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Ya Shudda
Oughta Ben Thar !
Now, we realize that the "work" in work week-end indicates
no fun, but Pokey and I were never ones to conform entirely. So, with
that in mind, the "Fearless Four" consisting of Pokey, Tom Cash,
Jason Oderwald with Papa Jack riding shotgun, and myself with Piston-Packing
Barb aboard, headed for our trail.
 We
had walked a new section two weeks ago, and were all set to start clearing
on it. Pokey (of course) wanted to start with the "fun" part,
but I insisted we do a little work first. Even though Ja-son had marked
the trail for us on the first work weekend, apparently the melting snow
washed out his pee so we had to go back to square one.
Once we figured out just where we would start, out came the chain saws,
pitch forks, and pruners. The first section cut was one I had been looking
forward to trying, so at the first chance, White Lightning came off the
hilltop. With Pokey's expert spotting, I transversed the ravine with no
problems. (We may have to cut the tree if we wipe too many tops off the
tall boys!)
Anyway, we continued on and amongst the cussing and discussing about
where Jason had left his mark, we kept clearing. Pokey (being the natural
born leader he is) led us through the next piece of newly made trail.
Although one area seemed to be somewhat difficult, he easily made it once
the winch came out. The rest of us came on behind him and we continued.
Most of what we laid out from there on was not quite as exciting until
we came to our exit from the woods. Someone (Lord only knows who) suggested
that we deviate and straddle this "harmless" ditch. Well, let
me tell you, one tire misplaced dropped you into a hole that swallowed
jeeps. We could easily have rolled if not for the high banks on each side
wedging us at a 45 degree angle. We all had to winch or be strapped out
of this one. After managing to get everyone back on the trail, we all
decided to drive the new section again just to make sure the trail was
easily visible. After the first two drivers went into the same hole and
had the same result as the first time, we made a "go around"
for the weak-hearted.
Don't worry, we'll still let anyone try it that wants, but.....ya shudda
oughta ben thar!
Update
 This
year's trail building weekends are going great. On Feb 7th, there were even
a few non-jeeps along. I hesitate to say they did well on the trails, but
they did. There were 25 members present that day to clear trails. O.R. again
did a good job of divvying up the workers per trail. Syndy and Durrell kept
things organized at McDonald's, they're great at keeping track of members
who at-tend. Be sure to let them know you're there. Remember to bring your
insurance cards, you'll be asked to show them. A good number of people,
even brand new members, worked on the newest trail. I heard tell it will
have some interesting obstacles on it. There also are some great surprises
in the works on the other trails. Wish I could tell you, but I can't yet.
When you help work the trails, you get to know first hand what's in store.
Feb 21st had 20 members working on 5 trails. Several of the key members
had a chance to attend other events out of state this weekend. We managed
to get ourselves organized, and the group that was there did a lot of
trail building. David Jacobs' crew worked on Mississippi views all morn-ing.
Unfortunately for John, the afternoon didn't go as well. His engine threw
a rod right through the piston. It took Rob's, Rick's and David's winches
and straps to pull John's jeep out where they could get it onto David's
trailer. Not one to be stranded for long though, John already had another
engine put in by the next work week (many thanks to his wife, Sandy).
Hog Roast
 Saturday
May 2, was yet another work weekend. But this time the club sponsored a
campfire and hog roast for all those who have been helping build the trails.
Parks Livestock donated the hog for the event. The party was held at Tom
Wombles house and Pokey again did an excellent job of cooking and slicing
the hog. An afternoon shower didn't dampen our spirits. Some of the landown-ers
even joined us. A board meeting was also planned for that night so we just
pulled up chairs around the campfire and discussed what was on the agenda.
 Tom
awarded the infamous stump to John Toumbs. This was the one where he slid
across, laid his jeep on it's side, and broke the side glass. (John wasn't
having a good start to the year.) He must have had one of those brain
farts when he agreed to be guinea pig for that trail.
BULLWINKLE or……Bullwrinkle's
Revenge!
  I
know that a small handful of members have experienced the original leg
of Bullwinkle, with it's heavy duty off-camber hills, it's Top Taster,
and the nosedive back into Flynt Creek. We recently introduced the new
and improved sections of this trail!
I have to share the credit for all this deviate stuff with a few club
folks whose hard work and sweat helped make it all possible. There was
extensive hiking and exploring by Uncle Sam, John Toumbs (my twin brother)
and me. You shoulda seen John the day we stumbled onto the Flying Squirrel.
The term 'kid in a  candy
store' doesn't even come close!! But, after all our efforts, the Moose
still lacked continuity. Until, that is, our fearless trailmeister, O.R.,
came out to see what we were up to. It seems this trail was an unfinished
vision from years past! The parts we had yet to figure out he had already
planned for, and vice-versa. Could this be Jeep Zen??
Only 17 or so fool-hearted (I mean brave) souls and their machines cared
to face our creation on Jambo weekend. WOW!! This was much tougher on
man and Jeep than I had expected! With features like The Moose's Back
(hill climb) and Flying Squirrel Creek (rocky…it contains Moose Lips
Rock) you're pretty sure to get a kiss on your body work.
Horse Shoe Waterfall gets your rear wheels air born. There is the Old
LogBog. And Launching Pad Hill was unclimbable (trust me). So an impromptu
Alice Route Hill was cut to get us out of the squirrels grip. And, of
course, there's John Wayne Hill (ask someone who's done it), Hub Hollow,
The Fender Moguls, Fat Man's Squeeze, and the Intimidator. WHEW! This
trail is a body shop's dream!
As the action reached hair raising levels, so did the carnage list. 20
or so winching exercises, 12 to 15 fenders (some both on the same jeep),
8 or 9 quarter panels (Moose Lips), a windshield frame, one axle, one
tranny tower, one tire, one power steering pump, numerous flares, tail
lights, scratches, dings and dents, and the obvious seat cover remodeling!
Upon further inspection I noted that my X-case was falling off the tranny.
Lack of maintenance, maybe? Nah!
Participants commented:
- Now that's a driver's trail! Very technical. It demands your full
attention from start to finish. (Rick Miller, Rolla, MO)
- I think you oughta call it Bull WRINKLE, 'cause that's what it done
to my Jeep. (Tim L., Warrenville, IL)
- F*****g Intense!! (Tim C., Warrenville, IL)
So, I ask you; do you think you can survive the Kiss of the Moose? You
have a while to ponder it.
Happy Trails!
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