Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Way Cool Video of a W.E. Rock event!
Come out next season and see the W.E. Rock season opener in March at the Urban Assault OHV Combat Zone. CalRocs will hold their season opener there too in May, so come on out and join us and catch a little bit of this action:
Monday, November 9, 2009
U.S., Canada and Mexico sign Wilderness MOU, What??
Here it is folks! Sorry, links don't work as I'm not a member of Green Wire.
Copied from Green Wire:
PUBLIC LANDS: U.S., Canada, Mexico sign wilderness agreement
April Reese, E&E reporter
MERIDA, Mexico -- High-ranking U.S., Canadian and Mexican officials signed an agreement here Saturday to collaborate on protecting wilderness across North America.
The memorandum of understanding, signed during the WILD9 international wilderness congress, is the first continental wilderness agreement.
"This agreement will make it easier to exchange successful experiences and facilitate monitoring and the training of human resources, as well as financing projects that will protect and recover wilderness areas," Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa said Friday in his welcome to the congress, which meets every three to four years.
The agreement, a year and a half in the making, will allow land managers on opposite sides of the border to more easily work together on management challenges and opportunities, regardless of jurisdiction, officials said. For example, federal land managers will no longer be restricted in their collaboration with state or provincial managers across the border.
Mexico's participation in the MOU is part of a multipronged effort to step up wilderness protection at home, said Ernesto Enkerlin-Hoeflich, who heads the Commission for Natural Protected Areas for United Mexican States, a government agency.
The Calderón administration has been pushing for a wilderness law, similar to the one adopted by the United States in 1964, and the new measure has wide support among federal lawmakers in Mexico, he said. Currently, the only wilderness area in Mexico is the El Carmen Wilderness, created by CEMEX Corp. It borders Big Bend National Park in Texas.
"We are coming late, but I'm sure we're going to pick up fast," Enkerlin-Hoeflich said.
Protecting wilderness is especially important now, given the crucial role that intact forests, grasslands and other ecosystems play in sequestering heat-trapping carbon dioxide, noted Sally Collins, director of the U.S. Agriculture Department's new Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets.
Collins' office promotes the nonextractive benefits of natural systems, such as providing clean water, preventing erosion and helping to regulate the Earth's climate. Collins signed the document in place of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who could not attend the WILD9 meeting.
For its part, the National Park Service plans to bring long-languishing wilderness proposals "off the shelf" and encourage Congress to adopt new wilderness measures, added Jon Jarvis, director of the National Park Service.
Sam Hamilton, head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages several wildlife refuges along the U.S.-Mexico border, said enhancing cooperation across national boundaries hopefully will ensure greater connectivity between protected areas.
"Wilderness forms the essential core of protected areas, but wilderness alone will not suffice," Hamilton said. "These areas must be connected."
Hamilton and his co-signers acknowledged that the border fence recently erected along long segments of the U.S.-Mexico border is a hindrance to that connectivity and will pose challenges to achieving the goals of the new agreement. Enkerlin-Hoeflich spoke of Mexico's "deep concern" about what he called "the wall" and expressed hope that the wilderness MOU will focus further attention on the need to create cross-boundary passageways for wildlife.
"We have to make the best of what we've got," Hamilton said.
Click here to read the MOU.
Copied from Green Wire:
PUBLIC LANDS: U.S., Canada, Mexico sign wilderness agreement
April Reese, E&E reporter
MERIDA, Mexico -- High-ranking U.S., Canadian and Mexican officials signed an agreement here Saturday to collaborate on protecting wilderness across North America.
The memorandum of understanding, signed during the WILD9 international wilderness congress, is the first continental wilderness agreement.
"This agreement will make it easier to exchange successful experiences and facilitate monitoring and the training of human resources, as well as financing projects that will protect and recover wilderness areas," Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa said Friday in his welcome to the congress, which meets every three to four years.
The agreement, a year and a half in the making, will allow land managers on opposite sides of the border to more easily work together on management challenges and opportunities, regardless of jurisdiction, officials said. For example, federal land managers will no longer be restricted in their collaboration with state or provincial managers across the border.
Mexico's participation in the MOU is part of a multipronged effort to step up wilderness protection at home, said Ernesto Enkerlin-Hoeflich, who heads the Commission for Natural Protected Areas for United Mexican States, a government agency.
The Calderón administration has been pushing for a wilderness law, similar to the one adopted by the United States in 1964, and the new measure has wide support among federal lawmakers in Mexico, he said. Currently, the only wilderness area in Mexico is the El Carmen Wilderness, created by CEMEX Corp. It borders Big Bend National Park in Texas.
"We are coming late, but I'm sure we're going to pick up fast," Enkerlin-Hoeflich said.
Protecting wilderness is especially important now, given the crucial role that intact forests, grasslands and other ecosystems play in sequestering heat-trapping carbon dioxide, noted Sally Collins, director of the U.S. Agriculture Department's new Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets.
Collins' office promotes the nonextractive benefits of natural systems, such as providing clean water, preventing erosion and helping to regulate the Earth's climate. Collins signed the document in place of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who could not attend the WILD9 meeting.
For its part, the National Park Service plans to bring long-languishing wilderness proposals "off the shelf" and encourage Congress to adopt new wilderness measures, added Jon Jarvis, director of the National Park Service.
