I originally wrote this article for the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC); but the significance of this story applies to all the recreational activities represented by the Blue Ribbon Coalition. The Sierra Trek is the biggest annual event sponsored by the CA4WDC that draws some 1200 to 1700 folks. It runs over Fordyce Creek Trail, in the Truckee area of northern California. The bottom line is the same, no matter what spins your gears. See what I mean……

I am proud of this organization. CA4WDC can really put on a show! The Sierra Trek was another notch in our successful history of great family fun. Not only fun, the 32^nd Annual Sierra Trek provided several valuable lessons for me that I’d like to share with you from a land use perspective.

First of all, the event was well organized and fun; even-though it had to be post-poned from the original dates. I’ve seldom witnessed such volunteer enthusiasm as we had on Trek. The Thursday short wheel base run even had volunteer staffing on some of the winch hills in spite of the fact that they didn’t even have to "volunteer" for that day. My hat went off to those hard working clubs that adopt winch hills. I’m also a fan of "Uncle Willie" who seems to relish in putting on a great Thursday run every year. Base camp was its usual neat and tidy self. Food was excellent and the entertainment was great fun. The Trek committee does one heck of a fantastic job with this huge event.

Second, Trek is really a family event that draws us all together – young and old. The kids are as much a part of four wheeling as the adults on this adventure. There were even miniature "jeeps" (battery powered) that executed some pretty cute maneuvers around camp. Kids helped with the snack bar and were the first ones on the dance floor when the band started up. This kind of outdoor fun really brings out the best in a family, if you ask me. I saw more dirty, but smiling faces on kids than you could shake a South Park tee shirt at. It was the smiles I’ll remember.

Third, four wheeling on the Trek combines a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history of the Sierra Nevada. On the SUV run Saturday with tour guide Jim Bramham, I learned a tremendous amount about the local history of Summit City, the gold rush days of California, and the old stage roads built by folks like Mr. Henness. It’s important to note too that the SUV run proved once again that you don’t have to drag your pumpkin over gnarly rocks to be a four wheeler. We had a blast that day and never hurt my TJ once!