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Two Rivers Tracker
A publication of the Two Rivers Jeep Club, Pittsfield, Illinois
Volume 9 Issue 4
August 2006
Upcoming Events
Sat. & Sun., Sept. 16 & 17: Better Late Than Never 4th of July Run
YES! There will be a Better Late Than Never 4th of July Run this year! Chad and Frannie have
stepped up to coordinate the event. As usual, people will meet at the VFW at 8 AM. No word on
breakfast availability yet. The trails will be Hopewell, Smacker, and Atlas and leave at 9 AM. At
6 PM there will be a TRJC funded dinner. Chad and Frannie are working the details on the
location and menu. To help in planning, please respond to [email protected] with your
RSVP or call the club phone. Sunday, if there is sufficient interest by members, Hopewell will be
run starting at 9 AM from the VFW. Frannie will send postcards to members with the final
details.
Sat., Oct. 21: Annual General Meeting, Ma Earth Run,
and Pike County Fall Color Drive
For the first time, we're holding the AGM during the Fall Color Drive. We hope this will bring
more members to the meeting and also allow members to enjoy the awesome Fall Color Drive.
Lots of details:
•
Annual General Meeting: The AGM will be held at 8 PM at the VFW on Saturday night.
Note the time change! The Board will elect officers following the meeting at 9:30 PM.
Please plan on attending the meeting starting at 8 PM. Members will need to vote for two
Board seats. Those willing to serve on the Board should contact our secretary at least
one week before the election to have your names placed on the ballot. This is your club
and your opportunity to help shape the direction for the coming year. Please plan on
attending!
•
Ma Earth Run: Deer season will be in full swing at this time. Many of the landowners
supplement their income by leasing their land to hunters. Since we do not lease any
land, obviously those who pay for the privilege to use the land get first priority. We're
currently talking with a number of landowners to see if we can find one who does not
lease their land. Stay tuned!
•
Color Drive and Jeep Tours: The color drive is fun. If nothing else, come to Pittsfield
just for that - it's great! We've provided Jeep rides in the past but we have the same
issue with hunters this year as we do for the Ma Earth Run. We're actively working the
issue. As soon as we have confirmation of the trail(s), that information will be posted on
the web site. Postcards will also be sent to members with the final details.
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 1
Rick’s Report
By Rick Culberson
Well congratulations to the Two Rivers Jeep Club, you finally got me to step down
from the coordinators job! I do hope you all give Kelly as much help and support as
you have given me. And, YES, I did not make the entire BLAST running my Jeep. I
was out with Pete on County Line, trying to pull Rick Miller out of a very deep hole, and the ujoint let go on the rear driveshaft broke an ear off the yoke. I did go to the junk yard and you
should have seen a fat man try to get under a T-Bird, but I did and guess what? It did not fit. I
found out latter that only a Ford Explorer yoke will fit on the 8.8 I have under my Jeep. Oh
well….
Let’s start from the beginning. I had a great two week vacation before the BLAST. We went to
Chicago and watched the Tall Ships sail in, then off to Indianapolis to see Jimmy Buffet. Got
home Wed. night around 9:30PM to start loading the Jeep onto the trailer. Got up early the next
day, had to stop in Jacksonville to pick up T-shirts for the BLAST. I noticed at Hole-In-Wall that
my tire looked low, so aired it up and found a screw in the sidewall. Being the good Jeeper that
I am, I had a tire plug kit in the Jeep, so I figured that if I plugged it, it would last to Pittsfield.
Well about a mile from the Winchester exit the tire blows apart. I go to change the tire and
guess what? The spare tire I bought with the trailer in 1999 did not fit the hub. Along comes
John Huebner and asks if I need help so we chain the axle up and pull it to the exit. After
getting it to the top, I unhook from it and off to Pittsfield I go to get a new tire put on the old rim.
Oh, did I mention that we also had the help of an Illinois State Trooper? About three hours later
I get back to the trailer and Jeep and the trooper is still there. Why did it take three hours? Well
I also went to the Legion to drop of the T-shirts and other things I had for the BLAST. I asked if
he wanted to help put the tire on but he said no and watched in the air conditioned car. He also
was very helpful by following me all the way back to Pittsfield. Never had an escort from behind,
but hey it was nice of him. Finally got to the Motel Pike and unloaded the Jeep and still got to
the Legion before 4:00PM.
One of the first things you see at the Legion is the Tech Crew. Tank Schultz has put together a
wonderful crew with the unthankful job of inspecting every Jeep (and wannabe Jeep) so we
know if they are prepared for the trails they want to sign up for. So a BIG THANKS to the Tech
crew. You guys did a great job, had no complaints. I wondered about a few Jeeps and Chevy
Blazers, but you guys did a great job. I even think Graham did a few inspections and was
behind the Chevy being turned down. (Thanks Graham).
