May 1, 2006    The Official Newsletter of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers    www.nm4w.org

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Meeting was held in room 407 in the Heights Presbyterian Church.  Mark Wolf (without Joan by his side) was our gracious host for the evening. Mark Werkmeister called the meeting to order at “7:00 sharp” by his watch (by my computer it was more like 7:04).

Guests:  Again we had many guests join us.  Mark gave them a big welcome and asked them to stand and introduce themselves:  Stanley Ward – ’80 CJ5, Mike Robertson & Kathy Wolf – ’01 Landrover Discovery, Dave Marks – ’02 TJ, Rance & Elizabeth Cochrane – ’94 YJ, Keith & Linda Jurey – ’98 TJ, Tony Lauderbaugh – ’99 TJ.

Members Present:  Baca, Bontly, Brady, Coe, Duggar, Eklund, Farrell, Finch, Hurt, Lavy (including the newest one), Markham, Marx, Miller, Moran, Peeples, Rector, Rodacy, Tanner, Wermeister, Whiston Jr., Wolf, & Woodard.

Secretary’s Report – Lauri Rector:  I started reading the meeting minutes and then someone woke up and made the motion to skip this part of the meeting.  Everyone else then woke up and it the motion was approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Paul Thompson: Wasn’t present, but did let a few of us know that the balance in the checking account is $1,954.40.  I made a note of it and let everyone at the meeting know this. 

Vice President’s Report – Jeff Rector:  It was a dull month and he had nothing to report and no fines to give out.

Trip Chairman’s Report – Jason Lavy:  Cliff Meier led some trail rides in Las Cruces, but wasn’t present to report on it.  Frank Whiston Jr. said he was there and they ran Amatista Ledges & Hopping Jalapeño.  Their leader, Tom Huff, fell into the grease pit (oops!).  They also ran Upper Broad Canyon and came out in Hatch. 

Upcoming events: Auge’s 4X4 101 – trail building this Saturday & next Saturday, and the actual event the following Saturday.  Pat Brady reported that trail building starts at 9 and ends at 3.  Be there an hour before the event starts (Pat forgot to bring the flier with him).  The 23^rd is the International Auto Show and our club is providing a 25-vehicle display outside the building.  Be there an hour before the event starts.  Mark Werkmeister e-mailed the event coordinators and they will send him additional passes so that all participants can get into the show for free (because we all like free stuff).  We have to keep our vehicles there until at least 5 pm.  Bring portable shade, chairs, lunch, and drinks (or you can buy them there at the concession stands).  May 7^th is the 4x4 Parts Swap Meet.  Mike Coe has new flier and it is on Sunday, May 7^th from 8 am to 4 pm.  He’ll get Glenn directions to put on the web site.  He needs head count. 3 (count them), 3 hands went in the air.  Then Marcia Duggar raised her hand there were 4.  And then Mark Werkmeister raised his hand and we had 5 – but no wait - hold the phone, Mark wants a volunteer to take a couple truck loads of his stuff to the garage sale, sell it, give him the money, and bring back everything that didn’t sell.  Jeff volunteered to do this, but warned Mark that stuff might fall off of the truck and that he would be keeping anything he picked up off the street.   I talked about the trail I was leading.  I’m calling it the Chic Challenge in memory of the great trail that Marcia Duggar led a couple of years ago.  In fact, I decided that I should run the exact same trail, but at a time of year that it would be drier and easier, with no snow and ice.  I’ll be leading Caja del Rio and La Bajada Hill.  I’m encouraging women to drive, but males are welcome.  We’ll meet at the Conoco at 550 and 528 with a short driver meeting at 8:55 and should leave by 9:00.  Bring lunch, shade, spray bottles with cold water, sun screen, and anything else that will make this long day more comfortable for you.

Director of Environmental Affairs Report – Bob Norton:  Was not present.  Mark Wolf asked Mark Werkmeister if he had an update on Dona Ana.  Mark Werkmeister said that the bill that Pete Domenici proposed has been pulled off the table and is dead at this time.  Resource Management Plans are out for review (which includes Gordy’s Hill).  Mike Bilbo is getting negative feedback from residents about Gordy’s Hill.  So be sure to talk him up whenever you get a chance. 

Program Chairman’s Report – Jerry Marx:  Jerry explained the 50/50 raffle to the guests getting all the optional pricing for the tickets exactly right this time.  Edelbrock t-shirt will be raffled off as well.  T-shirts and hats are for sale.  If you are wearing club clothing you get one 1 free ticket (and yes, we do like free stuff).

Historian’s Report – Laurye Tanner:  She brought her camera to take pictures of people who want to have their picture on the club roster. 

