Saturday, May 3, 2008

Four Wheeling - Understanding An American Pastime

By Buck S. Johnson



For decades people have been rock climbing, snow wheeling, mudding, and otherwise off-roading in their pickup trucks, Jeeps, and other four-wheel drive vehicles. This arguably extreme sport can be described as a cross between human rock climbing, hiking, and roller coaster riding.


Most people who enjoy 4-wheeling on a regular basis are those who have grown up around it. They are from small mountain towns, valley and coastal communities. They spent the better part of their childhood learning how to maneuver river beds and scale rock walls. They know the limits of their vehicles because they're committed to testing them with each run.


Some, however, have grown up (and even still live/work) in the cramped quarters of large cities. These people are burdened with blatant advertising at every turn, smothered in cement, deafened by noise and engulfed in smog. Some of the most passionate 4-wheelers have come from this background having discovered a love for the outdoors. For these people, four wheeling is an escape and a refuge from the constraints of modern society. They leave the hustle and bustle behind for a chance to spin their wheels in God's creation.


Outsiders of the sport may see four-wheeling as an upset to nature's beauty. After all, these vehicles are usually far from green with their poor fuel economy (compared to smaller cars or hybrids), over powered engines and large tires. Many see these vehicles being hauled down the road (or driven if they're street legal) and wonder why on earth someone would go to such great lengths, spending time and money on such "extravagances".


The thing is, when you love and enjoy something you will expend all your resources to sustain it. Just as a concert pianist spends thousands of dollars on his piano or a golf pro spends oodles of cash on collared shirts and goofy hats. Whatever you enjoy, you work to keep that hobby alive and well in your life. It's all a matter of interest, priority and perspective. For the four-wheeling community it is close to the top of the list.








Buck Johnson is the Vice President of ChromePickup.com. For the last 20 years they have provided offline truck accessory retail products, and for the last 10 years have provided Dodge truck accessories available online. Find headache racks and other additions at http://www.ChromePickup.com


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