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Hellow from Prez Membership Report Enviromental Affairs Special Events Newsletter Editor New Year Wahita Off Road Park Wheeling in Japan 4X NEWS A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE INDIANA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSOCIATION 1ST QUARTER : SPRING 2011 INSIDE THIS ISSUE IFWDA.ORG Fat Boys Jeepers 8th Annual Ground Hog Run, January 29, 2011 By: Marcie Bennett - Fat Boys Jeepers Groundhogs hiding, deer present, decent amount of snow, hidden ice, hidden holes, friends and wheel wielding Jeep nuts behind the wheel. Our fun-filled snow day of Jeep fun started out at the Powerhouse Pizza Restaurant in Camden, Ohio. We left the Powerhouse at 8:30am with 4 Jeeps and friends ready for a fun filled day creating snow many memories. As we turned onto IN 1 North, I received a text message from Scott Sperling, letting us know that the entrance hill to Haspin was a sheet of ice. We placed a phone call to Scott to get the full details of the text message. Upon the approach to Haspin Acres, we could see a line of trucks and trailers on the hill and a line forming at the bottom of the hill. I placed another phone call to Scott to let him know that there were a lot of trucks, trailers and Jeeps trying to get up the hill. He advised that Pete Collins, of Haspin, was en route with the tractor to get a truck and trailer unstuck as someone lost control going up the hill on the way in. We waited at the bottom of the hill for Pete to scrape what he could on the driveway. Once we got the go ahead signal from Pete, we took off with a head of steam up the hill, hoping that the boost would not build and spin the tires on the Duramax. Half way up, we hit the ice and spun just a little bit but were able to keep going. We radioed back to the others to let them know our findings and to keep their momentum without allowing the turbos to build boost. Once up the hill we gathered, paid our admissions, donated our food, unloaded the Jeeps and said let the “Snow Fun” begin! We hit the trails and encountered our first obstacle - the hill play- ground off the main road on the south side of the park. Well, let’s just say the first hill won, poor “Lucy” (our Jeep) taching out of over 3,000 rpms and all we needed was another foot and we would have cleared the obstacle. We tried several times to no avail. Oth- ers in the group chose other lines and made it to the top with only minimal troubles with a little bit of slideways action. At first, it was thought that the day would be spent wheeling on the top trails only. However, we soon learned that we could get around pretty good with a good plan. We wove our way around Haspin...up hills, down hills, through trees, following ridges and looking for hills that were doable with the hopes of NOT playing pinball off the trees. Soon it was lunch and we headed in for a break from the cold and joined the conversation amongst other attending Jeepers. After lunch, we assembled again and headed for the trails. While on the trails, we began to notice that the consistency of the snow from the start of the day had changed and now the trails we more slippery than in the morning as the warmer temps of mid day allowed some snow to melt just enough to make it more fun and challenging. Dur- ing this time on the trails we finally had to pull cable 2 times and it was the only time during the day that cable had to be pulled. We headed back for a break, which allowed a fellow Jeeper, who needed to go home, to load up. We picked up another Jeeper and added his family to the group. They are new members to Fat Boys, Josh, Jackie, Jacob and Johnny Brant. They drove 3 hours from Paris, Illinios to attend their first event as Fat Boys. They pulled an all nighter to go snow wheeling and they weren’t ready to end the fun-filled day of wheeling and head back home. So, we took to the trails again and were soon dubbed the “Church Group”, by a non- event attendee speech slurring, beer holding redneck hillbilly at the top of Devil’s Backbone, who said “I noticed none of ya’ll ain’t holding a beer, are you out here with a church group?” We wheeled until 5:30pm, at that time it was decided NOT to chance this last Gilligan Run and get stuck, stranded or break something in the dark and in the snow. We loaded up and headed for home and wished our new friends safety as they headed for home back to Paris, Illinois. Only a few minor beauty marks to a couple of bumpers and no carnage...a successful Jeepers day! Pat Combs of the Laurel Church of Christ received 4 boxes of canned food and $100.00 for their food pantry on behalf of the wheelers who attended the Ground Hog Run. As always, it is more than a half ton of fun at any Fat Boys Jeepers event. If you missed this run, mark your calenders for next year’s 9th Annual Fat Boys Jeepers Ground Hog Run, January 28, 2012. See you there! (Wayne Sharpe navigating the terrain.) (Howard Hale getting a little bit sideways.) (Max Soliday presenting Pat Combs of the Laurel Church of Christ $100.00 and 4 boxes of canned food for their food pantry.)

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Page 1: 4xNews

Hellow from Prez•Membership Report•

Enviromental Affairs•Special Events•

Newsletter Editor•New Year•

Wahita Off Road Park•Wheeling in Japan•

4XNews A quArterly publicAtioN of the iNdiANA four wheel drive AssociAtioN

1St QuARtER : SPRiNg 2011

iNside this issue

ifwdA.orgFat Boys Jeepers 8th Annual Ground Hog Run, January 29, 2011By: Marcie Bennett - Fat Boys Jeepers

groundhogs hiding, deer present, decent amount of snow, hidden ice, hidden holes, friends and wheel wielding Jeep nuts behind the wheel.