Sam Hamilton, head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages several wildlife refuges along the U.S.-Mexico border, said enhancing cooperation across national boundaries hopefully will ensure greater connectivity between protected areas.
"Wilderness forms the essential core of protected areas, but wilderness alone will not suffice," Hamilton said. "These areas must be connected."
Hamilton and his co-signers acknowledged that the border fence recently erected along long segments of the U.S.-Mexico border is a hindrance to that connectivity and will pose challenges to achieving the goals of the new agreement. Enkerlin-Hoeflich spoke of Mexico's "deep concern" about what he called "the wall" and expressed hope that the wilderness MOU will focus further attention on the need to create cross-boundary passageways for wildlife.
"We have to make the best of what we've got," Hamilton said.
Click here to read the MOU.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
SEMA And Land Use Guide
From Del's Desk:
SEMA Offers Helpful Land Use Guide
A “Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation” has just been added to our arsenal of information to help us fight back to keep our public lands open and our sports alive. Released by our friends at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), this guide offers some helpful stuff:
• Some insight into major laws that dictate land use;
• A look at the federal agencies who control our public lands by administering these laws;
• A listing of the some of the organizations that SEMA works with to protect the rights of off-road enthusiasts;
• Provides SEMA’s position on these issues.
While much of this information is offered on other websites or through enthusiast organizations, SEMA adds to our collective fight by putting these key topics in one place through their SEMA Action Network (SAN) that really assists off-road businesses. I found this collection of key laws, government agencies, major land use groups and SEMA positions quite helpful as an enthusiast as well.
The SEMA SAN also has quite a collection of legislative resources that compliment what the off-road organizations offer, including model legislation, a listing of federal legislators, and a guide to lobbying elected officials. The SAN is free to join from their website.
Go here for more on the land use Guide and SAN: http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62625
Del
SEMA Offers Helpful Land Use Guide
A “Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation” has just been added to our arsenal of information to help us fight back to keep our public lands open and our sports alive. Released by our friends at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), this guide offers some helpful stuff:
• Some insight into major laws that dictate land use;
• A look at the federal agencies who control our public lands by administering these laws;
• A listing of the some of the organizations that SEMA works with to protect the rights of off-road enthusiasts;
• Provides SEMA’s position on these issues.
While much of this information is offered on other websites or through enthusiast organizations, SEMA adds to our collective fight by putting these key topics in one place through their SEMA Action Network (SAN) that really assists off-road businesses. I found this collection of key laws, government agencies, major land use groups and SEMA positions quite helpful as an enthusiast as well.
The SEMA SAN also has quite a collection of legislative resources that compliment what the off-road organizations offer, including model legislation, a listing of federal legislators, and a guide to lobbying elected officials. The SAN is free to join from their website.
Go here for more on the land use Guide and SAN: http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62625
Del
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Want To Drive In The King Of The Hammers Race?
From the desk of Del Albright:
Simple question: "Do you want to drive in the Griffin Radiators King of the Hammers race in a fully sponsored race vehicle?"
No, I'm not joking! If you haven't been paying attention, Pirate4x4.com is giving away the driver's seat to a fully prepped 500 horsepower race buggy for the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers race!
The Pirate4x4.com - MFS race buggy is currently being prepped at Motorsport Fabrication Services for this unbelievable opportunity. You can check it out here - http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=828024
So what's the catch? No real catch, you just have to reply to this thread (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=827246 ) on Pirate4x4.com and tell us why in 500 words or less, why you think you should be chosen to drive the Pirate4x4.com - MFS buggy in King of the Hammers. Oh yeah, and you have to be a red or yellow star member. But you've already got that part covered!
The winning person will get the following:
• A free entry into the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers
• A fully prepped race vehicle to drive in KOH
• Pre run time to learn the vehicle and the terrain
• A full pit crew
• All the logistics handled - just show up and race!
Nothing like this has ever been done before. It truly is a dream giveaway!
All entries must be submitted by December 25th, 2009 Pirate4x4.com users will begin voting for their favorite of the top 5 January 1st, 2010. Voting will close February 1st, 2010 and WE WILL HAVE A DRIVER!
Winner must be in Johnson Valley by February 8th, 2010.
Simple question: "Do you want to drive in the Griffin Radiators King of the Hammers race in a fully sponsored race vehicle?"
No, I'm not joking! If you haven't been paying attention, Pirate4x4.com is giving away the driver's seat to a fully prepped 500 horsepower race buggy for the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers race!
The Pirate4x4.com - MFS race buggy is currently being prepped at Motorsport Fabrication Services for this unbelievable opportunity. You can check it out here - http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=828024
So what's the catch? No real catch, you just have to reply to this thread (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=827246 ) on Pirate4x4.com and tell us why in 500 words or less, why you think you should be chosen to drive the Pirate4x4.com - MFS buggy in King of the Hammers. Oh yeah, and you have to be a red or yellow star member. But you've already got that part covered!
The winning person will get the following:
• A free entry into the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers
• A fully prepped race vehicle to drive in KOH
• Pre run time to learn the vehicle and the terrain
• A full pit crew
• All the logistics handled - just show up and race!