Web Master & Editor’s Report – Glenn Bontly:  Had nothing to offer.  His month must have been as dull as Vice Presidents.

Old Business:  Summer quarterly will be in Ridgway, Colorado and camping will be available at the Ridgway State Park.  It’s real big and real nice.  Mark Wolf has reserved, at loop G, a covered picnic area for the dinner on Saturday.  If you bring a vehicle in the park, you will have to pay $5, even if you’re not camping there.  He suggested that people car pool or something to avoid paying the fee.  He has the phone number and website with him so you can write it down and make your reservations.  $20 (for the site) + $8 (for the reservation fee) = $88 for 4 nights for full hookups, plus another $5 (for the forestry fee).  Mike Coe contacted Chamber of Commerce, but no one is there.  So we don’t know what the Saturday dinner is going to be or the price.  The dates are July 27, 28, & 29^th.  Weather wise, you should be able to start pre-running by July 4th.  He has sign up sheets for trail leaders and gunners.  Jason Lavy will get hotel info out on the web site.  Marcia Duggar wanted to confirm if we were having a raffle and Mark Wolf said that it is not confirmed yet. 

Laurye Tanner asked Mark Wolf if the fall quarterly had a run on Saturday.  Jeff Rector accused her of being nosy.  Mark Wolf seemed to think that they did.  I brought up Tom Woods and renewing our club in their club sponsorship program.  It was decided that no vote was needed.  I will follow up with it.  Pat Brady talked about the people that will be doing the speeches/lectures at the Auge’s 4X4 101.  By the following Wednesday, he needs for all of us to rewrite our part so that he can get it to Auge’s for them to have the hand outs printed and assembled.  He has last years book for a starting basis for those who were stupid (I mean kind) enough to volunteer for this part of the event.  He listed all of the implements of destruction that he needs for volunteers to bring that are helping with building the obstacle course.  He got a show of hands on who would be there (wow – it was more than 3).

New Business:  Cliff Meier sent Glenn Bontly CD’s of Copper Canyon to share with people.  And seconds later they were all gone.  Next, Mark Werkmeister asked for volunteers to host the summer club meetings:

            Tanner – July
            Peeples – August
            Lavy – September

E-mails will go out to see if we can get someone to volunteer for May and June.  (As of this date, Kevin Cox volunteered to host the May meeting on the 6^th, and Jordan Sousa volunteered to host the June meeting on the 10^th.

Sue Brady asked if the club has thought of something to do for Memorial Day Weekend.  Jemez was discussed, as well as “Will it be open?”  Will need to wait until closer to that weekend to see what the fire dangers are and if they keep any of the forests open.

I brought up that we should go to Gordy’s Hill after the Auge’s 4X4 101.  I got some objections since this should have been brought up during the Trip Chairman’s report.  Ok, I’m tired, I’m trying to type, I had already brought up 2 other things.  Can someone cut me a break, please!!!!?????

A donation to the church was brought up.  I think that it was decided to table this, but I’m not sure.  If you want to know, please contact someone else that was at the meeting and wasn’t being bugged by the Vice President about who could be voted in.

Jeff Rector said that Dave Marx was eligible to be voted in.  Someone made the motion and it was passed.  Welcome Dave!!!  Good to have you as a new member.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Winners of the raffle:

            Tony Lauderbaugh – Currie t-shirt
            Eric Finch – t-shirt
            Jeffery Woodward – t-shirt
            And Debbie Farrell was the big winner of the 50/50--$40 for her to take home and $40 for the club to keep.

Greetings from the President!  I would like to extend a big thank-you to everyone who attended the club’s “2nd Street Canyon Adventure” on April 23^rd.  For those of you that were in attendance, you know that I am referring to the club display at the Albuquerque International Auto Show.  We had a great turn-out and the day, while rather warm and windy, provided lots of opportunity for socializing with club members.  The display looked really good and we got a lot of exposure with the local automotive public.

I’m sure that Pat would also like to thank everyone who came out for the two workdays to prepare for the upcoming 4x4 101 at Auges.  While I won’t be able to attend the event next Saturday, I am confident the club will continue to do a great job of growing this event.  4x4 101 also gives us great exposure with potential future members of the club and helps us cement a productive relationship with a great Jeep dealership.

Continuing the “thank you” theme, I would also like to thank Kevin and Charly Cox and Jordan Sousa for volunteering to host the first two potluck meetings this summer.  Check out the Events Schedule for the all of the details.  I may not be able to attend the next two meetings due to other commitments, but I am sure that you will enjoy heckling the esteemed Sheriff/VP as he stands in for me.  Also, don’t forget the Swap Meet on May 7^th.  Mike Coe has all of the details!

