katrina

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EDITORS NOTE: This newsletter belongs to the club, and any items you may want to include are welcome, space permitting. This includes our friends at CA4WD and El Mirage OHV. The DEADLINE for the March newsletter is Wednesday, February 28th, 2018. Contact me at katrina.lyter@gmail.com Club Website: http://www.roughwheelers.com Club Facebook Page: The Roughwheelers – Off Road Club

WHAT’S UP THIS MONTH

GENERAL MEETING Friday, February 9th, 2018 from 8-10pm At: Redondo Rod & Gun Club, 2023 Vanderbilt Ln, Redondo Beach, CA. 90278 Free parking is across from Carl’s Jr, and near the corner of Artesia and Blossom.

BOARD MEETING: The Board Meeting will be held one half hour prior to the General Meeting at our meeting place. The Board Meeting is open to club members only.

February Run: Jawbone/Snow Run February 23-25,2018 (Base Camp)

Mailing Address: The RoughWheelers 2023 Vanderbilt Lane Redondo Beach, CA 90278

BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES (Please send any corrections to Katrina)

Birthdays

February 15 / March 14

Birthdays

• Roy (Avi & Rachel’s son) 2/22• Sam 2/25

Memberships (February)

2/1987 2/2005

• Keith & Sandy • Dave• Tuvia & Efrat 2/2007

Weddings (February) • None

Members in Memoriam (February) • None

NOTE: Future Newsletters will feature Birthdays from the 15th to the 14th of each month.

Also, as a member, if your Birthday, Membership or Anniversary is not mentioned, please contact me to update our records.

2018 OFFICERS President: Sam Thomson (310) 779-6507Vice President: Noel Park (562) 413-5147Secretary: Karen Lykins (310) 938-2257Treasurer: Tuvia (Google) Pomeranitz (310) 404-3232Editor Katrina Lyter (310) 947-1669Sergeant-at-Arms: Stanley (Plugger) Lykins (310) 938-2256Safety Chairman: Jim Leamon (310) 938-1406Wagon Master: Mynor (Bird) Moreno (323) 440-1883El Mirage Liaison Nathan Asdourian (310) 570-5151CA4WDC Delegate TBA Historian David (Montego) Nathanson (310) 538-4342

THE F

OUR L

ETTER W

ORD

February 2018

The Roughwheelers IV Wheel Drive Club ROUGHWHEELERS GENERAL MEETING

(Called to order at 8:00 pm)

JANUARY 12, 2018

LIFE TIME MEMBERS: Bob Hughes – Vic Overman – Dave Telenko – Keith Graham

ATTENDANCE: Members (16) - Mynor Moreno-Stanley Lykins-Jim Leamon-Karen Lykins Alan Thomen-Sam Thomson-Delia Crochetiere-Noel Park Tuvia Pomeranitz-Dave Weston-Steve Woodstock-Mike Solis Frank Roberts-Katrina Lyter-Nathan Asdourian Dennis Wensauer

Guests (1) - Bruce Ward

Called to order at 8:00pm

Brought to the attention of the club, the eligibility of a guest, Dennis Wensauer. After discussion and motion 1st by Alan and 2nd by Mynor, motion carried, Dennis Wensauer welcomed to club as new member.

Sam welcomed all members and guests. Had guests introduce themselves. Advised the requirements. Had the minutes of the previous meeting approved as printed. Announced all Birthdays, Anniversaries, Memberships and Memoriams for January and all upcoming events.

REPORTS

President Present - Advised about the cost of the large patch, not good. Will do some further research. Karen to also check on a decal for the 50 year anniversary of the club. Advised the new VP what his duties will be, the first being to make the coffee for each meeting. Also to keep a current list of all of our inventory and who has it. Next member eligible for Lifetime status is Dave Nathanson in December of 2018.

V-President Present - No reportSecretary Present - No ReportTreasurer Present – Report:

Bank Balance $1,173.05 Total Today $1,254.49 Cash on Hand (COH) $15.00 End of Year Forecast (EOY) $234.49

Wagon Master Present - Our run is to Superstition Mountain this month. He will caravan on Friday January 26, 2018. Anyone wanting to caravan, contact him.

