Esprit de Four 4WD Safety Clinic

faqS

Q: Is the Clinic still on?
A: Yes! Esprit de Four revised the event to be more distanced and as touch-free as possible. Rain or shine, there will be a Clinic.

Q: What about the BBQ?
A: There is a BBQ dinner Saturday night. It will be Tri-tip, chicken, beans, bread, salad & beverages. $25. Especially if you will be camping, this is a great deal for a popular local BBQ. Please email ED4Clinic@comcast.net if you would like a vegetarian meal (roast vegetables). Half priced children’s meals are also available for purchase on-site with advanced notice.

Q: Are there campgrounds close by?
A: ALL of our students can camp with us at Area 5! You are welcome to join us Friday and Saturday nights at no extra charge. There is plenty of space, and some of it is flat.
Camping at Area 5 will always depend on the status of the fire risk, pandemic, and rules from California State Parks and San Benito County.

Q: What amenities are at the Area 5 campground?
A: Fire rings, Covered Picnic Tables, Showers (usually hot), nice Bathrooms. BUT, no hookups for RV’s, and the water is not suggested for drinking. Also, compressed air hoses to air up after the clinic.

Q: We’d like to camp with you guys Friday night but will get there late what time do the gates close?
A: 10:00 PM. But arrangements can be made in advance. Email to: ED4Clinic@comcast.net. Please note that there is no cell service, and not great WiFi at the location, so advance planning is important.

Q: Can I bring a RZR, a buggy or side-by-side?
A: Sorry, but no. This class is structured specifically for street legal 4x4 vehicles. Or 4x6 if you have one.

Q: I am looking for a driver-training program for the employees at work. Does your club provide private instruction?
A: Unfortunately, because we are a volunteer organization, our club is only able to put these clinics twice a year, May & September. If you’d like to organize a group reservation, we will work with you on accommodating a larger group.

Q: I am looking for private individual 4wd instruction; does your club provide that?
A: No, our club only puts on these clinics twice a year. You are welcome to join the next clinic. You can also join us on runs for that “private” experience.

Q: I see you are not taking any more online registrations, does that mean it’s full? Is there a wait list?
A: For the safety and quality of the experience, we limit the number of vehicles in the Clinic. If you would like to be put on the wait list, please click the Wait List option on the registration page and check out (it’s free!) If a space opens up, the next person on the list will be contacted to fill in. And, we ALWAYS have people drop out at the last minute, so keep watch on your email and keep the data open!

Q: How much does the clinic cost?
A: Cost is $95 for a vehicle and 1 driver; $90 for a 2nd driver in the same vehicle. We offer two trail sections and each driver will drive one trail. Both drivers do all the obstacles.

Q: I’ve had a scheduling conflict; can I get a refund?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds, but we would be glad to help you reschedule to the next clinic, or the one after that. Rescheduling is limited to 2 Clinics. Or you can transfer your registration to a friend.

Q: When will online registration open?
A: About 6 weeks before the class, If you’d like to be notified when it opens send an email to ED4Clinic@comcast.net.

Q: If I register myself, can I add 2nd driver later?
A: Probably. We try to offer the best experience to our students, so we limit the number of double drivers. If there’s room in the class, then yes you can. Please contact us at ED4Clinic@comcast.net as soon as you know.

Q: I registered for the event, but missed the sign-up for the BBQ dinner. Please let me know how may I make it up.
A: Notify the Clinic Registrar @ ED4Clinic@comcast.net and if there is enough food, you can bring a check or exactly $25 in cash on the day of the event. No, I don’t have change.

Q: Do I need to stop by at the ranger station and pay for the day?
A: No, the park fees for the Saturday, and camping at Area 5 for Friday and Saturday nights, are included in you registration.

Q: Do you guys require any additional gear to be present (like the stuff in your safety checklist)?
A: Standard safety equipment that came with your stock vehicle, such as seat belts for all occupants, a properly secured battery 9no bungee cords) and a roof (or roll cage that comes with a convertible) is required. However the other items, while they are recommended, are not mandatory for the Clinic so long as the vehicle is safe to operate.

Q: What time do I need to be there?
A: 7:30am-8:00am but no later than 8:30am - and don’t trust Google. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes from downtown Hollister. The road isn’t getting any smoother.

Q: What time does the Clinic end?
A: The hands-on portion usually ends between 4 & 6pm. For students and club members enjoying the Saturday BBQ: we will eat sometime after 4:30pm, near the Stage area. Please note that there may be unexpected delays (such as flat tires), so please schedule accordingly. We will keep your dinner warm.

Q: How long does the class room portion last?
A: The classroom is an important foundation for the skills you’ll be practicing throughout the day. We are now sending a link to the FULL classroom session online, so you can watch it in advance. Hosted by noted podcasters Chris and Jason, we suggest you watch it a couple of times and bring questions with you.
The live classroom session at the park includes demonstrations and a Q&A session, and it lasts less than 2 hours.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, but the dog must be attended and controlled by an adult while you are in the classroom, so you will need to bring someone to watch the dog. The classroom has very limited space, and dogs are not allowed. Park Rules are that our 4 footed companions must be on leash, and are not allowed to be left unattended in your vehicle at any time. Hollister Hills can get very hot, and we want to make sure everyone is safe.

Q: Can a friend or family member come along as a passenger for the trail portion only?
A: Absolutely, as long as there is a seat belt for them. However, the classroom is small and there will not be room for passengers to attend the class.

Q: Can a friend or family member attend the class if they won’t be driving the trail portion?
A: Sorry, but the classroom is small, so we reserve it only for paid students.

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