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 President
LYNN S.
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 Ways & Means Director
OPEN
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1999 Committee Vouleenteers
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| ELECTIONS TO BE HELD AT JANUARY 6TH MEETING | |
7380 El Camino Real
Atascadero 466-2411
So, New Guy Darrel M. of Lompoc (with his passenger, Troy 1st-time-wheeler) and I meet in Santa Maria Nov. 8 and headed up to A. G. where we figured we may or may not meet a few others. There we found Dave H. (and dog...Not Jim), Brent & Christy (Zoe & Zachary), and Brian & Evan. We waited 'til 8:45 anyway, 'cause we said we would, then headed out to Pozo Road. We stopped at the old mud hole, which was REALLY goopy and fun. Got those rigs lookin' the way they should, took a breather and talked, then continued up to the turnoff.
When we got to the Garcia Ridge turnoff, we really didn't know what to expect, but Mark said he was coming, so I figured we'd hang out for a bit. Sure enough, Mark B. came and brought along Pres. Ray, Matt & Tracy, Joe D. and prospective members Dan & Cheryl (& daughter Cori).
The ten vehicles and 18 people on this pirate run cruised easily to the neat rocky spot Dave H. discovered on a trip a couple of years back and stopped to hike through the hole and climb to the top. Even the little kids made it with lots of help from Dave and Mark while Brent, Matt, Tracy and some others stayed below to play with trucks, fans and overflows.
The trip to the end of the trail was pretty uneventful and we had a nice long lunch break at the end of the trail. The shady spot at the table was a bit cold, so we ended up sitting up in the ring of vehicles, chatting about whatever came to mind before heading home.
Brent and Christy and family headed out first with Brian and Evan. The rest of us left a few minutes later, but caught up to them back at that rock outcropping...the fun hill. They had slowed down to pull each other up the twisty section that gave people without lockers a bit of a challenge.
As trailboss, and only girl driver, I got to lead our group up. I took a line in the middle that looked pretty decent, but it turns out the big rock in the middle was kinda slippery, so the Jeep wouldn't climb it and the hole next too it was too deep to crawl out of, so we shimmied the Jeep across the big rock and went up the left side (heaven forbid we stack rocks if it ain't the LAST straw). Of course, Mark was next and chose a better line. No probs! Everyone else crept up without a problem, though some of us wondered if anyone had told New Guy Darrel about the 30-degree-angle Jeep rule.
Next tough spot, was The Shortcut. A few years ago, this spot was tough because of the rocks you had to squeak through, but those rocks have apparently been moved out of the way. I decided to that route because a) there were other people with me, and b) because I couldn't remember what all the fuss was about. I cruised past the old rock section, turned the corner, headed uphill and saw it: the steep climb topped with severe ruts and some jutting boulders. No problem, right!? I picked my line to the far left, intending to straddle the ruts, scrape along the edge of a bush (yes, still driving on the trail) and continue out. No biggie...until I was JUST about there. I hit the last rock with decent momentum, but fortunately not too fast. The Jeep lurched to the right and down into the hole, but seemed secure so I continued up thinking my momentum would get me over the rock. Then the nose headed WAY beyond "uphill." I felt like I was at the VERY tiptop swing of a park swing, you know, when the chain starts to go loose because you've gone too far up the arc and wants to drop you rather than swing you down. Instead, the Jeep nose kissed the sky, as Mark put it.
I thought if I kept my foot in it I'd go over the top, so I decided to park it. I figured I was pretty firmly in that hole and decided I could keep my foot on the brake pedal and sit there for a LONG time as long as I didn't try to back up. Mark hollered at everyone to run up and jump on the bumper. New Guy Darrel, his buddy and some others I couldn't see jumped right in there and Mark took the driver's side fender while Ray drove around the easy way to the top, strapped on (I admit, to my bumper 'cause I've lagged on the tow hooks...getting them this weekend one way or another!), and pulled me over the last hump. Dave offered to get my tow strap out from under the rear deck, but I just knew swinging open the tire rack with the weight of the spare would topple us, so Ray pulled his out. (Lesson: Even if you think you're on an easy day run, keep that strap REALLY handy!) Once we were strapped, Ray pulled my Jeep, complete with external passengers, slowly (yep, slowly...can you believe it?) over the hump. Dan and Cheryl probably have some pretty good video! :)
After that, no one seemed interested in trying The Shortcut. Even Kooky Ray said, "NOPE!" The rest of the trip was uneventful. Just a nice cruise with some really nice folks on a nice day.
I know this wasn't an official run, but I appreciate everyone's interest and participation. It was great to get to meet some more great new members. Thanks to all for your help on those sticky spots, and especially to Mark, who led the saves.
Please Send $20 Dues to Membership Director,
Dave H. Contact Dave H.or bring to meeting
NOTE: For those Renewing, Dues received by December 31, 1998, 1st 6 months of membership to California Association of 4WD Clubs, Inc will be paid for by the club. YOU NEED TO SEND IN THE FORM included in your DEC. SLO 4-Wheeler newsletter to take advantage of this !!!!
Vice President