Protect, promote and provide 4x4 opportunities worldwide
April 2016 • Volume 43 • Issue 1
Board of Directors President Tom Mandera– president@ufwda.org Past President Jim Mazzola III– pastpresident@ufwda.org Vice President Vernon Ball- vpresident@ufwda.org International Vice President Peter Vahry – intlvp@ufwda.org Treasurer Bob DeVore – treasurer@ufwda.org Director of Membership Richard Hiltz - membership@ufwda.org Director of Public Relations (Vacant) prdirector@ufwda.org Director of Environmental Affairs Jerry Smith - landuse@ufwda.org
Extended Board of Directors
4WD Awareness Coordinator Craig Feusse - 4wdawareness@ufwda.org Website Administrator Milt Webb Design – webmaster@ufwda.org
Legal and Marketing
Legal Counsel Carla Boucher – attorney@ufwda.org Business Development Manager (Vacant) business@ufwda.org
Editorial and Design Editor, Peter Vahry
UFWDA Office and Contact PO Box 316 Swartz Creek, MI 48473 Email: info@ufwda.org Phone: 1-800-44-UFWDA
Departments:
Viewpoints:
Tom Mandera Peter Vahry
7 9
Comment: “One Voice = Trail Access” Damage: A Universal Concern Purposeful Volunteerism: Pushing Beyond Holding Our Ground Help One Voice Reopen Your Closed Favorite Trail The Differences Between National Forests, National Monuments and National Parks
10 13 23 25 26
News and Events: 2016 Winter 4x4 Jamboree Hurricane, UT Sego and Thompson Canyons China Wall Temple Mountain April at Ahipara
15 19 31 34 41
Lists: Business Members Member Organizations
47 48
Cover photo Tom Mandera Stories and articles are submitted from various Association Members and other contributors. The views and opinions expressed in the stories and articles within are solely those of the individual, or individuals who submitted said stories or articles. United Four Wheel Drive Associations may neither advocate, endorse, nor recommend any of the said views or opinions.
Introductions Tom Mandera UFWDA President
Greetings! It was February here in Montana and 50+ degrees (F). I had to open the doors of my heated shop to let the heat in! At least I’ve been out of the shop and up into the hills, including a return visit to the BFG Outstanding Trail (2008), Blacktail / Wild Bill near Kalispell, MT. This was my third trip - first in full snow. Interestingly, I’ve not made two trips to the area in the same Scout II. In June of 2008 I was present for the “award” event with BFG. I wheeled my “daily driver” that time. It was the first trip for my then-new pop-up camper, and it snowed.
conspired to keep me away, but not this year. I braved the raining, no snowing, no raining weather that required engaging 4wd on my F350 just to leave the parking lot after stopping for fresh coffee on my 200 mile drive. One herd of deer on the way up, one herd on the return trip - plus a herd of elk just to keep things interesting. I’m told 73 vehicles participated. Being the end of January, in Montana, and wheelin’ up the side of a mountain that also sports a ski resort, we had snow. Plenty of ice at the lower elevations, turning to nice snow you could work with as we gained some height. The BS4W and Skyliners have made a lot of improvements to the trail since my first trip, and they continue to refine the obstacles and challenges, and they don’t disappoint.
I think it was shortly after that June camping trip I invested in a second LPG tank to keep the furnace fed - primarily for the sake of my young daughter. A few years ago M4x4A had our Divide Ride in the same area, and I went back with my wheeler to explore the enhancements made since 2008. This time, we didn’t tow the camper with the vehicle we were wheelin’, and we had more fun on the challenge routes - and it didn’t snow in late July. So this year I finally made it up for the Big Sky 4-Wheeler’s “SnowBash” event. Broken rigs (of the wheelin’ and of the towin’ variety) have
Complete with an area they call “the playground” buried implement tires, some K-barriers, and a few others added for fun, and on this trip, covered in snow.
The views from the clear spots are breathtaking, but even when you’re still driving through the trees, nature made for some nice photos. (Ceck the cover photo. Ed) The trail is really a series of cut routes cut at regular intervals by the “regular” mountain access road. This lets you decide when you’ve had enough fun and head back to camp, or for this January day, it also meant three different groups could tackle the mountain on the same day without stepping on each other. The “Wolf Hunt” group out for a scenic drive, the Power Hounds, and the Snow Kings - with 37+” tires and dual lockers. Still, with that many rigs, we did get a little strung out. My little sub-party stopped at this cross-roads for lunch. Eventually, we reached the top of the mountain, then even doubled back and ran a few more spurs before heading back down to air up, clean up, and head to the buffet dinner.
Not a bad Saturday. UFWDA Past President Jim Mazzola attended that Divide Ride back in 2011. Like me, Jim is an amateur radio operator, or “ham” and during that trip he and I were in regular communications using “VHF” along with a few others on the trails that week. We found we had “simplex” communication from one end of Flathead Lake to the other, without having to rely on a “repeater” or anything else - we were far outpacing the CB radios we also had, and often relayed CB communications over the VHF ham radios. The Big Sky 4-Wheelers took note, and a few years ago the club purchased a business-band VHF license through the FCC. This allows the BS4W members to use a VHF frequency for communications with a certain distance of their designated home area - which includes the entire Blacktail / WildBill area in particular. Monitoring their transmissions, you could hear the different
groups on the mountain keeping in touch with each other, and radioing back to town/camp throughout the day. Living in an area where cell phone coverage is often not present, this can be a big boon. Having longer distance and better communications than CB helped keep 70+ vehicles organized. The BS4W club had such good things to say about their VHF radios at the prior M4x4A quarterly meeting, that M4x4A is now in the process of petitioning for a VHF land-mobile frequency for use within Montana by Montana 4x4 Association members. The fees seem to run around $200 for a 10 year license. The equipment used to be expensive, but inexpensive “Part 90” or Commercial compliant handheld radios can be purchased for $50 now. You may consider something like this for your local club, or state association. Even a 5w hand held into an external antenna can go quite a ways. If a few hundred dollars for the club’s license seems steep, there’s always a $15 testing fee for an Amateur Radio License - a 35 question multiple choice test, and you only need a “C”. For those of you that didn’t make the last UFWDA Delegate meeting, we still have some opportunities for more volunteers to participate in the UFWDA BOD and committees. This includes the vital Public Relations position, and Business Manager. The latter is a commissioned position, so a good opportunity to make some extra scratch for that new set of tires you think you need. VP Vern Ball is running the UFWDA Store now. Along that line, we have some UFWDA promotional items that need to get dusted off and put to use. If you have an event coming up, and you can put up some information and provide a little insight to passersby, please contact Vern and we’ll get a “booth” to you and perhaps some door prizes to add to the pot. While we’d love to have a BOD member at every event, we all have busy lives, same as you - but you, the Delegates and the members, are UFWDA as much as the BOD and you have the same opportunity to represent our association. Please take advantage! We continue to make progress with the Kentucky speedway, and our partnership with ORBA and their “One Voice” effort is beginning to build some momentum. Spring is in the air, and perhaps we’re all on the upward swing. After-all, it was a fabulous fifty February in Montana.
