Ah, July. It Smells Like...
Freedom.
From a young age we're taught a great many things about our holidays. Everything from their meaning, to when they occur and what to do when the day finally arrives. Some come with great respect and some with symbolic gifts which are tied to history. July the 4th is a gift that our forefathers gave us. It's the final statement chiseled into stone (metaphorically) to let England know we're tired of your tea, biscuits and oppression. We'd rather enjoy a good Millers beer, a hamburger and the right to do things how we see fit.
This year we did our usual routine. Ribs, family, friends and a few boxes filled with boom. It's quite the spectacle if I do say so myself. Some of our members took time to hit the trails and make a statement. "No sir, I do not want anything to do with your asphalt. I shall forge ahead on the path less taken. Take that England!"
If you weren't able to get out there this time maybe you've got something planned for later on. May I suggest Dixie Run this September 24th - 27th? And you thought I wasn't going to mention it didn't you? Well, if that long drawn out project isn't going to have you back by then consider a Meet & Ride later on in either October or November. The heat will be gone and you can enjoy those changing leaves. Regardless, we want to see you out there enjoying yourself with your friends and family. Take a stand against those oppression's in your life. Tell the boss to shove it then later on apologize and take her out to dinner. FREEDOM!!!!!
For more on Dixie Run and to see some great videos check out the message board or Facebook Group page!
Thanks for the Tip Christopher!
Recently one of our members, Christopher Broyles, logged in to let everyone know that rattlesnakes have been spotted at Tellico. Two to be exact. They found them when they walked ahead and were getting ready to spot for another driver. This is a great reminder to everyone out there on the trails. Thank you Christopher and than you for your service to our country!!
Rock Solid Work Day Another Great Success
The Rock Solid club came together, once again, at Windrock to continue the construction of a new picnic area. It looks like some great progress as made. Preliminary reports haven't indicated whether former SFWDA president Gary Parsons or his super human strength was present. Sometimes he can be like Bigfoot if you're picking up what I'm laying down.
New Fee Structure in Tennessee
For the first time in a decade, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved a license fee structure adjustment for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The increase goes into effect July 1. Now all OHV users in this are will need to purchase this High Impact Permit.
These permits must be purchased for horseback riding, bicycling, and ORV use. Youths under age 13 and persons holding a valid annual or permanent hunting license with a valid permit to hunt on these areas are exempt. At least one occupant of an enclosed vehicle must possess the proper permit(s). No permit shall be required on certain roads/trails as designated.
Here is an overview of the new fee structure and enforced regions.
Region I: Wolf River WMA
Region 2: Laurel Hill, Yanahli, Cheatham, Williamsport, Bear Hollow
Region 3: Bridgestone Firestone – Big Bottom Unit, Catoosa, Keyes-Harrison , Luper Mountain, Mt. Roosevelt, North Chickamauga Creek – Patton Unit, Pea Ridge , Skinner Mountain
Region 4: Forks of the River,NOTE: All interior trails closed to bicyclists. Will Skelton Greenway and Whaley Trail (formerly known as Bluff Trail) to the Burnett Creek Parking Area open to bicyclists. No High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit required for use of the Will Skelton Greenway/Whaley Trail.
North Cumberland, NOTE: No High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit required on Peabody Road from its junction of US Highway 25W to the Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower. No High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit shall be required on US Highways and/or County maintained roads that traverse North Cumberland WMA.
Type Description Cost
035 Resident Annual Permit $74.00
036 Resident Daily Permit $15.50
037 Non-Resident Annual Permit $233.00
038 Non-Resident Daily Permit $37.50
Welcome New Members!
 A big thanks goes out to the new members and businesses who have signed on recently with Southern Four Wheel Drive. We appreciate your commitment to the community and to Southern.
First up is Jeep Masters of Augusta, GA. A family friendly club who enjoys moderate to advanced trail riding. Check out their club for more information about upcoming social gatherings and trail riders.
We also have a new business member. EVAC Emergency Preparedness Equipment & Supply from Spring Hill, TN. They have trailers for Search & Rescue, Disaster Response and for First Responders. They also have custom Kayak trailers, custom single axle flatbed and utility trailers and off-road and camping trailers.
Don't forget when you do business with these fine members to tell them you are a Southern member to receive your discount!
'Murica!
Big thanks to member Huck Greek for sharing this pic of his Jeep on our Facebook page just before our nation's birthday. Wear it out Huck!
2015 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductees
Some of us live in a hole. I'll readily admit that. Until last year I didn't know there was such a thing as a Hall of Fame for off-roaders. It's located in the National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV.
From their website, "All nominees must have at least fifteen years of experience and involvement, as well as have built, designed, driven, maintained, owned, prepared, piloted, promoted, or ridden an off-road vehicle or supported the off-road industry. They are characterized by their desire to win, the mastery of their field, and their courage to innovate. Each Inductee has made a significant contribution to off-road motorsports in at least one of the following aspects: Business, History, Design, Engineering, Prestige of the Sport, and/or Growth of the Sport." That's a tremendous commitment to all of us.
