What the hell happened to this chapter?

[Menzenski]

Where is the North Atlantic Chapter? STROKER, sidriptide, juicexj24, Grizzley, lobsterdmb, you're our officers. Where are you guys?

I'm tired of every chapter in NAXJA except us having quarterly meetings, or monthly runs, or doing anything more often than just once a year.

Let's put together a run, or a chapter meeting, or something. I want the NAC to be a chapter that does stuff, and I'm sure most of you want the same. What's it going to take to make that happen? I for one would be happy to put in some work to get the NAC back on its feet.

[jakecj7]

I'm in! Putting together some NAC runs would be a start. Chapter meetings to get everyone together would also be nice.

[MuckSavage]

I'm in South Jersey. Does this qualify as North Atlantic? I'd be willing to host a Pine Barrens run.

[MrShaft696]

hah yeah i agree there should be some more runs, monthly or at least one event a season or something, I would go.

[IntrepidXJ]

how come everyone who wants to see more club get togethers and runs in this thread (aside from the thread starter) is not even a member of this club yet?

just interesting to me....

join up and get involved.

[LilRhodyXJ]

My jeeps starting to get a little better so id like to do some runs with u guys instead of going to my friends dads sand pit/rock quarry to wheel...its no fun, i can do everything in two, and the salty sand devoures my jeep...im new to the whole jeep thing so id liek to meet some of you guys in the NAC...if we can try to get a run or an event together im down for helping out just lemme know

andrew

[MrShaft696]

how come everyone who wants to see more club get togethers and runs in this thread (aside from the thread starter) is not even a member of this club yet?

just interesting to me....

join up and get involved.

what runs and get togethers?

[Menzenski]

Randy, on one hand I agree with you, but on the other, no one in the area represented by this chapter is going to want to join NAXJA unless that chapter is doing stuff. If we can get some activites going in this area, people will go red.

[djblade311]

good point. But even if the local chapter is nearly dead, atleast the website have lots of good info which still makes it worth supporting the site.

[lobsterdmb]

I agree with you that we don't have enough runs. Since I am one of our officers, I take some of that responsibility. I did have a run the last weekend in July at paragon after NACfest however. It was pretty sucessful and everyone there had lots of fun. I live in NJ, and in NJ, besides the pine barrens, there is no legal place to wheel. I don't have the time or money to head out to paragon regularly right now. The problem with the north atlantic chapter is that we have the largest geographical area of all the chapters. We extend from northern virginia to maine and then also have the eastern canadian provinces. Someone from maine isn't going to want to drive all the wat to virginia and vice-versa. Stroker worked his ass off putting on NACfest almost single-handedly. He is just burned out I think. The last meet and greet grizzley tried to run didn't work out to well for him. He had it all planned for an area in north mass and before he knew it, a couple non-red members had it moved out from under him into maine. Elections for new chapter officers will take place in december. If you want more runs, than step up in december and see the work involved in planning events and etc.

[98XJSport]

He had it all planned for an area in north mass and before he knew it, a couple non-red members had it moved out from under him into maine.

Not actually what happened, but not worth another argument over. However the handful of us from Maine that have met each other over the past couple months are doing a trail cut, but as said before, the chapter is to big. That seems to be what kills us. To big of an area to draw people to events or meet and greets.

[gabe4]

OK my 2 Cents. Some of the things John said are very true, it is too difficult and expensive to try and run legal in the northeast. I’m not sure why we think we need to have the officers start a run, the one we did in July was just a bunch of us picking a date and going, this can be done at anytime by anyone. Having said that I do find it difficult to convince myself I need to pay to be a member since I’m not getting anything on my investment
Matt also makes a good point but not sure it is all on the officers I think a lot of it is on the members or the forum users. No one ever seems to want to do anything, every time I see someone trying to put an M&G together they either get no response or only a few turn out. I understand that it’s sometimes difficult because some of us have other responsibilities; we aren’t going to be able to make it to as many things as a single living at home person can. So it’s on us as much as the board. There should be somebody trying to set up a M&G every weekend but there just isn’t enough of us to be able to do it all the time especially if we limit to XJ’s. I know I’ve thought about putting together a less formal club or branch if you like, just for a monthly type get together and to put together some runs to PAP or somewhere but in order to get more participants I think it would need to be opened up to other groups, so I’ve been hesitant to bring it up here. I know I don’t care what you drive just how you drive it. If anybody is interested in starting at least a monthly get together that’s willing to drive to the Southern Tier of NY PM me you’re E-mail and maybe we can set up a e-mail ring and just start from there.

[ROBZ95Xj]

it is too difficult and expensive to try and run legal in the northeast.
there is plenty of leagal wheelin in W Mass. for all types of rigs

[XJBeater]

I agree on the fact that I cant see me donating to naxja and getting nothing for my money. I am part of a club up here that is part of NEA which owns a shitload of land. Thats what I pay for. Legal wheelin land. I dont see paying for the occassional tech question or to put something up for sale.

[STROKER]

I agree with you that we don't have enough runs. Since I am one of our officers, I take some of that responsibility. I did have a run the last weekend in July at paragon after NACfest however. It was pretty sucessful and everyone there had lots of fun. I live in NJ, and in NJ, besides the pine barrens, there is no legal place to wheel. I don't have the time or money to head out to paragon regularly right now. The problem with the north atlantic chapter is that we have the largest geographical area of all the chapters. We extend from northern virginia to maine and then also have the eastern canadian provinces. Someone from maine isn't going to want to drive all the wat to virginia and vice-versa. Stroker worked his ass off putting on NACfest almost single-handedly. He is just burned out I think. The last meet and greet grizzley tried to run didn't work out to well for him. He had it all planned for an area in north mass and before he knew it, a couple non-red members had it moved out from under him into maine. Elections for new chapter officers will take place in december. If you want more runs, than step up in december and see the work involved in planning events and etc.

