UPDATE ALERT * Spring Meet & Ride at Turkey Bay OHV will be Postponed until April 2, 2016

Access over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, 200 miles of paved roads, 500 miles of trails, 100 + miles of OHV trails, and 170,000 acres of forests and open lands.

* UPDATE ALERT * Spring Meet & Ride
will be Postponed until April 2, 2016

  Due to uncontrollable weather related circumstances our upcoming Meet & Ride at Turkey Bay OHV Area, near the shores of beautiful Kentucky Lake has been postponed. Forest service reports indicate the soil in the area has become too saturated. In effort to prevent excessive erosion the park will be temporarily closed.  The back up plan already in place is to reschedule until Saturday, April 2, 2016. Same place, time, and same agenda otherwise. 

 This will remain our first SFWDA Meet & Ride of 2016. The Stones River Jeep Club, Murfreesboro, TN will host this event and provide guided Trail rides throughout the park. 

For Full Details check out our original Message Board & Events page;
http://www.sfwda.org/message-board/blog/2016/1/18/sfwda-spring-meet-ride-of-2016

To Register / RSVP Online today:
http://www.sfwda.org/event-calendar#id=120&wid=201&cid=1044

Beasley Knob - "Spring Cleaning" Volunteer Work Day

Beasley Knob - "Spring Cleaning"
Volunteer Work Day
March 19th, 2016 Beasley Knob OHV Park, Blairsville, GA

Hosted by the Georgia Bounty Runners in a continuing 22 year effort to fulfill our volunteer work hour requirements for our commitment to the RTP funds. These funds have been used at Beasly to add miles of trails all while fixing and repairing the existing trails. Beasley Knob OHV Park is the only full size vehicle OHV area in the National Forest in the state of Georgia.

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We will work togther in several groups to survey the trails, and then begin clearing brush and sapplings along the trails. Some attention to the Pay Stations will be adressed too. The overall goal is to freshen up the park and trail sytems essentially preparing the park for the upcoming riding season. 

Who?
Everyone who can make the drive is requested to join and share our support. There are already about 40 GBR members signed up but many more are needed. 

What to bring?
If you have a shovel, and/or any brush clearing hand tools (shears or lopers) bring them along. No power tools or chanisaws please. Forest service reps will be on hand to supervise and use chainsaws when neccasary. 
Pack a trail lunch for everyong in your group. 

Why?
We are obligated as recipients of the RTP grant funds which are used to

What is RTP?
Recreational Trails Program. A state based grant with Federal funding from gas tax revenues. The Beasley project was awarded $500,000 in RTP funds with a pledge to matching volunteer commitments.

When & Where? 
Meet at the Beasley Knob OHV Parking area, Blairsville, GA; Satterfield entrance and be ready to head out by 9 AM (EDT). 

Trailers?
If you haul in your rig then its suggested to park near town in Blairsville at the Park & Ride then commute to the trail head so we squeeze everyone inside the parking lots. 


For complete details on Beasley Knob OHV Park, including a trail map, check the USFS's page;
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10533

Directions: 
Beginning on US 76/Highway 515 in front of the Blairsville Post Office, go east for 0.7 mile. Turn right onto Windy Hill Road, a paved road. At 0.7 mile when Windy Hill curves sharply to the left, go straight onto a gravel road. After 0.1 mile, turn left onto a narrow gravel road, Forest Service Road #851. Continue 0.8 mile to the OHV trail system parking lot.

Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/439445689581745/

Wilderness First Aid Education Demonstration unveils at TrailFest 2016

Another exciting development is our new Education Initiative. This year you can learn about the basics of Wilderness First Aid hands-on with a demo of a real life scenario of how to handle a compound fracture leg while out trail riding miles from services. Led by a 30 year veteran EMT and member of Warner Robbins Jeep Club. Learn the basics of what do first, and what not to do ever, so that you can be better prepared in the event of a real emergency.
(Spots will be very limited and registration will be announced soon.)

Join SFWDA & Trick N Traction for our Free Inaugural Environmental Stewardship Initiative Workshop

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Attention All SFWDA Members;  

  Have you always wondered what Tread Lightly! was all about? Interested in finding out how you can do your part in preventing trail closures? Then join us for a three-hour workshop and our inaugural Tread Lightly! training event free for all members!

