Click here to download the minutes of the SFWDA 3rd Quarter Meeting.

Here’s the 4th Quarter Meeting notes. Click here to download the PDF file.

This Saturday December 8th, 2012 there will be a Volunteer Clean Up Day at Coppinger’s Cove in Sequatchie, TN.

Plans are to meet at the Trials Training Center at 10am central time. For directions and more information check out the Trials Training Center website at trialstrainingcenter.com.

After the work is done there will be a tour of Sequatchie Cove Farms.  Sequatchie Cove Farm is a diversified farm of 300 acres nestled in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau.

Check out their web site at:  http://sequatchiecovefarm.com.

We had a great meeting. Click here to download the PDF file.

A hearing date certain has been set for SFWDA vs. FS on the Tellico OHV area.

A hearing will be held at 2 PM in Courtroom 50 Main Street, Bryson City, NC 28713 before Judge Martin Reidinger. You can view the calendar here http://www.ncwd.uscourts.gov/Calendar/Court.aspx. This is your money at work (your tax dollars supporting the FS and your after tax goodwill contributions to SFWDA, BRC, UFWDA). It is a public process. You are welcome to attend and encouraged to attend. It is fine to wear identifying attire that you are a supporter of off road driving (i.e club logos). Remember, you must be respectful of the Court and the process. You will not be allowed to speak during the proceedings. Just your presence in the court room will be enough. It will give you an opportunity to see our system at work. It is very important that we do not do anything that will reflect badly on our sport. I think it will be a testament to our resolve and perseverance to have as many of us as can participate to be there in person.

It appears the Judge has set aside the entire afternoon for the case. This means he may allow each side an hour to present. The FS and intervenors most likely will share the time allocated. SFWDA will present first, the FS and intervenors will present second, then most likely SFWDA will have a few minutes for rebuttal. Remember only the respective lawyers will present.

Please be reminded that it is very unlikely that a decision will be rendered on August 23rd. You will most likely be disappointed if you attend expecting to hear a decision. The decision will usually take 30 to 90 days. It may be in our best interest that the Judge take his time to consider everything in the case. Also, remember that any decision can be appealed by the opposing side.

Please re-post this information on other 4×4 boards and forums to help spread the word.

I look forward to seeing you on the 23rd in Bryson City, NC.

Thank you for your support.

Flint Holbrook SFWDA Director Land Use and Conservation.

P.S. We also recommend that we all spend a few extra minutes on our knees praying for our legal team, the judge and a favorable outcome for our sport. NCWD Court Calendar www.ncwd.uscourts.gov

Trail Ratings

We use our own ratings: Varmit (easy), Predator (medium), Beast (hard), and Monster (extreme). Note that not all trail levels may be offered at all our events.

 Varmit (Easy)

Slightly modified vehicles on wide trails. Front and rear tow hooks are necessary.
Mud tires recommended. Winch or locker not required.
Driver: Novice off-road drivers can participate. Must be willing to learn!

 Predator (Medium)

Modified vehicles with 31″ -34″ tires. Locker or winch, roll bar or hard top.
Driver: Some off-road driving experience is desirable.

Beast (Hard)

Modified vehicles with 35″-40″ tires, winch, roll cage, front and rear lockers, tools.
Spare axles and other parts recommended.
Driver: You better know how to drive!

Monster (Extreme)

Super modified vehicles, 42″ or larger tires, low gear ratios in axle / transmission / transfer case
full roll cage, winch, front and rear lockers, tools, spare parts (and lots of them).
Driver: You better really know how to drive!

Vehicle Requirements:

If you have been 4-wheeling for some time, you’ll be experienced enough to know your vehicle’s condition and the equipment you should be carrying. Because you will be on the trail with other people who may depend on you or you may depend on them, we list the following requirements for vehicles attending our events:

Also please read the “Trail Ratings” section above for additional vehicle requirements!

Tech Inspection

When you first arrive at the Dixie Run, your vehicle will go through tech inspection. The emphasis is on SAFETY! We don’t want anyone to get hurt and we’d prefer it if your vehicle doesn’t get damaged (though we cannot make any guarantees). We will check basic technical items on all vehicles and then compare your vehicle to our Trail Ratings to determine what trails you can drive during the event. To be fair to all participants and keep down the waiting times, we cannot allow under-equipped or under-modified vehicles to drive on harder trails.