Nothing like this has ever been done before. It truly is a dream giveaway!
All entries must be submitted by December 25th, 2009 Pirate4x4.com users will begin voting for their favorite of the top 5 January 1st, 2010. Voting will close February 1st, 2010 and WE WILL HAVE A DRIVER!
Winner must be in Johnson Valley by February 8th, 2010.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Spare Tire Trash Bag - The Trasharoo
I saw this new product at the 2009 Pomona Off Road Expo. It's pretty cool and acts like a spare tire cover which helps protect against sun damage and weather wear and makes a great trash bag.
CALIFORNIA TAPE PRODUCTS INC.
3301 E. Miraloma Ave Suite 189
Anaheim CA 92806
PH (714) 854-7292 FX (714)854-7926
http://www.trasharoo.com/
RE: “TRASHAROO” Spare Tire Trash Bag
There isn't a single one of us who is against the "Tread Lightly" philosophy, and many of us pack out our own trash, but how many of us pick up trash when we see it? Or, how often do we end up with some nasty burrito or sandwich wrapper in the vehicle and end up smelling it for the rest of the trip? Trash should be kept outside where we can't smell it, it can't drip on interior parts, and there should be more than enough room in a trash bag for what you bring and what ever you might find and want to pick up. The problem is, hanging a X-gallon Hefty bag off the back of your vehicle doesn't work too well, one bump and its gone; and the old-style canvas bags that many of us are fond of flop around back there- damaging paint, and sometimes dropping more trash than they hold.
Enter the Trasharoo. With high-quality wide buckles, denier nylon, a heavy-duty attachment to your existing external spare tire, and positive-closing cover, you can haul away all the trash you accumulate in a weekend and maybe even make the trails a little cleaner as you go, without having to turn the inside of your rig into a disposal site. The Trasharoo, made by CTP Inc, has been in testing for the last year, and with over 20 years of off-roading and overlanding experience to the owners name, CTP knows what it takes to survive the rigors of off-road travel and what the off-roader needs.
The owner was sick and tired of having his trash floating around in his rigs, and hated that the trash he picked up- which had been who knows where- would also occasionally be messing up his rig. Similar products are sold today in Australia, but the price to get them here would out way the cost of the product. So CTP decided to fill the void and make their own.
CALIFORNIA TAPE PRODUCTS INC.
3301 E. Miraloma Ave Suite 189
Anaheim CA 92806
PH (714) 854-7292 FX (714)854-7926
http://www.trasharoo.com/
RE: “TRASHAROO” Spare Tire Trash Bag
There isn't a single one of us who is against the "Tread Lightly" philosophy, and many of us pack out our own trash, but how many of us pick up trash when we see it? Or, how often do we end up with some nasty burrito or sandwich wrapper in the vehicle and end up smelling it for the rest of the trip? Trash should be kept outside where we can't smell it, it can't drip on interior parts, and there should be more than enough room in a trash bag for what you bring and what ever you might find and want to pick up. The problem is, hanging a X-gallon Hefty bag off the back of your vehicle doesn't work too well, one bump and its gone; and the old-style canvas bags that many of us are fond of flop around back there- damaging paint, and sometimes dropping more trash than they hold.
Enter the Trasharoo. With high-quality wide buckles, denier nylon, a heavy-duty attachment to your existing external spare tire, and positive-closing cover, you can haul away all the trash you accumulate in a weekend and maybe even make the trails a little cleaner as you go, without having to turn the inside of your rig into a disposal site. The Trasharoo, made by CTP Inc, has been in testing for the last year, and with over 20 years of off-roading and overlanding experience to the owners name, CTP knows what it takes to survive the rigors of off-road travel and what the off-roader needs.
The owner was sick and tired of having his trash floating around in his rigs, and hated that the trash he picked up- which had been who knows where- would also occasionally be messing up his rig. Similar products are sold today in Australia, but the price to get them here would out way the cost of the product. So CTP decided to fill the void and make their own.
SPECS:
Available Colors: Black
Material: 900 denier nylon canvas
Stap width: 3” double stitched
Weight Rating: 50 lbs
Tire size fitment: 30”-35”
Water Resistant: Yes
Drain hole size: ¼”
8” Zipper for extra storage
Logo: 3 color screen print
PRICING: MSRP: $49.99
Available Colors: Black
Material: 900 denier nylon canvas
Stap width: 3” double stitched
Weight Rating: 50 lbs
Tire size fitment: 30”-35”
Water Resistant: Yes
Drain hole size: ¼”
8” Zipper for extra storage
Logo: 3 color screen print
PRICING: MSRP: $49.99
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Get Your 4 Wheel Parts Gift Card
We have a new deal with 4Wheel Parts so you can get a $25 gift card when you join, renew or extend your membership with the BlueRibbon Coalition. It makes a great stocking stuffer or heck use it yourself! See the details here: http://www.sharetrails.org/tv/4wp/
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
BFG Tire Giveaway!
Del and I will be giving away a set of BF Goodrich tires, size up to 37", at the Hump N Bump event in Logandale NV November 7th. So come on out and join us for this awesome event. Get more information here: http://www.vv4w.org/humpnbump.aspMonday, October 19, 2009
Urban Assault Fall Haul & Crawl
The first annual Fall Haul & Crawl was held at the Urban Assault OHV Combat Zone in Oroville CA October 17-18.