This Awareness Workshop is a 3-hour course that will provide attendees with an introduction to Tread Lightly! principles as decision making guidelines while enjoying the great outdoors in a safe and responsible manner. The workshop will provide you with situational awareness, the know-how on minimizing your impact while recreating, and the outdoor ethic that will help sustain our trails for generations to come.

 "The dream for Trick N Traction to host an Environmental Stewardship Initiative Workshop is a reality... The workshop will be conducted on March 19, 2016 at Duke Energy's Oconee World of Energy. We will open the doors at 11:00am for on site registration and start the three hour workshop at noon. A snack for everyone will be provided during a break around 1:15pm. We are pleased to partner with Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, Tread Lightly, Clemson 4Wheel Center and WARN to conduct this workshop. The focus of this workshop will be on the Tread Lightly principals. Uwharrie Off-Road Training Centers'; Scott Fields is a Tread Lightly Master Training. He will be leading the workshop based on Tread Lightly's three hour workshop outline. Note that we will only be able to accommodate the first 100 people to register for this exciting event."    - Al Sweeney (Trick N Traction 4WD Club)

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Event Details

COST =
There is NO COST for the event to all active SFWDA members. We will soon be launching an online registration and hope you can make it for this first time offering of a Tread Lightly Course Class sponsored by SFWDA.

WHERE =
Duke Energy's Oconee World of Energy,
7812 Rochester Hwy, Seneca, SC 29672

HOW =
Ensure your SFWDA Membership status is active, and when Online Registration Launches you can sign in and register at no charge, right here on our website. (Links will be provided)
You can also register in person at the event if space is still available but this event is limited to 100 attendees. 

WHEN = March 19, 2016 ( 12 Noon - 3 PM )

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  "We have hundreds of dollars worth of off road gear for door prizes donated by Clemson 4Wheel Center,  and WARN. SFWDA will also offer a pair of TrailFest 2016 Gift Certificates.  Sorry...  no WARN Winch because theTrail Fest Team beat me to it..."
 - Al Sweeney (Trick N Traction 4WD Club)

* SEEKING EVENT VOLUNTEERS * WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT ! *

* SEEKING EVENT VOLUNTEERS *
* WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT ! *

 Would you like to be part of the team that makes TrailFest a success?
Please consider volunteering for at least one of the shifts and spots you desire.

 Both groups, and individuals are needed. From merchandise sales, and registration, to tech inspection, and trail guides. It takes a large team of volunteers to make this event happen!
To show our appreciation, each volunteer will receive a free "Volunteer Only - TrailFest 2016 Event Staff T-Shirt", along with a secret special prize to be awarded during announcements Saturday evening.

Whether you're an old school veteran with SFWDA, or this is your first event, it's all good. There's something for everyone. Whether your part of a team, a family, or an individual; everyone can help out. Each volunteer spot is broken down into specific time slots, and are explained in detail within.
http://www.sfwda.org/trailfest-volunteering/

Announcing the 4th Annual "4 Wheeling for a Cure" April 9, 2016 at Windrock Park

4 Wheeling for a Cure

April 9, 2016

 Windrock Park
Oliver Springs, TN

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Brian Overly presenting the 2015 event proceeds check to St. Jude organization representative

 Join the Rattlerock Club for the Fourth Annual 4 Wheeling For A Cure Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!  In honor of Brendle Sara Overly, Jim Tunnell, D.A. Young and Kenneth Spence where all proceeds are donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in hopes of finding cures and saving children.

Help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital change the way the world treats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood survival rate from 20 percent when the hospital opened in 1962 to more than 80 percent today.

Because of St. Jude supporters, St. Jude creates more clinical trials for cancer than any other children's hospital and turns laboratory discoveries into lifesaving treatments that benefit patients — every day.

How your support helps kids:

Thanks to committed fundraisers and donors like you, no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.
St. Jude shares its research discoveries worldwide, so one child saved at St. Jude means thousands more saved worldwide.

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Questions?
Contact Brian Overly 865-308-3310

Official St. Jude Donation Page
http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?fr_id=56286&pg=entry

Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/StJude4WheelingforaCure

Warn Winch & Clemson 4WD Center are together donating a Brand New Warn Zeon 10K-S Winch for TrailFest 2016!

