FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOLSOM (Feb. 26, 2007) – The Sacramento-based Capital City Mountain Goat Four-Wheel Drive Club announced that its first four-wheel drive hands-on safety clinic for 2007 will be held on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at the Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), located approximately 20 miles east of Sacramento.

Sport utility vehicle (SUV) and other four-wheel drive owners interested in attending this one-day safety class may choose either date. The clinic begins each morning at 8 a.m. at the SVRA park headquarters.

"A wide variety of off-highway situations and techniques are addressed in our safety clinic," said Tex Texiera, one of the club’s instructors. "We teach what to do in tough terrain, how to make water crossings, proper hill climbing techniques and effective winching methods, just to mention a few of our stations."

Texiera said that statistics show that thousands of Californians are buying into the SUV market; however, most of those owners do not have the expertise and the confidence to take their vehicle off the pavement.

The clinic begins with a classroom slide presentation, followed by several hours of hands-on driving instruction within the off-highway vehicle park. Students will encounter many simulated obstacles similar to those they might find while driving in the high Sierra or other remote off road areas. Students will learn how to "walk" their vehicle, how to drive over trails and large rocks, how to drive in the snow and how to use a tow strap should they get stuck in the mud or snow.

The clinic also teaches students about the importance of good stewardship, obeying the rules and environmental concerns in the backcountry. Students will continually hear instructors talk about traveling and recreating with minimum impact, respecting the wildlife and rights of others, educating yourself before you head out, and leaving the outdoors better than you found it.

Cost for the one-day course is $60 for each student-driver and $5 for each ride-along passenger. For those choosing to pay at the clinic, the cost is $65.

The Prairie City SVRA is located off Highway 50. Take the Prairie City Road exit and continue to White Rock Road. Take a right hand turn on White Rock Road and watch for the park entrance on the left hand side of the road.

To reserve space in the upcoming April clinic or for more information, contact Carol Moreland at (916) 455-9930 or visit the club’s website at www.capitalcitygoat.org