IN GEARApril / May 2021 - SIERRA TREK RETURNS! - Cal4Wheel
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IN GEAR April / May 2021
SIERRA TREK
RETURNS!
PAGE 26
PAGE 14
cal4wheel.com
Official publication of the California Four Wheel Drive Association
CORPORATE sponsors
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To become a sponsor, contact John McCready at 916-794-5979 or marketing@cal4wheel.com
2 IN GEAR April / May 2021
Contents
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS 06
NRC RFP’S OPEN 12
COMING UP 13
SIERRA TREK INFO 14
convention report 16
run report: winter fun & folly 19
donations 22
PANAMINT TRAIL CREW THANK YOU 24
win-a-jeep 26
club directory 28
calendar 30
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORY 31
ON THE COVER: Sierra Trek by Chris Collard.
APRIL-MAY 2021 / VOLUME 62 #1
THE IN GEAR (USPS 436-110) IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY FOR $10.00 PER YEAR BY THE CALIFORNIA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
ASSOCIATION, INC., 8120 36TH AVE., SACRAMENTO, CA 95824-2304. IN GEAR IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
C4WDA — SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH MEMBERSHIP IN C4WDA. PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT
SACRAMENTO, CA, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
PERMISSION TO REPRINT ITEMS IS NORMALLY GIVEN, PROVIDED PERMISSION IS REQUESTED AND PROPER CREDIT IS
GIVEN TO BOTH THE AUTHOR AND THE PUBLICATION. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED BY AUTHORS OF ARTICLES, AND PHOTO
CONTENT HEREIN, ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY EXPRESS THOSE OF THE C4WDA. C4WDA DOES NOT
ENDORSE ITS ADVERTISERS, NOR IS IT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCURACY OF ADVERTISING. MORE INFORMATION AND
PUBLICATION ARCHIVES AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://CAL4WHEEL.COM/IN-GEAR
POSTMASTER: SEND FORM 3579 TO C4WDA, INC. 8120 36TH AVE., SACRAMENTO, CA 95824-2304
DEADLINES:
FEB/MARCH - JANUARY 1; APRIL/MAY - MARCH 1; JUNE/JULY - MAY 1; AUGUST/SEPTEMBER - JULY 1;
SIERRA TREK BY CHRIS COLLARD OCTOBER/NOVEMBER - SEPTEMBER 1; DECEMBER/JANUARY - NOVEMBER 1
cal4wheel.com 3
WHO ARE WE? MEETINGS
The California Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc. (founded in 1959) is a non-profit
organization comprised of member clubs, individuals and business firms, united in a BE SURE TO CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MEETING
common objective — the betterment of vehicle-oriented outdoor recreation. LOCATIONS AND THE LATEST INFORMATION REGARDING
We represent four-wheelers, hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor POSSIBLE POSTPONEMENTS
recreationalists. Ours is the largest organization of its type in California. AND CANCELLATIONS.
THROUGH A UNITED EFFORT WE: BOARD MEETINGS*
June 5-6, 2021 / August 21-22, 2021
1. Promote responsible use of public lands. November 20-21, 2021 / February 18-20, 2022 - Visalia, CA
2. Prevent legislation that would restrict off-road vehicles and vehicle use. NORTH DISTRICT
3. Develop programs of conservation, education and safety. April 22, 2021 - 7PM via Zoom
July 17, 2021**/October 9, 2021**/January 8, 2022**
4. Encourage state and federal agencies to develop new four wheel drive trails
CENTRAL DISTRICT - ALL MEETINGS VIA ZOOM 7PM
and preserve existing ones. April 15, 2021 / July 15, 2021 / October 14, 2021
5. Distribute information to vehicle-oriented recreationalists. January 13, 2022 / April 14, 2022
6. Promote statewide activities and four wheel drive events for the enjoyment of SOUTH DISTRICT - ALL MEETINGS VIA ZOOM 7PM
April 16, 2021 / July 23, 2021 / October 22, 2021
members. January 21, 2022 / April 22, 2022
Board and district meetings are held each quarter and are open to all members.
CAL4WHEEL CONTACTS
More info at cal4wheel.com/calendar
*Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, most meetings are being held via
Zoom. Contact a board member for more information. **Meetings will be held at
the Cal4Wheel office starting at 9AM with Zoom as an option.
STATE OFFICERS SECRETARY SECRETARY
David Rocha II Bonnie Ferguson
PRESIDENT 559-349-0385 661-943-9744
Jack Chapman drocha@cal4wheel.com jeepnbonnie61@yahoo.com
209-304-0510 (c)
209-274-4508 (h)
jack@cal4wheel.com
NORTH DISTRICT
OFFICERS NATURAL RESOURCE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
PAST PRESIDENT CONSULTANT
Steve Egbert VICE PRESIDENT Have a land use issue? Cal4wheel SierraTrek
559-685-1928 Jim Bramham Contact a board member so Cal4Wheelnorth winajeep
559-936-3030 (cell) 916-296-8923 we can get the word out.
steve@cal4wheel.com ndvp@cal4wheel.com Cal4Wheelcentral WinterFunFestival
Cal4wheelsouth
TREASURER MEMBERSHIP
Russ Chung CHAIRMAN MARKETING &
treasurer@cal4wheel.com Ron DeLaney PROMOTIONS
209-304-3491
COORDINATOR
CAL4 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
RECORDING SECRETARY ndmembership@cal4wheel.com
Sherry Stortroen John McCready
209-602-4788 (cell) SECRETARY 916-794-5979
sherry.s@comcast.net Kitten Chapman marketing@cal4wheel.com
209-274-4508 (h)
All vehicles must be maintained to conform to highway
209-662-2308 (c) safety standards, as well as meet the minimum
CENTRAL DISTRICT kitten@cal4wheel.com
IN GEAR EDITOR/ requirements listed below:
OFFICERS WEB PAGE
SOUTH DISTRICT 1. Roll bar or full cage or 7. Fire extinguisher with
VICE PRESIDENT OFFICERS COORDINATOR factory installed hard top. gauge indicating good/full,
Mark Cave Suzy Johnson 2. Emergency brake, parking appropriately stored.
559-623-5338 VICE PRESIDENT 4551 S. Paseo Don Rolando brake, line-lock or other 8. Seat belts for all passengers.
mdcave@sbcglobal.net Josh Epstein Tucson, AZ 85746 redundant braking system. 9. Antennas must be rigid or
951-675-0203 866-806-0110
MEMBERSHIP 3. Tow strap or rope restrained in a manner to
josh@cal4wheel.com Fax 866-888-2465
CHAIRMAN editor@ingear4x4.com (recommend rated at 2 prevent injuries.
