Forum:
I've just come back from a mini offroad adventure. I'm only 18 and my fourtrak is my first 4x4. I've had i a month and i love it! However, near where i live there is a track which runs along the river bank. It has some deep ruts and sticky mud. I got stuck a few times as i only have all-terrains at the moment (hopefully not for long) but the climax of the track is a large deep hole. Wet and muddy with a big drop on your way in. Well i managed to force the fourtrak though (just about!) but on returning home i've found my towbar bent at 90degrees upwards. Another little job i'll have to do.
The point of this story is that not all teenagers like tearing around built up areas in Corsas. Give me my Fourtrak and a muddy track and im well away!
Idiots
The green lobby will be lambasting you for tearing up tracks, damaging the eco system, and leaving four feet ruts in the ground, as well as churning up the area. No doubt they will also blame you for every bit of damage done to footpaths, bridleways, and every accessible open space within a 30 mile radius.
Normal people like myself, and most other intelligent people who frequent sites like these, will applaud you; an inexperienced driver learning vehicle control. Driving a 4X4 is much more difficult to control at low speed, on muddy and slippery terrain than tearing down a straight road and entering a corner far too fast, and losing it.
Skills acquired from off road driving will enhance your on road driving, particularly in wet slippery conditions, and also when the snow and ice are prevelant. Skills such as reading the terrain can also translate into improving on road driving as you will apply these skills automatically when on road driving.
Damage will be limited to your own vehicle, not several innocent parked vehicles, and you will develop mechanical skills when you repair your vehicle, and learn vehicle maintenance; something sadly lacking amongst the youth of today.
Conclusion: not all youngsters are idiots, and you can have as much fun at 2mph off road in total safety, as you can in a tarted up boyracermobile, and not bother anyone else.