Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Donald LeClair, John Tash, Ed Lyons, Mike, April, and Emily Brown, Don Munzer, Sean Murphy, Steve Bolander, Jay Kopycinski, Bill and Nickie Blandford, Pete and Judy Boyd, Charlie and Becky Babcock, Matt Parks, Lori Oachs, Troy and Amber Munig, Rick Hanse, Arce Browell, Scott, Lynn, and Sydney Nixon.
President Boetel called the April 19 meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Followed directly by the pledge of allegiance. There were two guests present Brad Schiller who drives a 1996 Grand Cherokee and Pete Tuche who drives a 1985 CJ7.
Old Business
Treasury Report - Ed reported that we have $3113,59 in the checking account. He stated that it is very important that we have everyone’s current address so that they can receive the newsletter.
Newsletter - Great Job Scott, keep up the good work.
Trip Reports - Rick Micola was not able to attend the meeting tonight but Scott Nixon has a trip report that he will include in the newsletter. Scott reported that there were approximately 16 -19 rigs and 5 - 6 guests. They were ‘wheelin in the Box Canyon area, fun was had by all! Make sure to read the trip report to find out about yet another use for Duct Tape.
Survey - The survey from the March meeting indicated that people want to have more runs to attend. The board would like to know what the club members think the reason why there are only a select few people leading the runs?? It was mentioned that members are not sure where to go for good 4-wheeling adventures. John Tash mentioned that in the Arizona Highways each month they offer out of the way places that usually need 4 wheel drive vehicles to get there. The Arizona Highways also publishes a book about Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. These would be valuable resources for anyone who might be interested in hosting a run.
Marty mentioned that Rocker Panel Pass is a good, short run for anyone interested. May- Marty will lead a second run for the club. Look for details in New Business.
Intermission - 40/40/20 Raffle Lynn Nixon was the big recipient of $3.50.
New Business
Future Runs- Scott, Lynn, and Sydney Nixon will be leading the May run, May 20-21, 2000 on Forest Road 18. They will be meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Bartlett Dam Rd. and Cave Creek Rd. The trail is rated at a 3.0. There are opportunities for challenges along the way. It might be a warm trip but there will be shade and water to play in once we are at the camping spot.
Marty’s Second run for May - any suggestions? Silence! Don’t everybody speak at once. Marty decided to go on Forest Road 201A- Saturday, May 13, 2000. He will be taking his willing travelers on Ord Mountain. This trail is also rated a 3.0 run. It is a 14 mile loop which has access to wilderness area. Meet at the Saguaro Lake turnoff Saturday 13, at 9:00 a.m.
June 17 - 18, 2000 - Mingus Mountain tour by John Tash. He will be pre-running this trip in May. John wanted to know if we would be interested in reserving a campground for Club use. Several options and price ranges were mentioned but the best bet was a group campground. It would be $25.00 total to reserve the group campsite. Becky motioned that the club pays for the reservation fee, Scott seconded. A check for $25.00 was given to John.
July - Marty will be at the Cinders the Week of July 4th. Anyone is invited to come join the Boetel family for fun. There are usually Quads, Motorcycles, ‘Wheelin, and camping. The area is described as not as bad as the dunes because the material is larger chunks. It's 13,000 acres of play. Mike Brown mentioned that his other club is having problems with ‘Wheelin in area and might have to get a permit. They will check into it.
August - Still up for grabs! Cherry Creek? Young Road? Somewhere cool!
September - John Tash - September 17 - 23, 2000, North rim of the Grand Canyon.
New Members - Jeremy Rima - Scout owner was voted in as well as Brad Schiller owner of a Grand Cherokee.
Don’t Forget- Saturday, April 29, 2000 OHV Enthusiasts event - free food- Sandee asks that we send two representatives from our club. It will be held at the YMCA Leadership Center.
If you need your 2000 membership card see Marty after the meeting.
Motion was made to close the meeting. Seconded. By the lowering of the hammer the meeting was officially closed.
