Off-roading

One popular sport in America is off-roading. While some may doubt its presence as a true sporting event, many competitions prove this wrong. Still, driving out in the wild tempts millions of drivers around the world to take their modified cars out rain and shine.

One popular recreational activity is “dune bashing,” common in the open deserts of Africa and the Middle East. As the name implies, drivers will take out lightweight vehicles to climb the rolling dunes in Dubai and the Sahara. Many modified cars and jeeps will have roll cages and other safety measures implemented, as well as large tires and engine upgrades. This seemingly would be a boring, easy way of driving, but only experienced people are able to stay afloat in the loose sand without slipping, rolling, or sinking.

Humans have also once again proved that they will race anywhere, shown by desert racing, rock racing, and cross-country vehicle racing. Desert racing is similar to dune bashing, but with more competition, and rock racing takes place on dangerous mountains. Cross country routes may be 300 km, with a variety of terrain and obstacles.

Green laning is a common leisure activity in the United Kingdom, where rich barons can take their normal Range Rovers on unpaved roads, stopping to picnic or hunt. This is similar to mudding or winching, where drivers actively try to become stuck in their vehicles, so they can winch themselves to safety.

There are many different championships across the world, each with their own regulations and specifications for modification, but these activities are often criticized for the negative environmental impact. Some public land has banned off-roading, so proceed with caution.

Information and pictures taken from Wikipedia.

Jeeps aren’t that good for off-roading.