Peter Vahry International VP Editor Rather too long since our previous edition of UFWDA Voice, but it’s sadly getting harder to gather news and 4x4 articles as the world moves to one line comments about images on Facebook etc. The problem of finding people to volunteer is also a growing one in many places. We find that our friends in Southern Africa can’t engage enough help to keep their national body active and they’ve gone into recess. Tom Mandera in his adjacent column is asking for that vital help that can further invigorate UFWDA, by having more volunteers to ease the overall workloads and give us better outreach to our recreation and the politicians of this world. We’d really enjoy some additional help to do what we think should be done and to get fresh ideas. It appears that our newest international member, the Indonesia Off-road Federation www.iof.or.id are achieving great results with their relationship building with government agencies, including Search and Rescue. The New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Assoc. www. nzfwda.org.nz have been preoccupied with interpreting new ‘Health and Safety’ regulations that have recently come into force in NZ. Although supposedly not targeting ‘recreations’, the new laws still seem to have introduced a ‘risk aversion’ mentality among many landowners and managers which is taking a lot of effort to counter, so that access for our recreation can be possible. While earlier noting the impact of Facebook on the providing of new items for this and similar publications, it is however a source of wide commentary with UFWDA itself having several pages active. BRC also are active and have an OHV event calendar Don’t forget to make your nominations for the annual UFWDA awards.
“One Voice” = Trail Access
By Jerry Smith
Saving Motorized Recreation
Let’s say that YOU are responsible for keeping motorized recreational trail access. Only YOU have the knowledge, the energy, and the desire to fight the “Anti-Access” crowds and sway the land management agency decisions. How are YOU going to do it??
Your Responsibility Where would YOU begin your efforts? Hey, it’s up to YOU!! You ALONE. What are you going to do? Without YOU, there will be no more trails open to motorized recreation. What? YOU don’t want all that responsibility? Can’t say that I blame you. There are many days as the Director of Environmental Affairs for the United Four Wheel Drive Associations that I feel that way. Alone… and no help in sight. That is until I met Fred Wiley, President and CEO of the Off Road Business Association (ORBA) back at the 2015 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab. Over the next few weeks, Fred introduced me to the “One Voice” program that the ORBA Board of Directors and he had dreamed up. The possibilities are something I have been lusting, craving, and crying for since back in the mid ‘70s. United made some great strides for many years, but with dwindling support, keeping an attorney paid has become impossible. We weren’t promoting and shouting our wins like we should have been… interest faded. Big mistakes! Before we get into that, let me introduce you to ORBA.
ORBA’s mission statement is: ORBA is a nonprofit association of off-road related business owners who have united to preserve the sport of off-road recreation in an environmentally responsible manner. They go on to say; What We Do “ORBA proactively protects recreation access and opportunities by ensuring that America’s families are not arbitrarily denied the right to responsibly recreate. ORBA provides leadership in addressing land use issues by advancing policies that conserve the environment while at the same time providing off-road recreation opportunities.” “We are a professional trade association composed of off-road related businesses united to promote common goals that support the prosperity and growth of the off-road industry. ORBA makes decisions and takes actions that maintain and expand off-highway vehicle recreation opportunity. ORBA works closely with its partner organizations on local, state and federal issues that have potential impacts to the off-road industry. We are dedicated to making it possible for the OHV industry to have a voice in land use issues.” “Many industries have trade associations that protect their interests. The off-road business industry has ORBA!” Prove it! These are some pretty bold statements. I had to know… can they back this all up? The simple answer is “Yes.”. The ORBA “Success Track Record” ORBA has a “fair” track record. Let’s look at some of what they have accomplished.
Defending Johnson Valley — From the United States Marine Corps. This may be the only time we were happy to see the Marines lose a battle. Nearly 93,000 acres of land where the King of the Hammers, only the grandest and toughest Off Road Race is run, was negotiated to a successful outcome largely by ORBA. ORBA REOPENED 38,000 acres of the Imperial Sand Dunes after 12-years of having been closed. ORBA’s lawsuit to REOPEN Truckhaven Hills was the first successful against the state of California. ORBA lead the creation of the first Congressionally designated OHV area in the US. After 20-years of closure, ORBA was able to REOPEN a 40,000 acre area in West Hoover for OHV use. ORBA pushed through legislation (SB742) saving the California OHV program. Negotiated the REPAYMENT of the OHV trust funds in California. Worked for over 5-years to ensure open areas are protected in the (DRECP) with an appointment by the governor. Are you seeing a pattern of some BIG successes? Let me tell you, in regard to land use issues and fighting for motorized trail access, this is huge, gigantic, awesome, exciting, and WOW!! The Problem Presently, there are many organizations out there doing what they can to maintain motorized trail access. Some more successful than others, but all trying their best. The problem with this method alone is that it is losing… big time. This latest go around with Forest Planning and BLM Resource Management Planning resulted in between 50% and 75% of our trails being closed in each district. How many times can that happen until the main drag down town is all that’s left? Motorized recreation needs a better system. One Voice So… what is One Voice? How is it different? What can it do that isn’t already being done? Some very good questions. Can we agree ORBA has done well on their own? That would be a “Yes!” Could ORBA do better, and if so, how? The answer is “Yes”, they can. The “How” is through the One Voice program. One Voice is how ORBA expands it’s network of
contacts. One Voice is how ORBA expands its numbers of people represented. One Voice is how we take the fight for our trails to the next level. One Voice is how we focus the “Power of the People”. The “Power of the People” ORBA is several BUSINESSES in one association. ORBA has resources like paid staff, a barge full of dedicated and very successful business people (leaders), and a source of revenue to take on the costs of lobbying efforts in DC. Things we volunteer organizations sorely lack. The United Four Wheel Drive Associations is an association of several associations of four wheel drive clubs and individuals members. United has an all volunteer staff and only the resources provided by individuals, associations, and club memberships. (some of those clubs and associations pay a whopping $100/yr for their membership) — that is much less than $1/ person per year. Anyone see why United has struggled?? As a side note, for those associations that take advantage of the $100/year membership, did you know that your members are NOT members of UFWDA? All of your hundreds or thousands of association members are in no way supporting UFWDA. We cannot include them in our membership nor represent them when we submit comments or other documentation. Most club memberships are between $30 and $50/ year. Many pass a part of those fees through to a state association and some include your dues as a member of United. What United represents to ORBA and One Voice is people. Grassroots. VOTERS. Understanding the Political Game There are basically two things legislators (federal, state, or local) understand— 1. Votes. 2. Money. They will always take your money in exchange for favorable votes on laws.
