News Archive, Through June 2001


Below you will find the original postings of meeting summaries, web page updates, and other news.  It has been moved from the main News section for brevity.


An Update Finally!

Go figure, shortly after I get up on my soapbox and email everyone in the club telling them to look at the page often to check for updates, the server has technical difficulty and I don't update for over 2 weeks.  Anyway, Mike with the Last Frontier had the same trouble, and couldn't update their page.  We got it worked out and finally back in action.  Sorry for the delay in updating, I am sure no one will take what I say seriously from now on.  Opps.

Some additions/corrections to the webpage have been made.  Noteworthy are the addition of members in the Members Rigs section, specifically Dave Arieno, Noah Miller, Sara and Keith Herren.  Also took out the 'worst legal violation' question since no one (understandably) wanted to answer it.  Fixed some typos and such.  Took down the message board section link until I have time to find a suitable one, and with the help of the Last Frontier Fourwheelers have added the Trail Ratings section.  Per the suggestions made and approved at the last meeting I have updated and made available the By-Laws.

Meeting notes:

On June 21st we had another regularly scheduled meeting.  The topics discussed were:

  • By-Laws
  • Community Service ideas
  • Tech Inspections (the last one was 'rained out')

We discussed changes to the By-Laws proposed by myself and our president.  For the most part the changes are rearranging of officer positions.  The new By-Laws can be found here.  On a side note, I was made an officer (I guess) in an uneventful manner for the newly developed Webmaster/Secretary position.  The Vice President/Treasurer position is open for any interested.

Community Service ideas were discussed.  Our President, Dave Arieno, has been in contact with people in regard to the tract of land near Eklutna that is loaded with a number of abandoned cars.  No formal plans have been made yet, but we may spend a day dragging cars onto the road for proper disposal.  Other ideas raised were trail maintenance for Boulder Creek or Permanente, word is they are in need of work.  And if left to continue to be 'tore up' by people not following Tread-Lightly mentality, they may not be open for our use in the future.

The previous weeks Tech Inspection apparently got rained out.  Not enough people showed up to make it worth it.  I myself was partying hard in Colorado so could not make the event.  It has been decided to just have the inspection during a regularly scheduled meeting, hopefully the next meeting.  The agenda will be kept short so that the Tech Inspection maybe the main focus of the evening.

A new logo was also selected for the next batch of stickers to be made.  I will post a picture of it on the webpage when I can get it.

Posted on June 30, 2001, by Little Giant

June 7th Meeting and other things

On June 7th we had another regularly scheduled meeting.  The topics discussed were:

  • By-Laws
  • Last trail run, Church Road
  • Tech Inspections
  • Officer Positions

Our president handed out copies of the resurrected By-Laws for those did not get them via his last email newsletter.  I have posted a copy, use the link shown if you have not read them yet.  They are currently in review, as many of members have not seen them before.  So please take a look at them, note any changes you wish to change, email your proposed revisions to Dave Arieno or bring them to the next meeting.

The recap of the Church Road run basically consisted of addressing concerns about on-trail behavior.  Apparently some non-members tagged along for the last run (which is usually not a problem), but did not listen to the trail boss, left with out telling the trail boss, did not practice Tread Lightly, etc.  I think this part of the reason of bringing back the By-Laws.  As our club runs are getting larger this season, rules and organization need to be followed.  This is an important topic, and I encourage all to at least read the By-Laws.  I have already red-lined my copy, and will bring them to our June 21st meeting.

Eddie Angle brought up the topic of tech inspections once again.  Basically he was (rightfully so) disappointed and concerned that no one came to the previously scheduled inspection.  With talk of going to Boulder Creek this weekend with un-tech'ed vehicles, its a big concern.  These inspections are for everyone's benefit.  Eddie and Kurt Hala are competent mechanics willing to contribute their knowledge and time to the club to make sure everyone's vehicle is safe.  We all should be appreciative of this, and make use.  If they set aside time to do the inspections, it is very important everyone attends.  They will not be looking for reasons to keep anyone off the trails, instead just to point out important issues so that you may get them addressed at home rather than on the trail.  A special meeting has been called next week to do the tech inspection.  We will be meeting next Thursday, June 14th at the usual meeting spot.  The inspections will be performed in the parking lot.  See details on the calendar.

