Question 1

What does Tyro mean?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes thought to be an acronym for Try Your (Land) Rover Out, the dictionary definition is "a beginner or novice".

Both mean the same thing; an event at which drivers can try their hand at off road driving.

Tyro events are aimed at young drivers or novice drivers in newer vehicles, where gentle sections are taxing enough to get to grips with the car without inflicting damage (reckless driving aside).

Question 2

Are there different types of Tyro Event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are two types of Tyro Event.

A Tyro Trial involves navigating your vehicle around a series courses marked out with plastic marker canes, see the dedicated FAQ below.

A Tyro Punch Hunt, also known as a Treasure Hunt, involves locating markers within the event boundary area and driving your vehicle to each of these markers. See the dedicated FAQ below.

Question 3

What is a Tyro Trial?

Accepted Answer

Each event will vary depending on the location and weather but the following is the general explanation of how a Tyro Trial event will run:

The day before the event, the Clerk of the Course will have been on the site to set up the courses. This is done by marking out the courses with pairs of white poles known as gates.

The event will generally start at around 9:30am.

There will be short drivers briefing to start with, so it is worth being on time.  There is then a short wait while the Clerk of the Course or assistant completes vehicle scrutineering and each driver signs in on a registration from (remember to bring a pen!).

If you are new to the club this is a good time to have a wander around the other vehicles and introduce yourself to other members. Joining a new club can be a bit daunting especially if you don't know any of the existing members. Remember that all members had a first day at some point which they will remember well enough, so there is a good chance that someone will come across and spark up a conversation about the state of the weather etc.  Before you know it you will be comparing tyres with someone and waiting for the scrutineering to finish so you can find out if your All Terrains really are good for all terrains.

With scrutineering and registration out of the way, there will usually a short discussion on the running order - who will drive the course first and the order thereafter. There is usually some alphabetical element to this, but new members will go towards the end so they get a chance to see how the more experienced drivers approach the course. The key thing is to remember is, who is before you in the running order, and what vehicle they are driving (although some vehicles will be driven twice on each course, in which case you need to remember your predecessors face/name).

All drivers will then walk the first course together to consider the best lines and look for any obstacle that may not be clear from the drivers seat. In Tyro Trials this is a friendly walk with sharing of opinions. The Clerk of the Course will also be there to point out any hazards or points of interest.

At the end of the walk the Clerk of the Course will check if anyone wants to skip the course. If most are happy to proceed, there can be some peer pressure to agree even if you are not sure. The courses are carefully designed to offer some challenge to drivers of all abilities and levels of experience but with no risk of damage. If a course looks particularly daunting and you would prefer to skip but don't want to put your hand up, just have a word with the Clerk of the Course before your turn in the running order, no harm done.

There is a good chance that when you have seen others in similarly equipped vehicles to your own complete the course with out issue you will find yourself wanting to have a go. But do remember that there is no harm in skipping, the most important thing is that everyone has a good day out and goes home happy looking forward to the next event.

If are happy to have a go, you will now have a short wait while the other drivers tackle through the course. If you stand where you can get a good look at how the drivers deal with the more difficult parts of the course you can get a bit of an advantage. Remember to keep an eye out for the driver before you in the running order, once they are on the course it's time for you and any passengers to head to your vehicle and drive up to the starting gate. The Clerk of the Course will probably also call your name as a double check. Once at the gate keep any eye on the Clerk of the Course. As soon as the previous driver clears the finish gate the Clerk of the Course will wave at you to start your drive.

The most important thing is to take your time, there is no timed element to the competition. The Clerk of the Course may have set up the course to be a solvable puzzle. The obvious line through the first gate might make the second gate more tricky and so on. Take your time relax and enjoy yourself.

Once you are through the last gate, drive over to where others have left their vehicles. You will probably see the start gates for the next course, so try and park somewhere that doesn't block any vehicles path to the start gate.

When the last vehicle completes the first course, the walk through the second course will begin and the process will repeat. Usually the running order will advance by one for the next course, so the person who drove first last time will now be last at the next course and everyone will move closer to being the first starter.

This will continue until lunch time when there will be a break for 30 minutes or so. If the weather and site location suits, vehicles may drive to a location with a good view for a packed lunch break.

For the afternoon session, there is some chance that you will be a first starter at some point. If you are not comfortable with this, again just have a word with the Clerk of the Course and let them know so that your position can be adjusted.

After the last course is complete there will be a short period while the Clerk of the Course totals up the scores. Drivers will use this time to walk out and collect the gate poles so they can be packed away.

The scores will then be read out and a short discussion held about the day and any feedback for the next Tyro event. Finally dates and plans for the next events are usually discussed before everyone heads home at about 3:30-4pm.

Question 4

What is a Tyro Punch/Treasure Hunt?

