Career photojournalist, adventurer, outdoorsman, four-wheeler, author, and defender of outdoor recreational access. BFGoodrich Tires Ambassador. IG:jeepndel; FB:LanduseDel; MENU and SEARCH below. 👀
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
JEEP ALBRIGHT GETS REBUILD AND REFRESH
RED THE LANDUSE WAR MACHINE HITS MARTIN'S AUTO SERVICE FOR REBUILD AND NEW MOTOR
153,000 miles and 15 years of trails and roads, not to mention several rebuilds of suspension and gearing, has brought to light the need for speed....Red needs some rebuild and refreshing so he can help us keep doing what we do for saving trails.
We have a long block Mopar rebuilt 4L to put in, and we've got some parts lined up to make a lot of stuff "new" again in Red. Marty, the owner of Martin's Auto in Reno,NV, will shepherd and lead the rebuild and refresh.
And THANK GOODNESS we have some business partners who are helping us with this project. Our hat is off to:
the tire of choice for Team Albright; whether racing, desert adventures, pavement or daily driving....it's BFG. More at http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com
JKS, our friends and partners in landuse, making cool stuff for Jeeps since the '80s.
More at http://www.jksmfg.com
Spidertrax Off Road, helping landuse and Team Albright at every turn....
More at http://www.spidertrax.com
MetalCloak, making rock biting armor and more for Jeeps, as well as our front trail-tackling frame-built bumper; long time landuse supporters and good friends.
More at http://www.metalcloak.com
Poison Spyder Customs, our landuse partners for years, and makers of several parts on ole Red, thanks to Larry and Cheri McRae our good friends. More at http://www.poisonspyder.com
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
POISON SPYDER GIVES 5% OF THANKSGIVING SALES TO LANDUSE
POISON SPYDER CUSTOMS DONATING 5% OF ALL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALES TO BLUERIBBON COALITION
Be sure to get your turkey day goodies from Poison Spyder Customs as they are donating 5% of all sales this weekend to keeping trails open through the BlueRibbon Coalition.
Long time supporters of BlueRibbon Coalition and other access groups, as well as Del & Stacie Albright, Poison Spyder rocks it!!!
Owners Larry and Cheri McRae are just plain great folks who really live the outdoor life with four-wheeling as their main hobby. They not only do it, but they build it!!!
Be sure to get your turkey day goodies from Poison Spyder Customs as they are donating 5% of all sales this weekend to keeping trails open through the BlueRibbon Coalition.
Long time supporters of BlueRibbon Coalition and other access groups, as well as Del & Stacie Albright, Poison Spyder rocks it!!!
Owners Larry and Cheri McRae are just plain great folks who really live the outdoor life with four-wheeling as their main hobby. They not only do it, but they build it!!!
Poison Spyder Customs, the home
of hard core off-road equipment, forged among the unrelenting terrain of the Hammers,
the punishing granite of the Rubicon, and the endless slickrock of Moab,
offering the highest quality, best-fitting, easiest to install, and most
professionally crafted off-road products on the market.
Get your Spyder On right here (and support BlueRibbon Coalition):
Thanks to all and Happy Thanksgiving,
Del & Stacie
Saturday, November 17, 2012
TIME FOR LANDUSE LEADERSHIP
Del & Stacie, Team Albright, at Hump 'n Bump on TAP Tour. |
Good leaders step up when the going gets tough. And I think the next few years might bring
some more challenges for us all whether
at your club level, state association, or just your area where you play.
Boy, the folks who don t like motorized recreation seem to be coming out
of the woodwork. But we have a plan .and
that plan is YOU. It is time, more than
ever, to up your game in the outdoor recreation area you love.
Call this my cheer-leading note if you want, but I m not about to slow
down, give up, or get lost. I m bringing
it on big time, as much time as I can afford.
I ask you to join me.
Here are a few issues that prompted me to blog this:
The east coast and New Jersey have been stomped by
storms. Who knows what all this will
bring, besides the terrible losses of life and property.
Utah is under a massive attack for more land closures
(Monuments proposed by outdoor businesses): (http://www.delalbright.com/Access/canyonlands_ut_letter.html).
Oregon Dunes are having a big rally to save their riding
areas (https://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2012/11/15/rally-to-stop-closures-at-oregon-dunes-nra--reminder).
Soooo, what do we do?
First, please get your hands on a copy of our new
volunteerism book right here: http://www.delalbright.com/book_order.html
Second, renew your memberships in (or make a donation to)
those groups you believe in; but more importantly, DO SOMETHING to help one of
your favorite groups. Stacie and I just voluntarily hauled the Cal4 raffle trailer around to a couple events to promote the
fund-raiser for CA4WDC.
Third, break out
the RLTC course, or start it again, or finish it, whatever stage you are
in. Share some of it with a friend. MOTIVATE someone to get involved in our
sports. More on RLTC here at http://www.rltc.biz
Maybe just pick two or three positive, real things (from this or your own list) and do them; now; this week.
That s all for now .on the team, and Happy Holidays to
all, Del
Del Albright
Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org
Founding Trail Boss,
Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com
Find us on Facebook here
Contact Del at del@delalbright.com
Website: www.delalbright.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
UTAH UNDER ATTACK FROM OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOC.