Next you had to walk past Don Maxheimer, the ice cream man. Don has been making ice
cream and all the money he gets goes to the TRJC Christmas Basket fund. Donny and Carl
have told me the elderly people who receive food baskets at Christmas are speechless and are
so thankful. So again a BIG THANKS to Don.
After you leave Don, in though the doors you go and its registration time. Sparky could not
make it to the BLAST, something about a blown motor. Angela Ruble stepped in and she and
her crew did a great job. I know we were not sold out, but I have never seen the line move as
fast as it did. So a BIG THANKS to Angela and the registration crew.
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August 2006
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After registration you got to go though the line and Chad and Frannie Suhre had the
promotional items for sale. You have to give them credit, they sat there both nights and I never
saw the table empty. Hope they sold lots of things so the Club made lots of money.
After you spend lots of money at the Jeep Club table, Mom Miller was there to sell raffle tickets.
The raffle crew (Mom Miller, Karen Dixon, Rick Miller, and Hayward & Kathleen Ball) did a great
job. They sold 2600 tickets for the many prizes donated by over 40 sponsors. Speaking of
prizes, a GREAT BIG THANKS to Rachel Baker, who contacted all of the sponsors and more to
get the great prizes we had to give away.
Away from the raffle crew you go to sign up for the many trails Two Rivers Jeep Club has to
offer. Here we have to give a BIG THANKS to Doug Maxheimer, and all the trail guides, who
work many, many weekends to make sure the trails are ready for all the Jeeps (and wannabe
Jeeps) to enjoy for the two days we run them.
I want to thank Graham McNeill who was the MC for both nights. I love the humor and wit
Graham uses, but I did see the Nuns in a station wagon climb hills on Smacker he would not
do.
Another man behind the scenes is Dave Christensen. He does all the mailings and helps with
way too many things. Like I said if it were not for Dave and Graham, I would have gotten out of
this years ago. Thanks both of you, I do not know were I would have been without you two.
I also want to thank the Board and the members of this great club. I have met a lot of good
people and will always remember the time we have had on the trails. Last, I would like to say
THANKS A LOT to all of the landowners for allowing us to enjoy our sport on their property.
Without you, Landowners, we could not give to the community the way we do. This year we
gave $1300 to the American Legion, and $1300 to Chontel Whitaker for National Multiple
Sclerosis Society. Chontel and Randy are also one of our landowners, with trails Mossy
Mountain, and Susie’s Knob 2.
I had a little trouble on County Line. But boy,
was it fun!! It’s been a long time since I have
been on Pete’s trail. It sure has changed as up
and down hills you go. I guess from what I heard
I missed the best part of the trail. But I did make
it though places that a friend of mine did not
make. But it was also the same hole I made it
though that claimed my u-joint. The next day I
rode with Pokey, and as many times as I have
been on Pokey’s run as a guide, I sure was not
ready for this ride. I did find out that riding in a
passenger seat is completely different that
driving a Jeep. Right off the bat, Pokey tries to
put his Jeep on its side, and it was my side!
After that I found that it was better to walk and
take pictures than it was to ride with him. Of
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August 2006
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course my camera battery went dead shortly after the start of the trail and I had left the rest of
my camera gear in the truck at the motel. So back in the passenger seat and a wild ride with
Pokey.
We tried the new ditch section and, with my expert guiding, Pokey made it up the hard part. I
have still not made that part. Billy (Pokey II), try as he may, destroyed his spider gears on the
same part. 15 to 20 cell phone calls later, Brad Schultz had him talked in to how to weld the
gears solid and about two to three hours later he was back on the trail. One of the best parts
was the little flat rock in the creek. Graham said he would not take his Jeep over it, so Pokey
jumps into his Jeep and drives it over the rock (Graham has a good article and a picture of
Pokey driving over the rock on our web site.) Also after Bill’s break down, we may have to
change the trail to Indian Killer, if anyone saw the Cherokee that rolled on Friday. We then tried
a new hill climb which could prove to be a great rock climb down the road. As Graham said,
Pokey’s Run is a great trail and has a lot of options with harder and harder places to climb. We
pretty well called it a day after a few more trails and back to town we came. We did have to stop
at the ice cream shop, and almost everyone on the trail was there.
Again I want to thank anyone that I may have missed. I did not mean to miss you, it’s just there
are so many people who help that I lose track of who is helping. And I want you all to help Kelly
as much as you have helped me. I will still be in the background. As I have told Kelly, I will do
anything I can to help her. So until next year, at the Safari, I hope that I will see you all there.
Maybe it was not the T J Video hex on me, maybe it was the coordinator hex, but good luck
Kelly! I guess time will tell, if I make it though the Safari next year without a break down. I will
then know it wasn’t TJ’s fault and it was the coordinator hex. So until next year, keep on Jeepin’
and hope to see you all on the trails.