Accepted Answer

In short, punches (tools that is used to 'punch' a pattern in to a piece of card), also considered to be the 'Treasure', are grouped together and fixed in various locations around the Tyro event site. Each vehicle will have laminated cards tie-wrapped to each of their wing mirrors. The objective is to get the cards on the wing mirrors to the hidden punches and then use the punch to punch the section of the card that matches the number on the punch. 
 
Each event will vary depending on the location and weather but the following is the general explanation of how a Tyro Punch Hunt event will run:

The day before the event, the Clerk of the Course will have been on the site to place the punches. These will be fixed to usually trees or fence posts with with strong tape and cord of around 1 meter in length.

The event will generally open for registration at 9:30am - remember to bring a pen to sign the registration form!

The Clerk of the Course or Assistant will then go to each vehicle to make the mandatory scrutineering checks.

If you are new to the club this is a good time to have a wander around the other vehicles and introduce yourself to other members. Joining a new club can be a bit daunting especially if you don't know any of the existing members. Remember that all members had a first day at some point which they will remember well enough, so there is a good chance that someone will come across and spark up a conversation about the state of the weather etc. Before you know it you will be comparing tyres with someone and waiting for the scrutineering to finish so you can find out if your All Terrains really are good for all terrains.

Vehicles will be put in to pairs before the event starts so this time can also be used to find another vehicle to pair with. There are often new members at each event, so there is a good chance that there will be someone new to pair with or equally a more experienced driver who can show you the ropes. No-one ever gets left out! Once you have a pair let the Clerk of the Course know.

After the vehicles pass scrutineering, the Clerk of the Course, or their assistant will loosely tie wrap a punch card to each wing mirror of your vehicle.

There will then be a final few words from the Clerk of the Course explaining the general location of the groups of punches, and to avoid congestion a loose agreement about which pairs will start with which punch groups.

And then it is time to set off and look for the red and white tape that is usually used to mark the punches.

Having located your first punch (lets say A1) it will seem obvious to roll up to it on the drivers side reach out the window and get your first card marked. You may be lucky and be able to do just that, but you may find that the space for A1 is on your passenger side card and there is a 50 foot sycamore that is blocking you from coming in forward on that side, but now where to turn? Not so easy eh!

Question 5

What documentation do I need to enter?

Accepted Answer

The driver needs to be a competing club member of Buchan Off Road Drivers Club and hold a Motorsport UK competition license of at least RS Clubman status. This license is free and can be applied for and obtained immediately from this website: https://www.motorsportuk.org/

Any passengers also require a club membership and MSUK license, but in this case the membership can be for a non competing member which is also free.

Question 6

When should I register for an event?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is before the closing date, typically the Friday evening prior to the event. See our Events Page for Event dates.

Question 7

Can I withdraw an entry?

Accepted Answer

An email into info@bordc.co.uk, prior to the closing date will mean the organisers can process a cancellation and refund your registration fee.

If an entry is withdrawn after the closing date then the club committee will look at the circumstances and may decide to refund some or all of the entry.

Question 8

What equipment do I need?

Accepted Answer

For a tyro event, the principal is that you can compete in a standard road vehicle without modification or special equipment.

That said some pieces of equipment are a good idea to have anyway, you may like to consider carrying:

Fire Extinguisher
Recovery Rope
Removable Towing Eye/Hook
Spill kit
Tree Strop for those with winches
Tyre pressure gauge
Tyre inflator

Also possibly useful:

A Pen to sign in or takes notes
Tool kit
1st Aid Kit
Leather or stout gloves
Vehicle Handbook
Spare Wheel with Tyre Change Equipment (including locking wheel bolt key)

Clothing:

Stout outdoor boots or wellies are a good idea, but make sure you are able to operate your vehicles pedals in whatever you choose to wear
If the forecast is poor, warm waterproof clothing
Midge spray and head-net, for summer months!

And definitely bring drinks and a packed lunch!

Question 9

Do I need to prepare my vehicle for the event?

Accepted Answer

For a Tyro Trial, there is absolutely no requirement to modify your vehicle from road going specification with the possible exception of changing your tyre pressures for the event.

Each competing vehicle needs to pass a scrutineering check at the start of an event. For Tyro Trials this is a fairly straight forward but it is worth making sure that you have everything covered in the days before the event:

Exterior - No loose body panels or excessively sharp edges.

Seatbelts - fasten securely and anchor points are firm and rust free.

Interior - All loose items are removed or secured in place.

Steering - No excessive free-play visible at the wheels when steering wiggled.

Brakes - Good firm pedal, Handbrake secure and holds vehicle on a slope as does foot brake.

Battery - Ensure battery is securely mounted to the vehicle, all positive terminals including winches and isolators to be insulated.

Windscreen - Ensure windscreen is complete, not broken or cracked such that it wouldn't pass an MOT.

Child Seats - For children under 12 years old or 135cm tall must sit in back seat with suitable child restraint.