UTAH UNDER THE GUN FROM OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Outdoor Industry Association (businesses making a living off the great outdoors) launches massive attack on Utah for more land restrictions, this time in the form of a new Monument Proposal that 100 businesses signed onto and sent to President Obama. I don’t think anyone asked Utah what they thought….???
Some companies that are in the forefront of closing lands seem to include: Teva, CamelBak, Moab Coffee Roasters, North Face, New Belgium Brewing, and more. I’m really surprised that REI did not sign on as they are usually in the lead for more Wilderness and motorized restrictions.
Pdf with companies listed: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/Canyonlands%20letter.pdf
BRC Alert and what to do: https://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2012/11/14/another-massive-national-monument-pushed-in-utah
National leaders are taking a counter action to this, but you can help too. Go to the BRC alert and do what you can.
Thank you,
Del
Del Albright
Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org
Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com
Find us on Facebook here
Contact Del at del@delalbright.com
Website: www.delalbright.com
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
TAP TOUR GOES TO PANAMINT VALLEY DAYS
CAL4WHEEL PUTS ON PANAMINT VALLEY DAYS IN DEATH VALLEY
The Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) is headed for Panamint Valley Days tomorrow, thru the weekend. Should be a great time and full of landuse talk, now with the elections over.
Panamint Valley is a stand-alone valley just west of Death Valley, CA.
Martin's Auto Service, our repair shop and friend from Reno, NV, will be joining us for the PVD event. Marty (of Martin's) is a great guy who knows cars (and jeeps).
We will be doing trails with the great folks from CA4WDC who organize PVD for all of us to enjoy. Camp fire sessions will be full of landuse and access talks.
T&T CUSTOMS is a key component of our TAP Tour this year and we are traveling together on this entire adventure. They fully support landuse and access, and will be joining evening sessions of landuse talks. Be sure to check them out at:
http://www.tntcustoms.com
The Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) is headed for Panamint Valley Days tomorrow, thru the weekend. Should be a great time and full of landuse talk, now with the elections over.
Panamint Valley is a stand-alone valley just west of Death Valley, CA.
Martin's Auto Service, our repair shop and friend from Reno, NV, will be joining us for the PVD event. Marty (of Martin's) is a great guy who knows cars (and jeeps).
We will be doing trails with the great folks from CA4WDC who organize PVD for all of us to enjoy. Camp fire sessions will be full of landuse and access talks.
T&T CUSTOMS is a key component of our TAP Tour this year and we are traveling together on this entire adventure. They fully support landuse and access, and will be joining evening sessions of landuse talks. Be sure to check them out at:
http://www.tntcustoms.com
Friday, November 2, 2012
FROM SEMA TO THE HUMP N BUMP
VEGAS VALLEY 4WHEELERS GET IT ON AT LOGANDALE
Hump 'n Bump is one of our favorite events, and it happens right after SEMA. in Logandale, NV, about an hour from Vegas. We are here and today did the Bronco Falls trail today with no issues -- Red, the Land Use War Machine is awesome!!!
We have financial help and would like to thank www.ironman4x4.com for this trip, doing our landuse and access thing in our role as Ambassadors for the BlueRibbon Coalition.
Hump 'n Bump is one of our favorite events, and it happens right after SEMA. in Logandale, NV, about an hour from Vegas. We are here and today did the Bronco Falls trail today with no issues -- Red, the Land Use War Machine is awesome!!!
We have financial help and would like to thank www.ironman4x4.com for this trip, doing our landuse and access thing in our role as Ambassadors for the BlueRibbon Coalition.
You can learn about the Safer, Stronger, Smarter goodies from them at
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
SEMA SHOW AND TRAIL ACCESS
SEMA SHOW OFF-ROAD HALL GETS IT AWN!
Tons of vendors and thousands of smiling faces have greeted us so far here at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. It's all good too!
There is a lot of talk about landuse, saving trails and keeping the sport alive .....just what we love to talk about. There are plenty of interested and supportive businesses who are upping their game to help us keep trails and lands open.
This pic just shows one collection of vendors, all part of the 4Wheel Parts/Transamerica family....that thoroughly supports landuse and access. 4Wheel Parts is one of our title sponsors on our new landuse and volunteerism book as well (http://www.delalbright.com/book_order.html)
Check out our Facebook pages for more pics of the SEMA show.
Del
Tons of vendors and thousands of smiling faces have greeted us so far here at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. It's all good too!
There is a lot of talk about landuse, saving trails and keeping the sport alive .....just what we love to talk about. There are plenty of interested and supportive businesses who are upping their game to help us keep trails and lands open.
This pic just shows one collection of vendors, all part of the 4Wheel Parts/Transamerica family....that thoroughly supports landuse and access. 4Wheel Parts is one of our title sponsors on our new landuse and volunteerism book as well (http://www.delalbright.com/book_order.html)
Check out our Facebook pages for more pics of the SEMA show.
Del
Thursday, October 25, 2012
WORRIED ABOUT THE RUBICON TRAIL
IS GOVERNMENT LISTENING TO THE USERS?
I left my leadership position in Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) and the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) a few years back, thinking that we had laid a positive foundation to continue these incredible efforts to keep the Rubicon Trail open to all of us...all year; for all types of rigs; with challenges for us all.