Thanks to Rick
On behalf of Two Rivers Jeep Club and the thousands of guests that have attended the 6
events that Rick has coordinated over the last 3 years, the Board would like to provide a big
“Thank You” to Rick Culberson for all his efforts. Few people know the amount of detail and
the hundreds of items that must be coordinated for each and every major event. Over the
years Rick and his helpers have done a magnificent job providing safe and enjoyable 4
wheeling events for almost 2000 people. Words can’t express our appreciation, but the
success of all of these events is the best testimonial for all the hard work, blood, sweat, cursing,
and ultimate satisfaction of seeing it all come together. Rick, from all of us to you, THANKS!
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August 2006
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Kelly, our New Coordinator
Hello wheeling family. I would just like to tell all of you how excited I am to be taking on the
coordinator position for the 2007 Safari & Blast. My husband Rod & I joined TRJC two years
ago this 2006 Blast. We found a hobby that both of us enjoy, in different ways. I break it he
fixes it, he breaks it, he fixes it. So hey, he still doesn’t do dishes. Rod is always working on
some auto of some sort. Now that he has my attention, he doesn’t have to twist my arm too
bad when it comes to spending money on the Jeep. We have a great time wheeling and we
have met many new people. I look at it like this, if we can show newbies a good time they will
be back. But hey let’s not forget those who have been around for a while either. They are
whom the newbies learn from. Please take no offense to the wording! I look forward to
introducing new 4x4 enthusiasts into the world of off-roading. After all who needs pavement???
Event coordinator,
Kelly Knoll
Thanks for a Great Time!
I just wanted to say “thank you!” This is our second event with you and we had a great time!
Food was wonderful and the people were great as well. We have been to three Jeep
Jamborees in Arizona, Colorado and Indiana. They were fun and the views in Colorado and
Arizona were great, but they were very expensive! Since we live in E. Peoria, your events
make for wheeling that’s affordable and a great time. And thanks for the winch!! ---- Cyndi
County Line
Buzzards
By Jeff Brown
Well another year and another trip to County
Line. Of course, as we pulled in to Pittsfield
Thursday night and saw the rain north of
town we could only hope that it was soaking
the trail and mud holes. At the Safari it was
pointed out to Pete that he circled around a
lot kind of like buzzards. With this still fresh
in our minds we decided that we needed to
make sure that everyone knew of the
Buzzards on County Line. We had shirts
made and a magnetic Buzzard for the hood
of Pete’s Jeep that were brought out Friday morning before heading out to the trail.
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August 2006
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The trail, as always, was a great time. Unfortunately the rain didn’t hit the trail as much as we
had hoped but still made for a great day. (3 broken drive shafts in the group so we must have
had a good time.) The mud holes were dry but still a challenge for a few. Larry’s Gorge had
some standing water which made for a great obstacle. A quick break for lunch and the
recovery of a stuck Jeep presented a chance for a look to the sky, and of course there were 3
real buzzards flying overhead. Perfect timing! A few new hill climbs in the back section added
to an already great trail. As always thanks to Pete, Jeremy and Kyle for guiding the trail and of
course landowner Gerald for letting us run on his property.
County Line Part Deux
By Jeremy & Melitta Heggen
Another great weekend of wheelin’!
Thanks to Gerald Bennett, land owner of
County Line trail for letting us roam
around (in circles) on your beautiful
property!!!! O.K. now to explain the
picture. Last year out on County Line, it
was commented that Pete (the buzzard)
Niles seamed to lead us around in a lot of
circles, like we were buzzards looking for
our next meal. That leads me to my next
big thanks to Jeff for getting the “County
Line Buzzard Club” T-shirts made up for us. The decal looks great on Pete’s hood too!
I knew Friday would be very interesting once I found out Rick Culberson was going to circle with
us out on County Line. Anyone who knows Rick knows that breakage is only a matter of time. It
is always fun to watch Rick beat up his TJ and that’s one Jeep that I would not like to be, or be
in while he’s driving! The breakage bug bit early. When a couple of Jeeps needed to stop for
gas on the way to the trail, it was found that the hot pocket, being cooked under the hood for
lunch. had poked a hole in the (brand new) radiator. Gotta love stop leak. Once we got to the
trail, aired down, and got ready to roll, one Jeep would not start. They had it running by time we
completed the first circle, and we were off. Then came Larry’s Gorge, where a tree root jumped
on my Jeep and wrinkled the pass side and shattered the quarter glass. Then time for lunch,
but wait, no Rick Culberson? Were could he be? Under his Jeep of course, removing his rear
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August 2006
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drive shaft after snapping the rear flange. Meanwhile, three buzzards circled above Pete.
Coincidence? I think not!!
The rest of the day went rather smooth, just one Jeep that ran out of gas, and one that was
stuck in 3rd gear. I’m glad no one had a camera for
that one cause it couldn’t have looked good 2 guys
working on the shifter with the driver still in his seat
pushing the clutch in. Saturday went very smooth it
was dry and we had a great time again. We ran
the whole trail, some we haven’t run in a while,
plus some backwards.
