Go Extreme or Go Home

DRaider90

DRaider90

Uwharrie Off-Road Volunteering
Joined
Oct 23, 2007
Location
Weddington, NC
In the hobby of 4 wheeling I understand there are different levels of wheelers.

1.)People that wheel their stock trucks.

2.)People that have slightly-moderately modified trucks that are still streetable/daily drivers.

3.)More modified rigs all the way up to buggy's and beyond.

But what I am starting to see more and more is some of the members of 3 are getting a "Go Extreme or Go Home" attitude out on the trails. And notice I am not saying all are like this, but I am seeing it more and more.

Lets take Kodak and the rock garden for example. A group of stock to mildly modified trucks come up on Kodak and the rock garden. Some take the bypass, some others take a stab at some of the lines. A group of more well built rigs comes along and before long starts whining and complaining about the trucks ahead of them. Keep in mind no one is taking an overly long time going up, if they can't make the line they try a 2nd line, and then if that fails they backup and take the bypass.

The group walks up starts talking crap, and basically ruining the fun for the others spectating etc. The group of more mild rigs gets through and stops to watch the more built rigs. Its wet so it even takes them a good bit of time to make it up, and one of them snaps a front drive shaft. The group of less built rigs still comes down and helps winch the guy off the rocks.

And it seems the on-going theme is beer with these groups also. One time on Daniel we fallowed such a group and played pick up the bud light cans behind them. The most disturbing event was back in December of 08, the 13th a Saturday to be exact. We were on Falls Dam and then Rocky Mount Loop and a group (some of them are on here) came up behind us. A stock red trooper with 30x9.5 Buckshot mudders was having issues getting up the rutted turn (as many know in November/December everything gets rutted out and turns into a slippery mess). For one the guy is stock, and two he had his kids/family with him. It took him 5-10 minutes to get up the ledge with a little help.

But while we were there the group behind us (toting Bud Light cans, some looked like underage teenagers) they started talking crap about the rest of our group. "We will have to wait on the damn Isuzu here to get up, will probably have to strap it up. Will have to strap this POS up here too..." and it went on. I toned down most of the swearing/cursing etc and cut it fairly short, there was a lot more said. Just so happens the rest of our group had no issues getting up and left them to their drunken stupor.

Point of this is, all too often I am seeing more and more this attitude (and beer going with it). Everyone is out on the trails to have fun and enjoy 4 wheeling. Talking crap to people and being assholes in general because you think your more "extreme" or how ever you wish to put it isn't going to cut it. Last time I checked most of us started off wheeling stock rigs and were all at that point some time. Even if you come up on a guy taking a line too hard for his truck, and it takes him a little longer than usual to get down it; the thing to do would offer help spotting/strap etc to get him through it and on his way versus talking crap and making the situation worse.

But that is just me. Even now with my truck being a little more capable/modified I still enjoy coming up on stock groups and lending a helping hand. If it be giving trail directions, help spotting, or what ever the case may be. We on many occasions have had stock/first time groups tag along with ours and we guide them around the trails. That is what I get enjoyment out of, and hopefully the others out there that lend a helping hand also won't stop just because more and more others are having superiority issues.

/ End Rant
(Hopefully this doesn't go downhill and end up in the Garage, but we will see)
 
I've seen a little of what you are talking about. Frankly other than keeping the brews in camp and not on the trail I'm not sure what to suggest. I wheel a mild rig these days and enjoy watching and helping spot as much as anything else.

I know one thing, that 2 hour wait to get up Daniel had to be a tough one to wait out. Sometimes you get frustrated with no moving and lash out. Lets face it, URE is getting quite a bit more use these days.
 
DRaider90 said:
~long quote~
Click to expand...

I have noticed a lot of this as problems the last few years. The sport has presented itself in many negative ways to me the last several times out at URE. Other places have been more fun to be at....Coal Creek, Rausch Creek, etc. But URE has seemed rampant with a lot more of the asshat mentality lately.

