MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2010 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ 85201 http://mesa4wheelers.com MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFF President Darrel Wallace 480-471-8724 Vice President Bill Mihailov 480-983-0404 Secretary Pat Jenkins 480-834-0517 Treasurer Ray Jenkins 480-834-0517 Corres.Secretary Debra Wallace 480-471-8724 Membership Lori Moore 480-924-9287 REMEMBER WHEN? 30 years ago Editor Mike Drawsky 480-502-9507 The November issue of the 1980 Horn had a report on the Rememberance Gert Leible 623-869-8434 Jamboree that was held during October and written by CH (?). Trophies John Guthrie 480-980-3241 Safety Chairman Lee Coppage 623-266-7556 Another report was for Sharon Cushman and Niki Jenkin's November Spook Run, first held at Niki's home. Next Meeting November 19, 2010 'Dr. Deek' wrote in the President's Desk that we should be Third Friday of every month, 7:30p.m. thankful at Thanksgiving time and that we should also be Location: Brown & Brown Chevrolet, thankful that we survived the Jamboree and the Halloween Downstairs under sales room Party. 145 East Main Street Mesa, AZ Pat Jenkin's Editor's Corner mentioned Mary Keanhal's Garbage PRESIDENT’S CORNER Rally (recycling activity).
AZ LONGSHOREMAN TRIP REPORTS Cherry Creek & Cold Springs Canyon Trip leader: Dave Brown, Date: Oct. 9th & 10th, 2010
Fall colors are back and it is again time for Thanksgiving with good friends and family like the Mesa 4 Wheelers. No matter if you go to California with Mike or stay here we will all enjoy our time.
The enjoyment of 4 wheeling has long been a pleasure of mine, and with friends like the Mesa 4 Wheelers it is with pride that I enjoy it more.
Our Christmas party is almost here so get your reservations in as The Sierra Ancha Cliff Dwellings, once home to the prehistoric soon as you can! Salado Indians, are located in some of the most remote and hard to reach spots in the state of Arizona. Because of this, they See you on the trail, Darrel... receive very few visitors and remain in pristine condition. Cherry Creek & Cold Springs Canyon (Continued) After years of viewing this area from the driver's seat of my Jeep, the desire to someday see these ruins close up stayed with me. The opportunity arrived when Dave Brown invited the club to join him and his son, Matt, on a hike in the Sierra Ancha to visit the Salado Indian Cliff Dwellings.
Where did the trail go? Fortunately Dave and Matt had just hiked this trail the day before, otherwise at this point I would have questions whether this was an actual trail?
Dave, his son Matt and I make a stop along Cherry Creek Road to take in the view of these rugged mountains that make up the Sierra Ancha Wilderness.
Dave had called me Friday night from atop Aztec Peak to tell me to be sure to come dressed in long pants. He did not say anything about a long sleeve shirt!
Dave and Matt arrived the day before and chose Cold Springs Canyon Ruins to do a pre-hike. Dave points his hiking poles to a petroglyph that indicates the direction of Cold Springs Canyon Ruin. Cherry Creek & Cold Springs Canyon (Continued) Some History: The Sierra Ancha (Spanish for "Wide Mountain") is an archaelogically rich wilderness area known for some remarkable cliff dwellings made famous by Dr. Emil W. Haury and the Gila Pueblo Project in 1930. Dr. Richard C. Lange has continued that legacy with the Sierra Ancha Project starting in 1981 and continuing to present day. Dewey Peterson was a rancher who lived on Aztec Peak circa 1900 - 1950. Peterson went on to serve as Dr. Emil W. Haury's guide during many of the Gila Pueblo Project expeditions. On one particular excursion, another local rancher, "Slim" Ellison accompanied the Gila Pueblo Project expedition as described by Haury; "From the Peterson Ranch, we went north to McFadden Horse Mountain, and several other parts of the crest of the Sierra Ancha. Then we dropped off the east side of the range, north of Pueblo Canyon and into Cherry Creek where we established camp. From our camp in Cherry Creek, we went back up into Pueblo Canyon, into Cold Spring Canyon, and into Devil's Chasm. After collecting wood in ruins in each of those canyons, we set out to the east, passing south of Sombrero Butte, and on into lower Canyon Creek. After inspecting a prehistoric turquoise mine, we went up Canyon Creek to the Canyon Creek Ruin, which Dewey knew about, but had not seen. We returned cross- country, almost due west, and dropped back into Cherry Creek to the Ellison Ranch, where we ended the adventure". After 2 hours of constant up hill climbing through thick desert After several similar expeditions into the Sierra Ancha, Haury brush, we finally reach Cold Springs Canyon Ruins! published his findings in 1934 as Gila Pueblo Medallion Paper #14. His seminal publication, "The Canyon Creek Ruin and Cliff Dwellings of the Sierra Ancha" was published