Ourfun-filledsnowdayofJeepfunstartedoutatthePowerhousePizza Restaurant in Camden, Ohio. We left the Powerhouse at 8:30amwith4Jeepsandfriendsreadyforafunfilleddaycreatingsnowmanymemories.AsweturnedontoIN1North,Ireceivedatext message from Scott Sperling, letting us know that the entrance hill to Haspin was a sheet of ice. We placed a phone call to Scott to get the full details of the text message. upon the approach to Haspin Acres, we could see a line of trucks and trailers on the hill and a line forming at the bottom of the hill. i placed another phone call to Scott to let him know that there were a lot of trucks, trailers andJeepstryingtogetupthehill.HeadvisedthatPeteCollins,of Haspin, was en route with the tractor to get a truck and trailer unstuckassomeonelostcontrolgoingupthehillonthewayin.Wewaited at the bottom of the hill for Pete to scrape what he could on thedriveway.OncewegotthegoaheadsignalfromPete,wetookoff with a head of steam up the hill, hoping that the boost would not buildandspinthetiresontheDuramax.Halfwayup,wehittheiceand spun just a little bit but were able to keep going. We radioed backtotheotherstoletthemknowourfindingsandtokeeptheirmomentum without allowing the turbos to build boost. Once up the hill we gathered, paid our admissions, donated our food, unloaded the Jeeps and said let the “Snow Fun” begin!

Wehitthetrailsandencounteredourfirstobstacle-thehillplay-ground off the main road on the south side of the park. Well, let’s justsaythefirsthillwon,poor“Lucy”(ourJeep)tachingoutofover3,000 rpms and all we needed was another foot and we would have cleared the obstacle. We tried several times to no avail. Oth-ersinthegroupchoseotherlinesandmadeittothetopwithonlyminimaltroubleswithalittlebitofslidewaysaction.Atfirst,itwasthoughtthatthedaywouldbespentwheelingonthetoptrailsonly.However,wesoonlearnedthatwecouldgetaroundprettygoodwithagoodplan.WewoveourwayaroundHaspin...uphills,downhills, through trees, following ridges and looking for hills that were doablewiththehopesofNOTplayingpinballoffthetrees.

Soon it was lunch and we headed in for a break from the cold and joined the conversation amongst other attending Jeepers. After lunch, we assembled again and headed for the trails. While on the trails,webegantonoticethattheconsistencyofthesnowfromthestartofthedayhadchangedandnowthetrailswemoreslipperythaninthemorningasthewarmertempsofmiddayallowedsomesnow to melt just enough to make it more fun and challenging. Dur-ingthistimeonthetrailswefinallyhadtopullcable2timesanditwastheonlytimeduringthedaythatcablehadtobepulled.

We headed back for a break, which allowed a fellow Jeeper, who needed to go home, to load up. We picked up another Jeeper and addedhisfamilytothegroup.TheyarenewmemberstoFatBoys,Josh,Jackie,JacobandJohnnyBrant.Theydrove3hoursfromParis,IlliniostoattendtheirfirsteventasFatBoys.Theypulledanallnightertogosnowwheelingandtheyweren’treadytoendthefun-filleddayofwheelingandheadbackhome.So,wetooktothetrailsagainandweresoondubbedthe“ChurchGroup”,byanon-event attendee speech slurring, beer holding redneck hillbilly atthetopofDevil’sBackbone,whosaid“Inoticednoneofya’llain’tholdingabeer,areyououtherewithachurchgroup?”

We wheeled until 5:30pm, at that time it was decided NOt to chance this last gilligan Run and get stuck, stranded or break something in the dark and in the snow. We loaded up and headed for home andwishedournewfriendssafetyastheyheadedforhomebacktoParis, Illinois.Only a fewminor beautymarks to a couple ofbumpersandnocarnage...asuccessfulJeepersday!

Pat Combs of the Laurel Church of Christ received 4 boxes ofcanned food and $100.00 for their food pantry on behalf of thewheelers who attended the ground Hog Run.

Asalways,itismorethanahalftonoffunatanyFatBoysJeepersevent.Ifyoumissedthisrun,markyourcalendersfornextyear’s9thAnnualFatBoysJeepersGroundHogRun,January28,2012.Seeyouthere!

(Wayne Sharpe navigating the terrain.) (Howard Hale getting a little bit sideways.) (MaxSolidaypresentingPatCombsoftheLaurelChurchofChrist$100.00and4boxesofcannedfoodfortheirfoodpantry.)

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April 02, 2011TREC race @ Badlands, Attica, IN

April 10, 2011IOK Swap meet@ Cleves, Ohio

April 16, 2011Red Bird night ride @ Dugger, IN

May 14, 2011Mud Bogs Series - Trojan MX Track - @North Webster, IN

May 21, 2011IFWDA Meeting@ Eastgate Jeep, Indianapolis, IN

May 28, 2011Red Bird night ride@ Dugger, IN

June 02, 2011Jeep Jamboree @ Badlands, Attica, IN

June 04, 2011National Trail Day@ Red Bird or Inter-lake - 9am to close

June 11, 2011Mud Bog Series - Trojan MX Track - @North Webster, IN

June 12, 20114x4 Swap meet TSC @ Goshen, IN

July 02, 20114X Kids Day Camp Riley @

July 02, 2011Red Bird Christmas in July night ride @ Dugger, IN

July 09, 2011Mud Bogs Series - Trojan MX Track - @North Webster, IN

August 5-7, 2011IFWDA Trail Ride & Campout @ French Lick, IN

August 06, 2011Red Bird night ride@ Dugger, IN

August 13, 2011Mud Bog Series - Trojan MX Track - @North Webster, IN

August 13, 2011 TREC race @ Badlands, Attica, IN

August 21, 2011Bears of Blue River parade & picnic @ Sunset Park, Shelbyville, IN