Seems that many are not there to have a good time (at least without alcoholic lubrication on the trail)....and spectate others tackling the obstacles in a positive fashion.

Much of the true spirit of camaraderie is missing too often.
 
This is actually one of the main reasons I'm running in the A ("stocker") class in ECORS.
I like the general collegiality of the guys who are running NON-built rigs. No offense to the guys in the other classes - honestly overall we have a pretty classy group of really nice fellas - but I like that it removes alot of the potential for macho "I've got big shit" and just down to driving.

IMO the key to your point though is the BEER - being a guy who drinks on te htrial, and having little/no respect for others seems to go hand in hand.
 
I think they should put plain clothed rangers at certain spots and if you get caught with beer in hand you get a dwi that simple all we need is some dumbass thats drunk to roll over a kid or anybody thats near by and its just another reason to stop our sport. The only reason I can see having a rig that can roll over anything with 46"s and 500 hp is lack of driving skill.
 
i agree with the plain clothes and dwi.

fella's, welcome to the new URE.

the extreme crowd is now showing up at a mild OHV and wondering why all the stockers are there.

you can thank the forestry service for shutting down tellico.
 
I haven't been wheeling since I got here in '05 for a couple of reasons, 1) I don't know where anything is, 2) My old jeep crapped out on me and couldn't get it fixed, and C) <----redneck joke, I don't have the money for a tires, gas, or lift. I want to go so bad I can taste it but I have other priorities first.

Before I moved down here I wheeled almost twice a week in SD either with some friends or the jeep club. We were always very polite and helpful to the less experienced/stock drivers. Since this seems to be lacking down here mainly because of booze, it sounds like, I think whenever we see this happening (the drinking on the trail part) we need to say something to first ranger that comes across with a description of the vehicle and occupants. SD had a very hefty fine if you got busted on the trail drinking. It's been awhile but I believe they gave you a major ticket and impounded your vehicle. I bet that would curb some of the problems.

I love this sport so much that I could spend all day out on the trail wheeling, watching, spotting, or repairing; I think it's a lot of fun helping the newbies and or stock vehicles.
 
rokntoy said:
The only reason I can see having a rig that can roll over anything with 46"s and 500 hp is lack of driving skill.
Click to expand...

What load of :poop:
 
Once, I was riding in a big bad buggy with a friend. We were rolling up on Kodak and there was a group of stockers having fun. We didnt mind the wait at all, in fact we were enjoying watching.

Ole' boy in a stock xj was giving her hell and going at it hard...I was smiling at laughing because I was having fun and couldnt help but to smile.(Having a good time =smile)

One of his friends that was standing there watching saw me smiling and said to his friend'' Look at these punks laughing...cause their junks bigger, they think they're cool in their big bad rig''.

I was offended by this...I was not laughing at anyones expense, i was laughing because it was cool to watch.

I guess these guys were insecure or something. When they saw my smile, they assumed I was laughing at them....and in turn, they started talking crap about us.

My point is...sometimes it's jealousy, insecurities, or ignorance, or a preconcieved notion that the big guys are the bad ones. And it's not always the case.

I could see these guys attitudes change the minute we rolled up....our attitudes didnt change, theirs did.


Just an example of shoes on the other feet.
 
The best way to handle people that are running there mouth because they are full of liquid courage is call them out and handle it, remember alcohol is not the best substance for balance or reaction time. Might not be the right way but sometimes it's the only way.
 
ai242.photobucket.com_albums_ff284_OlJeeps_Other_20Stuff_Wahmbulance.gif


Im sorry, but I gotta chime in. Sorry if you have a crap vehicle...

