March 1, 2004    The Official Newsletter of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers    www.nm4w.org

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The meeting was held at the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Leon opened the meeting at 7:04 PM.  A motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting was made.  Motion passed with the usual dissent from Wolfie and a motley crew of conspiratorial dissidents.  The Sheriff will have to keep an eye on them.

Members Present: The following family units were represented by at least one member. Abbate, Adrian, Blohm, Bontly, Brady (Pat), Capener (Rich), Chapin, Cline, Debevec, Duggar, Finch, Garner, Gjerning, Hunt (Rich), Hunt (Steve), Hurt, Hyman, Juarez, Kausche, Marx, Miller (Bobby), Miller (Don), Norton, Opatz, Peeples, Probst, Rector, Sierra, Telepak, Thompson, Trappett, Werkmeister (Mark), Whiston (Frank G), Wolf, Woodard, and Zahn.

Guests: The Guest list included Lisa DiCarlo, Irwin Greven, and Cliff Meier.

The Sheriff and VP, Jeff Rector couldn’t find anything recordable to say.

The Treasurer, Susan Miller was absent but had sent the bank balance amount along with Bobby.  He reported that as of 02/11 the bank was holding $2,555.34 of our money.

The Historian, Bobby Miller made his monthly plea to the membership for more pictures for the scrapbooks.  Doesn’t anyone take pictures any more?

Trip Chairman, Chuck Peeples reminded us that April 17 has been set as the date for the 2^nd Annual Auge Brothers “4X4 101” Event.

The trip to Cimarron Mesa was re-routed to the Rio Puerco because of snow on the way to C.M.  For those who think canceling a trip may be somewhat on the Wimp side of 4 wheeling… and well it is now that I think about it.  Where was I?  Oh yes, the dirt road in and out of Cimarron Mesa is exceptionally greasy when wet.  It’s not real fun.  And then there’s the matter of having to clean a couple hundred pounds of the stuff off the underside of your 4x4.  ‘Nuff said about that.

There was no SWFWDA delegate.

Program Chairman, Rich Capener reminded the meeting of the raffle and explained the process to the guests.

Director of Environmental Affairs, Bob Norton reported on the Forest Service roads and trails plan, which very well may end up closing more trails around Farmington and many other places.

Secretary Don Miller recorded the meeting.

Old Business: Don Miller apologized for forgetting to send the required information off to Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts regarding the club sponsorship program.  This somehow got by the ever vigilant Sheriff as he took no initiative to chastise Don.

Marcia Duggar reiterated that we, as a club, should do something for Jeeps West.  A run, campout, buy raffle tickets for them, something special for them.  Action was taken to THINK about what to do, and the item was tabled.

Leon reminded those present about Las Cruces raffle tickets.

New Business: Leon reported that he had contacted the SWFWDA President to inquire about when the next issue of Drivelines would be released.  Unfortunately, he did not receive an answer.

Mark Wolf asked that the Program Chairman to look into how much it would cost to have club hats made with the current, and very nice, club Logo embroidered.  Not screen printed.  He also requested information about whether or not (once this was “setup”) we could use it for patches, etc.

Tahoe Zahn asked the membership if anyone would be interested in pursuing a Geo Caching form of treasure hunting.  Some expressed interest and Tahoe said he would look further into it and report back.

Leon displayed the posters that are now available for the Auge Brothers 4x4 101 event on April 17.  Leon also reported that a new 4 wheel drive shop is open.  Performance Off-Road is located at 3540 Pan American Fwy NE, Suite D.  Leon read the extensive list of prizes to be had at the Chili Challenge.  Good work Leon!

Marcia reported that SWWFDA has a committee working on “How to Improve SWFWDA”.  There will be a survey at the Spring Quarterly and forms available at the NM4W next meeting.

Mike Blohm and “cowbell” stood to address the meeting.  He told us he was moving to Randolph Air Force Base to begin his navigator training.  He thanked us for having him as a member and said he had enjoyed his 2 years or so with the Club.  The future navigator stated he would try to find us at an event someplace, sometime. (Ed: I trust that attempt at humor was successful).

The question that will be on everyone’s lips at the next meeting: How long did it take Pat Brady to break the 35 in his Ford Jeep?

