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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)

 
 

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 )

  "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)

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* 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/

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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! 

"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
Castle Slide Bounce House.jpg

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. 

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! 

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SFWDA Spring Meet & Ride of 2016 at Turkey Bay. Land Between the Lakes, Golden Pond, KY. Hosted by Stones River Jeep Club

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.

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.

SFWDA Spring 2016 Meet and Ride
Hosted by Stones River Jeep Club
Turkey Bay OHV Area, 
Land Between the Lakes,
Golden Pond, KY

*  UPDATE ALERT * THIS EVENT IS NOW RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 2, 2016. *

Same time, location, etc. Remaining details below. 

Join us at Turkey Bay OHV Area, near the shores of beautiful Kentucky Lake on Saturday, April 2, 2016 for the 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. 

Located in western Kentucky and Tennessee between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.

Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area provides designated trails for OHV riding and Self-Service Camping. Centrally located, Turkey Bay offers a variety of topography and trails for everyone.

 

 

The area consists of approximately 100 miles of primary, secondary, and tertiary trails for many different levels of OHV ridin, .and is managed by the USFS. There is a $20 (1-3 day) usage fee collected by the USFS upon arrival to the park. 

Turkey Bay OHV Area

Turkey Bay Trail System offers 100+ miles for every type of OHV. 

  • SEASON - Year Round

  • HOURS  - Sunrise to Sunset

  • ADMISSION - One to Three-Day Permit is $20.  Annual permit is $75.

  • GPS - N 36 45' 00.0" / W 88 04' 19.0"

  • PHYSICAL ADDRESS -
    80 Turkey Creek Road
    Golden Pond, KY 42211

  • TRAILHEAD LOCATION - 2.3 miles / 5 minutes south of the Visitor's Center on the Trace.

Free Registration!
Register online today, free for all SFWDA members (Separate $20 entry fee includes up to 3 days of LBL Park access.) for a full day of fun to meet your association, the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, and explore the beautiful LBL trails.  On-site check in will open at 8:00 AM CST.  Our SFWDA meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 AM CST.  Trail rides will begin at 10:00 AM CST. 

Coming to Turkey Bay?  Consider an Overnight Stay!
 You could pitch a tent at Turkey Bay in the camping area.  In addition to the trails, Turkey Bay OHV permits camping at designated areas near the lake along road 167.  An added perk of the campsites is the ability to wake up and ride directly to the trails, as the sites offer chemical toilets, unloading ramps, and drinking water. But if you need some additional amenities, consider from a variety of lodging options located just outside Land Between The Lakes and a few minutes from Turkey Bay. https://www.explorekentuckylake.com/lbl/ohv.htm

We will be collecting supplies for the community to be distributed through this local organization. 

We will be collecting supplies for the community to be distributed through this local organization. 

It's for Charity!
We initiated a charitable component to our Meet & Ride events last year and our charity for this event will be The Journey Home, a Christian Outreach Center for the homeless and at-risk individuals and families in Rutherford County, TN.  For more information please check this link:  www.lovegodservepeople.org/.  Each attendee is asked to donate one item to support this outreach effort.  Suggestions:  Caned / Boxed food (none-perishable food item); or all sizes of clothing (slightly used is OK).  Highest need is for socks, under garments, shoes and diapers.  Please join us and support The Journey Home.

Due to FURTHER potential Winter weather related closures, please check our Facebook and web page for updates on the event. 

For more details about camping, nearby lodging, maps, and more travel accommodations check out the LBL travelers resource page for Turkey Bay. 
http://www.landbetweenthelakes.com/attractions/turkey-bay-ohv-area/

For Specifics on Park Rules & Regulations, hours of operation,  camping opportunities, and much more from the USFS about LBL. 
http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/trails/turkey-bay/

Browse through some web sourced images below from the LBL park, it's trails, and incorporated amenities......

Free PDF Map Download provided by our USFS 

Free PDF Map Download provided by our USFS 

We highly encourage all person attending to download, print, and complete the Turkey Bay OHV Area Liability Waiver Form and have $20 cash ready before arriving to expedite the check in process for everyone. 

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Business Member Feature of the Month * Alpha Vinyl - "A one stop shop for every sticker idea you could have."

This month we are starting a new feature were we highlight one of our outstanding business members. These business and their employees embody the passion and the desire to help maintain the access to the public and private lands we all recreate on and rely on for our sport.