**VACANT** MEMBERSHIP times the vehicle weight). 10. Adequate attachment
Special election at CHAIRMAN 4. First aid kit. points front and rear, i.e.,
April 2021 district meeting Don Rybarczyk 5. Jack capable of lifting the tow hooks, receiver, etc.
909-851-0806 vehicle and a tool capable Tow balls are not generally
rybie62@gmail.com of removing lug nuts. recommended.
6. Spare tire within 3” diameter
11. Battery hold downs (no
of other tires, or, for tires 37”
bungie cords).
or larger, run-flats or tools to
BOARD MEMBERS: bod@cal4wheel.com repair/reinflate tire. RECOMMENDED: Oil/fluid spill kit
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRS: membership@cal4wheel.com
DISTRICTS: north@cal4wheel.com / central@cal4wheel.com / south@cal4wheel.com
MOVING?
MAIN OFFICE Send your change of address to C4WDA, Inc., 8120
36th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824-2304 or change
Bonnie Steele, Office Manager
it online at cal4wheel.org/MyAccount
8120 36th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
(916) 381-8300 office@cal4wheel.com Be sure to include your membership number if it is
available.
4 IN GEAR April / May 2021
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I pledge to support the goals and objectives of the CALIFORNIA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSOCIATION,
INC., in the protection, respect and the enjoyment of our public domain lands and towards the
betterment of off-highway vehicle recreation. I am enclosing:
$50.00 for my yearly Individual Membership dues. $750.00 for my Life Membership dues.
($10.00 of your association dues is for a one-year subscription to In
Gear.) Ownership of a four-wheel drive vehicle is not a requirement Please make check payable to:
for membership. California Four Wheel Drive Association
Note: The Federal Tax Reform Act requires that we advise members that contributions or gifts to
C4WDA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
NAME________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TYPE OF 4X4 VEHICLE_______________________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER ( )_____________________________________________________________________________________________ YEAR____________________________________________________
ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MARRIED? o YES o NO
CITY_____________________________________________________STATE_______ ZIP__________________________________________________ SPOUSE’S/CO-MEMBER NAME*
EMAIL________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
*Must be legally married to share life membership.
Please send information on how I may become a member of the
CALIFORNIA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSOCIATION, INC. by: Communication Preferences
o Becoming an Associate Member (business firm) o Subscribe to email updates
o Becoming a Life Member through your installment plan. o Subscribe to email access alerts
o Joining an established Club o Do not release my information
o Forming a new four-wheel drive club
Signed_____________________________________________________________________________________________Date_______________________________________________________________________________
Referred by____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Return to:
California Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc. OFFICE USE ONLY
Amt. Received__________ Ck#__________ NM List____
8120 36th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824-2304 NM Mailing________________ Computer____
916-381-8300 / 1-800-4x4-FUNN
JOIN ONLINE AT CAL4WHEEL.ORG/JOIN-CAL4WHEEL
SHOW YOUR PRIDE!
We now have custom embroidered apparel available for
Cal4Wheel members and life members! Your name goes on
the right side, with a Cal4Wheel logo and either ‘Member’ or
‘Life Member’ under the logo. The jackets are $80, and the
polos are $50. The price includes embroidery and shipping.
Allow up to four weeks for delivery.
To order, log in to your account at
https://cal4wheel.org/MyAccount
If you are a member or life member, the ordering options will
appear at the top of your profile page.
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 5
I hope everyone is doing well and staying
healthy. I don’t think anyone saw “COVID” coming
at the beginning of 2020, and I know no one
expected it to still be something we would be
dealing with almost a year later. Yet, here we are.
Even with the stay-at-home orders and social
distancing, people still had to get out to take
care of everyday things. Some had to continue
working with modifications while others were
instructed to work from home. Either way, our
access to the everyday social aspect of life
changed. You would have thought everything in
life would have come to a screeching halt, but
just the opposite when it came to construction
and daily operations, I think it doubled down and
got busier.
I started out my term as president a year
ago and about a month into it is when COVID
restrictions turned everything around. As an
association, we had to cancel not only our own
events, along with all the other events ran by
other organizations. Not only in California but
across the United States and the world. This
JACK CHAPMAN completely changed how Cal4Wheel operated
PRESIDENT and impacted how we would have to move
forward. Some things are for the better.
Let’s start with the four-letter word: Zoom.
PRESIDENT’S Some of you know what I mean, and some of
you probably say no way. There were many
options out there to video chat or conference
and Cal4Wheel had to jump in the ring. The office
REport
in Sacramento has been equipped to put on
these types of meetings, saving the association
thousands of dollars a year and at the same
time allowing many more people access to the
meetings. That’s two good positives right there.
Cal4Wheel is about working for the members and
when more of them can be heard, there can be
nothing but good to come from that, even after
almost a year, I’m still no expert, but I am getting
more proficient. Just like knowing how my rig will
track when driving on the trail.
I volunteered to run for the position of
Cal4Wheel president, and I was elected by the
delegates, and having my own ideas on how
things should run, or how I would like to see them
ran, I began my term. All of those ideas changed
with COVID. Nonetheless, we learned to change
as best we could and make the best of it. I stated
I would give all my spare time I could to help
Cal4Wheel, and I have and then some. I have a full-
time job, as most everyone does, and when COVID
hit, my workload almost doubled. Yet, I still made a
few statements that I feel I held up to.
I would like to thank Patrick Vaughn, and
the entire team, for the invite to TDS right after
convention last year. What a great event and my
wife and I will be down there again. However, that
6 IN GEAR April / May 2021
I started out my term as president a year ago and about a month into it is when
COVID restrictions turned everything around.
would not be my last trip down to southern California, or thanks to Josh with JEP Autoworks for putting this build
anywhere for that matter. Over the course of a year, I have together this year.
been really busy. I made a few club meetings when they In my spare time (lol) I sat in on a couple Coastal
were held and participated in several Cal4Wheel events like Commission meetings pertaining to Oceano Dunes/
Operation Desert Fun, Panamint Valley Days (where I was Pismo and worked with other organizations to slow the
part of a recovery team for a past president, no name here),
closures and get back more of what belongs to the off-road
and High Sierra Poker Run (which was cut short due to a
community. Temporarily Cal4Wheel had to ride out the
forest fire). I also made a few club runs like Kingsburg Snow
Poker Run, Black Sheep Lassen Jamboree, Esprit De Four NRC contract and pull out of the lobbying coalition when
training day, Women out Wheeling and a few personal trips things were slow but we were able to help in some way. I
here and there. I would like to thank the following people know there are ideas out there and when I get them it gives
for moving forward with these events which allowed many the association time to rethink how the operation is being
of us to enjoy wheeling and the outdoors: Angela Cook and run and what to do to make it better. Let’s put our heads
Josh Epstein for Operation Desert Fun; Bonnie Ferguson together and come up with some ideas.
