Ideas?

[Robert Mangrum]

Me and my friend Randy have been kicking around and idea. We have some friends out west that pay to go on these guided off-road adventures. I've looked around here and only 1 company seems to offer them. They offer a 4 to 5 hour trip with only about 60 miles on private property. We were thinking of starting one that offered a more overland style. For what people are charging for a day ride (120 plus 30 per additional passenger) we could affordability supply dinner and breakfast. Even pay for campsites. If dispersed wasn't available. This would be located around the Southeast parts (since we have explored most) All the customers would have to provide is their own vehicle and tent. These would be more of a beginner ride kind of experience. That way stock 4wds would have no issues. Just wanted to hear you all's thoughts. Would this be something that would interest people in our area? Of course we would have to have a liability waiver for them to sign for damage and such. Objectively we would try to avoid any spots that would cause damage. Just wanting some feed back.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Me and my friend Randy have been kicking around and idea. We have some friends out west that pay to go on these guided off-road adventures. I've looked around here and only 1 company seems to offer them. They offer a 4 to 5 hour trip with only about 60 miles on private property. We were thinking of starting one that offered a more overland style. For what people are charging for a day ride (120 plus 30 per additional passenger) we could affordability supply dinner and breakfast. Even pay for campsites. If dispersed wasn't available. This would be located around the Southeast parts (since we have explored most) All the customers would have to provide is their own vehicle and tent. These would be more of a beginner ride kind of experience. That way stock 4wds would have no issues. Just wanted to hear you all's thoughts. Would this be something that would interest people in our area? Of course we would have to have a liability waiver for them to sign for damage and such. Objectively we would try to avoid any spots that would cause damage. Just wanting some feed back.

I say keep it easy, let the customers deal with their own meals and maybe bring the price down a bit if you can.

Liability waiver will only make you feel good until something goes sideways, if you are operating as a business you will probably need some sort of insurance.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Liability with something like this will be your biggest concern.

It sounds like a cool idea that would likely gain some traction if you keep it fun and interesting.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

A long time ago I went on a river rafting tour. One if the highlights was the lunch provided. The guides had someone else at a predetermined spot with lunch started. So nobody had to start a fire, prep, cook, or clean up. If you have local historic interest that might be something to include.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Make everyone PIZZA!!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Maybe you could find a old retired guy to cater supper for ya...

 

[Curious Hound]

Go for it.

 

[Robert Mangrum]

It's basically still an idea. Our plan would be 1 person scout ahead and locate camp. Set up and prepare dinner. Bring sandwich materials and chips for lunch on the trails. Then next morning swap duties. My concerns as well would be liabilities. We would of course start a LLC to protect our personal life. And always we try and never leave a rig behind. Keeping it on easy roads should help lower the chances of stuff breaking. Again we would try and include sites along the rides.

 

[SenorNoob]

I like it. Is it a viable business idea? Not a clue. Lots of things sound good till you put some hard numbers out...

 

[sgtsandman]

It might be a good idea to tell people if it doesn't look like their rig can make it through, you have the right to deny service. Unless the plan is to take them on fire roads and call that off roading.

 

[Robert Mangrum]

It might be a good idea to tell people if it doesn't look like their rig can make it through, you have the right to deny service. Unless the plan is to take them on fire roads and call that off roading.

It's more of an "overland" experience. Mainly to encourage people to go out and explore. All the route would be scouted to see conditions first. Of course we could host more experienced rides if it takes off. At first it would mainly be fire roads and backwoods discovery routes. We wouldn't promote it as an "off-road" trip. More as an outdoor adventure. A overland experience or something of that nature. I have this idea that anyone paying for a guided trip would probably not be the most experienced off-road drivers.

 

[Uncle Gump]

BUT....














YOU'LL NEED MORE LIGHTS!!!!

 

[SenorNoob]

I have a feeling that most people here would just join Nashville Offroad Club. Your business would come from people who aren't local.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sorry for yelling...

Wanted to make sure you could hear me over all those lights.

It's a cool idea... aside from the liabilities... if ya make a job out of what you love to do... most times it takes all the fun out of it.

Maybe the Midwest adventure trail fella might have some insight for you?

 

[Robert Mangrum]

I have a feeling that most people here would just join Nashville Offroad Club. Your business would come from people who aren't local.

They just run local trails. This would be more like LBL, Prentice Cooper, Southeastern BDR, Georgia Traverse ect. I'm not gonna lead a group around Scooter's Loop or MCT. Those are just day rides. Honestly don't want to give up my good local spots. Since someone uploaded Scooter's to OnX. It's almost too busy to enjoy. We dont really want to share all of our fun spots out those ways