later in the same year. You can connect to the past by viewing the remains of the Peterson Ranch near Aztec Peak. The Ellison Ranch is still a going concern within Cherry Creek valley. Many of my favorite Cherry Creek hiking destinations are documented in Dr. Rich Lange's recent publication; "Echoes in the Canyons - the Archaeology of the Southeastern Sierra Ancha" celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sierra Ancha Project (SAP). The SAP began in June of 1981 from a small grant by the University of Arizona Research Office to verify and update site information originally catalogued by Gila Pueblo. It soon became clear that the original scope of the project was larger than anticipated as many new sites were discovered and the project was stitched together piecemeal over the first 25 years of operation. One of the first major undertakings of the SAP was a main beam replacement in Cold Spring Canyon site. The main roof beam was severely damaged by insects and water and the structure was in danger of complete collapse. In late October of 1983, a replacement beam was dragged up the old mining road by a horse. A pulley system was used to transport the beam up the scree slopes from the abandoned mining road trail to the terrace ledge near the cliff dwelling. It took 4 people to accomplish the final task of lifting the beam across the terrace ledge and into position within the cliff dwelling. When one ponders the magnitude of the task in present day, you have to marvel at the determination of 700 year old civil engineering to construct these Cherry Creek cliff dwellings. There were a number of times during the hike that I questioned whether or not I was going to make it all the way. Thanks to Randal Schulhauser (11/10/07) Dave and Matt's patience and encouraging words, I made it! http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1260 Dave asked me to hold up the victory sign! Cherry Creek & Cold Springs Canyon (Continued)
Camping above the ruins, on top of Aztec Peak, the next morning we awoke to clear Arizona skies, temperatures in the low 50's, and 30+ mile per hour winds! Fortunately Dave and Matt came prepared for any weather with their Scamp trailer! After a warm breakfast from Dave's kitchen, the winds soon had died down to where we able to enjoy a comfortable morning walk before heading down the mountain.
Built over 700 years ago the Cold Spring Canyon Cliff Dwelling is still in remarkabke condition! While hiking along the Big Buck Uranium Mine road (mining Thanks to Dave and Matt, my passion to see one of these began in 1954 and ended in 1957) we caught up with another prehistoric Salado Indian dwellings up close has become a reality! group heading in the same direction. They were trying to locate the point where the Cold Spring Canyon trail leaves the road and climbs steeply to the rock cliffs above. Due to heavy over growth Southeast Arizona 4-Wheeling With Paul & and no signage, they were having a hard time locating it. Thanks Joanna Trip leader: Paul & Joanna Hutchinson, Date: to Dave and Matt's pre-hike, we were able save them time. Oct. 15th - 17th, 2010
Lin and I headed down South to spend the weekend with past club members Paul & Joanna. Paul is a history buff and has On the return hike we took a moment to pose in front the Sierra spent most of his career In the military, so our day starts out with Ancha Wilderness Boundary sign to capture our look of a visit to the historic Fort Huachuca. achievement in a group photo. Southeast Arizona 4-Wheeling (Continued) assignment to the European Theater. During the war years, the troop strength reached 30,000 men at the fort, which in the 1930s had been described as suitable for a brigade-sized unit of about 10,000 men. At war’s end, the fort was declared surplus and transferred to the State of Arizona. It was reactivated during the Korean War by the Army Engineers. A new era began in 1954 when control passed to the Chief Signal Officer, who found the area and climate ideal for testing electronic and communications equipment. The importance of the fort in the national defense picture grew steadily from that moment. In 1967, Fort Huachuca became the headquarters of the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command. Then, in 1971, the post became the home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School, bringing with it the School Brigade. These historic homes were built in the late 1800's for the military officers and are still in use today. The Strategic Communications Command became the U.S. Army Communications Command in 1973, subsequently changing to the U.S. Army Information Systems Command in 1984. In October 1990, the post changed hands with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command became the new host command; the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca now operates the post. Today, Fort Huachuca is a major military installation in Arizona, and one of prominence throughout the Southwest. Courtesy of Fort Huachuca Museum
