Consider this a notice of intent!

My name is Bret Preble aka Tinman. Some of you may know me.

My partners in this venture are Keith Ratzburg aka El Rolo (I'm sure you all know him) and Jeff Degnan aka Rain Fly (:D :flipoff2: :grinpimp:)

I have many years experience in the off road world, mostly in motorcycles. I am an AMA life member as well as a member of Cal 4WD Association and Blue Ribbon Coalition. I am a member of both Four Dice Four Wheel Drive Club and Insomnia 4X4. My rig is a tubed BBC Blazer Truggy on 42" Iroks. I am married (25 years, two grown children, daughter (a professional chef) and son (sheet metal worker like me.))

Keith has been wheeling since he was an infant in a car seat. He is a Blue Ribbon Life Member and a Cal member as well. El Rolo is a member of the Four Dice 4WD Club and Insomnia 4X4. His rig is a Jeep based buggy (ha ha nothing Jeep left!) He is a founding member of the Four Dice 4WD Club. Keith is the guy that got me enthused about 4 wheeling and is my best friend. He is single, loves wheeling and scoccer (former professional) and is looking for a life partner. Interested gals may reply here.:grinpimp:

Jeff is also a member of Cal, Blue Ribbon, Four Dice and Insomnia and has been active in off roading for many years. He's a former wrestling champion and can kick anybodies ass but won't. Jeff is a gentle giant who just happens to be able to twist a truck tire into a figure eight!:grinpimp: His rig is a SBC YJ with an auto, Atlas , 14 bolt rear and a Dana 60 front. He is also my best friend. Jeff is married to a great gal named Jeannine aka Jinngaa who loves turtles and brakes for chickens and they have two pre-teens.

We are going to start the Friends of Fordyce. We love this trail and see the need to preserve it just as the FOTR has done with the Rubicon. In fact, both Keith and myself have completed Del Albrights Leadership course and we have the full support and counseling of Del himself. We have a very close working relationship with the Forest Service and are in close and constant contact with Mary Furney and Joe Chavez of the Tahoe National Forest. We have been talking about this for many months and have a meeting set of later this month to hammer out the details of our mission statement and our website format. My wife Traci aka Tinkerbell will be webmaster. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the FOF. Tink is a 20 year veteran of group exercise and is certified in just about everything to make you wish you never even thought about stepping foot in a gym. She keeps me hurting and in shape.

Our plan is to get our website up and running, do a survey and GPS mapping of the Fordyce trail asap, come up with a list of must do projects, and solicit the full support of the Fordyce Adopt-a-Trail clubs. We will include an e-mail volunteer sign up link in our website for all you interested and caring wheelers. We have talked about having a FOF bulletin board linked to our home page so current events and FAQ's can be readily available to everyone.

I have about 2 years to go before I can retire and devote my efforts full time to this. Keith and Jeff are both young pups (as they constantly remind me) and can carry on after I am unable.:flipoff2:

We see this as a necessary step in the preservation of the Fordyce trail. We will actively solicit the support of the Cal 4WD Association since one of their own rediscovered the Fordyce and because they love this trail too.

Our goals are to organize the maintenance and repair of the Fordyce trail and to educate and inform all users in the behavior that is in the best interest of us all for the continued use of the Fordyce trail and all trails we want to preserve. We will keep you informed of our progess and hope to see you on the trail.

Tinman

You guys rock and have my full support:cool2:

Excellent -- I'm in, but I want to run a shovel for you, instead of a clipboard. It will be cool to assist with FOTR leadership and also assist with the grunt-work on Fordyce.

Thanks for stepping up to lead!

Randii

Thanks Bear. Thanks Randy.

By the way Randy I am doing my best to emulate you in the impersonation of Jesus (hair and beard.)

You, Scott and Del have really inspired the three of us to step up and make a difference. We will lose the fight if new leaders are not created. We can only hope to be as successful as the FOTR. Thanks to you guys for being the guiding light.

Well thanks for the intro there Bret :flipoff2:

In a nutshell, after taking a long look at all the work that needs to be done to Fordyce it became more & more apparent to us that with the dramatic increase in traffic there was no viable way that the adopt-a-trail clubs of Fordyce could tackle all of the major project work needed. As the head of our cleanup effort (Four Dice 4wdc) for 3 years I constantly found myself having to pick & choose the projects we would tackle, while knowing full well that there were big issues in the future that our small club would never be able to remedy on its own. The Tahoe NF does not have the funds to spearhead this effort so it is on us as users of the trail to make this thing happen.

At any rate we figured that we should give it a shot so here we are :D

i think this is great. the con has alot of help, now its fordyce turn. lets keep it clean and open

Lonny

add me to your list/e-mails

Bret, and Kieth, I hope you know you have my full support, and the support of every member of TDO... I love that trail just as much as the con:beer:

For sure I am in and the rest if TDO.

Nice bio Bret. :laughing: I personally have been looking to do more for our trails to ensure they are still around for my children to enjoy. I have enjoyed the Sierras for close to 40 years so it’s time to give some back in one of the best ways I can think of…FOF

You can count me in, will go out and get a new shovel so I have one for each trail! I joined FOTR to learn the Rubicon, now I will join FOF to learn Fordyce and help preserve another of California's Crown Jewels.

I'm in.

Thank you, and your club, for past work and stepping up to the plate.

ps. Jesus never had a mohawk:D

I have not had a chance to run Fordyce with my Jeep yet, but I have been on the quads. Would love to help anyway I can. Let me know if you guys need flyers or handouts for this I donated a ton of them last year for FOTR to had out at the shack.:D

Jack

As several of my brothers have already said, I'm In! I'm sure the rest of my Dysfunctional brothers will be too.

:beer: :beer: You know I'll help out.

Thanks Guys,

Count me in



-I swear I posted this last night???

Nice bio Bret. :laughing:

I changed yours a little Jeff. Didn't want to give everyone the impression you go around beating people up. You just could if you wanted to!:grinpimp:

Seriously, we wouldn't be at this point if the three of us hadn't become friends. This is a team effort and I can honestly say we have a great team.

I hope people will see we're serious about this endevor but want to keep it light and fun at the same time.

I'm looking forward to seeing this group get going! Keep us posted... Fordyce is an amazing place!

i like the sound of this,, im in!!!

Awesome! You have my support as well.

Bret, and Kieth, I hope you know you have my full support, and the support of every member of TDO... I love that trail just as much as the con:beer:


x2

Let's talk more about this tomorrow at HH :beer:

Definitely have my support, awesome cause!