Submitted by Becky Babcock
Trip report: Jack Handle
April 16, by Rick Micola
People in attendance:
Rick & Mayme Micola
Linda Luik
Marc Whitrock
Mike Tutor (Ron as co pilot)
Brad Schiller (Guest)
John Edmonds
Ken & Dawn Clark
Phil & Judy Boyde
Charlie & Carl Babcock
Sean Murphy
Scott Nixon
Steve Findling & Janine Nobert
Mike Peachor ? Not sure of spelling
David W. & George C. (Guests?)
I pulled in to the Texaco parking lot about 8:50 and found about 6-7 rigs already there. I was a bit surprised as the trip was not set to pull out until about 9:15-9:30. I unloaded and began talking with other members and one guest. Much to our surprise, about 9:05 about 9 rigs pulled in to the Texaco and unloaded. All in all we had 19 vehicles total. A good variety as well. From a stock YJ to Full Size Blazers and a Bronco.
We headed trail ward at about 9:20, aired down after we pulled off the highway, and off to Jack Handle we were. The drive out was a long one to begin with and we were behind a couple of 2wd trucks with dirt bikes and quads. There was an unusual amount of traffic today.
I pulled off at the wrong windmill, so we took advantage of it by playing on ("Datsun Hill") for a little while and then proceeded to the trail. Things went pretty smooth until the first obstacle where everything slowed down. All made it through with out much trouble. Next was the "WaterWedge" where you climb a small waterfall while squeezing through a wedge about 3ft high on the left and about 8ft high on the right. This obstacle, even though its been widened, wasn’t colorful enough for some so they left some paint on the left side! [Specifically Dodge Flame Red, Ed.]
The remainder of the trail was pretty much uneventful, until we hit the optional spot that remains in the wash instead of going over the off – camber section and back in. This gave more than one rig a chance to "re-shape their image" although all made it though with out a tug.
Marc Whitrock gave us some nice photo opportunities, especially when he took one turn a little too high and a little too much to the left and had his driver tire about 5 ft in the air. I shook his Jeep a little, told him he seemed pretty stable, had him turn his wheels a little to the left, and then come forward. After raising a few more inches, he began to come back down. Thanks to Marc again for the nice pics. All that was left was a couple of loose hill climbs and then the scenic drive on top back to the entrance.
Total Damage: One flat tire, 3 doors pushed in a little, 1 door a lot (you know who you are), and minor scrapes.
NO STUCKS, NO BREAKS, NO TUGS! One Awesome Trip!
Some went on to Martinez Canyon. Others went home.
Editors Corner
All right, now I'm mad. A few weeks ago, Lynn and I took her 80 year old Grandmother up to Payson for the weekend. She was out visiting from Iowa to see the new baby, and loves the outdoors. I promised to share with her one of my favorite spots in the high country, Chevelon canyon.
If you look in your Delorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer on page 51 up near Forest Lakes off of 260 you'll see FR237. It travels through a nice pine forest out to the edge of a ridge for an awesome view of the canyon. I had been up there last fall, and although the road was blocked about a 1/4 mile from the end by some boulders, it was an easy walk out to the edge along the remaining road.
Imagine my surprise when still over a mile from the overlook I come to a fresh dirt pile six feet high gouged out of the earth by a bulldozer. Scouting ahead on foot I find four more such mounds spaced 10-20 yards apart, with the occasional pine tree knocked down to further block the way. Pine trees with the root balls still attached I might add, certainly not dead fall.
I was shocked, angry, and speechless. Well, I wasn't speechless, but this is a family oriented newsletter, so let's just leave it at speechless.
This road was relatively flat and easily navigated in even a prudently driven car. Washouts or erosion was not an issue, yet the Forest Service saw fit to bring in a Cat and do in a matter of hours what the entire club on 38 inch Boggers couldn't do in a month.
Not only was the road closed, you couldn't even walk past the closure without a good set of boots and more stamina than most 80 year olds can muster. Sadly we turned back, settling for a brief stop at the paved overlook along the Rim road as campers and trucks pulling boats whizzed by at 60 miles an hour.
It's not only the hard core trails they're stealing from us, it's the whole forest.
Scott Nixon,
Editor
Calendar of Events
May 13: FR 201A. Meet at intersection of Bush and Beeline highways at 9am. Trail is an easy 3.0 that loops around several old mine sites. Trip leader is Marty Boetel.
May 13: ASA4WDC Quaterly.