        Register Now for TrailFest 2016
and you could
WIN THIS WINCH ! 

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WARN® ZEON® 10-S
10,000 lbs. of cutting-edge pulling muscle
Choose your way to conquer the terrain. The ZEON 10-S is tough enough to tackle anything you will, with a look that is advanced, capable and strong. Muck-busting sealing keeps out everything but the good times. Add a hyper-durable cast-aluminum housing, satin-black finish, and 10,000 lbs. single-line pulling capacity and, well, you've got a workhorse unit you can trust for years to come.   https://www.warn.com/truck/winches/ZEON_10-S.shtml

THANK YOU BOTH!

Warn Winch & Clemson 4WD Center are together donating a Brand New Warn Winch to be raffled off at TrailFest 2016.

How do you I qualify? 
As part of an exclusive raffle feature this year all individuals who register in advance and online for TF'16 will be automatically entered into this exclusive raffle. No additional purchase necessary! 

Thank You for supporting SFWDA!! Please be sure to remember these brand names during your next purchase. Support like this is what enable to be effective at our core mission. 

#trailfest2016   #warn 

Clemson 4WD Center

Why Shop Clemson 4WD Center?

• Experience. In the off-road equipment business since 1970. Thats 44 years of serving upstate South Carolina!
• More Experience. Our employees are also off-road enthusiasts. We actually go out and use the stuff we sell.
• Customer service. Some of the other guys have phone operators, but you can rest assured that we have knowledgeable staff.
• Product service. We install & service the products we sell.

Discounted Hotel rooms at Holiday Inn Express for SFWDA at TrailFest 2016

Located in Kimball, TN Just a few miles from the parks entrance at AOP. 

 Last year we have partnered with IHG Properties. This great partnering provides a special SFWDA members only rate at the Holiday Inn Express in Kimball, TN. This is the featured hotel of The Adventure Off Road Park or AOP and TrailFest 2016. Conveniently located just down the road from the parks entrance. Our discounted rate applies year round and will allow you to book without and cancellation penalty. Book online today using the link below or call direct and mention your SFWDA Membership for the discount. 

Holiday Inn Express - Kimball
300 Battlecreek Road
Kimball, TN 37380
(423) 837-1500   /   1-800-HOLIDAY
Front Desk Manager, Christeena Deford
kbltn@bellsouth.net

SFWDA Event Rates:  

• King Size Bed$85*plus TAX  

• Two Queen Size Beds$85*plus TAX

• King Suite Room$95*plus TAX

*(book at this rate without any cancellation penalty)

Corporate Number: 786790826

Parking is always FREE!  Also have space available for parking trailers. 

Registration is still discounted until March 1st, but rooms may sell out sooner. Book both now and be sure to get in on the biggest TrailFest event yet! 

* Based upon availability.  Cannot be combined with any other discount(s).  Not guaranteed during other special events. 

TrailFest 2016 is Absolutely Fun for the Whole Family!

Kids of all ages will enjoy TrailFest 2016 featuring the new "Family Fun Zone".

  This year we've made several enhancements that the whole family is sure to appreciate. We're adding a Rock Climbing Wall, a Digital Scavenger Hunt, Field Activities, all in addition to our Bounce House, and an R/C Challenge with a great prize. Did I mention there will also be Fun Eats & Treats through throughout the whole weekend from a variety of food truck vendors.  Make sure you bring out the whole family this year! There's sure to be something to enjoy for kids of all ages. We'll see you at AOP; let's have some fun, and make some great memories! 

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"The ROCK" Ultimate Rock Climbing Challenge

Features:

• 28 ft. tall
• 4 climbing stations = 4 climbers at 1 time
• Auto-belay hydraulic safety system = Safety First !
• Stainless Steel 1/4" safety cables (5,000 lb. break rating) - no nylon ropes for safety lines
• Various Skill levels for climbing by all ages
• No age limit: 30 lbs to 250 lbs.
• Professionally Operated & Supervised

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Unlimited Climbing, Sliding, and Bouncing in
"The CASTLE"! 

• The Bounce "Castle" features 3 activities in one
• Safe for all ages
• Come and go as you please
• Play on it all weekend long at no extra cost. 