Well said and you beat me to it. NAC has the largest geographical area and it is hard to get people together as well as having LEGAL places to wheel, on my end we have paragon and rousch (sp?) creek. Does New England have any LEGAL wheeling which an event can be held????, if so who will co-ordinate it, run it and take responsibility for everyone who comes out. Mike would have but I believe he is busy with work and family, in other words no time. I am sorry we don't have more, wish we did, I'm itchin' to get out again. with that said....

Burned out nah, just working like crazy and as far as my abscence in post, I'm still here paroozing(sp?), just not much to be said.

Another point John said, the meet and greet Grizzley was putting together, was totally ripped off, from I forget who, but the lack of respect there, was pathetic and from what I hear no-one showed anyway.

Would I like to have m&g's, yes most definetly, Do I have the time to get all over our area and meet, no, wish I did, I've meet the best people thru this club and I know there are more out there.

When the new administration comes in, hopefully they'll be closer and more able to put together more local M&G and events.

Again Elections are coming up. I will not be running for any position, I like being a member, not an officer.

Look at it as it is, I'm in Philly, John is in N.jersey I think, then you have Mike and Grizz in the North and Paul is in the West end of Pa.

I do apologize for the lack of "events" but this is the reality of the east coast. On the other end they have ALOT more legal wheeling and they are lot closer to one another.

A good point from Gabe as well, People have "other responsibilities" to tend to.

A final thought, sorry if this offends anyone but it needs to be said. We need alittle more respect from members and users when it comes to putting together m&g, events or just get togethers.

STROKER

[IntrepidXJ]

NAC has the largest geographical area

ahem. i think MWC is bigger :D

[98XJSport]

Another point John said, the meet and greet Grizzley was putting together, was totally ripped off, from I forget who, but the lack of respect there, was pathetic and from what I hear no-one showed anyway.



Wow a lot of people don't really know what happened here. And quite a while ago, too. I didn't know it was the reason that we didn't do anything at all this year in the northern NAC...

[STROKER]

ahem. i think MWC is bigger :D

Umm yeah but we're spread out further which is the point I was going for :)

STROKER

[STROKER]

Wow a lot of people don't really know what happened here. And quite a while ago, too. I didn't know it was the reason that we didn't do anything at all this year in the northern NAC...

No thats not the reason, that I know of....

STROKER

[sidriptide]

i'll weigh in here too.. since i an part of the current chapter BOD as well.. i do take some responsibility for the lack of events in the NAC but this is the tail end of our 2nd year.. for the first year and the year preceeding that i was doing quite alot of stuff for the NAC.. in all honesty it was always the same few people coming out.. this current year i have alot going on with broken Jeeps, family stuff and launched a new local-based club that has me totally swamped. i am seeing some new blood here on the NAC forums and that is good to see but for every 1 person willing to travel a distance to an event or trail there are several who complain about gas prices or early morning meeting times. i regret not being able to seek a 2nd term on the BOD but time doesnt permit it.. it's a big chapter and it needs ALOT of attention.. lots of talk in the past about breaking it up into smaller chapters but that never came to fruition..

maybe thats what is needed??

[OverlandXJ]

This is not the first time the NAC has had a slow period with little activity, and i'm sure it wont be the last. It's not right to call out the current administration here like this....

Mambeau....i'm sure your intentions are admirable but this should have been asked through PM or email. Sure this chapter could be more active....but it would be a tougher job than say the Colorado or Cali guys where they have MUCH more open area to wheel. You wanna attempt to keep the membership happy from MD to Maine with monthly activity....run for office and give it a shot....it's not easy.

Perhaps there should be regional event coordinators since this Chapter encompass's a large area? That way the workload wouldnt be on the shoulders of the elected officials who may not have knowledge of whats available in a given region. Point is i'm sure they could use some help.

[Lawn Cher']

I said it in the members only area, and I'll say it again here... this club is what you make of it. Take some initiative and organize an event. When I was still in Jersey, we had runs to PAP or Rausch Creek or GWNF or western Mass almost every month. None of those were officially sanctioned except for NACFest, they were all informal get-togethers and did not require any blessing or oversight from the BOD. If you wait around for someone else to do it, it'll never happen.

[STROKER]

I said it in the members only area, and I'll say it again here... this club is what you make of it. Take some initiative and organize an event. When I was still in Jersey, we had runs to PAP or Rausch Creek or GWNF or western Mass almost every month. None of those were officially sanctioned except for NACFest, they were all informal get-togethers and did not require any blessing or oversight from the BOD. If you wait around for someone else to do it, it'll never happen.


HERE HERE, those was good days huh Mark.

STROKER

[OverlandXJ]

HERE HERE, those was good days huh Mark.

STROKER

But we only tolerated Mark so we could hang with Jen.....she was the real wheeler. :wave:

[Silverstreak01]

il put in my .02 i think nac fest was a great time. and it was really nice of you guys to let me run with you and hang out even though i am not a member. as said orginizing m and gs and to get people to show up is a pita. most guys know the people in there area with lifted rigs and they wheel. and to have a larger gathering once or twice a year to meet everyone and have a good time is great ! find the guys local to you and plan a run..


but il be in co in 4 weeks so whada i know.
:)


keith

[Lawn Cher']

But we only tolerated Mark so we could hang with Jen.....she was the real wheeler. :wave:

Can you believe she's only gone with me once since we moved? She must miss all you's guys.

