MESA 4 WHEELERS NEWSLETTER

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Secretary Sue Willison 480-580-8042 Membership Lori Moore 480-924-9287 Editor Mike Drawsky 480-502-9507 Remembrance Gert Leible 623-869-8434 Trophies Nate VanKeuren 480-836-1926 Safety Chairman Bill

1 MESA 4 WHEELERS NEWSLETTER MAY 2012 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFFF President Bob Nyberg Vice President Nate VanKeuren Secretary Pat Jenkins Treasurer Ray Jenkins Corres.Secretary Sue Willison Membership Lori Moore Editor Mike Drawsky Remembrance Gert Leible Trophies Nate VanKeuren Safety Chairman Bill Mihailov Publicity Jessica Fesh Next Meeting May 18, 2012 Third Friday of every month, 7:30 PM. Location: Brown & Brown Chevrolet, Downstairs under sales room 145 East Main Street Mesa, AZ PRESIDENT'S CORNER Presidents Parley Well it was another great Fun Days this year. Mr. Bill found a wonderful location in the cool Payson weather. The turnout was high and fun was had by all! How about the food provided by Walt and Gert! Was it fantastic or what! The raffle raised a sizable amount so we should be ready for another year. Ann and I enjoyed every minute. Thank you, to all who helped make it such a great success. Jeep willing and the creek don t rise, we will see you on Nate's run next week... Bob Nyberg HORN REMEMBER WHEN? May years ago The May M4W Horn had proposals on Bylaw changes: Members classification clarification. (Active, Associate & Life Members) Dues amount for Active members. ($ $13.00 to Club & $4.00 to ASA4WDC) Duties of the Vice President now shall also include Program Chairman. The M4W Horn also had Policy proposals and updates: Trip Leaders must designatee a Tail End Charlie and are also responsible for the Trip Report. An Exectutive Committee will be appointed to select the most outstanding member of the year and will meet quarterly. Steak Frys will be held on Saturday or Sundays from May to October. Change from the National 4 Wheel Drive Association to United 4 Wheel Drive Association. This is a condensed version of a Trip Report of Dick Williamson s Coke Oven Trip: 12 vehicles attended and all had a great time. A Gila Monster was seen in the Ghost town of Reymert. A history of the town was given by George (a guest). From Reymert we went to the Coke Ovens and looked around and took pictures. We headed back the way we had come and were back to the main road by 4:30 PM. Trip report written by Ken & Sandy Morehouse. An excerpt from the President s report said, As ideas become the basis for action, bring them up at the meeting or contact a committee chairman and let s utilize the talents from within our Club. President: Hec Ramsey Bob Nyberg AZ LONGSHOREMAN

TRIP REPORTS 45th Annual Fun Days Event Orginizer: Bill Mihailov, Vice President Date: April 20th-22nd, 2012 Attending this year's annual event: Bill & Amy Mihailov, Wayne & Tanya

Ray & Pat Jenkins, Clete & Randi Hruska, Kevin, Melissa, Cheyenne, Kristin & Conner Faires, Nate & Judi Van Keuren, Harold & Jeri Liberman, Mark, Lisa, Lyle, Luke & Sheridan Pinson,

enough to lead our traditional Fun Days Friday Night Run. This year's Annual Fun Days was held in Payson, off the Mesa Houston Road, near the Shoofly Village Ruins.

While we were enjoying temperatures in the upper 80's, down in the Valley they were in the triple digits!

Soon we found ourselves bumping along a rocky, narrow forest road covered on both sides by pinon pine and thick forest shrubbery.

