Sierra Chapter Days of our lives...

[Matt S.]

I am just curious to know whats going on around here? Arnt we the most badasses wheelers around? Arnt we the ones who have kick ass runs every month? Didn't the rest of NAXJA want to be like us?



I honestly would like to know if B.C., Phil, and I can do anything to help get back to doing what we(the three of us) love? I am sad that the SierraFest has been cancelled, even more sad that the great "Swamp" Run was a duff. We (the BOD) have lots of good ideas for runs and M&Gs, but no one shows up.

How can I help you? No excuses about stuff, its OK. Its only a Jeep Club. I am just wondering if the BOD has the wrong format, idea, or direction in where you all want to go.

BTW, I haven't done ANY back channel work with this. This is just ME asking YOU. I am willing to help anyway I can. I know I am headed over to ChuckDs this week to get his hunk-o-junk running so he can enjoy it!! Do I need to drive all over the state getting your rigs finished or kids babysitted?

:confused1


Yours Truly,

Matt Strmiska

[ChuckD]

I know I am headed over to ChuckDs this week to get his hunk-o-junk running so he can enjoy it!!

Thanks Matt, I appreciate the help. Hopefully I can find some time for you this week. :D

I think SC is just in a slump. Many of the regulars have had some major Family additions and other events lately and I think some of our priorities have changed. It doesn't help when the trails are not open yet.

I think we can support the G-man on his Swamp Run in August, raise some money for a good cause and get back into the groove. I think the dates are good for me, I just hope Terrie doesn't POP until Sept.

Remember we did have a lot of fun on the Farm lately!


BTW, the Bakersfield Trailblazers are planning a run to Swamp Lake and Bald Mtn trails as a fund raiser for Surprise Canyon/Friends of Panamint Valley on the weekend of Aug 25-27. This is a simple run, we'll camp along the road to Swamp Lake, and make day runs on the Swamp Lake trail and Bald Mtn trail. Camping will be $20 donation per night per family/rig and dinner Sat night will be $10 per person. All proceeds will go directly to FOPV.

Just a note in case any of you might like to join us for this run

[Gary E]

I'll take some babysitting time :)

I think you guys are doing a great job btw. All you can do is plan good events (which you have done) and hope for a good turn out.

Sorry for not making this weekend, I really wanted to go.

[JoesXJ]

I'll take some babysitting time :)

x2 haha

Anyway, as long as there are places I can go with what I have, I'm down. I really want to get out more with my jeep and my family and meet some people. I'm finnaly set up enough (CB, skids, rocker guards) to get around. I'm just learning and I really dont want to break my junk so nothing too crazy, but I definitely want to get out more too. (Ive only been on one run with NAXJA to Frank Raines).

Honestly though, I'm scared to go on most runs, you guys have WAY better rigs than me. :shocked:

[JeepFreak21]

How can I help you?
Yours Truly,

Matt Strmiska


You could come buy a house from me in Marysville! Maybe then I could take some time off to come hang out!
Billy :D

PS - Is that really your last name? :wierd:

[Letterman]

I think it is the New BOD for the Sierra Chapter! :shocked:

Well, let me re-think that. I have to say that Phil did a great job on his Rubicon Run. Phil and Bryan lead in 10 rigs and most had never run that trail before, this is not encluding Doug (left on Friday, or even any of the group that Matt was with) Bryan and Phil raised $55 for NAXJA. Bryan and phil led everyone on that run, got everyone that was there home with none or very little damage.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/lonestag/IMG_0441.jpg


FarmerMatt had a M&G at his place over 10 members showed up to that.

http://fototime.com/F70C027F30352DC/standard.jpg

I also think Bryan needs a thanks for all of his work on the SierraFest even if it failed dude to lack of intrest, not from lack of work on his part.

I think if you look on the positive side we have a great group here. Yes some run's and M&G's don't have big numbers because people can't make it out everytime, but we do have some great people. I think if you want to get more people, you need to plan more runs, events and be a little more forgiving of some of the people you like to call tards, not all of them are.

My ¢.02

[Matt S.]

Your right Dave. We have great people. The Rubicon run was a great sucsess, I wish I could have been there longer. The Farmerboys M&Gs are always great fun. We still have a TON great things going on.

Maybe yall are just getting to old:shocked:

:sunshine:

[rightseatsis]

Well for myself, I would like to wheel more often, but this summer is being quickly sucked up with unexpected family obligations. Tom and I have been trying to plan a run out to the Bourland Trestle for months and it keeps getting pushed back week after week after week.