General History Fort Huachuca is a product of the Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. In February 1877, Colonel August B. Kautz, commander of the Department of Arizona, ordered that a camp be established in the Huachuca Mountains. This camp would offer protection to settlers and travel routes in southeastern Arizona while simultaneously blocking the traditional Apache escape routes through the San Pedro and Santa Cruz valleys to sanctuary in Mexico. A temporary camp was established at the post’s current location on March 3, 1877, by Captain Samuel Marmaduke Whitside with two companies of the 6th Cavalry. The site was selected because it had fresh running water, an Joanna was proud to share with Lin and I her new place of abundance of trees, excellent observation in three directions, business, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology and protective high ground for security against Apache tactical Command. methods. Camp Huachuca was redesignated a fort in 1882. In 1886, General Nelson A. Miles designated Fort Huachuca as his advance headquarters and forward supply base for the Geronimo campaign. Geronimo’s surrender in August 1886 practically ended the Apache danger in southern Arizona. The Army closed more than 50 camps and forts in the territory, but Fort Huachuca was retained because of continuing border troubles involving renegade Indians, Mexican bandits, and American outlaws and freebooters. In 1913, the 10th Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers” arrived and remained almost 20 years. The 10th Cavalry joined General John J. Pershing in the 1916 expedition into Mexico and, during World War I, it was assigned the mission of guarding the United- States-Mexico border. Paul noticed this 1962 M37 Dodge on the base's used car lot. By 1933, the 25th Infantry Regiment had replaced the 10th Both he and I could not resist a closer look. It was in remarkable Cavalry as the main combat unit for the fort. The 25th, in turn, condition and the owner was asking $6900. If it were not for our was absorbed by the 93rd Infantry Division during World War II. sensible wives, we would have flipped a coin as to who would be When the 93rd departed for the Pacific in 1943, the 92nd Infantry it's new owner! Division arrived at the fort for training and subsequent Southeast Arizona 4-Wheeling (Continued)
Three men that were building the station in 1858 were bludgeoned to death by Mexican laborers. Their graves and the Later in the day we headed over to the Dragoons, where Paul graves of four soldiers killed by the Apaches are next to the well- took us off road to visit the historic Dragoon Springs Stage Stop. preserved remains of the stone ruins. The soldiers were Arizona Rangers, members of the Arizona Confederate Army.
On Sunday Paul and Joanna dressed up in Civil War attire in preparation for the "Helldorado" festival in Tombstone. Here in Southern Arizona, the Wild West is still thriving! General History In July 1881, a disgruntled miner writes the Tombstone Nugget newspaper stating that instead of finding their "Eldorado" of riches, many men ended up washing dishes or other menial jobs, finding instead, their "Helldorado". The term stuck. Helldorado is Tombstone's oldest festival celebrating its rip-roaring days of the 1880's. Helldorado, started in 1929, is sponsored by Helldorado, Inc. whose membership is composed of residents in Cochise County. This annual event in mid-October is the most authentic reenactment of 1880's American West that you can find. Other annual events include the Wyatt Earp Days in late May, Vigilante Days in August commemorating Tombstone's unique heritage, and the Clanton Gang Reunion in November. Southeast Arizona 4-Wheeling (Continued)
Held every Memorial Day Weekend, the celebration consists of a Tombstone is the most famous and most infamous mining town chili cook-off, fashion shows by the Tombstone Vigilantes and in America. Ed Schieffelin was told he would only find his gunfight re-enactments by the Tombstone Renegade Lions and tombstone in the land of the Apache in the San Pedro Valley. the Tombstone Vigilantes, as well as games for the kids. Thus, he named his first silver claim "Tombstone," and it became the name of the town which incorporated in 1881.
While the area later became notorious for saloons, gambling houses, and the famous Wyatt Earp & Clanton Gang shoot-out at the O.K. Corral, in the 1880s Tombstone was larger than Tucson and had become the most cultivated city in the West. In 1886 massive amounts of underground water filled the near 200 miles of mines and combined with the falling silver prices ended the boom. Having survived the Great Depression, removal of the county seat to Bisbee, and numerous city fires, Tombstone became known as the "Town Too Tough To Die."