One of the highlights of the weekend was when Mr. Silva (aka Mr. S) and some of his students from Nevada Union High School showed up with their rig that was built as a class project, dubbed "Class Act" this rig was something to see!
I have to say that those students are lucky have Mr. S as their teacher!
One of the highlights of the weekend was when Mr. Silva (aka Mr. S) and some of his students from Nevada Union High School showed up with their rig that was built as a class project, dubbed "Class Act" this rig was something to see!
I have to say that those students are lucky have Mr. S as their teacher!
With the help of his students who spotted him through the courses he put on a great show considering this was his first competition and the maiden voyage for the buggy.
The excitement piqued in the crowd when the buggy caught on fire but with the help of some of the W.E. Rock crew they were able to get things under control in no time without much damage. 
The event was also a fund raiser and a driver auction, which allowed the highest bidder to ride with their favorite driver on the course. All the proceeds went to Crawlin' for Crohn's.
Driver Justin Hall survived the illness and is here with us to spread the word about this awful disease.
Other competitors included some local talent and W.E. Rock pro's which gave the crowds a thrill as they watched the carnage on the courses with names like the Mine Field, Wall of Shame, Agent Orange and the ultimate challenge, the Terminator.
Danny Harp, the local favorite, descends one of the challenging obstacles in what looks to be a front end roll over waiting to happen. Piloting his daily driver he took second place trailing by only eight points against Mr. S and his tricked out rock buggy. Way to go Danny, maybe next time!
We all just have to be patient and wait for the season opener which is slated for March 2010. It will be a W.E. Rock Western National series with dozens of teams competing. So don't miss out and join us at the Urban Assault OHV Combat Zone in Oroville CA!
Monday, October 12, 2009
BFGOODRICH TIRES AND BRC JOIN FORCES TO RAISE MONEY FOR TRAIL PRESERVATION
October 12th, 2009
Contacts:
Lela Randall
Phone: 949-223-2323
Email: Lela.Randall@hillandknowlton.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BFGoodrich Tires will make a $5 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition for each of its new 10 sizes of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tires sold between August 2009 and December 2009!
GREENVILLE, SC (October 10, 2009) — BFGoodrich Tires and BlueRibbon Coalition announced today a partnership that will benefit off-roaders and off-road trails alike. BFGoodrich Tires will make a $5 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition for each of its new 10 sizes of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tires sold between August 2009 and December 2009.Due to consumer demand, BFGoodrich recently expanded its line of Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tire sizes, which are part of the 10 sizes eligible for the contribution. The tire sizes are as follows:
Contacts:
Lela Randall
Phone: 949-223-2323
Email: Lela.Randall@hillandknowlton.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BFGoodrich Tires will make a $5 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition for each of its new 10 sizes of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tires sold between August 2009 and December 2009!
GREENVILLE, SC (October 10, 2009) — BFGoodrich Tires and BlueRibbon Coalition announced today a partnership that will benefit off-roaders and off-road trails alike. BFGoodrich Tires will make a $5 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition for each of its new 10 sizes of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tires sold between August 2009 and December 2009.Due to consumer demand, BFGoodrich recently expanded its line of Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tire sizes, which are part of the 10 sizes eligible for the contribution. The tire sizes are as follows:
LT345/75R16 LRD
LT365/75R16 LRC
38X14.50R17 LRD
40X14.50R17 LRD
36X13.50R18 LRD
38X14.50R18 LRD
40X14.50R18 LRC
38X14.50R20 LRD
40X14.50R20 LRC
42X14.50R20 LRC
"The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tire has set the standard in the world of off-roading, both for competitive and recreational uses," said Gary Enterline, senior product category manager, light truck tires for BFGoodrich Tires. "What better way to give back to the community that made the tire what it is today than by teaming up with the BlueRibbon Coalition to help preserve our off-road trails."
As a respected national recreation group that represents more than 600,000 recreationists nationwide, the BlueRibbon Coalition is dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters. "This generous donation from BFGoodrich Tires will help the BlueRibbon Coalition continue working to keep public land open for use, whether you recreate on a mountain bike, snowmobile, motorcycle, personal watercraft, ATV, four-wheel drive, horse or your hiking boots," said Greg Mumm, Executive Director of BlueRibbon Coalition.
Inspired by the BFGoodrich Tires Krawler T/AKX tire, which is the most successful tire in rock-crawling history, BFGoodrich Tires incorporates Krawler TEK technology into the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 TriGard sidewall. Krawler TEK technology consists of three main components: aggressive sidewall lugs, cut- and chip- resistant sidewall compounds, and sidewall cords that are up to 33 percent stronger than the previous Mud-Terrain T/AKM tire. These advancements allow for more bite and sidewall protection along with increased strength and resistance to bruising caused by rocks and rough trails.More information about the BlueRibbon Coalition is available at www.sharetrails.org.
Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com
# # #The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
Off Road Expo
The fall Off Road Expo was a great success. Hundreds if not thousands of people showed up at the show and they weren't just doing the looky-lou stuff, they were opening their wallets and spending money with the several vendors that were there to show off their stuff.