Promise them some votes to get reelected, and they will give you a minute or two of their time.
Join United at: https://www.ufwda.org/ memberapps/join_individual.php
But if you can promise them money AND votes, you can find a champion for your cause. Enter One Voice A partnership between ORBA and United is hopefully beginning to make sense to you now. Both entities have what the other needs to be successful.
Second; Have your club or state association Land Use people drop me an email identifying themselves, where they are from, who they represent, etc.
We are currently striving to create the hierarchy and policy structure to make this a well-oiled machine. Much is already underway and much is left to do. One Voice is already working to amend laws like the Antiquities Act of 1906. That’s the one that seems to allow a President to single-handedly create National Monuments. The Presidents know this is wrong, but that doesn’t slow them, much less stop them. So what can YOU do to help this spring into action? First; become a member of the United Four Wheel Drive Associations. MAKE your voice and vote count. Every user of our Great American BackCountry roads and trails should be represented. Hunters, fishermen, picnickers, campers, ATV, UTV, motor cycle, and 4x4 drivers. If you drive the trails, you should care enough to want to be represented. We know there are millions of us out there. Think about how a senator or congressman will react when we can say that we represent millions of voters.
Have them gather specific information on any “current” local land use issues and pass that information along. I will get them the specific requirements and not bore you with them now. My email is; landuse@ufwda.org Third; Ask your club and/or state association to support the UFWDA in a meaningful way. No organization is going to be able to support you in the way you deserve on less than a $1 per person per year. Skip a cup of coffee or two and send United the money. Your trails will appreciate your help. Fourth; Vote for candidates who support motorized trail access. Throw the others out on their butts… violently!! This “Preservation” tidal wave has run it’s course and then some. Let’s stop this NOW!
Damage: A Universal Concern OPINION: Greenlaning – its future is in your hands
By: Neil Watterson Date: 12.02.2016 Let’s get to the point: illegal off-roading is going to kill greenlaning and it has to stop, says Neil Watterson You and I may know the difference between greenlaning and off-roading but the general public may not. It’s simple. Greenlaning is the driving of unsealed roads. Off-roading is driving on private land. However, when people see the tracks left by 4x4 drivers illegally off-roading in fields and beside lanes they assume that’s what greenlaners do. It isn’t. I’ve been a greenlaner for almost 30 years and I’ve seen the changes that have occurred I’m particularly worried by the current trend. Although there have been fairly well defined guidelines around for years, greater numbers of people are choosing to ignore them. If that continues it will kill our hobby. The guidelines aren’t too severe; the overall message is to keep to small groups, don’t drive off the lane and don’t cause any damage. Sadly, it seems people can’t even be bothered to
stick to that; they are unable, or unwilling, to see the impact this causes. LRO, the Green Lane Association (GLASS) and most clubs recommend five or fewer vehicles in most areas, with four in National Parks and on Salisbury Plain. Some areas, like Salisbury Plain, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ salisbury-plain-green-laning agreed between greenlaners and the local authority/land managers. The damage being caused by illegal off-roading is becoming a significant problem with police having to divert their resources to try and prevent it. As responsible greenlaners, we need to distance ourselves from these people. They aren’t greenlaners, they are just people with 4x4s. They’re the ones who are going out of their way, literally, to destroy the countryside. They’re the ones who are ruining it for responsible greenlaners. They are the ones who will have their vehicles confiscated it caught. Because lets face it, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukpga/2002/30/section/59 which gives the police powers to seize a vehicle once a warning has been given. And, if a warning is given, it applies to both
the driver and the vehicle.
This is the turning point; it’s up to us now.
But we can’t hope that the police will be there to catch the miscreants in the act – they’ve generally got more important issues to deal with – so we’ll have to do our bit. If we see someone illegally off-roading we should make a note of where and when it happened, a description of the vehicle and get a registration number if possible. If we can get pictures it’s even better. Then we can give that information to the police.
The LRO greenlane code Greenlanes are either byways or unclassified county roads (UCRs). You’re not allowed to drive a vehicle on restricted byways, bridleways or footpaths.
They may not be able to prosecute or even give an official warning based on it, but it will bring the problem vehicles to their attention so they can keep an eye on them. I appreciate that some will be saying that we should be looking after 4x4 owners’ rights, and not be helping get them prosecuted, but people are committing offences, whether it is deliberate or not. It should be fairly obvious to any sensible person that you shouldn’t just drive on land beside the road – you wouldn’t drive across your neighbours’ front gardens, for instance – so there is really no excuse. And anyway, we are looking after 4x4 owners’ rights. We want to maintain the right to drive greenlanes for the responsible majority. Why should we turn a blind eye to the irresponsible few who are intent on destroying everything? It’s not like it’s difficult to find places to off-road with the land owner’s permission. Loads of off-road sites are open every weekend, where people can do what they like with their 4x4 http://www.lro.com/ events Things have to change. We have to do our bit to stop people off-roading illegally, because, although those people aren’t greenlaners, their actions will have an impact on greenlaning in coming years.
• Only drive greenlanes that have known vehicle rights after studying the relevant Ordnance Survey map and • checking the local county council’s definitive map. Some definitive maps are available online. • Avoid badly rutted, muddy or sodden lanes. • Don’t stray off the defined track. Turn back if necessary. • Stay under 12mph and always stop for walkers or horses (switch off your engine to avoid scaring the latter). • Don’t travel alone, but keep to a maximum of five vehicles. • Don’t damage trees or hedgerows, except for cutting back branches to allow you to drive the lane. • Take recovery gear and a spade in case you get stuck. • Leave gates as you find them – they may have been left open on purpose. • Take your litter home. • Supervise dogs and children, especially near livestock. • Don’t drive waterways unless you’re absolutely certain there’s a right of way. Check the current isn’t too strong to cross safely. If in any doubt at all, turn back – there’s always another way. Source: http://www.lro.com/news/land-rover/1602/opiniongreenlaning-%E2%80%93-its-future-is-in-yourhands/
2016 Winter 4x4 Jamboree Hurricane, UT
From the moment we arrived at the Washington County Park Complex in near Hurricane, it was very obvious that many days and months of planning and set-up had been in the works. The Desert RATS (Desert Roads And Trails Society) were prepared for about ANY eventuality. The “pre-registration” desk handled the registrants in just minutes with little to no waiting time and all questions were cordially answered. The facility was ready and even the huge staging area was nearly ready for the trail line-up the next morning. It’s always nice to arrive at an event this well prepared. Even the tables and chairs were in place for many of the vendors and participating organizations… like the United Four Wheel Drive Associations, “One Voice”, the Off Road Business Association, Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO), the Colorado Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, and Blue Ribbon Coalition… all of which Brian O’Connors and I were there to represent. Yeah, we wear a bunch of hats. After a restless night at the hotel, we arrived early at the line-up area only to find that many were even more eager. Probably 100 of the nearly 300-vehicles were already staged in long lines premarked for each trail. This promoted many small meetings to confirm we were in the correct lines and all the other anticipatory discussions. A few minutes before the scheduled departure time, we held a quick driver’s meeting to tell us that the official meeting would be held at the trailhead after the air-down ceremony.