Gui

Thanks for all the support guys! Teamwork is what is going to take and we are off to a good start right here. Awesome!!

Im in too if you guys need help. i worked with bret and keith a few years ago on the trail over by winch hill one, and it is clear they are dedicated to this trail.

Just for the record Friends of Fordyce (FOF) has no connection to Fourdice 4WDC….100% independent.

Great news....

Awesome guys!
I am willing to give back to this cause as well.
Are mohawks going to be required for work parties? :flipoff2:

Are mohawks going to be required for work parties? :flipoff2:

Yes :D

For sure I am in and the rest if TDO.

x2

I'd love to help also. The trail is less than an hour from here so its about time I started working for it.

I had a chance to meet Bret last fall and he is good people and is going about this the right way.

As one of the other founding members of Four Dice 4WD Club, I am aware of the dedication and hard work that El Rolo (past President) and Tinman (past Vice President) can and will contribute to this new venture. As a spokesman for the Four Dice 4WD Club, I can pledge our support in any way that we can to assist you in keeping this trail open. Knowing your work ethic, I have confidence that FOF will be able to arrest some of the problems before they become an issue inviting our government to become involved more than it is. Rolo and Tinman both have an excellant working relationship with Mary Furney and the USFS, together they will be able to accomplish tons. Jeff is a newer member to our club. However, he has been here long enough to show he is equally as dedicated and willing to work hard to preserve our sport and this trail.
Keith, Bret, and Jeff: the best of luck to you, and Thanks for stepping up.

Im in too if you guys need help. i worked with bret and keith a few years ago on the trail over by winch hill one, and it is clear they are dedicated to this trail.



x2. The Rubicon and 4dyce are 2 of my favorite trails anything I can do to help, I'm in.

Now THIS is what I call progress!!! Awesome work, guys. And it warms the old heart to see all of you getting behind this team. I sure believe that having Friends type groups IS the answer to saving our trails, especially the big popular ones.
FOTR is only one example. Friends of Panamint is another. Now we have FOF. VERY COOL.

You will have good days and bad days in the growth of FOF. But do not let that slow you down. Pedal to the metal and hammer down. The sooner you get going full steam, the sooner we can be assured our Fordyce Trail will live forever for US to wheel.

I offer my help in any way I can. We've learned some things in FOTR that we share around the country. Here are just a few tidbits:
1. Keep the lines of communication going at all times and at all costs. This board, your own list and CA4WDC's list, whatever it takes. But for sure you're own web site too.
2. Develop your team leaders and leadership as you go along and keep growing and adding.
3. Go out of your way to ensure every project is organized, fun, and that your volunteers feel like they were productive.

There's more...but you're on the absolute right track.
Another trail we need to do this on is the Dusy.

Long Live Friends of Fordyce.
Del

Thanks Bear. Thanks Randy.

By the way Randy I am doing my best to emulate you in the impersonation of Jesus (hair and beard.)

You, Scott and Del have really inspired the three of us to step up and make a difference. We will lose the fight if new leaders are not created. We can only hope to be as successful as the FOTR. Thanks to you guys for being the guiding light.
I know you guys will make a difference. Right on!! All I can say is you just made my day. I can now say that my attending all those darn meetings and supporting the ideal of growing leadership, was totally worth it.

Scott

Well being that I grew up 30 mins from Meadow Lake, please count me in. I have chainsaw (36"bar if needed for any heavy falling/bucking) and labor.

Keith

Right on! good deal! you have my support! :cheers:

Way to step up!
Tinman, we've met a few times in a couple of different meetings, and on the trial. My name is Rob. I am a current member and former president of the Boonie Bouncers 4WD Club. We are the Adopt-A-Trail club for a neighboring trail (Signal Peak). Through this, I too have a good working relationship with both Joe & Mary in the TNF. They are great people to work with. The Boonie Bouncers have had representatives at each of the Fordyce cleanups, and I fully expect that we will continue with those efforts. As trail users, we all need to be actively involved to help keep the trails we have, open. With that said, please count us in for the support of FOF.

What a great idea. I'm down to help when I can, I have a chainsaw and other equipment. Also put me down for good old manual labor. I caint wait to see this happen:smokin:
Matt

my favorite trail in the sierras! count me in too.

Right on! good deal! you have my support! :cheers:

X2

I'll stop at winch hill #3 at Sierra Trek to introduce myself and drop off a few beers for the crew:beer: :beer: :beer:

Right on!

We are in.

X2

I'll stop at winch hill #3 at Sierra Trek to introduce myself and drop off a few beers for the crew:beer: :beer: :beer:

Free beer! I knew this was a good idea.:grinpimp:

Seriously, the response we have gotten on various boards has been overwelmingly positive and we will do our best to live up to your expectations. There have been a few negative comments mostly concerning overmanagment and fixing something that doesn't need fixing. Our intent is of course keeping it from getting totally broken before we do something about it and over management is the last thing we want to do. We're going to try be a focal point for everyones efforts and get as much "bang for the buck" out of all your hard work.

Thanks for all your positive comments.

Bret

I remember all the comments about fixing something that is not broke when we were talking about Rubicon. Don't let it get to you. Those people are out there and will have their say. It is part of your responsibility to hear those comments too. Find the rewards in what you do and the feeling of doing the right thing and you will be fine.

Scott

Count me in. Thanks for leading.

Outstanding work guys.

Post up when you are going to have a work weekend on the trail.
I will check my schedule to see what is going on. The summer gets busy for me with wheeling, and other military duties (far, far away lands).

Also a graduate of the VLLS workshop. Outstanding training.

Todd

Navy-Jeepster

Nicely done Tinman...

You can also count on my support.

Ironically, this idea has been floating around in my head too, especially seeing the dramatic impact to this trail as more bozos are pushed off Rubicon.

This is an idea overdue, and I am very appreciative of your commitment. I look forward to aiding in many formats.

Thanks!

Tony Twiddy
Rubithon chairman
1st person to graduate RLTC
TLCA #5049, past President
co-founder Pacific Mtn Cruisers

I've e-mailed Don Spuhler, the current Cal President and gotten a positive response. Four Dice, an Adopt-a-Trail club of which I am a member is with us of course and I have e-mailed Webilt (another Adopt-a-Trail club) and am waiting for an answer. I need to contact the Sacramento Jeepers (the remaining Adopt-a-Trail club) to get them on board. They are an important part of this whole thing. They have been in existance since 1957 and some of their members are the ones that rediscovered the trail. Dana Holland, one of their members is an incredibly active off roader and has worked dilligently to preserve the Fordyce and the Rubicon. I have worked with Dana on at least one Rubicon project.