and Danette Starksen for Panamint Valley Days, and Steve I will have to say, even with a COVID year, it’s been a busy
Peckham and Paul Brady for High Sierra Poker Run. one and I have met a lot of people I will never forget. I have
I was also blessed with becoming the Win-A-Jeep learned a lot and continue to learn as I go. I know in 2021
committee chair (by default) and working with the Cal4Wheel will come out on top. Our membership did take
remaining committee, Kitten Chapman, Davey Rocha and
a dip but we’re now moving in the right direction. Watch
picking up some help along the way from Chris Collard,
as we send out surveys to get everyone’s input on what
Chris Silveira, Del Albright, Jim Bramham, Suzy Johnson
and a few others. These people helped kick this raffle in the association should do next. We are here to listen to the
high gear. Mr. Collard made an awesome video and still membership and try to implement what they want. We had
photo shoot on the front door of the Rubicon trail and Mr. a change in the board at Convention and we look forward
Silveira, Suzy and Del put the hurt on some social media. to changes for the better, as there always is.
There were others that gave a hand as well. Jim Bramham We made it past Convention 2021 (COVID Style) with
(what a legion and long-distance hauler) drove to Trail a virtual participation this year. The efforts of Bonnie
Hero in southern Utah with a side trip to So. Cal and Ferguson, Angela Cook and Danette Starksen didn’t
Vegas along the way and back. Jim, Shirley and Suzy set go unnoticed for the time they took to prepare for an
up a booth in Scottsdale, Arizona, allowing Cal4Wheel to in-person Convention, only to have state regulations force
make a presence. The Delaney family went to Glamis over
us into a Zoom marathon. The three days were a success
Christmas and New Year’s, along with a few others like the
and thanks to everyone involved it’s in the books. This was
Rochas, Bramhams and other volunteers. The wife and I
were glad to be down there for Christmas but couldn’t stay a first for our awards ceremony, and I want to congratulate
the entire time. Just before that Mr. Russ Chung took some everyone who received an award and all the work they
time during Thanksgiving to spend with me in Imperial accomplished last year. I also want to congratulate
County for an exploration prior to Christmas and we worked the winner of the raffle vehicle for 2020/2021: Michael
on selling tickets mainly around Ocotillo Wells and Salton Thornburg from North Carolina. His purchase of tickets
City. The people who hauled this year’s raffle vehicle around online proved becoming a winner can happen many ways. I
were amazing, like Dirk Starksen, Jim Bramham, David want to also congratulate the winners of the Atlas transfer
Rocha and JEP Autoworks. case, ARB refrigerator, the $100.00 gift card from Jim
With the lack of events, everyone tried many different Bramham and the BF Goodrich tires. CONGRATULATIONS!
ways to promote the vehicle and our sponsors. I cannot say I want to thank everyone who purchased raffle tickets.
enough about them. They donated so many great items for
It was the most ever sold in a year. Even though it may be a
the vehicle, it was amazing. Thanks to Metal Cloak, Rock
challenging job this year, I know Cal4Wheel will come out on
Hard, Warn, BFG, Raceline, Rugged radio, Spod, ARB, Currie,
Advance Adapters, PSC, Vision X, Auburn Gears, Factor top higher than before. There will be some exciting things to
55, Power Tank, HiLift along with the personal donations. come and as always, this association couldn’t run without
Thanks to John McCready, Mike McGarity, Del Albright and you and the volunteers. If you feel you have something to
others for procuring the parts needed to give to the builder offer and the time to do it, give us a call. Your time gives
this year. It really takes a team to do this. And a special back more than you know.
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 7
I t’s interesting to reflect back over the past year and
ponder what we would have done different if we knew
what was going to happen with the entire world and
would you or I have acted any different? Would you
have planned better? Worked harder? Usually these
questions come up around January when you’re starting
the ‘new diet’ to take action against all the holiday
meals sneaking up on your waist line but this is a little
different in the aspect of how a virus changed the entire
world and how everyone has been affected by it.
Cal4Wheel is no different in the sense that we were very
much affected by C19 and had to cancel numerous events,
which resulted in a huge loss of revenue, which resulted in
huge spending cuts that were not welcomed by the general
membership. Some will view this as a catastrophe but in my
opinion, this is a learning experience for not only C4W but
all of us.
How many of you learned how to cook after most
restaurants closed up? How many of you started a garden?
I have been using this statement for the past 20 years
or so: “There is perception and there is reality.” I’m not sure
where I heard it, but it has resonated with me. For the past
year, this board of directors has been fighting an impossible
JOSH EPSTEIN battle with C19 and the effects of it on the world we know
SOUTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT and love. All of us on the board are trying to do what we
think is best and doing what our constituents want. Of
course, the membership may have viewed it differently
when the board made some drastic decisions to save a
budget and potentially an association. I can attest that
these decisions were not made easily and not made
without serious discussion over numerous Zoom sessions.
Good or bad, if you agree or do not agree with the outcome,
those decisions were made. I have talked to numerous
VICE PRESIDENTS’ members about this to explain it and bring to light the
actual reality of what was done and why it was done. I can
reports
assure you that it was not to bring the association down
like a flaming German Zephyr.
It’s hard to see the reality when you’re only getting
segmented information here and there without actually
being at the meeting and hearing the conversation or, even
being part of the conversation and that’s why I implore you
to stand up and join a meeting or two. Volunteer for some
events, maybe consider getting on the board and making a
difference and see what’s really going on rather than what
you may have heard from your friends, cousin, stepbrother’s
buddy from the car wash who read this on Facebook.
With the coming and passing of February we had this
little thing called Convention. It was not at all what Bonnie
Ferguson, Angela Cook and Danette Starksen planned
by any means. I mean, they had this glorious plan at the
Lamp Liter Inn in Visalia and as the date loomed closer,
the smaller the event became and at a few weeks out, the
plan to make Convention 2021 an online/Zoom event was
not made easily. I want to thank these wonderful women
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
8 IN GEAR April / May 2021
A s I start this new chapter in my service to Cal4Wheel,
I would once again like to thank Glenn Reynolds and
Mike McGarity for their years of service on the board
of directors. I would also like to welcome my old friend
Mark Cave as he takes over the reins in the Central
District. We’re both excited and energized to work with
our districts and all our other board members to move
our association forward as we release from COVID.
It’s called the Board of DIRECTORS for a reason. We are
not dictators, czars or Oz working behind the curtain. There
are 13 members on the board from throughout the state;
they come together to make both easy and tough decisions
in the best interest of the organization and its members.
With Jack as the musher and all us dogs pulling, we can do
great things.
Our own North District membership chair, Ron Delaney,
came up with the fabulous idea of a board retreat and
teambuilding weekend. This will hopefully occur before the
next board meeting and give an opportunity for the board
members to get to know one another, understand their
backgrounds, and goals. This may also help identify some
opportunities and set some priorities that can accelerate
the positive direction we’re headed.