Serg-at-Arms Present - We have a raffle. Safety Chairman Present - The kit is all in order. CA4WDA Delegate Present - No report El Mirage Liaison Present - No report Historian Absent - No report

Refreshments Feb-Sam Thomson

Mar-Delia Crochetiere Apr-Dennis Wensauer May-Mike Solis Jun-Alan Thomen

Trip Reports Salton Sea told by Dennis Wensauer Calico told by Frank Robert Johannasburg Area told by Tuvia Pomeranitz

Awards Ace Driver Nathan for turtleling. Master Mechanic Jerry for thinking he was broken. Back Seat Driver Frank for losing his pallet. Phyllis Diller Not awarded.

Old Business: Hubs

New Business: Refreshements assigned

Discussion of the Elmo T-Shirts and advertising because of our trail at Elmo. Will contact Ariel at Elmo.

Stickers and/or patch for our 50 year Anniversary.

Clarification of requirements for club membership.

Club Vacation Trip to the Rubicon. August 25-September 3, 2018. To be continued.

Fines: $7.50

Attendance Raffle Winner: Sam Thomson. As he was present, the amount rolls back to $10.00 for next month.

REMEMBER: you must be present to win the Attendance Raffle.

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Roughwheelers Trail Ratings for 2018 1

• Passable by stock and 2WD vehicles, improved dirt, gravel etc.2

• Scenic, touring trail ride; four-wheel drive required occasionally, some mud holes or rocks that would stop most other vehiclesare traveled easily in 4WD.

3 • For novice and experienced drivers alike; the most fun four-wheeling you can expect to have in a stock four-wheeler; low

range may be required often.4

• Not advisable for novice drivers; potentially dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, lockers, limitedslips, winches, and jacks advised due to moderate to large rocks and obstacles, vehicle damage possible. Full size vehicleslimited to specific trails at this rating.

4+ • Not advisable for novice drivers; potentially dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, and minimum tire

size of 33 inches and one locker or two limited slips required; jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders, steepinclines; vehicle damage is very likely. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.

5 • No novice drivers; dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire size of 35 inches and two

lockers or limited slips required; jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders, steep inclines; vehicle damageassured. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.

5+ • For the hard core experienced driver; extremely dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire

size of 35 inches, two lockers, and winch are required. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.

PRE TRIP INFORMATION (Retrieved from previous trips)RUN FOR DECEMBER Jawbone/Piute/Cal City WHEN: February 23-25, 2017 LEAVE: On your own time or contact other members for convoy information. RUN TYPE: Base Camp – bring your motor homes, campers and tents. TERRAIN: Desert washes, canyon, shelf roads. Maybe a hill climb or two or those interested. MAPS: AAA Kern County – Delorme – Friends of Jawbone DIRECTIONS: Get to the 14 any way you wish. Take it all the way to Mojave and through Mojave to the road west

(the only way it goes) for 5 miles to camp. It is level and mostly paved, but narrow. Last half or so is dirt. It should be no problem for all. When you see a huge bluish rock, outcrop, this is Blue Point. It’s on most maps. We will camp in this vicinity.

THE PLAN: To be determined by the Wagonmasters at the drivers meeting. POINTS OF INTEREST: There is a BLM Information Station at the entrance to Jawbone Canyon. It’s open 7 days a week

from 9 to 5. It has maps, books, exhibits and good information about the area. It’s worth the stop. LAST GAS/SUPPLIES: California City off-ramp on the 14 North. It’s about 5.5 to 6 miles from downtown Mojave. It’s really close to the freeway, easy on and off, and cheaper than Mojave. TRAIL RAING: 3 to 4+ Lots of narrow rutted shelf roads, some tight canyons, long uphill ridge and hill climbs. BRING: Firewood, water, spare parts, sunscreen, food and clothes for warm days and cool nights. CB: Channel 4 always. HAM: 146.440 WAGONMASTER: TBD

EVERYONE BRING FIREWOOD. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL MEMBERS TO BRING FIREWOOD, NOT JUST A FEW.

WHO WE ARE…We're the California Four Wheel Drive Associ ation, Inc. Since 1959, our non -profit organ ization has ac tively promoted the ad van cem en t of veh icle or ien ted outdoor rec rea tion. Today, asso ciation rep rese nts over 8,000 members an d 160 membe r clubs. We are the largest organ ization o f this type in California and represen t owne rs of all makes an d models of 4WD veh icles, as w ell as non -owne rs who sup port resp onsible v eh icle -oriented recrea tion .

