VOLUME 07.02.09 THE HUMMER CLUB, INC. ® Photo by Roger Robohm CONTENTS M AY 2009 Features A Weekend at Rausch Creek 08 Rausch Creek 2009 Sedona and snow 10 Snow Run! Hole in the rock 14 My Summer Vacation gray rock challenge 20 Mount Olive, Alabama spotting rules 24 Be a Great Spotter and a Great Driver oops! 32 Things Don’t Always Go As Planned Departments president’s message 05 Looking forward to Kinzalow club news 06 Join the Board of Directors tech tip 30 Checking Your Brakes
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN BYRON
Photo: Chris Blood AZIMUTH 1 Club Directors Marshall Henderson Glen Peck Director - President Director - CFO/Membership/HOPE 289 Rolling Hill Road [email protected] Mooresville, NC 28117 704-663-6510 (home) Mike Morris 704-309-9427 (cellular) Director [email protected] PO Box 2288 South Bend, IN 46680 Bob DeVore 2500 Green Tech Drive Director - Events/Land Use South Bend, IN 46613 8390 Cappy Lane 574-232-6000 (work) Swartz Creek, MI 48473 [email protected] 810-691-5087 [email protected] Rick Grucz Director - Ambassador Program Manny MacMillan 6446 Sober Rd. Director - Azimuth Fowlerville, MI 48836 [email protected] 517-223-4885 (home) 517-223-8551 (fax) Hal Dilworth [email protected] Director - Secretary [email protected]
2 AZIMUTH The HUMMER Club, Inc. is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation organized under the California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law. We are a national organization dedicated to promoting the safe use of the HUMMER in a family oriented atmosphere. We emphasize responsible four-wheeling and are serious about safety and environmentally correct off-roading. We encour- age our members to be active in land use advocacy and community service and to use both vehicles and land resources safely along the guidelines set forth by Tread Lightly! and the United Four Wheel Drive Association. Both regional and national events run by member volunteers are sponsored throughout the year where members can drive trails with levels of difficulty ranging from moderate to extreme. These events, our website and the publication of a quarterly magazine also offer an opportunity for exchange of information to develop a better understanding of Photo: Hole In The Rock the HUMMER vehicle and its safe use. As the only recognized national HUMMER orga- nization, the Club enjoys excellent relationships with AM General and HUMMER/General Motors Corporation and frequently has factory technicians and parts support at major events. The Club welcomes all HUMMER vehicles. It is a strong, established organization that will only get better with your help. Join in, support the HUMMER Club. With your participation, the Club will contin- ue to grow for the benefit of HUMMER owners. H
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AZIMUTH 3 Photo by Brad Mellon
4 AZIMUTH CLUB NEWS
please contact the nominations committee of PRESIDENT’S Bob DeVore, Manny MacMillan and Hal Dil- worth. You may email messages to nomina- MESSAGE [email protected].
P. Marshall Henderson New members continue to join each month, but we need more of you. Recently I received a Ahh Kinzalow’s, the East Coast’s Mecca for phone call and emails from a new H3 owner HUMMER off roading. It is about two weeks that was ecstatic about her new truck. Abso- out and I am really looking forward to getting lutely loves driving the truck, but is still in that out and enjoying some wheeling. I hope you “avoid the mud puddles stage” versus the “out are one of the members signed up to come and looking for some mud to play in” stage most of visit eastern Tennessee. They have some great us got into. I still love that hat Vince “Thumper” trails, great scenery, great times and everyone Gable use to wear – “Mud Is Good”. has a lot of fun. Also last week I meet with an H2 owner who If you did not make it to Kinzalow’s, I hope just took delivery of a 2004 yellow H1 open you will sign up for one of the other upcom- top. His kids love the truck and he is going to ing events in Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, start outfitting the vehicle for off road events. or Michigan. Save time this fall for Moab or He has driven the H2 on several dealer “Hap- Windrock, two of our staple events. New penings”, but has yet to experience the fun we members, you need to try to make an event or get into at Kinzalows, Windrock or any of the you are missing one of the main reasons we other great event locations. have a Club. So get out there and find the new owners In addition to the National Events, we have sev- (might be buying used trucks) and get them to eral Member Events lined up. If you want to join the Club. Let them look up the Facebook have some fellow trucks over or want company page or give them Azimuth after you are done. to go to a favorite off road spot, let us know. It is great to see our trucks in use. I am so We can help advertise your event and you can ready for Kinzalow’s. I think I will go home and use the club contact search to find trucks in the pack early. area. Be sure to reach out to new truck owners in your area to help teach them the fun of using Take care, be safe and I will see you on a HUMMER. We all had to start somewhere the trails, and can all think of a few drivers to thank for the guidance along the way. Marshall
One of the smartest things you can do before [email protected] off roading with your truck is follow the club’s guideline to review your truck’s condition and preparedness. Check fluids, look for leaks or worn parts, and make sure you have spares, re- covery gear and water. Check the HUMMER Club website for more details.