August 21, 2011IFWDA Meeting@ Eastgate Jeep, India-napo-lis, IN

upcomiNg eveNts

Membership director's report.Jeff Hughes

At this time, the association has just over 200 members. With 11 supportingclubs.Theyyearisyoungandthemoremembersweget, the better we can support the sport we love!Ifyouknowofaclubinyourarea,orevenafriendwhoisnotinaclub,trytogetthemtojoin.Youcangivethecluborfriendmye-mail address [email protected] and i can talk to them. if it’s a club that wants to join, i or someone from the board would be willing to attend a meeting.As for the current members, there is some information that we need,inordertokeepcommunicationwitheveryone.Firstofall,someonefromeachclubneedstoverifyspellingandaddressesfor each member of their club.there are a few things i will need from each club.

For EVERY member, I will need Lastname,Firstname,Spouse'sname(last)and(first);MailingAddress;CityStateZipE-mail;Telephone###-###-####;PrimaryClubName;OtherClubMembery/n?;PhysicalAddress,ifdiffer-entfrommailingaddress;EmergencyCallListMemberY/N?;"Pre-ferredContactMethodEmailorSnailMail;"DatePaid;VehicleAlsowiththelist,pleaseletmeknowwhoyourclubwouldliketohaveasacontactperson.(someonewecansende-mailsorcall,aboutIFWDA)

ican’tstressenoughtopleaseverifyspellingandcorrectionstoemails.

AsfortheEmergencycalllist...Thatissomethingthatgotstartedafewyearsago.Basically,itisalistofnamesthatyouwouldcarrywithyou,ifyouaredrivingandyoubreakdownthenyougetthelistandfindanameofsomeoneclosetoyou,andtheywillhelpyouout.Greatadvantageofbeinginacluborassociation.

Hello all from the PrezRob Robbins - IH Owner

How better to start the New Year than with a great Convention, THANKYOU,Southern4X4. In the twentyplusyears I’vebeenassociatedwithIFWDA,I’vemissedveryfew.Ourconventionsarea good time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. As someofyouknowIhadbeenonanextendedvacationandarrivedat the convention driving a VW, not conducive to fourwheeling,butgreatMPG.Fridayeveningwasawesome,tothebestofmyrecollection.

Saturday,arallyandwheelingwasofferedtoallwhodared.Ide-cidedtotakemyownsafetyinhandandtakeupJeremyMorrow’soffertorideshotgun.Hetriedveryhardtoscareme,NOThappen-ing. We had a marvelous time until his left front tire and spindle de-cidedtopartfromthevehicle.Endofhisday,aftersomecreativerepairandacoupleofnudgesfromMyersandboydoesheliketo‘nudge’youfrombehind.Aftersomegooddeepfriedchickenandfries from thesnackshackwhichwasoperatedbyanenergeticyoungman,Jeremywasonhisway.Thanksfordinner,dude!

i was then invited to ride with Jeff Hughes, three men in the back ofS10Blazerwasfun!!Canyousay ‘Neverwheelalone?’Aftersome good crawling around, we found ourselves in an inextricable mudhole,at the topofa ravine justa fewyards fromthepark-inglot.Withallavenuesofgettingoutbyone’sselfexhausted,awinchfinallyshowedupandwasthewayoutofourjam.Thenontheproperwayouttotheparkinglotthroughthewoods,Jeff’s205transfercase,extremelylowonfluid,decideditwasn’tgoinganyfarther.Justafewyardsfromthewoodsexitandrightinthemiddleofthewayout,canyousay‘trafficjam’?

Now with some borrowed tools and a tow and a winch, to get on totrailer,THANKS,BrianRowda,wewerereadyforashowerandsupper.OH,didImentionthatwhiletryingtogetoutofthatmudhole,Jeffhadbackedintoatreesomanytimes,andhisexo-cagewasbentsothathecouldn’tgettohisowntools?Well,wethoughtthatwewereonourway,WRONG.Theparkinglotwassosoftthatmost of the tow rigs needed to be towed. Hope their grass grows back! SORRY.

Back at the hotel, clean clothes were donned and coolers were filled.OfftotheKofC,wewent.ScottSperlingrodeshotgunwithme,FOOL.Thedinnerwasinfullswingbythetimewegotthere,Scottracedin,andfoodwasplentifulandawesome.Thenevery-onewastreatedtoaprizeandagreatliveband.Somecrazycraphappenedasthenightworeon,youhadtobetheretobelieveit,‘Right‘Jeremy,Scott?