Now comes the tricky part and that is you the clubs JIM BRAMHAM
and members of this association becoming involved in and NORTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT
supporting our mission and function. As Jack wrote in his
recent president’s letter, 2020 kicked the crap out of us.
The bleakness of our November board of directors meeting
was truly a low point in our history. Our mainstay events
had been canceled, the Win-A-Jeep appeared to be on the
ropes, and our financial roadmap looked to be headed off
the cliff. But it was you the members with some out-of-
the-box thinking and unique volunteerism that put small
and large contributions into our general fund. The biggest
outpouring of love for our association came from the VICE PRESIDENTS’
reports
turnaround in the Win-a-Jeep program. As I am sure you will
read elsewhere in the In Gear, the vehicle ended with the
highest gross revenue ever!!!!
I am so pleased that we have Chris Silveira and Del
Albright to spearhead a raffle vehicle program for next year.
As you read their articles, please read between the lines
of places you can step forward to help. Huge kudos go to
Josh Epstein and JEP Autoworks for producing an excellent
vehicle that apparently will end up spending its life in North
Carolina. Our builder for the 2022 vehicle is no stranger
to the program. Metal Cloak is a longtime sponsor of the
association and builder of previous vehicles. The build this
year follows the latest trend in our sport, Overlanding! I
must say I do chuckle when I hear that Overlanding is the
new thing. Our association and most of our original clubs
were based on this very activity, driving to revisit history
and amazing ourselves at the ingenuity and grit of our
forebearers. It’s that unfulfilled desire to know what’s on the
other side of the ridge that attracts many of us to this sport.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 9
I t has been a few years since my last report in In Gear,
so I hope the spiderwebs in my keyboard do not cause
any typos. It is good to be back on the BOD and in
service to all the great members and supporters of Cal4!
I hope I can help find solutions to the many issues that
have cropped up of late and more importantly listen to
the memberships’ ideas and priorities to find the best
answers.
Today I spoke with Chris Silverberg from Hollister SVRA
and we have an idea on the drawing board to have a one-day
Molina Ghost run at the SVRA for one hundred vehicles. Come
and see how a drive through raffle works. It is quite simple in
my imagination, but we will see how it translates into reality.
It will allow us to check all the COVID boxes and get out of the
house. Plan to sign up early as it will sell out fast.
COVID has rocked my world and I think it has forced
us to be creative. The tragedy of personal loss in so many
ways: jobs, lives, friendships, businesses, and activities are
impossible to fully grasp. I also have watched many prosper
from COVID. Amazon and Costco are doing great. Jeep
inventories are at an all-time low. I think we can creatively
provide safe and fun recreation and join those companies
that have weathered COVID. I believe recreation and social
MARK CAVE interaction are victims of this disease and Cal4 is uniquely
CENTRAL DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT positioned to help bring back fun. We need to be thoughtful
and safe, and make some changes, but with care we can
meet all objectives.
I love our runs; I enjoy seeing the many different rigs
that turn out for them. It strikes me that no two are alike.
Our sport is one of the last refuges of rugged individualists.
Serving our membership means addressing a diverse group
of people with many opinions, ideas, and goals. I hope to
tap into that powerful resource to help Cal4 find the best
VICE PRESIDENTS’ line, gain the needed traction and successfully transit the
tough path we are on. Wheeling has taught me that with
reports
good gear, good spotting, and great friends I can tackle
some pretty tough trails successfully. I have learned to
value and respect the intelligence, commonsense, and
inventiveness of our membership.
I value hearing from you at mdcave@sbcglobal.net. The
issues I want to address this year are:
1) Natural Resources Consultant program; hire a new
contractor and establish an internship with Fresno state‘s
program recreation department. I would like to see other
districts do so as well.
2) Get our fundraisers operational; we may have to
modify them, but we will have them. We need the funding
to pay for priority #1 and we need to get together for some
fun and to reconnect with our land.
3) Reestablish our original Molina Ghost Run at Clear
Creek on its original date in addition to the Hollister Event.
(This supports #2.)
4) Partner with the Forest Service to reopen the High
Sierra and Hume Lake districts to recreation. The fires,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
10 IN GEAR April / May 2021A t the end of 2020, the cash flow to pay our bills
was approaching a critical situation, and the board
took some drastic measures to conserve cash, such
as suspending the contract for a Natural Resource
Consultant and deferring the purchase of a vehicle for
the next Win-A-Jeep program. I am happy to report that
our finances have improved, largely due to a tremendous
increase in the 2020-2021 Win-A-Jeep raffle ticket
sales that were about 50% higher than the previous
year, resulting in a net profit of about double the
previous year (the lucky winner of the Jeep lives in North
Carolina). In addition to the successful Win-A-Jeep raffle,
our Operation Desert Fun and Panamint Valley Days
events were a success, although we did have to cancel
the Winter Fun Festival due to COVID-19 restrictions.
At the Virtual State Convention held in February, two
other decisions were made by the delegates to help
our cash flow. The first decision was made by the Life
Members to authorize a loan from the Life Member
restricted fund to purchase a new vehicle for the 2021-2022
Win-A-Jeep program. This loan avoids spending money from
RUSS CHUNG
the unrestricted general fund at this time. The loan will STATE TREASURER
be repaid from the proceeds of the raffle ticket sales. The
second decision was made by the delegates to authorize
the association to obtain a revolving line of credit secured
by the state headquarters property. The line of credit
will enable the association to smooth the cash flow that STATE TREASURER’S
report
usually peaks in the summer when the annual membership
renewals and Sierra Trek bring in a lot of revenue and drops
in the winter when we have few events.
As a result of our improved financial position, the board
has begun the process of filling the Natural Resource
Consultant position.
And finally, I want to thank the Convention delegates for
electing me to a full two-year term as state treasurer.
Leave your cares behind… not your coverage!
Emergent and Non-Emergent air medical memberships offered at a discounted
rate for Members of the California Four Wheel Drive Association
Call or go online to enroll in both today!
530-510-2915| www.amcnrep.com
Use Coupon Code 11014-CA-BUS
Questions? Call Jennifer Hart, Membership Manager - 530-510-2915
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 11NATURAL RESOURCE CONSULTANT RFP’s OPEN
The California Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc. hereinafter referred to as the Association and/or CA4WDA is accepting
proposals for a Natural Resource Consultant. Contract is for a term of up to one-year commencing on the anniversary date
of hire, or multiple years on approval of the Board of Directors.