I was wondering if the higher gas prices is keeping some people from going?

Mary

[Slonopotam]

...This is just ME asking YOU....Do I need to drive all over the state getting your rigs finished or kids babysitted?

:confused1

Yours Truly,
Matt Strmiska

Be carefull with that, I just might catch you on word on both counts.

[Matt S.]

Be carefull with that, I just might catch you on word on both counts.


Well... depends on how cute this new kid is.














:bs:

[XJ_ranger]

Im in so*cal for another month...

after that - ill be on every run I can afford to make it to...

[HTeK]

Interestingly enough... I was kinda thinking about the same thing.

I lurked in this chapter for YEARS and saw how active and fun it appeared to be. I finally got my POS in shape to run with the big boys and it seems as if things have really died down over the last 9 months.

I had a BLAST on the rubicon run... but I think it showed the current state of the Chapter. Most of us on the run had never been on the 'con... That, with the discussion (or lack thereof) on the board showed that the "old guys" that used to be the life of the chapter have moved on. And by moved on, it seems as if everyone has more commitments (family, work, etc) than ever.

Myself included, I finally got my jeep "done" and now I have a house that needs work every weekend... I was hoping to wheel non-stop this summer. I will be LUCKY if I get to fordyce once, and the rubicon twice.

Im not the most active guy on here, so its tough for me to comment in detail... but suffice it to say that I have recognized a change in the general mood, attitude (or whatever it's called) around here. I dont think its the BOD... you guys are doing a fine job as far as im concerned.

-justin

[Phil]

I used to wheel. It was fun. I'd like to go wheeling again someday.

:confused1

[Bryan C.]

I have been watching this thread and I was waiting to comment until I saw some of the replies. I think that heading into January, the BOD, (myself, Phil, and Scrappy) wanted to bring back the old time feel of the Sierra Chapter. We were ambitious in our run schedule for the year, and we knew that at least 1 or 2 runs weren't going to work out. We've had snow runs, A Frank Raines run, a Rubicon run, as well as 4 meet and greets. So far it seems to be working out fairly well. The 2 most recent runs were cancelled due to lack of interest. Summer is hard to get the free time to hit the trail, no big deal, let's move forward. If we can't make it out to the trail, then let's have some more meet and greets. If we spent more time getting to know each other off the trail, we will be more likely to show up at runs because now we know some people and will feel more comfortable. Wheeling is fun, but what the Sierra Chapter should really be about is helping each other. Helping each other fix their junk, finish projects, and give them the kick in the butt they need when they try to bail out 4 times the same night on a midnight Rubicon run. We all have other priorities in life, families, careers, and other obligations seem to come before wheeling, that is a fact of life. All we can do is keep trying.

Thanks for your support of the Sierra Chapter and your chapter BOD.

Bryan C.
Sierra Chapter President

[Goatman]

I think it's right to be concerned, but things do seem to go in cycles and there's nothing we can do about it. We learn, and adjust, and keep going. I know a number of people who were regulars on the annual Swamp run that just could not make this years trip for a variety of reasons. Nothing wrong with that. We've been doing that run for 10 years, and the last two years we scheduled it too early for the amount of snow that we had and that affected the run. Next year more of the regulars will be able to go, we'll schedule it a little latter in the summer, and I'm sure we'll be full on again.

I'm going to bet that if the chapter put on a Rubicon trip on a long weekend there would be a real good response. I have no idea what happened this year, but nothing works out 100% of the time. It looks to me like not enough people had the vacation time to do the whole week. Maybe next time try doing the 'Con on the weekend and then Fordyce and Barrett during the week for those who can take the vacation time.

I concur whole heartedly with the comments that Bryan made above. Also, it's important that new people get involved, so I hope you newer folks don't back off. It's impossible for the old regulars to stay active at the same level as things in their lives change........like babies, houses, jobs, and even their wheeling interests can change.

Still hope to see some you later this summer,

[WesternXJ]

Something else to consider is having runs on easier trails (Gold Lakes Basin, Hell Hole, Strawberry Creek, ect....) Not everyone is on 35's with lockers at each end.
New members would tell Lisa and I they didn't want to do the hard trails until they had more seat time and a more capable rig.
My $.02

[Letterman]

Something else to consider is having runs on easier trails (Gold Lakes Basin, Hell Hole, Strawberry Creek, ect....) Not everyone is on 35's with lockers at each end.
New members would tell Lisa and I they didn't want to do the hard trails until they had more seat time and a more capable rig.
My $.02

All very good points!
A great spot for the new driver and the old timers is Bald Mt. If you have never run that one try to get on a run with Scrappy. He is a great guide, he knows the area well and most rigs will have fun on the short trail, most of the trail can be run in a close to stock rig, but there is some really nasty spots on the side of the trail for the more built rigs.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/47947548-L.jpg

one comming up this weekend:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=90388

[CRASH]

Just a lull in the action, it'll get better. I've been so damn busy getting my roof re-built, I haven't even finished my Jeep. It should be running in 3 weeks, and then it's on in September!

