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How often have you heard those? How have you responded? You know you’re a responsible driver and a good steward of the land. You’re also quite proud of your hobby and your fellow drivers. So any criticism tends to cut to the bone. You’re inclined to lash out. Don’t. The best way to respond to those claims is with the facts. A calm, thoughtful reply will quiet just about anybody. Keep in mind that many people you encounter are neutral on the subject. Use those opportunities to talk up the hobby, also. Inform the person that four-wheeling is possible without harming the environment. Responsible drivers adhere to the Tread Lightly principles. You know what they are, so state them:
“All the while we are respectful of nature. Many times we are camping, hiking, fishing or hunting. We are exploring and experiencing the outdoors, but we do so in a responsible manner. Plus, we often have to buy a pass or license to drive on those lands. Those funds help maintain the property and wildlife.”
You can add that we use those trips to challenge ourselves and our vehicles. We are always careful and prepare properly before going off-road. By encountering and overcoming those challenges, we develop and hone our driving and survival skills, and build self-esteem in the process. These trips involve problem solving, team building, and other valuable skills. Camaraderie is strong during the excursions, and we develop friendships that last a lifetime. Finally, we don’t burn as much gas as people think. Sure, our off-road mileage isn’t great, but we’re not driving every day. This is just a weekend hobby. And it’s usually only one weekend a month. Occasionally during an expedition I will poll the group on what attracts them to this type of trip. Repeatedly I get responses like “spend time with friends and family,” “the solitude,” “beauty and nature,” and “exploring history.” There’s a lot more to going off road, but until you do, you really can’t appreciate it. Or understand why we do. That’s where you, my fellow enthusiasts, come in. Our hobby needs you to be spokesmen for the cause. Introduce others to four-wheeling. Take them out for a leisurely drive one afternoon. Show them that an off road driving experience is like none other. Let them learn for themselves the value of our hobby. Incidentally, you notice that I refer to four-wheeling as a hobby. I do that on purpose. If you call it a sport, people immediately figure there’s some competitive nature about it. That creates the image of cars recklessly tearing through the desert or some other sensitive area. As you can see, there are a lot of positives to our hobby. Make a point to talk up four-wheeling whenever you can. You just may gain a new enthusiast. # # # # # |
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Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures |
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Did you miss the previous article? |
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October and 2012 Schedule
The 2012 schedule is now posted on the web site. There may be some fine tuning yet, but it seems "like a plan". When publishing a schedule so far in advance, some dates and events will predictably change - So check the web site or call as an event gets nearer. There will be a new weekend GPS adventure in January and a Wilderness Advanced First Aid Clinic in June. If you have other requests for training or adventures to consider next year, let us know. We might be able to work it in. |
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Death Valley October 7
This is a 4 day trip on the back roads in Death Valley. We will drive the Panamint Mountains, drive past Badwater Basin (lowest spot in North America), visit Chloride Ghost town, Titus Canyon, check out Ubehebe Crater, Teakettle junction, The Race Track & Lippencott Mine Road, camp at the Warm Springs and leave via Steal Pass up to the high meadows, then take Dedeckera Canyon down to the Eureka Sand Dunes. All four days will see some light to moderate 4-wheeling. Much of the trip is quite remote with no cell service. Check out the details and sign up on the website: Trip Details You can register directly at Death Valley Registration |
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Mojave Road October 15
We will follow the Old Mojave Road for 3 days. This was the earliest wagon road into California. We will visit tons of history and see some incredible views. The 4 Wheeling is quite mild. More Details You can register at Mojave Road Registration |
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T&T Rail Road Adventure in November
Our goal is to cross through Johnson Valley, enjoying what it has to offer, and making our way North along the old Tonopah & Tidewater (T&T) Rail Road bed to the Rasor OHV, Afton Canyon and the western edge of the Mojave Preserve. On the way we will skirt the Rodman Mountain Wilderness and cross I-40. This adventure is 2 days of scenic, historical, light wheeling and a night ( 2 if you prefer) of primitive camping under the stars. We can plan a Dutch Oven pot luck for our evening meal. Check out the details and sign up on the website: http://www.4x4training.com/Adventures/TTRailroad.html You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#TTRailroad |
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Getting Started Off-road driving Clinic October 01
The clinic is held in Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area near Gorman CA. This clinic is specifically designed to meet the needs of novice off-highway drivers or someone with a bit of experience who is looking for a more complete understanding. This is a one-day session. The session includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. More Details... You can register directly here |
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Advanced Beginner Clinic October 02
The clinic is held in the El Paso Mountains near Mojave CA. The goal is to help you get a "better feel" for tire placement and to visualize the obstacles as they move into your blind zone. You will gain more behind the wheel experience combined with picking lines. The difficulty level is one step higher than the basic class and you can expect some pin striping. More Details... You can register directly here |
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| Back | | Phone 310-374-8047 |
Saline Valley from Salt Tram Station
Over 10,000 feet above sea level
