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Because they are a great place to learn the basics of 4-wheeling.
If you're new to off-road riding, you should try to find a 4-wheel drive club in your area. You will want to become familiar with the right way to 4-wheel, including trail etiquette and safety. -
Organized club rides give you an opportunity to improve your off-road driving skills.
You might learn about some new trails that you didn't know existed, and you might even have access to some you wouldn't have been able to gain entry to on your own. Club membership opens many doors for 4-wheelers. -
So you'll have others to go 4-wheeling with.
You should never venture out into the backcountry by yourself. When you are part of a club, it's easy to find someone who wants to go out and ride. -
We can accomplish more together than alone.
Most clubs are active in their communities, and almost all clubs are helping to fight road closures as well. Club activities help to improve the image of all 4-wheelers, which benefits our sport overall.
If you've decided that you do, in fact, want to join a club, the next question becomes, "Which one?" To determine if a club is "right" for you, make note of the following characteristics:
Size of Club - The size of a club makes a difference. Larger clubs tend to be a bit more organized, have more activities, and have a solid network for contacting fellow members.
Age of Members - Age of club members makes a difference. You will find everything from twenty-somethings to retirees who are members of clubs. The point is, you will probably feel most comfortable in a club with lots of members around your age range. Younger clubs tend to travel the more difficult trails. Older clubs tend to travel farther from home and participate in more overnight activities.
Level of Participation - It is important that you ask about the amount of participation that is "required" by the club before you join. Some clubs make it a requirement that members attend a certain number of meetings and/or a certain number of activities each month. The plus-side to this is that such clubs tend to have a very tight network of members and camaraderie like this is hard to find.
Trips & Events- You will also want to know what types of trips the club typically plans. Do they participate in frequent overnight activities? Lots of day trips to nearby cities? Out-of-state events?
Community Involvement- Ask how much community service and trail maintenance they sponsor in the area. For example, a number of clubs hold fundraising events in support of a local charity. And the most reputable clubs proudly participate in trail maintenance programs and support local environmental issues.
Philosophies- Finally, the most (though not all) reputable clubs tend to belong to their state's four-wheeling association, as well as the national four-wheeling association. Membership in these organizations means that they subscribe to the basic philosophies associated with the tread-lightly program, in addition to a number of other safety and environmental matters that help to promote four-wheeling as a safe and meaningful sport.
In sum, organized four wheeling gives you an opportunity to fine-tune your off-road driving skills in a safer environment while providing you with an opportunity to meet other people with similar interests as yourself. Be sure to look around for the right club for you - one that meets your techniques and personal requirements.
If you know of a 4-wheel drive club that's not listed here, email me(4wheeldrive.guide@about.com)the URL and I'll add it for you!