Friday’s trail was the West Rim trail. The venue is known as the Sand Mountain Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) by the BLM. Others call it either the Hurricane Sand Dunes or simply Sand Hollow. Whatever you call it, it is approximately 19,000 acres of “open” OHV wonderland. This does not mean there are no controversies. A land swap scenario that threatens a very large section and a proposed dam and reservoir will submerge another large canyon. This year’s Winter 4x4 Jamboree will be held to raise money to fight the land swap from development… but that is for another article. Not far from the West Rim trailhead, we followed a fence-line for a considerable way. Making a left turn found us following a ridge contour that quickly became the western rim of the mesa. Much of this first part was easy going with the view opening to a grand vista. Toward the upper elevations, the trail begins turning from primarily sand to a junior version of the Moab slickrock-type terrain. Soon, the layers of slickrock begin protruding from the earth leaving ledges that increase in size as you go. Many of the serious obstacles have bypasses, so even the novices and lesser-built rigs were given options. Some obstacles had the “automatic reject feature” for the wider rigs (JKs). Over width rigs in the one “Squeeze” chute required taking the bypass or leaving mirrors and paint to litter the trail. In a few places, if you enjoy a few “whoop-de-dos”,
you’ll be replacing a set of shock absorbers after traveling these. Blowing sand drifts have created long stretches of one after the other making for slow progress if you value your suspension.
who have experienced trails and areas will be vital to building the arguments needed for our lobbyists to win the emotional battle that the “Anti-Access” crowd has used so successfully.
Near the end of the West Rim trail is a giant sand dune to practice your sand driving techniques. This was my first time in a sand environment and proved to be about all we could do. With a Jeep full of tables, event gear, and the usual trail gear we ALWAYS wheel with, Happy Trails was an overweight slug on tires with too much air pressure. We got around… but not as easily as most others seemed to.
Most “Anti-Access” arguments rely on “emotion” with some facts thrown in to enhance the emotion.
The Sand Mountain Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) really won me over. What a magnificent area for wheeling!!
So when someone calls, writes, or emails you for information on a trail or area involved in a land use issue, PLEASE… take a few minutes and respond with “EMOTION” and all the factual data you can put together.
Being extremely involved in land use issues, I had come to Hurricane somewhat knowledgeable on the land swap issue. Between the experience of wheeling the area and talking with the locals, a whole new appreciation for the area and the obstacles this prime piece of 4-wheeling heaven are experiencing emerged. People who have ridden a trail or grown to love an area over a long period of time are the only ones that can experience THIS kind of “appreciation”. You MUST have been there to be able to relate the kinds of feelings a trail provides. Yes, any trail will expose the same excitement, consciousness, and enjoyment. But every trail also has it’s own unique qualities that you have to experience. The scenic qualities add to the experience. The difficulty level of the trail or even just one obstacle can raise your desire to return. A special place to stop for lunch or to stand in awe of the view will bring you back and become a favorite memory. These are the “experiences” one must relate when writing comments on land use issues to the land management agencies or when talking with legislators, county commissioners, and others. Without that firsthand knowledge, all you have are the technical issues to speak to. What? YOU don’t write comments? That’s okay. Just support the ones who do. As the new program “One Voice” grows, information from local people
Commentary from motorized users usually relies on factual and technical data only. We must learn to become emotional (not angry) as well. This “emotion” can ONLY come from someone who has experienced it. This trip and event brought this to my attention in vivid colors.
One Voice CAN make the difference between an open trail and a closed trail, but we cannot do it alone. If you haven’t already, join the United Four Wheel Drive Associations. Here’s the way to continued motorized trail access: https://www.ufwda.org/memberapps/join_individual. php
Paul Biya has ruled the country since 1982
Biya’s continued stay in power: MPs agree to vote yes if given 4x4 jeeps Monday, Mar 28 2016 Daily Newsbrief Sama Ernest Cameroonian MPs have reportedly promised to vote yes to a constitutional amendment that will enable the 83 year old President Biya to run for president in 2018 if the CPDM government makes available to each parliamentarian, a new 4x4 jeep. The members of parliament who are predominantly in their 70s and 80s have even openly petitioned the President of the National Assembly for a new car endowment. The MPs in their letter to House Speaker, Cavaye Djibril, observed that they are badly in need of some kind of financial allocation for maintenance of their vehicles or if possible the purchase of a new one to brave the bad roads in the rural areas of the country. The elected representatives believe that the time for them to get something more than the 10,000,000 FCFA, received in 2014 is now as the Cameroonian dictator intends to change the constitution that will eventually pave the way for him to seek another mandate. The MPs also say their current vehicles are no longer fit for their multiple missions. Hence the need for a 4x4 jeep. The water shortages, load shedding of electricity and other unwanted harassment and scandals in hospitals, which affects the entire population seem not to be the concern of these Cameroonian MPs.
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Sego and Thompson Canyons Early Spring Wheeling the West
By Jerry Smith
In a chilly breeze on a blue-sky Sunday morning, 23 4x4s nearly filled the large parking lot at the Fruita Dinosaur Museum. This was for a rescheduled trip to the Thompson Springs area and Sego Canyon in particular.
company reorganization in 1918, the town name was changed to Sego for the sego lily which is Utah’s state flower. Some sego lily still can be seen growing in the valley today. (look in the cemetery)
Following the directions of the Wells Guide to Moab, UT, Backroads, we gathered again at the trailhead near Crescent Junction — the turn-off to Moab from I-70, only on the north side.
The rail bed had to cross the creek 13-times which became a problem as the flash flooding constantly weakened the track. The train was derailed or out of commission nearly 25% of the time.
This trail is a completely easy one. Few even reached for the transfer shifter the whole trip and that was only to bust some drifted snow. Most of it is graded county road.
Some of the creek crossing bridging is still standing, though not in good condition. The rail bed has sage brush growing taller than a tall man now.