Congratulations to Michael Gaughan, Jerry Penhall, Chris Collard, Shannon Campbell, and Curt Leduc. To read more about these individuals check out their bios here.
    
Take Out The Trash!
Here's a good article from our friends at Treadlightly! Nobody likes to go places and see other people's trash left behind. Here are some great tips that will help everyone and also continue to show the naysayers out there that four wheeling can be a sport where the land can be respected and enjoyed.
Check it out HERE!!
Safety, Safety, Safety!
None of us are here forever but that doesn't mean we have to cut out in a hurry. There's still plenty to experience in life. The saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", is just that. A saying. Jokes aside, safety is the one thing we all need to take seriously.
Fire Extinguisher Tech
This was posted on our Facebook page not too long ago. It comes from the Hardline Crawlers forum. It goes over how to fab and install a fire extinguisher quick disconnect.
 
Seatbelt Safety
We recently lost another one from our community when they decided not to wear their safety belt / harness. That makes two fatalities this year where people were not wearing their safety harnesses. It's a real shame and my heart goes out to their families. It's bad enough to suffer such a loss but when it could have been easily prevented it has to make it so much worse. Please think before you get behind the wheel. Clipping up only takes a second and can save lives. Here is a link to watch. The owner of the Batmobile Buggy shows us how simple it is every time we get in our rigs.
Unlimited Off Road Expo 2015
We all had a great time and connected with many folks in Louisville and the UOR Expo helping to spread the word of SFWDA. Here are few details provided in a recent wrap up report worth noting. This was our first time attending as a vendor but the result was well worth it. Thanks again to all those who volunteered and supported us at the Expo.
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A quick research has made it clear that interest and potential business relationships are in favor wherever branding AND a strong product presentation work hand in hand. The strong interest in the UOR Expo as an aftermarket portal is undeniable!
Key facts and figures at a glance:
Total visitors June 5 - 7, 2015:
13120
Total visiting Industry Professionals such as Jeep/Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Powersports dealerships, retailers and service shops:
318
Total vehicles at the Tavern & Cavern Charity Night Crawl:
1887
Breakdown in % per visitors' vehicles:
Jeep: 43.7 % (JK, TJ, YJ, Cherokee, CJ, Willys)
Truck: 17.7 % (incl. Diesel)
UTV: 21.2 % (all brands represented)
Buggy: 7.6 % (Bouncer, Ultra4, Wood/Dunes)
Other: 9.8 % (Toyota, Suzuki, Hummer, Bronco, Land Rover)
...
I thought that it was interesting to see how many people attended the event along with a breakdown of the vehicles by percentage. Maybe next year you can show your favorite vehicle some love by showing up.
Bring Forth the DIXIE!
Dixie Run 2015 That Is!
Join the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association for a fun event at Golden Mountain Park, September 24-27, 2015 and support Dixie Run 2015. Dixie Run is one of two key events for SFWDA each year and this year's event will be the best ever. Our event schedule will include Excursion rides on Friday afternoon and Saturday to some beautiful scenic local vistas; scheduled trail rides at GMP; fun and challenging obstacle course schedule; and scheduled Ladies Only rides on Saturday. All pricing includes the costs of a Saturday night dinner, and camping on site for 3 nights. SFWDA and our supporting Business Partners will be supporting a raffle on Saturday evening.
The event will also include a Kids play area and other family friendly activities. SFWDA will sponsor a Tread Lightly educational session on Saturday morning to promote the core values of responsible wheeling.
Come join us and share a great weekend in the Tennessee mountains and support the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association.
If you aren't yet an SFWDA Member and would like to attend, please go to our Member Registration Page where you can join our association and register for Dixie Run all at once!
Don't forget Southern is giving away 50 SFWDA LED flashlights to the first 50 registered people at Dixie Run. So far almost all have been claimed but there's still time left! Oh but there's more.
Next 100 SFWDA Member registrations receive a SFWDA First Aid Kit
First 200 SFWDA Member registrations receive a unique SFWDA Dixie Run Bag with BFG Logo
All special awards will be available at the SFWDA Merchandise tent during the event.
Upcoming Events and Rides
- Friends of Uwharrie Volunteer Work Day - July 18th
- Mile-Hi Jeep Club's 49th All-4-Fun Event - August 2-8, Chaffee County, CO
- 29th Annual Dixie Run - September 24-27, Golden Mountain Park, Sparta, TN
- Tennessee Jeep Jam - October 23-27 - Adventure Off-road Park, South Pittsburg, TN
- Fall Ford Wheelin Weekend IV - November 13-15 - Windrock Park, Oliver Springs, TN
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