Ha ha Tony. Keith Ratzburg is the second graduate of the course and to this day is ##$&$*(( that you beat him!

Tinman

Great job working this through the established clubs -- there is plenty of history on that trail and including that history and those clubs is a great step toward ensuring that there will CONTINUE to be many years of history ahead of us.

Certainly Barbara Boxer has her eye on that trail, which goes quite close to a couple of Wilderness Areas she's proposed in yet another version of her Wildeness-Bill-that-won't-die. We'll need to work together to beat this, but Fordyce is worth it!

Randii

I've never understood the idea to totally preserve wilderness so that there is absolutely NO use at all. Controlled use of our resources is possible and even though we have to admit there will be some impact we make plans to lessen and then repair that impact. Otherwise we might as well all just stay in our citys and watch American Idol and Survivor.

Randy, it always amazes me how well informed you are. We may just have to recruit you for FOF. I'm sure Del wouldn't mind if we stole you away from FOTR.:grinpimp:

Slightly off-topic...

I remember going to Fordyce as a Boyscout, but it's been a while (15 years?). Where is Fordyce located? How would I find the trail from Sacramento?

my favorite trail in the sierras! count me in too.

It wasnt this fall:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: Maybe if you do some trail work for good karma we wont have leave your POS out there for a week:flipoff2: :D

Randy, it always amazes me how well informed you are.
Suck-up. :flipoff2: I'm happy to help on Fordyce, as it is a favorite local trail. Rubicon and Fordyce are both pretty special to me!

I understand what you mean -- preserving wilderness for the sake of wilderness, with not intent to even make it accessible... it doesn't make much sense to me. Especially when you consider managing that resource for health, controlling fires, controlling dope growers, and etc. Roads can be pretty damn handy tools at times, and I question the intelligence of blocking them, even as I question the sanity of so-called-environmentalists that want to spend millions of dollars to 'rehabilitate' old sections of closed trails. :shaking:

Randii

When is the Pirate BBS going to give Fordyce its own Forum caption on the main page?
The Rubicon has its own with the "Rubicon Trail Talk", how about it moderator!
Lets say for simplicity "Fordyce Trail Talk"!
It seems like this might be a great time to start, with the start of FOF.

Well you spoiled my plan.:flipoff2:

I was going to ask Lance but wanted to wait until we have more to offer. For now I think this thread is a good start to keep everyone informed of our progress. I don't think Del minds sharing for a while.:grinpimp:

just wanted to take the opportunity to say that the response we have gotten so far has been absolutely amazing!

Our preliminary FOF talks really consisted of alot of what do we do when so & so thinks its a bad idea....but this has been great.

Bret, thank you for taking the lead on this and I know that you will do great. Know that I will always be here for you in my advisory role as consigliere. :D

Jeff, Bret...You guys are the best friends that a person could ever ask for and I know in my heart that we will make a difference. There will be some times that we won't agree and there will be some times that it will seem like its us against the world, but lets just remember one thing. Boys forever and as long as we dont lose sight of what we are trying to accomplish there is no stopping us!

Thanks to Del, Scott, Randy, Tin Benders, POR, Dysfunctional, Four Dice, Webilt, Sacramento Jeepers, Cal4wheel and all the other groups/clubs out there that inspired us to make this plunge. I truly hope that as the future plays out that we will be able to look back and say that this was an important piece of keeping Fordyce open for all users of the trail. That is our goal, and I'll be damned if we dont make it happen :smokin:

There truly is alot of work to do on the trail to make sure our access remains secure and its going to take the efforts of the adopt-a-trail clubs and everyone else who loves this trail to get it done, and based on the response, I have absolutely no doubt that we will getit done! Awesome awesome stuff.

Here is to many more years of gettin it on Fordyce :D

Pillow Line baby! Jeff? :flipoff2:

Yes, he is the only one of us three that hasn't made it.

1st order of business: Get Jeff up Pillow.:flipoff2:

2nd order of business: Preserve the trail.:D

Sorry Bret for spoiling your plans.

It's just that I've always been frustrated :confused: with finding any info on Fordyce on this site.

Rick

Here is to many more years of gettin it on Fordyce :D

You have not gotten any on the trail for years. :flipoff2:


and yes...I have a plan for pillow.

Sorry Bret for spoiling your plans.

It's just that I've always been frustrated :confused: with finding any info on Fordyce on this site.

Rick

No problem. In fact we have been talking about the possibility of having a bulletin board linked to the new FOF website. Stay tuned.

and yes...I have a plan for pillow.

Your last plan almost crushed me!:flipoff2:

This info came to my by way of Bebe of the Rock and Roll 4x4 Club. Thanks for being an extra set of eyes! We all know about route designation in the Eldorado and now it's come to the Tahoe National Forest as well. Check out this link and get informed.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/projects_plans/ohv_inv/index.shtml

The notes are in the right margin, and corresponding quad maps are in the maps section.

For those that attended the meetings in either Forest Hill or Nevada City....these are the results of the workgroup consensus.

They will be invaluable when it comes time for the comment period.

:D

We had our meeting last Friday night. Wow Jeff, that steak was good!:D

We came up with a basic design for the website and will get going on that. We should have lots of good information there. We'll also have a basic bulletin board with three forums: Report trail abuse and problems, General discussion and Current and future projects. This will of course be a "G" rated BB.

I will be the lead guy and will be called the FOF "Chief."

Keith will be advisor because of his knowledge of off roading issues and will be FOF "Consigliere."

Jeff will be the lead guy when it comes to actually getting things done and will be "Ops."

The three of us make up the FOF action committee. We talk pretty much everyday and are constantly bouncing ideas off one another.

Traci is webmaster.

Jeannine will be Historian. We think it will be very important to document everything we do and maintain a complete datebase so we can track changes over time.

Both Traci and Jeannine will be advisors to the Committee. They provide a good reality check on ideas. Over time the number of advisors can and will increase. That's the great thing and one of the biggest strengths of a "Friends" coalition. Everybody has a voice.

Oh, and I've started designing a logo so we can have an identifying mark. Perhaps later we'll sell t-shirts to raise funds and I'm sure we'll have FOF stickers before long. Everybody loves stickies!:grinpimp:

By the way, here is a pic of us so you can put faces to the names.