Joanna sewed most of her costume and Paul's vest. Photo was taken inside Tombstone's famous Bird Cage Theater. Southeast Arizona 4-Wheeling (Continued)
Mark & Lisa Pinson and family. Just like every year, Mark and Lisa make their own costumes and for the past couple of years they have won first place in the costume contest. This year, they did such a great job, the judges thought their costume were purchased, so they did not place. Saturday morning games for children and vehicle games are held. Saturday evening is the rally. Beginning at about 6:00 and then every 3 minutes, a vehicle begins the rally with their first clue sheet. The clue sheet has directions to the 1st “check point”, usually everyone gets out of the vehicle and goes through some sort of haunted house, cemetery, space ship, pirate ship….what ever the people setting up the check point can come up with to try to scare folks. At the end another clue sheet is given to get to check point 2…etc. There are usually five check points. Sunday there is a breakfast provided and then a raffle drawing.
Lin and I were quite surprised this event was both popular and well organized. The parade lasted for nearly 2 hours and was very entertaining. Before heading for home we joined Paul and Joanna for lunch in the Crystal Palace Saloon.
Thank you Paul and Joanna for taking us back in time, it was a wonderful time!
Spook Rally 2010 Trip leader: Bill & Amy Mihalov, Date: Oct. 29th - 31th, 2010 The Arizona Rough Riders puts on this annual event held during Halloween. In case you have never attended here is a schedule of events: Friday night. A blazing campfire is the center piece for an This year we were “check point 3” again. Our theme this year evening of dancing, candy gathering for the young ones and was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Mark Pinson and costume contests for tots, children and adults. Tom, owner of Generation Sign, worked on the “tunnel” and the music, Mr. Bill and his crew worked on the “Factory”. Spook Rally 2010 (Continued)
Once there the noise and lights began, Willy Wonka appeared and the walls began to move…some Loompas snuck in to provide a scare factor as well so we could hear screaming As usual it was a tremendous amount of work. We began work occasionally. on Thursday…with help..thanks to Dave and Paula Brown. Friday the entire day was spent building as was most of the day Saturday. In fact we were just getting our Oompa Loompas together when the first vehicle drove up!
More Oompa Loompas escorted the vehicles out and gave them the next “clue sheet” so they could find their way to check point 4. We danced and had fun until the last vehicle went through at 3:00 A.M.!!!
Each vehicle was welcomed by some Oompa Loompas opening the gate, then other Oompas danced and acted silly, then the Mr. Bill dressed up as Willy Wonka and doing what he does best, doors of the factory wall opened and the vehicle entered the playing center stage! tunnel. There were lots of people to help…we could have used more. There were too many to list, but from the club, besides Mihailov, Pinson and Brown, Lee Coppage helped and Jim and Wendi Kawa arrived to take pictures. Spook Rally 2010 (Continued) Our plan is to do another check point next year…we will try to be more organized and make it a club run.
Thanks to you all,
Mr. Bill and Amy
Box Canyon & Coke Ovens Trip leader: Clete & Randi Hruska, Date: Oct. 22-23, 2010 We caravanned with Dave Brown and his new Scamp trailer arriving at our campsite early afternoon. After setting up camp we jumped in the Bronco and followed Dave to the start of the "Elvis" trail. About half way through the trail, the Bronco experienced a broken axel shaft u-joint, but we continued thru the rest of the trail to our campsite without any problems. We all had an interesting trip to the Gila River and the old town of Cochran. We could see the Coke Ovens from the trail leading to the river as we made our trip back to our campsite.
The weather was perfect and best of all nobody had any problems on our Saturday run.
Looking forward to doing the campout run same time next October, with more club members and guests!
Thanks to Dave, John and Hazel for sharing our adventure with us!
Clete Hruska
Crown King Trip leader: Rory & Lori Moore, Date: Nov. 7, 2010
As it was getting dark with a full moon, we started a campfire, sat around the fire, and swapped 4-wheeling stories.
Rory and Lori decided at the last minute to lead a run to Crown King. Being one of the most popular trails in the state it was no surprise we ended up with a good turn out.
Next morning, we connected the Bronco to our motor home and drove back home and returned with the Jeep. When we arrived at the campsite, John and Hazel greeted us. Crown King (Continued)
Clete and Randi choose the hard line and gave us quite a show! Shortly into the run, we noticed this red Wrangler YJ in our rear view mirror. After a quick introduction, the driver Mitch Hald decided to join our group increasing our vehicle count to 10.