[SharkXJ]

Next Summer WILL ROCK!!!!

Personally, the birth of my son in March has taken priority and my weekends away are VERY limited. Next year I will be able to hit more trails.

[FarmerMatt]

Wet winters (2 in a row) suck. Work sucks, kids suck, church sucks, & well... I Suck

Matt

[Matt S.]

Wet winters (2 in a row) suck. Work sucks, kids DONT suck, church sucks on weekends, & well... I Suck

Matt


edited it for what you REALLY meant.

[SeanP]

Wet winters (2 in a row) suck. Work sucks, kids suck, church sucks, & well... I Suck

Matt

Does Jenny suck?

:P

As soon as my tow rig is done, I can join the fun again. I have been seeing a therapist for 4 years and I have been working towards acceptance that not every time I wheel will I end up welding something or covered in gear oil on the trail.

SeanP

[Slonopotam]

Wet winters (2 in a row) suck. Work sucks, kids suck, church sucks, & well... I Suck

Matt

I totally agree with you about a winter!
It is way better to have a cold winter, I am not talking about an extreme, who would like -35C ? -20C .. -25C is the best. Not so many cars on a road, your breath freezes right on your beard. You can use snow banks as safety barriers. Then you come home and feel how life slowly returns into your cold blue fingers. Niiiice.

Where is the next snow run ?

Andrey

[Ben H]

I totally agree with you about a winter!
It is way better to have a cold winter, I am not talking about an extreme, who would like -35C ? -20C .. -25C is the best. Not so many cars on a road, your breath freezes right on your beard. You can use snow banks as safety barriers. Then you come home and feel how life slowly returns into your cold blue fingers. Niiiice.

Where is the next snow run ?

Andrey

Lets shoot for Jan 21, 2007 at Bald Mnt. According to the Farmers Almanac it will be a good winter.

[JTBOSCO]

I have not been wheeling in over two years...and it really sucks. I rolled the jeep, bought a house, bought another jeep, got a girl friend who became a fiance...and now we are expecting a child in November. Oh and I am remodeling the house. But the good news is I am close to getting the jeep done. Just hard to find the time to finish those last few things. Urgg!!!!
Boy it sure would be nice to wheel again. So if anyone wants to volunteer to help me finish....I would love to wheel again. LOL!!!!!
I expect there are others in the same boat as i am. Perhaps we need to have a fix your junk weekend. Someplace several of us can meet and we can all help/motivate each other to get our junk going again.

[Boatwrench]

I am probably treading on thin ice here. I have the same thoughts as Keven. Something else to consider is having runs on easier trails (Gold Lakes Basin, Hell Hole, Strawberry Creek, ect....) Not everyone is on 35's with lockers at each end.
New members would tell Lisa and I they didn't want to do the hard trails until they had more seat time and a more capable rig.


When you read this:

Typical Sierra Chapter Rubicon requirements are:
One locker or two limited slips.
-31" tires
-Spare front axle shafts if you are running 260 joints.
-Spare rear shafts if you have a Dana 35 or a 27 spline 8.25.
-tow strap
-tow points front and rear
-T-case skid.
-Appropriate gearing for tire size. For example: 31's could run stock 3.55's, 33's should have at least 4.11's, 35's should have 4.56's. Low T-case gears can make up for diff gearing deficiencies.
-Spare tie rod and drag link if you are running 33's or larger and still have stock steering.

Stuff that is nice to have:
-If you care about body damage, get some rocker skids. The 'Con LOVES to bite XJ rockers when running smaller lifts/tires.

(list adapted/stolen from CRASH)

required equipment:
1. Visably charged fire extinguisher(BC or ABC)
2. First aid kit
3. Adequate spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
4. Safety belts for driver and any current passenger(belts must be worn at all times while vehicle is moving!
5. Adequate attachment points in the front and rear of the vehicle
6. Snatch strap without any metal hooks
7. Secured battery(no bungee cords!)