Thanks again to all land owners, and club members
who help make these great events come together
and run so smoothly. Thanks to all those who help
prepare our meals and to the Pike County
community for your great hospitality! See you all in
the spring.
Myers Mayhem
By Kelly Knoll
Saturday at the Blast the weather was great we had around twelve jeeps plus two trail guides.
At least we started the day with each trail guide having a Jeep.
In the lead were Lou and his passenger, his chiropractor. He was there with him to check out
what makes Lou’s his back hurt all the time. As tail gunners, we have Rich who also has
passengers. It so happens the passengers are the wife of the chiropractor and his son.
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August 2006
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Part way through the morning, Rich has an axle that was sticking out a little further than it
should have been, something like a broken bracket of some sort? We get Rich’s Jeep off the
trail and swap passengers around. The wife and son end up in Shawn & Susan Wiley’s Jeep.
The chiropractor was with a single driver. Rich hopped in with Lou.
We stopped for lunch and enjoyed each others stories and at some point in there was made
mention of selling a two seat sports car and buying a Jeep. I’m thinking the wheeling bug has
struck again. So back to the trail we go and into an obstacle, with warning that not all may get
through without a little help from a friend called winch. Lou & Rich now lead & tail gun in the
same Jeep. They are a great pair of trail guides. They are! Seriously! We hear they are
winching there way through. This was a passable area two weeks prior. Oh what a little
weather can do to a trail.
So we winch one Jeep after another and then here comes Shawn. Now remember he has the
wife & son of the chiropractor and for some reason Shawn’s wife Susan had gotten out. Shawn
has a plan that he will approach it differently than the rest did and guess what? He stood it up
and over on the passenger side. After all of this, the wife & son were still having a great time.
Shawn did as well. It didn’t scare them away.
Then the overkilloffroad.com jeep driven by Mark gave it what he had and we winched him too.
That trail was 13 for 13 that day. What a great day it was. Lou and Rich managed to winch
every Jeep on the trail including themselves.
Lou and Rich, thank you for a great day!
Myers Mayhem, Part Deux
By Rich Angarita, Trail Guide
Well once again we had a great time at the Blast. The trails were perfect, not too dry or wet.
Traction was good but you didn't just walk up any hill. This trail is rated 3 plus for many
reasons. There are sections that are 2 plus, 3 and even 4, however we have by passes or we
recommend winching at these sections. I believe we had a total of 14 Jeeps including two trail
guides and good number to work with!
Hell Gates tests your driving skills as much of this trail does. A winch and lockers are highly
recommended on this trail. I do want to thank everyone who shared their day wheeling with
me and Lou. It seems I make so many new friends at every event. I am seeing many of the
same faces coming back to ride this trail and we sure enjoy having them come back ever year.
The waterfall section of the trail provided many laughs and a few minor dents. So let’s talk
about the damage. As everyone learned, a little too much gas can break things. As everyone
knows, the first Jeep out of business was the yellow Rubicon (Trail Guide) with a broken rear
track mount. Now how many people do you know that has broken a rear track mount off the
axle?
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August 2006
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So for once Lou, our great Guide, had a rider: myself. Well we came to a section where
Lou had to guide everyone through and I was now driving his Jeep leading the group. Not good
for Lou because today was not my day! As I started to pop out of the ravine, guess what? I
knock off his driveshaft and winching we go. At that point no one wanted me to drive their Jeep,
wonder why?
We had a few flat tires, still wondering what caused that! Beside the guides breaking down, I’m
not sure that anyone else had any real problems that stopped them from continuing on. As
everyone knows, we did have one small hill which everyone winched but we got some good
pictures because everyone gave it a shot.
Lou and myself having been trail guiding this trail for the past two years and we keep adding
new sections, so if you have been on this trail be prepared because we add something new
ever year. If you have taken pictures on this trail please send them in because I forgot my
camera. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year or at one of our club runs. Oh, Lou,
sorry about your driveshaft and the dent in door ….. or was it the whole driver’s side?
If you want to have fun, come see me and Lou on our next adventure on Meyer's Mayhem. I am
sure we will have you laughing (or maybe crying) about your Jeep!
PS Still waiting to see if we can get Warren Dixon and Karen to ride our trail!! Trust me we will
be gentle with your Jeep!
Dutch Creek Challenge
By Dale, from Cleveland, Ohio
The 8th Annual 4x4 Blast lived up to its name. Dutch Creek Challenge was a blast! The
weather was great and the trails were in perfect condition (i.e., slightly wet to keep the dust
down). Trail leader and land owner Lee Ator, and tail gunner Trent Knowles, had four Jeeps
sandwiched between them: a Wrangler, my Grand Cherokee, a Cherokee, and a Rubicon.
With such a small group we were constantly on the move and covered over 11 miles.