But I have a STOCK '67 CJ5, 72 HP F-Head, two piece rear axle, welded, Dana 25 front w/ a Lockrite, with 33" Boggers and I wheel with these guys and have never seen any of the shit I have read in these couple of BDB Bashing threads! They have never bitched about my rig shortcomings, And they are willing to attack ANY obstacle the way it should be attacked...Balls-out! Dont be a girl, bashin someone because they got more than you! Wheel what you got and have fun. And if extreme is too much for ya, then head on back to the mall for your wheelin!:rolleyes:
 
Dylan W. said:
Look at these punks laughing...cause their junks bigger, they think they're cool in their big bad rig''.
I was offended by this...I was not laughing at anyones expense, i was laughing because it was cool to watch.
I guess these guys were insecure or something. When they saw my smile, they assumed I was laughing at them....and in turn, they started talking crap about us.
My point is...sometimes it's jealousy, insecurities, or ignorance, or a preconcieved notion that the big guys are the bad ones. And it's not always the case.
I could see these guys attitudes change the minute we rolled up....our attitudes didnt change, theirs did.
Just an example of shoes on the other feet.
Click to expand...


This is the scenario I have seen played out most often.

When I was flogging a nearly stock XJ on 30s up rocks it had little business being on, I got way more compliments from the "big guys" than anyone else.
 
DRaider90 said:
In the hobby of 4 wheeling I understand there are different levels of wheelers.

1.)People that wheel their stock trucks.

2.)People that have slightly-moderately modified trucks that are still streetable/daily drivers.

3.)More modified rigs all the way up to buggy's and beyond.

But what I am starting to see more and more is some of the members of 3 are getting a "Go Extreme or Go Home" attitude out on the trails. And notice I am not saying all are like this, but I am seeing it more and more.

Lets take Kodak and the rock garden for example. A group of stock to mildly modified trucks come up on Kodak and the rock garden. Some take the bypass, some others take a stab at some of the lines. A group of more well built rigs comes along and before long starts whining and complaining about the trucks ahead of them. Keep in mind no one is taking an overly long time going up, if they can't make the line they try a 2nd line, and then if that fails they backup and take the bypass.

The group walks up starts talking crap, and basically ruining the fun for the others spectating etc. The group of more mild rigs gets through and stops to watch the more built rigs. Its wet so it even takes them a good bit of time to make it up, and one of them snaps a front drive shaft. The group of less built rigs still comes down and helps winch the guy off the rocks.

And it seems the on-going theme is beer with these groups also. One time on Daniel we fallowed such a group and played pick up the bud light cans behind them. The most disturbing event was back in December of 08, the 13th a Saturday to be exact. We were on Falls Dam and then Rocky Mount Loop and a group (some of them are on here) came up behind us. A stock red trooper with 30x9.5 Buckshot mudders was having issues getting up the rutted turn (as many know in November/December everything gets rutted out and turns into a slippery mess). For one the guy is stock, and two he had his kids/family with him. It took him 5-10 minutes to get up the ledge with a little help.

But while we were there the group behind us (toting Bud Light cans, some looked like underage teenagers) they started talking crap about the rest of our group. "We will have to wait on the damn Isuzu here to get up, will probably have to strap it up. Will have to strap this POS up here too..." and it went on. I toned down most of the swearing/cursing etc and cut it fairly short, there was a lot more said. Just so happens the rest of our group had no issues getting up and left them to their drunken stupor.

Point of this is, all too often I am seeing more and more this attitude (and beer going with it). Everyone is out on the trails to have fun and enjoy 4 wheeling. Talking crap to people and being assholes in general because you think your more "extreme" or how ever you wish to put it isn't going to cut it. Last time I checked most of us started off wheeling stock rigs and were all at that point some time. Even if you come up on a guy taking a line too hard for his truck, and it takes him a little longer than usual to get down it; the thing to do would offer help spotting/strap etc to get him through it and on his way versus talking crap and making the situation worse.

But that is just me. Even now with my truck being a little more capable/modified I still enjoy coming up on stock groups and lending a helping hand. If it be giving trail directions, help spotting, or what ever the case may be. We on many occasions have had stock/first time groups tag along with ours and we guide them around the trails. That is what I get enjoyment out of, and hopefully the others out there that lend a helping hand also won't stop just because more and more others are having superiority issues.