NOT THE CASE!!!
I am sorely disappointed in the way the trail has changed in the last few years, and I am not afraid to step up and say that government is NOT listening to the users. Not in this case. Something is wrong and we need to bring some slap down on the deaf ones who "govern" our use of public lands in the case of the Rubicon Trail.
From the blowing of the Gatekeeper, conducted like an ambush in war, unbeknownst to users and unspoken in public forums beforehand; to the resizing and near paving of Little Sluice in spite of comprehensive surveys and public input against such maneuvers behind the scenes; to the changing and possible closure of Soup (Bowl, Kitchen). It is NOT what the users have asked for and have said in public forum. Government is NOT listening.
And do we have some of our own supporting these insidious, sneaky, behind the scenes moves? I'm not sure; but I am sure that the folks I talk to, do NOT support these radical changes to the Rubicon Trail.
Oh, let's ask ourselves who has invested tens of thousand of hours in hard work, sweat, blood and back-breaking work in making this trail a trail for all? Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), that is who. Since the first work party in the summer of 2001, and hundreds of work parties since then, every summer....FOTR has earned the key to this trail. Why does Government think they know best on this one?
FOTR earned tens of thousands of dollars in grant money for government agencies to help us manage the trail, maintain the trail, and mitigate the issues with erosion and use. So why would not government LISTEN to the users in how the trail should look in the future? YOU GOT ME.
Here's my suggestion for you if this does not wrap your winch the right way: 1) make sure your membership is current in fighting outfits like BlueRibbon Coalition and Cal4wheel; 2) make sure you're participating in Google groups for FOTR with your voice being heard; and 3) donate to those groups fighting for access THE RIGHT WAY, for you.
More on BRC here at http://www.sharetrails.org
More on Cal4 here at http://www.cal4wheel.com
More on Del at http://www.delalbright.com
Whatever you do; do NOT let your voice go unheard. Back it with donations and memberships. Be in the game. It is OUR public lands we are talking about.
Del
I left my leadership position in Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) and the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) a few years back, thinking that we had laid a positive foundation to continue these incredible efforts to keep the Rubicon Trail open to all of us...all year; for all types of rigs; with challenges for us all.
NOT THE CASE!!!
I am sorely disappointed in the way the trail has changed in the last few years, and I am not afraid to step up and say that government is NOT listening to the users. Not in this case. Something is wrong and we need to bring some slap down on the deaf ones who "govern" our use of public lands in the case of the Rubicon Trail.
From the blowing of the Gatekeeper, conducted like an ambush in war, unbeknownst to users and unspoken in public forums beforehand; to the resizing and near paving of Little Sluice in spite of comprehensive surveys and public input against such maneuvers behind the scenes; to the changing and possible closure of Soup (Bowl, Kitchen). It is NOT what the users have asked for and have said in public forum. Government is NOT listening.
And do we have some of our own supporting these insidious, sneaky, behind the scenes moves? I'm not sure; but I am sure that the folks I talk to, do NOT support these radical changes to the Rubicon Trail.
Oh, let's ask ourselves who has invested tens of thousand of hours in hard work, sweat, blood and back-breaking work in making this trail a trail for all? Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), that is who. Since the first work party in the summer of 2001, and hundreds of work parties since then, every summer....FOTR has earned the key to this trail. Why does Government think they know best on this one?
FOTR earned tens of thousands of dollars in grant money for government agencies to help us manage the trail, maintain the trail, and mitigate the issues with erosion and use. So why would not government LISTEN to the users in how the trail should look in the future? YOU GOT ME.
Here's my suggestion for you if this does not wrap your winch the right way: 1) make sure your membership is current in fighting outfits like BlueRibbon Coalition and Cal4wheel; 2) make sure you're participating in Google groups for FOTR with your voice being heard; and 3) donate to those groups fighting for access THE RIGHT WAY, for you.
More on BRC here at http://www.sharetrails.org
More on Cal4 here at http://www.cal4wheel.com
More on Del at http://www.delalbright.com
Whatever you do; do NOT let your voice go unheard. Back it with donations and memberships. Be in the game. It is OUR public lands we are talking about.
Del
Thursday, October 11, 2012
TAP TOUR FALL 2012 ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Del Albright, del@delalbright.com
TRAIL ACCESS PARTNERSHIP TOUR (TAPT) FALL 2012
Landuse Tour Open to the Public
Join Del & Stacie Albright on a landuse, trail-saving adventure!
Businesses, partners and off-road enthusiasts are
invited to join Blue Ribbon Coalition’s Del &
Stacie Albright for a fun convoy, dedicated to trail access awareness bringing
customers and businesses together in the spirit of landuse. The tour
begins with the annual meeting of the North American Motorized Recreation
Council (NAMRC), and the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV; next up is the 32nd
annual Hump n Bump in Logandale, NV, followed by a few days exploring Death
Valley, ending with Panamint Valley Days hosted by the Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel
Drive Clubs!
The TAP Tour embodies key components of the BlueRibbon Coalition Mission -- to provide leadership in responsible recreation and empower members to secure, protect and expand recreational access.
