Second Annual Alaska Meet and Greet, 2003

            Imagine a beau tiful, pristine setting amidst gigantic birch and cottonwood trees, natural clearings, and gorgeous mountain views.  Now throw in 71 stock and trail-dedicated rigs; 150 people having an incredible time; interactive winch, first-aid, and trail repair demonstrations; and the opportunity for maximum flex on an RTI articulation ramp.  Next, add great food, camping, camaraderie, and a roaring bonfire.  Cap it off with five different trail runs on the following day into awe-inspiring wilderness, complete with perfect weather.  Sound like a fantasy?  Welcome to the Second Annual Alaska Meet and Greet!

            After nine months of planning, many restless nights, and tons of work, a few dedicated members of Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers made it happen.  The team knew this event had the potential to be the largest OHV gathering in Alaska ’s history, but no one predicted its overwhelming success.

Most participants made use of the open field available at the event site for camping and parking, the remaining participants stayed at a hotels or B&Bs in Palmer.

The hard work began paying off as rigs arrived early Saturday morning.  People from all over Alaska , including a large contingent from Fairbanks and Eielson Air Force Base, came down to Palmer, Alaska , one hour north of Anchorage .  The long distance prize went to a gentleman who came all the way from Minnesota !  Participants spent Saturday morning setting up camp, checking out each other’s rigs, chatting with old friends, and making new ones.  Smiles, enthusiasm, and excitement abounded.  At noon , everyone gathered for a feast of burgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings.  A booth opened to sell t-shirts and raffle tickets for the numerous prizes donated by ARB, Northern 4x4 Suppliers, Five Star Automotive, Six States Distributors, and Warn Industries, with proceeds used to subsidize the event.  The booth was successful as the shirts and raffle tickets were in demand.  Organizers made general announcements for housekeeping and safety, as well as to announce the demonstration schedule.

  Demonstrations started a little after noon .  Dan Buffan of Six States Distributors, the local Warn representative, and Jeanene Wold, Regional Sales Manager for Warn Industries, put on an awesome winching safety demo.  Two of our nation’s fine soldiers from Ft. Richardson , Alaska , put on a very informative first-aid, survival, and safety seminar.  Scott Hala, President of Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers, briefed current land use issues, explained the benefits of membership in the Blue Ribbon Coalition and the United Four Wheel Drive Association, and emphasized responsible trail use through the Tread Lightly! principles.  Kurt Hala and Ryan Frost, owner and chief technician from Five Star Automotive, showed how to replace front unitized hubs on the trail.  They followed by repairing a participant’s broken shock mount with a Ready Welder.  Brent Blair, AKA “Club Curmudgeon,” did a great job explaining an on-board air system and the many uses of the amazingly useful Hi Lift Jack.

Participant Cory Menzel is pulled from a mud hole by Jerry Hermann at the bottom of 'Cherokee Hill'.  Cory went on to become a member of Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers a couple months later.

            Evening came on with clouds; a typical Alaskan down pour brewed.  The clouds unleashed their fury while people scrambled for cover.  However, rain couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits: it was dinner time!  Three huge steaming cauldrons of spaghetti, along with salad and rolls, arrived just in time to satiate the hungry crowd.  Dessert of homemade cake and cookies topped off dinner.  Almost as quickly as it began, the rain let up, and the meal was deemed a success!     

            The infectious fun and camaraderie continued with a tag-team game of horseshoes late after Memorial Day Weekend’s 11:15 p.m. sunset.  Rain continued to sprinkle off and on all night, but with the roaring bonfire, “G-lad” raincoats (Glad trash bags), and Alaska’s seemingly endless light, people continued to enjoy the company of friends new and old until sunrise (4:30 a.m.).  Most turned in late, but awoke early, ready for Sunday’s trail run. 

The 2003 Meet and Greet offered five different runs of varying skill level and vehicle ability.  As the runs staged and headed out, clouds abated and sunshine ruled the day!  With each run leading up a different remote Alaska valley, cell phone contact was sketchy at best.  It wasn’t until the evening when the participants started returning that trail reports were exchanged:

“Great!” 

“Awesome!” 

“Best time I’ve ever had!” 

“That was incredible!” 

Jeremiah Dahlen, club officer with the event hosting club, crosses the King River at the end of one of the trail runs on Sunday.

All trail runs sailed smoothly except for one roll by an Alaska Extreme club member.  Even with broken glass, a flattened Grand Cherokee roof, and a smashed finger, experienced hands and trained military field medics quickly provided necessary attention.  The vehicle was righted and on its way home in no time. 

During the barbeque back at the campsite, participants expressed their thoughts on next year with words like “I’ll be back, with my rig bigger and badder,” “I’m bringing my friends next year,” and “I can’t wait!”

            Participants and organizers alike declared the Second Annual Alaska Meet and Greet, 2003, a huge success.  The organizers give special thanks to ARB, Northern 4x4 Suppliers, Five Star Automotive, Six States Distributors, and Warn Industries, for their raffle prize donations and technical expertise, and all the people who volunteered to make this event possible.  Will there be a Third Annual Meet and Greet for 2004?  You bet!  Will it be bigger and better than this year?  You bet!  The only question left is…will you be there?

Dave Arieno, Rob Corbisier, Scott Hala, Dan Lance, and Cory Menzel contributed to this article.  Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers are members of United Four Wheel Drive Associate and BlueRibbon Coalition.  To learn more about the club please visit akextreme4x4.com.