There were goodies galore for all sorts of off road enthusiasts including RC races and booths, BMX stunt riders, and crazy dirtbike demonstrations. There were plenty of big toys to look over as well.
Be sure and put this one on the calendar for next year, you won't be disappointed!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Join The Access Army!
THE ACCESS ARMY
It's not a game; it's about our access to public lands and waterways. We're launching The Access Army, and we want you. We are about wheeled access; nationally; for all of us. We are helping the standing organized recreation groups and organizations with our informal coalition. We are FIGHTING BACK.
At this point there are no dues; few rules; and no meetings -- just battle. The Access Army is a non-partisan, non-violent, multi-organizational grassroots coalition led by a Joint Chiefs of Staff, comprised of soldiers from all walks of life and recreational pursuits, with the sole purpose of fighting back against unnecessary land and water closures, restrictions to access, and theft of our freedoms.We are virtual -- we are harnessing the power of the Internet and social networking to save trails, keep our motorsports alive and defend our freedoms .
We fully support and belong to all those organization recreation groups out there now -- national, regional, state and local. We are not stealing members from anyone; we are building an Army combined of everyone. We insist our soldiers be part of standing organized recreation groups. But The Access Army takes down any organizational barriers and removes any turf battles by acting more like a "friends" group or informal coalition on a national scale covering all motorized sports.
Please learn more and JOIN The Access Army here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/army.html
##
Del
It's not a game; it's about our access to public lands and waterways. We're launching The Access Army, and we want you. We are about wheeled access; nationally; for all of us. We are helping the standing organized recreation groups and organizations with our informal coalition. We are FIGHTING BACK.
At this point there are no dues; few rules; and no meetings -- just battle. The Access Army is a non-partisan, non-violent, multi-organizational grassroots coalition led by a Joint Chiefs of Staff, comprised of soldiers from all walks of life and recreational pursuits, with the sole purpose of fighting back against unnecessary land and water closures, restrictions to access, and theft of our freedoms.We are virtual -- we are harnessing the power of the Internet and social networking to save trails, keep our motorsports alive and defend our freedoms .
We fully support and belong to all those organization recreation groups out there now -- national, regional, state and local. We are not stealing members from anyone; we are building an Army combined of everyone. We insist our soldiers be part of standing organized recreation groups. But The Access Army takes down any organizational barriers and removes any turf battles by acting more like a "friends" group or informal coalition on a national scale covering all motorized sports.
Please learn more and JOIN The Access Army here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/army.html
##
Del
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Jeff Mello educates young drivers - right on Jeff!
Rockcrawling Legend Jeff Mello Educates High School Students Eight-time champion educates students on driver control and responsible OHV use.
BFGoodrich driver Jeff Mello of Rage 4th racing, took a day out of his busy schedule to speak to driver’s education students at Heritage High School in Brentwood California. With 100 rocksports victories under his belt, Jeff’s driving expertise and knowledge helped to keep 105 driver’s education students on the edge of their seats during three one and a half hour presentations in a lesson they will never forget.
Jeff began each presentation introducing the students to the various types of 4x4 competitions that he has been involved in, from rock crawling to rock racing. With video clips from the 2009 King of the Hammers race and various other competitions, Jeff compared and contrasted driving in competition and driving on the street with a firm message that racing has no place outside of competition. A strong emphasis was also placed on driver control and awareness in both competition and in everyday driving.
To make sure the message really sunk in with the students, Jeff also brought three vehicles to have on display at the high school: Jason Scherer’s buggy that helped him win the famous King of the Hammers race in 2009, Travis Carpenter’s MFS “Land-use” KOH buggy, and Jeff’s original competition rig. Students were allowed to examine and sit in the three vehicles as Jeff talked about safety equipment on the competition rigs, and how they differed from normal passenger cars.
Finally the presentation was finished with a talk about responsible OHV use and trail stewardship. Each student was also given an autographed “The Kings of Rock” poster at the end of the presentation.
Jeff is one of the winning-most drivers in the sport with 100 rocksport victories under his belt. With his wife Julie and their two children, the Mello family spends an average of 70 days a year on the dirt recreating with their OHV’s The couple’s commitment to the sport is evident through presentations such as this, and membership in many land-use organizations. Both are 40 year members of the Contra Costa Jeepers.
###
If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kurt Schneider, e-mail Kurt at kurt@kurtuleas.com
BFGoodrich driver Jeff Mello of Rage 4th racing, took a day out of his busy schedule to speak to driver’s education students at Heritage High School in Brentwood California. With 100 rocksports victories under his belt, Jeff’s driving expertise and knowledge helped to keep 105 driver’s education students on the edge of their seats during three one and a half hour presentations in a lesson they will never forget.
Jeff began each presentation introducing the students to the various types of 4x4 competitions that he has been involved in, from rock crawling to rock racing. With video clips from the 2009 King of the Hammers race and various other competitions, Jeff compared and contrasted driving in competition and driving on the street with a firm message that racing has no place outside of competition. A strong emphasis was also placed on driver control and awareness in both competition and in everyday driving.