OBJECTIVE: To find an NRC (Natural Resource Consultant) who will provide consulting services for Cal4Wheel regarding
current issues involving California lands available for OHV through research and analysis of pending city, county, state,
and government agency action, including but not limited to National Forests and BLM properties. The prospective NRC
shall advise the Association of OHV/land use issues and provide recommendations regarding where resources should be
expended. The successful contractor must be able to effectively communicate with government agencies and other OHV
organizations to promote the Association’s land use positions.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:
Written proposals should be submitted to the attention of the President of CA4WDA at 8120 36th Avenue., Sacramento,
CA 95824
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Questions and requests for additional information should be submitted in writing to the President of the Association
at 8120 36th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824 or by e-mail to jack@cal4wheel.com. This includes, but is not limited to,
agreements on positions for land use issues.
Download the full Request for Proposal here: https://bit.ly/cal4nrcrfp
Cal4Wheel Cal4Wheel
Conservation
& Education
Donation Form Foundation, Inc.
501(c)(3) CORPORATION
Your donations are needed to help keep our public lands open
and fund other Cal4Wheel programs.
Please make checks payable to Type of Fund Donation
C4WDA and enclose this form.
Legal Funds
Mail to: Jack Edwards General Legal Fund $
C4WDA Clear Creek $
8120 36th Ave.
Desert $
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
Eldorado National Forest $
Legal Funds Johnson Valley $
Will be used to fight on-going Oceano SVRA $
lawsuits, appeal closures and Stanislaus National Forest $
other legal expenses. Other: $
General
General Fund $
Building Fund $
Foundation [501(c)(3)]
Cal4Wheel Foundation $
Life Member Scholarship $
Donate online Other: $
cal4wheel.org/donate
TOTAL $
12 IN GEAR April / May 2021COMING UP
for more information on our events visit cal4wheel.com/events
MOLINA GHOST RUN Winter
Sierra
Trek
Fun
May 7-9, 2021 - SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION INCLUDES
Festival
Your choice of runs, group
Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister, CA camping area, raffle. Meals
Info: https://cal4wheel.com/molina-ghost-run may not be available due to
We’re waiting on State Parks COVID-19 restrictions.
$ Cost: TBA
Save the date for Molina 2021! We are currently waiting on
MOLINA 2019 WAYNE PRICE
State Parks to make a determination aboutWinter
the
Sierrastatus of
Trek
High Sierra
Mike McGarity this year’s event. We will notify everyone as soon as we have
Fun
Festival Molina Clovis Poker Run
Ghost
mmcgarity@cal4wheel.com more information. In the meantime, block out May 7-9 on your Run
559-352-9780 calendar for a weekend of four-wheeling and friendship at the
Hollister Hills SVRA.
HI DESERT ROUND-UP
May 28-31, 2021 Molina
Ghost
Clovis
High Sierra
Poker Run REGISTRATION INCLUDES
Run
Your choice of runs, games,
Slash X Ranch Café, near Barstow, CA
dash plaque, one raffle
Info: https://cal4wheel.com/hi-desert-round-up ticket, camping.
Panamint
Registration: Coming soon Valley
Trona Days
$ Cost: TBA
HDR 2019 CHRISTIAN HUMMEL Hi Desert Round-Up is a great way to spend your Memorial Day
weekend. We should be able to get a permit this year, which
Josh Epstein may require some changes to the event. The event features Hi Desert Round-Up
josh@cal4wheel.com several runs for all levels of vehicles and drivers, games and
raffles for both kids and adults. More details coming soon.
Operation
Desert Fun
SIERRA TREK
August 12-15, 2021 REGISTRATION INCLUDES
Runs, meals for the
Meadow Lake, near Truckee, CA
weekend, dash plaque, one
Info: https://cal4wheel.com/sierra-trek raffle ticket, camping.
Registration: https://cal4wheel.org/trek-reg
$ Cost: $185/$195 per person
TREK 2009 BRENT CRANNELL After last year’s cancelation we’re planning to come back
Jeff Dax better than ever! This event features the famous Fordyce Sierra
Trek
Winter
cal4sierratrek@gmail.com trail, along with several other runs for all drivers and vehicles, Fun
Festival
916-320-7180 including an overnight historic run. We plan to serve meals
for the weekend, although that could change. We have live
entertainment and a raffle on Saturday night. This is an event
that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 13SIERRA TREK
MAKES A COMEBACK
S
ierra Trek is a Cal4Wheel event located in California’s beautiful
Tahoe National Forest. This is a family oriented event geared
towards everything from stock 4x4s on guided historic
and slightly challenging tours to fully built rock crawlers on
Fordyce Creek Trail and everything in between. Stock vehicles
should consider signing up for the Wednesday/Thursday Overnight, the
Saturday Historic Run, the Outer Limits Run or the new Signal Peak run.
Moderately modified vehicles will love the beauty and the challenge of the
intermediate run or the Signal Peak Run.
Fordyce Trail is an extremely technical and challenging trail, therefore
is offered to the more modified vehicles requiring at least 35” tires and a
minimum of one locker. Larger tires, two lockers and crawler gearing are all
recommended to improve the overall participant experience on the Fordyce
Trail runs. The surrounding area trails allow Sierra Trek to offer runs for less
modified 4x4 vehicles.
This year we would love to embrace a family atmosphere and welcome the
next generation of four-wheelers into the sport. We welcome everyone to Main
camp for a Cornhole Tournament, and a world class vendor show. Please feel
free to explore the area and locate any one of the numerous geocaches. Come
to camp at night for the campfire with a live band. Enjoy your favorite adult
beverage from the bar while you make new friends and catch up with old ones.
As always enjoy great food, a scenic environment and make lifelong memories.
We look forward to seeing you at Sierra Trek.
Watch the video http://bit.ly/trek-video
ROB NICHOLS
14 IN GEAR April / May 2021 BACKGROUND: Sierra Trek 2016 by Rob NicholsSIERRA TREK 2021 REGISTRATION FORM
August 12-15, 2021 / Meadow Lake *Mandatory
Driver's Name _______________________________________________ Club _____________________________________________________
Passenger/Others ____________________________________________ Vehicle Make/Model______________________ License # ____________
Address ___________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name/Phone* ________________________
City, State, Zip ______________________________________________ Medical Alerts (anyone in your party) ______________________________
Phone (_____) ______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
Email* __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
INFO AND ONLINE REGISTRATION AT CAL4WHEEL.COM/SIERRA-TREK
TRIP ADULTS CHILD 7-15 CHILD UNDER 7 TOTAL
Run Registration (per person) (select one run)
o Wednesday/Thursday Overnight SUV Historic Trip x $235 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Thursday Fordyce Run x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Friday Fordyce Run x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Friday River Run x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Friday Signal Peak x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Saturday River Run x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Saturday SUV Historic Trip x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
o Saturday Outer Limits x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
ATV/UTV Run: o Friday o Saturday x $185 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
Optional Add-on Second Runs (per vehicle)
o Friday Signal Peak - $25 x $25 vehicle
o Saturday SUV Historic Trip - $25 x $25 vehicle
o Saturday River Run - $25 x $25 vehicle
o Saturday Outer Limits - $25 x $25 vehicle
ATV/UTV Run: o Friday o Saturday - $25 each x $25 vehicle
ATV/UTV Run o Friday o Saturday (no camping or meals) x $25 ea. x $10 ea. x $0 ea.
