[Skitzic]

Ok, so I want to go off-roading, but everytime I've never done it before and everything I read tells me to hook up with a local jeep club. I'm hesitant. I just have visions of weekly dues and snickering at the stock newbie chick who thinks she can ride...I keep wanting to approach this guy who's always buying Red Bull while I'm paying for my gas because his wrangler is always covered in mud, but I'm not sure if that would be considered rude. When I had my convertible I asked some guy what he was using on his back window to keep it so clear and he freaked out telling me to do my homework before asking a stranger stupid questions...

 

[SurfnSnow]

Actually you'd be surprised, there's many Jeep clubs that are family friendly. Try doing an internet search for any jeep clubs in your area and look at their webpages. You can get a general vibe about them from their website. You might want to check out Jeeperz because I knwo they have a PA chapter and are cool people to wheel with. Also, it's not rude to ask someone about their rig or where they might wheel, I've been asked by other people about wheelin' in general (and about the Jeep), and I've also asked other people about their junk. Good luck

 

[Texapple]

whew....just rolled in from Paragon. Frank & I ran with the green/blue group....the newbies

I encourage you to check out local clubs, they can really help you get started...modifications, safety, recovery, picking lines, etc. You'll be the subject of some joking, but it comes with the territory, is good natured and usually only lasts till the next newbie joins I know in our club, it's important to the members that new folks have a safe/good time and leave the ride looking forward to the next outing. (that's why we were in that group today...doing a little PR)

As far as talking to the fellow at the gas station...go for it. I think most Jeepers are flattered when someone takes an interest in their rig. The guy with the convertible was a jerk (his problem, not yours!) And just so you know...there are no "strangers" amoung the Jeep community~!

good luck in your search and let us know how it turns out

 

[mrbigjeep]

Ok, so I want to go off-roading, but everytime I've never done it before and everything I read tells me to hook up with a local jeep club. I'm hesitant. I just have visions of weekly dues and snickering at the stock newbie chick who thinks she can ride...I keep wanting to approach this guy who's always buying Red Bull while I'm paying for my gas because his wrangler is always covered in mud, but I'm not sure if that would be considered rude. When I had my convertible I asked some guy what he was using on his back window to keep it so clear and he freaked out telling me to do my homework before asking a stranger stupid questions...

wow i can't believe someone would do that...what a jerk...i love the south...southern hospitality!

 

[OneBoltShort]

As far as jeep clubs and the like go, sounds like a great idea if you can find one. In our area we have at least 3 truck nights a week so if you have any of those check them out, though those are usually just to get muddy, so if you wanna go trailriding, check elsewhere. I was nervous goin to my first trucknight after buying my jeep, but the guys that put in a ton of money to make there rig look unstoppable in the mud didn't even take their's through. And alot of guys got stuck several times so you won't get embarrased as much as you think if you get stuck trying. And as far ask talking to the guy with the muddy jeep at the gas station, go for it...Owning a jeep is kinda like owning a motorcycle, it's a big family.

 

[Skitzic]

...now if only I could find one that's not a 5 hour drive...

 

[Buster]

...now if only I could find one that's not a 5 hour drive...

What part of Pa. are you in??

 

[ChilliRed]

Jus owning a jeep makes you one of us as long as you want to get some wheeling in with it! Def ask the guy at the gas station becasue if he is like me it will make his day to talk to someone who shares an intrest in jeeps and wheeling. I understand where your commin from with the clubs tho its hard deciding who you want to join up with. You should get to know someone on a forum like this and try to join up with them sometime.

 

[OneBoltShort]

You should get to know someone on a forum like this and try to join up with them sometime.

Exactly...You don't need to join a club to get your jeep dirty. Talk to the guy at the gas station, coworkers, or just ask around.
I didn't know anyone that had a jeep, or rather, that anyone I know had a jeep till I bought mine. Once you start talking to other people, jeep owners will start coming out of the woodwork and you'll be wheelin plenty.

 

[FuzzyDolly]

Any Jeep club that snickers at stock Jeeps isn't worthy of your time. My 05 X is bone stock and I've met up with a couple of great groups here in the Buffalo area. The best thing about jeepers is that they love to take newbies under their wing and teach them the ropes. I had never been off roading before, and they taught me a ton. Especially how amazing a stock TJ is. Check out these pics http://www.myjeepspace.com/profile.php?sub_section=gallery&id=2314 . 99% of the people who owns Jeeps are fantastic. Don't be afraid to approach someone and ask them questions. That's just being part of the Jeep family. Oh yeah, and don't forget to wave! BTW, where in PA are you? I've meet people from a group called Erie Jeep People. They are a nice bunch.

 

[Dare2BSquare]

I have met some erie jeep people myself... but for the most part jeepers rule.

 

[Tdad]

...now if only I could find one that's not a 5 hour drive...

If you're in the eastern half of PA, check out Blue Mountain Jeep Alliance (www.bmja.org) It's a big club but newbies are always welcome and there are quite a few women in the club so you won't be the only girl on the trail.

 

[Skitzic]

I'm about an hour north of Philly. I'll probably just see if I can talk to a few of the other jeepers I see roaming around...I couldn't clear the work schedule until early November to make any meetings anyway.

 

[mrbigjeep]

do it!

 

[Skitzic]

I will! Just have to wait until I find an owner by one of them!

 

[Tdad]

I'm about an hour north of Philly.

Are you in the Lehigh Valley then? I'm 90 mins N of Philly. BMJA's meetings are held in Reading, but there are members from Delaware to NY state, PA, NJ. Lots of people in the Lehigh Valley/Poconos as well.

 

[Skitzic]

I am in the Lehigh Valley, but I couldn't make their meetings until after the new year when I could get my days off switched.

 

[1BLKJP]

I am in the Lehigh Valley, but I couldn't make their meetings until after the new year when I could get my days off switched.

Just my opinion, but if I was going to join another club I would be looking for one that didn't focus so much on the meetings, but on the wheelin.

 

[Tdad]

Just my opinion, but if I was going to join another club I would be looking for one that didn't focus so much on the meetings, but on the wheelin.

Agreed.
Skitzic - you don't have to attend meetings, and they are more social gatherings than formal "meetings". You can sign up on the club forum and meet some people that way.

 

[Skitzic]

I think I'll just try to hook up with some locals first. See if I like the whole off road thing before I go for the club.