After a short break to admire in the view and the cool breezes, Chuck reminded us it was mostly all downhill from here and that the next 1/4-mile involved ascending down steep stair

2 TRIP REPORTS 45th Annual Fun Days Event Orginizer: Bill Mihailov, Vice President Date: April 20th-22nd, 2012 Attending this year's annual event: Bill & Amy Mihailov, Wayne & Tanya Mihailov, Kevin & Diana Losey, Bob Nyberg & Ann Johnson, Dave & Paula Brown, Bob Biegal, Lee, Bev & Samantha Coppage, Walter & Gert Leible, Mike Drawsky, Jim & Wendi Kawa, Lori Moore, Ray & Pat Jenkins, Clete & Randi Hruska, Kevin, Melissa, Cheyenne, Kristin & Conner Faires, Nate & Judi Van Keuren, Harold & Jeri Liberman, Mark, Lisa, Lyle, Luke & Sheridan Pinson, Robert & Stephanie Catron, Bill & Karen Frank, Matt, Sonja, Delanie & Samantha Chappell Chuck Jacobs, a 40-year Payson resident and a member of the Rim Country 4 Wheelers was kind enough to lead our traditional Fun Days Friday Night Run. This year's Annual Fun Days was held in Payson, off the Mesa Houston Road, near the Shoofly Village Ruins. Holding outdoor events in Arizona in late April can be a little uncomfortable. The decision to have Fun Days up in Payson turned out to be good one! While we were enjoying temperatures in the upper 80's, down in the Valley they were in the triple digits! At around 9:00 PM Chuck had us heading north along the Mesa Houston Road towards the base of the Mogollon Rim. Soon we found ourselves bumping along a rocky, narrow forest road covered on both sides by pinon pine and thick forest shrubbery. As the trail gradually increased in elevation, at around the halfway point we came to a clearing where you could see the lights of Payson, Pine and Strawberry below. After a short break to admire in the view and the cool breezes, Chuck reminded us it was mostly all downhill from here and that the next 1/4-mile involved ascending down steep stair steps. His recommendation; for better traction and to avoid overheating the brakes use 4-wheel-low! At 1:00 PM, we were finally pulling into camp. To show their patronage, Kevin and Melissa always fly the American flag on top their 5th wheel. Kevin is also a big Ford truck fan and they always go to Glamis Dunes over Thanksgiving, so along with the American flag, you will see a large Ford and Glamis Dunes flag flying! Nate is getting ready to compete in the blind man's driving competition.

45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Saturday morning, Fun Days Games Chairpersons Dave and Paula Brown, had us gather at the Shoofly Village

In the "Blind Man's Driving" competition, the passenger has to guide his blind driver to the six locations where mounted on top of a 3

At each location, the passenger is to swap one colored cup for the other without stepping foot out of the vehicle, then guide the driver

Walter and Gert came through once again, with three fabulous main dishes; Chili Rellenos, Chicken Breast in Fresh Marinara Sauce, and

This is one Fun Days activity that no one misses out on!

Rewards were given to the best overall time and this year's winners were Kevin & Melissa.

3 45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Saturday morning, Fun Days Games Chairpersons Dave and Paula Brown, had us gather at the Shoofly Village Ruins parking lot for some friendly competition. In the "Blind Man's Driving" competition, the passenger has to guide his blind driver to the six locations where mounted on top of a 3 foot pole is a plastic cup. At each location, the passenger is to swap one colored cup for the other without stepping foot out of the vehicle, then guide the driver back over the starting line in the shortest amount of time. Walter and Gert came through once again, with three fabulous main dishes; Chili Rellenos, Chicken Breast in Fresh Marinara Sauce, and Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Butter. I am beginning to think it is Walter and Gert's great tasting dishes that entice everyone back every year! This is one Fun Days activity that no one misses out on! Mark & Lisa Pinson turned in a respectable time, but only competed in one of the two events. Rewards were given to the best overall time and this year's winners were Kevin & Melissa. With so much good food to choose from, Kevin Losey is just overwhelmed with excitement! Lori Moore took charge of organizing this year's raffle and did a great job, thanks in part to the support from Ann Johnson, Randi Hruska, Paula Brown, Diana Losey and others. Mark Pinson gives it his traditional "Thumps Up" award! Wendi did a fabulous job as our club's DJ. For 3 days straight, Wendi and Jim kept the tunes coming all day long. I never recall hearing any repeats, but I do recall hearing many of my favorites from the 60's and 70's! Thank you Wendi for bringing back the memories!