Now, get out and ‘wheel and have some fun (no wait, that is the same thing)!

Mark

Although it was several years ago, I’ll never forget the summer they closed all of the National Forests because of the extreme fire danger.  We couldn’t go camping or jeeping anywhere in the state, it seemed.  Completely frustrated with the situation, I remember organizing a ride to the Rio Puerco one weekend.  And to make the most of it, I brought my camper out the night before, set up camp, grilled up some burgers, and spent the night in the vacant lot next to the Walgreen’s near Southern and Unser!  Needless to say, I got quite a few stares from passers by. 

Then, of course, there’s Auge’s 4x4 101.  For the past couple of years, I’ve brought my camper out the night before, had dinner at Pete’s Café (great Mexican food), and spent the night in the vacant lot next to the dealership.  I told everyone it was so I wouldn’t have to get up so early on Saturday morning (it takes over an hour to get to Auge’s from my house).  But the truth be known, I just really like camping, albeit in a redneck sort of way.  Starting last year, some of us went down to Gordy’s Hill after the 101 event and spent another night.  That was great!

Have you ever noticed the handful of RV’s in your local Wal-Mart parking lot on any given evening?  It’s common knowledge that Wal-Mart welcomes these overnight visitors in hopes that they will spend some money in the store during their visit.  In turn, the RV’er saves money by not having to pay for a campground.  I’ve spent many a night in Wal-Mart parking lots myself.  There are a few courtesies one should abide by while “camping” at Wally World.  First of all, it’s not “camping”; it’s just an overnight stop.  You should arrive late in the evening and depart early the next morning.  In other words, you should NOT appear to be a long-term resident!  But one day when I didn’t have anything better to do, I decided to have a little fun with the Wally World camping thing.  My original plan was to take up a half dozen or so parking spots right up in front of the store, extend my awning, put out my fake grass carpet, pull out my grill and lawn chair, and commence to “camp out” for a while.  I also thought it would be fun to “check in” with the store manager and ask where were the slots with “hook-ups”.  Can you imagine the looks I would have receive from people wondering what the heck I was doing?  Well, it didn’t work out exactly as I planned.  I did set my stuff up one afternoon, but it was in the outer lot.  And I was too chicken to pull out my grill and cook burgers!

As I write this from my office, midday on Friday, I’m looking outside my window at my camper with Jeep in tow, ready to head down to Auge’s for the 2006 4x4 101 event, just a soon as I can sneak away for the afternoon.  Of course, I am planning to stop at a Wal-Mart on the way down to pick up a few things.  It’s just not a real camping trip without at least one Wal-Mart stop to pick up a few things that you “forgot” to pack.  And I am already looking forward to a Taco plate at Pete’s this evening.  Afterwards, I’ll likely sit outside and watch the cars drive up and down Main Street.  I’m sure several people will be staring at me, but I don’t care.  And then after the event on Saturday, we’re going back down to Gordy’s again.  That means we can have a camp fire (the store managers don’t like it when you start fires in the Wal-Mart parking lot)!  And we’ll have a potluck, and go wheelin’ on Sunday.  I can’t wait!

On the other hand, I can’t help thinking about the long dry winter we had this year, and wonder when they are going to close all of the forests again.  But that’s okay, I’m sure we can find some place to go.  And I know of several good places to camp!

I think that this was the 4^th annual Auge’s 4X4 101.  We’re still not sure why Robert Auge would do this for a 4^th year in a row, seeing as it doesn’t seem to draw too many people.  But, we all like to hang out with each other for a day, especially when we get to take new Jeeps and our own Jeeps over an obstacle course that we built. 

Robert was very generous again with raffle prizes and goody bags.  Raffle prizes consisted of a coffee maker, several Jeep floor mats, and a Chrysler back pack.  He also put out donuts for breakfast.  This year he let club members drive the volunteered vehicles over to the track area.  Please be sure to read the June Trail Tails to see who had difficulties with the assigned task.  Pat Brady did a good job on organizing the lectures and mixed them up just a little bit this time over past years.  He also did another great job on the obstacle course.  As well, all the people volunteering with the lectures and obstacle building did a great job. 

I think that the “participant” that got the most attention was a 4 month old beagle puppy named Owen.  He was one of the most adorable little puppies any of us have seen, with his big floppy ears and big brown eyes, extremely curious and very friendly.  Poor little guy had a really long day.  At first, we thought that the sight of Wolfie scared him, but it turns out that all the yelping was because Wolfie stepped on him (now that’s got to hurt!).  Then out at the track area, he stepped on an ant and got an ouie on his paw.  Sue Brady and I got to sit and baby him for a while. 