Leon closed the meeting at 7:46 PM because he had nothing else to say.

Well, we had another week at Cruces, and a fine week it was.  For the most part, the weather was good, just about too nice.  The camaraderie was at an all time high.  The club had very little breakage (except for our beloved vice-president, Jeff "who-has-a-welder" Rector).  Jack Sierra broke a stub shaft, which came with his Jeep from the factory.  That is not bad, considering that his Jeep rolled off the line in '77.  Ralph had some problems with his hubs, but he did not break anything.  I found out that one does not need tire deflators when you put a small hole in the sidewall.  Susan and Bobby Miller are looking for touch-up paint for a late model Cherokee, in blue.  Thanks to every one who helped out with the Raffle.  Southwest raised over 10 grand.  If you bought tickets, THANK YOU!  If you didn't, next year will be better, so save your money for the next raffle.  Woffie, thank you for all your advice and support.  Last, but not least, Thank You to my wife, Marcia, for helping me with all the letters and computer work involved in the raffle.  See you at the next meeting, and Jeff..., bring all the pocket change you have!

For Immediate Release

For Further Information Contact:
            Alan Lane
            Dir of Administration
            812-477-7871

Evansville, Indiana  - February 19, 2004

UNITED LAND ACTION FUND RECEIVES SINGLE LARGEST GIFT TO DATE

Carla Boucher today announced her receipt of the single largest donation ever made to the United Land Action Fund, nearly doubling the fund's worth.

"I am so pleased to be able to bring this sizable donation, in excess of $45,000.00, to the fund," stated Boucher, board member for the United Land Action Fund and attorney for United Four Wheel Drive Associations.  Boucher also stated, "This anonymous gift will be a tremendous benefit to our cause and help protect public access to public lands".

The United Land Action Fund is a non-profit, tax exempt organization whose mission is to educate and assist four wheel drive enthusiasts in their quest for reasonable and equitable motorized use and recreational access.  Donations are tax deductible and can be made to ULAF, 3308 Oak Hill Road, Evansville, IN  47711-3674.

-- John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.ufwda.org
CA Assoc of 4WDrive Clubs, www.ca4wdc.com
Rec Access & Conservation Ed, www.4x4wire.com

I left the house that morning, expecting to see only the four or five people who had e-mailed me stating that they would be at the meeting spot.  I had also talked to some of my friends that had committed to going out.  All totaled up, I expected 12-15 (maybe 20) people, counting on a few people that had not talked to me.  When I showed up almost a half hour early, there were 4 or so vehicles already waiting (eager bunch).  When we rolled out at 9:03, we had a total of 31 vehicles and a trail leader (me) with CB antenna.  Yes, I said 31 vehicles.  Luckily, Eric went back to my house to grab the forgotten CB antenna (thanks Eric).

Here is the “short” list of attendees:  Erwin Greven, 97 Tracker; Cliff Meier, 02 Tracker; Darrin Miller, 93 Ranger; Bill Cline, TJ; Miche Bove’, 98 ZJ; Dixon Patrick, 97 TJ; Carlos and Laurye Tanner, 99 TJ; Fred and Lucy Huigne, vehicle unknown; John and Gina Kraul, 95 Land Rover (they had planned on just watching, but ended up participating); Clemente Abeyta (?), 93 YJ; Dan Richard, 93YJ; Eric Finch, 87 YJ; Chet Markham, 03 TJ; Markham #2 (Chet’s dad), 87 XJ; Markham #3 (Chet’s cousin), 69 Land Cruiser; Shane Valdez, 00 Mazda 4000; Leon Richard, 85 Bronco; Brandon Adrian, 91 XJ; Frank G. and Beth Whiston, 94 Ranger; Matthew Barak(?), 95 Tacoma; Joe Cowling, 91 Ranger; Daniel Garner, 02 TJ; Joseph Abbate, 68 Bronco; Jeff Atchinson, 82 Ramcharger; Clint Hobart, 99 ZR2 Blazer; Robert (Something), driving a 1716 Blubber; Glenn Bontly, TJ; Joe & Farrah Nickerson, 02 TJ; Dave Karpien, 84 Bronco II; Chris Johnson, 53 CJ 3B; and myself with Sara in our 96 ZJ.

