Before You Leave
Pre-Ride Safety Checklist
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Congratulations!
You officially signed up to spend the day exploring some of Southern California’s most beautiful roads.
You’re going to discover hidden backroads, amazing mountain views, tiny towns, friendly local businesses, great food, great people—and maybe even a rubber duck hiding somewhere.
But before you leave… let’s have a little talk.
Expect the Unexpected
This is Southern California. By the end of today you could experience:
- ✓60-degree mountain weather
- ✓105-degree desert heat
- ✓Wind, dust, rain, or fog
- ✓Wildlife and cattle crossings
- ✓Road construction and tractors
- ✓A Jeep covered in 500 rubber ducks
Yes… we’ve seen stranger. Anything can happen. The prepared adventurer always has more fun.
Rule #1: This Isn’t a Race
Repeat after us: “I am not trying to set a land speed record.” Good.
This is a road rally. Not NASCAR. Not Baja. Not Fast & Furious 14.
Slow down. Enjoy the scenery. Support local businesses. Take pictures. Wave at people, motorcycles, Jeeps, and cows. They’re judging your driving anyway.
The finish line will still be there when you arrive.
Your Vehicle Has One Job
Get you there. Get you home. Help it succeed.
Ask yourself: “Would I trust this vehicle to drive 100 miles through the mountains today?” If your answer is “I hope so…” today’s adventure should probably start with your mechanic.
Five-Minute Vehicle Check
- ✓Fuel
- ✓Oil
- ✓Coolant
- ✓Tire pressure
- ✓Spare tire
- ✓Battery
- ✓Brakes
- ✓Lights
- ✓Windshield wipers
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Phone charger
If your dashboard looks like Christmas morning… stay home.
Water Is More Important Than Horsepower
You might have 470 horsepower, 35-inch tires, a lift kit, winch, light bars, and a roof tent. That’s impressive. None of those things cure dehydration.
- ✓One gallon of water per person
- ✓Electrolytes
- ✓Healthy snacks and lunch
- ✓Ice chest
- ✓Cooling towels
- ✓More water—seriously
Extreme Heat Is No Joke
Our backcountry can easily reach 100–110°F. Your engine gets hot. Your tires get hot. Your phone gets hot. You get hot.
Drink water before you’re thirsty. Take breaks before you’re exhausted. Find shade before you absolutely need it.
If Your Vehicle Starts Overheating
Don’t panic, floor it, or yell at your temperature gauge. Turn off the A/C and turn on the heater. It sounds backwards, but it helps remove heat from the engine. If the temperature keeps climbing, pull over safely.
Never remove the radiator cap while it’s hot—unless you’ve always wondered what boiling coolant feels like.
If You Start Overheating
Your body has warning lights too. Watch for:
- ✓Headache
- ✓Dizziness
- ✓Nausea
- ✓Muscle cramps
- ✓Confusion
- ✓Heavy sweating—or no sweating at all
These are warning signs. Stop. Cool down. Drink water. Tell someone. Call 911 if symptoms become severe.
No photo opportunity is worth a trip to the hospital.
Cell Service Is Sometimes a Suggestion
Download your route before leaving. Bring a printed map. Carry emergency numbers. Charge your phone. Bring a battery pack.
Technology is amazing… until the little bars disappear.
Know Your Ride
Jeeps
Your Jeep is amazing. That doesn’t mean every hill is a challenge. Stay on the designated route. Recovery gear is great. Needing recovery because you ignored the map—not so great.
Motorcycle Riders
Hydrate. Hydrate again. Wear your protective gear. Take breaks and stretch often. If your helmet starts feeling like a pizza oven, it’s time for a break.
Classic Cars
We love classics. We also know some classics enjoy making surprise stops. Bring extra oil, coolant, basic tools, patience, and lots of patience.
If your classic leaks a little oil, congratulations—it’s marking its territory.
Wildlife Rules
The deer, coyotes, hawks, and rattlesnakes live here. You are the visitor.
Slow down around wildlife. Don’t feed or chase them. And definitely don’t try to take a selfie with a rattlesnake.
The ‘I Didn’t Think About That’ List
- ✓Bring sunscreen
- ✓Charge your phone
- ✓Pack a charger
- ✓Bring sunglasses
- ✓Have cash
- ✓Pack snacks
- ✓Bring water
- ✓Use the restroom
- ✓Download the route
- ✓Tell someone where you’re going
Trust us… one of these will save your day.
Rally Radio & Route Captain
Rally Radio
Keep your radio on the designated event channel. Listen more than you talk. Save long conversations for lunch. Emergency traffic always comes first.
Meet Your Route Captain
Your Route Captain keeps everyone together, answers questions, helps with breakdowns, coordinates with Rally Command, and keeps the day running smoothly.
If you get separated, don’t panic, speed, or invent your own route. Call your Route Captain. That’s literally why they’re there.
If Something Goes Wrong
Flat tire? Dead battery? Wrong turn? Need help?
Pull over safely. Turn on your hazard lights. Call Rally Command. Stay with your vehicle unless it’s unsafe.
We’d rather help you than have you become tomorrow’s funny story.
The Golden Rule
Everyone starts together. Everyone finishes together.
Help fellow participants. Wave at volunteers. Support local businesses. Respect the communities you visit. Leave every stop better than you found it.
Adventure is contagious. So is kindness.
And Finally…
Today’s goal isn’t to finish first. It’s to finish smiling.
Take the scenic route. Laugh with your friends. Meet someone new. Take way too many photos. Support great charities. Make memories.
The best road trips aren’t measured in miles. They’re measured in stories.
Have Fun. Drive Smart. Stay Hydrated. Make Every Mile Matter.
Presented by Mossy Jeep Chula Vista & Hideout Mountain
“Adventure favors the prepared.”