The TAP Tour embodies key components of the BlueRibbon Coalition Mission -- to provide leadership in responsible recreation and empower members to secure, protect and expand recreational access.
You are invited to jump in for all or part
of the tour. The Tour motto is: we
will NOT be “tapped” out of our trail access! Our goal is to use this
Tour to provide a forum for businesses, clubs, individuals and land use
professionals to share a connection and exchange strategies for a positive
future in off-road recreation, while building support for organized recreation.
Additional adventure stops and area orientations
may be included as Tour planning continues. Businesses will be showcased
and everyone involved will be supporting landuse just by being there (for all
or part).
Support landuse; have fun; hang with off-road
businesses and enjoy campfire stories that will be unequalled!
Evening sessions will include landuse seminars, membership building
motivational speeches, leadership tips, and vendor showcasing with tech tips as
appropriate. Several off-road 4x4 clubs will be joining us as we travel
along. In between the organized events, the rest of this Tour will be
nothing too structured; just fun tagging along with each other and special
invites to dinners, meetings, factory tours, trail cleanups and more. All we
ask is that you support landuse and responsible trail access to be part of our
Tour.
RSVP to Del Albright (del@delalbright.com)
or on Facebook even if you only want to keep up with the fun and plans.
Facebook page and RSVP can be done here: http://www.facebook.com/events/250626235039729/
More on the NAMRC: http://www.namrc.com
Registration and information about Hump ‘n Bump
here: http://www.vv4w.org/hump-n-bump
Registration and information about Panamint
Valley Days here: http://www.cal4wheel.com/events/panamint-valley-days
Outdoor Writers,
Photojournalists, and Recreation Advocates
ALBRIGHT ENTERPRISES
PO BOX 127
Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245
Del (209)
304-7693
Stacie (209) 217-6886
Del's Premier
Sponsors: BlueRibbon
Coalition and T&T Customs ; NAXJA; Raceline Wheels; J&W Auto Wreckers;
ARB-USA/OME;
Trail-Gear;
Sierra Gear &
Axle; Warn;
and proud partner with BFGoodrich Tires.
Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon
www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com
Find us on Facebook here
Contact Del at del@delalbright.com
Website: www.delalbright.com
Sunday, October 7, 2012
RACERS AND BUSINESSES, RENEW LANDUSE VOWS NOW!
TEAM ALBRIGHT ASKS ALL RACERS AND OFF-ROAD BUSINESSES TO RENEW THEIR LANDUSE VOWS THIS WEEK -- JOIN OR RENEW AND REVITALIZE OUR SPORT
With the elections pending and a whole new fight ahead of us to preserve our off-road sports and save our backcountry access, we need a flush of memberships, right now. Please join us.
This is a partial list, but an important one, to help you decide where to put your memberships and support. Racers and off-roaders should join their State and Regional Associations that best represent your sport.
Businesses need to join several outfits, national, regional and state level, depending on where your biggest customer base resides.
START HERE: https://www.sharetrails.org/support/join-or-contribute
BlueRibbon Coalition supports and fights for ALL TRAILS, and ALL SPORTS, nationwide, at the grassroots level. I recommend EVERYONE be part of BRC. Start there, the add on. BRC is the outfit Stacie and I work for full time.
California folks, or businesses with a large customer base in CA need to join this family-oriented 4x4 association. With over 50 years of history, CA4WDC is fighting daily with professional landuse folks to maintain our access.
Visit and support Cal4 at http://www.cal4wheel.com
Dirt biker folks and businesses need to start with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), at
http://www.ama-cycle.org
4x4 folks should consider joining and support United Four Wheel Drive Associations as the national sport-specific group for jeeps, trucks, and 4x4's.
Visit and support UFWDA at http://www.ufwda.org
Businesses in the off-road industry should consider joining the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a trade association dedicated to help businesses preserve and promote recreational access and the off-road sports.
Join and support ORBA here: http://www.orba.biz
There are many more choices and this list is just a start. Every state has outfits fighting for the sport and our trails. Write if you need more links or help deciding.
Some more groups working on our behalf include:
California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA): http://www.corva.org
Tread Lightly! at http://www.treadlightly.org
Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA): http://www.arra-access.com
American Sand Association (ASA): http://www.americansandassociation.org
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA): http://www.rohva.org
North American XJ Association: http://www.naxja.org
And visit Muirnet.net for a thorough list here:http://www.4x4wire.com/4x4-resource-and-information-links/other-4wd-and-offroad-sites-4
Del
With the elections pending and a whole new fight ahead of us to preserve our off-road sports and save our backcountry access, we need a flush of memberships, right now. Please join us.
This is a partial list, but an important one, to help you decide where to put your memberships and support. Racers and off-roaders should join their State and Regional Associations that best represent your sport.
Businesses need to join several outfits, national, regional and state level, depending on where your biggest customer base resides.
START HERE: https://www.sharetrails.org/support/join-or-contribute
BlueRibbon Coalition supports and fights for ALL TRAILS, and ALL SPORTS, nationwide, at the grassroots level. I recommend EVERYONE be part of BRC. Start there, the add on. BRC is the outfit Stacie and I work for full time.
California folks, or businesses with a large customer base in CA need to join this family-oriented 4x4 association. With over 50 years of history, CA4WDC is fighting daily with professional landuse folks to maintain our access.