 This month we are highlighting Alpha Vinyl.
 Owned by a fellow off road wheeler and both business and individual member of SFWDA, Christopher Bayer. Chris offers custom vinyl decals in any color you could want. The team at Alpha Vinyl makes everything from one off customs to bulk banners for you or your club. From hood blackouts to stickers of any size Alpha Vinyl is a one stop  shop for every sticker idea you could have. Alpha Vinyl will also be making the soon to be available SFWDA windshield banners in a multitude of colors to match your rig just right. Pay attention to the Facebook Page and the Website as those will be available shortly to order. Show your Southern Four Wheel Drive Association Pride and support one of our proud business members.

http://www.sfwda.org/alphavinyl/

alphavinyl.com

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Spring 2016 Marshall University OHV Scholarship

NOHVCC Logo

Applications due December 27th, 2015. Classes begin January 11th, 2016.

NOHVCC is once again proud to administer a scholarship for a semester of the Marshall University OHV Recreation Management program.

The spring semester OHV Recreation Management courses are PLS 451/551: Planning and Design of OHV Parks; and PLS 453/553: Operation and Management of OHV Trails Systems. The information in these courses can be invaluable for both agency personnel as well as for enthusiasts. The winner of the scholarship will be able to choose 1 of the 2 offered courses for this spring's semester.

This semester's scholarship is being offered by the Right Rider Access Fund. The applications are due in to the NOHVCC office on December 27th, 2015. NOHVCC will review the applications and choose a winner in the shortest amount of time possible. Spring courses begin January 11th.

Information about all 4 courses, including how to register for the courses is on the NOHVCC website at:www.nohvcc.org/Education/MarshallU.aspx

For more information regarding the scholarship or to receive an application, contact NOHVCC staff attrailhead@nohvcc.org.

For additional information regarding the content of the course, contact Theresa Litteral M.S. at stanton3@live.marshall.edu . 

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly; by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association; and in other ways. The Fund's charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands.

 

Additional information on ORBA can be found at www.ufwda.org  and www.orba.biz.

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from your SFWDA family

Merry Christmas 2016

This holiday season we the Southern Four Wheel Association want to say Thank You! To each of our Individual Members, Premium and Clubs Members alike, and of course a huge thanks to each of our supporting Business Members. It would never happen without your support, and together we expect to strive forward through 2016. Our mission to continually educate enthusiasts on the safety, environmentally impact to improve off road habits and techniques, as well as proactively working as a larger voice within our Governments and OHV Parks to preserve the ability to recreate in such a beautiful part of the country. 


Now we hope you will enjoy this Holiday Poem,
that we can all appreciate. 
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association

"The Winch that Saved Christmas"

The wind was quite heavy on one Christmas Eve,
Santa traveled by ground, behind schedule, if you believe.
He was cruising through California in his mighty red sleigh,
And said, "If I don't hurry, there will be no Christmas Day."
 
Blitzen turned around and said, "Santa, you won't fail,
We Reindeer found a short-cut called the Rubicon Trail."
They headed for the trail, but when they got there,
The rocks looked much bigger than they did from the air.
 
Up hill the reindeer struggled to make the sleigh go,
And getting around those rocks made the progress quite slow.
They tried really hard but there just wasn't a way,
To get axle articulation from an old wooden sleigh.
 
Where the rocks are quite steep, Santa ran out of luck,
Even with nine reindeer, he finally got stuck.
The Rubicon Trail is no place for a sleigh full of toys,
Santa sighed, "I've failed all those good girls and boys!"
 
"They'll rise in the morning, leave their rooms and say,
'Under the tree, it is empty, is there NO CHRISTMAS DAY?'"
They couldn't budge the sleigh, no matter how hard they tried,
Santa felt so hopeless he sat down and cried.
 
 
Suddenly in the distance came a loud clanking sound,
Like an old wind-up toy that's been too tightly wound.
They saw it come over a boulder with a creep,
A rock crawlin', mud boggin' Jeep.
 
It's fenders were dented, and it's sides were all scratched,
The top had big holes that hadn't been patched.
But its tires were big ones, 37 inch,
And on it's front bumper was a shiny new winch.
 
"If you're taking the Rubicon," the Jeep started to say,
"Go with a group and get mud tires for that sleigh."
Santa said, "I'm sorry, I feel like a jerk,"
The old Jeep said nothing, it just went to work
 
The sleigh was unstuck and free in a cinch,
Thanks to that Jeep and it's shiny new winch.
Santa went on to fulfill Christmas day,
With the old Jeep leading the way.
 
Now many years have passed and the reindeer are older,
They don't fly very well when the weather gets colder.
But Santa's still out there every year without fail,
Fulfilling his promise in the air and on the trail.
 
On Christmas Eve, if you chance to look in the sky,
You just might see him in that old Jeep.

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Annual Meeting summary and a look ahead from our SFWDA President

From our recently re-elected President 2016-2017, Ray Stanley;

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  First, I would like to thank each of you that shared time with us on Saturday, December for 2015 SFWDA Annual Meeting. We had approximately 40 people in attendance including Todd Ockert, President, Blue Ribbon Coalition and Vernon Ball, Vice President UFWDA plus an additional 35-50 on-line participants.