The obstacle course was a lot of fun again this year.  The boy scouts that served us lunch were doing all the riding in all of the vehicles that they could.  Mike & Kristy Coe and Pat Brady had their Jeeps out and taking passengers for rides through the course all afternoon.  A lot of people had the new Commander out and it performed very well.  Tony Lauderbaugh got pretty greedy with the Rubicon Unlimited, seeing as I had to wait for ever to take it out.  When I finally got my chance, I had a blast and a whole lot of adrenaline going through me.  This thing made it over all the obstacles in spite of its operator.  Some of the Auge employees brought their rigs out to play too.  One got his Dodge truck stuck on an obstacle.  It took both Glenn Bontly and Chuck Peeples in their TJ’s to get him off.  Another one got his Wagoneer (that looked a lot like Wolfie's old one) stuck on another obstacle.  We all thought that it was Wolfie the way he was screaming like a girl – Help me!  Help me!  Pat Brady got the ultimate rig to take through the obstacle course though – the golf cart.  But, it had to have at least 3 people occupying it to make it – with the 3^rd one standing in the back. 

I don’t know if we helped Robert Auge sell any Jeeps, but let me tell you, we all had a lot of fun!

Well, as Auge’s 4X4 101 started coming to an end, we realized that we only had 3 Jeeps going to Gordy’s Hill.  This really isn’t a bad thing, unless you’re having a potluck.  I suggested that maybe we could go into Socorro and go out to eat.  Everyone liked the idea, except for Glenn, who had no idea how he would get rid of the huge amount of potato salad that he had brought for the potluck. 

We arrive around 3:30 or so Saturday afternoon.  We got our campers all leveled and situated, and decided that maybe we had a ‘nuf wheelin’ at Auge’s.  So beer was opened as well as salsa and chips.  After stuffing ourselves on this and having a great conversation, we decided to go the Frank and Lupe’s.  I learned that Paul can be as trusted as Wolfie at knowing where the good places are to eat.  This place is really well decorated with great ambience.  The service was really good too – you were never really wanting for anything.  And the food was great and at very good prices. 

When we got back to camp, we helped carry wood from Glenn’s trailer to the camp fire area, got our chairs, and settled in and hoped the wind would die down once the sun set, and it did.  By the time we talked for a while and enjoyed the fire for too short of period, it was bed time. 

The next day was absolutely beautiful.  Nice and cool with lots of sunshine.  By 9:15 we decided that no one else was going to be coming, so we headed out.  Jeff wanted to go on the 1^st trail that Mark took us on.  He wanted to check out the huge rocks that you have to drive down at a very serious down hill slant.  He was more than happy to let Glenn lead the way.  This obstacle has filled in with sand somewhat.  Although it is challenging, it just isn’t as extreme as it was.  We continued on the trail and went to the south side of the Scenic By-way to have lunch down in the arroyo under some nice cottonwood trees.  All of us had some potato salad to go with what we brought for lunch – it was delicious!!

Then we took the easy trails over to the tanker to check out if anything had been done with the abandoned mine that was recently found there.  There were 4 poles (that were set far enough apart to drive a Jeep through them) and one had a sign attached saying that there was an unstable geographic site in the area and to stay out.  However the sign faced into the area rather than out to warn approaching people.  We turned the sign around and placed rocks behind it so that hopefully it wouldn’t turn again.  Then we went over to the “hole in the wall, I mean the hole in the rock” as Glenn called it.  I think they should have just called it the hole in the rock.  After checking this out with flash lights, we decided to head out to Cat Fight and end the day after we run it.  Then Jeff went, uh oh (which seems to always cost us money) and said that he blew up a U-joint.  So we just got back on the By-way the easiest way possible and headed back to camp. 

I got this article written just in time for everyone to find out what they missed last weekend.  The weather just couldn’t have been any better.  It was a really great short weekend with a little bit of camping, a little bit of 4-wheeling and a lot of camaraderie.  Wished you were there.

(For those of you who weren’t able to make it to Auge’s 4x4 101 this past weekend, you missed out on several good discussions, as well as test driving all the latest Jeep models.  As space permits, I will share with you some of the articles from the information booklet that was used during the event.  This first piece regarding Responsible 4-Wheeling comes to you courtesy of Bob Norton    -ed.)

Some of you may be brand new to enjoying the rewarding experiences that awaits you in using your 4-wheel drive vehicle.  Or, perhaps you already know that your 4x4 will allow you and your families and friends to travel backcountry roads and 4x4 trails to remote, scenic, historical, cultural, and other special places.  And if the road is a bit challenging so that you must use 4-wheel drive, so much the better.  It adds to the excitement and adventure!