Bret (Tinman,) Traci (Tink,) Keith (El Rolo,) Jeannine (Jinngaa,) Jeff (Rain Fly.)

http://www.insomnia4x4.com/albums/Moonrocks-Labor-Day-06/DSC00344.sized.jpg

I speak for all the members in my club that this is long overdue! As a Member and one of the starting members of the ROCK OUTLAWS (Sacramento,CA)I would like to offer our help. Just let me know what it is that we can do and we will try out hardest to be there. Foudyce is our home trial. We would like to keep it open:flipoff2:

Thanks and I can only say the response so far has been over whelming.

Jeff is going to compile an E-mail contact list and hopefully get the BB going this weekend. This will make it much easier to update everyone on the Fordyce.

Here is the first update:

You all know what Route Designation is. It has come to the Tahoe National Forest. Public workshops to identify potential routes has past. These are the dates for the meetings for the presentation of the plan to the public:

Truckee – April 18 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Hampton Inn, 11951 Hwy 267,
between Joerger and Airport Roads.

Foresthill – April 24 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Foresthill High School
Gymnasium, Foresthill Road.

Grass Valley – April 26 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. at the Banner Grange, 12629
McCourtney Road, past the Nevada County Fair Grounds.

I plan on being at the April 24th meeting. After that there will be meetings for the Public scoping period, the Draft EIS and the Public Comment Period will be in Oct.-Nov.

Get involved if you want to know what's going on and/or have a favorite trail or campground you want to access.

If you want to be on the e-mail list for updates on Route Designation contact Ann Westling at awestlingATfsDOTfedDOTus and ask to be put on the mailing list.

Still working on the web stuff. This is just a reminder that the Tahoe NF Route Designation meetings are coming up. I still plan on being at the April 24th meeting and Jeff is planning on being there as well.

Thanks Bear. Thanks Randy.

By the way Randy I am doing my best to emulate you in the impersonation of Jesus (hair and beard.)

You, Scott and Del have really inspired the three of us to step up and make a difference. We will lose the fight if new leaders are not created. We can only hope to be as successful as the FOTR. Thanks to you guys for being the guiding light.

Those three........Muskateers or Stooges? :D In all seriousness, they have stepped up and it's nice to see you guys stepping up for the Fordyce trail. One of my favorites as well. Our company is behind you (pun intended) 100%. Let us know where we can help please.

Thanks Bruce!

By the way in case you haven't seen it you have mail.

Coincidence that you posted?

Well it's come to me by way of Rick Krause (thanks Rick) that the three meetings listed above are area specific. That was not made clear in the e-mail I received from the forest service. They are attempting to remedy that oversite now. I am trying to get the exact particulars as far as what will be presented at the meetings and will post it here if/when I do.

I'm in for whatever I can do, I grew up wheeling and backpacking at Fordyce and the surrounding lakes and hills, and don't want to see any of it go away for anyone. Just let me know what I can do to help.

-Steve

Thanks Steve!

From Ann Westling:

Hi all - the Federal Register published the Notice of Intent yesterday before we expected and we did not get this announcement out to you before hand. We apologize! The information is currently on the TNF website at www.fs.fed.us. The entire Forest map takes a while to load, but you can click on the individual districts/areas that are small in size. The comment period extends through May 14. Please see the information below for a general overview and a reminder of the public meetings in the next 2 weeks.
Several of you have asked if you need to attend the meeting closest to the trails you are interested in or if the meetings will all be the same. For the most part, the meetings will be similar, however more emphasis will be placed on the trails in the area nearest the meeting. The majority of time at each meeting, however, will be spent reviewing the criteria as to how the trails were evaluated.


Tahoe National Forest
OHV Route Designation/Motorized Travel Management Project
April 2007

Overview
In 2004, the Forest Service started a process to designate off-highway vehicle routes for the Tahoe National Forest as part of a Region-wide effort. This project has grown over the last few years to incorporate new ideas and revised National direction and now includes all (wheeled) motorized travel.

This project was initiated to respond to the growing use of off highway vehicles. It will help establish a system of routes that offers a fun and challenging experience while protecting sensitive areas. This project will only designate trails, routes, or areas on National Forest System land – not on private land.

At the end of this project:
· Some routes that are currently being used for motorized travel (but
are not designated) will be added to the designated trail system;
· Some routes that are currently being used for motorized travel (but
are not designated) will be closed to motorized wheeled vehicle use;
· Seasonal restrictions may be placed on some routes and areas;
· Access to dispersed camping sites may change;
· Some routes/roads may be designated for specific types or widths of
vehicles;
· Motor vehicle use off designated routes, trails, and areas will be
prohibited.

Current Status:
After several years of mapping the existing (non-designated) routes and areas and discussions/meetings with the public to determine popular trails or environmental concerns, the Tahoe National Forest is completing an Environmental Impact Statement to assess various alternatives regarding possible motorized roads, trails and areas and the effects of those alternatives.

A Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been published in the Federal Register. A public comment period beginning on April 11 will close on May 14. Comments can be emailed to tnf_rte_desig@fs.fed.us or to Travel Management Team, Tahoe National Forest, 631 Coyote St, Nevada City, CA 95959. Maps that show the proposed routes are available on the Tahoe National Forest website – www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe . For those that don’t have web capacity, a map is also available for review at TNF District Offices and the Forest Headquarters.

Identified in the Proposed Action, impacts from the following will be disclosed in the EIS:
1. The addition of 50 miles (48 segments) of existing, unauthorized
trails to the current motorized trail system;
2. The addition of one 60-acre area where the use of wheeled motorized
vehicles by the public would be allowed anywhere within the area;
3. Allowing non-street legal vehicle use on approximately 3 miles of an
existing National Forest System road where such use is currently prohibited;
4. The prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off designated
roads, trails or areas, except as allowed by permit or other authorization.

Public Meetings:
Three public meetings will be held to share the Forest Service proposal.
These will not be hearings and public comments will not be taken at the
meetings. The emphasis at each meeting will be the trails/roads/areas for
that local area although all the maps will be available at the meetings.

April 18 – Truckee – 6:30 – 9:00 pm – Hampton Inn – 11951 Highway 267 April 24 – Foresthill – 6:30 – 9:00 pm – Foresthill High School Gymnasium, Foresthill Road April 26 – Grass Valley – 6:30 – 9:00 pm – Banner Grange, 12629 McCourtney Road

Additional EIS Comment Period and Timeline The draft EIS is expected to be available for public review in the fall, 2007. A 45-day comment period will follow. The final EIS is expected in the winter, 2008.