I would like to thank the 2015 SFWDA BOD for all their hard word work and support as we rebrand our association and build an incredible path for each of you, our MEMBERS!. Thanks Overlysoffroad Brian, Aimee Darnell, Doyle Punches, Kendall Flint Holbrook, Lucas Weidner, Jon Plazaand Walter Shafer. We have made significant strides because of each of you.

Our 2016 calendar was approved during the annual meeting and is attached in a PDF. Please include in your club calendars for 2016. Key dates are TrailFest 2016, April 29-30/May 1, Adventure Offroad Park and Dixie Run 30, September 22-25, Golden Mountain Park.

Several highlights from our meeting included a review of our membership growth and business support; our social media growth and the expanding footprint and a review of the 2015 SFWDA Grants. Thanks to Rock Solid Jeep Club for an outstanding job at Windrock Park; and Ohio River Fourwheelers for work on the Old Fincastle Road repairs as b part of the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway. We also introduced in 2015 our first series of SFWDA Educational videos; and the next series of videos will be completed soon for introduction in 2016.

Several initiatives approved for 2016 include regional Tread Lightly Training for our local clubs and the Trick N Traction folks have agreed to step up first and help us build the model. Additionally we approved moving forward with the 2016 additions of the SFWDA Educational videos under the guidance of Doug Wooten. Further we committed to sending one SFWDA designee to the 2016 Volunteer Leader & Land Stewartship Workshop with Del Albright in April 2016.

2016 SFWDA Grants approved include the digital mapping of the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway; Uwharrie Friend request for the Uwharrie National Forest; Friends of Boone DBBB Hollerwood OHV mapping request from the ORFW,

We also had extensive reviews of land issues impacting Beasley Knob OHV, Daniel Boone, Uwharrie, TN Council on Greenways and GA Trails and Greenways.

2016 Officers for your association include Ray Stanley, President;Brian Overly, Vice President; Aimee Darnell, Secretary; Doyle Punches, Treasurer; Kendall Flint Holbrook, Conservation and Land Management; Lucas Weidner, Membership and Jon Plaza and Oscar Indreland, Public Relations. Walter Shafer, System Admin. Oscar Indreland, welcome aboard!

Two Leadership initiatives for 2016 will be a review and revisions of the association bylaws (Kendall Flint Holbrook, Dave Halstead, and Oscar Indreland); and UFWDA Four Wheeler of the Year nominations (Kendall Flint Holbrook)

To all, 2015 was a busy year and we thank you for your support. We have a lot of work to do in 2016 and will continue to solicit your support, your energies and your guidance.

Thanks.

Ray Stanley
President SFWDA 2016-2017
www.sfwda.org
www.facebook.com/groups/SFWDA/

2016 Calendar of Events

•January, 2016 – Board of Directors Work Session
•February, 2016 – Board of Directors and Leadership Council Meeting
•March, 2016 – SFWDA Meet and Ride, Stones River Jeep Club, Middle TN
•March, 2016 – Board of Directors Work Session (As Required)
•April 8-10, 2016 – VLLS #6, Ashland, MA
•April 9, 2016 – Overly’s St. Jude 4 Wheeling for the Cure
•April 2016 – TN OHV Day on the Hill
•April 16, 2016 – Georgia Bounty Runners Mud 4 Blood
•April, 2016 – Board of Directors Work Session
•April 29-30/May 1, 2016 – TrailFest, Adventure Off Road Park
•May, 2016 – STLCA GSMTR
•May 31, 2016 - Damn Locals Memorial Day Bash
•June 3-5, 2016 – Unlimited Off Roads Expo, Louisville, KY
•June, 2016 – SFWDA Meet and Ride, Rock Corps 4X4, SHOP, NC)
•June, 2016 – Board of Directors and Leadership Council Meeting
•August 14-16, 2016 – Uwharrie Off-Road Training Center and "BFG 36 Hours of Uwharrie"
•September, 2016 – CTB Fun Caravan
•September 22-25, 2015 – Dixie Run 30, Golden Mountain Park
•October 1, 2016 – Knox Off Road Wounded Warriors Project
•October, 2016 – Board of Directors and Leadership Council Meeting
•October, 2016 – Board of Directors Work Session (As Required)
•November, 2016 – SEMA and NAMRC Meeting, Las Vegas, NV
•November, 2016 – SFWDA Meet and Ride, DB Backcountry Byway, ORFW
•November, 2015 - Board of Directors Work Session (As Required)
•December 3, 2016 – SFWDA Annual Meeting and Leadership Council

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