Paved roads hold no thrills or challenges for some drivers. They are the hardy souls who prefer taking their vehicles off the road, and off the beaten path, in a pursuit that pits big-wheeled trucks and their drivers against an untamed terrain.

There are several off-road clubs in the Augusta area, including the Hardline Off-Road Club.

"One of the things I like about this sport is that you can be challenged," said the club's president, John Doran. "Everytime you come up to a place, you have to analyze your line and see which line you will take.

"That is how our club got its name, Hardline Off-Road, because we try to do the hardest line we can."

Some club members take their children along. Jonathan Keller enjoys being out in the woods with his family.

"I like being outdoors, having fun, going to different places and being away from town," he said.

His two children, Ashlyn, 10, and Jonathan Ford, 4, rode in a friend's truck while on the trails on a recent outing.

By the end of the day, drivers and passengers were tired. Mud covered everything, inside and out of the vehicles, but the club members lingered to help a young driver from Florida who was stuck in the mud.

Mr. Keller agreed to help, without hesitation. "That could be me some day, stuck on a trail and hoping somebody could help pull me out."

Mr. Doran added: "We never leave anyone behind, even if it is a stranger."