We started by entering Dutch Creek. It could have been named Dry Creek. There was very
little water. A question about this to Lee resulted in a 10 minute dissertation about changing
land use and agricultural practices resulting in land and water conservation. However we did
encounter a deep puddle where one TJ took on some water.
We soon left the creek and the rest of the day was spent climbing gullies, traversing ditches and
smaller creeks, and winding up and down through the woods. There were quite a few fallen
trees and limbs to cross over. Lee’s philosophy is if a Jeep can go over it, then why move it or
go around? The trail was tight in spots for the long wheel base Jeeps. I had to maneuver a bit
a few times to avoid smashing a rear door handle or creasing a fender.
Many of the ditch crossings were steep. Going down all I could see was the ditch bottom, while
climbing out all I could see was sky. Going down a couple of these bottomed out my ZJ’s nose,
and caused my front bumper cladding to become askew. Two bungee cords remedied the
situation.
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August 2006
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One hill climb was deeply rutted and my front differential got high centered between the ruts.
On the second attempt I tried to keep out of the ruts while avoiding the trees. About half way up
my rear tires slipped into the ruts. However I managed to crab my way up the remainder of the
hill. This is where one of my inner fender liners came away from the previously loosened
bumper cladding. Another bungee cord to the rescue.
The only other carnage was trail leader Lee tangling with a tree root. The root won with a
thumb sized puncture of his sidewall. But this incident became an educational instruction on
how to safely use (and how not to use) a hi-lift jack. The first attempt resulted in bending the
jack. At least the jack was still under warranty.
Around mid-afternoon we came to the first of two highlights: Chuck’s Canyon. It was a twisty,
narrow, off camber, dry creek bed that required some severe wheel articulation. It was
awesome, and I asked if we could go again.
The second highlight was going down Suicide Hill. At first I was apprehensive because of my
poor crawl ratio (26:1 due to an automatic transmission coupled with 3.55 gears). However,
three things got me through it. First, even though it was steep, it wasn’t very long and it had a
long clear “landing zone” at the bottom free of potentially damaging trees. Second, I received
expect advice, encouragement, and staging at the top of the hill by Lee and Trent. All I had to
do was release the brake and down I’d go. And third, there was no turning around or a bypass! Well, I took a deep breath and down I went. At the bottom I let out a rousing “Yee Haw”
and signaled an enthusiastic “thumbs up”. I wanted to go again.
We didn’t do Suicide Hill again, but we did manage to run Chuck’s Canyon a second time, but
in the opposite direction. It was just as awesome!
At the end of the day we all thanked Lee and Trent for a great trail ride. Dutch Creek Challenge
keeps you busy all day long. If it isn’t twisty turns and log crossings in the woods, it’s hill climbs
or wild ditch crossings. Adrenalin pumping Suicide Hill and Chuck’s Canyon just add to the fun.
It truly is a 4x4 Blast.
Hopewell
By Charlie Ater
I would like to take this opportunity to quell a rumor that I was feeling a hot rear end during the
Blast. Actually, it’s not technically inaccurate; it’s just a matter of interpretation. I had 4.88
gears put in my diffs by Chad just prior to the Blast, and needed to check them for excessive
heat build-up as we were running the trails. Now, I will admit to admiring a hot rear end on
occasion, but this is for family reading so I’ll leave it at that.
Hopewell was run successfully on both days, albeit with small groups. We started with a driver’s
meeting on top of a Hopewell Indian burial mound. I wager that this is the most spectacular
view on any trail. Even with a haze in the air, we could see Louisiana, Mo. across the river.
The little bit of rain that fell was enough to keep dust down. As we wound thru the wilds of Pike
County, there were a few deer and turkey spotted. Since the trails were intended for stock or
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August 2006
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lightly modified rigs and the weather had co-operated, we had no problems getting through the
woods. The ‘Creek Trail’ still gives your suspension a workout and it helps to be flexy here.
The climb out was no problem, but if it’s wet - look out!! The first day, we capped the trail ride
with a scenic tour of Pike County’s back roads, finishing with a ramble up the infamous ‘Seven
Crossing Road’, and yes, it IS a public road !
The second day, “Ridge Rambler” trail guide-landowner Hamer Tate joined us with his tail
gunner and one other Jeep to show us a new exit from Hopewell across his land to Six-Mile
Creek. He graciously led us deeper into the wilder country onto a trail that hadn’t been run
since Spring of ‘05. Since we had three chainsaws (and they all worked!), we fearlessly tackled
the trail. A few trees were down, and some were hung up just high enough that we could
squeak by. And Then! Our only problem of the two days of uneventful trail running, and it HAD
to happen to me, the Trail Guide! No, it wasn’t a hot rear end! My alternator locked up due to
a bearing giving up the ghost. I think the Tail gunner heard it howling as the belt started
slipping. A trail fix was quickly done- we took the belt off and ran the rest of the trail on battery.
Hamer brought us back to town via the scenic route, and then followed me home to Sand Ridge
in Scott County, just to be sure I got home safely. I surely do appreciate his concern.
