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  • Rubicon Trail Groups Issue Public Statement

    Friends of the Rubicon and the Rubicon Trail Foundation

    PRESS RELEASE: FOTR & RTF STILL COMMITTED AFTER BOS DECISION
    Volunteer Coalition and Non-Profit Reflect After County Board of Supervisors Vote

    Placerville, CA January 26, 2010: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted to formalize the alignment of the world-famous Rubicon Trail. This decision includes a handful of important bypasses around some of the more difficult sections of trail, providing trail users the option of taking a less difficult route around the toughest segments of trail. In a meeting which lasted well into the night, the Board of Supervisors heard arguments from county residents, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, environmental activists, the U.S. Forest Service, and the State Parks OHV Division about how to best define the trail which winds through the scenic Sierra Nevada west of Lake Tahoe.

    The Board of Supervisors discussed options for addressing a Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) issued by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. The DOT listed three options for consideration, ranging from establishing 1.) a single defined trail, 2.) a defined trail with bypasses around the most difficult sections, and 3.) a ‘corridor’ option which would have included wide areas where specific trails might be defined. In the end, the Board of Supervisors chose the option of a single route with bypasses, which they felt provided the widest range of opportunities for public access while still addressing the CAO. Tom Celio, Director of DOT, stated that all options presented would be able to address the CAO.

    This County action formally recognizes the main alignment of the Rubicon Trail and a handful of alternate routes with multiple levels of difficulty near Devil’s Postpile, Forgotten Sluice, Little Sluice, Indian Trail, and the True Old Sluice. Selecting this middle option is a balance between recognizing a single trail and recognizing every existing alternate and bypass. “In reality we lost very little” said Scott Johnston, President of the Rubicon Trail Foundation, “We are still committed to working with the County – this was a good step toward satisfying the Water Board’s CAO.”

    In a frustrating last-minute twist which caught the public by surprise, the Board of Supervisors also voted to reduce the size of the largest rocks in the iconic Little Sluice Box, a signature section of Rubicon Trail near Spider Lake with high technical difficulty. This controversial proposal, was put forth by Supervisor Jack Sweeney after the public comments session was closed. “I and other members of our volunteer community were blind-sided by the discussion/decision to alter Little Sluice”, said Jacquelyne Bebe Theisen, Trail Boss for the Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR). “Our volunteers deserved the opportunity to discuss the alteration of Little Sluice with the Board of Supervisors – and we will. This is not over.”

    RTF and FOTR will work together to push the County Department of Transportation, to lead organizations, and agencies together to identify and employ non-explosive management techniques to minimize impacts at Little Sluice and still comply with the Board of Supervisors’ instructions. In the meantime, FOTR and RTF will continue to work with the County to mitigate concerns in the area by distributing WAG bags (for collecting human waste) and spill kits (for cleaning up fluids spilled by damaged vehicles); reaching out with education from the kiosks, providing roving trail patrol and mid-trail staff; and delivering internet-based education.

    On several occasions during the course of the meeting, the Board of Supervisors expressed how grateful they were for the incredible commitment of the (OHV) community who volunteer thousands of hours a year educating trail users, performing trail maintenance, and cleaning up and addressing sanitation issues. The volunteers of FOTR, Jeepers Jamboree, California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, and many other local clubs and independents have worked together to maintaining Rubicon Trail for more than 50 years.

    The joint efforts of the County, the Forest Service, the California OHV Division, and these volunteers provide an unprecedented example of a collaborative process that works, and are a shining example to land managers and user groups across the nation. “We have to move forward, and keep our volunteers motivated. It’s going to be a challenge, but we can and will succeed,” Theisen added, “We are relieved that after ten years of discussing the issue of trail alignment with little action, the County has finally identified what routes they will maintain in conjunction with the Volunteers.”

    FOTR’s extensive volunteer coalition coordinates with RTF’s federally recognized non-profit organization, and with 8+ years of FOTR volunteerism and 5+ years of RTF fund-raising, we expect that the Rubicon Trail will continue to be an environmentally sound, viable, year-round trail accessible to the public for years to come.

    If you would like to help with our efforts, you can sign up for a Friends of the Rubicon work party at: www.FriendsoftheRubicon.com or send your tax deductible donations to: Rubicon Trail Foundation PO Box 2188 Placerville, CA 95667. Donations may also be made with PayPal or major credit cards by calling 888-6RUBICON.

    More information is available at www.RubiconTrailFoundation.org and www.FriendsoftheRubicon.com

  • Prescott National Forest Seeks Public Comment on Forest Plan Revision

    The Prescott National Forest, Located in central Arizona, is revising their Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan).The Forest Service (FS) is asking the public to help identify issues to be addressed as they begin this plan revision.

