San Diego Off-Road Coalition

March 1999

Our March meeting will be Tuesday the 2^nd, at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard at the corner of Ruffin Road. Their phone number is 619.279.6700. A buffet including all-you-can-eat pizza, salad and soft drinks for $7.00 will commence at 6:00 p.m., and the meeting proper will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring some extra money for raffle tickets. Each month the pot gets bigger and the prizes get better. As with all our income, proceeds go to toward preserving and increasing our off-highway recreation opportunity.

It is with deepest sorrow that I report the passing of Herman Schneider on Sunday, February 21, from a long battle with cancer.

As Director of Legislation and Natural Resources Herman was, for many years and in many ways, the driving force behind SDORC. It was largely at his urging that the Coalition reactivated under the leadership of Harold Soens to fight against the "Desert Protection Act." Herman was well known and widely respected in Sacramento and Washington and amongst the OHV community.

Herman had been for many years the lead volunteer ranger in the Imperial Sand Dunes. He put in countless hours there, primarily helping people who needed it. He and his three-wheeler will surely be missed in the dunes.

Herman was a storehouse of knowledge in the off-road arena. He knew more about the environmental aspects of our sport than most so-called environmentalists do. He knew the people involved in the OHV community, and understood the history. His counsel will be sorely missed.

Herman unselfishly spent a considerable amount of time and his own money in pursuit of our form of recreation. He wanted to preserve it for his grandchildren and theirs.

It was primarily at Herman’s insistence that I became involved in SDORC. But I’ve forgiven him for that.

There will be a burial service for Herman on Friday, March 5 at 1 p.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery. There will also be a memorial service on Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m. at the Del Cerro Baptist Church, 5512 Pennsylvania Lane, La Mesa. Herman’s widow Virginia suggests, for those who so desire, either flowers or donations to American Cancer Society.

We’ll miss you, Herman. Happy trails my friend.

A local east county riding area known as the "Meadows" is being threatened with closure. Located on private property in the Crest/Rios Canyon/Granite Hills area of east El Cajon, this 2600 acre area has been used since the 60’s for OHV, equestrian, mountain biking and hiking.

Local opposition to a proposed housing development by the Gattlin Development Company has led to possible public acquisition of the area. Unfortunately, the public acquisition process has resulted in the Nature Conservancy recently acquiring title and they are attempting to sell it to the California Department of Fish and Game. Fish and Game is proposing the property be classified as an "Ecological Reserve". Ecological Reserves are one of the State’s most restrictive open space categories. There are some 99 reserves located throughout the State including San Diego. Some of these reserves ban most public access including horses, mountain bikes, camping and of course, dirt bikes.

The San Diego Off-Road Coalition is working closely with other local groups including the Crest Community Association and the "E-Crestrians", a local horse club.

We are proposing local ownership and management of the area with more focus on public access and recreation than with hard core preservation. We want to see this preserved as public open space that allows both motorized and non-motorized recreation.

We need your help.

The State Wildlife Conservation Board will be meeting on March 2, 1999 in Sacramento to consider funding this reserve. We need to send them letters and phone calls supporting public ownership but not as an "Ecological Reserve". We are also asking them to hold this public meeting in San Diego, not in Northern California.

We could also use your help attending meetings and telling your friends and neighbors or any civic groups that you are associated with about this.

Please start with this list to call and write:

Wildlife Conservation Board
Attn: W. John Schmidt, Director
Re: "Crestridge Ecological Reserve"
801 K Street, suite 806
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.445.8448

Supervisor Diane Jacobs
1600 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101
619.531.5522 or 800.852.7322

Assemblyman Steve Baldwin
8419 La Mesa Blvd., suite B
La Mesa, CA 91941
619.465.7723

Mayor Mark Lewis
City of El Cajon
200 E. Main
El Cajon, CA 92020
619.441.1788

Senator Steve Peace
7877 Parkway Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91941
619.463.0243

Following is a sample letter that you may use as a guide for your own letter or simply sign and address it and send it in as your own:

Wildlife Conservation Board
801 K Street, Suite 806
Sacramento, Ca. 95814
(916) 445-8448
Fax (916) 323-0280

Atten: W. John Schmidt, Executive Director

Re: Crestridge Ecological Reserve, San Diego, Ca.

Dear Director Schmidt,

It is my understanding that the State is proposing purchasing a 2600-acre property known as the Crestridge property. The State Department of Fish and Game would be managing it as a "State Ecological Reserve".