The Club board has appointed a nominations committee to find candidates to run for board election this Fall. Rick, Glen and my terms all expire this year, but we need additional help from volunteers willing to contribute their time and efforts to helping the Club. If you can help out, or know someone who is willing to help,
AZIMUTH 5 CLUB NEWS
Badlands - Attica, Indiana BOARD OF June 18 - 20, 2009 AZIMUTH Canadian Event DIRECTOR Saint Sauveur, Quebec SUBMISSIONS July 20 - 24, 2009 POSITIONS Rausch Creek - Rausch Creek, Pennsylvania and ADS July 23 - 26, 2009 Interested in applying? We still want your stuff! We are looking Drummond Island for members’ stories about wheeling, modi- The HUMMER Club, Inc. has three members Drummond Island, Michigan fication, and even a full feature on your rig. of the Board of Directors whose terms are You don’t have to be a professional writer July 31 - August 1, 2009 expiring at the end of this summer. If you are or photographer to share some cool HUM- interested in applying for one of these posi- AM General Off-Road Course and MER experiences with the rest of the club, tions, please email to indicate your interest Silver Lake Sand Dunes so send in your content today! to the Nominations Committee and find out Southbend, Indiana and Mears, Michigan We also have new low advertising rates more about the application process: August 28 & 29, 2009 which will allow your business to reach our members – you can buy an ad, or sponsor [email protected] Moab - Moab, Utah September 20 - 24, 2009 one of our events; drop us an email to find out more. Members of the Nomination Committee Windrock - Oak Ridge, Tennessee this year will be current BOD members, October 15 - 17, 2009 [email protected] Bob DeVore, Hal Dilworth and Manny Penn’s Cave - Centre Hall, Pennsylvania MacMillan. October 24 & 25, 2009 Country Roads - Beckley, West Virginia Dates TBD The HUMMER Club, Inc. is on Twitter! http://twitter.com/hummerclub YES. If you have an account, follow us. The HUMMER Club, Inc. Twitter is a free social networking service that enables its users to send and read oth- is hosting an event er users’ updates known as tweets. Tweets near you this year… are text-based posts displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other More being added to the schedule all the time users who have subscribed to them (known thanks to the tireless efforts of our Ambassa- as followers). Senders can restrict delivery dors, volunteer Club Directors, and Members to those in their circle of friends or, by de- who have stepped up and gotten involved. fault, allow anybody to access them. Thanks – see you at an event soon! Account holders can send and receive For registration details and the latest up- tweets via the Twitter website, Short Mes- dates about the events listed below, please sage Service (SMS) or through a number of visit our website: http:://www.thehummer- external applications available on mobile clubinc.com devices. Kinzalow’s - Dayton, Tennessee May 14 - 16, 2009 The service is free to use over the Internet, but using SMS may incur phone service Colorado Rocky Mountain (Member Event) provider fees. Golden, Colorado June 12 - 14, 2009 For more information, Northeast Hummer Run (Member Event) visit: twitter.com Mohegan Sun, Connecticut June 13, 2009 Photo by Brandon Michaels
6 AZIMUTH HUMMER Club, Inc. Members Support PTSD Fund Raiser
By Dan LaForgia The turnout was much greater than anyone had expected. Over 800 motorcycles Army PFC Joseph Dwyer was perhaps best met at the Riverhead County Center in known for being featured in newspapers Riverhead NY, and 7 HUMMER H1’s and and on TV throughout the country in 2003, a 1985 M998 HMMWV joined from carrying a baby Iraqi boy to safety dur- New York and New Jersey. A police es- ing small arms fire. After returning home cort accompanied the convoy from the from Iraq, he started suffering from Post County Center to Venetian Shores Park in Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) This is Lindenhurst NY where the Barbecue lunch a very common battle that soldiers face and classic car / motorcycle show was when they come home – the injuries sus- held, where an estimated 2000 people Photo of Dan Laforgia tained in battle are not always visible, and attended the event. not always physical. Soldiers see things during war that can affect them for the rest The coordinator of the event was very ap- of their lives. Unfortunately this disorder preciative of the HUMMER owners joining took a heavy toll on Joseph, which led him in on such short notice, and all of the HUM- to take his own life. MER owners were honored to be a part of this worthy cause. Joseph’s family wished not only to honor him, but all the other soldiers suffering from this disorder. Joseph had always loved cars and motorcycles, so a classic car and mo- Remember, Freedom isn’t Free! torcycle rally fundraiser was scheduled. Photo of Jerry Moller HUMMER Club, Inc. member Dan LaForgia For more information about this event, heard about the cause when his band “But- visit: www.heroarmypfcjosephdwyer.com tered Soul” was asked to play at the event. Dan contacted fellow club member Jerry Moller and some other local HUMMER owners, and asked them to join the rally as a way to show appreciation and support for today’s soldiers.
AZIMUTH 7 Written by KEN GANDER | Photos by CATHY PANAZZOLO and KEN GANDER
8 AZIMUTH
A group of HUMMER Club, We hit some really great techincial and Inc. Members get their act together and rocky Blue Level trails. Everyone made it separate ways. That make yet another trip to Rausch Creek the through without major incident. Ashley was probably the biggest mis- weekend of Friday, March 27th through lost one of her skidplates after a rather take of the weekend, since Sal and Mike Sunday, March 29th -- and then take a few rocky trail (which certainly couldn’t have got hopelessly lost for a while before minutes to tell you about it. had anything to do with me forgetting my they eventually made their way down to thread-locker when I put it back on for I-78. Shortly after, Mike’s Jeep decided Friday afternoon a few of us rolled into her a few weeks ago.) A tarp and a wide to spontaneously grenade its transfer the Hampton Inn in Pine Grove, PA. This array of tools, plus Glenn Panazzolo, case and driveshaft. They left the Jeep time we made a weekend out of it (as op- equals: remaining bolt was pulled and we and tried to get home in Sal’s Jeep, posed to a day trip which it is for most of were back on trails! We played in Lake which decided to quit with two broken us). We had folks from NY, NJ, PA, and Christy, the Quarry, and some other Blue wheels. The Jeepers eventually rented a even MD. I brought the barbeque out this Level trails – a great day! car and made their way back to NJ. time and we set up “camp” in the parking lot. THCI members rolled in throughout Most of our group departed for home We doubled back and recovered the the afternoon and evening. Great food on Saturday night, but I stayed with my downed rigs the following weekend - an and cold beer was plentifull! We BBQ’d H3, as did a couple of Jeepers, Mike adventure during which I lost a second and basically hung out until the wee and Sal. On Sunday it was raining, fog- tire to a second partial sidewall gash hours of the night (well, at least some of gy, and brutal. We should have known that decided to give way on the high- us!) We had a surprise vist at 4am from when I slashed a sidewall with a hole big way - when I was not carrying a spare, one of our newest wheelers; Ashley in enough to put your fist before we even of course. Yet another rescue was re- her H3! The late night made for a late made it out of the comp area, that trou- quired, when Yianni brought down a start for some of the group -- but we all ble lay ahead. After a not-so-quick tire wheel for my rig. made it onto the trail eventually. change, we were rolling again. We hit a few more Blue Level trails that we hadn’t In the end, after all of the rigs had been The trails at Rausch Creek offer a lot the day before, and managed a pretty rescued from ON the road and OFF the of varied terrain and fun for all kinds good pace considering how slick it was. road, we had a great time and it was of trucks and drivers -- and this week- We were doing ok until Sal’s Jeep got a well worth the all the hassle. This is why end was no exception. A few minor flat. We changed that tire and started we don’t go out wheeling alone, right? problems with a CTIS line slowed things heading back. Plans for our next Rausch Creek adven- down a little bit, but it wasn’t about ture are already in the works. H to extinguish the fun of wheeling with We all made it back to the gas station good friends. where we aired up and left for home our
AZIMUTH 9 Article and Photos by Larry & Laraine Coplin
10 AZIMUTH It’s Thursday evening in Sedona; known for red rock, vortexes, good food, and especially for us -- miles and miles of national forests with off-road trails. Paul and Josie Phillips have driven over from the San Diego area in their yellow H2, while Laraine and I hauled our brand new H3T up from the Phoenix area behind our RV. When
Marc Balocco called to say that he was putting together a snow run, we had jumped at the opportunity to get some one-on-one driving tips. After all, Marc owns Sedona Offroad Adventures and has been part of the desert racing circuit for over a decade. The opportunity was just too good to pass up.