Following a re t he up-coming e vents hosted by CA4WDA:

C4WDA Co nvention Fe brua ry 16-18, 2018 Rivers ide , CA

56 th Annua l Des ert S afari March 2-4, 2018 by Tierra De l Sol, a t Octo tillo Wells OHRV 4 x4 Training Ce nte r Off of S22,

Molina Ghost Run May 11-12, 2018 Holliste r Hills S ta te Vehicle Area (SVRA), Upper Ranch

Hi De se rt Rou nd Up May 25-27, 2018 S lash X, Hwy. 146 Barsto w, CA

Sierra Trek August 9-12, 2018 near Trucke e , CA

High S ierra P oker Run September 31-August 2, 2018 near S haver Lake , CA

Operation De sert Fu n October 19-21, 2018 Highway 78, Oco tillo Wells, CA

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Fo llowing a re t he quarte rly mee tings for CA4WDA:

Ja nuary 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018

Ju ly 28, 2018 and October 27, 2018

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NEWS FLASH – NEWS FLASH – NEWS FLASH – NEWS FLASH Now is the time to renew your membership of $50.00 to the club and your CA4WDA membership for $45.00. PLEASE PAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Let’s have all dues paid by March 2018.

Trip Report to Superstition Mountain By Stanley (Plugger) Lykins

Our day started off at 9am caravanning from the Leamon-Lykins residence. We had Sam and Laurie, Dave Marsh and Bruce Ward.

As we continued on the freeway, Mynor joined us in Downey, CA. We had a pit stop in Redding, stretched our legs and continued on. Once we got into Westmoreland, while we got gas, we noticed that Noel and Delia were at the hotel across the street and joined us as we continued on to Superstition Mountain OHV.

We arrived at camp, Chips was already there, about 4pm. Mynor and I scouted for a campsite area to accommodate all. Once found, everyone positioned themselves and we began to off-load and set-up camp.

While we were sitting and chatting, the Blue Angels were giving us a spectacular aerial show before the sun wend down. Soon the campfire was started for our dinner meal with good food, conversation and drinks. During our nightly routine, paramedics came out to a campsite not to far from us responding to a medical emergency. Such excitement. Then there was a small night scouting run to find the trail entrance for tomorrows run.

Saturday’s drivers meeting held at 9am by our Wagonmaster, Mynor explained what our adventure held for us today. We were on the lookout for “Knock on Wood” trail. We had 8 vehicles on this run. We did some sand dunning trying to find the trail. We traversed 201, 197, 196 and finally found “Sand Canyon” trail. We were hunting and pecking. As we started up Sand Canyon, we soon found that all would not be able to make the trail. So we looked for an alternate trail. We finally found the trail on the other side of the mountain where we came across the 196 marker, which lead us to the “Knock on Wood” trail. We decided to have lunch before proceeding on the trail.

After lunch, we started the light up-hill climb on the trail. When we were all at the top, what we thought was “Knock on Wood” trail was actually the end of the trail. Who knows where we were, but we had a great time. After that, we made our way to the block house through some soft sandy dunes. We got out, took pictures and looked over the area.

Then we proceeded down the paved road back to 196 and headed over to Tower 1. On the way, we

came across some weird pyramid shaped marked (red, green, blue) which must have been for bombing practice exercises. (After all, we were actually in the bombing range, so the signs said.)

After working our way out of the live bombing area, we found a paved road, which we thought was Tower 1 but was Tower 2. We detoured our way back to Tower 1 to the “Lucky Lady” trail so that we could get back to camp before dark.

On our way, we found a large geothermal and Mynor found a pink and white floor jack. Sam found an insulator for the top of the power lines. Not complete but in good condition.

Finally we got to the top of Tower 1, found the “Lucky Lady” trail and headed down the dunes back to camp.

Once in camp, we lines up by the new Roughwheelers Campsite sign the Karen and Jim had made for the club and a great picture was taken of all the vehicles.