To make sure the message really sunk in with the students, Jeff also brought three vehicles to have on display at the high school: Jason Scherer’s buggy that helped him win the famous King of the Hammers race in 2009, Travis Carpenter’s MFS “Land-use” KOH buggy, and Jeff’s original competition rig. Students were allowed to examine and sit in the three vehicles as Jeff talked about safety equipment on the competition rigs, and how they differed from normal passenger cars.
Finally the presentation was finished with a talk about responsible OHV use and trail stewardship. Each student was also given an autographed “The Kings of Rock” poster at the end of the presentation.
Jeff is one of the winning-most drivers in the sport with 100 rocksport victories under his belt. With his wife Julie and their two children, the Mello family spends an average of 70 days a year on the dirt recreating with their OHV’s The couple’s commitment to the sport is evident through presentations such as this, and membership in many land-use organizations. Both are 40 year members of the Contra Costa Jeepers.
###
If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kurt Schneider, e-mail Kurt at kurt@kurtuleas.com
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friends of the Eldorado Work Party
Good going F.O.E.! Considering this group is only two years in the making they are doing a great job working along side with the Forest Service. Here's a press release regarding their recent National Public Lands Day work party.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rick Ferdon
Tel. 925-551-7000
E-mail: Rick@Friendsofeldorado.com
September 28th, 2009
The Friends of Eldorado National Forest holds its Second Annual National Public Lands Day Work Party
On Saturday September 26th, the Friends of Eldorado National Forest worked alongside the National Forest Service cutting brush along the sides of forest road 9N22Y in the Eldorado National Forest . This road was possibly slated for closure during the route designation project two years ago. Due to work with Duane Nelson, the Placerville district Ranger and the Forest Supervisor back in November 2007, the road was shown to have value to the public. The end of the road has a foot trail down to a spectacular overlook of the Cosumnes River .
Over the years the brush has overgrown the road in many places and prohibited vehicle travel. Thirty two members of the Friends of Eldorado National Forest came from as far as the Bay Area and worked with Mike Villalobos of the Forest Service. Guided by the direction of Ron Hancock and Duane Nelson, they cut, trimmed and removed the brush from the road. Logs and rocks were also removed from the road surface as well as blocking an illegal trail to protect the hillside from further erosion. By the end of the day the 1.9 mile long road was once again open to all vehicles, something that hasn’t been possible for years.
Cathy Bounds of the Forest Service also allowed Friends of Eldorado National Forest access to the Capps Crossing campground which is closed after Labor Day weekend. The close proximity of the campground made it an ideal staging point as well as a place where the organization could hold a BBQ to feed their workers. They also celebrated with a birthday cake as the group turned 2 years old a few days earlier.
The Friends of Eldorado National Forest rely solely on volunteers for these projects. If you would like to help to keep a route open or other clean up project in the Eldorado National Forest , please e-mail Rick at: rick@friendsofeldorado.com
# # #
If you would like more information on this topic, Please call 925-551-7000 or e-mail Rick at Rick@friendsofeldorado.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rick Ferdon
Tel. 925-551-7000
E-mail: Rick@Friendsofeldorado.com
September 28th, 2009
The Friends of Eldorado National Forest holds its Second Annual National Public Lands Day Work Party
On Saturday September 26th, the Friends of Eldorado National Forest worked alongside the National Forest Service cutting brush along the sides of forest road 9N22Y in the Eldorado National Forest . This road was possibly slated for closure during the route designation project two years ago. Due to work with Duane Nelson, the Placerville district Ranger and the Forest Supervisor back in November 2007, the road was shown to have value to the public. The end of the road has a foot trail down to a spectacular overlook of the Cosumnes River .
Over the years the brush has overgrown the road in many places and prohibited vehicle travel. Thirty two members of the Friends of Eldorado National Forest came from as far as the Bay Area and worked with Mike Villalobos of the Forest Service. Guided by the direction of Ron Hancock and Duane Nelson, they cut, trimmed and removed the brush from the road. Logs and rocks were also removed from the road surface as well as blocking an illegal trail to protect the hillside from further erosion. By the end of the day the 1.9 mile long road was once again open to all vehicles, something that hasn’t been possible for years.
Cathy Bounds of the Forest Service also allowed Friends of Eldorado National Forest access to the Capps Crossing campground which is closed after Labor Day weekend. The close proximity of the campground made it an ideal staging point as well as a place where the organization could hold a BBQ to feed their workers. They also celebrated with a birthday cake as the group turned 2 years old a few days earlier.
The Friends of Eldorado National Forest rely solely on volunteers for these projects. If you would like to help to keep a route open or other clean up project in the Eldorado National Forest , please e-mail Rick at: rick@friendsofeldorado.com
# # #
If you would like more information on this topic, Please call 925-551-7000 or e-mail Rick at Rick@friendsofeldorado.com
Monday, September 28, 2009
No More Wilderness in Utah!
The following was sent to me for distribution regarding SUWA (it's a Wilderness organization)and actions they are taking in Moab and general Utah areas regarding new Wilderness areas. October 1st is the last day to call. Please check out the website for more info and what you can do.
http://justgoodtrails.com/waiting/view_topic.php?id=914&forum_id=18
http://justgoodtrails.com/waiting/view_topic.php?id=914&forum_id=18
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fall Mud & Crawl at Urban Assault
Skies were cloudy and the temps were mild for the fun filled event held at Surplus City in Oroville CA.