Visit and support Cal4 at http://www.cal4wheel.com
Dirt biker folks and businesses need to start with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), at
http://www.ama-cycle.org
4x4 folks should consider joining and support United Four Wheel Drive Associations as the national sport-specific group for jeeps, trucks, and 4x4's.
Visit and support UFWDA at http://www.ufwda.org
Join and support ORBA here: http://www.orba.biz
There are many more choices and this list is just a start. Every state has outfits fighting for the sport and our trails. Write if you need more links or help deciding.
Some more groups working on our behalf include:
California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA): http://www.corva.org
Tread Lightly! at http://www.treadlightly.org
Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA): http://www.arra-access.com
American Sand Association (ASA): http://www.americansandassociation.org
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA): http://www.rohva.org
North American XJ Association: http://www.naxja.org
And visit Muirnet.net for a thorough list here:http://www.4x4wire.com/4x4-resource-and-information-links/other-4wd-and-offroad-sites-4
Del
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
JEEP LOANS JK TO TEAM ALBRIGHT
THE "DOZER" IS A NEW 2012 JK JEEP WE ARE EXPERIENCING
Stacie and I have driven and owned several Jeeps, but now we have added a loaner JK to our inventory of off-road/backcountry rigs. The "Dozer" was loaned to us after Jeep brought several rigs to the Fall Conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC).
Our mission is to test, drive, wheel and learn the differences of the Jeep JK (4-door in this case), compared to other models of Jeep. First thing off the bat, we're headed home when we see a big wildfire alongside hwy. 395 near Lake Topaz, called the Coho Fire. Yup, that big cloud formation is a fire, creating its own weather system.
The fire blocked the highway for a couple days and we had to drive an hour out of our way to get around it. The good news is that the JK has tons of power and rides like "butter," to quote an outdoor writer friend of ours who also got to drive it.
Acceleration is crisp and responsive; passing is impressive; and the pavement ride is smooth.
Here we are enjoying the Tahoe Rim Trail above Lake Tahoe (CA/NV) with some NV friends. The JK handled the bumpy, rocky trail with ease, and we did use the push button sway-bar disconnect. Talk about simple and effective.
Around Mono Lake, CA, we explored some desert backcountry and let the JK do its thing. It wheels without effort, I must say.
We tested the dash push-button built-in lockers and well, what can I say? They WORK.
All and all, our first impressions are excellent and impressive. We see why there are so many JK's on the road.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
OWAC FALL CONF. DAY 3 BODIE AND JEEPS
JEEP/CHRYSLER PROVIDES RIGS FOR WRITERS TO EXPLORE BACKCOUNTRY
Day 2 was spent going to Bodie State Park, CA, where a ghost town stands pretty much in tact at 9000 elevation in the desert mountains a couple hours south of Reno. Scott Brown from Jeep brought a couple JK's, a Grand Cherokee and a Ram Power Wagon for us to drive, enjoy and experience.
Our first stop was Mono Lake South Tufa where we enjoyed a tour of the tufa towers (calcium carbonate) standing in the salty lake, and even learned how to make Tufa.
Our tour guide, Bartshe Miller from the Mono Lake Committee showed us the wildlife that lives in the lake, like these brine shrimp. Birds by the millions come to Mono Lake which makes it a birders paradise.
More on the Mono Lake Committee and their work to preserve the lake and its wildlife here:
http://www.monolake.org/mlc/
Lunch is always a good stop and this one is at the Tioga Lodge, overlooking Mono Lake right off Hwy. 395 south of Lee Vining. Gloria (middle) gave us the history and tour.
Lunch was amazing at Tioga Lodge, and here the cook is preparing meals that show home-loving care.
Gloria, the owner, explained how the lodge buildings are quaint and rustic, but very comfortable. Several of the buildings that make up the lodge were transported from Bodie during "the day."
More on Tioga Lodge and restaurant here:
http://www.tiogalodgeatmonolake.com/
We stopped to see some naturally formed fissures near Mono Lake on our way to Bodie. These were much like slot canyons, except they were formed under the lake in the distant past by an underwater volcanic eruption followed by rapid cooling of the ejected material.
Good thing we had Jeeps because the road to these babies was 4x4 only.
More on Mono County and the eastern sierra here:
http://www.monocounty.org/
Bodie State Park is a town frozen in time, standing in a state of arrested decay. It was a booming gold mining town with 10,000 folks in 1880's.
The good folks at Mono County Tourism gave us a great day in the eastern Sierras.
More on Bodie at:
http://www.bodie.com/
We ended the evening with an incredible dinner hosted by the Virginia Creek Settlement (restaurant, lodge and camp ground) just south of Bridgeport, CA. More on the Settlement here:
http://www.virginiacreeksettlement.com/
Many thanks to all the folks who put together this amazing Fall Conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of CA. More on OWAC here: http://www.owac.org/
Del
Day 2 was spent going to Bodie State Park, CA, where a ghost town stands pretty much in tact at 9000 elevation in the desert mountains a couple hours south of Reno. Scott Brown from Jeep brought a couple JK's, a Grand Cherokee and a Ram Power Wagon for us to drive, enjoy and experience.