/ End Rant
(Hopefully this doesn't go downhill and end up in the Garage, but we will see)
Click to expand...


Sounds to me like the inconsiderate pricks you are referring to could have been doing something more productive and less offensive with their day on the 13th of December 2008.

For example; ALL of the Big Dixie Boggers were giving back to the community by throwing out around $300 worth of candy in the legendary Cat Square parade on December 13th 2008 just as we will be doing this year on Decmber 12th 2009. That is just one of the community events WE are involved in on an annual basis.

John...Proud BDB member.
 
ol'Jeeps said:
ai242.photobucket.com_albums_ff284_OlJeeps_Other_20Stuff_Wahmbulance.gif

Im sorry, but I gotta chime in. Sorry if you have a crap vehicle...
But I have a STOCK '67 CJ5, 72 HP F-Head, two piece rear axle, welded, Dana 25 front w/ a Lockrite, with 33" Boggers and I wheel with these guys and have never seen any of the shit I have read in these couple of BDB Bashing threads! They have never bitched about my rig shortcomings, And they are willing to attack ANY obstacle the way it should be attacked...Balls-out! Dont be a girl, bashin someone because they got more than you! Wheel what you got and have fun. And if extreme is too much for ya, then head on back to the mall for your wheelin!:rolleyes:
Click to expand...


Ummm....why is this a BDB bashing thread? The only ones bringing BDB into this discussion is the BDB members themselves.

And, the very type of comments I referred to regarding the attitude changing is what I've heard personally by some of the big rig drivers (who I genuinely have respect for concerning the planing, work, and detail which has gone into their rigs), are the type exemplified at the end of your post.

Hell......Even though my rig is classified as a stocker by most here, I like taking stockers out.....true stockers. As in, removed step-rails and mudflaps......daily-driver, to-the-office, first-time stocker. It's fun for me to see them get jazzed by doing so much more than they thought they could. And it's been pretty awesome when people said to us "You're not going there in that rig, are you?" "My wife has one like that she uses for the grocery store." Been laughed at....ridiculed.....and I just smile and go on my way.

And then we like to watch the more modified rigs do their thing.....if they can do so without drinking (thankfully....as most do). Great times seeing the tougher lines being taken.

It used to be that a true sense of respect was evident at URE (and other local places) between those of us at varying levels of the sport....either by choice or exposure. A true sense of everyone enjoying the past-time in their own sort of way. But that has largely disappeared, and is replaced by more often the attitude being discussed here.

And.....thusly, this thread has become what I thought it would.
 
Last time I was at URE I noticed beer cans ALL over the sides of the trails. What is with these pople?? First of all, I drink beer, sometimes more than my fair share, but NEVER on the trails and NEVER in a vehicle. I agree 100% with plain clothes officers up there, a few DWIs would do a lot of good. Then there is the litter factor, we are already fighting tooth and nail to keep our trails open and then these POSs throw their trash on the trails. Grow up and clean up after yourself!

I have been lucky enough to encounter the "mockery" on the trails. I have meet a lot of great people at URE and all have been very helpful. I am not in a stock vehicle, but I am not very built at all, so I always appreciate every one's advice and help on the trail, and I have to admit, I laugh at myself sometimes when I learn the hard way the limits of my jeep. :)
 
In general, we do have an issue with people making the sport look bad. However, we cannot limit them to a specific type of vehicle. I've seen guys in stockers AND built rigs that have done their best to make the sport miserable for others. Hell, we've all made our fair share of mistakes over the years.

If you see people drinking on the trail, I can give you the email for the rangers office. A pic with license plates goes a long way. We have a good relationship with the rangers at Uwharrie. Let's not ruin it with infighting.

Thanks,
J
 
just curious, what IS the penalty for drinking on the trials? Sicne they aren't state roads, it can't be a DUI ticket, right? I know iit is against the rules, is it just a fine for "breaking the rules"?
 