CB radio is highly recommended.


and this

hahahh yeeeaaahh thats my rig!!
so yeah we hit the con about 12:00pm and got to buck island about 6:00am left again about 5:00pm or so and got home about 1:00am and by home i mean the cabin my mom owns in trukee.
damage report:
1)driveshaft slipped out of the rear toke 4 times.
2)punctured 1 33" procrap
3)both rear shims started to slip out because the pin/bolt that holds the leaf packs together was not far enough into the axle perches, resulting in the right rear one to sheer of at the bottom.
4)ball joints got even more messed up then they already were and i was getting deathwobble at highways speeds.

a: good thing i have a crapload of spare ujoints and caps and know how to fix it in like 5 mins
b: good thing i had a full size spare
c: puled the shims out tigtened ubolts down, no big deal
d:good thing i have AAA plus so i can get towed 100 miles for free and that we have a cabin in trukee about 20 miles north of where the rubicon dumps out so i can keep the jeep there.


and this

Honestly though, I'm scared to go on most runs, you guys have WAY better rigs than me.

Well my XJ just isn't ready, mostly a financial issue.

But the following is what makes Sierra Chapter in my opinion Healthy...

I had a blast on this trip...Thanks again for the Vets taking all the Newbs... Thanks to the people that helped me when my u-joint and axle shaft went out...



and

I had a BLAST on the rubicon run... but I think it showed the current state of the Chapter. Most of us on the run had never been on the 'con... That, with the discussion (or lack thereof) on the board showed that the "old guys" that used to be the life of the chapter have moved on. And by moved on, it seems as if everyone has more commitments (family, work, etc) than ever.

Myself included, I finally got my jeep "done" and now I have a house that needs work every weekend... I was hoping to wheel non-stop this summer. I will be LUCKY if I get to fordyce once, and the rubicon twice.

Im not the most active guy on here, so its tough for me to comment in detail... but suffice it to say that I have recognized a change in the general mood, attitude (or whatever it's called) around here. I dont think its the BOD... you guys are doing a fine job as far as im concerned.


I haven't been on the Rubicon since 1978, yep almost 30 years and that was in a near stock CJ-7. The photos that are posted, the tales of woe from carnage, ( remember Poomba's experience? ) make me feel that the trail Jeep is just not ready yet. The trail doesn't even look like anything I remember.

But our Chapter is still Healthy, I posted for assistance and Jes, Andrey & Mary come over and help me install suspension, Farmer Matt has fantastic M&Gs and when I was able to go to Frank Raines last year the camaderie was great.

Yes, I let the officers and planners down as many of us did with not expressing our desire to attend Sierrafest until it was too late and was cancelled. But we are still a healthy group, can learn from this and carry on.


Can we get some more mid range runs? Something between Lost Coast and the Rubicon? Does Bald Mountain fill this niche?

Tom

[Bryan C.]

Something else to consider is having runs on easier trails (Gold Lakes Basin, Hell Hole, Strawberry Creek, ect....) Not everyone is on 35's with lockers at each end.
New members would tell Lisa and I they didn't want to do the hard trails until they had more seat time and a more capable rig.
My $.02

Of all the comments on this thread, and there have been some very good ones too, I find this one from our first Sierra Chapter President is the most helpful. Thanks for the input, it is always greatly appreciated Keven. No thin ice for you either Tom, I value your opinion too.

Funny that they should mention this. Last weekend, instead of going on the Swamp lake alternate run, I went with a few friends to the Niagara Rim Trail. It wasn't that challenging for me, but when I saw the eyes of these 2 capable, but inexperienced drivers when we got to some of the hard parts I had to laugh to myself a little bit. Was I ever that scared? The answer was yes. But then I started thinking, what is it that I did in my XJ before I started rockcrawling? Exploring the trails I found on OHV maps and looking at the beautiful views along the way is what I did. This last weekend I rediscovered what it was to be a newbie. I guess somewhere along the way I forgot what it was that drew me to this hobby.

In my quest to keep the old timers interested in the current chapter runs, I lost sight of the rest of the guys who are just getting started with their XJ's and may not have enough seat time to feel confident enough to run the harder trails. It is time that this Sierra Chapter generation help the new guys, just like the old timers helped us along the way. I think it is time for the new guys to step up and take an active role in this chapter. We all are here for the same reason, to meet like minded people who share the same interest. Let's work on getting to know each other, work on getting guys back on the trail, and the rest will fall into place.

