Four-wheeling is full of young people and singles, but it is certainly not void of families. The pasttime is a great form of recreation for the entire family and there are a growing number of family-friendly organizations that cater to them.
Kids absolutely love riding in a rig while it jolts over gravel and pivots around large boulders. Try stopping along a trail and having your kids jump out to search for the most interesting thing they can find in the woods. Bring the items back home and use them in your next craft project at home or save them for a scrapbook of your adventures.
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, four-wheeling is a very safe form of recreation when carried out with good safety practices. If you are thinking of taking your family for an off road outing, make sure everyone is wearing seatbelts and that there are no lose items in the cab of your vehicle that could be harmful if thrown about unexpectedly. Confirm that all passengers are aware of the uneasiness of the terrain ahead. Allow only persons that do not require child restraint systems to travel in the vehicle while off-roading.
Another thing to consider when you are off-roading is clothing and other outdoors items. Just as you would when hiking or camping, you should have all the typical necessities on hand when in the wilderness. Take plenty of water and food rations, emergency flares, emergency bedding, flashlights, and communication devices such as a cell phone, GPS, and/or radio. In addition to the typical survival kit items, be sure to bring actual four-wheeling equipment such as tow straps, tools, rope, tie downs, tarps, etc.
It is best if your vehicle has a tow package and hitch for getting out of sticky situations. On that note also, it is always best to travel in multiple vehicles when off-roading. The worst situation to be in is stuck in the elements without a friend to help pull you out. Although, one of the greatest aspects of off-roading is the communal factor. If you happen to get stuck and you don't have a friend traveling with you (or you are both stuck!), your best chance of getting out is usually to wait for the next off-roader to come by. Almost every off roader will stop to help a fellow driver no matter how sticky the situation. This is one of the strongest bonds in the four-wheeling community. It is just one manifestation of the comradery of the sport.
Another family-friendly aspect of the sport is simply being outdoors with the people you love most. It's sort of like taking a camping trip or a hike with your family. There is excitement that comes with exploring the wilderness together and overcoming challenges with every turn. Kids and parents find new respect for each other in this atmostphere. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to work on something together even when not off-roading. Dads and sons, mothers and daughters, siblings and friends can work together on the vehicle. There are countless opportunities for teaching about the mechanics, engineering, safety and survival.
By joining a four wheeling club in your area, you can easily find the best places for off roading, meet others in the four wheeling community, and better organize your trips.
Mountain Transit Authority http://www.MTA4x4.com) (San Jose, CA)
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/events/index.html (Pennsylvania)
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association http://www.sfwda.org (Southern U.S.)
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 Ford truck accessories available online. Find headache racks and other additions at http://www.ChromePickup.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Buck_S._Johnson |
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