Although I support keeping this property as open space, I am strongly opposed to this property being acquired and managed as a State Ecological Reserve. The management guidelines for Ecological Reserves are unsuitable to the surrounding communities. Public support for preserving this open space is based on existing public recreational access. This open space should be locally owned and locally managed. The department of Fish and Game is an unacceptable public entity to own/manage this property.

I also object to the public meetings being held in Sacramento. All meetings should be held here in San Diego where the affected public can provide input and testimony.

The Wildlife Conservation Board should reject this funding proposal until a more suitable proposal is developed.

Respectfully submitted,

Much to my surprise and chagrin, the equestrians encountered some heavy opposition to their plan - mostly from younger SDORC members who are four-wheel drive enthusiasts. The major opposition stemmed from the assumption that trails groomed to equestrian requirements would not be suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. Also, that horses cannot be expected to co-exist on trails designed for OHV’s. Therefore, horses should have their own trails separate from OHV trails.

My first reaction to the opposition is that the days of having enough public land available for actual public use to afford separate trails for every user are over. Within the current political environment, all we ever hear about is how public lands are being shut down to human use to protect all of the other creatures and plants on this planet earth. I can’t remember when I last heard of a new area being opened for public use. If we ever expect to stop this trend towards removing humans entirely from public lands, it is mandatory that all users join forces. Most actual users of public lands believe that a compromise is possible where endangered species can be protected and the Homo Sapiens species can also enjoy the occasional use of public lands.

With regard to the potential conflict between equestrians and OHV’ers using the same trails, let me first say that I have been riding horses and OHV’s for over 40 years. I believe that experience qualifies me to comment on the issue. During that 40-year period I have continually heard comments by members of one group that members of the other group are troublemakers and don’t belong on their trails. While it is true that some members of each group are troublemakers (just like members of any other group), most OHV’ers and most equestrians are willing to work with other users of public lands to maximize land use compatibility as much as possible. All it takes is a little courtesy and understanding of the other riders’ needs.

• I firmly believe that perfect parallels can be drawn between equestrians and OHV’ers (perhaps between mountain-bikers and other users as well). For example:
• No rider should attempt any trail on which he or she is not qualified to ride.
• No rider should attempt any trail without the appropriate equipment.
• Most trails that an equestrian can negotiate, a capable OHV rider, with an appropriate OHV can also negotiate.
• Most trails that an OHV rider can negotiate, a capable equestrian, with a properly trained and experienced horse, can also negotiate.
• OHV’s are not a threat to experienced equestrians with well trained horses, although, since there are many less qualified equestrians on trails, OHV riders should show courtesy for fellow trail users and idle down or pull to the side when passing equestrians.
• Horses are not a threat to experienced OHV riders with capable vehicles. However, since there are many less qualified OHV riders on trails, equestrians should show courtesy for fellow trail users and pass OHV’s at a walk or while leading their horses, if necessary, depending on the training given their mounts.
• All trail users should get involved and work with other users to retain as much of our public trail system as possible so that our grandchildren and their children still have some kind of a trail riding experience available to them.

So, I contend that it is vital that all users of public lands start working together. "UNITED WE MIGHT STAND." Divided we are losing ground daily. Those who would eliminate all humans from our public lands are committed to the divide-and-conquer concept. And it is working for them. It is time to get involved!

In November last year the SDORC signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Cleveland National Forest to establish a general framework for cooperation. This basically says that we agree to work together on projects that will benefit the forest and its users. Such projects can include planning, coordinating, designing, developing and maintenance of all OHV areas and trails within the Cleveland National Forest.

The MOU represents a formal acknowledgement of the relationship that has developed over the last year or so between the two organizations and also will allow the SDORC to apply for grants to help support the OHV opportunities and facilities in the Cleveland National Forest. We are looking forward to continued good relations with the Forest in working to maintain and improve OHV areas they currently provide which include Corral Canyon, Wildomar and designated Green Sticker trails. Contact the Coalition for more information.

The Coalition in cooperation with the Cleveland National Forest submitted a grant application to fund trail repairs and install signs at major trail intersections in the Corral Canyon OHV area. The grant is requesting funds from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), formerly the National Recreational Trails Fund Act or the Symms Act, which is a federally funded program administered here by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. These funds are designated for acquisition, construction, development and maintenance of recreational trails and trails related projects.