45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Side dish contributors, Judi Van Kereun and Tanya

Bill Mihailov has been enjoying himself since he arrived, this was just the icing on

Thanks go out to this list of others who contributed side dishes; Paula Brown, Wendi

Faires, Jeri Liberman, Diana Losey, Lisa Pinson, Stephanie Catron, Sonja Chappell,

Dave Brown took a short cut in line to make sure he did not miss out on his favorite

Bill Frank was doing so well sticking to his diet plan, until now!

4 45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Side dish contributors, Judi Van Kereun and Tanya Mihailov display their smile of approval. Bill Mihailov has been enjoying himself since he arrived, this was just the icing on the cake! Thanks go out to this list of others who contributed side dishes; Paula Brown, Wendi Kawa, Lori Moore, Pat Jenkins, Bev Coppage, Amy Mihailov, Ann Johnson, Melissa Faires, Jeri Liberman, Diana Losey, Lisa Pinson, Stephanie Catron, Sonja Chappell, Pam Stiles, Arlene Biegal and Karen Frank. My apologies if I missed someone! Dave Brown took a short cut in line to make sure he did not miss out on his favorite cookies that Paula had made from scratch! Bill Frank was doing so well sticking to his diet plan, until now! Amy Mihailov just cannot wait to sit down and start enjoying what she has on her plate! Like every Fun Days, after enjoying a good meal it was time for skits and raffle prizes. Bill lead the skits off with his son Wayne and fellow participants, Mark Pinson and Robert Catron.

45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) For the second year in a row, Bill and Amy are the

Lee and Bev volunteered to lead today's run.

What makes this trail so popular to the 4-wheel community is that it offers a

At over 5,000 elevation, it is a perfect summer run.

Pyeatt Draw is a creek that is dry most of the year.

5 45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) For the second year in a row, Bill and Amy are the Grand Prize Winners. They won a Viair Compressor donated by Desert Rat. Lee and Bev volunteered to lead today's run. Lee introduced the club to Pyeatt Draw about 5 years ago. What makes this trail so popular to the 4-wheel community is that it offers a variety of lines to follow, ranging from mild to wild. At over 5,000 elevation, it is a perfect summer run. Thank you again Desert Rat for your continued support and generous contribution towards our annual Fund Raiser! Sunday morning we line up for the main run: Pyeatt Draw. Rocks, rocks and more rocks! Pyeatt Draw is a creek that is dry most of the year. Everyone breaks out laughing when Mike reminds Bill the skits were last night and that this is a drivers meeting! Friends of Nate & Judi are taking part in their second M4W run. This JK has many smart extras added on and is well maintained. The best thing was, the owner was not afraid to show us its capabilities.

45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Where did the trail go?

Jim never passes up a perfect photo opportunity!

Watching Dave year after year make what seems to be impossible,

in your rig in order to concur difficult trails.

to believe he just started this sport 4 years ago!

6 45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Where did the trail go? Anyone else want to take the lead? Jim never passes up a perfect photo opportunity! Dave never takes the easy path. Watching Dave year after year make what seems to be impossible, possible, has increased our confidence to take on more challenging trails. Jim has shown us that you do not need to invest allot of money in your rig in order to concur difficult trails. Seeing how well Kevin handles his JK Unlimited, makes it hard to believe he just started this sport 4 years ago! Since the rock pounding Nate put his new JK Unlimited Rubicon through on the Sunflower Mine Trail, he has added 2-1/2" of suspension lift and 1" in tire height. Before these upgrades, Nate would have avoided this obstacle.

45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Since Robert Catron and Mark Pinson had to leave Sunday morning, they ran Pyeatt Draw

It would have been nice if they could have joined us on Sunday, they always put on a good show for the cameras.

Mike's long time Death Valley 4 Wheelers, Bill and Karen drove their Land Rover, Defender 90, all the way from Southern

Land Rover was only able to import the Defender 90 into the US from 1994 thru 1997.