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"Win an R/C Crawler" 
Axial SCX10 R/C Crawler Jeep  

•  All ages are invited to participate. 
• Meet up near the pavilion Saturday morning where we will Race R/C's on a challenging Mini Rocks obstacle course.
• Don't have an R/C of your own, no problem.
• No car of your own will be necessary, we will have a couple on site for participants to drive. 
• The "driver" with the fastest time through the gate overall takes home a brand new Axial SCX10 R/C Crawler, Jeep Wrangler valued at $350. 

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In between the Rock Wall, Playground, R/C Trucks, Treat's, and Bounce House be sure you save some time for our scheduled and Inaugural TrailFest "Digital Scavenger Hunt" on Saturday afternoon where we will send the kids out on a - No Adults Allowed Adventure  around the Main Pavilion to  seek, hunt, and discover a creative list of people, places, things, and challenges; all of which must be photographed to count! 

SFWDA Welcomes members to join the NOHVCC for 3rd Annual - TN OHV Day on the Hill

2016 OHV Day on the Hill -
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Photo from our 2015 TN OHV Day on the Hill 

 The concept of this day is for various groups representing motorized OHV recreation to come together at the Tennessee State Capitol "On the Hill" to promote and discuss Off Highway Vehicle areas on public lands across the state. Michelle Russell of the NOHVCC is spearheading this event and leading the discussions.

 Previously attending were members of the ATV/side by side, dirt bike and full size four wheel drive communities, making voices heard to promote and discuss off highway recreation areas on public lands in the state. 

 Groups represented were NOHVCC, Mountain Trail Riders, Southern Four Drive Association, and supporters of the Coalmont project. Southern Four Wheel Drive Association was represented by Past Presidents Bob Yarbrough and Gary Parsons and long time Dixie Run Coordinator Greg Griffith. Knox Off Road and Franklin County Off Road Club along with Mountain Trail Riders and NOHVCC had tables set up to promote awareness of motorized ohv recreation. Also, a huge THANK YOU goes to Michelle Russell for spearheading this event and leading the discussions. (If I left anyone out I apologize.)

Schedule of Day's Events

7:30am - Booth setup in War Memorial Building near legislative hearing rooms
8:00-9:15am - OHV Roundtable in Senate Chamber, 2nd Floor Capitol
9:15-9:45am - Lt Gov Ron Ramsey welcome, Senate Chamber
9:45-10:00am - Speaker Beth Harwell welcome, Senate Chamber
10:00 - 3:00pm - Visit legislators, committee hearings, OHV booths
3:00 - Booth breakdown
Optional * 11:00 & 1:00 - Capitol Building Tour (first come, first served)

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Highlights from Last Year:

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TN Capital Building "On the Hill"

 On April 7th, 2015 Tennessee hosted it's second annual TN OHV Day on the Hill where representatives of various motorized recreation groups (off-roading) came to the capitol to enjoy the end of session legislative fun, meet with state elected officials and gathered in the awe-inspiring senate chambers for updates and discussion on several significant projects across the state.

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Lt. Govenor Ron Ramsey

  Special welcome from Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey & Speaker Beth Harwell.
Current legislation. HB1104/SB1003 creates a nine member board that will recommend to the legislature, at the beginning of next session (by Jan 1, 2016), a course of action for the following: Creating a statewide, self-funded TN OHV safety and training program, creating an inventory of TN public land available for OHV use, as well as potential opportunities, and when coming up with these recommendations, investigate how other states are doing it well.
Presentation by Bob Yarbrough, TN Greenways & Trails OHV representative, on his recent study of the economic impact numbers from several offroading events in the state. Mind blowing.
Updates on several big projects: Doe Mountain, Coalmont and Aetna Mountain Adventures.
Great club success stories, like Mountain Trail Riders Association and Franklin County Offroad Club.
Leadership updates from NOHVCC-Tennessee and Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA).

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2014 - TN OHV Day on the Hill 

This is a great event for youngsters to attend with their parents and experience their state capitol at work. Last year, NOHVCC-Tennessee Associate Partner Joey Blevins brought his grandson Caleb to the event. So great to see the next generation of OHV leaders starting early!