The grant application that we submitted is requesting funds to rent and transport a Sweco trail machine to repair damaged trail sections and for signs to mark the trails for identification. The grant program requires matching funds that will be provided in the form of salaries from Cleveland National Forest personnel and by volunteer help from the Coalition members and others. We had hoped to be able to do the trail repair this spring at the end of the rainy season while the ground is still moist but due to timing may have to wait until next spring. Decisions on grant award recipients should be made in the next month or so. Hopefully money could be available this summer to put the signs in. We’ll let you know as soon as we can. Meanwhile, if you or your organization is interested in participating in this program please contact the SDORC or me.

A new concrete water crossing has been completed at the creek crossing on the road going up to the Four Corners Trailhead. This project was financed by green sticker grant funds and is designed to protect the endangered frogs or toads that live along the creek bed. Without this our access to the Corral Canyon OHV Area could have been in jeopardy due to the threatened status of the little critters. Please use the new crossing and stay out of the streambed so we can continue to enjoy this great off-road area. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

According to Eric Corens, of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), this first-time extravaganza drew more than 230 off-highway vehicles and over 500 participants to the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA).

Corens, who has been orchestrating the MDA event for the past seven months, said, "in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t believe the amount of participation and outpouring of generosity. It was because of the support and dedication of the California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, the San Diego Off-Road Coalition, the California Off-Road Vehicle Association and the Los Pretot’s Desert Club and their members that this event was such a resounding success," Corens said.

The first group to register and head out into the desert was the four-wheel drive contingent. Phyliss Enoch, of Highland, a committee member from the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, explained that the four-wheelers could choose from three different types of trips. "We offered everything from a difficult run that challenged man and machine to a moderate trip designed for sport utility vehicle owners," she said.

Frenchie La Chance, of Ramona, served as trail boss on the SUV trip. "With so many people buying into the SUV market, we thought this type of run would be very popular with many people who have never been off the highway," said La Chance. Popular it was. Thirty participants spent the day visiting park sites such as the Shell Reef Expressway, the Gas Dome Mud Pots and the Pumpkin Patch. "I think these folks experienced a wonderful trip and for many of them, it was the first time they had ever put their rig into four-wheel drive," La Chance said.

Corens explained that the other major activity for the day was a Buggy-Bike Round Up that attracted dirt bikers, sand rails, Baja bugs, and ATV enthusiasts.

Harold Soens, of Santee, a member of the Los Pretot’s Desert Club, said that his organization was responsible for registration and setting up the various check point events for the poker run.

"Our club gets involved with many community events throughout the year, as we want to help and share with those who are less fortunate than we are," said Soens. "We were absolutely astonished at the tremendous turnout today and we are already starting to make plans for next year’s MDA event."

The first stop on the Buggy-Bike trip was "desert bowling." Participants carried a bowling ball to the top of a sand dune and had to roll the ball over sand and rocks toward the 10 bowling pins located approximately 75 yards away.

The majority of the OHV bowlers completely missed all of the pins, however, Ed Waldheim, president of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, hit the pins squarely and scored the first strike of the day. "This is really a great event," Waldheim said. "Just look over there at those people cheering as their friends take a turn at sand bowling."

Brad Fouchey, of Solana Beach, has been riding motorcycles in this park for the past 25 years. "I thought I had seen it all, but I must admit that I have never seen sand bowling in my lifetime," Fouchey said. "This is so much fun, it’s family oriented, and it is going for such a good cause."

Other check points included "driving blind," where the driver is blindfolded and the partner must provide verbal instructions to the driver throughout the course and "desert golf," where participants tried to chip a golf ball into a paper cup located about 25 yards away.

Once all the participants completed their events and trips, they gathered at the Ocotillo Wells Fire Station for dinner and special camaraderie.

Special guests at dinner were the Lovrien family who have twin sons, Bentley and Brandon, both of whom have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. "Our hearts were touched to see such a big turnout of individuals and families for such a great cause," said the boys’ mother, Lynn Lovrien. "The boys are aware that the money raised by the off roaders helps pay for their summer camp, but most importantly, it keeps the medical research going to find a cure to stop Muscular Dystrophy in its tracks."

All participants were encouraged to collect donations from sponsors to support their participation in Off-Road for Hope. Sharon Sullivan of San Diego raised $1,500 and received the top prize provided by BF Goodrich.

"Because of the interest in this year’s Off Road for Hope and the sponsoring organizations’ commitment to MDA," said Corens, "we are already planning for a two-day event in 2000 on February 5 and 6."