Sunday,Iwasmovingalittleslow.ThankstoPattie,themeetingwentsmoothly,notbadformyfirstoneaspresident.Notetoself,go to bed earlier, Sat, NOt. We’re making some changes that i hopewillmakeIFWDArunmoresmoothly,workingthebugsoutas we go.

i would love to see more members of iFWDA attend our annual conventionandquarterlymeetings.IFyou’reoneofthosepeoplewhoiswonderingwhat theassociationcandoforyou,showupandwe’llshowyou!!

PSYoubetterstartplanningnowtobetherenextyear!!!

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Environmental Affairsthe uS Forest Service is undergoing a proposed forest planning rule. As discussed in our recent meetings, this is a public process thattheForestServicegoesthroughevery8-10yearstoformallygo over the proposed forest plan. it is vital that we participate in this process. there will be public meetings held to discuss the proposedplanningrule,aswellastheDEIS(DraftEnvironmentalImpactStatement).the meeting in our area will be held as follows: Hoosier National ForestForestSupervisor’sOffice811 Constitution Ave. Bedford,IN47421March 23, 2011two sessions1:00-4:00 and 6:00-9:00Please make plans to attend one of these meetings. if there is a verbal comment period allocated at thesemeetings,make yourcomments clear, polite, and quick.

BF Goodrich Outstanding Trails ProgramUnitedDelegateRyanSweeneyandIputtogetherashortpieceonwhyInterlakeTrail#19deservestobechosenasoneofBFGoo-drich’s 2011 Outstanding trails. this is being done in conjunction with uFWDA. the nominations will be sent in to uFWDA, and the voting will take place through them as well. We will keep iFWDA members informed about this process, in exchange, we would like everyIFWDAmembertovoteforInterlake.Asareminder,Inter-lakeisoneofonlytwopublicpropertiesinIndianayoucanlegallywheelon.TheotherisRedbird-bothareownedandmanagedbytheIndianaDNR.WeowetheIDNRabigthankyouforprovidingus with these opportunities. it is time to ask ourselves- What have Igivenbacklately?

Interlake Trail Work WeekendBoonieRiders4x4ClubandBluegrass4x4ClubareorganizinganInterlaketrailworkweekend.ThiswillbeheldMarch26-27atIn-terlake.SeveralofusareplanningtocampatLynnvillePark(812)922-5144.Pleasecallaheadforreservationsifyouwishtojoinus.Wewillalsobehostingaworker'sappreciationmealtheeveningofthe26thforanyonewhohelpedoutthatday.

IFWDA Special Events DirectorBy Annette Wheatcraft

Annette is working on details for the Ranch weekend in August. Adding more activities please contact Annette or Max if interested in helping. upcoming event – RedBird-Springnightride–April16–17IronHorse-seriesofMudBogsstartingMay14,IFWDAGeneralmeeting–May21,5pm–Eastgate500NShad-eland, indianapolis (Note–thisisSaturdayperrequestfromEastgate)

PleasecheckIFWDAwebsiteforfullcalendarofevents–ifyourclub would like. thanks.

IFWDA 17th Annual Trail Ride & Campout RendezvousAugust5–7,2011byAnnetteWheatcraft,SpecialEventsDirector

iwouldliketofirstthankalltheclubsandsponsorswhodonatedprizesfortheraffleanddoorprizes,thishelpsmakeitbiggerandbettereveryyear.Alsoapersonalthankstoeveryonethathelp me at registration and vehicle inspection, without their help it would be impossible to make this event run so smooth.

We have gone with the suggestions to move this event up a week for members with school age children. We hope this makesiteasierforourlastbigbangforsummer.Wewillgowiththebreakfastbaragainthisyear,hadprettygoodturnout.Along with the suggestion to extended hours for dinner and breakfast(seeeventscheduleinregistrationformthisissue).Alsonewthisyeara“meetandgreet”inthebarnloftFridaynightwithlightsnacksandbyob–maybealittlefriendlycornholecompetition.Letusknowifyoulikethesesuggestionsornot.

george has been working on some new trails for stock vehicles andextendingotherstrailsotheyconnect.Thisshouldhelpwithnavigationwithinthewoods.WewillhaveIFWDAcertifiedtrailguidestoleaddifferentgroupsfromstock–moderate–modifiedonappropriatetrailstofityourrigandexperienceofwheeling.

ihaveheardalotabout“Lipsticktrailrun”thiswasbeforemytime so i would like someone to volunteer to run or help with this Sundaymorning.

Feel free to email me at [email protected]

LikelastyearwearedoingeventshirtwithyourclublogoonfrontiforderedbyJuly1st.

Please drop a line and thank our dedicated sponsors – WARN (Brian)–Hi-Lift(Tom)–Meyers(Nick)&MoabOffroad(Max)–foralltheydoforIFWDAandoursport.Pluskeeptheminmindwhenyouneednewstuffforyourrig.Let’smakethisrunthebestyet!Getinvolved–itisoursport.

SeeyouonthetrailAnnette

Newsletter EditorBy Emma Dryden

the next issue is going to be printed and i would like to get lots of photosinitsowearegoingtodoalittlecontest.Let’sseehowfarourmembershavegone.WearegoingtodothisbysendingmephotosofyourvehiclewiththeIFWDAlogoonit,indiffrentloca-tons.Telluswhereit’satandwhatyouaredoingthere.Allnameswill be put in a hat and one will be drawn for a small prize at the Augustmeeting.IwillneedallthephotosbyJune4th.Soifyou’replanningaMemorialDayrunoranythingelsebetweennowandthen do not forget the photos.