My opinion - we have a lot of people in
this club that are willing to go the extra
mile, and get little or no recognition for it.
That’s one of the things that makes this
club great. We have many people in Pike
County that let us use their property for
trails, and some of them are not into offroading. We owe all these landowners a
big THANK YOU for allowing us to use
their property. We also owe a big
THANKS to Tom Wombles for having the
foresight to get the ball rolling and
founding the Two Rivers Jeep Club. I
hope to see you all at our next event.
Ciao!
Father’s Day Run
By George (DJ) Metzger
Well I finally made my first trip down after joining the club, and wanted to say that this was my
first off roading experience with my jeep. The guide was helpful and experienced I only needed
his advice once and never got stuck, if you don't count the tree that rolled over and grabbed us
with it's limb, it was a little dry. Billy however needed the strap again, but was back in business
after some bailing wire (I was told about the Safari weekend - sorry Billy). I am looking forward
to the Blast if I can get the time off. I just wanted to say thank you to you all for the fun and
making my first Jeep experience an addictive one. To the trailer queens: remember we all have
to start some place. I also want to thank Pokey for the use of the air compressor and a speedy
recovery.
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August 2006
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An Entertaining Day on Atlas
By Walt Gilbert
A fire, numerous wheels-up experiences, a broken brake line or two and some scary moments:
all in all, not a bad day of wheeling.
That's how the day went Friday of the Blast when Atlas Trail guides Alan Grady and Walt
Gilbert took two brave victims out for a day in the woods. Five were to join the group, but
apparently stories of events-gone-by frightened a few off at the last minute making for a small
but determined group to tackle the Atlas Trail.
Jiri Muller got things off to a good start when smoke started rolling out from under the hood not
15 minutes into the trail. It was a familiar story: brake fluid plus hot headers equals smoke, then
fire, then excitement. The good news is that the situation was caught early and no under-hood
wiring went up in flames. Jiri's wife seemed to take it all in stride and a few minutes later the
trek resumed.
Trail leader Alan was the next to cause a slight delay. A tiny O-ring in a power steering line
decided to give up and created a rather entertaining reddish fountain from the front of the
highly-altered Jeep. No spare O-rings in sight, a number of alternatives were offered before
somebody came up with a rubber gasket (looked to be house plumbing material to me) and the
group was back on the trail.
Rodney and Kelly Knoll and the two teenage gals with them, without a doubt, provided the most
entertainment of the day and got an early start on vying for the coveted Golden Shackle Award.
It could be a slight exaggeration, but it seemed as the only time during the day that all four tires
were solidly planted was when they hit the pavement. The Screaming Eagle roller coaster ride
at Six Flags has nothing on Rodney's driving.
Things went pretty well until lunch, then the excitement began. The V-notches, which are
plentiful on the Atlas Trail, reached out and grabbed the Knollmobile more than once (we lost
count at about six). The Piece of Cake obstacle, which has claimed more than one roll-over
victim in the past, placed another notch in its gunstock as the Knoll crew ventured in. We have
to give credit to Rodney for persistence. He kept trying until the Jeep found itself plopped over
on its side. Seems the soft cooler was now pouring out some ice-cold water into the back seat
where the gals were more than happy to climb out. Once the 60-pound cooler was out of the
way, everybody got out fine and a few well-placed winches later, we were on our way again --for a few feet until we got to the exit of Piece of Cake. The Rod wagon headed skyward as
screams echoed through the woods and trail guides had visions of yet another backwards roll.
But, for some unknown reason, the front came down and another obstacle was history.
Rocky Road didn't stop any of our group, but then it was on to a new section of trail that had yet
to be run and named. It's been run now, but the name project is still up for grabs. Many an idea
was thrown out, most of which can't be listed here.
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 12
The section was a tight, steep, curving, uphill V-notch, the entrance to which had already
proven to be challenging. Once in the notch, the Knolls turned up the excitement switch again,
first falling to one side, then the other. At one point, with the front bumper again headed to the
tree tops, Alan, standing on the bank, calmly reached out and pushed the Jeep back down to
earth, saving a rearward roll. Again screams. Again, a leaking cooler during the bail-out. Oh
yeah, and the right rear tire came off the wheel also. As the girls found a log on which to chat
and Alan's shotgun, Tim Miller, took a nap, we changed a tire and pulled out the winch.
All the while, Jiri was winching his Jeep to an upright position with some creative snatch-block
winching.
Once to the top, a fallen tree stopped our progress, so back down the same slot we went. This
time it went a bit smoother, except for the front brake line which was torn off the Knoll vehicle.
Jiri, for some unknown reason, had a new one with him so a short time later it was up one
more hill (winching) and out to the pavement (after cutting a fallen tree).