For more information on next year’s Off-Road for Hope 2000 event and MDA, contact Eric Corens at (619) 492-9792.

I had the pleasure to attend the recent trials riders event held at Corral Canyon on Sunday, February 21. This type of motorcycle competition ranks up there with (or beyond) the X-Games style of performance. This event was a huge success with 57 entrants representing five clubs from around the state.

National Champ Geoff Aaron was there, along with other big names in the field Jared Malmquist, Kevin Norton, Kevin Geyer and John Robertson. The event sported six classes, some with A and B subclasses. There were 11 challenging sections and each rider had to make three circuits through them.

If you have never experienced observed trials, take the next opportunity you get. It is wild to watch and you won’t believe what these guys will do with two wheels and no seat! Next local opportunity to see these crazy riders will be April 17-18 at Reed Lake (East of Temecula).

Please call Dennis Reamer at 619.423.0046 for more info.

LESAR, the group that provides search and rescue and emergency medical service at the Fud desert races, has changed hands. Mike Cuff is now the President, Ed Houston is the Vice President, Bryan Saasta is the Treasurer and Rick Wessels is the Secretary.

They are a non profit organization and are actively soliciting volunteers to assist them. They need 4x4’s, EMT’s, sweep riders, medically trained personnel, atv riders, etc. Give them a call at 760.358.7226, write them at LESAR, P.O. Box 338, Ocotillo, Ca. 92259 or you can e-mail to ocopf@inreach.com.

Over the past two desert camping seasons there has been a new form of entertainment out at the Gordon’s Well recreational area in the Imperial Sand Dunes. This new entertainment is getting more and more popular every weekend. This new phenomenon is called "Sand Drags". On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, around 3:00 or so, if you look out to the east from your camp in the "Dune Buggy Flats" camping area, you will see the gathering of racing enthusiasts of incredible proportions. These people are gathering to see one thing and one thing only, anything that goes fast.

Spectators line up on imaginary lines down either side of the Sand Highway. At first glance, this activity seems fun and entertaining. Who doesn’t like to watch a good race? Yet the more you look around, the more dangerous it really is. The participants leave the starting line in-groups of up to 10 riders, and they leave in 20-second intervals. The dust is so thick from the race before them that they literally race blindly down the track with little regard for the racers in front of them. If a previous racer had a problem, ten more lines of racers could go careening down towards the potential collision area before the word would get back to the starting. If that is not bad enough, the racers are known to race within feet of the enthusiastic spectators. Common sense issues come to mind in regards to both the racers and the spectators at this point.

As obviously dangerous as this activity is, the risks of serious injury and certain death are not the reasons for this article. The racers and spectators are adults, and if they want to put their lives at risk, fine. The reason for this article is to let the participants, and everyone else know that this activity is just one more log for the inferno of reasons to kick everyone out of our deserts for good.

In the past decade, the amount of people enjoying our desert paradise has risen dramatically. In conjunction with that, the injury and death counts have risen as well (as expected). This could be used as an excuse to close the area to public access. At the same time the environmental activists have been putting increasing pressure on the B.L.M, making it a political issue as well. It seems to be a common belief among the users of this desert region that "they" cannot kick us out. That could not be farther from the truth. The fact is, "they" control that land, and if "they" get enough pressure from environmental community, along with a long list of reasons that we seem to love to give them, "they" will shut us down.

So the next time you’re out in this region of desert and you see a large group assembled on the Sand Highway, think about the not so obvious consequences of this activity, and remember that if you join this group you may be contributing to the problem, not helping it.

As a young boy, the anticipation of Christmas, my birthday, and a weekend trip to the desert would keep me up the entire night. With a butterfly-filled-stomach and a wide-eyed, blinkless stare, I would lie in bed looking at my ceiling, impatiently waiting for the morning. As the sun would rise in the early morning hours, I would get increasingly excited about the day to come.

As a young boy or girl, there is no greater feeling in the world than the feeling of pure excitement in anticipation of a day or event. Every child, rich or poor, big or small has felt that feeling. It is a cherished part of our childhood. For most though, that feeling is a part of our childhood that fades away so slowly that most don’t even realize that it was ever there; until they are reminded.

Well that might be true for most adults that are stuck in their 9 to 5 routine, only to come home to a hobbyless home with a spouse that loves to nag; but it’s not true for all. As I sat at my computer wide-eyed and jittery at 3:00 in the morning playing Solitaire, waiting to start Valentine’s weekend at Gordon’s Well, it dawned on me that I could not go to sleep if I tried. I then realized that after 24 years of desert camping with my friends and family, I still felt like a kid on the night before Christmas.

