Ragged Edge — Attraction in Lara

First off, let me just say that I’m not an adrenaline junkie. This was a gift and one I’d not think to do myself. Though I’ve done a traditional 4x4 adventure, quad biking and indoor skydiving. This experience was hands-down, the best by a long way.

There’s two experiences here in one. The driver gets to do something genuinely different, challenging and incredibly fun. The passenger gets to experience it!

Okay grab a coffee, I’ll try to describe why it’s soo great.

Chris was our host, and he’s brilliant. This guy has found a job he’s excellent at, is passionate about and enjoys, and it shows. He takes all the time in the world to talk you through every step. He’s calm, engaging, reassures you at every step. When you’re a little out, or have the wheels in the wrong positions, his hand signals tell you what to do.

What do I mean by wheels in the wrong position? Well, there’s a leaver which independently turns the rear wheels, enabling you to crab walk, or turn super tight. Then there’s the fact that you’re riding the accelerator at all times, and left-foot breaking to control your speed. Oh and at times you have to disengage 4WD to navigate off a 90° wall climb… but I’m getting ahead of myself. The steering wheel is the only “normal” thing about driving these things. Your world is reduced to concentrating on the mechanics of the vehicle and Chris’ hand gestures. So much so that I wasn’t really paying attention to the fact that I was climbing steep hills, tilting sideways and going up/down/over things you could simply not do in any other vehicle. It’s extreme, but I didn’t even notice! Chris will walk ahead of where you need to be, and points to where he wants you to go. If you get there, thumbs up. If you need to change something, his hand gestures tells you what to do, then you get a thumbs up. That bloody thumbs up becomes the most important thing in the world. After every objective, Chris comes over and says something funny or encouraging, then describes what you’re going to do next. It all gets progressively more challenging, and the track is laid out very intelligently. Constantly adding something different, interesting or challenging. Track 1 is getting used to the vehicle (yeah right). Track 2 adds terrain to the first objective. Track 3 you do things which can’t be done on any other vehicle and Track 4 you’re given objectives and goals, with less advice. It’s a little stressful, mentally exhausting but all in a good way. I can’t explain how satisfying it is when it all finally “clicks”. Remember when I said it’s 2 experiences in one? Well, your nominated passenger gets to experience it all, unhindered from the mental arithmetic of the actual driving. They’re all to aware of what you’re going up, over, through and the angles in which you’re moving.

If you think it’s too extreme and you can’t do it, you’re wrong. If you can drive a car, you can do this. And if that statement makes you think it’s not extreme enough, trust me, it is!

Thanks Chris, for an incredible experience!

I can’t recommend this enough. Go do it, you’ll...

This experience was a surprise gift from my wife, so I had no idea something like this even existed.

I really enjoyed the experience regardless of my unenthusiastic expressions and what Chris (the business owner) would have to say about it.

The entire course is designed to last about an hour but Chris is very flexible and takes his time to help you understand the course and the vehicle. He will also navigate you through the toughest course on offer which of course I initially thought he is just now showcasing the capability of the vehicle, only to realise part way through that I’m going to have to perform all these manoeuvres. So my advise to you is pay attention as it’s very useful.

Other positives of this activity are that you can have a passenger who gets the exhilarating experience with you. It’s so much cooler than 4WDing in a normal car.

Chris is a really good operator, friendly, and a wealth of knowledge. Knows the vehicle so well that he can guide you millimetre perfect from the outside and is also very clear with the instructions.

I already have a list of people I would be recommending this for in my family and will be looking forward to doing it again haha.

PS you get to way cooler stuff than shown in the images. Also I’m confident that it is well priced because my...

Awesome experience from start to finish.

Chris is professional, patient, relaxed yet highly experienced. He is an exceptional communicator who in 1 hour takes you from novice driver of one of these amazing V8 powered 4-wheel steer machines to doing things you would never have expected possible or within your own capability. His instructions are crystal clear and incorporate him showing first hand then letting you take the reins.

Just as importantly, Chris himself made the experience most enjoyable, adding his own brand of welcomed dry humour.

My wife and I had a blast and both highly recommend Ragged Edge to anyone wanting to challenge themselves and have some unique fun 'time out'.

Lastly, Ragged Edge is a privately owned (Chris) local business that has survived COVID. Let's all support businesses like this to help them get back "on track" (pun intended).

Thanks Chris for being such a friendly and capable host, ensuring that we had a wonderful and memorable morning in "Lumpy", a truly amazing...