We had a great time, but the pavement was welcomed by all. Rodney and Kelly got the Golden
Shackle Award, Jiri came in a close second, a good time was had by all and we still ponder on
the right name for the new section. Another typical day on the Atlas Trail……
A Note from Our Club President, Lee Ator
Wow! The BLAST is over! While the numbers were down slightly, that didn’t
have any effect on the fun. From looking at the write ups and talking with many
people, we all seemed to have a great time. Things went very well, although it
was a little dry. The trails went well and we’re already looking forward to next
year’s events - as some of the folks who wrote in have told us. Gas prices and
other issues had an effect of this year’s BLAST but we’ll survive and things will
pick up. We offer a unique wheeling experience on all private land that simply
cannot be equaled anywhere in
the Midwest.
Here’s my take on the BLAST:
Don Maxheimer’s homemade ice
cream is always a hit and did very
well, better than at the Safari,
even with fewer people. Graham,
as usual, entertained the crowd as
MC for the raffle. Graham, what
would we do without you? You did
a fantastic job!
As Rick reported, we gave $1300
to the American Legion, and $1300 to Chontel Whitaker for National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
There are few 4-wheel clubs in the world that donate as much money as we do, and
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 13
consistently, back into the community that supports our hobby. Since Rick stole my thunder
about the BLAST (and rightfully
so,) I’ll talk about some club
business instead.
The Annual General Meeting is
coming up. This year we
decided to have it the same
weekend at the Fall Color Drive
here in Pike County. We hope
this will attract members to join
in the festivities and also attend
our yearly meeting and
elections. Please plan on
coming for the Fall Color Drive.
While we are working to get
some trails, we will be limited by
the hunting season. We’ll give
you an update as soon as we find out the details. But please attend AGM and show support for
our community by taking your Jeeps out on the Fall Color Drive. With your help and support,
we’ll have another great year next year.
Several seats are up for re-election. If you want to run for Board, let Frannie know. It’s good to
have new people volunteer and bring new ideas. Think about being part of the Board.
And now for the sales pitch. If you see someone in a Jeep - invite them to the club. We offer a
unique opportunity for people to learn more about our hobby and enjoy the great trails and
scenery. This will help keep our club strong and provide a chance for folks to see what
wheeling is really about.
See you ALL at the AGM!
Happy Anniversary !
For the second year in a row, Judy and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary by attending the
TRJC 4x4 BLAST. On Saturday we were talked into trying Susie Knob II. Judy was very
apprehensive, thinking we would roll over or do major damage. At the first obstacle – no
damage and the scenery was beautiful. With our excellent trail guides we completed the day
with no damage. It was a wonderful day, we both enjoyed, so for those of you who have the
right equipment we highly recommend this trail.
Thanks to TRJC for being a great family oriented club with fun, well-planned, events. See you
on the trails.
Andy and Judy McClain
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 14
Trail of Life
By Chief
Could the summer have gone by any faster? I think not. It seems like we just started work weekends and
now, BAM, it's almost Labor Day. There are a couple of experiences I thought I would relate to you. I have
been asked several times how the "Raccoon Wars" are going. Well, it has been pretty quiet on the home
front, but it seems we can never get totally away from the little darlings. We took a trip to Wisconsin earlier
this summer, winding around on the scenic rural roads. As we rounded a curve, Mrs. Chief started laughing
for no apparent reason. As the total scene came into my view, I quickly understood, there was a total of six
raccoons who apparently were a little slow crossing the road the night before, scattered between the yellow
lines. Now Mrs. Chief has a soft heart for almost every animal she sees, she even likes cats. That's a
joke, no cat lover hate mail. Unfortunately raccoons have crossed the line and she shows little pity for any
plight they might encounter.
I would be amiss if I did not sing praises to Warren Anderson and his "Mud Hole" conquering Jeep.
On Saturday during the Blast, Warren in his already mud covered Jeep took total control of the
normally impassable quagmire and first backed through it, then backed through it a second time, then
completely humiliated the stinking pit by driving through it forward. Such domination of the "gooey scuz hole"
has not been seen in recent years since the loggers ran their skidders through it. I know many, including
yours truly, who have spent many dollars as a result of the "Money Pit Mud Hole". Warren did this without a
top, doors, or any cover what so ever. He faced the challenge undaunted and completed it completely
covered in the aromatic essence of God only knows what. I salute you Warren Anderson. You made us all
proud. Warren's efforts were rewarded when he won the "Dirtiest Jeep" trophy presented by Pine Lakes
Camp Ground.
Our condolences are extended to Janet and Carey Levoy. Janet's father, Billy Eugene Strange recently
passed away.
Our condolences to Dave and Tammy DeJaynes. Dave's father, Dave DeJaynes Sr. recently passed away.
Words of wisdom: Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side, and, Lead
your life so you won't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.
See Ya on the Trail,
Chief
New Members
We welcome the following new members to Two Rivers. Please make a point of introducing yourself to them at
our gatherings. This year we’ll start to include their email addresses. Please drop them a line, welcome them to the
club and help them become acquainted with items that we take for granted – like what to bring to the trail builders,
where we meet, when, etc. A little encouragement will help new members feel a part of the club.