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New YearBy George & Nancy Thomas

Well, it looks like 2011 is off to a fast start. i was at the indiana Four Wheel Drive (IFWDA)Convention this past weekend.February25 -27,2011. IFWDAhassomenewboardmembersand several clubs seemed enthused and wanting to do things this year.ThisyearIFWDAisbackintoUnitedFourWheelDrivewithFullMembership. That seems to be something everyone is for.DuringtougheconomictimesweneedUnitedandtheyneedus.teamwork and working together is what gets things done. this is a goodthingforanyonewholikesoffroadmotorizedtrailridesandother organized sports.

iamnolongerontheboardofdirectorsbutIamstillveryactiveandcareverymuchforoursport.Itisveryfamilyfriendly.Yougettoseesomeawesomesightsanddothingsyouneverthoughtpossibleinastock4X4vehicle.OnethingthatIalwaysliketoseeandtryto be a part of is getting new people involved in our sport. iFWDA istryingtodothatinanewwaythisyear.Wealwaysencouragememberstotrytogetnewpeopleinvolved.Theoneswiththenicebuilt up Jeeps get lots of attention and good conversation starters. Whensomeonetellsyouthatyouhaveanicerig,that’sthetimetoasktheirinterestiftheyhaveoneandiftheybelongtoacluborifthey’veeverbeenoff-road.Iftheydon’tbelongtoaclub,orhaveneverreallybeenoffroadthenthat’sagoodtimeto invite themto something to check it out. i’m sure that most iFWDA members are likeme. If they invite someone to something then they aregoingtotakethemundertheirwingsotospeakandseethattheyhaveagoodtimeandenjoythemselves.Youcandothisacoupleofways.Onebytakingthemwithyou,eitherinyourvehicleandmaybeevenletthemdrivesomeoneasystufforbyguidingthemin their vehicle and taking the time to get to know them some and whattheycandowiththeirvehicle.Ifyouhaveabuiltuprig,andtheyarebonestockmaybeyougetboredoneasytrails.Ifthisisthecasetrytoputthemwithsomeonewhohasavehiclesimilartotheirsonlyexperiencedandlikeshelpingnewpeople.I’moneofthosewhogetcaughtinthemiddlehere.Letmeexplain.IamluckyenoughtodoacoupleofJeepJamboreesayearasatrailguide.Lastyearat theBadlandsNancy (mywife)and Idid thelowerlevelstocktrails,AttheFrenchLickJeepJamboreewedothetoughesttrails.That iswhatourJeepswerebuilt for.Asyoucan imagine, there is a big difference in trails, vehicles and people. ThatwasthefirstJeepJamboreeattheBadlandsandwehadlotsoffirsttimersinourgroup,mostlylatemodelJK’s.NormallyyoumoveuptheseconddaybutourgroupwantedtostaytogethersowedecidedSaturdaywouldbeladiesday.TheguyswoulddriveFriday,theladiesonSaturday.Itworkedoutgreatandeveryonehadablast.AttheFrenchLickJeepJamboreewehavethesamegroup forbothdays.Dependingon the trail ratingofyourgroupthere are several groups revolving around the property and allgroupsgettodoabouteverythingontheproperty.StockgroupsmayjustcrossorgodownsomethingsandthebuiltupJeepstakethehardcoretrailtothetop.Wetrytomakeitsoeverygrouphasfun and gets opportunities to see the built Jeeps in action.

throughtheyearswehaveseenseveralJeepsgofromStocktoBuilt.More liftandbiggertires.Weallstartedsomewhereanditisgreatseeingwhereweendup.Nothingwillevergiveyoumorepleasure than seeing the smiles and looks on peoples faces when theydosomethingforthefirsttime.Priceless!

Along with the return to 100 percent iFWDA members in united also camethepushtotrytogetmorepeopleinvolved.SomemembersofIFWDA(Clubsandtheirmembers)havebeenworkingforyearstopromoteoursport.TheydidalotattheIndy4XJamboreeandtruck show at the indiana State Fair grounds in September. A coupleofyearsagotheIndianaDepartmentofNaturalResourcesstarted Outdoor Adventure at Fort Harrison State Park not far from

the State Fairgrounds. the goal is to kind of have the two events worktogetherforatotalfamilyexperience.IFWDAgotinvolvedacoupleofyearsagobydoingtrailridesfortheparticipants.Onethingthatwasfiguredoutrightawaywasthekidsloveditandtheywantedtobeinanopentopvehicle(likeaJeepWranglerwithoutatop,buttheydidn’treallycarefortheCherokeewitharoofoverthem.SoyoucanseeIFWDAreachesoutinmanyways.