This was Steve Fleming's first time running this trail. With open diffs, even the easiest routes were a challenge.
Dave Brown never shys away from the most challenging routes! While everyone else chose to go around this large rock, Dave decided to drive over it!
Friends of Kevin and Melissa show up in well equiped Mitsubishi Montero. It has been nearly 20 years since they produced the 2- door model and after market parts are almost non-existent. We were surprised to see one sporting 33" tires and lockers. All day Kevin and Melissa are just two years into this sport and already long they chose the hard routes and always came out on top! have one of the best equiped vehicles and all the confidence it requires to take it to its limits. Crown King (Continued)
The right side is the easier route, but with a fully locked JK, why Straddling this "V" notch leaves little room for error! not take on the hard route?
There was an easier way up this ledge, but every once in a while Clete and Randi's friends, Tim and Denise, were on their first run you have to show off to the rest of the group there are times with us and with the confidence they displayed it looked like they when clearance prevails! had previous experience driving in these conditions.
Just past the Orobelle Mine, about a half hour from Crown King, Carol, Ralph and Gail spend their summer in Chicago and winter we ran into a group of nearly stock vehicles hung up on the last in Arizona. They have been involved with M4Ws for a number of obstacle. Once we were able to get this Toyota's belly off the years and we were happy to have them back with us. rocks and over to the side, Rory and Dave sqeezed by, turned around and put a wench cable out to help pull the rest through. The Mill Restaurant in Crown King stops serving Sunday dinner at 3 o'clock, but because Lori Moore called them earlier to let them know we coming, they held the doors open a little bit longer and we were able to finish off a great run with a great meal! FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS Thanksgiving in Death Valley Trip Leader: Mike & Linda Drawsky Contact # 480-502-9507 When: Nov. 25th - 28th Where: Stagecoach Hotel & Casino, Beatty, NV Details: Linda and I invite you to spend your Thanksgiving with us in Death Valley! Come join us at the Stagecoach Hotel & Casino, in Beatty, NV for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Friday and Saturday join Linda and I as we retrace some of our most favorite historical and scenic routes, or you can map out your own trip from the parks visitor's guide. Since our first visit back in 1979, Linda and I have made over a Echo Canyon dozen trips to the park to explore its many treasures and still there are a number of well known geographical and historical sites we have yet to experience. What is there to see? Friday - We plan to explore the Northwest valley, making stops at the following sites for photos and short walks: Ubehebe Crater, Teakettle Junction, Lost Burro Mine, Hunter Mountain with a final stop at Panamint Springs Resort for a cool refreshing drink and possible dinner.
Inyo Mine - Gold was first discovered in Echo Canyon by Maroni Hicks and Chet Leavitt in January of 1905. By December, they sold their claims to L. Holbrook and associates, a group of Utah mining promoters, who incorporated the site, naming it the Inyo Gold Mining Company. The Inyo Mine represents both the earliest discovery on the west side of the Funeral Range, and also the only mine on that side which ever produced more than an occasional sack of gold. Lodging Ubehebe Crater was created by a powerful volcanic steam Stagecoach Hotel & Casino explosion. The Stage Coach Hotel & Casino is the largest and friendliest casino in Beatty. We are located at the far North end of Beatty on Highway 95. We have two wonderful restaurants. Rita's Cafe is delightful and the food is delicious. Alexander's is our romantic steak house, the environment is incredible and the food is even better! Room with (2) Queens or (1) King $64 Reservation # 1-800-424-4946 Stovepipe Wells Village (Resturant currently closed due to fire) The Stovepipe Wells Village concession offers resort accommodations and limited recreational vehicle camping with Lost Burro Mine - In 1907 Bert Shively's burro decided he'd had full hookups in the Stovepipe Wells area. Phone (760) 786-2387 it and went to get himself lost. Bert caught up with him in a Effective 1/1/10 remote canyon and picked up a rock to get his attention. He Deluxe - $120.58 never threw the rock at the animal, it was laced with gold. The Standard - $100.58 mine was worked off and on through the decades according to Patio Rooms - $80.58 the price of gold into the 1970's. No one seems to know what happened to the burro. The Ranch at Furnace Creek: Death Valley Originally built as a working ranch in the 1880's and later the home of Saturday - Come with us as we travel through Echo Canyon in the famous twenty mule teams, the Ranch at Furnace Creek today the Funeral Mountains making stops at Eye of the Needle, Inyo offers a complete resort complex in the heart of Death Valley National Mine and Native American Petroglyphs. On our return we will Park. Phone (760) 786-2345 stop at Furnace Creek Resort for refreshing drinks and possible Oct. 8 - Dec. 31, 2010 dinner. Cabin - $132-$157 Standard - $164-$189 Deluxe - $185-$211 Thanksgiving in Death Valley Direction M4W Christmas Party When: Saturday December 4th, 2010 Time: 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Where: Dobson Ranch / Cactus Clubhouse 1666 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, Az
Entrees: Chicken Breast w/ Marsala sauce and wild rice $17.00 Salmon Filet w/ Basil cream sauce and wild rice $20.00 Prime Rib served w/ Baked Potato $24.00
Includes: Salad, Vegetables, Rolls, Chef Dessert, Tea or Coffee
Kids Menu: Hamburger and French Fries $ 8.00
Chicken Fingers and French Fries $ 8.00
Includes: Tea and Dessert
All Charges Include Tax And Gratuity.
