June 2016 Club Meeting Minutes

CFW Club Meeting 6/14/16

Membership Report:

We currently have 42 members and 13 prospective members.

Treasurer’s Report:

Don advised Christie that as of 5/25, we had $3730.83 in checking.

Land Use:

No local updates, but it was noted that China Wall is in pretty good shape as of the last trail run.

Christmas for Kids:

Over $500 was made during the Customer Appreciation raffle held by R&R Offroad! They also collected $120 in donations for food for the club.

Christie and Chrystie will be getting the ball rolling on some meetings to plan further fundraisers. Meeting date and location tbd.

Completed Trip Reports:

5/14: China Wall Cleanup run: Tony Cobb and Heather Bartlet ran the trail with 11 members, 2 prospective members, and one guest.

5/21: RNR Customer Appreciation: They had over 50 rigs and had a great time. They were also able to make a good Forest Service contact, and are looking to “adopt” the playground area of Mini Moab to cleanup.

Upcoming Trail Runs and Events:

6/11: Trail cleanup with Colorado Christian: We have about 18 members signed up to help. Numbers have been turned in to CSC4W for lunches.

6/18: Poker run and campout weekend: Two group members who are meeting up at Rudy’s need to lead groups of participants up to the poker run location. One group to leave at 8:15-8:30, and a second group to leave around 8:40. Check in begins at 9:30.

Extreme Terrain will be donating goodie bags for all participants, a $100 gift card, and stickers. Other raffle prizes have been obtained, and more may come.

Last chance to register for the poker run will be 6/14/16.

6/26/16: Meet N Greet for breakfast, 7 am Western Omelette. Possible trail run to follow depending on what everyone wants to do.

7/9: China Wall Cleanup run led by Christie and Heather. Meet 8 am at Safeway on West Colorado, roll out around 8:30 am.

7/24: Wheeler Lake- led by Tony. Meet up at 7am for breakfast at Western Omelette, roll out at 8:30.

7/30: WOW run to Chinamen’s Gulch, led by Chrystie and Heather. Meet at Rudy’s at 7:30am, roll out at 8am.

8/14: WOW run to Mini Moab to play; there will be a grill and food available for donation to Christmas for Kids. Meet up 8am at Safeway on W. Colorado, roll out at 8:30.

8/20: Slide Lake and Mosquito Pass led by Jon and Heather. Meet at Safeway on W. Colorado 6:00am, roll out at 6:30am.

9/10: Radical Hill & Red Cone- info tbd.

There will also be some fun non-trail runs planned, such as shooting, paintball, mini-golf, go-carts, laser tag, race day, and demolition derby day.

Club Store:

The club store has $62 on hand, as well as a lot of shirts, a few hats, stickers, and eyebrow decals.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

Extreme Terrain will be sponsoring us in exchange for their logo being on the website as well as us putting up a banner at events.

Web site looks good, everyone is appearing to be pleased with the changes. Looking forward to having access to add to the calendar, etc.

In April, 2015, Colorado Four Wheelers decided to host a poker run as a Christmas for Kids fundraiser. It snowed nearly two feet in a lot of areas the night before, and as I led the group up to the poker run from Rudy's that morning, we were sliding on icy roads and then enveloped by fog. Despite the weather, we had a great turnout and a very fun day. Everyone had a great time, so we decided to do it again this year. Except we thought that we would try a bit later in the year to lessen the chance for snow. We waited with bated breath to see what the weather would do, as we had snow,  rain, and sunshine in the weeks and days before our 2016 event.

On June 18th, the Colorado Four Wheelers hosted our second poker run to raise funds for Christmas for Kids. We set up in a large camping area off of Cedar Mountain Road, just outside of Divide, CO. Participants pre-registered this year, and their registration fees covered one trail run and a hand of poker, plus lunch. We gave them the option to run Hackett, Metberry, or Longwater gulches. Co-drivers were also able to play a poker hand. We had 38 vehicles and 61 participants.

Trip leaders Tony Cobb, Brendan Ruggles, and James Marden led the trails, with the assistance of Robert Blohm, Steve Houston, and Robert Stoermer. Everyone had a good time, with only one issue of breakage on the trail.

Back at base camp, volunteers got lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies, chips, and drinks ready. We also got ready for the raffle. We had prizes donated by Frank with Bighorn Automotive in Parker, R&R Offroad in Colorado Springs, and Extreme Terrain, as well as prizes donated by CFW club members.

Between the raffle, registration fees, and food donations, the fundraiser was very successful, bringing in $1407 for the Christmas for Kids charity.