For years IFWDA has always promoted Safety, Education, andRecreation within its clubs and with its members. Now theywant to take it a step further by offering a 101 course. Kind ofatravelingcoursetypethingthatcouldbeputonatdealershipsor off-road parks or even as a club function in a parking lot. With a commongoalofeducatingpeopleaboutsafetyandrecreationwith4 wheel drive vehicles from the smallest to the largest. Also at the sametimetheywouldliketogetnewmembersforclubs,andtheassociation. i think this is a fabulous ideal that will take some time togetrollingbutwillbegreatwhenitgetsthere.IfthishasyourcuriositygoingandyouwanttobecomeapartofitgetaholdofIFWDABODmembersandtheywillworkwithyou.

SeveralIFWDAclubsdodifferentthingsduringtheyear.StartinginJanuaryFatboyJeepershastheGroundHogrun.Ididn’tmakeitthisyeartTurbotroublewithmytowrig,Luckily it was just a boot needed replaced but just didn’t haveenoughpowertogetmethere.Thenthere’sthingsallyearfromthenon.LiketheConventionthispastweekend.Itwasawesome!Special thanks to Southern indiana for hosting it.The Badland’s at Attica Indiana host Guided Trail Rides eachmonth.Checkthemoutifyouareinterestedinsomethinglikethat.Theseareawayforsomeonenewtooff-roadingtogettheirfeetwetyetstillbesafeandnotgetinovertheirheadsrightawayandhave a bad experience.

inAugustIFWDAhasaTrailRideandCampOutdownbyPaioliIndiana.GuidedTrailRidesforIFWDAMembersOnly.Greatevent!Ifyouarenotyetamemberjoinnowandgetsignedup.

getInvolved.Stayinvolvedandaskotherstodoit,too.thank You!

Washita Off Road ParkBy Annette Wheatcraft

Wedecidedtotrythisplaceafterseeinganarticlein4Wheelermagazine. Washita off Road Park is located in Farmington, Missouri.Thisparkisfairlynew-only4yearsold,anditboastswellover1,000acresoflandandover20milesoftrails.Theydooffer camping and have limited facilities. the trails are designed toappealtoawidevarietyofskilllevels.There’severythingfromeasystuffastockercandotowild‘ncrazychallengesthatwillkeep the most hardcore wheeler entertained. the trails could use abettermarkingsystembutnothinglikegettinglostinthewoodsasanadventure.Thepropertyhaslotsofrockyareasandsomeawesome overlooks that make a great place to stop and have lunch. Check parks website www.washitaoffroadtrail.com give themacallandcheckthemoutonyournextadventure.

HappyWheeling

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Wheeling in JapanBy: Kevin Ludwig

Hello, I’mAirForceSSgtKevinLudwig.Currently I’mon touratYokotaABintheTokyoMetropolitanarea.I’mabouttomarrytheeditorofthispublication,sonaturallyshewantedmetowriteanarticle for iFWDA. i have been wheeling a couple times with her andherfamilysoIamsomewhatfamiliarwithwheelingintheUSAsoIdecidedIwouldfindouthowtheydoitinJapan.

About 2 weeks ago i spotted a little truck at the base lemon lot. it’s a92SuzukiJimny,3Cyl,turbo,4x4,andwithnopowersteering.ItestdroveitandIwashooked.Twoofmyfriendswhoareabouttoleavethebasealsohad4x4’ssowedidwhatanybodyinthatsituationwoulddo….let’sgooff-roading.SoSundaywesetoffinourlittleconvoyguidedbywhatappearedtobeadirtbiketrackon an iPhone. the place turned out to be 35 miles northwest of centralTokyo.Theparkwaslocatedaboveamineofsomesortnearariver.WehappenedtofindaNARROW path that ran along the top of the river’s surge wall. We spotted what turned out to be aJapaneseJimnyClubinthedistanceandheadedthatway.Thenthere it was, a path headed right where we wanted to go. i locked myhubsandtookoffthroughthebrushandthemud.Weweren’table to partake of the course the club had set up as all our trucks were stock. We watched them for a while then went out to explore thepark.Weeachfoundourownwayofgettingfromonepointtotheotherbasedonwhatourvehiclescoulddoorwheretheycouldfit.My truckwasalmosthalf thesizeof theother two.NaturallyIgotmorecomfortabledrivingandsoonas Idecided to try thatone path that earlier i would have refused....WHAM…. stuck. No damagewasdonetothetruck, justmyego.Thetruckwashighcenteredonnotevenafootandahalftallbumpinamudhole.Mydoorwouldn’topenmorethananinchandtheJimnyissosmalli couldn’t get out over the gear shift or through the window. So i satpatiently,bangingmyheadagainstthesteeringwheelwaiting.Aftermy“swift”rescueweclimbedtheonlyhillintheareaandgota better view. the park was more than just an off-road park. there wasanair-soft/paintballfield,soccer,baseball,andafewdirtbiketracksaround.Wehitacouplemorepaths thenendedourdayplaying inwhat Isworewasactuallyaconstructionsitepartiallyflooded.It’shardtotell,butthat’slifeasanAmericaninJapan.