Background - 5-Step Process
The TNF has been following a 5-step process outlined in the Regional Route Designation Guidebook.
1. Map existing unauthorized roads, motorized trails, and areas –
Completed 2005
2. Issue Temporary Forest Order prohibiting motorized wheeled vehicle
use off mapped roads, trails, and areas. Expected completion – spring 2007
3. Evaluate inventoried roads, trails and areas and collaborate with the
public in developing a proposed system of roads, trails and areas.
Completed 2006
4. Complete analyses and prepare National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) documents. In progress
5. Issue Forest Order prohibiting motor vehicle use off roads,
designated trails and areas. Install signing and publish maps showing designated motorized travel system. Expected completion 2008.

Mailing List:
If anyone would like to be placed on the TNF Travel Management Project mailing list, please contact Ann Westling (awestling@fs.fed.us )

Contacts:
Project Coordinator – Phil Horning (phorning@fs.fed.us) 478-6210 Interdisciplinary Team Leader – David Arrasmith (darrasmith@fs.fed.us )
478-6143

Ann Westling
Tahoe National Forest
Public Affairs Officer
(530) 478-6205

Bret, Not sure if you guys are set up to take donations yet, but I would like to donate $100 for the cause. Keep up the great work.

Ken

Awesome work guys -- to all of you helping to keep the Fordyce alive and well. And we're happy to share space here, but you sure are getting enough attention and interest to have your own space also. If I can help with Lance and Camo, just say the word. The Pirate4x4 folks are really on our side (of saving trails for our use).

So now that we have the Friends rolling, we'll have to think about a Foundation for the Fordyce (Fordyce Trail Foundation -- FTF) ??? :grinpimp:

Oh, ok, don't faint Tinman...just teasing you a bit. But hey, the Fordyce could be the next trail in the world to have an entire educational Foundation dedicated to just it like the Rubicon -- which so far stands as the only trail to have a Foundation just for it. :)

I am convinced this is how we will save our trails -- by all of us joining together in some sort of informal coalition (Friends type group) and MAKING it happen. The Dusy-Ershim needs to be next.

The days of one or two clubs trying to save a trail, and maintain it, are gone, I think. There is too much to do and not enough of us. There are too many new rules (USFS etc.). So we must band together; work together; help each other; not get pissy over small stuff; rely on each other; build teams; follow those leaders who have stepped up; and work towards a common goal.

I'm on the team.
Del

This is great stuff. I've led several of my club's runs (Gettin' Off 4WD Club, in San Jose) on Fordyce over the past ten years or so, and have seen many changes, most significantly the vast increase in usage. The trail will definitely benefit from this. Count me in to help.

Bret, Not sure if you guys are set up to take donations yet, but I would like to donate $100 for the cause. Keep up the great work.

Ken

Ken, thank you so much for the offer! I will hold you to it but right now I'm taking the 5th because I really don't know how to do it. I am asking the advice of a wise sage (Del) on how to approach this. We are not set up to take a donation if you want it to be tax deductable. I need to figure out the best way to be accountable for a donation. More later.

Bret

No problem, just let me know when you are ready. :grinpimp:

Lets see a Logo :smokin:

We have a logo but we could really use an artist that is well versed in Illustrator or a similar program to tune it up and colorize it. Any volunteers?

If we get it in digital format we can then use it for printing various publicity flyers and the most important thing which I know you are all lusting after:

T-shirts and stickers!!

Seriously, if anybody would like to lend a hand helping to get the sketch ready for use digitally please contact me.

Bret

PM me here or for the time being use this e-mail:

bpreble@icominc.com

there will be a FOF e-mail later but for now use this one.

No problem, just let me know when you are ready. :grinpimp:

What a small world. I had no idea this was Kenny with the Bronco's that I met through my brother-in-law many years ago until he edited his post with a sig line.

Not only is he generous, he's right about Team Eagle. Slight bias there. The owner is the aformentioned brother-in-law!:D

What can I say, except for you guys ROCK!!! I just can not agree more with this initiative. You can count me in for sure and I am going to push the club towards making a long term commitment to the Fordyce trail as we all love it. Please add me to your email list. I am looking forward to this coming together and seeing the positive impact it will have on the trail and our sport.

Eli Casey
President of S.C.4W.D.C.
WWW.SC4WDC.COM

We have a logo but we could really use an artist that is well versed in Illustrator or a similar program to tune it up and colorize it. Any volunteers?

If we get it in digital format we can then use it for printing various publicity flyers and the most important thing which I know you are all lusting after:

T-shirts and stickers!!

Seriously, if anybody would like to lend a hand helping to get the sketch ready for use digitally please contact me.

Bret

PM me here or for the time being use this e-mail:

bpreble@icominc.com

there will be a FOF e-mail later but for now use this one.

e-mail sent

At this meeting, emphasis will be on the trails in the American River Ranger District. I've been looking and I cant find any info on what trails are in this district. Do you know where I can find out :confused:

I will try and find out but in the meantime I just wanted to clarify that I am going to go to the meeting in Grass Valley instead since I learned about the specificity (whew) of the meetings. Anybody familiar with the area should be able to tell us of any trails from looking at this map:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/maps_brochures/images/05_nov_01_tnf_map.jpg
Anyone care to enlighten us?

If you go to the meeting (He he) you'll be able to ask.:smokin:

e-mail sent


Well it looks like we have a graphic artist! Thanks for volunteering your time David.

Well we're not up and running yet but things are still going on behind the scenes and I have a request for all you concerned people out there. As we all (should) know the Forest Service budget has been cut back to practically nothing which of course is one of the reasons we decided to do this whole FOF thing. The situation is so severe that the FS has to decide how to prioritize spending. It seems pumping toilets is one of the things they are short on getting done. The toilet at the Indian Springs trailhead is in need of pumping and there isn't really the funds to get it done. Does anybody have a contact around the Cisco Grove area for this kind of service that might be willing to donate this service or give a discount? i have no idea if this would be tax deductable but I will find out. This is not an official request from the FS but the information came my way and this is what the FOF is all about. Trying to keep the trail useable and open and if that toilet is full we might have a real messy spill somewhere further up the trail!:D

Luckily, Cal 4X4/Sierra Trek is contributing to help get the first toilet at the Pierce OHV CG pumped.

NCWR (Nevada County Woods Riders) is paying to pump the toilet at the Chalk Bluff Staging area so you see there are other groups already kicking in to help Tahoe NF.

As another FYI the FOF is planning a survey run up the trail in May. The final date is not set yet but anyone that would like to come out and participate is welcome. I'll update here or on the FOF website as it becomes public. There will be no work (usual picking up trash along the way of course) other than taking pictures, mapping points on GPS, and documenting areas of concern. This will be more of a fun trail ride where we can all meet. We're planning on a three or four day run.

