Offroading pics.... McLean Creek

[Kjesse]

That looks like great fun. I haven't owned a 4x4 for a few years now but loved going out and getting it muddy.

Thanks for posting the pics!

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by troutman

Have you driven the Forestry Trunk Road? Off-Roaders are everywhere.

Yes, I used to go to MacLean or Waiprous every May Long plus throughout the season.

Here's me in '03



I didn't articulate my point very well, but what I meant to say is I believe the damage done to the environment by 4x4s is minimal. Even in places like Waiprous, you only actually use maybe 1% of the land, if that. And where the land is chewed up, it's not a BFD. I understand the point of view that says it causes damage and it clearly does, but in the grand scheme of things it's a complete and total non-issue IMO.

[Thor]

When my brother in law gets his super jeep back I'll take some pics, that thing is a monster.

Off roading guys here in Iceland treat the land with respect, they love to get out into the wilderness and are often the choice transport for scientists and people needing access to more remote parts of the land.

Off roading is a tiny pinprick in the immensity of the world considering all the other crap we do to nature, not even worth a tear from a dirty hippy.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by 1stLand

I dont want to sound like a jerk or anything, but I am against destroying our beautiful backcountry with ATV's and Vehicles.
This type of recreational activity should be outlawed.

But I'm sure you're ok with stripping down more prairie and building more houses for you to sell, eh?

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Is that an Iltis?

Yes... it's a Bombardier Iltis.



It surprised the hell out of me on how capable it was. I went everywhere my Jeep Rubicon went.
... but then again I didn't realize it had locking front and rear differentials. The only negative against it is its ground clearance. Hmmm... I wonder if they make lift kits for an Iltis?

Its my father-in-law's off-road play toy. He's 76 years old.. in terrific shape and just loves to play with his toy...

[Rerun]

Forestry companies do WAY MORE damage to the land every year than the handful of offroaders do. If you've ever driven through an area that has just been clear cut, you'll understand what I mean. It looks like a bomb just went off in those areas. Nothing is left standing, slash is everywhere, and bulldozed roads crisscross the landscape.

[Phanuthier]

Just curious (because I don't know a lot about off roading) are you off roading to get to somewhere? Or are you just driving your 4x4 to a area, then driving around a few times then going home?

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Just curious (because I don't know a lot about off roading) are you off roading to get to somewhere? Or are you just driving your 4x4 to a area, then driving around a few times then going home?

Could be either one. There are some pretty cool shortcuts through some of the ranges to get to the other side. There are places to camp that you'll only get to in a 4x4. And there are days when it's just fun to go out to an OHV area and get dirty for no reason.

[Rerun]

I enjoy it for the fun of the ride.... and the sightseeing along the way. You get to see areas that most people never do.
Also, sometimes you have a specific end destination.... such as a lake or waterfalls or the top of a hill or mountain.

There also is a lot of skill involved in getting through some of the points along the route. You have to pick your path so you don't get hung up or tip over. It is very exhilarating to be able to climb up or over something that you probably thought that there is no way in hell you would be able to do it.

[Phanuthier]

Is that your own 4x4 you tack off trail? And is it expensive to maintain it after trashing it on all these off roads?

[Engine09]

I miss going out to McLean, used to head out there at least once a week in the Summer before my dirtbike was stolen.

All the roads out there are old logging trails, nothing to destroy since we all ride over existing trails. As long as no one starts a fire or leaves garbage then I don't see an issue.

[Redliner]

Land use issues will never, ever, go away. As a member of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) in Utah in the mid-90's, I went to the land access meetings and ended up on the receiving end of all kinds of attacks from evironmentalist groups, equestrian groups, hiking enthusiasts, and even off-roaders, although to a lesser degree. Every group seems (or seemed) to have a specific idea of how the land access should be managed, and surprise surprise it always catered to their own interests.

People need to understand that land is there for all of us. If land users can be courteous and responsible, there is no reason that everyone's needs can not be met. The issues seem to be much more hot-button in the US, but in much of Canada different land user groups coexist in relative peacefulness. Off roading is a little more problematic because the vehicles are large, fast, and motorized, and can present a danger to other users. That's why there are areas set aside for this like Maclean creek, and I don't have any problem whatsoever with them being there. Off-road enthusiasts have just as much a right to pursue their interests as I do. For those who complain about the damage they do to the land - it really isn't much. They make mudholes and maybe tear up the surface, but it's pretty minor stuff that would repair itself very quickly if left alone. There is very little pollution or lasting impact to the area if the users are responsible.

Bottom line is any land user should follow some basic rules. Take out what you bring in, be courteous to others, and use existing trails - don't make new ones.