Parking and Driving Laws

Do not park your vehicles on the pavement near the campground or in any other unauthorized areas. Typically, it is okay to park on the side of the road, but vehicles must be completely off the pavement. The owner of any vehicle parked on the pavement is responsible if hit by another vehicle.

Speed limits must be observed and vehicles must remain in their own lane on the roads!

PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND DRIVE SAFELY!!!

Trail Ride Rules

1.     These rules shall apply to all participants on Southern 4WD Association trail rides: drivers and passengers, including members, family, friends, guests and visitors. Please behave as in a family environment.

2.     No alcohol drinking by anyone. Alcoholic beverages shall not be brought on the trail ride. Any drug use is also forbidden.

3.     Stay on marked trails open for jeep-type vehicles only. Never ride off the trail, climb the trail bank, or drive on closed trails. Stay out of rivers and creeks. Observe Tread Lightly rules!

4.     When winching, use of a tree saver strap is mandatory. Never loop a bare winch cable around a tree because it damages or kills the tree. Put a blanket, jacket or other object over the unwound cable to absorb the tension if the cable breaks. Carry a winch kit, including tree strap, snatch block and clevis. Wear leather gloves when handling winch cable.

5.     No littering. Members are encouraged to pick up cans, bottles and refuse left by other people and carry it out for proper disposal.

6.     Maintain vehicles in a safe operational condition, including license plate and state tag where required, brakes, seat belts for every occupant, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, CB radio, proper lights, proper vehicle height, muffler and/or spark arrestor, roll bar/cage, spare tire, jack, flashlight, shovel, tree saver strap, snatch block and tools. Secure all loose objects in your vehicle before moving!

7.     Participants must have liability insurance and other insurance required by home state. Medical insurance is recommended. Driver must have a valid driver’s license.

8.     Always keep vehicle behind you in sight. Be sure he doesn’t miss any turn you made. Do not tailgate the vehicle in front of you. Rollback or reverse maneuvering is always likely in mountainous terrain.

9.     Assist disabled vehicles whether they are a member of SFWDA or not. Offer to help bring disabled vehicle out of forest. Help others, as you would have them help you.

10. Each member is asked to enforce these rules within his club and group of friends. The trail boss or leader cannot be everywhere, so it is the responsibility of all members to uphold the good name of the club and association. If someone you do not know is breaking these rules, politely ask them to stop and give them a copy of these rules. If they continue, record their license plate number and report them to the trail boss or appropriate law enforcement.

Q: Do I have to be a member of SFWDA to register for Dixie Run?
A: No.  Anyone is welcome….

Q: Can I enter with a side-by-side instead of a full-size 4X4?
A: Side-by-sides are welcome.  All drivers and passengers of side-by-sides MUST have helmets on at all times per park rules, no exceptions.  You will not be allowed entrance without a helmet to ride side-by-sides.  Entry fees are the same.

Q: What requirements does my vehicle have to meet?
A: See the “vehicle requirements” below.  Please note the requirement for a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Q: Is 110V power hookup available at the campsites?
A: No.  Sorry….

Q: Are 4wheelers allowed?
A: No they are not.

Q: Do I still have to pay for RV camping if I was not able to get a RV site?
A: No, all camping is included, but the RV sites provide electric and water to those sites and there is a charge for that. RV parking is limited on top, but plentiful on the bottom and must be self sufficient.

Q: When is the Rock Challenge going to happen?
A: Planned for Saturday morning.

Q: Are Dune Buggies allowed?
A: No they are not.

Q: Are credit cards accepted on site?

A: No they are not.

Rock Challenge planned for Saturday morning

Vendor alley during event, check back to see list of vendors

RC competition for all ages that want to participate

Huge raffle for Saturday night

Will have food vendors on site during the event on Friday and Saturday selling a variety of food

Breakfast will be available on Friday and Saturday Mornings from 7-9

Breakfast is NOT included in any package, pre purchase for the best deal.

Ice and firewood will be available at additional cost onsite
from Golden Mountain Park (GMP).

RV sites and bunk house rentals MUST be arranged in advance
separately through GMP

Dinner will be catered

Kids games on Saturday for the kids!!!

Questions about the event?  Send ‘em to dixierun@sfwda.org