This trail crosses Christmas Ridge through Thompson Pass and drops you into Floy canyon. Then you turn up and around the bottoms of Crescent Canyon, Middle Crescent Canyon, and Right Hand Crescent Canyon on the Thompson Bench Road and down into Thompson Canyon.
Some ruins of many buildings built by miners are strewn around the area and the old stone boarding house walls stand tall and bold in the shade of a huge tree. The roof and floors are nonexistent.
Though it’s only about 3-miles between Thompson Springs and Crescent Junction by interstate, this route is nearly 22-miles dodging in and out of the beautiful BookCliff canyons that run from about Parachute, CO, to nearly Price, UT. After crossing the Thompson Canyon road, we stopped at the old cemetery at the mouth of Sego Canyon before attempting to travel up Sego Canyon to the gate on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation southern border. This road will also take you by the ghost town site of Sego. Originally named Ballard after one of the founders of nearby Thompson Springs which is just off of Interstate 70 at exit 187, the little town grew to become a “company” town owned by the American Fuel Company. Ballard became a healthy coal mining town sometime after a good vein of highly desired anthracite coal was discovered. The name Ballard was changed to Neslen to reflect the name of the mine general manager around 1911. This was also the year that the Ballard & Thompson Railroad company was organized. The 5-mile rail spur was built and began hauling coal in October of 1912. As the mine became unprofitable, there were labor problems and a lack of water to wash the coal couldn’t keep up with the production. After a
Miles above the ghost town, we ran into impassible drifted snow only about 3 miles from the gate to the indian reservation, so we turned around. Imagine running into snow drifts on a 70 degree day with muddy conditions around the snow and very dusty conditions just feet before and after the mud. Back down in Thompson Canyon, we stopped to look at the pictographs on the cliff walls on both sides of the road. These are worth the trip alone. As the clock was passing 4 pm, we separated into several smaller groups headed in different directions and at differing speeds. Overall, this was another wonderful Jeeping day in the Great American BackCountry. We are so fortunate to live in the Grand Junction area. Only 100 miles from the Mecca of Jeeping (Moab) and 100 miles from the Switzerland of America (Ouray, CO) and about the same from the central Colorado mountains, it just doesn’t get any better. Many thanks to Wendy and Roger for leading a fun trip. We hope everyone who showed up had a good time, and for those who didn’t, you missed a good one. Last, as you may already know, don’t ever forget this: When you come to a fork in the trail —— take it! That’s where adventure often begins.
PURPOSEFUL VOLUNTEERISM: PUSHING BEYOND HOLDING OUR GROUND
Del Albright Up-Purpose Your Volunteerism Only by escalating to more offensive strategies will we win the battles for access. By Del Albright, Ambassador Sharetrails.Org/BRC
Do not just volunteer; but rather up-purpose your volunteerism! In today’s world when we are all torn in many directions by multiple jobs, kid’s school games, community involvement, paying bills, family commitments and more, we must stop wasting our precious volunteer time. Too many of us have become trapped into the status quo of losing ground in the long run. Herein I will explain purposeful volunteerism and how we need to push beyond just holding our ground when it comes to
access to responsible motorized recreation. First of all, we must embrace the concept “think globally; act locally.” If you want to up-purpose your volunteer time, I suggest you always consider the big picture before you invest your time. Ask yourself, “in the big scheme of things, will this project I’m about to undertake make a difference worth my time invested?” If it will, then do it. If it won’t, then don’t do it – find something better to do with your volunteer time. But it must start with a serious and purposeful consideration of the global picture – the overall future of motorized recreation in America. Working Association Events: Yes, I believe that working (volunteering) at state association or club events does make a difference in the long run to the big picture. When the event is geared towards raising funds to help the association/club accomplish its mission, you are helping the global cause by being involved. The extent of your involvement is not as important as the purpose of your commitment. If all you can do is run the signin table at convention, which frees up other people to do more complicated jobs, then smile proud and
do your job! You are helping the global cause.
Curing Toenail Fungus: No, I don’t think investing my discretionary off road time and money into curing fungus among us is the right way to be a purposeful volunteer for motorized recreation. Even if you do cure the fungus, you’ll be lucky to get a 1/16 page blurb in the newspaper and a fleeting thank you in some newsletter/website that people might remember for a week. You will not be curing our loss of lands and access with this supposed image-enhancing effort. The trick here is to invest your time in events and causes that MOSTLY support off-road recreation and also to a smaller extent support a feel-good cause. There are exceptions to every “rule” and please don’t be offended if you are supporting or working one of those events dedicated to a particular cause that really makes sense to you. Being a Club or Organization Leader: Yes, for sure I believe that taking on a leadership role in a club or association is a key factor in being purposeful in your volunteer efforts. The entire motorized world does not have enough people with the time to invest in being a leader. So if that is you, jump all over it and do it with gusto – but also do it with the global picture always forefront in your mind. Ask yourself, for example, if being part of an ego squabble is the right way to protect our access future? Play your own “devil’s advocate” and challenge the actions you are taking or about to take. Will your next step really help the big picture – are you being purposeful in your volunteerism? As a leader, this is a key component to inspiring others to do the same. When you can influence the actions, beliefs and productivity of several other volunteers, then you have become an unstoppable force in the future of motorized access.
Taking it to Court: Only by escalating to more offensive strategies will we win the battles for access. This means we need a war chest that will allow us to take it to court when needed –to go legal and go strong! Those who oppose our way of life have the funds and legal teams to file lawsuits at the drop of a hat. They tie up land management agencies in fearful legal engagements and threats that tie up our access in the meantime and many times in the long run. We must get ahead of this curve and be preemptive where needed. Donating to legal efforts like those of the BlueRibbon Coalition is the primary thing we can all do to take it to the next level – or at least be willing, prepared and able to go on the offensive. Joining and Donating: There is nothing more fundamental to up-purposing your involvement than joining, renewing or donating to everything you can afford that helps protect recreational motorized access. If you do nothing else, an ongoing donation program or an annual contribution on top of your renewing memberships is globally significant! We must unite our voices and build our access forces, as well as our war chests if we are to win these battles. JOIN -- DONATE -- VOLUNTEER Summary: Continually ask yourself if you are making progress to the global picture, or just staying trapped in the status quo of losing ground. Remember to be purposeful in your volunteer efforts by investing your time where the payback is worth it to the big picture of keeping our access to responsible motorized recreation. And let’s go beyond just holding our ground! More on ShareTrails.Org/BRC legal program: http://www.sharetrails.org More on volunteer/leader training: http://www.rltc. biz Del Albright Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www. BlueRibbonCoalition.org 2014 Inductee, Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (www.ormhof.org) Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www. rubiconfriends.com Life Member, BRC and CA4WDC Find Del on Facebook here Find BRC on Facebook here. Contact Del at jeepndel@goldrush.com or del@
Help One Voice Reopen Your Closed Favorite Trail By Jerry Smith Director of Environmental Affairs - United Four Wheel Drive Associations
If you could reopen just one motorized recreational trail, which one would it be? WHY did you pick that ONE? Now, tell us everything you can about this trail. Get into the weeds. GPS coordinates of the trailhead. Describe the trail in vivid detail. Is it easy, moderate, or difficult? Where is it? Which public land management agency closed it? Why did they close it? If you don’t know — find out. Details are vital ! The more you can tell us about the trail, the better the chance we can help. Get links to articles. Links to agency documents Provide links to the pages that we can find information on.
