Do you know what amazes me every time I go out 4 wheeling, and especially when it’s on a scheduled Colorado Land Cruiser’s run? I mean in addition to the great time we have with our members, families and guests – yup and Salty? And Blackjack too? And even in addition to the beautiful, scenic areas we see here in Colorado? I am truly amazed at how our machines perform, at how easily they traverse the obstacles. It is enjoyable to see Mike’s Purple Cruiser tackle a rock obstacle and climb effortlessly, nearly straight up with the right front tire clawing only at air, only to quietly drop to the ground as the obstacle is conquered. Then to be followed by Norm, with his highly modified ‘Cruiser, making short work of obstacles. Listening to the throb of the Chevy V-8’s as they pass by is truly impressive. Equally impressive is watching David’s FJ80 climb the obstacles and pass by, hardly making a noise, with wife, sister-in-law and 3 toddlers, secure in their car seats, watching to see what’s to see. Following David is Charlie in his FJ80, again effortlessly and quietly conquering obstacles as we follow the trail to our destination. I am amazed and impressed by being a part of this.

Yes, Linda and I were finally able to go on a trail run again on Aug 19^th. It was a very good day, from start to finish, at 31^st and W. Colorado and ending at a Mexican food restaurant in Woodland Park. The run was to Wheeler Lake, past Alma and just west of Hoosier Pass, off of Colorado highway 9. The trail provides many challenges for the experienced but yet isn’t intimidating for those with little four wheeling experiences, because the obstacles can be bypassed. This allows all to be able to have a little fun without fear of damaging the vehicle or the occupants.

And what really amazed me about this run was that while eating lunch at Wheeler Lake, along with our group was Kevin, a first time visitor, who drove his bone-stock FJ60 up the last obstacle. The last obstacle which is rated at a 4, and which says you should have lockers and 33" tires. Yup, the last obstacle which is a long hill with full scale and half scale bowling ball rocks with a little flowing water for effect, and has a mini-Jaws at the top around a sharp switchback. Here sat a bone-stock FJ60, looking none the worse for wear or tear. This is what amazes me.

If any of you are really tired of reading about "What Amazes Darryl", please step forward with your trip reports. The process isn’t all that difficult. You really need only answer the basic questions of "Where, "Who, What, and Why". The "Where" is easy – it’s even self-descriptive, it’s the runs destination! The "Who" is simple too, it’s those participating

in the run. The "What" and "Why" will be your narrative of what the trail was like and why you liked or didn’t like it. It’sthat simple. Then email it to Rod Timby, our newsletter editor. And WALA! You will be a published author!!!

I think by now you have noticed the newsletter’s new format, brought to us by our new newsletter editor, Rod Timby. Please welcome him with your comments and help with providing articles.

See you at our next CLC meeting, September 19^th. Remember to enjoy your four wheeling here in Colorado. Keep the shiny side up, and if the trail you are on doesn’t have a white arrow marking it, you can’t be on it.

~Darryl~

David, our TLCA Representative is looking into getting the TLCA By-laws changed. Our clubs associate members are not currently members of the TLCA. Being an associate member of CLC, gives our members a chance to see the benefits of the TLCA while still being members of the best Land Cruiser Club in Colorado.

CLC is planning on going South for the winter. Jerry Nichols has volunteered (without knowing) to search for a meeting place on the South end of Colorado Springs.

South-side of Pikes Peak: FR379, 370C, 370D and Norms Gulch. Sunday, 17 September 2000. All interested will meet at Safeway at South Nevada and Cheyenne Rd at 07:30 AM Departure at 08:00 AM. Your trip leader will be Mike Taylor.

 Carnage and the squeeze: Sunday 01 October 2000. meeting location will be at McDonalds at N. Academy and Hwy 83. Your trip leader will be Paul Beaudean.

Rainbow Falls Area (North of Woodland Park): Sunday, 14 October 2000. All interested will meet at Lots ‘A’ Bagels at 31st and Colorado at 08:00 A.M. with a departure at 08:30 A.M. Your trip leader is still to be determined.

We will need member orders to be prepaid. Make checks payable to Colorado Land Cruisers. All proceeds go to the club. See Vicky!!!!!