[Andy in Pa.]

I nominate Mambeu for NAC Pres. in 2007!!!!
Make some changes young Jedi!!

[Rob Mayercik]

If Mambeu's able to devote the time to it, sure, nominate him.

I'd like to be more active as well - I got out on Jon's July run as well as NACFest this year, but between work and other personal committments, wheeling is not at the top of my priority list.

Case in point - right now I'm taking a graduate class that draws 60% of its grade from a 50-60 page case study paper. I need to focus on that right now, and before I go knocking more powdercoat off my rockrails :laugh3: I need to address a few things on the XJ:

- Two rusted doors to replace (I have them, just need to bolt them up)
- Water leak in passenger footwell in heavy rain conditions
- rotting lower rear quarter panels
- delaminating headliner (that reminds me, I need to get one of those kits)

That's all going to take time I have precious little of. With an hour's commute each way, weekdays are pretty much out of the question, since things never go as fast as planned with me.

On top of that, the pace at work is likely to pick up again next summer (meaning possibly another stint of long hours).

Odds are that I won't get out on the trail again until after Christmas. It's not from a lack of wanting to, but rather from an excess of greater priorities.

Just remember - now matter how well you plan, expect to get overcome (overrun?) by events on occasion.

Rob

[gabe4]

I do have one complaint about our current Pres. Nathan keeps asking for his NAC-feast shirt, I tell him don't worry Ben will get it too us he said he would take care of it. So now everytime he sees a MJ he thinks your bringing him his shirt. He's starting to lose faith, he even said if there is Ben then maybe there is no Santa.:tears: :bawl: :rattle: Hasta

[gabe4]

Did I guilt into it yet Ben???

[STROKER]

OUCH that hurts. Apparently you have not gotten it yet which means it didn't get ordered, from someone else. I do apologize for that and I will get one made and get it to you.

Give me alittle time to get this done.

Again I'm sorry.

STROKER

[OverlandXJ]

"What the Hell hapened to...Mambeau"?

He slings a shitty stick like this then hides? Dude, you'v been checking in and no reply?

Here's a tip you may not have learned in your vast...12 months here. Dont make accusations,dont make demands unless you can back up your points with facts....and offer suggestions on how to resolve the issue you seem to have a problem with.

I'm sure your taking some shit from the other bullshit statement you made in the members forum...thats ok...you must be too good for the veterans of this organization...we'll sit around our campfire without ya. I doubt you'll be missed.

"insert illegal flipoff here".....

[gabe4]

I’ll defend Matt here a little bit, though I think maybe he could have done this in a different place, he’s just trying to get things going. There is nothing wrong with questioning the establishment. He’s been at every event that I’ve been and a couple M&G. Even Ben and John realize they have been unable to do as much as they would like. If this thread gets people (not necessarily the BOD) starting more things then it was a good thing to have said, even if maybe it should have been done else where. So don’t beat up on him to much.
It should be OK for us as members (no matter how long) to say “hey what am I getting for my money” and not have someone say well you do it then( which BTW neither Ben or John said). That’s not a logical response; the BOD was voted in because they were willing to do these things. I don’t doubt that it’s a lot of extra work that’s why I wouldn’t do it, but it’s also why I pay my membership fee to have someone else do it. The BOD needs to listen to its members or like in any business you will lose customers.

Ben I thought you did great at NAC-fest and I’ll try to make every one if I can. As for John, he is always the first guy I call when I’m looking to go wheeling. I’ll add one more thing, everyone who knows Matt will agree, he is always willing to help.

[gabe4]

OUCH that hurts. Apparently you have not gotten it yet which means it didn't get ordered, from someone else. I do apologize for that and I will get one made and get it to you.

Give me alittle time to get this done.

Again I'm sorry.

STROKER
My faith in man is back. Nathan's however will be tougher he'll start believing again when he's wearing his shirt.

Thanks Ben

[Menzenski]

"What the Hell hapened to...Mambeau"?
13 hour workdays this week happened to Mambeu.

Here's a tip you may not have learned in your vast...12 months here. Dont make accusations,dont make demands unless you can back up your points with facts....and offer suggestions on how to resolve the issue you seem to have a problem with.
What, your being around for four years makes you four times smarter than me? Just because I haven't been a member for a year yet doesn't mean that you should be able to shrug off what I have to say. The fact is that the North Atlantic Chapter seems to be just about the least active of all the NAXJA chapters. Even the Midwest Chapter, which covers a substantially larger land area, has more going on than we do. I know people have busy schedules, and their Jeeps may not always be ready to go wheeling, but I'd like to see us have more chapter activities. Maybe something as simple as a chapterwide winter meet-and-greet. We could start to plan the next year's NAC-fest, check up on our Jeeps, and put faces to names. Or maybe we could put a wrenchfest together, if someone in the NAC area has access to a shop. There are a lot of things we could do besides wheeling. Do you have any suggestions, or are you just going to point your finger at me?