Get help from your club and friends who once drove the trail. Make it a compelling story. Why was the trail built? Who built it? When was it built? Does it have a particular destination? There will be competition for our time and efforts. You have to “sell” this trail. Make US enthusiastic about reopening it. Send your trail story to: landuse@UFWDA.org
The DIFFERENCES BETWEEN National Forests, National Monuments, and National Parks By Jerry Smith
Do you know the differences between a National Forest, a National Monument, and a National Park? At first glance, our nation’s National Forests, National Monuments, and National Parks may appear to be largely the same thing, with all being public lands. As you become familiar with the “behind the scenes”, you will find each has their own unique history and very different management priorities.
NATIONAL FORESTS - History The National Forest System was created by the Land Revision Act of 1891. It allowed the President to establish “forest reserves”. The Transfer Act of 1905 transferred the management of forest reserves from the General Land Office of the Interior Department to the Bureau of Forestry, later known as the United States Forest Service.
In 1907 another law was passed limiting the President’s authority to proclaim Forest Reserves in certain states and renamed the existing “Forest Reserves” as “National Forests.” The National Forests now come under the management of the Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million total acres including 155-National Forests, 20-National Grasslands, and 1-National Tallgrass Prairie. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the Forest Service, once said “National Forest land is managed to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run.” NATIONAL PARKS - History Yellowstone National Park established as the first National Park in 1872. The National Park Service was created by the National Park Service Organic Act of 1916. National Parks are managed by the Department of Interior. Perhaps the greatest difference between the National Forest and the National Park Service is the multiple use mandate for National Forests. The National Parks are highly vested in preservation, allowing little or no altering of the existing state. National Forests are managed for multiple purposes—timber, recreation, grazing, wildlife, fish and more. NATIONAL PARKS The National Park Service preserves unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park System manages 84 million
acres (55 million in Alaska): 397 areas including National Parks (58), monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lake shores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails and the White House. NATIONAL MONUMENTS National monuments in the United States are protected areas similar to a National Park, but can be created from any land owned or controlled by the federal government by proclamation of the President of the United States or by congress. National monuments can be managed by one of several federal agencies: the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Land Management. Historically, some national monuments were managed by the War Department. National monuments can be so designated through the power of the Antiquities Act of 1906. President Theodore Roosevelt used the act to declare Devils Tower in Wyoming as the first National Monument. The Antiquities Act of 1906 resulted from concerns about protecting mostly prehistoric Native American ruins and artifacts (collectively termed “antiquities”) on federal lands in the American West. The Act authorized permits for legitimate archaeological investigations and penalties for taking or destroying antiquities without permission. Additionally, it authorized the President to proclaim “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest” on federal lands as national monuments, “the limits of which in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.” This line of the Antiquities Act has been abused in the extreme by some Presidents.
UFWDA and several other 4x4 linked organizations are doing what we can to encourage financial support for this TV mini-series about the origins of the 4x4 vehicles that we take for granted now and are the basis of our recreation. The aim is to produce a world class TV production that will also generate revenues to be shared among our organizations. Click on the ad above to find out more and how to be involved.
China Wall Alpine 14ers
Patrol 14 had decided to head to China Wall instead of Kingston Peak for our March Run, the snow along the Front Range was still too deep and there are now Seasonal Gates on Kingston Peak. So we changed our itinerary and headed to China Wall. To my knowledge Patrol 14 hasn’t ever done this trail, Patrol 17 had ran that trail the previous weekend and I got a confirmation from them that the snow was light. The weather all week was looking pretty good for a nice day on trail. Sadly when we headed to the meeting point in Bailey we encountered heavy snow fall and slick conditions all the way up 285 to Bailey. When I arrived at the Conoco, Sam & Elaine Sanford were there, ready and anxious to hit the trail (well Sam was anxious, not sure about Elaine). We had two guests joining us for this run, since the snow was so heavy we decided to wait and give them a chance to arrive. Shortly thereafter everyone was at the meet point and we headed for the Trail. China Wall is located just outside of Jefferson, I was hoping that once we crossed Kenosha Pass that the
heavy snow would slow down, and my luck was with me as we dropped off Kenosha Pass; the snow was much lighter. We turned onto County Road 77 at Jefferson, the snow began to get heavier, since we had already gone this far there was no turning back. After what seemed like an eternity we finally reached the trail head (which isn’t clearly marked). After we were off the main road we aired down (not knowing what to expect). After airing down we headed to the trail, it was still snowing but the snow was much lighter. The scenery on this trail is nice but the challenges are very limited. When we did encounter some small challenges we took advantage of the opportunity to play around on the challenge. When we hit the end of the trail so quickly we decided to run the trail backwards just to spend more time enjoying the scenery. This would be a great trail for a Green Horn Run but it is short and the only trails close by take you back through Colorado Springs. Here are some pictures from the run:
Temple Mountain Jerry Smith
April 30, 2016 This trip actually began on Friday, April 29 . After the long drive and setting up camp, there was a short window of Jeeping opportunity, so we chose to run down Buckhorn Wash to the San Rafael River and Buckhorn Rock Art Panel. th
Mary and I began a competition to see who could find and retrieve the most OPT --- (Other People’s Trash) from the roadside. By the time we returned to camp, there were nearly 20 pounds of mostly aluminum and glass in the Trasharoo. Over the next two days, we added nearly another 5-pounds to the collection. The morning of April 30th was a cold and heavily clouded wakeup. Everyone was somewhat slow to “rise and shine”. After a breakfast under the two Big Agnes shelters, we packed up and ran up to where Ed and Janice Helmick were camped. After some discussion, we were off to adventure in new country to five of us. Ed is one of the original Grand Mesa Jeep Club members. He has a wealth of knowledge of the southern Utah Jeeping trails and the history of the area. Ed has a book in the works of the Jeep trails in the San Rafael Swell that has all of us looking very much forward to reading. From Interstate 70, the lands to the south appear to be dull and desolate. We were to learn this was a false façade. Much of the country going down the
