From the Desk of Lynda Darling (JEEP MOM)

I know it’s been awhile since my last newsletter, but even though I’m retired, life is crazy busy!
Talk about busy, COORJC certainly has been since even before the season started with a Board meeting to set up trail clean up, events, trail runs, and training.  We even helped out at the Minden flooding. Two members of our Board have been particularly busy. Andrew and Erin were blessed with the arrival of their beautiful little Chloe, our youngest member, and then Erin became Mrs. Burrell. Congratulations to you both!

As soon as May 1st occurred, plans were made and volunteers jumped on board to scout out the trails and do trail clean up, depending on the trail conditions. Caution was taken not go into trails that were far too wet for off road traffic. In fact, the Gooderham clean up didn’t take place until May 11/19.
 
We did have a great Jeep meet at Kawartha Chrysler on Tues. May 7/19 where we were warmly welcomed. Unfortunately our June meet was cancelled due to inclement weather.

June started off with Trail Guide training by Tim Janssen and Mark Sims held at Ray’s Place. We learned about tire repairs, stem repairs, chain saws, winches, and necessary equipment to carry. Tim supplied hands on equipment, which was awesome. Erin Burrell and Chloe gave us excellent lessons on emergency first aid related to possible trail emergencies. It was definitely a great day that all members would benefit from attending. Hopefully, Tim and Mark will run another training day.  We also had the opportunity to enjoy a lot of hands on winching on Ray’s trails.  Lol

I guided a great group on a Sunday drive through the Pencil Lake trail where we encountered lots of water and mud. It was a fun day. Thanks to Brad Yhard and Mark for comparing electric to gas chainsaws and also finding a nice bypass around the big water crossing. This was an existing ATV route so tread lightly was used. It was a tad tight though, especially for 4 doors. I took the water crossing lol.

June 8 was our Rookie Run on the Gooderham trail that went very well, with many happy wheelers.  
The biggest and newest undertaking for us was the Tough Truck event held at the Millbrook Fair on June 9. For being our first year, it went really well. We had quite a variety of trucks to test their capabilities in a short and long mud hole, the RTI ramp, and a nasty rock garden. Justen Winster did an excellent job as the M.C., keeping everything running well. Everyone came away with huge smiles on their faces, especially Mark and Angie who did a fantastic job putting this event together.

Justen Winster took us on an awesome run through Minden on June 15. I ran as the tail end and got to enjoy some very interesting off shoots following Ernie Sperling . I had to keep reminding myself that I only have a 2 1/2 “ lift on 35’s with a limited slip and I’m following Ernie with a 4-5” lift on 37’s, locked front and rear, and regeared. Needless to say, it was FUN, definitely not stock or newbie trails. We did stop at the outhouse where we have been asked to stop and turn around by Parks and Recreation and Ministry of the Environment. There were absolutely no signs and the outhouse has been flattened. We did ask a couple of jeeps to turn around explaining the situation and they were very cooperative. To me this doesn’t bode well. Without signage, I can see everyone who is unaware of the restriction, will continue on to the lake.

Ernie took a group out to Gooderham and by all accounts, everyone had a great time.
Dave Mayer and Ruth Versluis are based in Maynooth and are trying to find new trails for us up there. They could really use some other jeeps to accompany them. It’s never wise to go alone. Please consider helping out.

I would be remiss to not mention that we gained our sister club, NOORJC, based out of North Bay. We always have a standing invitation to join them on a run or two.
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We have a great weekend planned for Canada Day at Jayne Horton’s home in Kinmount. Jayne has kindly offered camping for everyone and make sure to bring your canoes and kayaks. She is on the river. She and Rick have built an outdoor shower and will have a porta potty. Those of us who are not camping can go on day runs. Angie has set up a Sunday night dinner including pulled pork if there is enough interest. Thanks so much Jayne for having us!!!

Well, my iPad is dying. Hope to see many of you this weekend or at least on the trails.
Cheers,
JEEP MOM