AZIMUTH 11 We are gathered on the patio of a fabulous patches of snow. Marc takes the opportunity for Hummers, right? The snow gets to be over French restaurant to enjoy the moderate tem- to teach us some finer points of driving in three feet deep and today’s lessons involve peratures at this elevation before heading sand, snow or mud. With his H1 parked half- the proper use of winches, straps, hooks and higher into snow country tomorrow. The wine, way up the hill we get directions over our clevises. At times we stood in snow almost martinis and scotch are served, and cigars lit. CB in English, with his heavy French accent... waist high while pondering the use of a re- As the clock ticks forward the stories grow or was it French with an English accent? I mote control to extract our bodies from the longer and the tales get taller. All is right with can’t remember which, but before long each “white quicksand.” Eventually we come to a the world. attempt brings us closer to the top. tiny mountain village near Mormon Lake and stop for bowls of chili and some hot coffee. Sedona is located in central Arizona and Then we head around to the north side On the way back into town Marc even point- is surrounded by mountains. Over millions where there is more snow. We spend the ed out the infamous “Monica” rock formation of years, layers of sandstone and lime- afternoon traversing cinder hills and forg- known only to the locals. stone were covered with iron oxide and ing trails in the meadows. Hummer “Snow rust formed. The beautiful red rock moun- Angels” are left behind as the competition This weekend we have been fortunate to tains are the result. begins to see who can make the smallest learn driving skills from a veteran of several donuts. Our circles get smaller and smaller Hummer Racing teams. We also learned that After a drivers meeting on Friday morning we as Marc teaches us the proper balance of he taught Special Forces teams to drive a head up to the Cinder Hills OHV Area north- brake to accelerator ratio. In the end we Humvee, conducted tire workshops and even east of Flagstaff where there are reports of have carved out about fifteen acres of cir- drove a Mini-Cooper in “The Italian Job” snow. Flagstaff sits at the center of the little- cles in the snow that can probably be seen while working as a stunt driver. We thank known San Francisco Volcanic Field. With from outer space. Then it’s off to the best you Marc for a fun weekend filled with great over 600 volcanoes it is one of the most Mexican restaurant in Sedona for more sto- experiences and new friendships. For us, “Se- densely volcanic regions in North America. ries and huge margaritas, Ole! dona and Snow” was priceless! H The 13,500 acre OHV site sits at an eleva- tion of about 7000 feet and is similar to The next day we are joined by Rudy Bowen sand dunes, but is actually made up of black from the US Forest Service. As we head even volcanic ash. As we line up at the bottom higher into the mountains many of the roads of a huge cinder hill there are only a few have not been plowed, but thats no problem
12 AZIMUTH AZIMUTH 13 By L. Keith Farrand
14 AZIMUTH It’s dark. It’s cold. It’s pouring rain. I Please join us as we begin our travel in early knew these folks were still alive, let alone really should be working in our beautiful September of 2008. It’s important that you willing to wander again in the wilderness? greenhouses here at Farrand Farms, but buckle up and remember that The Master Turns out, Hole in the Rock was on all their instead I find myself dreaming about doesn’t always adhere to the facts. Bits of “Bucket Lists.” southern Utah. I am recalling my most color have been added here and there to memorable H1 vacation of all time. It is a enhance your reading pleasure. But before allowing these ripe, decaying pure and simple pleasure to share my story seniors weekend passes, the administration with you. So here goes… As The Master, I put myself in charge of of Twilight Hills insisted we take young assembling the most talented and skilled nursing assistants, Brent Rickert and Jarek It all began innocently enough when one team of H1 drivers ever to gather in one Charvet, along for safety reasons. The handsome trail leader, affectionately spot. I would choose only the best of the Master quickly agreed, and the Hole in the known as “The Master” (that would be best. I immediately began in earnest to Rock expedition was set. me, of course) a few old timer H1 buffs contact those talented few. and a couple of young bucks decided it It wasn’t the greatest team ever assembled, would be in their best interests to tackle a Well, wouldn’t you know it, all those guys but it wasn’t the worst either. Yeah, they wilderness trail in southern Utah known as were busy. I then went to Plan B. Gee, were rusty, wild and uncivilized—maybe the “Hole in the Rock.” those guys couldn’t make it either. Third even a little bit savage. That didn’t and fourth choices were also unavailable. concern The Master, though. He knew that It is remote, barren and empty but absolutely I continued to relax my standards until under his watchful eye, these renegades beautiful. The Hole in the Rock trail was first my wife, Nancy, sensing my frustration, would transform into a respectful and used by the Mormons in the late 1800’s. It suggested I recruit at the local Twilight cohesive group. Before the journey’s end, is the only trail in America that begins in Hills Senior Center. Wow! What a great they would come to know the meaning the west and travels east. On a 5 scale of suggestion! I hit the jackpot there. of common courtesy, how to sit quietly difficulty it is rated a 4.5. It is thirty-three and listen while others spoke and even to difficult miles in and thirty-three difficult H1 relics like Linda North, Bill Thompson, extend a helpful hand when needed. Heck, miles back. It requires three non-stop driving Bob and Jack Davis, Marc Balocco and his some would even come to use the words days and two nights of remote, primitive friend Gary, Mark Sanders, David Polito, “please” and “thank you.” camping to complete. Yes, I’ll be the first to Dan Eakins accompanied by his young lover admit that it is pure H1 paradise—a virtual Judy, and George and Maria Juno were all Let’s get going. On September 17th, our Hummer Heaven, if you will. there. I found Paul Stueber and Mike Boswell H1 contingent would meet near Hall’s Ferry playing shuffleboard out back. Who even on Lake Powell. At the Hole in the Rock