Temple Mountain road in the beginning was fairly unexciting. The Temple Mountain road is a wide and bladed county road with the usual washboard in places. From the I-70 exit 131 crossing, you travel through some wide, flat, and fairly barren country for a while. As the elevation slowly changes, the Utah Juniper and Pinon Pine forest begin to thicken and shallow canyons and washes begin to appear. This is just a prelude to the beautiful landscape you’re about to enter. After several miles on the Temple Mountain road, Temple Mountain finally comes into view. From miles away, it does highly resemble the Manti, Utah, Mormon Temple. (you can look up the temple at; https://www.google.com/search?q= manti+temple&espv=2&biw=1427&bih=770&t bm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0a hUKEwi29rml4MDMAhVDy2MKHYQXDn0Qs AQIKg ) for comparison. The two end spires and the mountainside erosion have an uncanny resemblance to the real temple. As we came closer to the mountain, we turned left at a fork that Ed said would take us around the east side of it. To the south of Temple Mountain, we would see some uranium mines. As you approach the mountain, the view from the north side becomes even more pronounced as the actual temple. Along the more easterly side, there
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are switchback roads to some uranium mining up the mountainside. Ed reported that the road had several landslides across it. On another day, we will see just how bad those slides are. The north side of Temple Mountain was mined for many years for uranium. Joe Swasey discovered uranium ore here in 1898. Others, including Oscar Beebe, Ira Browning, and Seymour Olsen filed claims in 1904. Most of the uranium mining stopped in the mid 1950s. Not long after leaving the mining area, we found ourselves in the deep and winding Chute Canyon. This canyon is not particularly technical, but it sure makes up for that in scenic values. Not far from where we exited the Chute Canyon there were
several campers in some campsites. Upon leaving Chute Canyon, we climbed to the Behind the Reef Road. This takes you just north of the Crack Canyon Wilderness Study Area that is part of the San Rafael Swell. All through this area is extreme in scenic values. The Behind the Reef road began with a short technical climb that many would have turned around. Being “Intrepid Explorers”, we forged ahead. This led us through more deep canyon country following washes that had a few technical spots. The Little Wild Horse Canyon nearly took your breath away. Between the Jeeping and the scenery, it was hard to keep a focus on your driving. The eyes had a severe case of “wanderingitis”. One particularly tight squeeze obstacle nearly had “Big Red” (Chuck and Mary’s JKU) taking the bypass, but they were able to get through unscathed with only millimeters to spare.
Climbing out of the canyons to the Upper Little Wild Horse area soon brought us to a long mesa with 25 wild horses including 3 colts. We took a side road for a closer look. When what we believe to be a stallion became nervous and ran around the others, we stopped and watched for a few minutes before moving on. Along McKay Flat, we were entertained by a small herd of Antelope. This day, we only missed seeing the Desert Big Horn Sheep and wild donkeys. Not a bad day. The cooling evening was spent around the warm campfire in our Lockhart Wash camp with lots of stories and good friends to share them with. For our last day in the Swell, we decided to take the trail back through Jackass Flat and the Black Dragon Wash. This trail has had some severe erosion in the last two or three years, making it a technical dream. Down in the deep, dark, Black Dragon Canyon, the flooding has left the road impassible in places. Driving in the wash becomes necessary in several places. The steep, high, nearly vertical canyon walls have the red rock look about them that keep your eyes looking up. Of course we stopped at the Black Dragon Rock Art Wall. There arm many petroglyphs and some pictographs that tell stories no living persons know.
Making up your own stories is often a fun exercise. This is all a part of the reasons Jeeping the Great American BackCountry is so special. We get to see and experience things that millions of people will never know. Seeing the special places we do is just a small the whole Jeeping experience. Bringing home pictures of the places, the trails, the canyons and washes driven, the rock art, and all the rest is just the beginning. Learning about the history of an area, the names of the various mountains, mesas, creeks, canyons, and historical places, and seeing wildlife in the wild add so much to a trip. Sharing those pictures can be fun too. Making others wish they had made time to go with you has its rewards. Learning a new-to-you country has many special bounties associated with it. There just seems to be no end to the wonders one can encounter when exploring new country and trails that you have never driven. This brings up one other thing you must always remember and practice. When you come to a fork in the road‌ take it!
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April at Ahipara
Photos; Sarah Ivicevich
With autumn upon them, members of the Auckland Four Wheel Drive Club took advantage of a holiday weekend in April to drive four and a half hours (350 kilometres) to the far north of New Zealand’s North Island, to tackle a route known as the Crunchie Trail that gives access to a large expanse of coastal sand dunes. A section of the Crunchie Trail runs across private land, but the owner was happy to unlock the gate for the club. A mixture of rock shelves and sandy clay that hasn’t had any maintenance provided a reason for careful driving and help from spotters to get wheels in the right places. The occasional tow strop was also used to get all the 18 vehicles up the trail to reach the tops of the dune field. Permission to drive the trail is not easily obtained, so the vegetation is inclined to close in with damaging effect on vehicle paintwork. Fortunately for most of the participants, a couple of club members had checked the trail the previous day and had cut back the worst of the vegetation; arms were sore and they slept well that night. With everyone up the Crunchie Trail it was lunch at the lookout and then a drive
over the many sand dunes and small streams heading north towards the small coastal town of Ahipara. The soft sand in places and some steep sand dunes provided some challenge and a bit of fun for many; with some winching and towing thrown in for good measure. Finally it was down the big dune to the coast and a run along the rocky shore before the tide got too high.
Over the three days the club members also managed to drive the Herekino Forest trails, that again emerged on the coast south of Ahipara with plenty of sand, and on the final day a disused old road known as the Takahue Saddle was the challenge, with some people then heading south again on the long run home.