2liter4CYLAWDHondaCRV,SuzukiJimny660CC,3CYL,Turbo/Inter-cooled,MitsubishiPajeroV6)Below(JapanniesJimnygroup)

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9th Annual IFWDA-Bradford Woods/Camp Riley 4XKIDS DAY

Sponsorship Form

IndianaFourWheelDriveAssociationwillbehostingthe9thAnnualBradfordWoods/CampRiley4XKIDSDAYatCampRileyonJuly2,2011.Weprovidetheopportunitytoapproximately200campersandstafftoexperiencetheexcitementof4X4OffRoadtrailridesatCampRiley.ManycampersatCampRileyhavedisabilitiessuchasCerebralPalsy,SpinaBifidaorDownSyndrome,andhaveneverhadachancetorideoffroad.ThiseventistrulyoneofthehighpointsduringtheirstayatCampRiley.

Aneventshirtwillbegiventoeachcamper,participantandsponsor.Wehadover300shirtsprintedlastyearandtheeventcontinuestoonlygetbiggerandbettereachyear!Theparticipantshaveasmuchfunasthecampers!

Tooffsettheexpensesfortheday’sactivities,weareaskingforyoursupport.SpaceonthebackofeachT-shirthasbeenreservedtorecognizeyourhelp.CorporatesponsorsandIFWDAmemberclubswillhavetheirlogosprinted,andindividualdonorswillbelistedbynameonthebackofeachshirt.ThefrontoftheshirtincludesafullcolorgraphicfeaturingRiley’sChildrenFoundation,IFWDA,and4XKIDSDAYlogos,creatingagreatlookingshirtthatyouwillbeproudtowearatfutureoffroadevents.

Pleaseplantoparticipateinthisgreatevent!Listedbelowaresuggestedlevelsofsupport…

Corporate Sponsorship -- includes two color oversized logo along shoulder..…………….$200.00

IFWDA Member/Corporate Sponsorship -- includes one color club logo featured with iFWDA logo…$100.00

Individual Sponsorship--Includesyournameorhonoreename……………….…………...$50.00

Asanaddedbonustofinishaperfectday,allsponsorsareinvitedtoanAll-You-Can-Eatdinnerat6pm.Additionalinformationandlocationwillbesentwithyourdonationreceipt.

Allsponsorsshouldunderstandthatthisisagiftdonationshirtandnotaprimarysourceofadvertising.Sponsorparticipationlevelswilldeterminethecolor,layout,andtypeofshirtsbeingprovided.PleasefillouttheformbelowandsendbackassoonaspossiblebutnolaterthanJune13,2011.Thankyouinadvanceforyoursupport!_____________________________________________________________________________________________Questionsoradditionalinformation:ScottSperling,IFWDA/CampRiley4xKidsDayCoordinatorat765-933-7040oremail:[email protected]

Pleasecompletethisformandsendbacksowecanreserveaspotonoureventshirtforyou.

FullName/Business:____________________________________________________________

BusinessAddress:_____________________________________________________________

City:_______________________________State:________________Zip:________________

Phone:_______________________________Email:__________________________________

CorporateSponsor@$200.00:__________________________________________IFWDAMemberClub/CorporateSponsor@$100.00:________________________Individualorhonoree@$50.00___________________________________________Additionaldonationamount$______________by__________________________Totalcheckamount:____________PleasemakecheckpayabletoIFWDA.Postinmemoarea,“2011CampRiley4XKIDSDAYShirtSponsorship”.

MaywecontactyouforsupportofCampRiley4XKIDSDAY-2011?Yes______No_____

Mailto:ScottSperling,2500WernleRoad,Richmond,Indiana47374

PLEASEdonotfaxcopyofart.Pleasesupplyanelectroniccopyofyourlogotocssjeep@comcast.net .Ifyoudonothaveanelectronicrenderingofyourlogo,pleaseincludeahardcopywithyourdonation.Note:Businesscardslogosdonotreproducewell.

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FAT BOYS JEEPERS OUTDOOR 4X4/OFFROAD SWAP MEET

(Rain or Shine)

June 25, 2011 Buy – Sell – Trade

ANYTHING 4X4 OR OFFROAD RELATED WELCOME

Wayne County 4-H Fairgrounds

861 N Salisbury Road Richmond, Indiana 47374Starts at 10:00am – 4:00pm

$10.00 booth space(includes admission onto fairground property)

Concessions available on-siteFor more questions- contact

Max Soliday 765/960-5857 or Scott Sperling 765/993-7040

Feel free to checkout www.fatboysjeepers.com

for more information or any last minute changes

NO ALCOHOL PERMITTED ON 4-H FAIRGROUND PROPERTY

Fat Boys Jeepers not responsible for damage, theft and/or accidents

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OFF ROAD TRAIL RODS OUTDOOR 4X4/OFFROAD SWAP MEET

(Rain or Shine)

SUNDAY

June 12, 2011buy – sell – trade

ANYTHING 4X4 OR OFFROAD RELATED

TRACTOR SUPPLY CO2323 LINCOLNWAY E GOSHEN IN 46526

(Across from super WAL-MART)

Vendors show up at 6:00Selling runs from 7:00am – 4:00pm

$10.00 booth space

PORT-A-PIT available on-sitefor more questions- contact

curt haberstich (574) 538-1687 or mike meeker (574)536-0806Jeff hughes (574)596-4991 or mike french (574)238-7427

OFF ROAD TRAIL RODS not responsible for damage, theft and/or accidents

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Rob [email protected]

Patti [email protected]

Dee Bubel SecretaryUFWDA [email protected]

Sandy Dryden [email protected]

Ron [email protected]

Gary & Kathleen Snyder Public Relations [email protected]

Annette Wheatcraft &Max SolidaySpecial Events [email protected]

Rich Reisz & Mike HughesEnvironmental Affairs [email protected]

Ryan Sweany & Gus KisseeUFWDA [email protected]@gmail.com

Emma Dryden Newsletter [email protected]

Jeff Hughes [email protected]

Scott SperlingCommunications [email protected]

officers

ifwdA.org

17th Annual IFWDA Trail & Camp Rendezvous - The RanchAugust 5, 6 & 7th, 2011Due to date change all registration need to be postmark by July 1st.Late Registrations after July 1st will be $75.00 per adult and $45.00 per child.

