Prepare for the 2012 Rally

Rally Preparations – what to bring and plan for:

• Water. Bring plenty of it – especially if you are not used to the desert environment. Heat stroke is a definite possibility depending on hydration, the weather, and fitness levels.
• Sunscreen. The sun in Arizona is beautiful but also brutal. There is very little shade, and when you don't see a cloud for days, you want some SPF saving you from the burning UV rays.
• Sunglasses and Hats. (see Bring Sunscreen above) 
• Your Lunch & Snacks For The Day. Most trail runs should have you back to Rally HQ with enough time to get cleaned up for that evening's festivities, but there's no Micky D's out on the trail!
• First Aid Kit. 
• Fuel Up: Make sure you're gassed up and ready to go BEFORE you arrive at the staging area each morning. Most of our trail runs will have between 8-12 vehicles, and you don't want to be the one holding up your own convoy!
• Spare Tire: Make sure your spare is in good working order and properly inflated.
• Tire Pressure Gauge. Many of the trails we'll run we like to "air down" (deflate our tires to a lower pressure). Not only does it provide superior traction off-road, but it can make the ride much more comfortable. You'll need a gauge to know what pressure your tires are running.
• Radio Communications: Besides being an essential tool for our Trail Leaders out in the desert, radio communications are great for everyone on your trail run. You'll hear interesting trail notes from the Trail Leader, be able to ask questions, and build trail comraderie amongst your fellow overlanders. We use CBs, FRS (family radio service) radios, and HAM radios for communications on the trail. Most common are CBs and FRSs. If you're using FRS radios, make sure they're fully charged and you have spare batteries.
• Bring Your Camera. And some extra memory cards! You'll be amidst some of the most scenic landscape in the country – don't miss the memory because your flash card is full.
• Hand Cleanser or Hand Wipes. There are no facilities along the trail, but you'll probably want clean hands when it's lunchtime. 
• Folding Chairs/Camp Chairs. Some of our trails stop for lunch at breathtaking vistas and it's nice to sit back, relax and soak in the views.
• Closed-Toe Shoes. Recommended for walking and hiking in the desert.
• Garbage bags. Besides holding your lunch trash, use garbage bags to pick up debris along the trail. Help us keep the desert looking beautiful.
• Light Jacket. While it will be high 80's during the day, the evenings can get chilly in the desert – low 60s may sound nice, but the air is thin and a light cover-up can make all the difference in enjoying the evening outside.
• Wear Your Lanyard. Besides being an invitation for friendliness, it's also a cue for fun and a show of self-confidence. It makes it a lot easier for our Trail Leaders to assist you, too.