Thanks and I can only say the response so far has been over whelming.

Jeff is going to compile an E-mail contact list and hopefully get the BB going this weekend. This will make it much easier to update everyone on the Fordyce.

Here is the first update:

You all know what Route Designation is. It has come to the Tahoe National Forest. Public workshops to identify potential routes has past. These are the dates for the meetings for the presentation of the plan to the public:

Truckee – April 18 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Hampton Inn, 11951 Hwy 267,
between Joerger and Airport Roads.

Foresthill – April 24 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Foresthill High School
Gymnasium, Foresthill Road.

Grass Valley – April 26 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. at the Banner Grange, 12629
McCourtney Road, past the Nevada County Fair Grounds.

I plan on being at the April 24th meeting. After that there will be meetings for the Public scoping period, the Draft EIS and the Public Comment Period will be in Oct.-Nov.

Get involved if you want to know what's going on and/or have a favorite trail or campground you want to access.

BTT for the Grass Valley meeting tonight.

Grass Valley – April 26 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. at the Banner Grange, 12629
McCourtney Road, past the Nevada County Fair Grounds.

See ya there!

wow coming all the way from Santa Cruz? Can you bring me a slice of Pesto pizza from Pizza my Heart? LOL j/k.

got it, tall...ba$tard...dice. check. :grinpimp:

Thanks for the T-shirt:D

I thought the meeting was very good. I was impressed that the entire planning staff, with one exception, was in attendance including the Forest Supervisor. Great facilitation by Ann Westling. They gave us a lot of information including a spread sheet detailing the criteria they used for considering each trail. They use about 15 different factors when looking at a trail for inclusion in the plan. Things like soil errosion, animal habitat, vegetation, etc. I also thought the Tahoe people came off as more willing to partnership with the users than the Eldorado meetings I have attended. Of course a lot of unauthorized routes are not included in the plan but there is still a comment period to propose that these routes be added.

By the way, good to meet you Bebe and Rick!

Nice to meet you too! :D

As another FYI the FOF is planning a survey run up the trail in May. The final date is not set yet but anyone that would like to come out and participate is welcome. I'll update here or on the FOF website as it becomes public. There will be no work (usual picking up trash along the way of course) other than taking pictures, mapping points on GPS, and documenting areas of concern. This will be more of a fun trail ride where we can all meet. We're planning on a three or four day run.

Our tentative date for the survey run on Fordyce is the Memorial weekend. We are planning on getting up there Friday and our progress for the day will depend on what time we hit the trail. There will be another update with a meeting time at Indian Springs. Anyone that wants to come along is welcome but we ask that you have a minimum of two rigs in your group so you will be self sufficient in case of breakage. We can of course help any breakdowns we come upon on the way out but need to keep moving on our way in. Planned trip duration is 4 days. We will run the trail to Meadow Lake and exit back out the committee crossing.

I talked to PG&E the other day and was told the flow is 36 cfs right now but around the end of May the lake will be getting full and if it looks like it will spill they'll have to release more water. We'll just have to wait and see what will be happening come Memorial Day!:confused:

FOF

Survey and Assessment of the Fordyce Creek Trail


Itinerary

5-25-07

2pm – Depart from Indian Springs
We will be camping just past the first water crossing (large lagoon on right)

5-26-07

Move up the trail to Winch Hill 3 and camp

5-27-07

Continue up to Meadow
Return back to Winch Hill 3 and camp

5-28-07

Back down the hill and out through the committee crossing.


For those wanting to come in on Saturday we can meet up when we roll by the committee crossing. It is hard to say what time it will be so if we miss you we will be up at WH3.

Channel 40

This is really cool and I'd like to help out. I haven't run this trail yet but it's on the list. I'm not graphic artist but I can help out with the website stuff (updates or creating) or any electronic formating that you might need.

Thank you. We have it handled for the time being but will keep you in mind.

If you have a buddy and think you can do the trail you should come up and join us on Memorial weekend. You can always just do some of it and head back if you'd like.

If you need an opinion on your rig post up and I'm sure you'll get more response and salutes than you can stand!:grinpimp:

What is the name of the campground at thebase of the trail , and after I cross comitte crossing which way is winch hill 3 ?

1. Indian Springs.

2. Hang a right if you're coming down from Fordyce Lake and are crossing the river.

3. The bill is in the mail.:D

Thanks tinman , however as far as the bill goes:confused: I am still waiting to find out how to contribuite to FOF , money or services !!:D

Thanks tinman , however as far as the bill goes:confused: I am still waiting to find out how to contribuite to FOF , money or services !!:D


Hold that thought. Believe me, everyone will have ample chance to do just that!

Thanks.

There will be at least 6-8 rigs in our group.

Fernando

Cool!:smokin:

We are comming up sat. am. 10 rigs, opted to camp by our rigs at indian springs due to serveral buggies first trip out! we will run in for the day sat. & sun, but be close to the service truck , welder, parts, crane,tools,you know the stuff youll need on a new buggie!!:D:D

I just hope the snow drifts are not too bad:eek:

We are comming up sat. am. 10 rigs, opted to camp by our rigs at indian springs due to serveral buggies first trip out! we will run in for the day sat. & sun, but be close to the service truck , welder, parts, crane,tools,you know the stuff youll need on a new buggie!!:D:D

We know nothing about a buggies first trip out :flipoff2:

http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/rolo/P1010002_021.sized.jpg

I am racing against time to get the rig out there to help my FOF buddies. Will be there regardless though. :D

I just hope the snow drifts are not too bad:eek:

Heard through the grapevine that there were a few big drifts...any details :confused:

I hope someone can post up before memorial weekend any info on the Snow Drift conditions. :smokin:

No real indication of the majority of the trail but I tried to drive into Meadow Lake over the weekend and there were drifts in the shadows about 6 miles from Meadow big enough that a Tahoe wouldn't get over them. The crusty icy kind of snow where you break through and the stuff packs around everthing.

I drove in at Indian Springs and made it to the base of driveline. There is still a lot of water on the trail so PLEASE be trail smart and take it easy with the throttle. Take the strap or winch if you need to to avoid tearing up the trial.
http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/pebbles/DSCF2259.sized.jpg

Was talking with Larry the Yota Man in Sana Rosa yesterday (he worked on daughters truck) - he said that some of his guys went up last weekend
(5/19) and that Meadow Lake was still frozen over and big snow! We went up on the Jackson Meadows side and made it in about 5 miles before hitting snow.
We wanted to go for Memorial day but is sounding like maybe not yet! Anyone else have any info???