Camping & Entertainment Only x $85 ea. x $25 ea. x $0 ea.
Camping, Food & Entertainment Only x $135 ea. x $50 ea. x $0 ea.
Dash Plaques (1 included) x $3 ea.
CA4WDA Membership o New $50 o Renewal $50 o Weekend Membership $10 $50 or $10/family
(required) o Current Member #_________ (no extra charge) No extra charge
T-Shirt Size(s): x $20 ea.
3X & 4X ADD $2 PER SHIRT Size(s): x $22 ea.
Ladies T-Shirt Size(s): x $25 ea.
3X & 4X ADD $2 PER SHIRT Size(s): x $27 ea.
Child T-Shirt (SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE) Size(s): x $18 ea.
Hooded Sweatshirt Size(s): x $30 ea.
3X & 4X ADD $2 PER SHIRT Size(s): x $32 ea.
Shirt pre-order deadline July 12, 2021. No post event clothing orders will be taken. Limited quantities may be available while supplies last. GRAND TOTAL
REGISTRATION DEADLINE JULY 20, 2021. After July 20th, registration will be available for trail
runs at full price, but will not include any meals. On-site registration will also be allowed for trail Make checks payable to: CA4WDA
runs only (at full price) but will not include any meals. No meals will be available for purchase Mail form with payment to:
on-site.
California Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc.
All registrations included on this form are per person. Additional runs are per vehicle. 8120 36th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Questions?
Cal4Wheel membership is required to attend Sierra Trek. A temporary weekend membership is available steve@cal4wheel.com or (559) 685-1928
for $10. The temporary membership is only valid during the Sierra Trek 2021 event.
If you are currently a member of Cal4Wheel, the temporary membership does not
affect your current Cal4Wheel membership status. If you would like to renew or
join Cal4Wheel please check C4WDA membership renewal box and include the
https://cal4wheel.com/sierra-trek
membership fee with your Sierra Trek registration. https://cal4wheel.org/trek-reg
All refunds will be charged a 10% service fee. NO refunds will be made after
July 15, 2021. NO registration rollover to the next year. https://facebook.com/SierraTrek
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 15CONVENTION GOES WELL DESPITE OBSTACLES
BONNIE FERGUSON
W ell, this was not the Convention
that we had planned for. Last
year, around April, I was shopping
background getting the delegates
“signed” in, votes counted, etc. We
couldn’t have done it without you.
at our local Dollar Tree and I came Thanks go out to our State
across some great decorations Recording Secretary Sherry Stortroen,
for our Hawaiian theme. I hit the
whose job is ten times harder with
jackpot: little pineapples, grass
skirts, lei’s, flowers for our hair; Zoom meetings compared to our
hanging signs, little bags of designs regular in-person meetings.
for the tables, and small lavender And a special thanks to Bonnie
shot glasses. (I had planned to bring WATCH THE AWARDS CEREMONY! Steele, our office manager. Without
some of my famous moonshine.) HTTP://BIT.LY/CAL4-AWARDS-21 her help and encouragement, this job
Fast forward to late September, would have been so much harder. She,
then October, then November. Our up for Zoom meetings. I’m sure he had Barbara Seaton and Suzy did a great
plans had changed – they went from help, but I don’t know who all helped job on the awards given out at our
a full-scale, regular Convention, to a him. Thank you to the helpers. awards ceremony on Saturday evening.
scaled down version with the board Bonnie Steele, our office manager,
of directors and delegates only, all the Congratulations to all who received
used a lot of my decorations to spruce awards. You earned them.
way down to no one in person and up the meeting room and made it look
Zoom meetings only. I was surprised and humbled to
like a Hawaiian luau. Thanks to Bonnie
I really felt bad for our hotel. We had and all her helpers. receive the Past President’s Award. It
to cancel a special board meeting in Since we couldn’t have any in-person was such an honor. Thank you.
September and a full board meeting in meetings, we had to take orders for Thank you’s go to our Convention
November because of the lockdowns the T-shirts and sweatshirts online. co-chairs Angela Cook and Danette
caused by this darn virus. California Casuals sent two shirts as Starksen. Danette came up with the
We had quite a few Zoom meetings, samples so that people could see the Hawaiian theme. Angela’s job was a
both for Convention planning and
design. Their artist did a great job on the bit easier. Normally she’s super busy
board meetings. It’s just not the
design and Suzy, our In Gear Editor, put onsite, doing the program, getting
same as an in-person meeting. But
it on our website so that we could take the lists of the in-house raffle prizes,
I think Convention went as well as
orders online. That worked out great. prepping the voting “sticks” and all of
can be expected, considering the
Thank you so much Suzy, for all the extra us stuffing goodie bags. That was a
circumstances. It was a big learning
curve for all of us. work that took. She sent me a copy of
nice reprieve not to have to do.
We could not have our Life Member each order so that the shirts could be
sent out when they arrive. Thank you to Mike Hardy, our raffle
breakfast where we choose our chairman, who waited anxiously to hear
scholarship recipients. Thanks to the We had an election for state
treasurer. Russ Chung will be our if we were going to have a raffle or not.
quick thinking of Shirley Bramham,
treasurer for the next two years. We Unfortunately, we were not able to.
we had a “non-breakfast” meeting
the Wednesday evening before voted on five bylaw proposals. The only Thank you to Don Spuhler, our
Convention. Thanks to Bonnie Steele, proposal that was approved cleans up convention treasurer, who waited and
Barbara Seaton and Shirley, the the wording in our bylaws regarding wondered what type of convention we
scholarship applications went out to online meetings. Everyone had their say. would have.
all the life members to review and Thanks to Don Spuhler, our bylaw guru If I’ve missed anyone, forgive
vote for their three choices. We also for handling this. Great job. me. You all worked to make this
received a letter and an envelope for This new way of meeting was a convention happen.
us to use for our donations to the challenge. Thanks to Suzy Johnson,
Finally, thank you to all who joined
Foundation and its programs since we our webmaster, for her hours and
hours and hours (probably more like us on this Zoom journey. It will be a
could not have a raffle. We had some
very generous donations. Every dollar hundreds of hours) getting all this set Convention that we won’t forget. Let’s
counts. Thank you all. up. Her expertise and knowledge are hope that our future conventions can
Thanks to our President, Jack amazing (you’re talking to a computer be in-person ones.