Our first stop was Mono Lake South Tufa where we enjoyed a tour of the tufa towers (calcium carbonate) standing in the salty lake, and even learned how to make Tufa.
Our tour guide, Bartshe Miller from the Mono Lake Committee showed us the wildlife that lives in the lake, like these brine shrimp. Birds by the millions come to Mono Lake which makes it a birders paradise.
More on the Mono Lake Committee and their work to preserve the lake and its wildlife here:
http://www.monolake.org/mlc/
Lunch is always a good stop and this one is at the Tioga Lodge, overlooking Mono Lake right off Hwy. 395 south of Lee Vining. Gloria (middle) gave us the history and tour.
Lunch was amazing at Tioga Lodge, and here the cook is preparing meals that show home-loving care.
Gloria, the owner, explained how the lodge buildings are quaint and rustic, but very comfortable. Several of the buildings that make up the lodge were transported from Bodie during "the day."
More on Tioga Lodge and restaurant here:
http://www.tiogalodgeatmonolake.com/
We stopped to see some naturally formed fissures near Mono Lake on our way to Bodie. These were much like slot canyons, except they were formed under the lake in the distant past by an underwater volcanic eruption followed by rapid cooling of the ejected material.
Good thing we had Jeeps because the road to these babies was 4x4 only.
More on Mono County and the eastern sierra here:
http://www.monocounty.org/
Bodie State Park is a town frozen in time, standing in a state of arrested decay. It was a booming gold mining town with 10,000 folks in 1880's.
The good folks at Mono County Tourism gave us a great day in the eastern Sierras.
More on Bodie at:
http://www.bodie.com/
We ended the evening with an incredible dinner hosted by the Virginia Creek Settlement (restaurant, lodge and camp ground) just south of Bridgeport, CA. More on the Settlement here:
http://www.virginiacreeksettlement.com/
Many thanks to all the folks who put together this amazing Fall Conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of CA. More on OWAC here: http://www.owac.org/
Del
Monday, September 17, 2012
OWAC FALL CONF. DAY 1 -- MAMMOTH CA
OUTDOOR WRITERS ENJOY DAY 1 OF FALL CONFERENCE IN MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CA
We did the Board meeting and caught up with friends and fellow photographers and writers in the am, followed by a great lunch and plenty of Mammoth Mountain hospitality.
Gomez's Mexican Restaurant provided one outstanding buffet lunch, with goodies like Portabello Mushroom burritos and delectable fajitas.
Gomez's serves up a selection of items, including:
Sugarcane Shrimp; Chimale; Fajitas; Ceviche, and the usual combinations you can't live without.
More on Gomez's at http://www.gomezs.com
The OWAC Board of directors were introduced and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before heading back to the Westin hotel for workshops and craft improvement sessions.
Famed photographer, Jack Dykinga was one of the highlights of the workshops, with his breath-taking images of our natural landscapes. Jack was down to earth, real and personable while showcasing us a few highlights of his 40 years of photography experience. He is truly a pro with an eye for light.
The evening found us riding the gondolas up to the ski resort Parallax Restaurant for an incredible dinner with an unsurpassed view of Mammoth Mountain and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gondola ride was a thrill in itself.
Be sure to put a visit to Mammoth Lakes on your summer AND winter plans. This place is amazing ---- oh, did I mention they also have an OHV area, motorcross races and plenty of trails to explore?
Learn more at http://www.visitmammoth.com
And learn more about OWAC at http://www.owac.org
We did the Board meeting and caught up with friends and fellow photographers and writers in the am, followed by a great lunch and plenty of Mammoth Mountain hospitality.
Gomez's Mexican Restaurant provided one outstanding buffet lunch, with goodies like Portabello Mushroom burritos and delectable fajitas.
Gomez's serves up a selection of items, including:
Sugarcane Shrimp; Chimale; Fajitas; Ceviche, and the usual combinations you can't live without.
More on Gomez's at http://www.gomezs.com
The OWAC Board of directors were introduced and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before heading back to the Westin hotel for workshops and craft improvement sessions.
Famed photographer, Jack Dykinga was one of the highlights of the workshops, with his breath-taking images of our natural landscapes. Jack was down to earth, real and personable while showcasing us a few highlights of his 40 years of photography experience. He is truly a pro with an eye for light.
The evening found us riding the gondolas up to the ski resort Parallax Restaurant for an incredible dinner with an unsurpassed view of Mammoth Mountain and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gondola ride was a thrill in itself.
Be sure to put a visit to Mammoth Lakes on your summer AND winter plans. This place is amazing ---- oh, did I mention they also have an OHV area, motorcross races and plenty of trails to explore?
Learn more at http://www.visitmammoth.com
And learn more about OWAC at http://www.owac.org
Saturday, September 15, 2012
BRC ONLINE VOTING FOR BOARD MEMBERS
VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVORITE BOARD MEMBER
BlueRibbon Coalition asking members to vote now online for Board members. Great folks like my buddy from Wheelers for the Wounded, Kevin Carey is one of the runners. He is also a charter member of Friends of the Rubicon. SWEET.
There are 4 openings and 5 candidates. It will be a hard choice, but we need to speak up and vote.