Word from Webilt is that the committee crossing between the creek & Fordyce Lake was not do-able. They cancelled a big party at Fordyce Lake because of it.

the hill was still snowed in as of monday also this from Tinman no word on the gate being open yet

I have been running Fordyce for a decade now and it holds a special place in my heart like many people here. It is by far my favorite trail and I would love to help any way I can. Count me in on anything you may need help with. Thanks for taking the ball and running with it. The Rubicon is under more pressure than the Meadow lake area is, but as the restrictions get worse on the con I think more and more people will be cruising over to the 80 side to get their wheeling in. We need to be ready for struggles similar to our Icehouse counterparts and preparedness is the best weapon here. On that note, when is the next clean-up run?

Thanks!!!!!
Drew

Are you guys still shooting for the trail run this weekend? I have heard about the snow pack from other locals here as well. I am not sure it is easily doable just yet. That being said I would love to join in for the survey run. I have a couple GPS units and TOPO California and a nice HP Plotter I can run 24x36 maps on if anyone needs one. I can get them laminated locally for like $6. They make badass trail maps (12 minute maps).

:grinpimp:

For those people who are not familiar with this trail, here is a simple trail map I pulled out of a book I have. Happy Wheeling!!!

http://www.mountainhead.org/albums/album05/scan0002.sized.jpg

I was just putting that out there for people... Snow makes that trail a real bitch to get through. I don't know if the survey will be complete, but the wheeling will be fun.

I to have a buddy that was there last weekend and he made it to meadow lake (wich was frozen over) and he said that coming out through Cisco Grove there was some pretty deep and time consuming snow. The water has been pretty deep previous Memerial day weekends (uncrossable) from what I've heard but as of last weekend was crossable. We'll see what PG&E does. Good luck! We'll see you out there next trip.

I am going to try to make it up for sure. I don't think I can get up there untill Satruday morning though. I know a bunch of guys from Grass Valley are headed up. I work friday and need to drop my son off at my folks Sat. morning before I drive the rig up. I hear there is a couple of feet of snow up there in the shade right now (a bro was up there a few days ago) but it is relatively soft and passable for the most part.:smokin:

We went up last Sunday from the Jackson Meadows side. Couldn't make in in the daily drivers...to much snow. Now the crawlers may be ok. We want to go this Friday

The survey run is fast approaching and I just wanted to recap our plan after all the other topics that have popped up here and also because of the changing conditions. Perhaps I should say the conditions we now know exist.

I just talked to PG&E and the water release is still at 50 cfs and will remain at that level through the weekend barring any unforseen circumstances. I have a call in to the Forest Service to see if the Rattlesnake Road gate will be unlocked for the weekend as planned but as of now I have no verification of that. It is probably a moot point as it seems the hill up to the Committee Road is still snowed in and we will be going back out to Indian Springs after we are done with our survey instead of heading out the cut out as origianlly planned.

With that in mind our schedule on the trail has changed a bit. We originally had planned to take a leisurely drive up the trail and take advantage of the extra time to stop and enjoy some of the great camping spots along the way. However, we now plan to head on up the trail without delay and hit those spots on the way back if time allows. The survey is the reason we're going up there and remains our main focus.

Several groups have said they plan on being on the trail during the weekend and we look forward to meeting any concerned wheelers as we progress up the trail. All are welcome to be part of our group and we will happily answer any questions about our goals and objectives during our time together on the trail. Several members of the Four Dice 4WDC will be along with us as we start. Some from Webilt may be there as well. I am guessing we will stay together as a group unless they are detained with some necessary work they find along the trail. We plan on keeping to our schedule and making it to Meadow Lake without delay.

Speaking of Four Dice 4WDC, of which I happen to be a member. I want to take this opportunity to try and eliminate any confusion or assumptions about the affiliation between that club and the Friends of Fordyce. Although I am a proud member of that club, the FOF is a separate entity that is being undertaken by myself, Jeff, and Keith. Of course the Coalition includes all of you as well and the members of Four Dice but the actual FOF coalition is neither administered by nor shares any board members with Four Dice the club. That is not to say that they are not valuable members of the coalition. We ALL are. I just wanted to make it clear that any direction as far as the plans of the FOF will come from or be directed to myself, Jeff and Keith at least for the time being. In the future as we grow there may be a time that a new Chief is elected but for not I am serving in that capacity. As stated before Keith is our Consigliere and Jeff is our Ops officer. Four Dice has had and will continue to have their own direction and priorities as an official Adopt-a-Trail club just as they have demonstrated so admirably in the past. In fact their main reason for being there this weekend is to perform a trail opening work run hence my statement about them perhaps stopping to perform work and the FOF sticking to our schedule.

We are all looking forward to seeing you there and the plan remains to leave the Indian Springs staging area at 2pm on Friday afternoon. This will be a safe and sane outing with the utmost care taken to minimize impact on the trail during this time of wet spring conditions. We ask all trail users to keep this in mind as you enjoy this jewel of the Sierras over the Memorial Day weekend.

Excellent write up about this weekend Bret , but it begs the question:

What is it that FOF will do for Fordyce that the adopting clubs are not doing or not capable of?

I'll read your answer after the weekend, as I know you are busy.

Rick

I understand your question and it is a valid one. I have the answer clear in my mind as Keith, Jeff and I have discussed this already. I am going to ask for a little time to put it into words so I don't rush and do a poor job of expressing our ideas.

Let me just say this now. Not wanting to compare the FOF in any way to the FOTR but since it is our inspiration consider what would be happening today on the Rubicon if Del did not start that coalition! The Con would probably be in danger of being closed if not closed already. It takes more than one club to organize and lead an effort like that. The Adopt-a-Trail clubs do a great job but they don't work together for the most part. It is our aim to bring everyone together for a concentrated effort to do the most good possible for the trail.

Well, I said I wasn't going to go into it much right now and here I am doing just that. I will post more or an answer later but I hope you see the general direction I'm heading.

I just thought of another example but it won't be the last. :D

A club's job is to provide the best possible and well rounded experience for it's members. Four dice not only does it's Adopt-a-Trail work but here is a short list of other thing that happen during the year.

Organize and hold a Christmas party.

Attend the March of Dimes Walk a Thon as volunteer workers.

Try and do one run a month for the pleasure of it's members while keeping the experience fresh and interesting.

Of course the Fordyce clean up.

Attend Sierra Trek as committee members manning Winch Hill #3.

Monthly meetings.