We have been accustomed to the freely traveling the routes on public lands.  But, times have changed.  Extreme groups are fighting constantly to eliminate motorized access on these long used roads and trails.  And these “closurists” have been quite successful in getting road closures implemented.

Why?  Largely because they are well funded and most diligent.  Too, many of us that enjoy motorized recreation have not spoken up to insist that these backcountry roads, routes, and trails really ought to remain open for our continued access and use.  And perhaps, most importantly, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) users are suffering from a bit of an image problem.

We have all seen the TV commercials showing SUVs tearing across various landscapes, spraying rocks, splashing mud onto hikers, and so on.  Is this responsible 4-Wheeling?  Absolutely not!  With the excellent capabilities of our 4WD vehicles and with prudent driving and planning, it is completely unnecessary.

Land managers for agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are responsible for prudent management of the many and varied resources under their jurisdictions.  But when faced with increased resource damage due to irresponsible OHV abuse, too many of these land managers are prone to take the easy way out.  And that is to merely limit or close roads and 4x4 trails.

Many new management plans are currently being reviewed for our public lands.  Keep in mind that those pushing the “closurist” agenda are an extreme minority of citizens.  Inappropriately, they call themselves “environmentalists”.  Their wish is to greatly expand the elimination of motorized (4x4 vehicles, ATVs, trail bikes) and mechanized (mountain bikes) recreational users from public lands.  Truthfully, the “real” environmentalists and conservationists are the majority of Americans.  These are the folks that favor a balanced multiple-use and environmentally responsible land management approach.  The land managers must hear from us.

Another element working to close roads are the minority of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users that do not respect the land.  Indiscriminate vehicle tracks that branch off from existing routes are selfish and certainly malicious.  Such violations destroy the beauty of an area for all other responsible visitors.  Damaged vegetation may take years to recover, perhaps not in our lifetimes.  Cross-country travel should only take place in appropriate areas where it is allowed.  That is, “OHV special use areas” or designated “open” areas.

Each of us that travels the backcountry must take the initiative to ensure that we keep our tire tracks on the existing roadways.  We must adhere to proper camping etiquette.  And, we must educate the public, our children, plus our “neighbors” children on proper OHV use on public lands.  (Such education might just filter upward and change the ways of a few OHV derelict adults!)  We will only be able to slow significant further restrictions if we, the 4x4/OHV community, minimize or attempt to eliminate abuse.  The slogans of an organization called TREAD LIGHTLY!” and the “Leave No Trace” program are most appropriate and serve as a guide as to how we should operate our 4-wheel drive vehicles.  For example, attempt to climb a rocky ledge or cross a wet section on the 4x4 trail as slow as possible.  Speed and spinning tires may damage the roadway and could break the vehicle.  Going fast is rarely necessary.

Proper backcountry trail etiquette is very important to preserve shared use.  Keep in mind that 4x4 drivers yield to all of the following users that are met on the trail, or whom approach at a faster pace from the rear: motorcycles, ATV’s, mountain bikes, hikers, and persons on horseback.  When 4-wheeling in desert or dry areas, offer muscle powered recreationists you meet additional water.  They could be critically low on this necessity, in fact.  Respect all other users and respect the land.  Haul out your trash plus other trash you might find along the trail to improve the beauty of our lands.

So what can you do as a new owner of a 4-wheel drive vehicle or a novice 4-wheeler?  Find out if the BLM and USFS are updating land management plans for areas that you like to visit.  Write a letter to the appropriate Field Office Supervisors informing them that you are interested in traveling the backcountry 4x4 routes in areas under their office’s jurisdictions.  Ask to be placed on their mailing lists to be informed of management planning changes that will come up for public review.  Write to your Senators and Congresspersons to support OHV use on public lands when major policy changes are proposed by Federal land management agencies.  Join an active 4x4 club, such as the NM 4-Wheelers.  Join other organizations such as the “BlueRibbon Coalition” or regionally-specific organizations that promote access for all on public lands.  Perhaps, join an Internet land access mail list to become better informed of current or "hot" issues.

It is up to each of us to do our part to insure future access on backcountry roads that provide so much satisfaction for our families and friends. Be more involved and informed in land access management issues.  But above all, recreate with your 4x4 vehicle in an environmentally-responsible manner.

Aluminum Cans: Our club saves and recycles aluminum cans.  Money from the sale of cans goes into our club treasury.  Please bring your crushed 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 e-mail address, you will be added to our guest e-mail list, and will receive monthly notifications of when the Trail Tales newsletter is posted on our Club web site.  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