AZIMUTH 15 16 AZIMUTH After an hour or so, we were moving again. native sage and weeds. And Wow! Marc We were traveling along quite nicely when… had outdone himself preparing ribs, side Oops! The Master lost the trail. No, no…it dishes and fine deserts. No wonder he is wasn’t his fault at all. He was only a victim considered one of the best French fry short of someone else’s negligence to better mark order cooks in Arizona. Dinner was superb the trail. He quickly backtracked and we and most of us continued to chat and imbibe weren’t long arriving at camp. well into the evening. trailhead, The Master explained the rules— he would lead and everyone else would You know, as I was standing back watching We were up early the next morning. Our do exactly what he said. (O.K., that didn’t my team set up camp, I felt right proud. “Personal Services Valet,” Bill Thompson, really happen.) Introductions were made Many were helping French “Chef in Charge,” was told to see that all members were and a trail briefing was given. Bright orange Marc Balocco set up his kitchen which he prepared and lunches packed for a dress shirts and bow ties were issued for had trailered in. Others were building the particularly long and difficult journey to the the evening meals. The bow ties were your fire and setting up the dining area. And trail’s end. Bill did a pretty good job, and we meal ticket—if you showed up for dinner much to our delight, “1st and 2nd Directors were all impressed that he did exactly as he without it, you wouldn’t be allowed to dine. of Fluids,” George and Maria, were busy was told. Each participant was also allowed one fine mixing their special concoctions for the Cuban cigar to enjoy, compliments of The cocktail hour. The Master was pleased at the progress we Master. Other gifts and pleasantries were made while enjoying the awesome scenery exchanged and it was time to go. Before we knew it, it was time to dress for and terrific views of this lonesome place. dinner. Everyone donned their bright orange Everything was going according to plan The Master was leading brilliantly when our dress shirts and put on the black bow ties. and moving smoothly. We reached the end “Director of Latrine Safety,” Mike Boswell, The Master chuckled as he knew these fools of the drivable trail and shared a leisurely decided to nearly lay his truck over in a were in his complete control—after all, who lunch. Marc wanted to leave early for small sand sluice. Mike’s a nice guy and we else could get them to actually put on formal camp so he could begin the evening meal. liked him, so we decided to help him get the dress shirts and bow ties in the middle of the He would take Mike and David Polito, our truck right again. desert! It was truly a sight to see. “Adult Care Supervisor” with him. At the last moment, “Special Events Chairperson,” Lunch was taken and we were again moving We continued to enjoy George and Maria’s Jarek, and “Internet Services Technician,” toward our destination camp. That is, I say, offerings while Linda North, “Director of Brent, decided to join them as they left. We until “Liaison to The Master,” Bob Davis, Hygiene,” insisted we wash our hands sensed they might be traveling a bit too and his brother Jack, our “Hole Expedition before dining. We were all surprised and quickly for the level of their experience. Historian,” decided they would have a flat pleased to see how nicely “Floral Director,” tire. No one wanted to help them change it Paul Stueber, beautified the setting with because, well, you know…it’s Bob.
AZIMUTH 17 It wasn’t long before our group was also heading back to camp. About twenty minutes into our return, we heard a distress call from Mike that something terrible had occurred ahead of us. We continued to await further details as we drove toward the forward group. It turned out the group was not responding because they were in emergency response mode. I was stunned by the intense scene that lay before me. The first thought that went through my mind was someone has to be hurt and hurt badly.
Apparently, Jarek had forgotten The Master’s instructions to please be careful and not turn Brent’s truck over. Well, it was too late now to go over the details again. An airlift emergency team was called by satellite and quickly canceled when it was determined that no one was injured or required emergency assistance. Jarek received a spanking from Brent, and the recovery team went to work.
The Master now realized that he had indeed recruited the best of the best. There was absolutely no panic. You could only witness calm and calculated action to achieve a successful recovery. Marc, Bill and Paul quickly positioned Mike and David for the recovery flip of the distressed H1. Maria, Linda, Dan, Judy, Bob and Jack quickly went to work picking up the pieces and calming the driver and passenger. Paul went to work completing a detailed truck inspection and finally restarted the truck. You can’t imagine how his heart swelled throughout the evening. If you thought Marc’s when he heard his team saying “please” food was great last night, it was even better Paul had the touch, man. Although it looked and “thank you”. He was near tears when tonight. As far as The Master was concerned, a bit awkward and crooked, the truck was he realized that over the past few days it was the perfect evening shared with near running perfectly. We cleaned up the trail he had witnessed the rare and complete perfect folk. and were soon headed back to camp. It transformation of raw talent into fine and felt good driving back! The Master was civilized folk. Heck, some of them even Well, I see the rain has let up, so it’s pleased that disaster had been averted and looked a little bit younger- even Linda North! probably time for me to go back and tend that new lessons had been learned. He felt She looked at least six months younger to my flowers. Although I’ll miss sharing good about how his team stepped up to the (maybe it was just the fact that she had her my Hummer thoughts with you, I don’t challenge. Yeah, he had picked a great group teeth in.) Anyway, it had been a great day think I could be in a more beautiful spot of explorers. After patting himself on the of fun and challenge. The Master smiled as than right here at Farrand Farms. You see, back a few more times, The Master reached George and Maria continued to fill his cup I love it here too. base camp.