May 20-21: Red Creek FR18. Meet at intersection of Cave Creek and Bartlett Dam Road at 9am. Look for trail condition elsewhere in this issue. Trip leader is Scott Nixon.
May 31: Club meeting at Peter Piper Pizza, Alma School and Elliot in Chandler.
June 17-18: Mingus Mountain weekend. Meeting location is Sunset Point rest stop on I17 north of Phoenix, Exit 252. Camping location is Mingus Playground group site #1. Altitude of campsite is 7600 ft. The camping area is a large dispersed site. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Bring your own wood and/or charcoal. NO WATER AVAILABLE AT CAMP! Trail condition is currently unknown pending the pre-run May 27 and 28th. Look for details at the May club meeting and in the June newsletter. Land we will be on is under the jurisdiction of the Prescott National Forrest, Verde ranger district (1-520-567-4121). Trip leader is John Tash, if you have any questions his number is 1-480-802-9089.
June 28: Club meeting at Peter Piper Pizza, Alma School and Elliot in Chandler.
July: Cinders. Trip leader is Marty Boetel.
August: Somewhere cool! Cherry Creek? Chiva Falls? Sedona? DuPont cabin???
September 17-23: Week long trip to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Trip leader is John Tash.
October 19-22: Jamboree!!!
November: ???
December: Possible Christmas tree hunt and/or snow run?
December: Club Christmas Party.
FR 18 trail status:
The May run is an easy 3.0 along a creek bottom. It will probably take longer to get to the trailhead from the meeting spot than it will to get from the trailhead down to the river where we will camp. The creek is nicely shaded, so it shouldn't be too hot, and the camping area is under several large shade trees right next to the water. Trail has a little brush, but it is the nice soft creek variety as opposed to the thorny desert kind. All vehicles can make it, full size or Suzuki sized, stock or otherwise. The Forest (dis)Service wants to close this one, come run it while we still can! It's also my birthday, bring beer!!
Questions?
Got a question about the club? Wondering where or when the next club meeting or run is? Planning a wildcat or pre-run and looking for company? Call Marty! He welcomes calls at home during the day while he plays Mr. Mom. Give him a ring at (480)-926-3977.
Forrest Service Roadless Initiative
Outdoor Enthusiasts:
The Forest Service is taking the next step of the Roadless and Uroaded Proposed National Policy. The Roadless Area Conservation Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Proposed Rule are expected in early May. This is a continuation of the process started last December.
Each National Forest will conduct two public meetings in May and June. The first meeting will be informational and will explain the proposals and the second is planned to receive comment from you. You may also comment in writing or via e-mail. For more information about the policy, please refer to the Forest Service web site http://roadless.fs.fed.us>
Below is a press release on this issue from the Forest Service, it includes details on the meetings for Arizona and New Mexico Forests.
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Roads: Al Koschmann 505-842-3370
Bill Woodward 505-842-3827
Roadless: Ron Pugh 505-842-3256
General: Art Morrison 505-842-3298
ALBUQUERQUE, NM; April 18, 2000- The Forest Service expects to publish the proposed road management policy in May 2000 as well as the Roadless Area Conservation Proposed Rule and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
The proposed road management policy was published in the March 3, 2000, Federal Register. As a reminder, please note that the 60-day comment period ends on May 2, 2000.
Two versions of the Roadless Area Conservation Proposed Rule and DEIS will be available for public review and comment:
- A 10- to 15-page Summary and Proposed Rule;
- A 400-page, 2-volume set that includes the Summary, Proposed Rule, DEIS, appendices, and a set of maps.
Both versions will be available on paper, compact disc (CD), and the Internet. To facilitate delivery, those who want a paper or CD edition should place their orders as soon as possible.
Requests for CDs or printed copies of the documents should be mailed to: Rocky Mountain Research Station; Publications Distribution; 240 West Prospect Road; Fort Collins, Colorado 80526-2098. Faxed orders will be accepted at (800)-777-5805. Orders must specify a printed copy of the Summary, a full set of documents, or CD.
Those with Internet access may obtain a copy of the Summary or full-color edition through the Roadless Project website (http://roadless.fs.fed.us) immediately upon release.