Gift Exchange. Each person bring a wrapped gift...$15.00 maximum. If you bring a youngster, bring a personalized wrapped gift for them also.
SEND THE FORM We need to have the reservations in by November 15, 2010.
Please fill out this form, include a check made out to the Mesa 4 Wheelers and mail to: Debra Wallace 701 South Dobson Rd. #429 Mesa, Az 85202 480-471-8724
Names:______
______
Number of Guest: ______
Dinner of Choice:
Quantity Subtotal
Chicken Breast______@ $17.00 ______
Salmon Filet ______@ $20.00 ______
Prime Rib ______@ $24.00 ______
Kids Menu:
Hamburger & Fries ______@ $8.00 ______
Chicken Finger's & Fries ______@ $8.00 ______
AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ______FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS (Continued) Fun Days 2011 Fun Days Chairman: "Mr. Bill" Bill Mihailov 480-983-0404 Lower Ajax Scheduled Date: March 31rd thru April 2nd Trip Leader: Marty & Nancy Eichhorst Where: Wickenberg area. Contact #: 480-917-9788 Location: Details to follow. When: Sat. November 27 Where: Meet at Hiway 79 and Cottonwood Canyon Road. Hw FUN DAYS 2011 79 runs south out of Florence Jct, down to Florence. Thanks to everybody for working so hard, already, on Fun Cottonwood Canyon Road is about 5 to 6 miles south of Days for next year. Lori Moore is getting all the raffle stuff Florence Jct. There is a parking area there, bordered by worked out, the meal plan is in the works, Nate is conjuring up telephone poles. some exiting entertainment and Wendi should have the Start Time: Meet at 9:00. Pull out at 9:30 registration in this months newsletter!!! We are working with Trail Rating: 3.0 on a scale of 5.0 with options of 3.5+. BLM to be able to use the camping area out by Lake Pleasant Brush Scratches: Yes where they have the Spook Rally for our event. The “trail Est. Time of Return: Be in Superior around 5:00 PM boss” of the Rally said he would be glad to show us some fun Food: Several good dinner options in Superior trips. We want to have a couple trips planned one moderate and one difficult…hopefully that will work out. Permits: You should have an Az State Land Recreation Permit. The application form is available on the internet at: I won’t be at this months meeting, we will be with Wayne and www.land.state.az.us family in Florida for Thanksgiving, but we’ll see you all at the Pick on Recreation Permits. Pick on Family Permits. Print the Christmas party. form. The mailing address is on the form. Hurry and send in Thanks again to all of you for making my job so easy, your form! No permit required for BLM or Tonto Natl Forest land. Mr. Bill
Vehicle Requirements: Should have a lift and 33 inch or Here is what we have so far; bigger tires. At least one locker would be best. Lower Ajax is not for stock vehicles. Fun Days Chairman & Vice President: Bill Mihailov Registration Chair: Wendi Kawa Description: We will start with a little rock crawling, followed by some of the best scenery anywhere. We will be crossing Raffle Chair: Lori Moore state trust land on our way to the Lower Ajax Trail, which is in Ticket sales person the Ajax OHV Recreation Area on BLM land. We will do some “Goody bag” assembler and distributor rock crawling through about ½ of the lower trail, depending on Games Chair: Darrel Wallace time and progress. Then we will jump over to FR 4 and take it Adult game 1 to the Ajax Mine. We will go east on FR 4, to the top of the Adult game 2 mountain range where the grand scenery begins. There is a Adult game 3 or obstacle course quad divide there. 