No offense taken. I really don't know anything about off road clubs. I just thought it was a good idea. I am just starting to get into 4wheeling. I mainly ride 4 wheel drive ATVs. My friends and I have made trips to IL, KY, WV,and CO with our ATVs. We have a lot fun, and there seems to be a larger group every trip we make. If you have never been to WV, on the Hatfield McCoy trails, I highly recommend it. They have some extreme trails, the best I've been on. Some of my friends have chosen to buy Yamaha Rhinos. They are a great machine, and useful around the house. I can't see spending $9,000 on a Rhino. I can spend half that, on a very capable Toyota, and bring my wife and daughter if they want to go. I understand the popularity of the utility side by sides. Anybody with a small truck can tow them anywhere.
I can see your point...trying to finding the time off, cost, travel involved, and a lot bigger toys to haul. Distance and cost would be a huge factor. I have met a lot of nice folks, while riding ATV over the years. I'm sure the offroad community will be the same.
$ locked up 4wd truck will go alot more places than any atv, just ask the owner of the one I towed up the hill at hotprings. The 4 wheeling community is better in my opinion. I rode atvs for a few years and feel alot more comfortable with the offroading 4wd types.