We started out and headed up to the air down spot.  Apparently, a few of our group were supposed to meet up with another group and a couple of people dropped out to ride with the New Mexico Virtual Jeep Club (NMVJC).  After airing down, we headed to the first play area.  Here the group played around on a few of the optional areas.  Unfortunately, Jeff Atchinson broke a u-joint and yoke on one of the harder climbs.  He did get the Ram on level ground and a few people stayed back to help while the rest of the group headed over to Snoopy Rock.  Jeff did get his Charger running and eventually caught up to us.  Also about this time, the snow started to come down. Snow!  The weather stayed the same for most of the run after this.

At Snoopy Rock, we ate lunch and everyone got to play around a little more.  We ran into the NMVJC group and talked to them a bit.  After about an hour, we headed back out of the Puerco.  Over all, everyone had a good time.

On one beautiful Saturday afternoon, Ron and I took Amber, Angela, and my two nephews to the park.  Ron took Dakota (5 years old) and the girls with him in the Subaru.  I took Justin (12) with me in the Samurai.  Justin sweet-talked Ron into taking him for a ride in the Sami.  On Lomas, there is this medium sized ditch with rocks and gravel that’s next to a road.  As Ron and Justin are out playing around and climbing rocks, Amber Rose is bouncing up and down in the Subaru.  She's saying, "Yeah Daddy!  Go, go, go..." Then she asked me if we could do that.  I told her just as soon as I got my big Jeep.  Amber tells me, "Mommy, you need a big Jeep, with great big tires.  Can we get it now?"  What can I say?  That's Mommy's little Four-Wheeler!

We are now partners in the Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts Club Participation Program.  What this means is:

            [1] our members can receive a discount of $20.00 on any drive shaft purchased from Tom Wood’s Custom Drive Shafts Inc.  One discount per drive shaft, order two and receive a $40.00 discount.  This discount is not be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotion.  Membership will be verified with the club membership roster.

            [2] the club will receive three gift certificates from Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts; one each $50, $100 and $200.  This year these will be used for the Summer Quarterly that we are hosting in Fairplay.  The club will receive another set next year, etc.  In return, we have supplied Tom Wood with a membership roster for member verification purposes and the possibility of e-mail promotion offers.  Remember, so far in the first year of this program, Tom Wood has not made any mass mailings.  He will not share the member list with anyone, so there will be no spam from this.  The NM4Wheelers web site will also have a link to Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts (www.4xshaft.com).  And finally, Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts is now a Sustaining Member of the New Mexico 4 Wheelers in accordance with Article III of the Club By-Laws.

Aluminum Cans: Our club saves and recycles aluminum cans.  Money from the sale of cans goes into our club treasury.  Please bring your aluminum cans to each meeting, and somebody will take them to the recycling center.

To Our Guests: If you attend a club meeting or event and provide us with your mailing address, we will send you three complimentary issues of Trail Tales.  If you provide us with an e-mail address, you will also be added to the guest e-mail list.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers, please contact one of our officers for membership requirements, or visit our web site at www.nm4w.org/join-the-club.htm.

Trail Tales on the Web Site: In a continuing effort help save natural resources and to control costs, you are encouraged to read the Trail Tales newsletter on the Club Web Site in lieu of receiving a hard copy in the mail.  Around the first of each month, the current issue of Trail Tales is posted at www.nm4w.org/newsletters.htm and an e-mail notification is sent to all club members.  In addition, a minimum of 2 years of back issues of our newsletter is also available on the web site.  So if you want to help “save some trees”, please send an e-mail to TrailTales@nm4w.org stating that you do not need to receive the hard copy of the newsletter.  Thanks for your participation in this program.

Submission Due Date: The Trail Tales is published on the first of each month.  Submissions for each issue must be received by the Editor not later than the 25^th of the prior month.  Submissions can be sent to TrailTales@nm4w.org, or Trail Tales, 21 Rattlesnake Ridge, Tijeras, NM 87059.

Please see the Events Schedule Page

Trail Tales
21 Rattlesnake Ridge
Tijeras, NM 87059-7440

TrailTales@nm4w.org