I'm sure your taking some shit from the other bullshit statement you made in the members forum
I haven't taken any shit from my response in the members forum; no one except you and Big Red seem to have noticed it at all. How is that really even relevant here?

thats ok...you must be too good for the veterans of this organization...we'll sit around our campfire without ya. I doubt you'll be missed.
You'll sit around what campfire? I didn't see you at NACfest this year. Seriously, though, statements like yours really annoy me. This is what I posted when I started this thread:
I want the NAC to be a chapter that does stuff, and I'm sure most of you want the same. What's it going to take to make that happen? I for one would be happy to put in some work to get the NAC back on its feet.
Does that really come off as holier-than-thou? I make a genuine post about wanting to help my chapter be successful, and you make a very petty, puerile response that the chapter doesn't need me. If that's really how you guys feel, I'm glad I'm moving away from the NAC next year. Except for you, though, I don't think the chapter feels that way. Most of the chapter met me at NACfest; I don't drink, but other than that I seemed to get along with everyone.

[CMNCHE]

Subscribing

[mdl]

I might run for somthing in the next election. Don't hold me to it.

[MrShaft696]

"What the Hell hapened to...Mambeau"?

He slings a shitty stick like this then hides? Dude, you'v been checking in and no reply?

Here's a tip you may not have learned in your vast...12 months here. Dont make accusations,dont make demands unless you can back up your points with facts....and offer suggestions on how to resolve the issue you seem to have a problem with.

I'm sure your taking some shit from the other bullshit statement you made in the members forum...thats ok...you must be too good for the veterans of this organization...we'll sit around our campfire without ya. I doubt you'll be missed.

"insert illegal flipoff here".....

yeah that was a lame attack at a legitimate suggestion, maybe in the wrong place, but where else is everyone going to read and respond to it. Duration of membership doesnt give anyone more credit to be able to state the obvious. Ive been on automotive forums probably longer than you have been using a computer,what does that mean?.... its the same stuff, I could have wrote your reply before it came up, there are always people that have to flame and I know what your reply to this will be so dont bother. I dont understand attacking people who want to see more things to become involved in... even if there were some un-official trail runs going on that would be a start, without the hassle of running a big event. Is there something we could do for a winter run or something I would get invlolved?"

[Andy in Pa.]

Matt,
There is one thing that needs to be cleared up here, if it were not for John B., we would not have a NAC chapter. I agree with John to the point that you cannot put up a post like this and not stay actively involved, 13 hour work days or not.

That being said, I don't think it was right for John to make some of the comments he did towards you, only because I know both of you and I know where both of you are coming from. So John take it easy on Matt, he is young and calls it as he sees it.

And.....please....lets not start saying stupid things like "I am on WAAY more public forums than you, blah, blah, blah....come on....we have this topic started, how about making it constructive and come up with ideas for things to do. I for one would like to see a M&G in the Philly/West Chester area again, because I have seen quite a few folks from this area posting up recently on these forums.

Stop the stupid inflammatory posts, it just doesn't help especially when your trying to get people together.

[gabe4]

I’ll defend Matt here a little bit, though I think maybe he could have done this in a different place, he’s just trying to get things going. There is nothing wrong with questioning the establishment. He’s been at every event that I’ve been and a couple M&G. Even Ben and John realize they have been unable to do as much as they would like. If this thread gets people (not necessarily the BOD) starting more things then it was a good thing to have said, even if maybe it should have been done else where. So don’t beat up on him to much.
It should be OK for us as members (no matter how long) to say “hey what am I getting for my money” and not have someone say well you do it then( which BTW neither Ben or John said). That’s not a logical response; the BOD was voted in because they were willing to do these things. I don’t doubt that it’s a lot of extra work that’s why I wouldn’t do it, but it’s also why I pay my membership fee to have someone else do it. The BOD needs to listen to its members or like in any business you will lose customers.

Ben I thought you did great at NAC-fest and I’ll try to make every one if I can. As for John, he is always the first guy I call when I’m looking to go wheeling. I’ll add one more thing, everyone who knows Matt will agree, he is always willing to help.

I should use screen names to be clear for those who don't know
Ben= Stroker
John=lobsterdmb
Matt= mambeu

[Rob Mayercik]

Matt,
There is one thing that needs to be cleared up here, if it were not for John B., we would not have a NAC chapter. I agree with John to the point that you cannot put up a post like this and not stay actively involved, 13 hour work days or not.

Excuse me - what is the definition of "actively involved"? He did come back onto the thread. I don't know about you, but after working a 13-hour shift (and I've pulled one or two) the LAST thing I'm thinking about is "gee, I wonder how my NAXJA thread is going?" I'm more concerned with getting home in one piece, eating, and going to bed. I mean, good heavens man, the thread's only two days old.

Ok, I'll concede that maybe he didn't word his original post too diplomatically. On the other hand, several folks seem to think that the NAC forum is not the place for such a discussion. I'd be curious to know what those individuals thought the appropriate place would be.

I'm not familiar with the bylaws on the matter of events - is it required that the BOD has to take lead on organizing chapter-sponsored events, or can they just put their stamp on one that has been set up by chapter members if it's meets the usual chapter-sanctioned event criteria?

[Andy in Pa.]

Excuse me - what is the definition of "actively involved"? He did come back onto the thread.

After he was called out by John B. for "lurking", but not replying to his own discussion.

[Lawn Cher']

Your mom goes to college.

[gabe4]

It seems like this is getting off topic and folks are just attacking each other. Let’s not forget we all have something in common, we like to wheel and I don’t know that we can afford to get pissy with each other. No one will show up at M&G's.

[Silverstreak01]

lawn cher you have a pm.. o and i work 12 hour days 5 days one week 6 the next thats one day off after every 4 . at a trash bag factory ! Need some CO $. and i still manage to type some edjamacated responses.. haha


keith h

[Silverstreak01]

lawn cher you have a pm.. o and i work 12 hour days 5 days one week 6 the next thats one day off after every 4 . Need some CO $. and i still manage to make some edjamacated responses.. haha

[Menzenski]

After he was called out by John B. for "lurking", but not replying to his own discussion.
"My" discussion? It was my initial post, certainly, but the discussion belongs to the chapter.