18 AZIMUTH AZIMUTH 19 By Ken Morgan not properly “think” an obstacle all the way ing trails. I met James at the 2008 Gray through. The first time I got stuck, Tony, the Rock event and realized he possesses a fine The Mount Olive, Alabama ORV Park held park owner, was riding point. He quickly instinct to spot a trail route. All of the in- special meaning to me as a HUMMER enthu- strapped me out with his modified Jeep on gredients for a good run were there and I siast. This would be my third trip to the park steroids. But, within five minutes, I was stuck was looking forward to getting my H3 out since I bought my first HUMMER, a 2006 again, and had to rely on Tony to pull me on the trail and start cooking up a weekend H3. This trip had a different feeling though free once more. The third time, well it was to remember. as I pulled out of my Mobile, AL driveway just down right embarrassing. I watched heading north. This trip had challenge writ- other H1, 2 and 3’s navigate the same ter- Friday morning of the first run, the weather ten all over it. You could even say I was rain with some difficulty but with success in was absolutely perfect. Temps in the low looking to pick a fight. My second trip to the end. I knew I could drive better but the 60’s, slight breeze, yellow sun blazing Gray Rock in 2008 left me with a bloody truth was I was out of practice and I had let against a clear blue sky. 15 HUMMERS nose and some hurt feelings and I wanted to my skills get rusty. cruising convoy style down the highway. set things right again. From the driver’s windows, 15 sets of I was determined that Gray Rock 2009 white teeth greeted each passing motorist. My 2008 trip to Gray Rock was my first would be a different run. I knew what my For HUMMER enthusiasts, the convoy to the trail event in my brand new 2008 H3 machine was capable of and I had been trail head is the appetizer before a fine Alpha. I was just itching to see what she working to refresh and hone my off road steak dinner and I was feeling especially could do in the rough. What happened was skills. I also knew James Brewer would be hungry today . a lesson in how to get stuck when you do the spotter on some of the more challeng-
20 AZIMUTH We arrived at the pavilion inside the park years. “Hey Charles,” I said, “you know this I walked over to James and told him I may and began airing down the tires. I was start- is the advanced group?”. He replied that he have bitten off more than I can chew coming ing to feel a little anxious at this point. Then “drove up here to ride the trails and not see out here with this group. The last thing that the call came from the trail leaders, Brandon the sights.” He was right. While Gray Rock I wanted was to be strapped and pulled and James. It was time to get dirty. Two ORV has some beautiful landscapes, I was over every obstacle like a little brother tag- groups were going out, beginning/interme- here to test my truck and myself, and to put ging along, trying to keep up with his big diate and advanced. Without hesitation, I the failings of last year’s trip far behind me. brother and friends. However, James told me signaled to James that I would be going out not to worry and that I was in for a good with the advanced group. I climbed in my My first obstacle was a fallen tree. The time. He was right. For the rest of the day, truck, took a deep breath, popped in a piece H1 and 2’s were moving over it with little to we navigated some very challenging terrain. of bubble gum (bubble gum helps me focus) no difficulty. I knew it was too big for my Mud bogs, mud holes, rock gardens, stump and off we went. When our group cleared H3 but I was not about to be deterred by gardens, creek beds, fallen trees, and steep the pavilion, I counted four H1’s, three H2’s the first sign of trouble. I approached it us- hills. I was in the zone. Trail reading, tire and one H3. I was the lone H3 going out ing the best angle I could. The front wheel placement, momentum, angling, and 2nd at- with this group. I radioed the white stock climbed over with only a little coaxing, but tempts. That day, it all came together for H2 in my group driven by my good friend, as expected, the rear spring got hung and me. Our entire group exhibited some ex- Charles Hayes. He and his wife Barbara five minutes into the run I was stuck. How- ceptional driving. Earlier that day, we were are also from Mobile and our families have ever, a quick tug from a tow strap and I was also honored to have three members of a been on several events together over the back in business. It was at that point that nearby Army National Guard unit join our
AZIMUTH 21 22 AZIMUTH group. They were conducting off road train- They are great guys to ride with and their ing exercises with their HUMVEEs. It was families are some of the nicest folk that you a special treat to share the trail with these will every meet. They worked really hard to soldiers and the military predecessors of make the event fun for everyone. If you rode the HUMMER line. Gray Rock this year, be sure to let these guys know how much fun you had. The next day’s ride started off a little warm- er than the day before and with overcast With the sun now low on the horizon and skies blotting out the sun. My nephew, Chris my belly full of BBQ from the event ban- from nearby Pinson, AL joined me for what quet, I pulled my muddy, dust-covered H3 turned out to be another great day of off out of the park gates and headed for home. road action. This was Chris’ first official I left the ghost of Gray Rock 2008 buried HUMMER event and it was exciting for me deep in the Alabama mud, along with my to share this experience with him. He took a Crimson Tide car tag that was separated turn behind the wheel and saw first hand just from my truck by a rock or tree along the how capable these vehicles are. However, way. The smile on my face and the dirt on all too soon, the day and the event came to my HUMMER said it all. Good friends and a close. Gray Rock drew a line in the mud good times...... like nothing else. H and my H3 Alpha stepped across it with me in the driver’s seat.