Business Members UFWDA thank you for your support
4 Wheel Drive Hardware (330) 482-4733 www.4WD.com 4x4 Wire (619) 390-8747 www.4x4Wire.com BF Goodrich (877) 788-8899 www.BFGoodrichTires.com Badlands 4x4 Adventures, Inc. (310) 347-8047 www.4x4Training.com Big Dogs Offroad (410) 440-3670 www.BigDogsOffRoad.com Bill Burke’s 4 Wheeling America, LLC 970-858-3468 www.BB4WA.com
Moses Ludell’s 4WD Mechanix Magazine www.4WDMechanix.com Muirnet.net (619) 390-8747 www.4x4Wire.com Olathe Toyota Parts Center www.parts.olathetoyota.com Poison Spyder Customs (951) 849-5911 www.PoisonSpyder.com Quadratec (800) 745-2348 www.Quadratec.com Survive Off Road LLC (602) 321-0833 www.surviveoffroad.com
Blue Springs Ford Parts (800) 248-7760 www.BlueSpringsFordParts.com
Susquehanna Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram (717) 252-2412 www.Susqauto.com
Bushwacker (503) 283-4335 www.Bushwacker.com
Tom Wood’s Custom Drive Shafts (877) 497-4238 www.4xShaft.com
California Assn of 4WD Clubs, Inc. (800) 4x4-FUNN www.Cal4Wheel.com Expeditions West (928) 777-8567 www.ExpeditionsWest.com ExtremeTerrain (800) 988-4605 www.ExtremeTerrain.com Hi-Lift Jack Company (812) 384-4441 www.Hi-Lift.com Jeep Action Magazine +61 02 6656 1046 www.jeepaction.com.au
Trasharoo (714) 854-7292 www.Trasharoo.com Turn5 Inc. www.turn5.com X-Treme Mobile Adventures (800) 370-3308 www.XTremeMobileAdventures.com
United Four Wheel Drive Associations would like to thank our Direct Members, Clubs and Associations for their support. 4 Lakes 4 Wheelers, Inc. (Wisconsin) http://www.4l4w.org/
Mesa 4 Wheelers http://www.mesa4wheelers.com/
ACES 4X4 Club (Michigan) www.aces4x4.com
Middle Atlantic Four Wheel Drive Association http://www.mafwda.org/
Arizona State Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs www.asa4wdc.org Association of All-Wheel Drive Clubs-Southern Africa http://www.aawdc.org.za/ Badgerland 4×4 TNT Club http://www.badgerland4x4.org/
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Capital Off Road Enthusiasts www.core4x4.org
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PA Jeeps www.pajeeps.org
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Eagle Valley Off Roaders www.eaglevalleyoffroaders.com
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Mid-Atlantic Jeep Club www.midatlanticjeepfestival.com
Baltimore Four Wheelers http://www.baltimore4wheelers.org/
Midwest 4 Wheel Drive Association http://www.mw4wda.org/
Between the Hills Trailheaders 4×4 Club http://www.trailheaders.net
MN Trailriders http://www.mntrailriders.org/
California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. http://www.cal4wheel.com/
Montana 4×4 Association, Inc. http://www.m4x4a.org/
Central North Carolina 4×4 http://www.cnc4x4.org/ Central Ontario 4×4 Club http://www.co4x4.com/ Colorado Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. http://www.hightrails.org/ Creeper Jeepers Gang 4WD Club http://www.creeperjeepers.org/ Demon 4×4 Demon4x4.com Four Wheel Drive Australia http://www.anfwdc.asn.au/
New Mexico 4-Wheelers http://www.nm4w.org/ New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc. http://www.nzfwda.org.nz/ Rim Country 4 Wheelers, Inc. http://www.rimcountry4wheelers.com/ River City 4X4, Inc. http://www.rivercity4x4.org/ Rock Crawlers for the Preservation of Future Access (RCPFA) http://rcpfa.com/ Rough Country 4 Wheelers http://www.rc4w.com/
Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association http://www.glfwda.org/
Scrambler Owners Association http://www.cj-8.org/
Hall of Fame 4×4 Trail Riders http://www.hof4x4.com/
Seven Hills Jeep Club http://sevenhillsjeepclub.org/
Havasu 4-Wheelers, Inc. http://havasu4wheelers.org/
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association http://www.sfwda.org/
Indiana 4 Wheel Drive Association http://www.ifwda.org/
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Carolina Off Road Extremists (CORE) http://www.core4x4club.com/
Indonesia Off-Road Federation
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Carolina Trailblazers 4WD Club http://www.carolina-trailblazers.org/
http://www.iof.or.id
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Cumberland Off-Road http://www.cumberlandoffroad.com/
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Damn Locals 4×4 Club http://www.damnlocals4x4.com/
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East Tennessee 4WD Club http://www.et4wd.org/
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Extreme Ridge Runners http://www.myspace.com/extreme_ ridge_runners
Bay to Blue Ridge Cruisers www.bbrcva.org
Blue Ridge Rock Mafia richard.wiggs@nolenfrisa.co • Capital City Fourwheelers www.capitalcityfourwheelerssva.com •
Hard Rock Crawlers www.hardrockcrawlers.org
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KMA Off Road Jeep Club www.kmaoffroad.org
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Middle Tennessee Trailrunners 4WD Club http://www.mttr4x4.net/
Lost Jeepers www.lostjeepers.com
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Ohio River Four Wheelers http://www.orfw.org/
Mechanicsville Mudders varokcrwlr@juno.com
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Rattlerock 4-Wheel Drive Club http://www.rattlerock.org/
Mid-Atlantic Jeepers www.midatlanticjeepers.com
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Rocket City Rock Crawlers 4WD Club http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com
Middle Peninsula Jeep Association www.mpjai.com
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Rock Solid Jeep Club (No web site)
Off Chamber Crawlers www.offchambercrawlers.org
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Rocky Top Trail Riders http://rockytoptrailriders.org
Poor Boys Four Wheel Drive Club www.poorboys4wd.com
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Scenic City 4WD Club http://www.sceniccity4wd.com/
River City Trail Runners www.rivercitytrailrunners.org
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Smoky Mountain Trail Runners http://www.smokymtntrailrunners.org/
Seven Hills Jeep Club www.sevenhillsjeepclub.org
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Southeast Toyota Land Cruiser Association http://www.stlca.org/
Shenandoah Valley 4 Wheelers www.sv4w.org
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Southern Mini 4×4 www.myspace.com/443172858
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Southern Jeeps http://www.southernjeeps.org/
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Southwestern Virginia 4 Wheelers www.swva4w.org
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Trick ‘n’ Traction 4WD Club http://www.tnt4wd.org/
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Tidewater Fourwheelers www.tidewaterfourwheelers.org
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Georgia Bounty Runners 4WD Club http://www.gbr4wd.com/
Southern High Rollers 4×4 Club http://www.southernhighrollers.com/ Southern Illinois Jeep Association http://www.sija.org/ Southside Jeepers http://southsidejeepers.com/ Sundowners 4×4 Club http://www.sundowners4x4.com Two Trackers http://www.twotrackers.org/ Virginia Four Wheel Drive Association http://www.va4wda.org/
Western Maine Mountain Jeepers http://www.jeepmaine.com/ What Lies Beyond Jeep Club of Michigan http://whatliesbeyond.org/ White Pine 4-Wheelers jeeptrailcat5440 (at) yahoo.com Wisconsin 4 Wheel Drive Association http://www.w4wda.org/ Wisconsin Off Highway Vehicle Association www.wohva.com Wolverine 4-Wheelers http://wolverine4wd.org/