What's a Happening my Fellow Land Rover Enthusiasts?
Well, it's a new year. Boy, does it fly by. Seems like yesterday we were all gathered around the BBQ table at the Fall Rally with no serving utensils (sorry bout that, it was my first event). Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. I look forward to a 2005 that will bring more mud, more water and hopefully if all goes well, another dent or two. I saw some pretty extensive Christmas lists out there. Hopefully everyone's rig got a new ornament or two.
The message for 2005 is going to be as follows:
Revamping the club image. (We are not just beer drinkers and carnage seekers) Even though "Beer Drinkers and Carnage Seekers" is very catchy.
We held our first Christmas Toy Drive. This year's toy drive benefactor was All Children's Hospital in St Petersburg. Being this was the clubs first year doing this, I believe it was a great success. We figure we took about $300 worth of toys to All Children's Hospital.
We will be doing trail clean-ups this year. I am presently working with the Richloam folks to get us in there to do some clean up. This is more of a process than one would think.
We have started carrying a garbage bag on our trail-rides. Jonathan Galpin and others did some clean up of articulation alley a few weeks back. Please, when ya'll are out on the trails, make a garbage bag a part of your gear and pick up trash along the way.
Joint trail rides/events with other clubs.
Holding more trail rides.
The folks in West/Central Florida (Tampa, Orlando, Bradenton etc.) hold at least one run per month.
Do any other areas of Florida use the website to announce trail rides?
Safety, Safety, Safety.
Safety should be our number one, number two, and number three priorities.
I am looking into a one-day first aid class/seminar. I also just purchased a first aid kit. The problem is I would not know how to use it if an emergency occurred out on the trails. Do You??
Attend a proper recovery technique seminar/class.
Many of us attended the Bill Burke. Write-Up below.
Looking out for each other.
Double-check each other. Those of you that have gone on trail rides with me, please double check everything I do..Bruce, Gordo, Jonathan, Mudd-Dawg don't let me hook up the straps..Sorry Mudd-Dawg!!
If you have a novice on an experienced trail ride, please let them know what's up ahead and make sure they are properly equipped.
If the novice knows what's up ahead and continues anyway, then it's on them, but we have to be sure they are aware.
Be friendly and courteous to everyone on the ride. Some people bring their kids (Mine are with me on most day runs) and lady friends with them, please be considerate when conversing with the group via CB.
Make everyone feel welcomed; it's his or her club too.
On Saturday January 8th, Michael Lokey had Bill Burke do a seminar at his Tampa 4x4 shop. We had about 10 members attend. Jason Michaels and a new member, James, even came from Jacksonville to attend. Thanks guys, we appreciate it. Many members from Suncoast Flatlanders also attended. In all, about 40 people were in attendance. We wanted to take a moment and let Michael Lokey of Lokey Adventure Center know how much we appreciate him bringing Bill Burke down and inviting the FLRC to attend. THANKS MICHAEL... In summary below is what Bill Burke spoke about.
Gun Safety. Oh Mylanta!!!! What was that all about? Actually it was a very innovative and politically correct way of saying; "I have gun and rifle in my truck, please be advised and watch your children". At first, I believe it caught many of us by surprise, but when he was done with this segment, I thought it was very effective.
First Aid. Bill spoke about the things he finds necessary to have on board and if you have them, please know how to use them. We all need to have a first aid kit and we all need to know how to use them. I have a kit, but an emergency would be out of my league.
Hi-Lift self-recovery and use. This was, in my opinion, the coolest part of the program. Bill showed how to use a Hi-Lift for self-recovery and spoke about the essential recovery items we should have on board. Does everyone have 10-15 feet of Grade 70 3/8-inch transport chain with him or her? I did not, but now I do. Tractor Supply is a good source. Get the hooks also.
Bill also spoke about various recovery hand signals and the need to have ONE person spotting or advising the stuck person. We do not need 5 people barking orders.
Winching Techniques. Bill spoke about proper winching and always keeping safety in mind. He gave us the proper winching hand signals and to speak clearly and concisely. When you want someone to STOP, do not say WOOO, Say STOP. WOO, GO makes sense.
Bill did a slide show of his 1991 Camel Trophy Experience. What an experience that would have been. Here's a brand new Disco equipped to handle the harshest of terrains. Make it last you 30 days. " Drive it like you stole it" has a whole new meaning.
Raffle. Mike Lokey and Bill Burke raffled off some cool stuff. I didn't win a darn thing. Oh well! Jenn and Lee-Ann won a rear recovery point, which is almost as good as me winning something. Good Job Ladies..
Michael Lokey also had an articulation ramp on site. My articulation leaves a lot to be desired. Shoot, this is Florida, who needs stinking articulation anyway? Bring on the MUD!!!
Once again, we appreciate Michael Lokey holding this event and inviting the FLRC to attend. He is a new sponsor, but after getting to know him a little, Michael is a cool cat with the sincerest of intentions. The FLRC looks forward to a continued relationship with Lokey Adventure Center and Michael Lokey personally.
The Spring Rally will be held in the Osceola National Forest. The weekend will be April 22-24th. Details will follow.
Please keep an eye on the board. This website is our only tool at this time, to communicate with our members.
As always, this is your club. The Board of Directors work for you. I work for you. Ya'll need something, just ask and as always.. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.Input is not only valued, but needed.
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