    The Forest Plan is the basic document used to provide guidance for all resource management activities on the National Forest for the next 10 to 15 years. The agency plans to release a draft revised plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for formal comment near the end of 2010. A final revised plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected to be out by the end of 2011.

    Comments will be most useful in the development of the draft revised plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement if they are received by February 15, 2010.

    Send written comments to:

    Prescott National Forest
    Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team
    344 South Cortez Street
    Prescott, Arizona  86303

    Comments may also be sent via e-mail by using the “Contact Us” page on the Prescott National Forest planning Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/plan-revision/get-involved.shtml

    For more information, contact Sally Hess-Samuelson, Forest Planner, Prescott National Forest, 344 South Cortez Street, Prescott, Arizona 86303, shesssamuelson@fs.fed.us, 928-443-8216. Information on this revision is also available at Prescott National Forest revision Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/plan-revision/index.shtml

    As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.

  • 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier Order and Course

    JOHNSON VALLEY, CA, JANUARY 29, 2010: The 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers has 21 additional spots available for the 42 competitors of the 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier on Tuesday February 9th and Wednesday February 10th.

    The 2010 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier order has been determined by random draw. Larry Gipson will be first off the line Tuesday morning to test his talents and attempt at qualifying. “I am used to all the pressure and know what needs to be done,” said Gipson. “I need to drive as hard as I can and be as smart as can be. I just need to finish it to get into the race on Friday.”

    By Wednesday afternoon the 42nd and final driver will be Tim Emick, who some argue will have the best opportunity after watching the 41 drivers before him complete the course. “I think this is the first time I am happy to go last,” said Tim Emick, whose brother Dustin Emick will be co-driving. “Only time will tell if we are really lucky though, it all depends on what the tracks are like after the 41 people before me.”

    The Last Chance Qualifier has a lot of names that are familiar with King of the Hammers. Ian McGlynn, Cottin Rodd and Larry Gipson all raced in the 2009 Griffin King of the Hammers main race last year and are still trying to qualify for this years race. There is also a group of seven that competed in last years LCQ who are trying their luck again including Brandon Johnson, Troy Bailey, James Andrus, Brandon Davis, Loren Healey, Jose Ponce and Josh Patt.

    There are 33 names on the 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier list that have never competed in the event before. Trophy Truck driver Curt Leduc and NHRA Pro Sportsman Drag Racer Les Figueroa are included among them. Les comments, “This is a huge challenge not knowing what to expect, it’s the most homework I have ever done for a race, it’s a lot different than going really fast, and trying to stay straight! Luckily, we will be going in the first day and if we do well that will give us an extra day to prepare for Friday’s race and be successful.”

    There is quite a bit of strategy that will go into the qualifying process. Drivers will not only want to be in the qualifying group, but will be conscious of what position within the 21 they end up. As part of the Main Race starting draw, the LCQ starting positions were determined as well. For example, the Last Chance Qualifier that finishes in the 8th place, will take the 3rd position on the Main Race starting grid. Whereas, the driver that gets a better time in the LCQ and finishes 4th has a Main Race starting position of 94th! David Smiley who will race on day two said, “we will watch for times and try to position us the best as possible, although we know there are still a lot of drivers behind us that could throw it off. We will watch on Tuesday and change and firm up our strategy depending on what we see during Day 1 Qualifying.”

    The course this year is a grueling 6 miles. It starts by zig zagging up and around Means Butte and then increases speed through some fast desert to the Back Door obstacle that was the center of attention last year. Once the driver clears Back Door, they have a stretch of fast yet large whoops to handle and then go down Trap Door. As Back Door is a vertical climb, Trap Door is a vertical fall. Competitors will finish off the course with a very fast and fun desert section that has some serious potential for overdriving. As a spectator, it is good that there are two days of qualifying so you can move to different locations to see all the action. See the entire course rolled out at http://vimeo.com/9059027.

    Every spot in the Griffin King of the Hammers has been earned, but those that qualify through this final process could be called Knights of Armor. They are attempting to race two of the most challenging races back to back with only a day in between.