Release of the Proposed Rule and DEIS will be followed by a public comment period. Public meetings will be scheduled in conjunction with publication of the DEIS. The first round of meetings in May are designed to inform people about the DEIS. The second set of meetings in June are designed to accept public comments. A schedule of the meetings is included in this release.
Southwestern Region Roadless Initiative Public Meeting Schedule
State Administrative Unit Address (Street, City) Meeting Purpose (Information or comment Meeting
Date (2000) Meeting Location (Street, City) Meeting Time Contact Person (name, phone number and electronic mail address)
AZ Apache-Sitgreaves NF's 309 S. Mountain Ave.; Springerville, AZ. Information 5/26/00 309 S.
Mountain Ave.; Springerville, AZ. 7:00 p.m. Jim Anderson (520) 333-4301 janderson08@fs.fed.us
AZ Apache-Sitgreaves NF's 309 S. Mountain Ave.; Springerville, AZ. Comment 6/22/00 309 S. Mountain Ave.; Springerville, AZ. 7:00 p.m. Jim Anderson (520) 333-4301 janderson08@fs.fed.us
AZ Coconino/Kaibab NF’s 2323 E. Greenlaw Lane; Flagstaff, AZ Information 5/16/00 Flagstaff High School; 400 W. Elm St.; Flagstaff, AZ. 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Katherine Farr, (520) 527-3411, kfarr@fs.fed.us or Karen Malis-Clark (520) 527-3492, keclark@fs.fed.us
AZ Coconino/Kaibab NF’s 2323 E. Greenlaw Lane; Flagstaff, AZ Comment 6/14/00 Flagstaff High School; 400 W. Elm St.; Flagstaff, AZ. 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Katherine Farr (520) 527-3411, kfarr@fs.fed.us or Karen Malis-Clark, (520) 527-3492, keclark@fs.fed.us
AZ Coronado NF Federal Building; 300 West Congress; Tucson, Arizona Information 5/22/00 Doubletree Hotel; 445 South Alvernon Way; Tucson, AZ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gail Aschenbrenner, (520) 670-4552, gaschenbrenner@fs.fed.us
AZ Coronado NF Federal Building; 300 West Congress; Tuscon, AZ Comment 6/26/00 Doubletree Hotel; 445 South Alvernon Way; Tucson, AZ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gail Aschenbrenner, (520) 670-4552, gaschenbrenner@fs.fed.us
AZ Prescott NF 344 South Cortez St.; Prescott, AZ Information 5/24/00 Prescott Fire Center;
2400 Melville Dr.; Prescott, AZ 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Cynthia Moody, (520) 771- 4874, cmoody@fs.fed.us
AZ Prescott NF 344 South Cortez St.; Prescott AZ Comment 6/21/00 Prescott Fire Center; 2400
Melville Dr.; Prescott, AZ 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Cynthia Moody, (520) 771 - 4874, cmoody@fs.fed.us
AZ Tonto NF 2324 E. McDowell Road; Phoenix, AZ Information 5/23/00 Tonto Supervisor’s Office Conference Room; 2324 E. McDowell Rd.; Phoenix, AZ 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. Jim Payne or Paul Stewart (602) 225-5200, jwpayne@fs.fed.us
AZ Tonto NF 2324 E. McDowell Road; Phoenix, AZ Comment 6/21/00 Embassy Suites; 44th St. &
McDowell; Phoenix, AZ 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Jim Payne or Paul Stewart, (602) 225-5200, jwpayne@fs.fed.us
Joke of the Month
Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews.
Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement."
Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."
Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough."
Solution: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."
Problem 1: "#2 Propeller seeping prop fluid."
Solution 1: "#2 Propeller seepage normal."
Problem 2: "#1, #3, and #4 propellers lack normal seepage."
Problem: "The autopilot doesn't."
Signed off: "IT DOES NOW."
Problem: "Something loose in cockpit."
Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."
Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear."
Solution: "Evidence removed."
Problem: "Number three engine missing."
Solution: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."
Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud."
Solution: "Volume set to believable level."
Problem: Dead bugs on windshield.
Solution: Live bugs on order.
Problem: Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent.
Solution: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
Problem: IFF inoperative.
Solution: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
Problem: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
Solution: That's what they're there for.