Gray Rock will never back down from a fight and we saw a fair amount of car- nage from some of those scraps on this trip. Mostly mechanical but a few new scratches and bends here and there. Gray Rock will challenge you and your truck. Make no mis- take about that.
Much thanks to Brandon Michael and James Brewer for their trail planning and spotting.
AZIMUTH 23 Article by Daniel Strà
24 AZIMUTH Photos by Manny MacMillan and Chris Blood
There are a lot of fine points to the art of spotting. Great spotting, truly refined exper- tise in this arena, is something that takes a lot of time and a lot of experience to learn. It comes from the experience one gains from watching others and applying what one has learned from watching.
It would not make sense, at least not for this article, to write about the finer points of great spotting. However, there are a few things that all spotters should know from the start that pave the way for a safer and more enjoyable trail experience for both the spot- ter and the driver.
Drivers, too, should be as knowledgeable about the basic rules of spotting as the spot- ters are. Drivers have a different set of spot- ting rules to follow, but the rules for drivers are just as important as those for spotters.
Very little has been written specifically for drivers on the subject of spotting. Hopefully that will change with this article, since the second section is dedicated to the driver.
When both sides follow the rules the trail becomes a much smoother place.
(Note to the would-be spotter: Reading this article does not make you a spotter. It is de- signed to help you understand the dynam- ics of spotting more fully. Any given trail-run might normally have one or more club as- signed trail leaders or spotters. You will be a lot more liked when you are on the trails if you acknowledge the hierarchy and organi- zation of a run and not try to subvert it.)
RULE NUMBER ONE Rule #1 of spotting, the first rule of ALL GREAT SPOTTERS is this...
* A good spotter will always look for an- other person who is already spotting the driver and will then do nothing but wait to be asked for help.
Think about this sentence for a minute. Vir- tually EVERYONE on a club run can, and should, be a spotter but only if they are all reminded of that rule. Following the Spotting Rule #1 will keep things a lot more orga- nized than those unruly times when EVERY- ONE is yelling directions.
AZIMUTH 25 RULE NUMBER TWO This could be rule #1. Itís a toss- up. It is the only rule I see broken more than rule #1. It seems like we forget, many times, to bother to ask the driver if he would LIKE to have a spot. There are many drivers who will know their truck well enough to be able to just know where the rocks are. Then there are guys who just don’t want to have a spotter. Rule #2 is...
A good spotter will always ask the driver if he would like to have a spot before he starts issuing signals.
This is a golden rule. Never break it.
RULE NUMBER THREE A good spotter knows that there will always be others yelling directions from the trail side and he knows that there will always be a newer driver who finds that confusing. This being the case, rule # 3 of great spotting is...
* Create a bond with the driver. Make sure he is locked on to you and only you.
This is done by taking the time to walk up to the driver and have a small drivers chat.... “Hey, I am going to spot you through this. I want you to focus on me and tune everyone else out, OK?”
It is funny but dive instructors do something very similar to this when bringing a student down un- der water for the first time. They use two fingers in the shape of a V and move them from their eyes toward yours while locking in your gaze to theirs. For some odd reason they have learned that doing so actually helps a new diver get through the initial anxiety of being under water and being able to actually breath.
Creating a bond with the driver goes a long way to help him get through those times when there are a lot of people trying to spot. It helps him block them out and it places you as the point person. RULE NUMBER FOUR When we are four wheeling there is a lot going on. There is engine
26 AZIMUTH noise, other vehicles moving around, Whether or not he will be spotted people talking and sometimes a lot is up to the driver and the driver of distance between the spotter and should be the one who decides if he the driver who may be in the middle wants a spot or not. The means that of an obstacle. In such situations drivers rule #1 is... verbal signals are not always the most effective way to communicate. * Ask for a spot or specify that you do not want a spot. With that in mind, rule #4 of great spotting is... If you do NOT want a spot it is sometimes helpful to say it loud enough to be heard * A great spotter will make sure that the over all of the noise of the run (or, really, to driver understands the hand signals he uses. make sure everyone hears you). “I’m ok with- You can do this while you are having your out a spotter for right now, thanks!” does the little drivers chat. job well and no one gets their feelings hurt. Saying, “right now”, leaves the door open in Here are a few examples used in our club... case you change your mind.
• STOP: We use a closed fist for a stop. DRIVER RULE NUMBER TWO • TURN RIGHT OR LEFT: We point with The spotter may not instinctively the index finger (or thumb) to the left know that if he stops moving you or the right when we want the driver to should stop moving. In fact, he may turn the wheel and, if he is not turning even ask you why you stopped far enough we point and push the finger moving. Here rule #2 comes in... in that direction at the same time. • ADVANCE: We extend an open hand * If spotter is not moving or directing you in so that the palm is facing AWAY from some way then don’t move. It should always be not need to be brought up if more folks just the driver, we then fold the thumb in like this... if the spotter directs you, you move, if backed off spotting and focused on watch- so that it is not confused as a direc- the spotter stops directing, you stop moving. ing the spotter and learning from him. tional signal, and, keeping the fingers together, we wave the fingers inward a DRIVER RULE NUMBER THREE Fortunately, it is a lot easier to teach driv- repeating manner. In the event that a spotter does not ers how to pay attention to spotters and to • REVERSE: Using one or both open palms, practice Spotter Rule #3 — the rule teach spotters how to get drivers to focus FACING the driver, we make a pushing about creating a bond between on them than it is to teach every person on motion in a repeating manner. When driver and spotter - then the driver every trail-run to not try to help with spot- doing reverse we may go to the back can make it happen all by himself. ting. It is just human nature to help out. (non- of the vehicle to help the driver back Driver rule #3 is... spotters, are you getting a message here?) up safely. * Lock on to your spotter and tune everyone This being the case, our expectations of spot- else out. ters and drivers needs to be set correctly. DRIVER RULES FOR When both the driver AND the spotter are This accomplishes another effect. With the on the same page all the yelling in the world GREAT SPOTTING driver locked on to the spotter, observers won’t make a darn bit of difference. H (would be spotters) quickly learn that the At this point the article has been mainly driver is not listening to them, but rather lis- Ed. Note: Daniel Strà is the Founder of The about spotters but DRIVERS can have a tening only to the spotter. Once they catch JonFund 4X4 club
DRIVER RULE NUMBER ONE For the record, a lot of these issues would
AZIMUTH 27 Brakes – Checking
Description The Brake system should be checked as part of the “A” Service.