    A section by section presentation of the 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier can be watched at: http://vimeo.com/9059027

    2010 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier Starting Positions

    1 Larry Gipson

    2 Clay Eagan

    3 Michael Feagins

    4 Carl Nielson

    5 Jonathon Terhune

    6 John Goodby

    7 Robert Foster

    8 Willie Gray Roberson II

    9 Jack Childers

    10 Ian McGlynn

    11 Brian Tilton

    12 Mark Weel

    13 Ritchie Keller

    14 Brandon Johnson

    15 Chad Burchik

    16 Bill Kreisel

    17 Michael Colville

    18 Troy Bailey

    19 Matt Burkett/Curt Leduc

    20 Cottin Rodd

    21 Les Figueroa

    22 Jason Feuilly

    23 Josh Patt

    24 Shawn Fisher

    25 Matt Enochs

    26 Chad Wheeler

    27 Andy Gladen

    28 Brandon Davis

    29 Aaron Beckstead

    30 Gary Ferravonti

    31 James Andrus

    32 Jason Conover

    33 Rob Klinger

    34 David Smiley

    35 Scott Morris

    36 Damian Layer

    37 Joel Withers

    38 Joey Weber

    39 John Bennett

    40 Loren Healy

    41 Chris Garrison

    42 AJ Condon

    43 Matt Peterson

    44 Jose Ponce

    45 Tim Emick

    2010 Griffin King of the Hammers Starting Grid for LCQ Finishers

    3 LCQ 8

    5 LCQ 1

    9 LCQ 10

    10 LCQ 2

    14 LCQ 18

    18 LCQ 16

    19 LCQ 9

    25 LCQ 14

    26 LCQ 19

    34 LCQ 11

    53 LCQ 5

    58 LCQ 3

    60 LCQ 6

    64 LCQ 21

    75 LCQ 20

    77 LCQ 17

    82 LCQ 13

    83 LCQ 15

    84 LCQ 7

    94 LCQ 4

    99 LCQ 12

    • 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers
    • 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier
    • Pit Bull Tires UTV King of the Hammers
    • Official Tire: BFGoodrich
    • Official Wheel: RaceLine
    • Official Light: Vision X
    • Official Shock: FOA
    • Official Suspension System: GenRight
    • Official Toyota Rock Crawling Parts Supplier: Trail Gear
    • Official Steering: PSC Motorsports
    • Official Oil: Royal Purple
    • Official RC Car: Traxxas

  • Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association Urges Enthusiasts and Industry to Comment on CPSC’s ROV Rulemaking

    ROHVA Creates www.rohva.org/anpr to Facilitate Submission

    IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2010 — The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) is calling on enthusiasts and industry representatives to submit comments by March 15, 2010 in response to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed mandatory standards for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs), also known as side-by-sides and UTVs.

    (more…)

  • Stanley Auto Products

  • Nissan Frontier & Pathfinder Winch Bar

    Introducing the 2009-On Frontier & Pathfinder Combination Winch Bars

    Seattle, January 26/ ARB 4×4 Accessories/ — Late model Nissan Frontier and Pathfinder owners, ARB has good news for you. ARB 4×4 Accessories, manufacturer of purpose engineered 4×4 parts, distributed worldwide, is proud to announce the release of the

    2009-On Nissan Frontier and Nissan Pathfinder ARB combination winch bars.

    Manufactured from high quality steel then finished in a durable satin black powder coat finish, the ARB Combination Bars to suit the Nissan Frontier and Pathfinder are built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. Offering significantly better protection than the OEM bumper, the ARB combination bar also features Hi-Lift jacking points integrated into the pan, and fully engineered mounting system suitable for Warn 8000/9000/9500 low mount winch models. Featuring mounts for driving lights, the bar also includes antenna mounts, and can be finished off with optional ARB fog lights in the wings for a truly integrated finish.

    Features include:

    • – Provisions for IPF driving lights, CB aerials and a range of Warn Winches
    • – Split pan design for optimum strength and airflow
    • – Recessed indicators and parking lights
    • – Superbly engineered, air bag compatible mounting system secures to chassis using high tensile bolts
    • – Optional 6821201 ARB fog light kit
    • – Hi-Lift Jack Points in pan
    • – OEM Recovery points retained

    For the full range of ARB product for the Nissan Frontier and Nissan Pathfinder, please visit our Vehicle Application section on the ARB USA website.

    About ARB

    ARB Corporation Limited is Australia’s largest and industry leading manufacturer and distributor of quality, 4WD vehicle accessories, with distribution in more than 100 countries worldwide.

    The company manufactures and stocks the worlds most respected and sought after brands including ARB Air Locker locking differentials and bumpers; Old Man Emu (OME) customized suspension systems, IPF high performance lightning, and Safari snorkel systems. ARB’s Seattle office is the North, South & Central American headquarters and importer of ARB 4×4 Accessories.

    To view the full line of ARB product, please visit the official ARB website at www.arbusa.com