Colorado Land Cruisers is a four-wheel drive club based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sanctioned by Toyota Land Cruisers Association. We are organized to bring together Toyota owning families and individuals interested in exploring Colorado four-wheel drive trails.
(Pete Van Vuren has provided this information on the Christmas tree assistance CLC has provided the PNF since 1996. Please make a commitment for at least one of the 4 days. CLC has been the sole club in the Pikes Peak area providing this kind of support, and if we want to keep it that way, we need to step up and make our numbers known in advance. Contact Pete at: pvanvuren@coloradowildland.org)
I know we all like to hold out and say "I will go if there is snow", but the problem is the USFS uses standard ICS model incident command for this event and puts together a full IAP (incident action plan) in advance, on which we (Colorado Land Cruisers) are listed as a resource. I know of other 4x4 groups that ask every year to be listed in our place. If we want to maintain our relationship in this event we need to show more commitment then a couple rigs for each day.
Once again Colorado Land Cruisers club is offering volunteer help to assist the US Forest Service Pikes Peak Ranger District in their annual Christmas Tree Cutting event. This year it will cover two weekends. The weekend of Dec. 6th and 7th and the weekend of Dec. 13th and 14th. The location will be the same as last year. Rampart Road (FS 300) North from Woodland Park, to the gate near Sailors Park, and west along FS 348 to Rainbows Falls. We are looking for 6 or more rigs to commit to each of the 4 days. Please let me know as soon as you can, what days you expect you could be there.
Thanks,
Pete
As most of you have noted by now, the December run isn’t really a run as we usually do, but rather a community assistance joint venture with PNF helping our brethren (and sisteren?) who normally do not venture into the wilds. It is a fun festive adventure punctuated by some of the most interesting people and challenges you can’t imagine. While a lot of people are prepared, many are not, and many are clueless about snow conditions, which can happen just 35 miles up the road from Colorado Springs.
This last year we encountered dusty roads and a roll over. The mornings were chilly, but the noon times were nice and sunny. This hasn’t always been the case. While the usual tree cutters would hope there isn’t any snow, we on the other hand want it to snow since it is more fun for us. We then have something to do. We either play, or we assist the tree cutters in getting unstuck. In assisting folks we need to be very careful that we do not cause any damage to their vehicle, even to the point of having them attach the tow hook/strap/chain to their vehicle. Remember Escorts do not have tow hooks, nor does the average Jeep Cherokee. A couple of 5/8” “D” rings, a 2’ to 4’ chain with hooks and or a 2’ chain loop can be used to connect to a vehicle and not damage a nylon tow strap. In Pete’s notes, if we can provide at least 6 vehicles on each of the 4 days, we can hopefully have at least 2 winch equipped rigs and have 2 teams of 3, so we can have the right support to provide the right assistance so no vehicle is damaged, or – more important, no one is hurt. If any one knows CPR or has any other emergency medical knowledge, please let Pete or PNF know. I cannot over emphasize this enough. About 4 years ago when we were in the Signal Butte area doing a pre-run for this event we came across a wood cutter who had had a heart attack and died because his son-in-law couldn’t get assistance, and we were too late to help, other than wait with him for the sheriff. It’s easy to forget that when we are out in the hills we aren’t 3 minutes from EMT’s and their asphalt transport rigs. The bottom line is to go prepared. Jackets, hats gloves, lunch is really good to have – in past years the 4-H kids have provided hot chili and hot chocolate. You’ll also need chains – be positive it WILL snow – and a rig chained on all 4 is going to go just about anywhere. Along with chains, a winch is good, a tow strap and attendant hardware, as well as a high lift jack – mostly the support equipment you usually take on a run. I’d like to write that there is a usual way to get stuck, but fact is there isn’t. The city folks continue to invent new ways. You’ll see all manner of tire tread, from absolutely bald tires to new street tires. You’ll also see people that have chains but have no idea about how to put them on. And remember that while CLC provides this service free of charge, we do take donations if offered. A CLC card handed to them on parting is a good way to let them have a chance to know just who the nice folks were that got them on their way.
So, send Pete an email and let him know what days you will be attending.
Have fun. Be Safe,
Darryl
Next Meeting – November
18, 2003 - 7:00pm.
Mark your calendar for CLC’s next meeting, Liberty Toyota, North. See you there!
Trail run – Christmas
Tree Run - December 2003
Dec 6th / 7th and Dec 13th /14th
Meet at 8:00am and leave at 8:30am from The Western station just east of Woodland Park. Rated at fun, with snow, the fun rating really goes up.. Come to the meeting, and help decide who will lead!
1970 FJ40: 330 HP Chevy 350(<3000 mi), New Edelbrock QJET, E'brock Performer Intake, Chrome Headers, E'brock high volume water pump, 4-row radiator, K&N air filter, New starter, NV4500(6.34:1 low), "3spd" t-case, "Triple-D Dual Drive"
(Gleason Torsen) front diff, 2 ½" Alcans, RS9000 shocks, New RS5000 steering stabilizer, New Saginaw P/S box, New tie rod, All new tie rod ends, 33x12.50 General Grabber AP's, "New" brake booster, Dual tanks, Dual batts, A/C, Rear heater, AM/FM cass, Reclining highback buckets, Center console. $10,500 Sam in Colorado Springs, CO
(719) 494-1226
Complete stock FJ40 exhaust, “F” engine, 1972
(FREE, unless you want to trade for $$)
Darryl – email CLC newsletter editor, or 593-9829 – (or if Darryl is in Grand Junction, 970 243-0589)
Four BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO tires,
9.50 x 33 x 15 $400.00 719 535-6045
And not included in the smail newsletter is this ad from Bob Mishmash in Pueblo:
Bob has a dandy rear seat that is 35" wide and perfect for the back seat of a FJ40. The upholstery looks good and is grey in color as I recall. Give Bob a call at 719 564-7071 if you are interested. Bob is looking for $$ or trade.