The Fall Mud & Crawl at the Urban Assault OHV Combat Zone in Oroville CA was a blast!
The courses are set up for easy spectator viewing of both the mud bog and rock crawl courses that dot the property.
The course and obstacle names are fitting for the atmosphere at this military surplus mecca. Names like Terminator, Mine Field, The Wall of Shame, Army Truck and the Chariot certainly live up to their names as they can impose metal mashing carnage on their victims.
From "camp to comp" is how I would describe the layout of this fabulous facility that can easily accomodate RV's, trailers, fifth wheels and tent campers.
The Feather river is very near by and we were treated with an extra special show of salmon sailing out of the water while watching the color filled sunset in the background.
Put the Spring Mud & Crawl on your calendar and be sure to check out all the events and facilities at Surplus City.
The Fall Mud & Crawl at the Urban Assault OHV Combat Zone in Oroville CA was a blast!
The courses are set up for easy spectator viewing of both the mud bog and rock crawl courses that dot the property.
The course and obstacle names are fitting for the atmosphere at this military surplus mecca. Names like Terminator, Mine Field, The Wall of Shame, Army Truck and the Chariot certainly live up to their names as they can impose metal mashing carnage on their victims.
From "camp to comp" is how I would describe the layout of this fabulous facility that can easily accomodate RV's, trailers, fifth wheels and tent campers.
The Feather river is very near by and we were treated with an extra special show of salmon sailing out of the water while watching the color filled sunset in the background.
Put the Spring Mud & Crawl on your calendar and be sure to check out all the events and facilities at Surplus City.
Friday, August 28, 2009
W.E. Rock in Oroville
Surplus City in Oroville CA certainly knows how to put on a good show with a man made rock crawling course that had no mercy on competitors and their well built rigs that showed up for the W.E. Rock event.
Tons of concrete and crazy sizes of military culvert pipes helped to create a course that challenged the best of the best and will be the talk of the town for quite awhile.
Surprisingly, the blazing triple digit heat didn't dampen the spirit of the spectators who showed up in force to take in the wild ride and rolls that happened in front of their eyes.
Here's some of the action packed shots I was able to snap.
Matt Messer, from Trail Gear getting some air over the top.
Wedged in a tree. Good thing those were there as I had to be quick on my feet!
Another whoops from the same obstacle but this time I decided to play it safe and headed to the uphill side. 
You guessed it, same nasty spot. Just about all of them rolled and gave the crowd a thrill.Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
NorCal Rock Races
This was my first time to the NorCal Rock Races. I have to say that being right there on the course was pretty darn exciting just because of the horsepower and the "race" factor. Unlike rockcrawling events that I cover this fast paced full on throttle sport is exciting and fast paced. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to next years line up at Prairie City.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Get out of the heat, go kayaking!
Del and I had a grand time touring Mendocino a couple of weeks ago and we have yet to slow down. We're finally sitting down for some catch up time behind the computer screen!
I would like to thank the special, and not to mention fun, couple at Liquid Fusion www.liquidfusionkayak.com for taking us on our first kayak trip on the Noyo River.
We were treated to a leisurely paddle down to the marina and past some historical logging remains from a bygone day.
Their extensive knowledge of the area and the critters that call the area home was fascinating to hear about and the picture taking was phenominal.
They offer anywhere from mild to wild tours including a sun set bird paddle, cruising the wild, and a wet and wild coastal cruise. They also offer kayaking classes for those of you who get hooked and would like to do more.
Be sure and give the owners, Jeff and Cate a call and check them out when you're enjoying the "coolness" of the coast! 707-962-1623
Success!
Op/Ed, info, from Jim Hennegan, of www.justgoodtrails.com
I had to share this as sometimes we get frustrated and lose sight of what we're doing and why.
##
So, how do we measure success in the off road pro access arena? Want to know something? This was a major bother to me just a short time ago.
It seems we shout, work, volunteer, and move forward with a resolve every day, but do not see much feedback. Our resolve often is met with a few catcalls or negative responses. However we move on. I think that those of us who are moved to keep these trails open for everyone just keep pounding on, it is those on the fringe I think we need to assure. You see success seems to be measured in small ways a lot round here.
Recently I joined Facebook; I soon noticed Del Albright was a member so I hooked up with him as friends. Now I get his daily reports on what is going on in his life. While he recently was on the border to border run and posted a lot of comments. I was at work talking about some friends of the trip and soon a few guys were asking how he could do so much trail without roads. This was soon a discussion about public lands and how we are battling to keep them open. About pro access organizations and how the future was a day to day battle to keep these trails and areas open. That met with a few interesting comments but bottom line is that yesterday I had one of those guys come up and ask what he could do to help.
Success
Over a few comments on Facebook
Because Del Albright tried new technology.
I know, it seems small, but each time we win someone over, each time we plant a seed, each time we get someone to acknowledge our battle we have a success. We could measure it by huge Land Issue successes in court, but those are not the biggest successes we have. Oh they are huge on the horizon, but each of those were possible because we reached someone who had the talent to see that issue through.
