the country. Lucky for us he proved wrong - hardly a drop fell from the sky.

ARTICLE

Off Road Preparation
Outsiders might think that driving off-road is like staying inside the truck at all times. As you probably know this is NOT TRUE. Most go wheeling to enjoy nature, discover new places and breath in some fresh air. Occasional problems, like getting out of a stuck or examining the route ahead also involves outdoor activities. You must therefore be prepared to dress for all possible types of weather for the terrain and climate intended. Here in Iceland like in other cold countries we must carry warm clothes and they better be wind and rainproof also! In a hot desert I imagine you will need clothes that keep the heat away.

Keep Your Truck in Good Shape
Keep your truck trail worthy between trips. Check the oil and examine the undercarriage for wear and tear. Take note of strange noises and smells and make sure everything is fixed before you go off-road.
Make sure you vehicle has towing points both front and rear and has a jack you can use for any wheel. A high-lift jack may need a special seat in newer trucks.
Take the proper tool set and spare parts you may need. Your 4x4s specific Haynes manual can also come in handy. Your fire extinguisher has a valid until date – be sure it is not passed. A first aid kit is necessary for longer trips and when you are far from civilization. As you use band-aids and other stuff from the kit – remember to fill it up again.
All passengers should have a good seat belt and keep it fastened at all times. Even though you think you see everything in front of you, the 4x4 can be stopped by external forces, like the ground giving in. Exceptions to wear a seatbelt can include crossing deep rivers where your life could depend on getting out quickly.
Consider the option of installing a rollover cage. During heavy rollovers the roof may not withstand the forces and collapse leaving you little room inside.


Before You Go
Take a short moment to inspect your truck – a small pre trip check. Examine the underside and watch for oil leakage or loose bolts. If anything has to be fixed it is much easier to do it at home than in the middle of nowhere.
Make sure your cargo and equipment is tied down securely. Hitting an unexpected bump on the road can make an innocent object highly dangerous flying weapon.
Always carry water for drinking. This is even more important the food. Food can be skipped for a few days – but not water. Keeping a small bag with emergency food is a good idea.
When you are planning a trip - especially if it will take more than a day - write down a short description of places you will stay at and a rough outline of the chosen route. Leave this with someone you know and trust. In case something doesn't go as you planned - a breakdown or an accident - the trip plan will help with the rescue.
If you change your plan along the way try to leave written notes of the changes in guest books or inform your trusted friend.

Travel in a Group
An important part of a successful journey is to have great traveling companions. For the most demanding trips I find it much safer to travel with more than one vehicle. It just makes things easier and it takes less time and effort to get out of a stuck if you have a truck or two to pull you out.
Don’t forget to keep track of others in the group. Find a common way to communicate with the others preferably a CB or VHF radio.
Look out for others and make sure they are not drifting in the wrong direction and note if anything is not in their proper place.