Once completed everyone got ready to make the evening campfire for dinner. After everyone completed dinner, the campfire was stoked up again for a large central fire. During our evening camaraderie, again the emergency medical crew was back to a different campsite than yesterday, only this was a much more serious issue because a medivac was called in and had to circle at least 3 times before it landed close to our campsite. Video was taken by several of our club members. After it left, we continued on with our evening.

It was a great weekend, but soon everyone was calling it a night.

On Sunday morning, everyone was breaking down camp, airing up their tires, hooked up their rigs to their coaches to tow out. The area was checked that nothing was left behind.

Those members in attendance were Sam and Laurie Thomson, Jim and Karen Leamon, Stanley Lykins, Mynor Moreno, Chips Mercier, Noel Park and Delia Crochetiere.

Those guests in attendance were Dave Marsh, Bruce Ward and Jeff Park (Noel’s son).

How to Beat the Cold While Camping BY TOM SEVERIN January 18, 2018

It was late January or early February. I was leading a small group on a three-day expedition on the Mojave Trail. We planned to explore parts of the trail and nearby sites. Late the first night we turned off and drove about seven miles into Carruthers Canyon, located in the New York Mountains.

It was gorgeous. Dark blue sky, beautiful sunset in the making, and light dusting of snow greeted us as we reached the campsite. We were up about 5,600 feet, where the air is crisp with a hint of pine from the surrounding trees and the Mojave Scrub intermixes with the Pinion Pine Juniper. Just a light snow overnight

At that elevation and time of year, it can easily drop to the 30s, maybe even the 20s. I hadn’t thought much about the temperature, as I’ve camped in the cold many times. (Heck, to me ‘cold’ is when the temp drops well below zero, but that’s me.)

The next day, two of our guys packed up their tent and split. Turns out they hadn’t prepared for such a climate. I imagine when they heard that we’d spend time in the desert, the figured on reasonable temperatures (maybe even beach weather!). Because I’ve camped in the cold many times it did not occur to me that time to say anything in advance.

Now I do!

Strange as it may sound – especially if you’ve never camped in winter — it is a really nice time to be outdoors. Pack properly, and you will enjoy yourself. Of course, that’s subjective. Seasoned campers naturally can withstand inclement better than those with less experience. I fully understand if you’re more sensitive to the cold. Pack properly and those chilly nights won’t seem so bad after all. Incidentally, winter is the best time to visit the desert. Daytime temps are nice, but the area cools off quickly after sundown. It could potentially get down into the 20s, which can be pretty uncomfortable if you’re not prepared for it.

Staying comfortable in the tent The right gear and clothing can help ensure you snuggle in and get a good night’s rest.

Tent heater: That blast of warm air heats up a tent in a hurry but those heaters come with risk. The biggest concern is CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning. Some units are susceptible to tipping over, though all incorporate one or more safety features. Because the heater works so well, you need only about 10 – 15 minutes of burn when you turn in and before you get up. I like to let it blast into my sleeping bag just before I crawl in. Then I snuggle into a warm and cozy environment. Run it again a short while early the next morning to warm up the tent. Several brands and models of tent heaters are available. I like the Little Buddy heater. It operates with the 1 lb. propane cylinder, and features a wide (8”) base and automatic tip-over shut off. The website claims it puts out 3,800 Btu per hour and heats up to 95 square feet – just right for the average tent.

Sleeping bag: A given, of course. Don’t scrimp here; a comfortable night is too important. The style and rating of the bag make a difference. Get one that’s rated to at least zero degrees. Understand that those ratings are somewhat arbitrary. A sleeping bag with a rating well below the kind of temperatures you’re likely to encounter should ensure a cozy night. A “mummy” style bag is even better. It covers you like a cocoon. Some people get a little claustrophobic in a mummy bag. Try one at the store before purchasing.

Which type of fill is better? Pound for pound, down is more effective than polyester. But you’ll pay a lot more. Down also loses much of its insulating value when it gets damp. Buy a thick poly-filled sleeping bag and bring extra wool blankets or a second sleeping bag. It’s better to be overpacked than under packed.

