MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER

June 2018 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ 85201 http://mesa4wheelers.com

MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFF President Lee Coppage 623-800-5483 Vice President Bill Mihailov 602-810-7226 Secretary Pat Jenkins 480-834-0517 Treasurer Ray Jenkins 480-834-0517 Corres.Secretary Hazel Hart 480-994-1260 Membership Lori Moore 602-647-1685 Editor Mike Drawsky 480-502-9507 Remembrance Gert Leible 623-869-8434 Trophies Clete Hruska 602-568-1140 Safety Chairman John Hart 480-994-1260 Publicity OPEN

Next Meeting May 18, 2018

Third Friday of every month, 7:00 PM. Bass Pro

1133 North Dobson, Mesa, AZ 85201 (602) 606-5600

PRESIDENT'S CORNER Your Prez,

Lee Coppage (Lonewolf)

REMEMBER WHEN? 30 years ago?

June 11, 1988

Gary McCoy’s 11 Mile Wash Trip We all met at the Microwave Tower at Bartlett Road turn off around 4:30 P.M. for a M4W Steak Fry Trip. We had a nice size group with 5 members and 2 guests. We pulled out a little after 5 P.M. into the desert. The four wheeling was just right for me; not to rough but plenty of bumps and dips. After about 1.5 hours we arrived at some pretty steep hills. We stopped for a while for those who wanted to play around. Running (not on foot) up the hills. Gary and Bill attempted the left hill while the rest of us conquered the right hill. They decided our route was easier so they followed suite. We headed toward the river. The rest of the trip was over fairly flat dusty washes. We pulled up to the river about a half hour later. We crossed to an island to set up for the pot luck: unfortunately, the grains of sand were large pebbles. We spied a peninsula across the way. Our vehicles must be part amphibian because we all drove across knee deep (not Bill’s) water without any problems. The potluck was a good one and we all ate a hearty meal. Charlene’s dessert was a great hit. I noticed her container was wiped clean. (I’m sure she’ll share the recipe). After dinner and a nice visit, we set out thru the water again; towards the highway and home. Thanks Gary and Bonnie for a good Trip! Written by Linda Dreckman Edited by Ray Jenkins

CLUB TRIP REPORTS Upper & Lower Sycamore Creek Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: 05/28/18 Members in attendance: Ray & Pat Jenkins, Clete & Randi Hruska, Dan & Deb Smith, Adelaide D’Ippolito, Adelaide Burkett, Dave Rupel, John Hart and Keith Fiegel, Guests in attendance: Derek Johnson, Brandon Ebert, Dan & Kim Montgomery, Rich Dalton and Keith Aedrich. At around 6:30 AM, trip leader Mike arrived at Fountain Hills, Denny’s. Our regular server was there to greet him, right away asking him how many club participants should she set tables for. With today’s temps expected to reach in the high 90’s, he tells her a setting for 6 should be enough. Within minutes the 6 chairs were full and those who Mike received word from were coming, had not shown up yet! While the surrounding tables were still open, they grabbed two, along with 6 more chairs. By 7:15 all 12 were occupied!

Today was so much fun thank you to everyone involved and thank you Michael aka “Mike” today’s tour guide. Kim Montgomery By a little after 9:00 AM we were aired down and lined up, ready to begin the day’s run. Starting from Mesquite Wash, 4 miles north of the 4-Peak staging area, the route followed Sycamore Creek, south along Highway 87, finishing at the Bush Highway overpass.

Starting out on Forest Road 160, we headed southwest, winding our way through groves of cottonwood trees, at the north end of Sycamore Creek.

The first 2 miles of FR160 was spent weaving through a lush green forest.

As quickly as we became entangled in a web of tree branches, the trail opened up into a sandy wash with numbers of mature saguaros on either side. Before making the right turn, onto the by-pass route, Mike offered to walk the group up to “Rocker Panel Pass”.

For drivers experiencing this trail for the first time, many cut their trip short and turned around after a short run up the wash, due to deteriorating trail conditions. This section is known as “Rocker Panel Pass”.

This photo of Mike running “Rocker Panel Pass” was taken last year during an Upper Sycamore pre-run with Rob Hayton.

Dave Rupel posing at the rock fall, one of the most difficult sections of “Rocker Panel Pass”. For today’s Upper Sycamore run Mike played it safe and took everyone on the by-pass route, around Rocker Panel Pass.

Last year’s photo of Mike driving up the rock fall, where Dave was posing in today’s photo.

Last year’s photo of Mike finishing one of the last obstacles on “Rocker Panel Pass”.

Minutes after turning onto the by-pass, the trail quickly increases in elevation. While waiting for the group to catch up, Mike got out to take a snapshot of those still working their way up, capturing Boulder Mountain in the background.