3.9 V8 for the 4.6. Just another little bump in the road for Kevin! Today, seeing a CJ5 on the trail is somewhat rare.

One other thing you do not see very often is someone Bill's age still driving a clutch!

7 45th Annual Fun Days (Continued) Since Robert Catron and Mark Pinson had to leave Sunday morning, they ran Pyeatt Draw on Saturday. It would have been nice if they could have joined us on Sunday, they always put on a good show for the cameras. Running on 40" tires, Mark is able to go most anywhere he chooses. Mike's long time Death Valley 4 Wheelers, Bill and Karen drove their Land Rover, Defender 90, all the way from Southern California to join in the fun. They were also out a few years back to take part in our 42nd Annual Fun Days. Land Rover was only able to import the Defender 90 into the US from 1994 thru Bill purchased this one new in 1994 and since then has added a number of upgrades, including swapping out the original 3.9 V8 for the 4.6. Just another little bump in the road for Kevin! Today, seeing a CJ5 on the trail is somewhat rare. Bill and Amy purchased this CJ when CJ's and Willy's were the only Jeeps available. One other thing you do not see very often is someone Bill's age still driving a clutch! Although the frame and leaf springs squeak while crawling over rocks, anyone who has owned one knows it is a common sound for a CJ to make. I think as long as Bill continues to 4-wheel, this CJ will remain his only Jeep! Mike purchased this YJ new in 89 and like Bill will probably continue to own it until that day arrives when he no longer has enough strength to boost himself up into the driver's seat!

The waterfall is as far as most people drive before turning back. This was our turn around spot. While the rest of us bailed out just before the falls, Mark decided to give it a go!

Downtown Payson was just minutes away which came in handy for those of us who forgot to bring something or did not bring enough! We had a great time on the trails and no problems to report!

We wish Pat a speedy recovery and hope to have more club members and guest drive up with us for next year's Easter Week Safari.

" Clete & Randi Mike Drawsky Canyonlands National Park, Utah Clete & Randi's Moab Trip (Annual Easter Jeep Safari) Date: March 29th-8th, 2012 Steve & Maggie Fleming Date: April 20th - 28th, 2012 We

8 The waterfall is as far as most people drive before turning back. This was our turn around spot. While the rest of us bailed out just before the falls, Mark decided to give it a go! This was as far as he got before giving way to Bill's winch. Fun Days up in Payson was a nice change. Everyone definately enjoyed the cooler weather. Downtown Payson was just minutes away which came in handy for those of us who forgot to bring something or did not bring enough! We had a great time on the trails and no problems to report! We missed having Ray and Pat with us, but I am sure they will be with us next year! We wish Pat a speedy recovery and hope to have more club members and guest drive up with us for next year's Easter Week Safari.! Maybe next year we should take John Fowler up on his offer and have Fun Days on his ranch near Roosevelt Lake? "We are still having fun and getting away with it!" Clete & Randi Mike Drawsky Canyonlands National Park, Utah Clete & Randi's Moab Trip (Annual Easter Jeep Safari) Date: March 29th-8th, 2012 Steve & Maggie Fleming Date: April 20th - 28th, 2012 We were suppose to caravan with Ray and Pat to Moab, but a week before we were to leave Pat broke her leg cleaning their motorhome, so they had to cancel their trip with us. We started our adventure by staying the first night in Bluff, Utah, about 100 miles south of Moab. The next day we checked out the area's history at the "Fort Bluff History Museum" a replica of the pioneers first homes. Very interesting story what they went through to reach this point of their journey. We then drove on to Moab and parked at our RV park north of Moab along the Colorado river. the first couple of days had Arizona kind of spring weather, warm days and nights, but Sunday after noon the weather turned to wind and rain. Monday we got snow in the higher elevations. Hello Mike, Hope Fun Days went well. Our Maze trip was super, great weather (mostly) and The Maze is AMAZING. Geology gone wild, Mother Nature at Her best, the WOW factor is huge there. While you all had horsepower on the trail we had foot power in The Maze, loads of hikes and sore feet each night. Most runs (hikes) were 8-12 miles and it felt so good to be back at camp, a bit of dinner and into the tent. Wednesday turned beautiful again and continued thru our stay Easter Sunday. Somewhat typical weather for Moab in the spring. The road into the Maze is 54 miles of dirt, mostly very good. The toughest spots for the club would be a "hooo-humm" experience. For the folks I was helping it was, well, "oh s--t, I'm gonna die" type response. Bottom line, everyone did fine, scrapes on the undersides but at the end of the day, they all knew the basics and spotting for one another was a great team building exercise. (See attached photos) See you all soon, Steve