I had to laugh. The more I thought about my realization, the more I began to realize just how incredibly lucky I, and everyone else that is still able to feel this feeling, must be. This childlike and innocent feeling of excitement is just one more on a long list of reasons to keep the recreation of desert off-roading and camping alive for future families and generations to experience and enjoy.

Because of the ever-growing environmental movement in the state of California, and the increasing frequency of lawsuits, the desert recreational areas are in jeopardy of being closed to enthusiasts like us. It is important for everyone that enjoys our local deserts to donate $20.00 to become a San Diego Off-Road Coalition member and help in the ever-growing political battles. Every little bit helps.

Saturday, March 6, 1999, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station. Representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles and California Highway Patrol will provide "green sticker" registration services and when necessary apply Vehicle Identification Numbers. Bring applicable paperwork. There will be standard DMV fees. Here is the opportunity to get your vehicles registered right where you come to play.

For more information call the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station: 760.767.5391.

American Honda has collected nearly $1,000,000 to date (and still climbing) for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. On March 21, 1999 there will be a Ride For Kids at Glen Helen. The dual sport ride will include the GP track and 90 miles of forest trails. Check out their web site at: www.ride4kids.org.

OK, now’s the chance for those of you who voted to have SDORC "adopt-a-highway" to help live up to our commitment. Of course, those of you who didn’t vote for it are welcome to help, too! Our next clean-up day will be Sunday, March 21. We will meet at the Buckman Springs off-ramp at 8:30. Bags, hard-hats, vests and pick-up sticks are provided.

We will spend the better part of the morning cleaning up our section of highway, then follow that with a barbecue lunch at nearby Corral Canyon OHV park. Bring your OHV if you like for a ride following lunch. Contact Roy Denner or Jim McGarvie if you plan to attend

Powersports Enterprises is presenting the DuneSport Benefit Classic on Saturday, April 3, 1999, from 8am until 5pm at the Glamis Ranger Station at Gecko Road in the Imperial Sand Dunes. They are anticipating an attendance of 20,000-35,000 people. This is the 1^st Annual DuneSport Benefit Classic, a family event designed to provide monies for two very worthwhile causes: The American Cancer Society, and the Bureau of Land Management to purchase a sand-sifting machine for dune clean-up.

A $10 donation gets you an event T-shirt, event giveaways and a chance to win by drawing major products & services donated by numerous sponsors.

Events include:

Friday, April 2:

• DuneSport Station: registration and drawings, 12 noon-5pm
• DuneSport exhibition and SandShark training: 12 noon-5pm

Saturday, April 3:

• Unsanctioned Sand Drag Racing for all sand vehicles; time cards issued, 8am-4pm
• DuneSport Exhibition and SandShark Training, 8am-4pm
• Numerous interactive inflatable games for participation of all ages, 10am-2pm

• Poster Girl(s) signing autographs for Sand Sports Magazine picture and/or poster, 12noon-5pm
• Disk Jockey: live broadcast of event & on-the-air auction of prizes & drawing, 12noon-5pm
• Drawing for major products & services donated by numerous sponsors, 4pm-5pm

PowerSports would like SDORC to participate with our booth and help with the events. Please contact SDORC if you are interested in becoming involved with this worthwhile event.

The Coalition will once again be working with the Cleveland National Forest to organize a trail work party for California Trails Days at Corral Canyon on April 24-25, 1999. We may also get involved in other areas. Please contact Mark Smith (see back page) to express your interest.

This year’s conference will be held April 16-18, 1999 in Monterey County at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove. The theme for this year’s Conference is "Trails and Greenways for Life". The theme emphasizes the importance of trails to all facets of life: health, nature, community, transportation, and spiritual well being. For more information contact Charles Willard, State Trails Coordinator, at (916) 653-8803 or email at cwill@parks.ca.gov or visit the website at http://www.cal-parks.ca.gov/TRAILS.

As reported in our January issue, the BLM has appointed a Technical Review Team (TRT) to help determine the ways in which revenue from the fee program will be spent. SDORC nominee Justin Cole, SDORC Business Representative, has been appointed by the BLM to the TRT. Please contact Justin with your input regarding what you would like to see in the dunes.

Many thanks to Bill Silverthorn of Lemon Grove Motorcycles for his generous contribution. We would also like to thank Sunlight Press of Lakeside for producing 1,000 SDORC brochures free of charge. We couldn’t exist without support such as this.