And yes, Andy and John, there was at least one instance where I read the responses in this thread and did not post myself. Please bear in mind that it was not my intention in starting this thread to try to 'save the chapter' by myself, or to imply that our current BOD was doing a poor job. Maybe it was a bad decision, but I thought the title and wording that I chose would be a good way to draw attention, and get some responses (since the response to the last attempt to energize the chapter (http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75909) was a little underwhelming). I would be more than happy to do some of the legwork required to get this chapter active again, though. And if the chapter would have me, I would gladly run for a formal office in the next election, though I will be moving out of the chapter next August to finish my education.

[Menzenski]

I hope I'm not stepping on the NAC BOD's toes by asking this, but what sorts of stuff do those of you in the chapter want to do?

Wheeling
- there's Paragon, obviously, though that's old hat to a lot of people.
- Rausch Creek. Has anyone wheeled there? Would it be worth a trip?
- I hear that there is some legal wheeling land in western Massachusetts. I understand that mentioning trail names and locations is a no-no on the public forum, but is there stuff worth doing out there?
- Is there anywhere else that's both legal and not-too-far for most of the chapter? I have a buddy who's land-use co-ordinator for a local club; I'll ask him if there's anything to do in New York, though I doubt it.

Wrenchfest
Would anyone be interested in getting together to work on each other's Jeeps? If someone owns or has easy access to a shop, this would seem to be a good way to help out some newbies and get to know each other better.

Chapter Meeting(s)
I know the chapter covers a lot of area, but maybe it would be worth everyone's while to convene and discuss chapter business. Maybe a two-day trip with business on the first day and wheeling on the second. I think even if it were just once a year (maybe in the winter, to be opposite NACfest), this might be a good thing to do.

Let's try to take this discussion somewhere productive. Who else has some ideas?

[Andy in Pa.]

I hope I'm not stepping on the NAC BOD's toes by asking this, but what sorts of stuff do those of you in the chapter want to do?

- Rausch Creek. Has anyone wheeled there? Would it be worth a trip?

Let's try to take this discussion somewhere productive. Who else has some ideas?

Yes I have been to Rausch Creek, and it has some good stuff. Not nearly as big as PAP, but I have been wanting to get back there for a few months now. I can organize a run to RC if we have a decent sized group that wants to check it out. I know the management there pretty well.

I am up for any of the things suggested. We used to have a picnic once a year at someones house too. This has not happened in a few years.

[ROBZ95Xj]

- I hear that there is some legal wheeling land in western Massachusetts. I understand that mentioning trail names and locations is a no-no on the public forum, but is there stuff worth doing out there?
there tons of stuff out in W Mass for all types of rigs, from stockers to buggies, heres some links to some pics from this past summer

Last Weekend
http://www.tremek.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26008

Labor Day Weekend
http://www.tremek.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24861

7/30 Trip
http://www.tremek.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23754

April Trip
http://www.tremek.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19847

[ROBZ95Xj]

sidriptide posted some info on the EC4WDA anual food drive, in N Adams Mass, trails will be availible for all typs of rigs, and there will will also be a hardcore run in CT. more info can be found in this thread
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=99922

[OverlandXJ]

Mambeau...Matt is it? I'd like to publically apologize for calling you out in the fashion that i had.

Last night was "Dart Night" out with the boys and i had a few cold ones. I came home, logged in and read Hinkleys thread over in the members forum and your comment about the vererans of this organization and honestly...it pissed me off all over again...then i posted what i did.

In my opinion NAXJA has a problem with bashing others, and now i'm as guilty as those i despise.

I feel that common respect and civility on these forums is non-existant. I felt that a personal attack was made on one of my friends...and i jumped in....i need to remind myself that Ben is a big boy now. ;)

This will be the last post from me in this thread. Carry on but lets keep it on topic and see if we can salvage any good from it...like the last several posts.

[Char-Broil]

has anyone thought of trying to break up the NAC into smaller segments? not seperate chapters necessarily, but maybe into three regions. I know the other guys don't have places to wheel like the pine barrens, rausch creek, and PAP, but they could still get together for m&g's, and small club like events. We could kind of conglomerate on here in sharing our experiences. But that might work better than trying to set something up and expecting people from canada to PA to show up for it. whenever i call out a time to meet up at paragon for some camping and wheeling in the area, i don't expect anyone except maybe NJ, NY, PA, DE, and MD to show up. I'd definately drive 2-3 hours for a M&G, or even 1 day of wheeling, but thats about it, it just isnt a big enough event to go any further than that. We probably wouldnt need a seperate BOD for each region, but perhaps just one or even a few "coordinator" people who can stir things up. just an idea i wanted to throw out since we're talking about it. I would love to see some stuff going on, but I can't really afford to do stuff more than every 2 months or so since i'm going to school and trying to keep 2 heeps on the road.

[OverlandXJ]

OK, I lied...


Matt,
There is one thing that needs to be cleared up here, if it were not for John B., we would not have a NAC chapter. .

Andy, thanks but without the likes of you,Ben,Chris,Mike,and a few others there wouldnt be a Chapter. No one can do it alone..

The more time that passes the more i miss those times and friends.

[Menzenski]

Mambeau...Matt is it? I'd like to publically apologize for calling you out in the fashion that i had.
Apology accepted. And I'd like to apologize for snapping back.

[STROKER]

OH BOY OH BOY.

