Our American Friends Terminology for Offroading

[Drift]

There is quite a bit of controversy in the 4x4 community in the UK about the terminology used to portray folk who take their vehicles "Off Road"

What does it mean?

well to me its off tarmac, to others its ripping the countryside up, that can be put down to ignorance, but some 4x4 enthusiasts do not like the term so what do we do?

Green Lanes to me is the wrong term to use, not sure why but it just seems to sound into the Anti's hand some how?
As in Green (what are you doing here in a planet killer?) Lane .. sort of contradiction?

I like the American term "Wheeling" it just sounds so much better and less contradictory?

Just my Scotch induced observations

[bigdazz]

i think off roading

[gregster]

gotta agree drift....
wheelin to me is all about loading your truck with supplies for a weekend or few days, and heading off on ancient trails with the family and friends to spend some quality time enjoying nature and the great outdoors with a few challenges for your truck...

Offroadin or dare I say it laning (cos so many people think this is offroadin...even though you are on roads albiet unsufaced ones), kinda conjures up the image to me of a bunch of blokes in tricked up landrovers terrorising green lanes in the search for a difficult bit that they can rip to pieces for hours playing with there overly modified trucks...they dont get it, you really dont need 6" lifts, massive articulation, 35"+ tyres, ARB's, front and rear winches and tuned tdi's for laning, these mods just means that you need to travel much further to find anything remotely challenging, and the damage that is then done in far more severe for everyone...
in fact it is far more interesting and kinder to the environment in a less modded truck I think...

Gotta say the whole wheelin scene in the states is something that makes me so jealous, such awesome trails, with spectacular scenery, and an attitude over there that finding time to get out and enjoy your country with the family that extends beyond just there 4x4 community...

I am gonna suggest to sal that we do the rubicon trail as a honeymoon one day (but I dont think I will get away with it!)