I will first say I do not know personally any of the BDB guys.. but the 1st post here no where mentioned that name, yet people in response to his post did.. why is that?

Yes there is another post with BDB guys, but this one had nothing to do with them..

every 4x4 club in NC has guys running 40" tires or bigger so we could all in that extreme group he was referring to. So lets not make assumptions as to what group he was referring to.

I will say I agree with his statement of how some guys in big built rigs forget that they probably started out in a stock rig and worked there way up.. A lot of the attitude I hear and have seen on the trails all goes back to people not having patience, especially at URE.

This is part of the reason I like going to Harlan, Rausch, etc.. I take a long weekend and go wheeling with the idea that even if I break in the 1st 100 feet(which I have) I do not care.. I am there to get away , have fun with friends and enjoy myself.

If we as a 4x4 community work together to show people we are not out to one up each other but have fun with friends and family I think it would help outside folks looking in want to be part of it just as much as we all love it.
 
BRUISER said:
I will first say I do not know personally any of the BDB guys.. but the 1st post here no where mentioned that name, yet people in response to his post did.. why is that?

Yes there is another post with BDB guys, but this one had nothing to do with them..

every 4x4 club in NC has guys running 40" tires or bigger so we could all in that extreme group he was referring to. So lets not make assumptions as to what group he was referring to.

I will say I agree with his statement of how some guys in big built rigs forget that they probably started out in a stock rig and worked there way up.. A lot of the attitude I hear and have seen on the trails all goes back to people not having patience, especially at URE.

This is part of the reason I like going to Harlan, Rausch, etc.. I take a long weekend and go wheeling with the idea that even if I break in the 1st 100 feet(which I have) I do not care.. I am there to get away , have fun with friends and enjoy myself.

If we as a 4x4 community work together to show people we are not out to one up each other but have fun with friends and family I think it would help outside folks looking in want to be part of it just as much as we all love it.
Click to expand...


kudos, well said.
 
I have a thousand pennies.
 
I am going to weigh in here because I may have a unique view point. I think a lot of what is being said is in people's head like Dylan stated, but on the flip side, you will run into assholes on occassion no matter where you go in life. I started out wheeling a mildly built stocker 6-7 yrs ago. I now have a 1-ton built cab truck and a stockish looking Samurai. When I go wheeling, the folks with stock to stockish rigs seem to be more impressed with my cab truck, and the guys with the built rigs seem to be more impressed with my Samurai.

Personally, I like watching everything from stockers to fully built rigs as long as the driver is giving the obstacle a good effort.

I only get impatient with people on the trail for a few reasons.
1) Somebody wheeling on a trail that the driver/rig is obviously not capable of being on, and they have now created a big fat trail plug. The level of aggravation from this type of incident can go up dramatically if they are stupid and or drunk.
2) Somebody wheeling a rig and taking more than their fair share of time trying an obstacle. This can be particularly annoying if they don't know how to use the gas pedal properly and there is a long line of people waiting.
3) People who park on the trail BLOCKING the trail so they can get out and watch or help when they know there are lots of other vehicles behind them. Get the f$%k out of the way and park on the side of the trail if you are getting out of your vehicle!

I'll admit to being the guy standing on the trail heckling in those situations in the past, but I felt I had good reason to do so.

I'll 2nd the beer can thing too. WTF is with people just flinging beers can all out into the woods? If you can drink the beer, you can crush the can and stash it.
 
IMO threads like this is why Trout Unlimited is kicking our a$$es over the whole Tellico issue. They don't argue over who has the bigger rod or better lure(this one may get a lol from some), they unite for a common cause. If as much enegry was put into cleaning up the trails, or helping to improve the image of the sport rather than blasting a group with different rigs then we wouldn't have to worry about a place to wheel....
Sorry for the ranting but it makes me mad to see highschool type stuff make us all look like 14 year olds....
 
Back
Top