9 Canyonlands National Park (Continued) The Doll House Chimney Rock Bee Hive Arch Chimney Rock Second night's campsite next to The Doll House YJ on the EDGE!

Canyonlands National Park (Continued) Run To Rivers (Verde & Sycamore) 2009 Mother and

.. Besides learning most of the Arizona 4X4 Trails, The little Bronco made several trips

leader when the club opened the long ago abandoned Wood Pecker Mine trail on mineral

Mud Springs 2007 With a happy bank account and a sad heart, I must report the sale of the

This tough little Bronco was a proud member of my stable for 20 years - underwent several

10 Canyonlands National Park (Continued) Run To Rivers (Verde & Sycamore) 2009 Mother and Child Saying Goodbye To An Old Friend... Besides learning most of the Arizona 4X4 Trails, The little Bronco made several trips through the giant dunes of old Mexico, crossed the Golden Crack at Moab Utah, was the trip leader when the club opened the long ago abandoned Wood Pecker Mine trail on mineral mountain road. Mud Springs 2007 With a happy bank account and a sad heart, I must report the sale of the "First year produced -classic 1966 Ford Bronco. This tough little Bronco was a proud member of my stable for 20 years - underwent several upgrades, some bad, most good, including masterfully installed power steering by Mr. Bill, York on-board air by the same craftsman, and many other upgrades assisted by kind and unselfish members of the Mesa 4 Wheelers. Four Peaks & El Oso Mine 2009 Run To Rivers (Verde & Sycamore) 2009

11 Saying Goodbye To An Old Friend... She needed a winch tow only once on a rainy day to master Pookipsi Gulch at Ouray Colorado. The tough little truck even towed a fellow members Jeep Cherokee all the way home to Phoenix from El Golfo Mexico. The border guards were wanting to take photos. The Bronco had great fun at the Glamis Imperial Sand Dunes, and Truck Haven Hills near the Salton Sea, California. The experience was just like flying an air show routine without ever having to leave the ground! FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS Return To Dupont Cabin Trip Leader: Nate VanKeuren Contact # When: May 19th Details: We will meet for breakfast (those who choose to) at Laura's Reno Creek Diner in Pumpkin Center - Saturday at 8:30, with a group departure at 9:30. (Reno Creek Diner is located at the north end of Pumpkin Center, on Old Hwy.188. To get there, turn east off Hwy.188 onto Old Hwy.188 between Mile Marker 262 & 263. Reno Creek Diner is a 1/4 mile down. Look for the BIG Diner sign on the right hand side) The trail is rated 2 1/2 and all stock jeeps & 4X4s should do fine. Pack a lunch, camera, jacket, etc. and flashlight! The route home takes us by an ancient village ruin with Indian built store rooms in the adjacent cave. This is a great trip to bring guests, friends and new potential members. Fun Days 2009 The crowning moment was when the kids from the Mesa 4 Wheelers and their pals got to paint her with washable poster paint at the annual Fun Days event a few years ago. But don't be sad, the new family that now owns the Bronco are genuine Ford lovers, understand the breed and is headed by a skilled and proud north Phoenix Firefighter. The family is planning a real paint job for her as well! Happy Trails... Nate Van Keuren