Saturday dinner included with entry.

1. Phone: (________)________-__________ Email:_______________________________________________2. Club Affiliation:___________________________no IFWDA club include $30 _________________________3. Name:_________________________________________________________________________________4. Address:_______________________________________________________________________________5. City, State, Zip:__________________________________________________________________________6. Type of Vehicle:__________________________________________________________________________7. Type of Trail: Easy _________ Moderate _________ Hard _________8. Estimated Day & Time of Arrival: ____________________________________9. # of Adults @ $55 ea._______________________________________10. # of Children (6-10) $32 ea. (Please provide age and gender of children) (5 and Under Free)# Boys ______________________ #Girls _______________________11. Weekend Camping – Handled by “The Ranch” check in at office upon arrival.12. Friday night adult dinner @$15 each _____________ child dinner @$12 each _____________13. Saturday adult breakfast @ $10 each ____________ child breakfast @$8 each ___________14. Sunday adult breakfast @ $10 each ____________ child breakfast @$8 each ___________15. Wilstem Tee Shirt Order @ $15 Per Shirt: Select SizesSmall: ________ Medium: ________ Large: ________ XL: ________ XXL: ________ XXXL: ________

Make checks payable to IFWDA and mail with this registration form to:ANNETTE WHEATCRAFT2697 S OLD US 31FRANKLIN, IN 46131No refunds on registration, lodge or cabin fees

Schedule of EventsFriday, August 5, 2011Tech:9am-6:00pm–Whitedriveinbarn-mandatoryRegistration–10am–8pm–(LoftBigRedBarn)–mandatoryLodgingcheck-inandcampset-up:RanchOffice-3:00pm-???–mandatoryTrailRide:noon-6:00pm–withIFWDAcertifiedtrailguideDinner:5:30pm–7:30pm(LoftBigRedBarn)musthaveticketCornHolePractice–meetandgreet–7pm-??(LoftBigRedBarn)

Saturday, August 6, 2011Tech:7am–8am–Whitedriveinbarn-mandatoryBreakfast:6am–8am(LoftBigRedBarn)musthaveticketRegistration:7:00am-8:30amLoftBigRedBarn)–mandatoryDriver’sMeeting-8:30am–(LoftBigRedBarn)-mandatoryLineUp:8:45am–withIFWDAcertifiedtrailguideTrailRide:9:00am-12:00pm(noon)Lunch:12:00pm(noon)-1:00pmTrailRide:1:00pm-6:00pm–withIFWDAcertifiedtrailguideDinner:5:30pm–7:30pm(LoftBigRedBarn)includedwithentryRaffle&Party:7pm-12:00am(LoftBigRedBarn)CornHoleCompetition–meetandgreet-afterraffle(LoftBigRedBarn)

Sunday, August 7, 2011Breakfast:7:30am–9:30am(LoftBigRedBarn)musthaveticketLodgingcheckoutanddepartureby1pm

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4 Wheels To FreedomPOBox342Shelbyville,IN46176

4XFools Offroad Club1402 Adams StreetUrbana,IL61802

Boonie Riders 4WD Club 7374E.CR.700N.Grandview,In.47615

Damaged Off-Road ‘RZ’P.O. 34159 indianapolis, iN 46234

Fat Boys Jeepers6142 Franklin RoadHagerstown,IN47346

Iron Horse 4x4’sP.O.Box668Beecher,IL.60401

J. P. Frog Off-Roaders 6840 Norena Court Brownsburg,IN46112

MOJO Offroad Club3074OldSTRD37greenwood, iN 46143

Monroe County 4x4 Club8712N.Mt.PleasantRd.Gosport,IN.47433

North Central Indiana Free-Wheelers130 N. Elm St.BunkerHill,IN46914

Odd Squad1760North5thStreetCharleston, illinois 61920

On the Trail 4WD P.O.Box632Oakland,IL.61943

Ruffriders POBox83goshen, iN 46526

SWAK- Safe Wheelers of All Kinds44McKinleyBlvd.TerreHaute,IN47803

Southern Indiana 4x4 Club173SEastStCrothersville,IN47229SeymourIn47274

indiana four wheel drive Association573 co. rd. 700Ntoledo, il 62468

www.ifwda.org

ifwdA.org

ifwdA member clubs

did you know?

ThisisAnnette’snewfavoritesonghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ_RTFfa8-o.Itwasplayedattheconventionifyouwerethere.ThereareseveralmorevideosoutonYouTubeifyouwanttocheckthemout.