Mick Farmer's Blog (my outlet to rant and rave)

What We Do

OnCourse specialises in 4x4 driving courses tailored to suit the driving conditions common to developing countries.

For the last 10 years, I have been the lead trainer /director for OnCourse. Have played a leading role in developing their courses into, probably, the best off road training courses, globally.

Good example of weight transfer. This photo was taken while conducting training on site (MTU) in Kuwait.


 
 

Test of crash helmets available in Uganda »

Not all helmets are the same.  First two helmets are bought from the general market place. The blue one is the most common one to be worn as it is the cheapest!

Other Stuff

Onsite Training Photos »

Photos posted on Google+.


RSA.ie – Duty of Care to Drivers »

RSA.ie – What the laws say. While drivers are responsible for how they drive, you as an employer have duties in helping to make driving for work safer. Three sets of laws influence driving for work in Ireland: Road Traffic Laws: the Road Traffic Act 1961 and its later amendments influence driving on public roads in [...]


A Few Driving Photos from DRC 2011 »

A Few Driving Photos from DRC 2011

Fantastic range of driving conditions in DRC.


Wildlife Spotted at OnCourse »

Wildlife Spotted at OnCourse

The training site is host to an amazing variety of bird species and wildlife; and so will update this post as and when we capture them on film.


Failed Hill Climb Recovery – 200 Series Land Cruiser »

Failed Hill Climb Recovery – 200 Series Land Cruiser

At OnCourse we teach a failed hill climb recovery technique that requires the driver to do a “key start” (this only relates to manual / stick shift vehicles). Over the years of instruction this technique is the only one we have confidence in. For instance, whilst doing training in DRC we had to use a route that included a very severe climb.


What’s New at OnCourse for 2011 »

What’s New at OnCourse for 2011

Within the last 6 months On Course was able to purchase another 4.5 acres of land adjoining their facility. This now brings our training facility up to a size of 27 acres. All of which is fenced for security and privacy.


Speechless »

Speechless

New bus guidelines were issued (in Uganda); no bus will be allowed to leave the terminal when a female passenger is in the front seat…


My Take on the 200 Series Toyota Landcruiser (review) »

My Take on the 200 Series Toyota Landcruiser (review)

I think that the 100 series Land Cruiser is one of the best 4wd vehicles ever built. The GX part time 4wd version is great. It has the best compromise available of all time for off road capability, on road handling and executive luxury appeal. It is the only large 4wd vehicle that could be armoured without any modification to the chassis and still maintained quite good handling capabilities with only up rated brakes and suspension.


Question Page: About Overheating »

Question Page: About Overheating

Here is a short reply to a question I received about avoiding overheating an engine and which I thought may be of general interest.


OnCourse and Carbon Neutrality »

OnCourse and Carbon Neutrality

Good fleet management will have an overall effect of reducing fuel costs. We deal with the driver issue. This is one the major area where organisations can safe fuel, therefore reducing costs and harmful emissions.