12 MESA 4 WHEELERS "RULES OF THE ROAD"...FOR EVERYONE GOING ON THIS TRIP Bear in mind the TRIP LEADER is our BOSS for this trip. He or she will do everything possible to make this trip enjoyable for us. 2. NO LITTERING! 3. When you turn off on any other road, make sure the vehicle behind you makes the same turn. 4. Do not cut "trail", follow the vehicle in front of you. 5. Leave the living desert as you find it. In other words, no digging plants, shrubs of likewise. 6. No vandalism, such as taking souvenirs or antiques from old mines, ghost towns or any other place of interest. 7. Firearms must be left in a safe place in your vehicle...unless otherwise specified by the trip leader. 8. Make sure all campfires are out before leaving. Also, do not start forest fires by careless smoking or other means. 9. Parents/guardians keep a close look on children, especially around dangerous areas. 10.If you leave the caravan at any point, make sure you checkout with the trip leader. 11.If we have to drive on the highway in a caravan for a short distance, leave enough distance between each vehicle for other traffic to pass. 12.When driving up or down steep grades leave enough distance between vehicles to prevent collision, just in case someone stalls. 13.Pets must be on a leash at all times. We are not trying to dominate anyone. We are only trying to keep the beautiful desert, highlands and wilderness open to 4-wheel vehicles so we can enjoy them; otherwise some day they may be closed to our activity. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT & GUEST ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THE SAME: A hard top and/or role bar, safety belts for all persons in the vehicle, tow hooks or hitch front and rear, tow strap, fire extinguisher and a CB radio. A first aid kit is recommended.

REFRESHMENTS ITEMS FOR SALE May Clete & Randi Lee & Bev Coppage M4W Flag M4W Vehicle Plate M4W 5 & 7 Logos M4W Banners State Decals M4W Arm Patches United Decals June Jason Hill & Jessica Fesh Steve

CLUB ANNIVERSARIES Dr. Leonard Staff, Jr.

13 REFRESHMENTS ITEMS FOR SALE May Clete & Randi Lee & Bev Coppage M4W Flag M4W Vehicle Plate M4W 5 & 7 Logos M4W Banners State Decals M4W Arm Patches United Decals June Jason Hill & Jessica Fesh Steve & Gail Ezzyk BIRTHDAYS May 5/2 Ray Jenkins 5/2 Gert Liable 5/4 Wendi Kawa 5/10 Mike Drawsky 5/19 Randi Hruska 5/28 Mike Dreckman 5/28 Ginnie Wands June Marty & Nancy Eichhorst Darrel & Debra Wallace CLUB ANNIVERSARIES Dr. Leonard Staff, Jr. 4/67 Bill & Amy Mihailov 4/82 Jack & Sandee McCullen 4/88 Jim & Wendi Kawa 4/91 Bob & Arlene Biegel 4/03 MESA 4 WHEELERS WEBSITE To log onto the M4W website go to: What you will find on our new website: Photo Gallery (Club Runs & Events) Club Information (About Us, FAQ, Membership, Newsletters, Links) Calendar (Posted Runs & Events) Forum (General Category, Travels, Marketplace) Contact Us (Contact form for new members) $15.00 $25.00 $2.00 $5.00 $2.00 $0.50 $1.00 STEERING BOX FOR JEEP TJ (Rebuilt and set up for Ram Assist) Call Steve MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Regular membership is $ Regular members must attend minimum events and meetings. $20.00 for life members and $60.00 for associate members (no restrictions) Yearly membership dues are due in March. An additional $5.00 reinstatement fee will be charged if dues are not received by April meeting. First time membership fees will be prorated based on the number of months remaining. Ray Jenkins ARTICLE AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Articles will be accepted through the mail on disk or CDs in the same format. Articles or other submissions to the Mesa 4Wheeler Horn should be sent by or as enclosure in Word format. Send to Editor: Mike Drawsky

14 BUSINESS ADVERTISING Desert Rat Locations

MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER

MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ 85201 http://mesa4wheelers.com MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFF President Lee Coppage 623-266-7556 Vice President Bill Mihailov 480-983-0404