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Archived Newsletter |
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November 2001
For more trip information, see TRIPS. |
CONTENTS |
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TRIP REPORT SECOND ANNUAL FITS PLEASANT CANYON BRUSH TRIMMING AND TRAIL
CLEARING EXTRAVAGANZA This year's event, normally known as a Valley Days. pre-run for Pleasant Canyon-South Park was held Oct. 6 as a FITS exploratory run. Previous warnings by the Desert Dawgs who had pre-run their trails two weeks earlier, indicated that the foliage on the trail, where the spring water runs along it, was so bad you could barely make it through. Knowing this is an "all wheelbase sport ute" type ran, we needed to clear the trail before the event. Two years ago the Dawgs assisted in the work party and with about 15 of us, we were able to clear the trail in short time, with enough time to run the entire trail and be back for "happy hour." Well, this time, since the Dawgs already did their trails and the Off Road Expo was on, only six people showed up to do an enormous amount of work. Rick & Suzy Schaffer, Mile & Carol Kelly, and Jim and Betty Bays, were the only ones that showed from the club. Previous arrangements were made with the BLM to get permission to do the work, and too many commitments on alternate weekends prevented choosing another time. So, we went at it, stating about 9 am. and working until about 4:30. We only cleared the heavy areas within the first 4 miles, as this was where the majority of the overgrowth was. We felt confident that the rest of the bail wouldn't be as bad, mostly because we were above the spring and there wasn't any water feeding the rest of the brush. Only a summer storm a month earlier nourished the rest. We returned to camp, never reaching Clair Camp, only 6 miles into the Mail. The only other area of major concern is Colter Springs, which is on the top of South Park. We needed separate permission (I found out later) from Death Valley Park to do any trail maintenance there. We wanted to run South Park backwards to get to it sooner, but as it turned out, never had time (or permission). Craig Beck, the OHV coordinator for Ridgecrest BLM, was happy to have us -volunteer" to do the work since nobody else does it and, they need to run the trail a couple of times a week (as well as D.V. Park rangers) Phil Butler, another BLM ranger, caught up to us while we were eating lunch, driving a stock TJ. He got to see how much we had cleared, but warned not to advertise what we were doing too loudly. It seems the "enviro's" like to take exception to trail clearing and like to complain a lot You may recall the big stink they made about Surprise Canyon. previous to it's closure. I know this Pleasant Canyon trial is pretty much my thing for PVD. I really like this trail and enjoy leading it (going on 8 years now). It's a long way to go just for a weekend, and a lot of work when you get there. But, I feel it's the best all around trail at the event, best suited for all vehicles, combining beautiful scenery, history and technical challenge. I want to thank those who feel as dedicated as 1, who helped do some really hard work so that others can enjoy this great trail. Not many who travel it, except those who came through while we were working, will know or appreciate the effort put into keeping this trail open. THANK YOU VERY MUCK to the Kellys, and Bays, and my wife Suzy fro all the hard work.
TRIP COMMITTEE There will be a trip committee meeting on November 14th at Dave Felando's house. Don't like the runs we've been having? Have a location you would like to suggest for a trip? Would like to lead a trip? Call Dave Felando and let him know that you would like to be part of the committee and the, planning process. Get involved!
DISABLED SPORTS USA BORREGO SPRING
RUN With Angela Cook's leadership and organizational skills another impressive event took place. Ang, who belongs to Geared for Fun 4 Wheelers, drives a modified YJ that will accommodate her wheelchair. On October 13th about 35 4X4s showed up in support of the Disabled Sports USA rim. We gathered at Christmas Circle in Bon-ego Springs. The run was to bring together about 25 disabled folks to experience off roading for the first time. The run started around 11:30 since some had to be shuttled in from San Diego- Once they arrived, they were paired with volunteer drivers. Some riders required vehicles with A/C and tops, while others requested open Jeeps, wanting to experience the whole scene, dust in the teeth included. Jon rode with Rick Schaffer in Rick's new Tacoma. They drove support hauling tables, chaffs, and wheel chairs for the lunch break. The Toyota came through dirty but without scratches. My passenger was Greg, a paraplegic, and Ins wife Carol. They were happy to have the A/C as it was in the, 90's. These challenged people were very enthusiastic and very brave to get into a vehicle with drivers they didn't know (ed. especially a woman driver), to do the impossible. Coyote Canyon was the trail selected with water crossings and dry waterfalls for real rock crawling exposure. It was moderately challenging and very scenic, historic trail. Too bad it no longer goes through. Lunch was set up when we arrived with sunshade, tables and food. The San Diego 4 Wheelers generously volunteered to handle lunch and did a wonderful job. There was a representative from the 5th District San Diego County office in attendance who spoke very positive of the event. She encouraged all to write their. Senator and Congressmen in support of our off highway sport. The local Borrego Springs newspaper was also there. A park ranger also spoke at the event about the history of the area, and was obviously impressed by what we were doing. After lunch, everyone voted to continue on up to the lower bypass to Sheep Springs The lower bypass being up hill and rocky, the most difficult part still open on the trail. Rick Schaffer got to try out his electric locker and said it worked great! I think everyone had a wonderful time, I know I did. It was a feel good day for one and all. The weather was lovely, the enthusiastic passengers great with priceless smiles. The next event is scheduled for March of 2002, see you there.
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