1. Ok Lets turn this thread into a positive quickly or it will be edited/deleted.

2. I would love to see more activity as well, i.e. work/wrench party, M & G or whatever.
Please don't think you need to be a member to "start" these types of things mentioned above.
a. As far as events or any type of wheeling with NAXJA's name on it, YES THEY NEED TO BE SANCTIONED BY THE BOD and for any new event idea needs to be presented to the national BOD and then voted and blah, blah, blah.

3. With that said PLEASE turn this into something constructive.

Thank You,
STROKER

[Andy in Pa.]

OH BOY OH BOY.

1. Ok Lets turn this thread into a positive quickly or it will be edited/deleted.

2. I would love to see more activity as well, i.e. work/wrench party, M & G or whatever.
Please don't think you need to be a member to "start" these types of things mentioned above.
a. As far as events or any type of wheeling with NAXJA's name on it, YES THEY NEED TO BE SANCTIONED BY THE BOD and for any new event idea needs to be presented to the national BOD and then voted and blah, blah, blah.
3. With that said PLEASE turn this into something constructive.

Thank You,
STROKER

So leave the banner at home, and lets go try to brake your junk again!!!!!:laugh3:

I am in for doing something at RC, I'll start a post sometime in the next few weeks about figuring out when we can do it. Unfortunately we are getting into a busy time of year, but maybe we can put 10-20 local (within 2-3 hours away) trucks together for a day.

A.

[STROKER]

So leave the banner at home, and lets go try to brake your junk again!!!!!:laugh3:

I am in for doing something at RC, I'll start a post sometime in the next few weeks about figuring out when we can do it. Unfortunately we are getting into a busy time of year, but maybe we can put 10-20 local (within 2-3 hours away) trucks together for a day.

A.

Yes lets do it

Hey wait a minute, I've been ready, willing and able. So lets go oh wait, don't you have a new born to take care of.....


STROKER

[gabe4]

Not to mention it's deer season so until I get a deer I'm just a surfer.

[gabe4]

You know what as I re-read this thread I've noticed that a lot of the folks who have posted are folks I've wheeled with, so it seems to me that this bunch is always looking to wheel and no matter who many events we come up with we'll want more at least until we brake, which is a good thing. So maybe the future of this chapter is better off then we thought.

Off topic: Jon (muddygp) how did your tire situation work out what ya running?

[Mike in NJ]

Damn - don't look at the boards for a few days and . . . . !

Anyway, I understand everybody's frustration - it's the nature of wheeling in the East, but don't get hung up on labels, guys.

We're all NAXJA members, and we all care about XJ/MJ's. Makes no difference if you're in Maine, Montana, or Missouri (right, 'Cher?), or even a few overseas guys. Being a member of a NAXJA Chapter is a convenience, but we're all part of the big picture. And NAXJA has always encouraged all of us out here in the East to participate in national events (Tellico, Attica, Colorado, Moab, etc.). Big commitments to do that, sure, but some have been able to experience XJ/MJ wheeling around the country

OK - time for a bit of long-winded rambling . . . . .

Long time ago (in the way, way back), as NAXJA was just getting started, there was a lot of debate about whether of not chapters were even useful. Many of the founding "fathers" in the West didn't care for the idea. But, out here in the East, we know we have that special problem (no place to go), and we thought that by having some more focus, it might help give a better sense of belonging. In those days, there was a concentration of members in Eastern PA, and some others of us scattered around the Mid-Atlantic, but we avoided the temptation of coming up with a purely local chapter and hoped that by becoming NAXJA's first chapter as "North Atlantic" we could eventually get better participation in other corners of the area.

There was ALWAYS heavy interest in trying to come with things to do in other areas: we had a run down to GW National Forest in Va, an initial run up to North Adams, MA and were always trying to come up with other Adirondack and New England locales. There even was a bit of thought put into a Nova Scotia trip!

Paragon (although pricey) was SOMEWHAT central - was a pretty good place to wheel, and was vaguely convenient to the group. So that's where we established our signature national event.

Unfortunately (not for lack of trying), recruitment in other areas didn't work out too well and after a few years a lot of the original guys got burnt (and I'll admit that after three NACFests :confused1 , I was more than happy to let Ben get slammed in the next two!), but then a more energetic NE group appeared and kept the ball rolling and formalized a Mohawk run. And I notice now that we seem to have a center of interest growing in Central NY.

We KNOW that there are a lot of individual local 4x4 clubs in this Region, and NO ONE is suggesting that folks don't participate there as well - but, this is a Cherokee/Comanche club - and operates as such.

People's lives change, their vehicles change, priorities change - but don't let that discourage anybody. The danger of breaking this chapter down into smaller pieces is that each of those pieces runs the risk of that localized group eventually getting burnt, with no replacements. While I understand the frustration of various folks, the value of having a wide area to draw from is that it gives a higher probability of finding the 5 people necessary to form the BOD for the chapter.

So, don't get hung up on the bureaucracy, find some interest and have a run, whether it's 3 guys or 30, you'll still be getting out. This chapter is what ALL of us make it.

All NAC BOD members, starting with John B. as the first prez, served due to a desire in keeping this place going, and tried to accommodate all of our far flung interests. It's not a career, and, as others can step up and run, please do so. It can only help to broaden activity in the chapter.

OK?

Mike in NJ :patriot:

[XJ Beater]

only place out my way i know of thats more or less legal is the coy hill area, and im not positive about the legality of going there, anyone want to chime in on that?

