Not a troll post, not trying to start drama in the thread. While BB was my first off-road trail experience in the 4Runner, I've taken it to the local park (mostly mud, some steep inclines, declines, curves, etc), which gave me a good idea of the "comfort zone" and capability of the 4R. I've also done a lot of autocross, so I'm probably more comfortable behind the wheel than the average driver. Not that I'd want to autocross the 4R or do those kind of maneuvers, but there's some skill transfer there. BB would have been more intimidating had I not had an experience earlier this year in the interior of Costa Rica with a 5 speed Yaris that was easily the most white knuckle 8 hours I've ever spent behind the wheel. Imagine doing the beginning of Imogene on the Telluride side with three other people in the car in a torrential downpour for 8 hours. After that, not much phases me.
Yes, BB requires your full attention, situational awareness, weather awareness, recognition of the consequences of a mistake, and conscious effort to avoid mistakes. Accidents and mistakes can still happen even if you mitigate the risk; it's an inherently risky activity. Every mistake is not automatically a disaster (totaling your 4R is not a disaster, a loss of life is a disaster and tragedy), but every mistake will fall somewhere on the spectrum of consequences. BB was more challenging than I expected, but it was not outside of my comfort zone, nor did I ever feel I was driving beyond the limits of my and my 4R's ability.
If I gave the impression that I think that way, I should have posted with more clarity. I, too, am into adventure sports, primarily trad and sport rock climbing. The things I've seen inexperienced climbers do...I don't want to be anywhere near them if what they're doing will jeopardize my safety. Same goes for anything else. You're right, though, that at the end of the day, you have to respect the road and mother nature.