Christmas for Kids is a group of southern Colorado four wheel drive community members who come together every year to partner with our local Department of Human Services. Our goal is to provide Christmas gifts for children in the DHS system who would not otherwise get any gifts. Not only do club members get wish lists from the children and shop for specific kids, but we raise money to provide extra presents that DHS personnel can distribute to families, based on need. We are one of the only organizations that help children who have been emancipated; these children often need the basics of everyday life, such as pots and pans, bedding, or even winter clothing. In 2015, we were able to raise $4693.00 and we sponsored 178 children!With our fantastic start to 2016, we hope to be able to do even more to help children in need in our area!

If you want to help out with Christmas for Kids, please look at the Christmas for Kids Facebook page or email at christmasforkids@gmail.com

April 2016 Club Meeting Minutes

CFW Club Meeting 4/12/16

 

Membership Report:

Steve reports that we have 42 members as of our last meeting, 34 of whom are present at the meeting. We have 12 prospective members. Ryan Seamster was eligible to be voted in and was present at the meeting. He was voted in unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Chrystie reports that our checking has $3282.99; $1500 of that is for land use (from grants), leaving $1782.99 in the general fund. Chrystie needs Tony and Don to set a time to go to the bank with her to get their names on the checking account signature card.

Next Meeting:

The next club meeting, 5/10/16, will be at the Valley Hi Golf Course restaurant again. That will be our last indoor meeting. We move to Bear Creek Park in June.

Land Use:

Tim gave a lengthy update about where we are with the desired China Wall updates; nothing has been decided as of the management plan yet. The Forest Service is still figuring things out, and some decisions should be made in July.

It was reported that the cable near box canyon has been cut and people are going down to the river there. Tim will check with the Forest Service to make sure we can repair things that have already been in place, such as the cable.

Brendan will  keep tabs on COHVCO, Will to report on Tread Lightly, and Howard will keep an eye on Blue Ribbon. They will all work with Tim to keep the club updated.

Christmas for Kids:

Christie and Chrystie haven’t had a chance to talk yet. We have chosen to use the DHS number for this year and see how that works out. We will need a new logo to remove the “Southern District” info. Will Miller, Wayne McGee, and Heather Bartlett offered to help out with the planning of the CFK events. Christie advises that she will need lots of help to plan events and that she is going to try to get involvement from other clubs and even facebook groups that are community minded.

Completed Trip Reports:

3/19 China Wall Cleanup: 11 rigs and Ron Bradley earned a stuck fee for turtling.

4/3 Meet & Greet @ Rudy’s: about 35 rigs showed up. It was very informal. Four different trails run after the meet & greet- China Wall and all three gulches.

Upcoming Trail Runs and Events:

4/24/16 WOW run up Cedar Mountain Road: Meet at Western Omelette at 16 S. Walnut St at 8:00am. Guys who want to drive can either make a $5 donation to the club (for Christmas for Kids), wear barrettes or headbands, wear pink shirts, or do all three!

5/7/16: Breakneck Pass: Led by Steve. Meet at Rudy’s at 7:15, leave by 7:45. – THIS RUN HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

5/14 China Wall Cleanup run: Tony will lead. Meet at Safeway at 8:00, roll out at 8:30. 

6/11 Poker run and campout weekend: Jon is working on the flyers. He plans to limit the trails to 20 rigs each. He is hoping for volunteers to lead and act as tailgunner for the gulches, so 6 people are needed. Also looking for people to help with the planning and actual running of the poker run. Volunteers for trip leader/tailgunner are Tim, Steve, Chris, Brendan, Robert Blohm, and Leif Durham. Wayne McGee also volunteers to help do whatever needed.

Club Store:

No update at this time.

Old Business:

Website:

We are working to update the club website. Cindie Parks is looking into viable options and costs for us.

A club member only Facebook page was created for paying, active members of the club.

New Business:

4/30/16 R&R Offroad Customer Appreciation at Mini Moab- club running the grill for donations. Don will cook, with Tony and Steve as help/backup. James will be bringing the food and the grill. James says he has some Teraflex items for raffle as well as a 50 inch light bar.

OHV stickers: Although not required, the $25.25 for the sticker goes to support our trails, so we encourage everyone to have one.

Size of Runs and a plan of action:

Tony asked for ideas on how to split up groups or manage group sizes. We discussed running multiple trails, having more trail options for people, and the fact that the same five or six people are leading all the trails. We need our club members to start leading trails. The board is available to help them get set up and provide necessary guidance and paperwork.

March 2016 Club Meeting Minutes

CFW Club Meeting 3/8/16

 

Membership Report:

We have 38 active members, 37 of those were represented at the meeting tonight!

Dustin & Sandra Kemp, and Raymond & Billie Jo Warner were all eligible to be voted in, and were voted in with no objections. Membership is now at 41!

We currently have 5-6 prospective members, depending on their continued interest.

Treasurer’s Report:

The checking balance is $2354.81, which includes the $1000 grant for trail repair.

Reminder that club dues are due in March; club dues are $40.00. We can take cash or checks at this time, or you can pay by PayPal on the website.