4 separate watersheds start from one point on the mountain. We will see if we can locate it. On to the Meal Chair northeast, we will drop into Telegraph Canyon, which has Main course Walter & Gert Lieble views of Picketpost Mountain. If time allows, we will head over Dishes to share coordinator Mike Drawsky to the Telegraph Canyon overlook. Then on to Superior & Food serving tables/cloths/
Where? Ha Bill, Where is Fun Days going to be this year? Motor home accessible!!! Tent & tent trailer accessible too!! Dry camping….no facilities Directions: ?????????? look for m4w signs! Who? M4W members, potential members & invited guests How much? $25.00 includes access to all events and 2 meal tickets. Additional meal tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 5-12 years of age. What to bring? Everything you need to camp, chairs, a dish to share for Saturday evening and a skit to present during the “entertainment” segment. What’s up? 3 days of FUN!!!! Friday, Afternoon: Registration opens Firewood arrival Port-a-potties arrive too! Evening: 9:00 P.m. Night run
Saturday, Morning: 8:00-9:00 Registration Raffle prize log in 9:00 the games begin Afternoon: 1:00-5:30 Registration Raffle prize log in Evening: 5:45 Bring pot luck dishes to meal area. Don’t forget your tables/chairs/utensils and a trash bag for your trash! 6:00 Dinner is served 7:30 “entertainment” begins!!! Skits, awards, raffle Sunday, Morning: 8:45 drivers meeting 9:00 main run pull out Afternoon: pack up and clean up!!!! Make sure your camping area is spotless!! Help us by picking up any stray trash you see!! Thanks!
Registration Chairmen: Bill and Amy Mihiailov 602-810-7226 FUN DAYS 2011 Our 44TH ANNUAL!!!!! March 31 - April 2, 2011 Registration form
Name:______
M4W member? ______Invited guest? ______
Register BEFORE March 1, 2011 $25.00 ______(Includes participation in all week-end activities and 2 adult meal tickets) Late registration (no exceptions) $35.00 ______(Includes participation in all week-end activities and 2 adult meal tickets) Each additional adult meal ticket X $10.00 ______
Each additional child (5-12 years of age) meal tickets X $ 5.00 ______- TOTAL DUE $ ______
Please make checks payable to: Mesa 4 Wheelers Send check and this completed, signed registration to: Bill & Amy Mihailov 6398 E. Windsong St. Apache Jct., AZ 85219
To pass safety inspection, I acknowledge my vehicle must have a hardtop and/or roll bar, seat belts for driver and all passengers, tow hooks front and rear, and a two strap. A C.B. radio is not required but is strongly recommended.
I understand that the Mesa 4 Wheelers will do all in its power to assure a safe and successful event, but there is a possibility of accidents happening. Therefore, I hereby assume all risk involved in connection with this event. On behalf of myself, my family, and heirs, I release Mesa 4 Wheelers, Inc., its officers and/or members from any and all liability due to harm, injury or damage which may befall me, my family, my guests and my equipment, whether seen or unforeseen. I am of lawful age and legally competent to sign this agreement.