We are not all lawyers, we are not all writers, some of us are simple Adopt A Trail workers, some of us just go to public meetings and clap in the background. There is a job for everyone. You know that guy who loves to camp 3 cubicles down, he could be the next guy to start volunteering somewhere and be a leader in that area. But we need a small success first, we need to get him the message in a way he understands. Maybe a weekend on trail with a small talk somewhere about Access rights. Then we need to talk to the guy who fishes those mountain streams, the hunters, the hikers, we are all users of the public lands.
The small successes are those that matter, they set us up for the big ones.
Let us take huge pride in the small ones, and realize these are the ones that we need most, each new member of our community is a number, and we need these numbers to grow. Go out and help build this number one new mind at a time.
thanks for reading
James G Hennegan
James can be contacted email
BajaEdition@Gmail.com
Or by going to
WWW.JustGoodTrails.com
I had to share this as sometimes we get frustrated and lose sight of what we're doing and why.
##
So, how do we measure success in the off road pro access arena? Want to know something? This was a major bother to me just a short time ago.
It seems we shout, work, volunteer, and move forward with a resolve every day, but do not see much feedback. Our resolve often is met with a few catcalls or negative responses. However we move on. I think that those of us who are moved to keep these trails open for everyone just keep pounding on, it is those on the fringe I think we need to assure. You see success seems to be measured in small ways a lot round here.
Recently I joined Facebook; I soon noticed Del Albright was a member so I hooked up with him as friends. Now I get his daily reports on what is going on in his life. While he recently was on the border to border run and posted a lot of comments. I was at work talking about some friends of the trip and soon a few guys were asking how he could do so much trail without roads. This was soon a discussion about public lands and how we are battling to keep them open. About pro access organizations and how the future was a day to day battle to keep these trails and areas open. That met with a few interesting comments but bottom line is that yesterday I had one of those guys come up and ask what he could do to help.
Success
Over a few comments on Facebook
Because Del Albright tried new technology.
I know, it seems small, but each time we win someone over, each time we plant a seed, each time we get someone to acknowledge our battle we have a success. We could measure it by huge Land Issue successes in court, but those are not the biggest successes we have. Oh they are huge on the horizon, but each of those were possible because we reached someone who had the talent to see that issue through.
We are not all lawyers, we are not all writers, some of us are simple Adopt A Trail workers, some of us just go to public meetings and clap in the background. There is a job for everyone. You know that guy who loves to camp 3 cubicles down, he could be the next guy to start volunteering somewhere and be a leader in that area. But we need a small success first, we need to get him the message in a way he understands. Maybe a weekend on trail with a small talk somewhere about Access rights. Then we need to talk to the guy who fishes those mountain streams, the hunters, the hikers, we are all users of the public lands.
The small successes are those that matter, they set us up for the big ones.
Let us take huge pride in the small ones, and realize these are the ones that we need most, each new member of our community is a number, and we need these numbers to grow. Go out and help build this number one new mind at a time.
thanks for reading
James G Hennegan
James can be contacted email
BajaEdition@Gmail.com
Or by going to
WWW.JustGoodTrails.com
Photo Contest
I won a W.E. Rock competition photo contest (with Del as Runner Up winner), WITH our BlueRibbon Coalition titles used in the announcement. Very cool.
Check out the pics and see my WAY COOL shot of a buggy doing a nose dive.
http://werocklive.com/blog/?p=48
Check out the pics and see my WAY COOL shot of a buggy doing a nose dive.
http://werocklive.com/blog/?p=48
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Letter From The Boss
The Letter from the Boss
Dear employees:
As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way. To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead. This has really been bothering me, since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go.
So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem.. They voted for change, they should get it.
I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic.
THE BOSS
Dear employees:
As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way. To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead. This has really been bothering me, since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go.
So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem.. They voted for change, they should get it.
I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic.
THE BOSS
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Ammunition Accountability Act??!! Unplug and pay attention to this!!!!!!
Please give this the widest distribution possible and contact your Reps! It's the ammo, not the guns....I've said for a long time that they wouldn't go for your guns, they'd go for your ammo... guns have a Constitutional protection. Ammo does not.
Heads up to all of you who swore to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign AND domestic. Let your state Legislatures know that we do not want this bill passed, and petition them to vote no on this bill. We should keep after them until the bill is closed by bombarding them with e-mails, phone calls, and letters.Get to all your politicians to get to work and NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!!!
Read more here on the snopes website: http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/ammunition.asp
Do something!!!
Heads up to all of you who swore to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign AND domestic. Let your state Legislatures know that we do not want this bill passed, and petition them to vote no on this bill. We should keep after them until the bill is closed by bombarding them with e-mails, phone calls, and letters.Get to all your politicians to get to work and NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!!!
Read more here on the snopes website: http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/ammunition.asp
Do something!!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
There's a fairly new off-road website out there offering all kinds of OHV chat and tech talk. Street 2 Dirt has tons of good stuff to offer you no matter what you ride or drive (quad, 4x4, buggy, rail, bike, etc.). Del and I have started posting up some land use info there as well. So trail-saving is on their list. Cool.
Check them out and let me know what you think: http://www.street2dirt.com/
Check them out and let me know what you think: http://www.street2dirt.com/
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