Mud guards - Vehicles must have mud guards fitted such that no part of the tyre tread is visible when viewed from above and cover at least 120 degree radius from the wheel centre.

Recovery Points - Vehicles must either have suitable tow points or the manufacturers tow points exposed front and rear as necessary in order to facilitate recovery.

In addition to these, here are some other common sense things to consider/check, to help ensure you have a good day out:

Fluids check - Engine oil level, brake fluid level, power steering fluid level, coolant level, washer bottle level

That nothing unexpected is hanging down under the vehicle

Tyres have suitable tread and are equally inflated

Windows and mirrors are clean

Windscreen wipers are in good condition

If fitted that low range gears are operational

At least half a tank of fuel

Roof Rack/bars/box/tent - some courses may involve driving under low tree branches, so if you have anything on the roof that can easily be removed in the days before the event, it will make things easier on the day.

Tow bar - if possible, consider removing a low hanging tow bar for the event as it will greatly reduce your ground clearance and departure angle.

For both points above, remember that you always have the choice to opt out of competing in individual courses that require greater ground clearance or lower roof height - in Tyro Trials there is no pressure to complete all courses.

As a general note on vehicle condition, if you have any niggling issues with your vehicle, consider using the event as a reason to get these sorted before hand. This could be anything from loose mud flaps, fluid leaks, to worn brakes/clutch, loose exhaust etc. The less issues present, the greater the chance of a trouble free day out.

Question 10

Are there toilet facilities at the events?

Accepted Answer

Most events take place in countryside locations away from towns or villages. Providing portable toilet facilities would greatly increase the complexity and cost of staging the events. Some members take their own pop up toilet tents and foldable toilets, as used by many river fishermen. Remember that you are responsible for taking all rubbish and waste away with you at the end of the event.

Question 11

Do I need Off Road Driving insurance?

Accepted Answer

Third party and property insurance is provided for signed on club members with the correct license.

Comprehensive insurance for any damage is not a requirement and is not provided by the event. There are providers that will provide cover for a day's driving. In some cases this can cost as little as £20. The club is not able to provide specific advice as everyone's situation will be different though the intent of the courses the club set is that they are non damaging, however the choice of whether to insure is ultimately yours.

Question 12

What happens if my vehicle gets stuck during an event?

Accepted Answer

The Tyro Trial courses are carefully designed so that getting stuck is very unlikely. On the rare occasion that it does happen then the Clerk of the Course will be aware immediately and will have access to a vehicle which can be used to recover your vehicle back to a safe location. So if you get stuck, just stay in your vehicle and wait for instructions.

Question 13

What happens if my vehicle breaks down during the event?

Accepted Answer

The club does not have facilities to repair vehicles during events,  but the Clerk of the Course will work with you to get your vehicle back to the main road, where a traditional vehicle recovery can be carried out. Drivers are ultimately responsible for their own vehicles.

Question 14

Should I fit a winch, snorkel, suspension lift, monster truck tyres etc?

Accepted Answer

Yes all of these things are essential and you should go and raid eBay right now!

In all seriousness, any Tyro Trial will not require any of these modifications to complete all the courses.

But, some items can be make completing the courses easier:

All Terrain (AT) Tyres - these are tyres that are equally suited to on and offroad driving - literally all terrains. They will offer a step up in grip compared to normal road tyres.

Mud Terrain (MT) Tyres - in the simplest terms, even more grip than ATs in mud but less stable/quiet on road. If you use the vehicle on the road, pay careful attention to speed ratings on MT Tyres. It can very tempting to go for some apparently cheaper models with massive tread blocks, but these usually have lower speed ratings. Check the manufacturer recommended spec for your vehicle (usually in the handbook, referred to a single letter eg N, P, Q etc) and stick to this as a minimum.

High Lift Suspension - increased ground clearance can give more options for choosing line to get through a gate.

Snorkel - nah, even if it rains all day, a Tyro course will not require a snorkel.

Winch - Can be useful to recover your own vehicle, but can be deceptively dangerous. For Tyro Trials a winch must not be used except under the supervision of the Clerk of the Course.

Question 15

Do I need any offroad driving experience or training before competing at a Tyro event?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no.

At any Tyro event there will always be other club members and a Clerk of the Course who will be happy to offer advice on the day.

That said, all vehicle makes are different, so 10 minutes reading through your vehicles handbook to understand how to operate any offroad driving facilities (low range gears, differential locks, electronic driving aids) is always a good idea. Take the book with you if there is too much to remember.

YouTube has a wealth of offroad driving videos. If you focus on the videos pertaining to UK green lane driving you should pick up most of the important points.

Question 16

Who is in charge of the event?

Accepted Answer

Each event will be overseen by a Clerk of the Course. This person will have a good deal of off road driving experience and will have gone through compulsory training.

Question 17

I have another question that is not covered here, who should I ask?

Accepted Answer

Please email any queries to info@bordc.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tyro Frequently Asked Questions