[Slonopotam]

Can we get some more mid range runs? Something between Lost Coast and the Rubicon? Does Bald Mountain fill this niche?

Tom

I was thiking about something like a marathon. Strawberry(50hwy)-Deer Valley-Slick rock.

But I do need to put my tcase back together. Right now I am waiting for a chain. 5-90 looked like he saw a ghost when looked at it, so I decided to follow his advice.

Andrey

[ChuckD]

To those looking to go on easier runs.

Volunteer and host a run, put something together, the SC BOD isn't the final decision maker on what this Chapter does or does not do.

At anytime we can do an informal run and I would be interested going on them. I have two XJ's, one for harder trails and my DD which would be great for the milder stuff.

I know for myself, family and work take priority and then if I do have time, I put it into my trail rig. I am realizing, maybe I just need to keep it simple and maybe use my DD more often. I was able to go on a snow run this year with it and the my kids and I had a great time.

Food for Thought

[Capt. Nemo]

Here's my excuse...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/muddyjeep1/Kristen1.jpg

You can vaguely see my rig in the background. That's kind of how it's been this summer so far.

[BrettM]

Here's my excuse...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/muddyjeep1/Kristen1.jpg

You can vaguely see my rig in the background. That's kind of how it's been this summer so far.
awesome! she has amazing eyes.

[selarep]

Hey guys, new to this forum. my good friend scrappy showed me this place and I just wanted to say hello as I will be joining you guys once i get my xj fully finished... I am currently not able to do the runs you guys are going on because i don't meet the list of spare stuff or requirments!
Rick

[crawldaddy]

Here's my excuse...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/muddyjeep1/Kristen1.jpg

You can vaguely see my rig in the background. That's kind of how it's been this summer so far.

Dear Cap'n Nemo,

Fabulous excuse - none better!

The reason I have not been doing much wheeling for the past 22 years, is similar to yours.

Ashley - kid #3 of 5
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/lonestag/wedding/IMG_2101.jpg

In time, with luck, they will make your family bigger and more expensive.

Preview of 7/29/06 - next Saturday.

Then I go to the Rubicon (8/1 8/2 8/3) for the 4th time this year. Take a few days of and join us! Bring the blue eye'd whirlwind.

Crawldaddy out.
(Hey, if I can write checks like this, why aren't my rigs better?)

[Boatwrench]

Crawldaddy,

Congrats. She looks wonderful and I hope the future son-in-law is an ok guy.

My 1st of four daughters gets married next month...Heck with the money being shelled out I could have gotten a tow rig, trailer and a built XJ.

Hope you followed the 3 rules for father of the bride.

1. Shut up
2. Show up
&
3. Pay up

Tom

[Slonopotam]

Well... depends on how cute this new kid is.
:bs:

Cute enough ?

http://slonopotam.no-ip.org/AJXAN/baby/AmICute.jpg

[Bryan C.]

Cute enough ?

http://slonopotam.no-ip.org/AJXAN/baby/AmICute.jpg


Congratulations Andrey. She is beautiful. :angel:

[Matt S.]

Congrats!!!!!! What a blessing!

[Ben H]

Way to go Andrey! Stunning.

[basalt51]

Beautiful kids!

I think clearly the Sierra Chapter is healthier than ever. We've obviously been more focused on increasing the number of young members we have :)

I know I've been getting mine ready to wheel.

She's not going to let me drive much longer though:

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos2389/4/50/32/66/18/5/518663250403_0_ALB.jpg

[ChuckD]

Big Congratulations Andrey! She is very Beautiful!

[GSequoia]

I know what hte Sierra Chapter has been doing... ;)

Matt - I know I"m not SC but will you work on my junk for me?

[basalt51]

Beautiful kids!

I think clearly the Sierra Chapter is healthier than ever. We've obviously been more focused on increasing the number of young members we have :)

I know I've been getting mine ready to wheel.

She's not going to let me drive much longer though:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/basalt51/stuff/518663250403_0_ALB.jpg

fixed the link :\

[xjwest]

i would like to hang out with you guys!

[SharkXJ]

A little bit of an early notice but I am going to host a run to Deer Valley next July. I have run it a couple of times and it would be a GREAT Begiiner / Intermediate Trail.

[Slonopotam]

Begiiner / Intermediate

Are you sure about beginer ?

At least one locker required, 31" are almost too small, good possibility of a body damage.

[Slonopotam]

... for spiders to claim it home.
http://slonopotam.no-ip.org/AJXAN/web/spider1.jpg

Shame on me.