Packing blankets: Regardless of how thick your sleeping bag is, the underside gets crushed from your weight on it as you sleep. You need thick material between you and the ground. A packing blanket works great as a first layer in cold weather. Spread one out on the tent floor; you’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes. The blanket smooths out the bumpy ground, too and is a shade more comfortable to put your feet on. Harbor Freight carries "good enough” packing blankets for just over $5. Sleeping system: When you put all the elements together you end up with what I call a sleeping system. It starts with a tent that blocks the wind. The foundation is some thick material (the packing blanket). Then a pad such as a Therm-a-Rest mattress or foam pad. Then comes your sleeping bag. And be prepared to top it off with one or two wool blankets. A good sleeping system used in conjunction with a short burst from the heater should keep you comfortable throughout the night.

Dry clothes for sleeping. Never sleep in your outdoors clothing. Items could be sweaty, and the buttons, seams, and just the stiffer fabric can be uncomfortable. Any amount of moisture will wick away your body heat. You’ll never dry out, and you’ll never be really warm. Thick, warm sweat pants and a sweat shirt are great for sleeping, as are long-sleeve t-shirts and long johns. Protect your sleeping wear from the elements so the items are always dry. Pack the clothing in a plastic bag or other waterproof container. You may also consider electric socks. They can be a bit pricey, but if they keep your feet warm at night – and therefore you stay comfortable – they could be worth it. And remember a knit cap or hoodie. Your head naturally radiates a lot of heat. Keep it covered overnight.

Store hot water in a Nalgene bottle Tuck one at your feet and hold onto snug another to your chest. I’ve heard that water stays warm for at least a half hour. You can buy Nalgene bottles from many outlets.

Staying comfortable around the campfire.

Ah, a warm, crackling campfire. Whether to enjoy in quiet or as the focus of a rowdy night on the range, a campfire really is the centerpiece of any outing. Despite how hot your fire is, the heat can be very localized: Your front side may be toasty warm, but your hinder may be sporting goose bumps. What to do? Try these next time you’re camping.

Block the wind: Set up a large piece of tarp or cardboard behind you. You could also place that cardboard or foam on the inside back of your chair. Your head may still get chilly, but your backside will be warmer.

Hot coals under your chair: Sounds strange, but it’s remarkably effective. Scoop about a half shovelful of hot coals and set it under each chair. Make sure you use the coals and not sticks or logs on fire. The coals will radiate heat for about 15 -20 minutes each time. You’ll be amazed at what a

difference this makes. Sunflower heaters: Nifty heaters designed for outdoor use. The unit clips to a larger (5 to 20 lb.) tank and really throws the heat. Some are rated at more than 10,000 Btu – enough to keep a couple people warm if close by. Warm clothing: As is the case with sleeping, it helps to bundle up while outside. A thick knit cap, gloves, sweat shirt and other clothing will allow you to enjoy the campfire and camaraderie. The key with cold-weather camping – as with any excursion – is preparation. If you’re traveling in the desert in winter, or the mountains any time, assume you’ll face chilly weather. How you define chilly only you can decide. Err on the side of caution and pack extra clothing and blankets. Nothing ruins a night like being cold. Bundle up so you can enjoy the great outdoors in lower temps.

LOOK WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE

February 2018 • February 9, 2018 – Roughwheelers Membership Meeting in Redondo Beach, CA• February 14, 2018 – Valentine’s Day• February 16-18, 2018 – CA4WDA Convention in Riverside, CA• February 19, 2018 – President’s Day• February 23-25, 2018 – Roughwheelers Monthly Run to Jawbone

March 2018 • March 9, 2018 – Roughwheelers Membership Meeting in Redondo Beach, CA• March 11, 2018 – Daylight Savings Starts• March 17, 2018 – St. Patrick’s Day and Parade• March 23-25 – Roughwheelers Monthly Run to Cougar Buttes

April 2018 • April 1, 2018 – April Fools Day• April 13, 2018 – Roughwheelers Membership Meeting in Redondo Beach, CA• April 27-29, 2018 – Roughwheelers Monthly Run to El Mirage OHV Recreation Area

May 2017 • May 11, 2017 – Roughwheelers Membership Meeting in Redondo Beach, CA.• May 13, 2017 – Mother’s Day• May 25-28, 2017 – Hi Desert Round Up near Barstow, CA by CA4WDA.• May 28, 2017 – Memorial Day

If you have any items that you would like to be included in the next issue, send me an email.

The Newsletter Editor