Dan Thomas, owner of Rocky Mountain ATV is another choice. Joni Mogstad, our current President is running again and she has been instrumental in helping BRC grow for years and years.
Danny Hale from the VT ATV Sportsman Assoc. is on the list as well. And we have Chad Booth of At Your Leisure TV show. Wow, what a list. Read their resumes and find your choice to help us make BRC, your BRC.
And don't forget to visit and support our Turn the Tide Tour going on now at www.WeAreBRC.org
So PLEASE VOTE now..
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
TRAIL-GEAR CLEANS UP DESERT
MOON ROCKS, NV GETS A TRAIL-GEAR CLEANUP
On their Moon Rocks, NV Customer Appreciation Run this past weekend, the Trail-Gear folks loaded up the participants and did a huge cleanup as part of their event. They picked up like 36 bags of trash, including an old couch dumped off by some thoughtless person, certainly NOT a four-wheeler/off-roader. Trail-Gear is dedicated to helping keep public lands open to the public, while making some awesome off-road products.
During the run, they spotted a backcountry fire and helped guide in Nevada fire crews to make sure it didn't get to be a big conflagration. GOOD WORK, Trail-Gear. You all are heroes.
It's important that all of us respect our public lands and help folks like the BLM keep them clean and open. Thank you, Trail-Gear and all your customers. And thanks to all the hard-working government folks who help us manage our public lands -- for us.
Del
(Photos courtesy of Trail-Gear)
On their Moon Rocks, NV Customer Appreciation Run this past weekend, the Trail-Gear folks loaded up the participants and did a huge cleanup as part of their event. They picked up like 36 bags of trash, including an old couch dumped off by some thoughtless person, certainly NOT a four-wheeler/off-roader. Trail-Gear is dedicated to helping keep public lands open to the public, while making some awesome off-road products.
During the run, they spotted a backcountry fire and helped guide in Nevada fire crews to make sure it didn't get to be a big conflagration. GOOD WORK, Trail-Gear. You all are heroes.
It's important that all of us respect our public lands and help folks like the BLM keep them clean and open. Thank you, Trail-Gear and all your customers. And thanks to all the hard-working government folks who help us manage our public lands -- for us.
Del
(Photos courtesy of Trail-Gear)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
PERMIT PROCESS ON PUBLIC LAND - YOU NEED ONE!
YES YOU NEED A PERMIT ON PUBLIC LAND!
By Del Albright,
Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition
Commercial,
competitive or organized group events or activities ALL require a permit
to be held on public land, and depending on the level of environmental review, REQUIRE
at least 6 (six) and up to 12 (twelve) months to process.
Businesses and
clubs/organizations need to pay particular attention to the permit process as
it can sneak up on you quick! We’re talking BOTH public land agencies --
BLM and USFS. This blog will focus on the BLM permit process, but the
USDA Forest Service (USFS) is about the same.
Depending on the
scope of your activity or event, you might have to cover some healthy Cost
Recovery to recover costs associated with monitoring, law enforcement,
enviro-studies, inventories, travel, administration, etc. Again, the minimum
time frame for submitting a COMPLETE permit application is SIX MONTHS
ahead of time. Just figure on it and GET YOUR PERMIT started well ahead
of time.
DO I NEED A PERMIT?
The Pre-application Interview Checklist
for events on public land involving vehicular use typically includes the
following questions:
·
Are you
charging a fee?
·
Do you
expect to make money on the event or is the fee to cover expenses?
·
Will there
be a competition?
·
Will you
advertise, have a public sign up page, take reservations?
·
Will you
mark a course?
·
Will there
be cash prizes?
If you answered yes to ANY of these,
you NEED a permit. So yes, if you advertise on a website, have a sign up
page (even if you are NOT charging a fee), you ARE advertising and must have a
permit. I like to look at it in simple terms, you are using public land
to your advantage or commercial gain, so get a permit.
You should note
that if there will be any vending (selling on site), your permit just got more
complicated (and will cost more).
These permits are
called Special Recreation Permits (SRP’s) and depending on permit availability,
are usually not hard to get; they just take planning well ahead of time!
Get your permit
well in advance of your event – perhaps a YEAR before the activity would
be a good target.
Here are some links
for more research and information from my good land use buddy, John Stewart:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
LABOR DAY CELEBRATES OUR ECONOMY.....REALLY?
Let's not let freedom walk away on this Labor Day |
Labor Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the contributions of the American worker to our economic and social condition....but I just can't help but wonder how on earth the "average worker" can celebrate much under these economic times where our own government seems to be ruining so much of what we enjoy in America. Not everyone in government is responsible for this mess, and some of it belongs to us, the tax payers. But for goodness sake, can we endure much more of this "celebration?"
I say NO, we can't endure more; that it is time for real change; and that it is time for Americans to be running America with politicians who stand behind our freedoms and ability to earn a decent living.
I say NO, we can't endure more of any politician who flat does not support the American way of life.
So for this Labor Day, I suggest you join me in re-committing yourself to fight back for freedom; for America; for our ability to be proud of our economy; and for your future. Let's rejuvenate that groups that fight for us and for what you believe in. Let's join up and renew our memberships. And let's un-elect some politicians that just don't get it.