Print name: ______
Signature: ______Date: ______VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS A Crescent Wrench and a Creeper (Continued) A Crescent Wrench and a Creeper He adds that “moisture will sometimes work its way through Tips for Maintenance of an Off Road Rig cracks or scrapes in the powder coating. Rust showing on the By Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador, CA4WDC Env. outside of a weld that is power coated is a good indicator of a Affairs damaged weld.” Nothing slows down the fun like a mechanical failure, no matter Pre and post inspections of your rig, especially underneath, your choice of off-road recreation. Fixing stuff on the trail can can prevent a lot of down time on the trail. You and your be fun; but usually it’s a pain and is never done as well as it buddies will be happier with a good maintenance program. Get would have been in the shop. The best solution is to prevent it done’ and get it done as simply as a creeper and a crescent the breakdowns! It’s all about preventative maintenance if you wrench. want to maximize your fun and minimize the down time. Here ## are some tips. NEWS RELEASE When it comes to 4x4’s, (Jeeps, trucks, toys, buggies, etc.), it’s as simple as a crescent wrench and a creeper. It may sound a United States Department of the bit simplistic, but it’s about getting under the rig and touching Interior and checking for lose, broken, about to break or leaking stuff! BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Find it before it’s a problem. For side by sides, ATV’s, Tucson Field Office snowmobiles, etc., it’s more about the touching and looking, 12661 East Broadway Boulevard but the idea is the same. Tucson, Arizona 85748-7208 Use a simple large Crescent wrench to check all important www.blm.gov/az/ nuts. If they appear to be loose, use the Crescent or get out November 10, 2010 the right tool; but get it tight! If something is supposed to be Dear interested member of the public: torqued to specs, use a torque wrench and do it right. The handle of the Crescent can be used to pry and nudge things The Bureau of Land Management Tucson Field Office is like long arm connections and Heim/flex joints. If you have pleased to announce the release of the final decision for the unusual movement, figure out why and fix it. Middle Gila Transportation and Travel Management Plan and corresponding Environmental Assessment (EA). The TMP For smaller “toys” that you can’t get under, something as describes actions for managing access and travel on simple as cleaning and touching the parts and connections can approximately 96,319 acres of public land administered by the help you find lose or worn parts. Be sure to look for welds BLM near Florence and Superior, Ariz. The EA provides an about to give up the ghost also. I like to clean my toys to the analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed point of ensuring I touch about everything important, or at least plan, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. give it a good eye-balling. This TMP represents the integration of extensive public An online parts seller friend of mine, Mike Monahan, known as collaboration and input into the BLM management of the Middle Parts Mike (http://www.partsmike.com) says that in his Gila Canyons area over the past eight years through the Middle experience it is steering components that fail the most often on Gila Canyon Partnership’s efforts. The BLM is appreciative to 4x4’s. “Stock steering linkage and parts are not engineered to all of those who contributed their time, knowledge and withstand the stress of bigger build ups and tires,” says Parts expertise to this effort by participating in the route inventory, Mike, “and the best solution is to buy the right stuff and improve route evaluation and selection of the proposed management what the factory gave you.” actions since the planning process initiated in 2001. We Mike also told me, “Most four-wheelers do not pack the front welcome and encourage your continued participation as this wheel bearings as often as they should and failures are plan is implemented during the next three years. common on the trail.” Jeff Hayer of Motorsport Fabrication The release of the EA and Finding of No Significant Impact Services (MFS) says that one of the worst things he sees is (FONSI) begins a 30-day protest and appeal period ending back-yard fab work that fails miserably on the trail under Dec. 9, 2010. The plan and EA are available online at stressful conditions. “If you’re going to weld on your own rig,” http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/travel_mgmt/mgc_tmp.html. Jeff says, “learn to do it right or have a certified welder do your Copies are also available for review at the Tucson Field Office, work. It’s not worth the chance when it comes to rig safety.” Arizona State Office, and the Phoenix District Office. Some off-road shops like MFS (http://www.mfs-ca.com) will This decision may be appealed to the Interior Board of Land give your rig a pre-trail and post-trail inspection to let you know Appeals, Office of the Secretary. If an appeal is filed, the notice what might need fixing or is about to break. In my thinking, this of appeal must be received in the Gila District Office, 1763 is cheap insurance for a better trip next time. Besides, who Paseo San Luis Sierra Vista, Ariz. 85635 within 30 days of wants to be the guy holding up a trail ride for a break that could receipt of the decision or no later than Dec. 9, 2010. have been prevented with some simple crescent wrench and creeper time before the event? BLM’s decision is based on the best information available at this time. New information may be revealed by new surveys or Another off-roading friend and sponsor of mine, Scott Becker of studies which could cause adjustments or modifications to the Rubicon Express, explained how we all love powder coating on proposed management of the Middle Gila Canyons area in the our parts. It looks better than raw metal because it doesn’t future. rust, gives a pretty finish and can last a long time. “Learning to Thank you for your interest in the Middle Gila Transportation spot a failing or damaged weld under powder coating takes skill and Travel Management Plan and practice,” Scott says, “you can do it with close inspections.” REFRESHMENTS ITEMS FOR SALE November I have the following items for best offer: Bill & Sue Willison Belted cased miniature hammer + multiple tools. 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