California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
916-381-8300

PRESS RELEASE FROM CA4WDC

Contact: Jack Raudy
530/389-9154

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 18 through Monday, July 21, 2003

SACRAMENTO (April 15, 2003) – Imagine you and your family driving your sport utility vehicle over the same roads and trails traveled by more than 8,000 early pioneers in 1,500 covered wagons during the 1849 to 1852 gold rush period.

The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs can make that dream come true as it has announced its 9^th annual Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride will be held this year from Friday evening, July 18 through Monday, July 21, taking participants from Lovelock, Nevada to Surprise Valley, California, located near Cedarville in northern Modoc County.

"This is a 250-mile journey into yesteryear and we have designed the trip especially for SUV and other four-wheel drive families," said Warner Anderson of Auburn, who serves as trail boss and narrator for the tour. "Whether you are a history buff, like myself, or just want to take your family out into the backcountry and enjoy some beautiful scenery, we will have it all."

According to Anderson, this trip follows the same route discovered by Peter Lassen in 1849. Anderson said an estimated one-third of the 1849 gold rush emigrants used this particular trail.

This year’s trail ride participants will gather at the Ramada Inn in Lovelock for a wine and cheese get-together at 7:30 p.m., Friday evening, July 18. At that time, Anderson will provide his guests with an overview of the trip and each vehicle owner will receive a copy of a book entitled "Trails West."

After breakfast on Saturday, the group will begin its journey across the Humboldt River, past a pioneer graveyard, through Rabbit Hole Springs and camping that evening will be at Double Hot Springs. Sunday’s itinerary will include stops at the site where Peter Lassen was murdered, Soldier Meadow Ranch, High Rock Canyon and finally to Stevens Camp for the evening. Stevens Camp, discovered by Captain John Fremont during his exploration to the West, offers toilets, spring water and possible hot showers.

On Monday, the final day of the tour, the contingent will climb over the 49er Pass, where participants will have an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view looking back east from atop a high mountain ridge.

"The emigrants wrote in their diaries such good descriptions of their journey that we can identify all of the key points of interest in the history of this route," Anderson said. "It is not a difficult trip, but there are a few places where four-wheel drive will be required or where our trail committee instructions must be followed."

Cost for the trip is $250 per adult and $125 for children age 11 and under. The cost includes all meals from breakfast on Saturday through lunch on Monday. In addition to bringing their own tent and sleeping bags, participants are encouraged to bring a citizens band (CB) radio, camera, folding chairs, trail snacks, refreshments and drinking water.

"I organize and narrate four-wheel drive tours throughout the year," Anderson said, "but clearly, this trip is my favorite. It is one thing to read about John C. Fremont and Kit Carson traveling this same route, but it gives new meaning when you can be there in person and let your imagination run wild."

The Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride is fully insured and operates under a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Proceeds from the event help support the four-wheel drive association’s conservation and education foundation.

The trip is limited to 25 vehicles on a first-registered, first-served basis. For more information or to reserve space on this exciting adventure, contact Warner Anderson at e-mail: vance@intercomm.com

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California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc
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CA4WDC, INC.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
800 - 4x4-Funn
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