So, you just got your lift and tires on. Now you want to go wheeling! Great, welcome to a wonderful world of exploration and challenge! So where do you go? Do you just find a road or “trail” somewhere out in the country? What if that trail happens to be on private land? You may go…and not get caught. You have a night of fun maybe post a few pictures on the net and no one is hurt. Right? Well…maybe not.

Sadly there are quite a few very well funded organizations out there who’s goal is to eliminate off highway vehicle travel. Do they monitor enthusiast sites? YOU BET! They have even been known to take the images that you post and use them in their own anti-access presentations. So that night of fun now may be another bullet in the gun that these extremists are trying to shoot us with. Take a look for yourself.
http://www.sierraclub.org/wildlands/orv/factsheet.asp
http://www.stopthrillcraft.org/
http://faultline.org/index.php/site/...urprise_canyon This particular one quotes comments from a 4x4 board. They're watching!

The more responsible wheelers that are out there the fewer bullets they have, and the more we have! Don't give them ANY ammunition!

Additionally, being good stewards of our environment is in everyone's best interest. One of the greatest benefits to wheeling is seeing the country's secluded places. Leave it the way you found it so that all can enjoy!

So, where do you go to find out where to wheel? The internet is a BIG place, but fortunately there are many 4x4 clubs out there. Not only will these clubs welcome new members but they will also know where it’s legal and safe to wheel! One place to look is http://www.offroaders.com/info/4x4-links.htm. This site will help you narrow down to your local regions different clubs. Check some out, find one that you think might fit you and your personality. Once you find a club just introduce yourself and go on a trail ride. Even if you don’t wheel your rig you can meet the members and have a great time.

Now that you’ve started to find more places and people to wheel we want to know how to wheel responsibly. A quick search for 4x4 land use issues on google can overwhelm anyone. So lets try to find some quick rules of thumb to follow just to get started. We can find those in the principles of TreadLightly.

From www.treadlightly.org
Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas
Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.
Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes.
Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

Following these tips will help you start out on the right foot down the trail! HAVE FUN!


USEFUL LINKS

Where to Find Clubs

http://www.offroaders.com/info/4x4-links.htm

National Organizations

Responsible OHV Use Resources

United Four Wheel Drive Association
http://www.ufwda.org/

National Off-raod Association
http://www.nora-usa.com/

http://www.treadlightly.org/

Treadlightly 4 wheel drive tips
http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php...tion-Tips.html

Blue Ribbon Coalition
http://www.sharetrails.org/

Pirate 4x4 Land Use Section
http://www.pirate4x4.com/landuse

Trail Specific/Regional Organizations

Southern 4WD Association
http://www.sfwda.org/

California Off-Road Vehicle Association
http://www.corva.org/

Friends of Eldorado
http://www.friendsofeldorado.com/

Friends of Johnson Valley
http://www.fojv.org/

 

Wow phenomenal post. Definitely worth being pinned in my opinion.

 

Glad you like and hope it helps!

 

good post CODE i always enjoy your posts.

great info

 

Feel free to pass it along on any other boards you may frequent as well! I wrote it to help as many people as possible!

 

10-4