Our president brought up the issue of officer positions again.  In the By-Laws (that all of you have read by now), a number of positions are listed.  Specifically the positions open are Vice-President, Membership Coordinator/Webmaster, and Treasurer/Secretary.  I have the Webmaster position under-control, but may ask the position be revised because I do not have additional time to be a Membership Coordinator.  If you have the time and motivation to take any of these positions, please express you interest at the next meeting so that we can vote on it.  Right now Dave Arieno is taking responsibility for all positions (with the exception of the webmaster of course), and could surely use your help.  As we grow as a club the amount of time needed to keep things working smoothly are increasing as well.  Lets not make one man do it all, and give back to the club.  I should note that some people contribute to the club through other means, such as making up membership cards or new club logos.  That is great!  If you do not want the responsibility of an officer position but wish to make some effort, there are ways you can do that.  For example I could always use help with the web page with trail write-ups, pictures, etc.  If you wish to help in any way, come the next meeting and show your interest, I am sure we can give you some ideas on ways to contribute.

That basically wraps up the last meeting.  Plans were also made for the next trail run, which will be Boulder Creek.  See calendar for details.

As a few of you may have noticed our message board no longer appears to be functioning.  Oh well, what can you expect from a free service.  I will try to find a replacement board in the next week.

Posted on Monday, June 9, 2001, by Little Giant

Minor Web updates

I added a link to JeepAlaska.com (as they requested and already returned the favor).  Good sight to take a look at if you haven't already, lots of pictures and videos.  I also gave credit where credit was due for one of the 'old pictures' galleries.  Also of note, we are now linked under the members section of UFWDA, yeah!  Some other miscellaneous small stuff updated too.

Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2001, by Little Giant

More Webpage updates, its decent now!

Okay folks, I finally updated the web page again.  This time I proud to say I think its good to go.  While some sections are still under construction, for the most part I would say we have a functioning page.  I am not going to list all the changes I made, because I changed everything.  I don't think a single section was left alone.  Some major things, I added a free message board and an 'about us' section.  As well, I tried my hand at a trail write up.  It may be rough, but hey it was my first shot.

As always comments and questions are welcome.  Let me know if you have any interface problems right away, and I'll try to address with high priority.  Other than that, just browse around to see what I have come up with.

Posted on Monday, May 28, 2001, by Little Giant

May 22, 2001 Club Meeting

Last Thursday the club got together for another bi-weekly meeting.  There was a good turn out, with a new interested member.  The meeting started with a very colorful recount of the last trail run by Keith "The Chain Man".  His animated story telling had everyone's attention.  Thanks Keith.

A date for the tech inspection has finally been established, assuming the parking lot we plan to use will be available.  It will be the afternoon of Saturday, June 2nd.  As well, the next trail run was planned, or lack of planning took place.  It was decided to try the Church Road area or Wishbone this Sunday.  See the calendar for more information.

After the above issues, the general discussion on trail etiquette, membership bylaws, and more specifically 'tread lightly' type attitude ensued.  The idea of wheelin' responsibly and preserving the trails we run appeared to be a very important topic to all, the conversation became engaging.  Veteran members to very new ones had input, opinions, or comments they wished to make.  It was agreed we should make some sort offer to the correct party, to aid in either trail clean-up, posting signs, etc.  The idea was to give back, to set us apart from people trashing Knik, tearing up private property in view of Goosebay road, wheeling in town, etc.  Dave Areino has agreed to research who to make offers to, or things we can do to help besides wheeling responsibly ourselves.

That was about it for the official meeting.  Of course smaller conversations about new mods, 'who has a..', and 'remember when...' spilled over into the parking lot.

Written on Wednesday, May 26, 2001, by Little Giant

Webpage Updates

As some you may have noticed I have made a few more additions to the webpage (past trail rides section, empty), and got some examples up under the members page.  Let me know if you think I should add or delete any questions on the general form.  I also got a rough calendar up, and fixed some of the colors on it.  What does everyone think about the free calendar I am using?  Its better than anything I can make myself.

Posted on Wednesday, May 16, 2001, by Little Giant