FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SACRAMENTO (June 18, 2007) – Sport utility vehicle (SUV) and other four-wheel drive owners are invited to register for historical and scenic backcountry adventures during the 41^st annual Sierra Trek, hosted by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Thursday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 12. Base camp for Sierra Trek is Meadow Lake, located about 30 miles northwest of Truckee off Highway 89.

Sierra Trek is the largest all-volunteer four-wheel drive event in the United States and typically draws between 1,300 and 1,500 participants.

On Thursday, Aug. 9, the Association will offer the Blackwood Canyon scenic tour near Lake Tahoe. This exciting off-road trip will take participants from the Meadow Lake base camp to the Donner Memorial; up the picturesque Blackwood Canyon and from Ellis Peak to the Barker Pass, and finally, to the end of the famous Rubicon Trail. Cost for this trip is $160 per adult; $40 for children 7-12, and children seven and under are welcome free of charge.

Sierra Trek trip costs include all meals and camping fees from the day of the trip through breakfast on Sunday morning, Aug. 12.

On Saturday, Aug. 11, interested participants may choose between two different SUV off-highway vehicle trips.

The first Saturday trip is a scenic SUV tour around Meadow Lake to include stops at the historic Summit City Cemetery; a climb to the top of the Sierra Divide; a short drive over portions of the famous Henness Pass Road and an opportunity to stop at various points of interest around Meadow Lake. Cost for this trip is $140 per adult; $40 for children 7-12, and kids seven and under are free of charge.

Dave Douglas, this year’s Trek chair, said that the Association’s youth organization, Voyagers, is planning to join the Saturday SUV tour with young adults aged 15 to 18, who would like to try their hand at four-wheeling. "This is a mild to moderate run," Douglas said, "however, if the youngsters have any difficulties, they will take an easier route." Participants will be required to have either a driver’s license or a driving permit with a licensed driver to join this event.

Also on Saturday, Trek officials are offering the popular Bear Valley Loop Trail run, limited to 100 vehicles that are properly equipped. This trip is slightly more difficult than the other SUV runs and can easily accommodate short and long wheel based vehicles. Cost is $130 per adult; $40 per child 7-15, and children seven and under are free of charge.

Additionally, Sierra Trek offers challenging four-wheeling for the veteran drivers with short wheel-based vehicles on the difficult Fordyce Creek Trail on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a night run on the same trail on Friday evening.

The Meadow Lake base camp offers ample space for tent camping, recreational vehicles and camping trailers.

Douglas said Sierra Trek is a family-oriented event and offers many activities in camp for children and adults. After dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, there will be a bonfire and dancing to a live band.

Friday evening guests will also be treated to a special presentation of the past 40 years of the Sierra Trek event and a historical perspective of the Meadow Lake region.

To register for the 41^st annual Sierra Trek or for more information, contact Robert Reed at (925) 447-3142 or email robertreed5@comcast.net . Information and registration is also available on the Association’s website www.cal4wheel.com.

###

(For Jpeg photos of Sierra Trek, contact Jack Raudy at 530/305-9742 or email jraudy@foothill.net).