If you are an off-roader, be sure to also support our Trail PAC as well because the 2012 elections are about as important as any we've ever faced: http://www.thetrailpac.com.
Labor Day is supposed to be about the American worker; I say let the voice of the worker be heard.
Del
Friday, August 24, 2012
LABOR DAY AT HIGH SIERRA POKER RUN
CAL4'S HIGH SIERRA POKER RUN ON AGENDA FOR LABOR DAY WITH BFGOODRICH TIRES!
We will represent BlueRibbon Coalition and our fellow members of the Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs at the High Sierra Poker Run up by the Dusy Trail out of Shaver Lake, CA this Labor Day weekend.
We'll tackle the Swamp Lake trail near the Dusy, and spend time on Bald Mountain and a special trail run with BFGoodrich Tires to the Mirror Lake Trail for the Outstanding Trails program. SWEET.
BFG, Tread Lightly and United Four Wheel Drive Assoc. have chosen the Mirror Lake trail as one of this year's recipients for the grant money awarded to Outstanding Trails. The Lock & Low 4WD Club of Visalia will be there as the proud "adopters" of the Mirror Lake Trail.
Our partners from Trail-Gear will also be there in support as they love these trails as well (and support landuse). Stacie is bringing the Land Cruiser that was seriously modified by Trail-Gear folks. Should be a fun weekend, hope you can join us.
Here is link to more info and the sign up page for High Sierra Poker Run: http://www.cal4wheel.com/events/high-sierra-poker-run
Del
We will represent BlueRibbon Coalition and our fellow members of the Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs at the High Sierra Poker Run up by the Dusy Trail out of Shaver Lake, CA this Labor Day weekend.
We'll tackle the Swamp Lake trail near the Dusy, and spend time on Bald Mountain and a special trail run with BFGoodrich Tires to the Mirror Lake Trail for the Outstanding Trails program. SWEET.
BFG, Tread Lightly and United Four Wheel Drive Assoc. have chosen the Mirror Lake trail as one of this year's recipients for the grant money awarded to Outstanding Trails. The Lock & Low 4WD Club of Visalia will be there as the proud "adopters" of the Mirror Lake Trail.
Our partners from Trail-Gear will also be there in support as they love these trails as well (and support landuse). Stacie is bringing the Land Cruiser that was seriously modified by Trail-Gear folks. Should be a fun weekend, hope you can join us.
Here is link to more info and the sign up page for High Sierra Poker Run: http://www.cal4wheel.com/events/high-sierra-poker-run
Del
Thursday, August 23, 2012
HARRY REID WANTS MORE NV WILDERNESS NEAR BRIDGEPORT
NV -CA FOLKS: LAND BILL FOR COPPER MINE TO INCLUDE MORE WILDERNESS -- SWEETWATER MOUNTAINS?
Yerington, NV land bill for copper mine has Senator Harry Reid asking for more Wilderness, again...this time for land between Smith Valley and Bridgeport, CA -- which sounds like the Sweetwater Mountains to me.
This just broke today, so we don't have all the facts nor have we seen a map. Please chime in if you have more info.
Today's
Reno Gazette Journal ran this story of Harry Reid being on record aggressively trying to negotiate
for more wilderness designation set aside in the area ".between Smith
Valley and Bridgeport".
It has to do with the land bill and copper mine near
Yerington, NV.
Here is the story in the Reno Gazette: here.
Might want to weigh in with Senator Heller and Congressman Amodei on this...
Senator Dean Heller: http://heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form
Congressman Amodei: http://amodei.house.gov/contact/
Let me know if we need to do something on a larger scale.
Thanks, Del
Sunday, August 19, 2012
NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK UP ABOUT NATIONAL OHV RIDE
WHAT YOU SEE; YOU NEED TO SHARE
Iron Butt landuse and access ride by Greg Mumm is underway and YOUR input is critical; now! Greg is rallying off-road backcountry recreationists around the country and building a message to CARRY to congress at the end of the ride.
We need to hear from you. This is your chance to say your mind; speak your peace; and be crucial to our off-road future. NOW. Don't let this pass you by. Just go here to this link and add your comments about TWO THINGS:
1) a better BRC for you; and
2) what message we want to give congress BEFORE the elections. This will be a huge database that will give Greg tons of facts, figures and opinions to sway congress in OUR direction.
Go here to give input: http://www.wearebrc.org/comments
thanks for being on the team,
Del
Del Albright
www.delalbright.com
www.wearebrc.org
www.sharetrails.org
Iron Butt landuse and access ride by Greg Mumm is underway and YOUR input is critical; now! Greg is rallying off-road backcountry recreationists around the country and building a message to CARRY to congress at the end of the ride.
We need to hear from you. This is your chance to say your mind; speak your peace; and be crucial to our off-road future. NOW. Don't let this pass you by. Just go here to this link and add your comments about TWO THINGS:
1) a better BRC for you; and
2) what message we want to give congress BEFORE the elections. This will be a huge database that will give Greg tons of facts, figures and opinions to sway congress in OUR direction.
Go here to give input: http://www.wearebrc.org/comments
thanks for being on the team,
Del
Del Albright
www.delalbright.com
www.wearebrc.org
www.sharetrails.org
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