[Lawn Cher']

We're all NAXJA members, and we all care about XJ/MJ's. Makes no difference if you're in Maine, Montana, or Missouri (right, 'Cher?)

Right, Mike! I still proudly display the NAC sticker on a couple of my vehicles, and I still care about what happens in this chapter. There's plenty to do in the region, and tons of great people to experience it with. If you are sitting back waiting for others to make things happen, you will most certainly miss out.

Damn, I'd LOVE to get back to North Adams! I used to drive 5 hours from south Jersey, dragging my XJ behind my MJ up the NJ Turnpike, GS Parkway, NY Thruway and Mass Pike, shifting that poor Puegeot to keep the tired Renix 4.0 in its peak torque band with 3.55's and 31's. Some would say that sounds like an exhausting trip, but it was well worth it to wheel some beautiful terrain with some great folks.

My point, in a roundabout anecdotal fashion, is that you don't need NAXJA's blessing to get together with your NAXJA friends.

[gabe4]

My point, in a roundabout anecdotal fashion, is that you don't need NAXJA's blessing to get together with your NAXJA friends.
Ditto

[sidriptide]

only place out my way i know of thats more or less legal is the coy hill area, and im not positive about the legality of going there, anyone want to chime in on that?


there's alot more around this area that you would imagine.. matter of fact i dont even go to CH because it has become the place that "everybody goes". i posted a food drive i'm running out in North Adams area, and all are welcome.

all this talk about nothing going on but no one is taking the invitation...

[sidriptide]

OK?

Mike in NJ :patriot:

i like your perspective Mike! very well said.

[partsxj]

How about this?

Wharton State Forest Cleanup - 2006
For those of you in the NJ-PA-NY-CT-DE area and beyond, here's a perfect opportunity to get some great wheeling, do a good deed and hang out for a fun day of cameraderie with other 4-Wheelers and offroaders.

http://www.ilovejeeps.com/forums/showthread.php?p=106190#post106190

[Mike in NJ]

I agree - a great opportunity for those who don't get enough dirt time.

http://www.ilovejeeps.com/forums/showthread.php?p=106190#post106190

NAXJA-NAC participated in this as a group once before (3-4 years ago?) and it was a good, sunny day out in the Pines doing some very important 4x4 work. Besides just being a damn nice thing to do, it certainly was a boost to the crappy image that most of the public has of off-roaders, due to the behavior of a minority of us. IIRC, there was some newspaper coverage on the clean-up.

I'm ashamed to admit I haven't looked into this activity since then, and I'm glad to see that it seems to be firmly established as an "ANNUAL" event.

I already was tied up on Sunday, OCT 22. But I'm going to try like hell and re-arrange my plans and show up for a change!

It's a great time of the year to drive through the Pines, especially for those who haven't been. This is the one of the few (only?) places in Jersey where you can legally wheel and even though it doesn't have the challenges of, say, Moab Rim trail - things can get real difficult, real fast, in the wetter times of year. October is the perfect time to check out some trails for future runs.

So, if you're not doing anything special that Sunday - there's no excuses not to show up if you're within 75 miles or so. Weather's nice, gas is around 2 bucks, no rocks in the Barrens so it doesn't matter if you haven't mounted those skid plates yet, and here's a chance for everybody from bone stock to heavy mods to hang out together, do a good deed, and get some Ribs at Picallily's.

I really hope to get there and see some other NAXJA Cherokees and Comanches in attendance (besides, the organizers love us - we can carry more couches out of the woods than the SWB crowd! :laugh3: )

Thanks for letting us know, Ken!!!

Mike in NJ :patriot:

[Rob Mayercik]

I may attempt to get this in as well, but I don't know if I have the time, or if the XJ'll be in fighting trim by next weekend -

The persistant drivetrain squeaking I've been hearing is now getting worse - on the way home from the Quadratec tent sale this afternoon, I heard once or three times something that sounded altogether too much like what I heard when the pinion on my rear end loosened up a few years back.

Speaking of the Quadratec sale, how'd your MJ do in the show-n-shine, John?

Rob

[magoo117]

HERE HERE, those was good days huh Mark.

STROKER
I second that,those where the good ole days!:bawl:

[gearwhine]

I think it all comes down to me having not done anything in the chapter for the last two years and then moving away. You can all blame it on me. I give myself a lot of credit.

[Menzenski]

How about this?

Wharton State Forest Cleanup - 2006
For those of you in the NJ-PA-NY-CT-DE area and beyond, here's a perfect opportunity to get some great wheeling, do a good deed and hang out for a fun day of cameraderie with other 4-Wheelers and offroaders.

http://www.ilovejeeps.com/forums/showthread.php?p=106190#post106190
Would it make any sense for me to go to that without a Jeep? My 4.0 is close to death, and I don't know if it would even make it to NJ. Will there be things for non-drivers to help with?

[warrior]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f156/mjtj/IM000827.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f156/mjtj/IM000825.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f156/mjtj/IM000824.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f156/mjtj/IM000789.jpg
Rob, it was nice to meet you at the show on Sat, It's a shame you missed Andy in PA by 15 mins. I didn't even check to see if I won anything, there was alot of nice TJ's and XJ's there so I didn't expect to. Here's a couple pics for those how didn't make it. John

[Rob Mayercik]

Rob, it was nice to meet you at the show on Sat, It's a shame you missed Andy in PA by 15 mins. I didn't even check to see if I won anything, there was alot of nice TJ's and XJ's there so I didn't expect to. Here's a couple pics for those how didn't make it. John

It was nice meeting you too, John - made the trip worthwhile. Nice pics, too.

