To join a club or not to join
Submitted: Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 09:25
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Laura B
Hi all,
Wanting to know if it is worth joining a 4wd club or not. Our friends run one where we live but go out with them anyway! Also we have a possibility of moving to Yass and wondering if there are any clubs out that way.
I know it helps for insurance and things like that if your apart of a club, eg. couldnt take our car over the lumps at Kembla Grange because we didnt belong to club.
Also before the gates were open at Yalwal if you were in a club you could get the keys, but now its all open....
how many people out there arent apart of a club???
Laura B
Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 13:05
Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 13:05
My view is that it is
well worth being in a Club. I am with the
Gold Coast Club and we have members ranging from hard core competition (some very successful) through to those interested in scenic touring; and lots (most) in between.
Most week-ends there are organised club trips that are graded easy through to hard.
We do at least 2 trips a month with the club and only do the easy and medium trips. Several week-end trips as
well. For example we expect about 30 vehicles to go on the Club
Easter camping trip.
Benefits include: Great place to learn about effective and safe 4WDing (our club runs a full day 'Driver Awareness Course' for new members. Meet lots of people with similar interests, make new friends. Learn about local
places to go that you might otherwise not learn. Get access to some tracks that you otherwise might not. And lots more.
Clearly some clubs will be better than others, but I suspect most clubs are pretty good.
My vote is to join, then get involved in the running of the club. Give it a try at least. Doesn't cost much and if you don't like it, don't renew.
AnswerID:
159699
Reply By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 18:44
Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 18:44
Hi
Laura....
Another vote for joining a club!!!!
We're with the
Gold Coast Club as
well... (Like Norm C above!) way back when we bought our truck, I wasn't keen to join at all.... but then I went to a meeting and the bug bit!!!!!
Hard!!!
I recommend joining a club, there are many many benefits, and like Norm said, if you can and want to, try to get involved.... even just leading a few trips, our motto is you get out what you put in!!
As for finding a club, try this web site and on the left menu there is a button for club locations....... there should be a club in your area!
Happy 4wd'ing!!!
Cheers
Brian
AnswerID:
159760
Reply By: Pud & Barb - Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 19:37
Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 19:37
Hi
Laura,
We have just moved from Yass to
Goulburn. I sent for an application form today from the nissan patrol club for NSW/ACT. Apparently they are pretty good and, as a bonus to us living in
Goulburn they have I think from memory, 94 hectares around here somewhere for members to use.
Am just reading today's entries and am going to join hubby and myself up as EO members. Thanks.
Barb.
PS Where are you living now?
AnswerID:
159778
Follow Up By: Laura B - Monday, Mar 13, 2006 at 06:51
Monday, Mar 13, 2006 at 06:51
Nowra - just down the hills from you! Nathan has applied for a job with the council so who knows if we'll move or not!!
Laura
FollowupID:
414827
Reply By: Russ - Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 21:42
Friday, Mar 10, 2006 at 21:42
Laura,
As you may have gathered by now it is an individual thing.
We (over 50, kids off our hands) were invited into an unregistered group. Wasnt long b4 I new more than most.
I now consider that I have a reasonable knowledge and know when to say no.
However; what we learnt from this group, they were a tight nit mob, no rules, and there was a lot of internal back stabbing and hidden conflict.
Dont tell me this does not happen with other groups either.
NOW, we do our thing with a small group of friends, no pressure, we all enjoy each others company (important) and have a fantastic time.
We also take some CALCULATED risks, but enjoy it.
"Pickle"
AnswerID:
159810
Follow Up By: Laura B - Monday, Mar 13, 2006 at 06:55
Monday, Mar 13, 2006 at 06:55
we went a few times with people like that first "club" of yours, having affairs with each others wifes and hubbies - kinda put me off!!
We also class ourselves pretty knowledgable when it comes to 4wd and take out people that we know that have never been before and its great.....
thanks Pickle!!
Laura B
FollowupID:
414828
Reply By: Richard - Monday, Mar 13, 2006 at 10:42
Monday, Mar 13, 2006 at 10:42
I'm a member of two clubs.
One based in
Sydney run along normal club lines. The other a national club with communication primarily on line. Trips in various states are organised on line.
Did a few Tag Alongs before joining a club and getting involved in the 4WD movement.
I have learn't heaps made many good friends.
Comments on clubs have been fairly
well covered above.
AnswerID:
160198