Brothers Bob, left, and Paul Canter take in the view of West Virginia hills during an off-road trail ride.

POLAND — Bob Canter and his brother, Paul, work in the Canter & Associates CPA business.

They each serve as a fiscal officer — Bob for Poland Village and Paul for Poland Township.

“We work six to seven days a week between the village, township and the CPA business, so it is relaxing to get out there,” Bob said.

The “out there” he is speaking of is the sport / hobby of off-roading. The Canters love to hit old logging trails and view the splendor of nature in its full majesty.

The passion for going off-road, or four-wheeling, was a passion that began when they were young.

When they were elementary-school age, their parents, Bob and Donna Canter, bought their sons a Honda 70 four-wheeler and a Honda Z50 dirt bike for Christmas. Bob was 8 and Paul was 10 at the time. They shared and enjoyed the gifts for many years.

The fun of riding faded after they graduated from Poland Seminary High School. Paul graduated in 1994 and Bob in 1996. Their younger sister graduated in 1998.

The brothers went out into the world and became certified CPAs, got married and are raising their families.

Paul and his wife, Nicole, have a daughter Lauren, 20, and a son PJ, 18. Bob and his wife, Andrea, have a son Bobby, 13, and a daughter, Lexi, 11.

Ten years ago, Paul became Poland Township’s fiscal officer. Five years ago, Bob stepped into the position of Poland Village fiscal officer.

In 2016, the brothers got the urge to get away from the office and the paperwork by taking a couple of four-wheelers and riding trails. They did just that and were ready to take their rediscovered passion to the next level.

They began a ritual of going out on Fridays to Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where they could ride old logging trails through breathtaking landscapes.

“When we started, it was just the two of us on four-wheelers,” Paul said. “In 2021, I bought a side-by-side, but I prefer the challenge of the four-wheelers.”

Today, the brothers each have a four-wheeler and a side-by-side, which is an off-road two-seater vehicle with a roll cage. It resembles a dune buggy but is made to go over rough terrain.

Bob said it is no longer just the two of them. He said others got together and would make the trip to two top off-road sites. The first is Mines and Meadows in Wampum, Pa. The other more challenging set of trails is Hatfield and McCoy Trails in West Virginia.

The facilities have a fee or membership and plenty of trails. In Wampum, the property covers 1,000 acres, according to Bob.

With friends joining in, the Canters often find themselves part of a 12- to 15-person group. They run on Fridays in West Virginia and Sunday through Thursday in Wampum.

“That is when the least number of (other) people use the trails,” Paul said. “So our group can enjoy it better when it’s not crowded.”

Both Canters also have a choice between a four-wheeler and a side-by-side. Bob has a Kawasaki KRX and a Polaris Sportsman 850. Paul has a Can Am X3 Turbo and a Can Am 1000 XMR.

Bob said after-market accessories have been purchased for the vehicles, along with multiple sets of tires. He said there are tires for mud, rain and snow.

“My brother, Paul, also has snorkeling add-ons,” Bob said.

By using the snorkeling equipment, a vehicle can go through water and almost be submerged. The snorkeling equipment includes an exhaust extension and an extension for the air intake, keeping both above the water line.

“Sometimes we float in deep streams,” Paul said.

Another tool the brothers use is a drone with a camera system. They send it up to get the lay of the land and to see if others are on the trail. Paul said riding a trail takes planning.

Bob said he is the more conservative rider, while Paul loves the challenges like going up a steep grade.

He said the participants in their group know the rules of the trails. For example, the first vehicle on the trail will hold up his hand with the number of riders behind him. That signal prevents crashes as some four-wheelers like traveling the trails at a fast speed.

“The trouble with that is sometimes trees jump up in front of you,” Bob said.

The brothers rarely miss a week and go out regardless of rain, snow or sun. They both agreed it is a great way to unwind and enjoy life. Bob and Paul also try to get their sons and daughters involved, but they don’t come along too often.

One thing Paul said about the hobby is the repairs can sometimes be expensive. He said not long ago, he went airborne and when the side-by-side came down, it broke a suspension part that cost nearly $3,000 to fix.

“Since we got back into this again, I could have bought a couple of houses on what I spent,” Paul said.

Bob and Paul will continue their weekly outings and enjoy their time in the wild.

“Some like to unwind on the golf course,” Bob said. “We go riding.”

To suggest a Saturday profile, contact Metro Editor Marly Reichert at mreichert@tribtoday.com or Features Editor Ashley Fox at afox@tribtoday.com.

Have an interesting story? Email J.T. Whitehouse at jtwhitehouse@vindy.com.