Looks like more than the parts were cleaned out when I finally arrived.

See you around the boards.

[Lawn Cher']

I agree - a great opportunity for those who don't get enough dirt time.

http://www.ilovejeeps.com/forums/showthread.php?p=106190#post106190

NAXJA-NAC participated in this as a group once before (3-4 years ago?) and it was a good, sunny day out in the Pines doing some very important 4x4 work. Besides just being a damn nice thing to do, it certainly was a boost to the crappy image that most of the public has of off-roaders, due to the behavior of a minority of us. IIRC, there was some newspaper coverage on the clean-up.

I was there with the MJ & matching trailer... it was a great thing to get involved with. Positive press is always a good thing. And the wings at the Pic are fantastic.

[OverlandXJ]

John.....the MJ looks AWESOME!

Andy, you did a 44 front axle? Waggy shafts? I would like to do one also, so sick of replacing ball joints and unit bearings every other year.

[Andy in Pa.]

John.....the MJ looks AWESOME!

Andy, you did a 44 front axle? Waggy shafts? I would like to do one also, so sick of replacing ball joints and unit bearings every other year.

Yes, long story, but I finally got it done almost two months ago. Alloy shafts, Waggy width HPD44 w/ an ARB and 5.13's. I was out for a shake-down run at PAP a few weeks ago, the 5.13's, 4:1, and 35's is a NICE combo in the rocks. And on the highway, about 2700rpm @ 70MPH. I can live with that. My drag link (high steer arm on pass. side) and track bar are not parallel, so I do have some bumpsteer, but its not bad.

Next is hydraulic assist, I'll have that done before NAC-Fest next year. I got a Durango box and sent it to PSC to be ported/polished and set up for hydraulic assist. I swapped it in, but just have the ports capped right now.

The tie rod is 7071 Aluminum Alloy (a very, very dense alloy but very light and strong) made by Fullcircle 4x4. When I got the tie rod, the two heims actually weighed more than the tie rod itself. Fullcircle uses this alloy for control arms on their rock buggies. It will flex some, but not bend or break very easily.

Nice pics John, it was good catching up with you. We'll get together soon and scratch that MJ!!:jester: It just too pretty now!!! That pic doesn't even do it justice. The paint is showroom clean on it!!

Rob, that place was cleaned out at 10:00am when I got there!!! I couldn't believe the crowds of people walking out of there with stuff!! Mostly all TJ though, I didn't see any XJ anything in the scratch and dent piles.

[ROBZ95Xj]

if things go as planned ill be wheelin with the big boys in my xj, ive got a few key parts lined up.:D

[Menzenski]

if things go as planned ill be wheelin with the big boys in my xj, ive got a few key parts lined up.:D
thats what you said last year! :moon:
:D

[ROBZ95Xj]

:D
like i said before i had know job last year. and things are really goin good for me now as far as deals are going

[Rob Mayercik]

Nice pics John, it was good catching up with you. We'll get together soon and scratch that MJ!!:jester: It just too pretty now!!! That pic doesn't even do it justice. The paint is showroom clean on it!!

It'd almost be a crime to wheel that MJ (almost - it is a Jeep, after all :D ), but you're right - the pics don't quite capture the clean. John, you really have to bring that rig to NACFest next year (whether you plan to wheel it or not), if only to make the rest of us drool uncontrollably.

Rob, that place was cleaned out at 10:00am when I got there!!! I couldn't believe the crowds of people walking out of there with stuff!! Mostly all TJ though, I didn't see any XJ anything in the scratch and dent piles.

I don't doubt it. I originally planned on getting there when the "doors" opened, but ended up getting down there about 12:30. I wasn't expecting to see much if anything for XJs (only saw a stock front bumper for the 97-01 models) either - anything I did see, I was planning on filing under "bonus". Still, it got me out of the house, and meeting John turned out to be its own reward.

[Ludakris]

I agree on the fact that I cant see me donating to naxja and getting nothing for my money. I am part of a club up here that is part of NEA which owns a shitload of land. Thats what I pay for. Legal wheelin land. I dont see paying for the occassional tech question or to put something up for sale.


how bout $0.50 per post?

[XJBrother]

I think it all comes down to me having not done anything in the chapter for the last two years and then moving away. You can all blame it on me. I give myself a lot of credit.

haha leave it to nick to put himself on a pedastool(sp?). but either way, no i dont own an XJ, but my brother does, as most who know me here already know. But this group of guys (meaning NAC) is one of the best group of people i have ever met; meaning, ben, mitch, andy, mike, pete, the late mark, and any others i may have left out. i dont check in here often but to see people come in a blaming their lack of "fun" on others is just ridiculous. i'm sure the board member try as hard as they can, but this isn't their job; it's a hobby to most. The fact that they will take time out of their lives to help others have a good time at events such as NACFest means alot to me and i'm sure many others. i'll leave it at this otherwise i'll ramble forever.

by the way....i finally got a tow rig so i'll be back out next year. so don't worry, you will see the pathfinder again. it'll be good to see you guys again, it's been a long time.:bawl:

another btw...ben, were you driving down 95 in a lifted green xj around the philly area on monday? i could've sworn it was you.

[STROKER]

another btw...ben, were you driving down 95 in a lifted green xj around the philly area on monday? i could've sworn it was you.

nope not me dont have an XJ anymore its an MJ and its a trailer queen. I drive a '05 red nissan frontier for everyday.

STROKER

[sidriptide]

can we re-title this thread??

maybe.. "what the hell happened to the original topic"?? :dunno:

[mack]

:confused1 what did i miss?...