Chapman, for getting the meeting dummy – me).
room at our Sacramento office all set Thank you to all who worked in the Bonnie was this year’s Convention chair.
16 IN GEAR April / May 2021congratulations to award winners
We had our first ever online awards ceremony at this year’s Convention. Congratulations to all who were recognized for
their service to the association. We appreciate every one of you.
Past Presidents’ Award Bonnie Ferguson
Ed Dunkley Medal of Honor Joe & Aida Torres
North District Membership Development Foresthill Four Wheelers
Central District Membership Development The Dirt Boogers
South District Membership Development Fun in the Sun Four Wheelers
Douglas Sinclair State Membership Development Black Sheep 4 Wheel Drive Club
Outstanding Conservation Project, North Esprit de Four 4WD Club
Outstanding Conservation Project, Central Kingsburg 4WD Club
Outstanding Conservation Project, South High Desert 4 Wheelers
Don Klusman Outstanding Conservation Project Kingsburg 4WD Club
Webmaster’s Award Esprit De Four 4WD Club
In Gear Editor’s Award Chris Collard, Sierra Treasure Hunters 4WD Club
Don Dobson Memorial Land Use Award Gear Grinders 4WD Club
Bozzy Willis Memorial Individual Land Use Award Mary Grimsley
Lew Siepert Memorial Club of the Year Grass Valley 4 Wheelers
Cal4Wheel Safety Award Esprit de Four 4WD Club
Cap Randall Memorial Member of the Year Dirk Starksen
State Community Service Award Hi-Landers 4WD Club
Associate Member of the Year Advanced Clutch Technology
Tara Ballard Woman of the Year Mary Grimsley
four out of five BYLAW CHANGES FAIL EVENT CHAIR THANK YOUS
• Winter Fun Festival 2021 -
DON SPUHLER, BYLAWS CHAIR John & Carrie McCready
• Convention 2021 - Bonnie
There were five bylaw proposals a year to conduct the business of the
Ferguson & Angela Cook
submitted in 2020 for the 2021 Association. FAILED • 2020 Molina Ghost Run - Mike
annual meeting. The requirement for Proposal #3 – The Association McGarity & Phil Moreno
any to pass is a ‘yes’ vote by 2/3 of Secretary shall be elected at an annual • 2020 Hi Desert Round-Up -
the delegates present at the annual meeting by the delegates. FAILED Josh Epstein & Russ Chung
meeting. • 2020 Sierra Trek - Jeff Dax &
Proposal #4 – To reduce the number
Proposal #1 – The BOD shall not John & Rene Allen
of the Board of Directors from 13 to 7
have a spouse, domestic partner or • 2020 High Sierra Poker Run -
members. FAILED
immediate family member occupy Paul Brady & Steve Peckham
BOD positions at the same time. Proposal #5 – This is a changing
• 2020 Operation Desert Fun -
FAILED of words throughout the bylaws to Angela Cook & David Mauer
Proposal #2 – The association allow for the use of video conference • 2020 Panamint Valley Days -
BOD shall meet quarterly in a regular meetings or in some cases email to Bonnie Ferguson & Jeff Godde
session in each district at least once conduct business. PASSED
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 17Photos by Danielle Magana
More at http://bit.ly/winter-fun-folly21
18 IN GEAR April / May 2021Winter Fun & Folly
proves to be just that
SHIRLEY BRAMHAM
W OW!! Might I say we had a great time!! Women Out Wheeling had their Winter Fun & Folly club run
January 23 and 24 in the Grass Valley area. Weather was gorgeous! …and there was a light snowfall on
Friday which made for light fluffy snow.
We had an abundance of response beyond the 25 vehicles and a waiting list was begun. I was trying to
channel Pat Bashore who did registration for the C4WDA Winter Fun Festival for years. I sure don’t know how
she did it.
Pat’s mantra? …THINK SNOW!! …which worked. Thankfully, all their donations and support of the association. COVID
the Grass Valley 4-Wheelers, the Kingsburg 4-Wheel Drive procedures were followed with masks, sanitizer, and social
Club, and the Sierra Treasure Hunters helped, which resulted distancing. Participants were responsible for their own
in a total of five runs for the weekend. Saturday had two overnight accommodations and food. Everyone happily
milder/historic runs and one snow run. Sunday had one complied, enjoyed the runs, and were very glad to be out
milder/historic run and one snow run. Sunday had a storm after a year of confinement.
coming on later in the day. The milder/historic run used the It was good to see friends and make friends. There was
“flake and fly” rule of thumb and got back to town earlier much camaraderie, maybe even some seeds planted for an
than the snow run who used the “stay and play” rule of upcoming Overlander event. Let’s see if it takes root.
thumb. It was all good and everyone had fun. Many, many thanks to the Grass Valley 4-Wheelers, the
WOW did this as a club run limiting vehicle count per Kingsburg 4-Wheel Drive Club, the Sierra Treasure Hunters,
run and not charging a registration fee. This way it was not Bud and Marianne Folkers, Karen and Mark Miller for the 21
an “event” and did not require permits. This is a great way oil spill kits that were handed out, Jack Chapman for silent
for all you clubs to do runs and help out the association. auction prizes, Bonnie Steele in the office, and Suzy with
Donations were encouraged and accepted both onsite and blasts and notifications… and, of course, my main leader
online. We also had a small silent auction to dissuade a extraordinaire, Jim Bramham.
gathering that a raffle might draw.
A great big thank you for the generosity of our guests for Shirley is a member of Women Out Wheeling.
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 19EPSTEIN REPORT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Mike McGarity stepped down as your You’re just going to tow it back down
North District/Central District VP. Both here for me” or, “thanks for saving me
for their hard work and planning. Even these men have put endless hours into a drive.”
though it wasn’t the Convention we this association and worked tirelessly As President Jack Chapman opened
wanted or planned for, it was a great for you. Mike, Glenn, I’m going to miss the envelope and I stood beside him
time for what it was and though I was you guys on the board and hope to see hoping for my name, it was not. I didn’t
personally doubtful of how well the you at events and on the trail. Maybe recognize the number either and at
meetings would go via Zoom, it all now that we’re not working on the that very moment, the WAJ became
actually went over well. board together, we can be friends? very stupid to me in the sense that
This whole Zoom thing has Just kidding... I would NOT be driving it home the
opened our eyes to a whole new With Glenn and Mike coming down, next day. I know the winner in North
level of communication between the there must be a replacement and none Carolina will be very happy to beat it
association, friends, our personal clubs other than Jim Bramham and Mark up once he takes delivery of it and I’m
and so on. Here at the association, Cave were sworn in on Sunday’s new/ very happy for the winner!