Related Tasks Halfshaft Bolt Check TECH TIP BY DAVE BREGGIN Tools and Supplies Pry Bar
Special Tools BRAKES - CHECKINGNo special tools are required for checking the Brakes. See “Tips on Brake Pad Replacement” (later in this section) for special tools used when replacing the Brake Pads.
Description Fluids Required The Brake system should be checked as part Type Specification Quantity of the “A” Service. Brake Fluid – non-TT4 Hummers DOT 5 (Silicone) Brake Fluid – TT4 Hummers DOT 3 Related Tasks Guide Pin Lube Teflon Halfshaft Bolt Check
Tools and Supplies Fasteners Pry Bar Fastener Wrench Size Loctite TorqueNotes / Special Tools Special Tools Brake Adapter to Differential 15/16” Blue 110 – 140 lb ft Caliper Yoke to Adapter 9/16” Red 40 lb ft No special tools are required for checking the Brakes. See “Tips on Brake Pad Replace- Caliper Guide Pins 7mm Hex Key Red 30 lb ft ment” (later in this section) for special tools Brake Caliper Bleed Screw 3/8” - 6 – 15 lb ftProtective Rubber Cap used when replacing the Brake Pads. Brake Line Fittings 3/8” & 5/8” - -Flare fitting
Notes / Special Instructions • Notes / Special Instructions ProcedureWhen checking Brake pads, make sure wear is close• to Theeven Padbetween Lining Pads ison locateda Brake, and between between the Brakes on an Axle. Uneven wear may indicate sticking Guide Pins or other problems. Brake Rotor and the Brake Pad Backing • When checking Brake pads, make sure •CheckWhen Pad replacing Wear Pads, be sure to use the same type of Pad (i.e. lining material) on all brakes. • Plates. wear is close to even between Pads on a When replacing Pads, replace all 4 Pads on an axle at the same time. •1. VisuallyIt is not unusualInspect for Brake the Rear Pads. Brakes to wear faster than the Front Brakes on the Hummer. Brake, and between Brakes on an Axle. • DOT 5 Brake Fluid usually contains some type of dye• (e.g.If any yellow Brake or purple).Pad Lining DOT is 3 less usually than does 1/8” not. Uneven wear may indicate sticking Guide •• IllustrationDO NOT MIX 1 showsDOT 3 and the DOT (passenger-side 5 Brake Fluid (except thickin emergency). (about the thickness of 2 US pen- Pins or other problems. front) Brake Caliper area. Illustration 2 nies) all the Pads on that axle should be Brakeshows System the details Symptoms of the Brake Pads. replaced. • When replacing Pads, be sure to use the • Warped Rotors may cause Low-speed Surging. same type of Pad (i.e. lining material) on • Air bubbles in the brake lines may cause Soft Brake •Pedal If Padfeel. Lining wear (on a Brake) is more • all brakes. Dirt or debris may cause Brake Squeal. (Some slight squealingthan slightly is normal uneven, for disk the brakes.) Guide Pins may • Sticking or Misadjusted Parking Brake may cause excessive Rear Brake Wear. be sticking. Illustrations 4 and 5 show the • When replacing Pads, replace all 4 Pads Brakes – Page 1guide of 5 pins. on an axle at the same time.
• It is not unusual for the Rear Brakes to Check Brake Rotor wear faster than the Front Brakes on the 1. Visually check the Rotor Hummer. • Check the surfaces where the Pads press. • DOT 5 Brake Fluid usually contains some type of dye (e.g. yellow or purple). DOT 3 • Check for scratches, scoring, or cracking. usually does not. Illustration 1 – Brake Caliper Brake Fluid Level Check • DO NOT MIX DOT 3 and DOT 5 Brake 1. Do Not Overfill. Fluid (except in emergency). • Do not top off the reservoir. As the brakes Brake System Symptoms wear, the fluid level drops. When new • Warped Rotors may cause Low-speed pads are installed, the fluid level is raised. Surging. If the reservoir does not have enough room for this extra fluid, it will spill out. • Air bubbles in the brake lines may cause Soft Brake Pedal feel. • Metal Brake Fluid Reservoir should al- ways be at least 2/3 full. • Dirt or debris may cause Brake Squeal. (Some slight squealing is normal for disk • Plastic Brake Fluid Reservoir should al- brakes.) Illustration 2 – Brake Caliper Detail ways be in the marked range.
• Sticking or Misadjusted Parking Brake may cause excessive Rear Brake Wear.
28 AZIMUTH 2. Check Owners manual for specific checking procedure.
Parking Brake Cable Adjustment 1. Check tension on Parking Brake Cable.
• Illustration 3 shows the passenger-side parking brake arm. On the Hummer, the Parking Brake activates only the rear brakes. Cable should be checked on both rear brakes. Illustration 3 – Parking Brake Arm • Check should be performed with the Park- ing Brake released (off).
• Cable should be tight enough that there is no free play in the clevis. If it is too loose, the brake may not be fully activated when the lever is set.
• Cable should be loose enough that it can be deflected by hand. If the Cable is too tight, the brake may not be fully released when the lever is released.
• Parking Brake Arm should rest against the Illustration 4 housing.
2. The Parking Brake is adjusted by rotating the end of the Parking Brake Lever near the Driver’s seat. Refer to the Owners Manual for specific adjusting procedures.
Check Brake Adapter Mounting Bolts 1. Visually Check Brake Adapter Mounting Bolts.