Next Meeting:

Our next club meeting will be held 4/12/16 at Valley Hi Golf course, 6pm to eat, 7pm for the meeting. They have a large room, with plenty of space, and plenty of parking. After everyone ate, the consensus was that the food was good and that we should stay at this location until we switch to Bear Creek Park in the summer.

Land Use:

No update. We still have $1000 grant to use to repair/improve the China Wall trail, but we are waiting  on the Forest Service to do what they need to in planning the repairs.

Christmas for Kids:

Chrystie Marden is handing the torch off to someone else. Christie Cashatt offered to head up the project this year, and several club members voiced interest in helping.

Completed Trip Reports:

2/20/16 Schubarth Road: This trail lived up to its legend again. 19 rigs initially rolled out, although three went their own way after a bit. Everyone worked together to get all the rigs through some tricky slick snow. Winches and shovels were used a bunch, but everyone had a good time. Some minor body damage in the form of a broken JKU window was inflicted. It was noted that Schubarth didn’t disappoint!

Upcoming Trail Runs and Events:

3/19 China Wall Cleanup, meet at Safeway on W. Colorado at 8:30. Steve Houston leading. Steve will post up with any suggested gear to bring, etc.

4/3 Meet & Greet @ Rudy’s 8:30

Club Store:

Merchandise available for purchase, see Christie Cashatt.

Raffle:

We had a Magnum Shooting Range Membership voucher, a tire deflator and a JK mirror relocation bracket set, plus some hats and some clothing hanger kits.

 New Business:

Elections are again upon us!

Current Officers:

Tony Cobb- President- Nominated and re-elected.

Steve Houston-Vice President-Nominated and re-elected.

Vacant- Secretary-Christie Cashatt nominated and elected.

Chrystie Marden-Treasurer-Chrystie vacates the position and Don Ishmael nominated and elected.

Directors:

Jeremy Gibb and Chris Denton vacate their Board Member positions.

The following members were nominated for Board positions:

Derrick Grinnell

Judy and Gary Miller

Crystelle and Will Miller

Brendan Ruggles

Chris Woolley

Heather Bartlett

Howard Siebert

Pat Nelson

Derrick, Crystelle, Judy, and Gary Miller all declined nomination.

The membership took votes on each of the remaining nominations. All nominees were elected to the Board.

 

The new Board consists of:

Tony Cobb-President

Steve Houston-Vice President

Christie Cashatt-Secretary

Don Ishmael-Treasurer

Pat Nelson-Board Member

Will Miller- Board Member

Chris Woolley- Board Member

Heather Bartlett- Board Member

Howard Siebert- Board Member

Brendan Ruggles- Board Member

 

Meeting adjourned.

Slide Lake and Mosquito Pass 8/1/15

We started the day with 6 rigs; some of our usuals and a very nice new couple who just moved here from Florida a month ago. It was an early start, but we didn't get to the trailhead for Slide Lake until about 9:30. After airing down, we headed off on a very rocky forest service road. There weren't any obstacles, but a few dips and larger rocks to navigate. Much to the delight of some, there were some decent mud puddles and even a small water crossing. We held our breath for a moose sighting, but got nothing. Once we got up out of the trees, we stopped for some photos and a liberal douse of bug spray. The flowers were amazing too!

Then, onward and upward, to the end of the trail for a hike to Slide Lake. For those who are fit, it's probably a short, easy hike. If you have health or altitude issues, it's a little more taxing. But, it was well worth the hike. The lake was clear, not too frigid, and amazingly peaceful. The only other people were fishermen across the lake and a small group of hikers that passed us. It had a remote and almost untouched sense. We ate lunch there, then headed back into Leadville to go toward Mosquito.
Mosquito was nice- the clouds had rolled in and we feared rain but it never materialized. It left the day comfortable when at lower elevation, but a bit brisk the higher we climbed. As we ascended toward the first switchbacks, we met another rig who said that there was a broken down vehicle on the other side of the pass. We continued on, hitting the summit around 3:30 or so. Fortunately, the clouds didn't block the view, and it was awesome. The couple from Florida were amazed that they could just walk to the snow that was still hanging around. As we headed down the far side, we finally came to the rig that was stuck coming up. He was in an SUV that probably shouldn't have been on that trail; he had taken a wrong turn and was hoping the road would get better. Then, he had a blowout and his spare tire was frozen up under the vehicle. He said some other people helped him bust it free, after trying for 2 1/2 hours. Then, his spare wasn't aired up sufficiently. When we came up to him, a couple on an atv were trying to use their little air pump to help him. We said we had a co2 tank and everyone thought that would be much faster. Jon aired him up and the group absorbed him to make sure he could make the bottom safely. We hit the bottom of the trail with no other issues. We even saw a couple marmots, a couple rabbits, a few deer, but no moose! It was a late return, but an awesome trip. Thanks to everyone who went.