we were able to cut meeting costs old board meeting as your NDVP/CDVP Speaking of the WAJ, this year was
astronomically and made it very respectively. I should also mention amazing in regards of ticket sales, over
easy to have ‘off the cuff’ meetings that Russ Chung was reelected as your $60k in the black! A special thanks to
with each other when needed – you state treasurer — congratulations Russ! all that busted their butts to make it
know, like to discuss Convention, or Speaking of this stupid Win-A-Jeep happen — you all know who you are
VP business with the president or (WAJ). and thank you very much! Next year’s
Win-A-Jeep stuff. Speaking of Win A I only call it stupid since my WAJ is already in the works and I can’t
Jeep stuff, I’m guessing you noticed phone didn’t ring either. Let me back wait to see what they come up with!
that your phone didn’t ring Saturday up in this story. If you didn’t know, Thank you everyone!
evening? I’ll get to that in a few. my little shop in Hemet built this In closing, I had an eight-hour drive
I had a tentative idea for Saturday year’s WAJ and with Convention up to the office and about a nine-
hour drive home Sunday and on that
to restart some of the core values of looming, the SDVP in me wanted to
drive home, I had a little bit of time to
the association after finding funding be present in the Sacramento office
reflect, and I am very happy of what
for them at Friday’s meeting. Our core for the meetings and business side of
we all accomplished this Convention
mission is land advocacy, plain and Cal4Wheel. So I decided to drive up
and can’t wait to get to work on this
very simple. Luckily, after funding to the office (mostly to give Bonnie
new year!
was confirmed, the RFP (Request For Steele a hard time) and the builder in
Till the next campfire…
Proposal) was sent out for our NRC me decided to save some travel time
(Natural Resource Consultant) and we for others and towed it up with me.
will be screening for a new NRC for the Long story short, I off loaded the Jeep
north and one for the south!
Speaking of great news, this whole
after hearing four million times “why
are you taking it all the way up there?
NEW
SxS (Side-by-Side) thing has been a
nightmare with our insurance. I won’t LIFE MEMBERS
go into excruciating details here (if
you really want them, email/call me)
but suffice it to say we are closer than Michael Dickerson
ever, and it looks very promising. This Shane Foster
is one of those deals where we will Nathan Garvey
not put the association at risk and Hubert Gerald Holloway
have to make sure that everything we Auston McClernon
do is Iron Clad and I am proud to say Kody Meginnes
that we are very close to making this Christopher Naron
happen and soon; you will see SXS Steve & Tammy Peckham
events!
Of course, every February we see
PROTECTION Daniel & Ashlyn Swan
John Trollman
some changing of the guard and I’m Richard Van Leeuwen
sad to say that Glenn Reynolds and
20 IN GEAR April / May 2021CAVE REPORT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Many hands made last year’s rig a guess that makes me one of the elders
success notable in a tough year for (dinosaurs?), but it has provided me
fund raising, but at the risk of omitting the chance to learn our bylaws, SOPs,
wind, and COVID have had an impact.
the names of too many contributors history, clubs, members, and sponsors.
This is the province of clubs, but the
and supporters and hurting feelings My wife Amy and my son Fernando are
Central District should offer support
of those I do not mention here, I want life members along with me and Amy
in communication, contacts, funding
to extend my thanks to David Rocha, has chaired several conventions. All my
applications, and negotiations with the
CD Secretary/Treasurer. David sold grandchildren have ‘youngest wheeler’
managers.
tickets, dragged the vehicle around the awards and love camping too. Amy and
4) Continue to fight for OHV access state and fixed the trailer. He went to
to Oceano Dunes. We must partner I should be up for 25-year pins soon
King of the Hammers for the duration and I am proud to be able to serve
with Friends of Oceano Dunes, CORVA, and sold tickets daily. He is an unsung
and American Sand Association to members old and new.
hero in my book, and I wanted to
fight all further closures. I serve as a mentor to younger
recognize his contribution of time and
5) Open Cal4 to new members practitioners with my company and I
dedication.
and offer services to all four-wheeled work very hard to keep my education
There are other priorities, but a six
vehicles. Side-by-sides are a great pack is plenty enough for me these days cutting edge and be able to use both 42
group to welcome into our fold. We (usually Diet Coke). I want to hear from years of professional experience and the
should also reach out to overlanders, you all as clubs and individuals to let me latest research to help my colleagues
off-road trucks, and even people with know what you think about these issues up their game. I shall do the same for
highly modified rigs that never get and what I am missing here. our district and I invite all members
dusty. We want all those folks who I think I am familiar to many in the to communicate both positive and
just like the “off-road” look to help district, but I served as Lock and Low negative feedback, ideas, criticisms,
preserve their right to get that rig President, Central District VP for six and questions to me. If I do not know
dusty and California pinstriped. years, one term as Cal4Wheel president the answer, I will find out what I need to
6) Support the raffle vehicle (me and Donald be mates), and three know and get back to you.
program here in the Central District. terms as immediate past president. I Here’s to getting back on the trail!
BRAMHAM REPORT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 said yes to being the co-chair of the vary annually but the timeframe and
24th Sierra trek. What I have always goal is to be a lead-in to Trek.
enjoyed about Trek is that there really We are so pleased that Russ Chung
Over the next several months we
is something for everyone, mild to has been so persistent to get an
have some serious work to do on
extreme, historic to steel challenging Overlanding run in Death Valley. It will
getting the 54th Sierra Trek rebooted.
The first planning meeting of the year granite, with great food in an be the first Cal4Wheel event entirely
went very well and a big thank you to unsurpassed camping experience. within a national park. We hope to
Jeff Dax for stepping up to chair this Something that has been tossed build on the success of the Death
event. Sierra Trek’s success depends around for several years looks like Valley Experience (DVE) to position
on a two-fold formula, clubs and it may possibly make it to reality the association as a leader in the
individuals, who see it as a way to this summer… an Overlanding trip Overlanding community.
contribute to Cal4Wheel by stepping leading into Sierra Trek. The very rough My job is to represent you, not be
up to volunteer, and members who concept is to leave the Sacramento you. I want to hear from you, I want
come to participate and take in the Valley, follow some historic and your ideas, I want to know what’s
beauty of the Sierra, the history of maybe even infamous routes for three important to you. I would be glad to
the area and the camaraderie of our to four days, with the goal to finish speak or meet with you to discuss how
membership. Jeff and the rest of the so full participation in Sierra trek is we can support your club and how we
committee need your help. There are possible. This will be a stand-alone can better the association.
open places that you can say yes to event, different name and different Looking forward to seeing you on
that will lighten the load for everyone. registration from Trek itself. The hope Zoom for the North District meeting
It was a short 30 years ago that I is, that with success, the routes could 7:00pm Thursday April 22.
cal4wheel.com/in-gear 21You can also read
