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Photo caption: Recruits practiced operating different off-road vehicles on a variety of terrain, including traversing up and down hills.
On Sunday, we returned to the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon, ready for a full week of off-road vehicle training. Our training began Monday in the classroom with an introduction to ORVs and how to conduct pre-ride inspections. Recruits were then assigned to a four-wheeler, which they would ride and be responsible for throughout the week.
On Tuesday, we went for a ride to Camp Grayling and trained on ascending, descending and traversing hills. During our ride to Camp Grayling, we learned about how trail conditions can impact a rider’s following distance (how close they ride to the person in front of them). Many of the trails were dry and dusty at the beginning of the week, which made it difficult to see the person riding ahead. We learned the importance of keeping a safe following distance so that accidents can be avoided.
Photo caption: Recruits had the opportunity to ride a variety of trails with varied terrain during off-road vehicle training. This allowed them to practice controlling their speed and maneuverability.
Wednesday’s physical training included a run along the shoreline of Higgins Lake and agility drills in the sand. Being away from the Michigan State Police Training Academy facility comes with challenges like figuring out how to conduct PT with very limited equipment, but our instructors continue to come up with PT sessions that are unique and useful. After PT and chow, we continued ORV training and shifted our focus to evasive driving techniques and crash investigations. We also took a long trail ride in the afternoon, utilizing the West Higgins Trail system and some of the local trails that measured 50-inches wide. These types of trails are fun and challenging to ride because of the tight turns and rough terrain, which gave us good practice controlling our speed and maneuverability.
Photo caption: Recruits learned about safe riding distances, which is particularly important in low visibility conditions caused by dust, snow or other elements.
To end the week, we took written and practical exams, and then talked about enforcement related to operating under the influence. Everyone passed the exams and walked away from the training with more experience and confidence related to ORVs. Personally, I enjoyed the training this week and am looking forward to patrolling the trail systems that Michigan has to offer. ORV trails are one of the unique patrols that conservation officers get to do. After this week I think that our class has a solid foundation on how we can help the public be safe and enjoy Michigan’s trail system.