• There are two mounting bolts, one above the other. Illustration 5 - Brake Yoke and Guide Pins • Illustration 4 shows the location of one of these bolts.
2. Use Pry Bar to Check Brake Adapter Mounting Bolts.
• Gently pry between the Differential and the Brake Adapter. There should not be any movement.
Check Brake Yoke Mounting Bolts 1. Visually Check Brake Yoke Mounting Bolts.
• There are two mounting bolts, one above the other.
• Illustration 5 shows the location of one of these bolts. TECH TIP BY DAVE BREGGIN
Tips on Brake Pad Replacement Where to Find… • Rear Brake Caliper Piston must be rotated This article is an excerpt from the Mainte- as it is compressed. This is necessary nance Manual available from BlueHummer to compress the parking brake auto- Outfitters. The tools mentioned, as well as adjustment mechanism. Illustration 7 brake pads and other repair and replace- shows a special tool used to perform ment parts are available from many sources, this operation. The socket is fitted over include BlueHummer Outfitters. www.Blue- the end of the piston. The tool has two Hummer.com 303-798-5518 hex locations for turning with a wrench or socket, one for turning the piston and one for compressing it. The tool is used to alternately compress, and then turn the brake piston.
• Upper Brake Yoke Mounting Bolts are difficult to reach with ordinary hand tools. Illustration 8 shows a special tool used to remove and install these bolts.
• Before compressing brake pistons, check the condition of the rubber boot. If the boot is torn or melted, dirt may get into the brake mechanism and cause it Illustration 6 - Brake Yoke and Guide Pins to freeze up. Rebuilding the caliper is recommended if dirt contamination is suspected.
• When compressing the Brake Caliper Pistons, Brake Fluid will be forced out of the system and into the reservoir. Make sure there is enough room in the reservoir for this fluid.
• Brake guide pins (Illustration 6, previous page) should be cleaned and lubricated with a Teflon Guide Pin lubricant. Illustration 7 • Sometimes, after changing brake pads, excessive vibration or shuddering may occur when stopping. This is usually caused by a slight misalignment between the brake pads and the rotor. This is normal, varies somewhat from one truck to another, and is not adjustable. The simplest treatment for this condition is to perform two or three “hard stops” with the truck. From about 55 or 60 mph, use the brakes to quickly slow down to about 10 mph. Do not lock the tires. (Do not to this more than two or three times without allowing the brakes to cool down first.) Illustration 8 - Brake Yoke Mounting Be sure to perform this procedure where Bolt Tool you are not a hazard to other traffic.
Tips on Brake Rotor Replacement • Replacing the Rotors required removal of the Brake Caliper and Pads as well as disconnecting the inboard end of the Halfshaft.
30 AZIMUTH BERT OGDEN HUMMER WOODFIELD HUMMER CREST HUMMER MISSION, TEXAS SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS HOOVER, ALABAMA WWW.BERTOGDENHUMMER.COM WWW.WOODFIELDHUMMER.COM WWW.CRESTHUMMER.COM 1-956-581-1111 1-847-882-2200 1-205-979-7979 NUCAR HUMMER HUMMER of KNOXVILLE HURRICANE HUMMER NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE HURRICANE, WEST VIRGINIA WWW.NUCARHUMMER.COM WWW.HUMMEROFKNOXVILLE.COM WWW.HURRICANEHUMMER.COM 1-302-322-2438 1-865-970-0067 1-304-562-3005
The dealers listed above purchase club memberships for new owners or provide event mechanical support to the Club.
WITHOUT DEALER SUPPORT WE COULDN’T KEEP HOSTING OUR GREAT EVENTS. LET THEM KNOW YOU APPRECIATE THEM!
The next time you are in one of these HUMMER of Columbus, OH dealerships, extend a thank you to HUMMER of Naperville, IL them for their participation in making Hummer of Sacramento, CA our club great! Hurricane HUMMER, Hurricane, WV Our thanks go to the following Independence HUMMER, NC Jim Jard HUMMER, TX dealerships for their support: Lockhart HUMMER, Indianapolis, IN Bergstrom HUMMER, Madison, WI Lynch HUMMER, O’Fallon, MO Bergstrom HUMMER, Milwaukee, WI Quirk HUMMER, Manchester, NH Bergstrom HUMMER, Neenah,WI Rizza HUMMER, Tinley Park, IL Bert Ogden HUMMER, Mission, TX Ron Carter HUMMER,TX Capitol HUMMER, Greenbelt, MD Schepel HUMMER, Merrillville, IN Capitol HUMMER, Lansing, MI Scott HUMMER, Emmaus, PA Central HUMMER, Cleveland, OH Tyler HUMMER, MI Classic HUMMER, TX Jerry Seiner HUMMER, South Jordan, UT Dimmit HUMMER, Clearwater, FL Moore HUMMER, Vienna, VA Galles Davis HUMMER, Albuquerque, NM Weil HUMMER, Libertyville, IL Gerry Lane HUMMER, Baton Rouge, LA Woodfield HUMMER, Schaumburg, IL Harvey HUMMER, Grand Rapids, MI
AZIMUTH 31 THINGS DON’T ALWAYS GO AS PLANNED
This was hands down our “OOPS!” moment for this issue... Please send us your stories and photos you can see and read a little more about it in the write-up about getting stuck, breaking your truck, or otherwise from “Hole in the Rock,” but here is one more look: getting your HUMMER into a bad situation... “Apparently, Jarek had forgotten The Master’s instructions to please Send submissions to [email protected] be careful and not turn Brent’s truck over. Well, it was too late now to go over the details again. An airlift emergency team was called with “OOPS” in the subject line. by satellite and quickly canceled when it was determined that no one was injured or required emergency assistance. Jarek received a spanking from Brent, and the recovery team went to work.” - As told by L. Keith Farrand
For the record, the truck was recovered, and proceeded to wheel for the rest of the event without additional incident!
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