The focus of the FOF will be the Fordyce trail month in and month out. I am a past VP of the club and Keith is a past President and founder. I know there is no way I can remain so active in the club and it is my intention to back out of the club to a certain degree to concentrate on the Fordyce trail. As an example I'm sure the club will be considering going to other trails for future runs this year. I intend to hit the Fordyce several times this year and get a good handle on what it needs.

We also feel that a group needs to be politically neutral to a certain extent to be able to attract volunteers and financial support. A club cannot be that.

Ok more later.

i appreciate all you guys hard work and respect you all for it and wish i was closer to you so i can give you any help i can ,i have never done the fordyce trail and always wanted to as it looks like a great trail ,i will make it a point this year to do it. if i can help in any way let me know
neilhendo@msn.com thanks,
p,s do all rigs get winch up winch hill ?

p,s do all rigs get winch up winch hill ?

I would say that most do not. The winch hills are doable for most rigs unless they are near stock. #1 and #5 can be a little dicy for the short wheelbase rigs but aside from that a little skill will get you up all of them.

:smokin: See ya Sat. Do you wheel that LC in your avitar?

Not just yet... That one is next on the build list. This is my trail rig (of course my top is off now) ... I am hoping to make it up Saturday, I will keep my eyes open for all you guys. Be safe up there!

http://www.mountainhead.org/albums/album04/Jeep_Build_089.jpg

Is the gate going to be open by saterday? :confused:

I have been told by the FS that the gate will be open for the weekend.

I have also been told that the hill at the cut out is still snowed in pretty heavily.

Thank you , and to any who go that route , be courtious to the trail , and easy on the skinny one ! see ya all tonight
Martinis on me!!

Short report this morning. Real busy at work. I'll try to post more this evening with some pictures.

The trail is generally in good shape with no snow (including the cut out) until you get close to Meadow. Passable in a decent rig.

The bottom of the trail is real wet and includes a giant mudhole at mile 6.25. The left line is slighly less deep although at one spot it will swallow a 40 inch tire. After we went through we were told someone has created a bypass. We have no specifics on the bypass. The whole area is very wet and any bypass will just turn into an extension of the mudhole in my opinion. It's hard to say what strategy would create the least impact right now. Any users will have to decide that for themselves for the time being until we can figure out a fix. Of course the best thing for the trial would be to stay off it until it dries some more. Keep in mind this bypass is not part of the trail and is illegal. The right thing to do is to be prepared to get muddy and winch.
http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/FOF-Survey-Run/FOF_Survey_036.sized.jpg

All the winch hill's with the exception of #3 are pretty easy. Three is wet and the squeeze is pretty hard. The bypass is about the same as last year.

The cut out is same as always.

We stopped and cleared debris from the creek crossing/back-up before Winch Hill 3 to let it flow better. Got it to drain pretty well but we need to go back and clear out some big logs that have floated downstream.
http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/FOF-Survey-Run/FOF_Survey_136.sized.jpg

We got our survey done with lots of pics and GPS coordinates. This information will be available on our website when is gets going. Aside from finishing the work on the upper creek crossing we have identified the big mudhole as needing our attention most. This will also be discussed on our bulletin board.
http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/FOF-Survey-Run/FOF_Survey_086.sized.jpg
http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/FOF-Survey-Run/FOF_Survey_154.sized.jpg


Stay tuned.

Bret

The mud hole at mile 6.25 is getting bigger and more tore up. Rick and I from Webilt got there saturday morning around 10am only to find 2 rigs stuck up to their door handles in the goo. They had been stuck all night and just ended up sleeping in their rigs in the hole since 3am wating for someone to come along. We winched them out and soon they were on their way.

Rick and I spent several hours there blocking a newly formed bypass through the trees and cleaning up the place as best we could. Fortunately we caught it soon enough---it looked like only a couple of rigs had gone through the bypass so it wasn't super noticable and torn up yet.

This mud hole needs some serious work cause its getting deeper and unpassable without a winch. I suspect some idiots will come through and drive over our bypass barriers and begin tearing up the forest.

It looks like I missed a good time. I had family obligations that I just could not get out of last weekend preventing me from joining you guys up there. I really wish I could have been there on the trail with all of you. How about another trip in the next weekend or two to clear out those logs. I have a couple chainsaws and a bunch of chain/winch, lets get those logs and debris cleared out. Big thanks to everyone who put in the time and the hard work on our trail last weekend.
:D

We are comming up sat. am. 10 rigs, opted to camp by our rigs at indian springs due to serveral buggies first trip out! we will run in for the day sat. & sun, but be close to the service truck , welder, parts, crane,tools,you know the stuff youll need on a new buggie!!:D:D


Psycho...how far did you guys make it up the trail over the weekend? We left Indian at 2pm sharp on Friday and camped at the top of WH1 Friday night.

I trailered in to about 1/4 mile before drivelinefriday night around11, set up camp , saterday we went in just before the mud hole , helped a couple broke rigs , played around a little , same sunday and monday. Great relaxing time , broke my trailer... buggie ran perfect!:D
my partner broke in the mud pit fri. nite , packed his pressure plate full of mud and debree , so they stayed up at that end helpin people and hangin out.

Good luck with FOF guys, I know you will make a difference.

Thanks Dave. Maybe we can get that Jeep of yours up on the trail and you can shovel some mud for us.:grinpimp:

This thread is much more fitting here...thanks Camo.

Anyone feel like running fordyce next weekend? I am thinking about going up Friday night after work. I have a buddy who is going to cruise his rig up too. These plans are tenative but likely. Anyone else interested? Perhaps we can get more of the logs and debris cleared away and double check the barrier on the mud pit bypass to make sure it is still intact.

This is great, guys. I wish I was closer to help. I love the Fordyce trail.

BTW, where do we get a t-shirt? :D

How is the trail looking? We had a hell of a lightning/hail storm hit GV tuesday. I wonder if it dropped snow up there. It will be a hot weekend. I imagine things will be a bit muddy. If anyone knows what it looks like I would love a heads-up.

Thanks Dave. Maybe we can get that Jeep of yours up on the trail and you can shovel some mud for us.:grinpimp:

let me know when the clean up is and I'll be there. that will give me time to do some overdo maintenence.

I will be checking this BB all the time. I am in for helping as much as a 62 year old can help. 4-dice is my home trail being only 45 minutes from my house. First trail I ran when I first bought my 90 Toyota PU and it was totally stock. Only went down to the first water x-ing but it needed a clutch by the time I was out. It has evolved since. Count me in for support.

keep me informed of trail repair days.
awesome trail.
thnx FOF!

1st one is July 4th if you can make it.