Charlie
Vincel
Ellisville
MO 2006 TJ
[email protected]
Todd
Perry
Findlay
IL
90 YJ
[email protected]
Mark & Lilly
Vittetow
Winnebago
IL
86 CJ7, 93 YJ [email protected]
Greg
Hacker
East Peoria IL
04 TJ
[email protected]
Bryan E.
Hughes
Lake St. Louis MO 05 TJ
[email protected]
Rick & Chris
Kroencke
Kinderhook
IL
00 TJ
Jeremy
Perrone
Foristell
MO 98 XJ
[email protected]
Bill & Joan
Shane
Festus
MO 93 YJ
[email protected]
Sean & Jacki
Hartman
Waverly
IL
99 TJ
[email protected]
Kyle, Nick, & Jeff Perry
Charleston
IL
89 YJ
[email protected]
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 15
Thanks to our 2006 Safari Sponsors
Without donations and support from sponsors like these, we would have no
raffle and would not be able to donate back to the community. Please try to
do business with these folks, but also important, send them a letter, or send
them an email, or call them and THANK them for their generous support.
Please let them know we appreciate their donations to our events.
4 Wheel Drive Hardware
Advance Adapters
Best Systems Car Wash
Blue Bell Club of Pana
Brant’s Business and Gift Center
Briggs & Stratton
California Duster
County Market
Discount Jeep Parts
Eastwood Automotive
Extreme Outback Products
Green Acres Motel
Hardee's
Harpole's Heartland Lodge
High Impact
High Spirit Liquor
Holley Performance Products
Hopewell Views Hunting Lodge
Husky Liners
Interco
Mile Marker
Motel Pike
Napa Auto Parts
Neal Tire
Over the Top 4x4 Shop
Painless Wiring
Pike County Chamber of Commerce
Pine Lakes Resort
Pittsfield Main Street
Powertank
Predator 4 Wheel Drive
Pro Comp
Red Dome Inn
Refreshment Services PepsiQuincy
Rockathon’s Allied Beadlocks
Rockport Off Road Park
Rough Country
Superlift
Team Plesko Rescue & Recovery
Tellico 4x4.com
Teraflex
Time Miller Electric
Tomken
Tops4less.com
Toumbs Repair
Trail Ready
Trucknutz.com
Tuffy Security Products
Uftring Jeep
Wal-Mart
Thanks to Rachel Baker for obtaining the prizes and preparing this list of sponsors!
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 16
2006 Board Members and Responsibilities
Board Members
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Board Member
Illini 4x4 Safari & BLAST
Promotional Items
Trail Leadership & Maintenance
Public Relations, Newsletter, Web
Lee Ator
Gary Williams
[email protected]
Frannie Suhre
[email protected]
Hamer Tate
Charlie Ater
[email protected]
Jim Catt
[email protected]
Walt Gilbert
[email protected]
Alan Grady
[email protected]
Tim Miller
[email protected]
Tom Wombles
[email protected]
Coordinators
Rick Culberson
[email protected]
Chad & Fran Suhre [email protected]
Doug Maxheimer
[email protected]
Dave Christensen
[email protected]
TRJC Web Page:
Club e-mail:
Club phone:
217-437-5221
217-285-4750
217-742-9818
217-833-2861
217-742-3275
815-469-1484
573-324-6464
815-838-8611
217-875-2680
217-437-4361
217-562-4145
217-742-9818
217-287-7470
630-393-3314
http://www.trjc.com/
[email protected]
630-717-5337 (JEEP) or 866-483-3982 (toll free)
Membership: Annual membership in Two Rivers Jeep Club runs from January 1 through
December 31. First time memberships accepted after June 1 will be applied to the following
year. Annual Membership dues are to be paid by October 1st each year with a 30 day grace
period. Membership fees are $60.00. Landowners are given a complimentary membership.
Newsletter Deadlines: This newsletter is published 6 times a year (February, April, June,
August, October, and December.) All articles and photos are due by the 15th of the month
before the newsletter will be published.
Newsletter Article Submission
All articles and photos should be submitted to the newsletter coordinator. The preferred
method to send articles and photos is email but hard copies of photos and typed or handwritten
articles will also be accepted. If you need assistance in writing an article, we can help proof it
and correct spelling errors. Photos can be black and white or color with a description of what,
where and when. Scanned photos may be in any reasonable graphics format (medium to highresolution.) Low resolution photos do not print well. Hard copy photos will be returned to the
owner.
Next Newsletter Deadline: Oct. 27
Two Rivers Tracker
August 2006
Page 17
Two Rivers Jeep Club
C/O Frannie Suhre
870 State Route 106
Winchester, IL 62694
Place
Stamp
Here
FIRST CLASS MAIL