To get caught up with new and renewing members over the past three months, we would like to thank the following:

Jim Amar, Joseph Asciutto, Mike Baldwin, Dean Bayerle, Ben Bayne, Beach N Toys, Bob Beckman, Robert Bell, Kim Bilbrey, Eugene Bishop, Lee Bishop, Brenda Blackstock, Tom Boulter, Brattin Motors, Davin Brigman, Ken Brougher, Tally Brummett, Glen & Patti Carpenter, Rudolph Chart, Rudy Chart, Travis Clarke, KC Cleberg, Jason Corfman, Conrad Cox, D&R Automotive, Roy & Nancy Denner, Ray Diltz, Randy Domingos, Corrine Drake, Charles Eddy, Rob Eller, Paul Ellingsen, John Elliott, Explorer Competition Products, Fabcom, Barry Fennell, Fiber-Tech, Kathy & Larry Flick, Robert Foster, Fritz Garage, Arnie Fry, Fud Fudpucker, Jim Gavin, Walter Gillum, Scott Goetz, Ken Golojuch, Green Fascination, Joe Hamner, Jeremy Hansen Family, Michael Henke, Robert Heraty, House Of Buggies, Rob Huft, Johnson's Bug Machine, K-Co, Scott Kellhofer, Richard King, David Koch, Michael Kosobud, James Kulbacki, Steve Laputz, Law Offices of Gary Quackenbush, Rick LaZelle, Steve Lee, Eric & Kristen Lee, Lemon Grove Motorcycles, Jeff Lepley, Jim & Sherry Long, Steve & Darlice Lyon, John Marking, Mike &Sandy Mayberry, Steve McGovern, McMillin Realty, Bob & Marie Meese, Kathy & Rick Mehall, Steve Michaelson, Andrew Musbach, Dennis Nottingham, Glen & Carla Paradise, William Pate, Tim Pfeiffer, Jon Phipps, Thomas Piccolo, Dave & Pat Rannells, Jack Raudy, Tracy Raybon, Michael Rechnitzer, Marc Recker, Rick's Buggy Works, Jim Rogers Family, Mariz Ruiz, Patrick Sample, Bruce Sanford, Carl Schmutz, Scrib's Motorcycle, Roger Shadinger, SMD Motorsports, Craig Smith, Jonathan Spooner, Ed Spring, Terry Stewart, Ed Stovin, Dean Strasser, THOR, Steve Thornton, Tops International and, last but certainly not least, the Egon VanDerLee Family.

Need a membership form? They are available online at http://wwww.sdorc.org/join.html

Membership questions? Contact me, via e-mail: billq@san.rr.com

Our newest business member, PARTY TIME LIQUOR, is offering SDORC members two free bags of ice with any purchase when you show your SDORC card.

PARTY TIME is located at 518 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, 447-2283. Tell them Julie sent you! [I should have known! — Ed.]

Just a reminder to support our Preferred Merchants, as they support us with their discounts, donations and contributions.

Following is a list of all those businesses that currently support our Coalition by virtue of their membership. Please show your appreciation by patronizing these businesses:

Alignment & Brake Spec., American Metal Processing, B.A. Dick, Brattin Motors, Buffalo Metal Works, Crazy Keven's, Cycle Parts West, D&R Automotive, Douglas Wheels Inc., Duncan Racing, Escondido Cycle Center, Event Photography, Explorer Competition Products, Fabcom, Fiber-Tech, Fritz Garage, Fun Bike Center, Gilmore Off Road, Green Fascination, Hansen Loan Services, House Of Buggies, House Of Motorcycles, Johnson's Bug Machine, K-Co, Law Offices of Gary Quackenbush, Lemon Grove Motorcycles, Mazzone Sandcars, McMillin Realty, Michael-Allan & Company, Motorsport Warehouse, Motoworld, Quackenbush Construction, Rick's Buggy Works, Ron Bishop Motorcycles, Sand Tires Unlimited, Scrib's Motorcycle, SMD Motorsports, Streamline Graphics, THOR and Tops International.

WANTED! Volunteers to help SDORC with anything and everything! We need help manning our booth at events, cleaning up our designated highway section and area trails, acting as liaison at your favorite off-road dealer, making occasional phone calls, and other tedious (and, of course, unrewarded) tasks. Please give us a call if you’d like to help out once in a while. Thanks!