Just before heading up the steepest stretch of the trail, “Tail-end” Clete & Randi, volunteered to position their Jeep in front of Keith’s, just in-case Keith’s Jeep, with open-differentials, was in need of a strap.

Fortunately, Keith was able to make it up unassisted.

While waiting for those in the rear to catch up, Dave & his co-pilot Keith, took a moment to stretch their legs and take in the beautiful desert view.

From left to right: 47-year club member, Pat with second year members, mother and daughter, Adelaide & Adelaide.

At the half way point, Mike stopped to show the group the trail map, showing all the available trail routes in the Sycamore Creek OHV Area.

Mike pointed out on the map, both the full day and half day route plan. 3 of our 11 vehicles chose the half day route, while the rest decided to go the full length.

While approaching our usual lunch spot, we noticed a group of UTV’s riders checking out the large granite rock that some use to test their rig’s traction capabilities. The UTV’s lacked the ground clearance to clear the crest, so they decided to watch us give it a try. They were impressed when Mike made it up without spinning a wheel!

To avoid the rock’s bottom step, that usually stops forward momentum, Mike moved over to the far right, leaving very little room for error!

Next to give it a try, Dave Rupel.

Those who also conquered the boulder: Ray Jenkins, John Hart, Dan Smith and Dan Montgomery.

Two thirds into the run, John approaches the top of “Quartz Hill”

Following John to the top of “Quartz Hill”, Ray & Pat.

Next it was guests, Dan & Kim, in their new JK Rubicon Unlimited.

Followed by Walter & Gert…

Followed by Clete & Randi…

Clete always keeps his TJ Rubicon in tip-top shape!

Next in line, guests, Rich Dalton, driving a well maintained 5.9 liter V8, late 90’s Grand Cherokee.

Last to the top of “Quartz Hill” Dan & Deb in their well-equipped JK Rubicon.

The size of these quartz rocks is always worth getting out and taking a close look at!

Taking a break at the top of “Quartz Hill”

Driving the final stretch of the rolls, before heading down to Sycamore Creek, with Black Mesa in the background.

While waiting for the rest of our group to catch up, Mike captures a nice photo of Dan & Deb!

After airing up, while waving goodbye, Walter & Gert let Mike know how much they enjoyed today’s run!

Although the day was a little on the warm side, everyone was having such a good time, no one seemed bothered by it.

Finishing up at the Bush Highway Overpass, with Weaver’s Needle in the background.

FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS

Memorial for Tonia Abshire McConnell Contact: Glenn McConnell When: Saturday, June 16th, at 1:00 PM Where: Harmony Community Church 10701 E Boulder Dr, Apache Junction, AZ 85120 Sunflower Mine Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Contact: 480-216-2730 When: Sunday, June 17th Meet: 7:00 AM Denny’s, Fountain Hills Pullout: 8:00 Trail Rating: 3-1/2 Finish: Approx. 4:00 Bulldog Canyon Trip Leader: Adelaide D’Ippolito Contact: 714-345-4434 When: Saturday, June 30th Meet: 9:30 Bulldog Canyon, West Gate, off Usery Pass Road. Pullout: 10:00 Requirements: Bulldog Canyon Permit Rating: 2.5 Trip Details: The mileage from McDowell Rd/Ellsworth-Usery Rd to the parking entrance is 4 miles and the mileage from the highway 87/Bush highway intersection is 12 miles. These mileages are within a tenth of a mile. We will meet @ 0930 & pull out @ 1000. Run will finish off with lunch at Goldfield Saloon. A Tonto pass is required. Crown King, Horsethief Lookout Tower Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Contact: 480-216-2730 When: Saturday, July 14th Meet: 7:00 AM Denny’s, Carefree Hwy. & I-17 Pullout: 8:00 Trail Rating: 2-1/2 Finish: Approx. 4:00

ITEMS FOR SALE: CLUB ITEMS FOR SALE M4W Flag $15.00 M4W Vehicle Plate $25.00 M4W 5” & 7” Logos $2.00 M4W Banners $5.00 State Decals $2.00 M4W Arm Patches $0.50 United Decals $1.00

REFRESHMENTS June Pat & Ray Jenkins Adelaide D’Ippolito July Lori & Rory Moore Mike & Linda Drawsky

BIRTHDAYS June 6/15 Martin Bode 6/18 Linda Drawsky July 7/2 Harold Liberman 7/5 Debra Wallace 7/19 Rory Moore

MESA 4 WHEELERS WEBSITE

To log onto the M4W website go to: http://mesa4wheelers.com What you will find on our website: Photo Gallery (Club Runs & Events) Club Information (About Us, FAQ, Membership, Newsletters, Links) Calendar (Posted Runs & Events) Forum (General Category, Travels, Marketplace) Contact Us (Contact form for new members)

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