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4LOBOUND Crew Donates $500 to support the ongoing battle of the Daniel Boone Back Country Byway

We have been holding back on a little secret we are super excited to finally share. So, before we all gather up at this Saturday for our Summer Meet & Ride to benefit an amazing cause I thought this would be an opportunity to announce another great cause. One that SFWDA has been earnest about for years now and one which just received a generous $500 donation from the 4LOBOUND crew! Together they have generated proceeds from patch and sticker sales and put it forth to hit their first goal of $500 and donated it all to SFWDA in support of the DBBB.

We at SFWDA wanted to graciously say Thank You! Thanks to everyone who has supported #4lobound and your efforts to raise money. Your donation will go a long way to support the ongoing expenses of the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway. It could not have come at a better time either. In fact we are deep in a long battle to legally reclaim safe and clear passage throughout the whole planned Byway, but we could use more support.

You too can now DONATE online right here, and right now, right on our website with any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All you need is a credit card or even a Paypal account; no registration required. No minimum required. Anonymity is secure.

We appreciate your support!

We really dig the trail and we know this will go a long way to making sure that stays open.
— Thanks again, -4LOBOUND crew

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Want to win a set of BFGoodrich Tires - 5 Tires up to 37" - Scott Fields Benefit Raffle

Scott Fields Benefit Raffle sponsored by BFGoodrich Tires

Want to win a set of BFGoodrich Tires
 5 Tires up to 37"!

$5 Raffle Tickets are being sold right now. Show your support for a good friend of the whole OHV Community especially here in the Southeast, and literally for decades now. Winner drawn live, June 23, 2018! 

Scott Fields and family are in need of your support in this challenging moment. 100% of proceeds will go directly to the family.

Get your tickets at a local event near you. 


$5.00 Tickets - Must not be present to Win - Live Drawing June 23, 2018 

BF Goodrich has donated a set of five tires to be raffled off in support of the Scott Fields Benefit effort. Raffle tickets will be available for just $5.00 each at the Scott Fields Benefit Ride, Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless Day and Clemson 4Wheel Center Poker Run this weekend and other events until June 23 when the winning ticket will be drawn at the SFWDA Uwharrie Meet and Ride. You do not need to be present to win so buy a handful of tickets...

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Scott Fields Benefit Ride - Saturday, May 19th @ Uwharrie - Camping - Raffle - Fund Raiser

Scott Fields Benefit Ride

Hosted by Carolina Trail Blazers & True Patriot

Saturday, May 19th

Trail Riding * Camping * Raffle * Fund Raiser 


Scott Fields has dedicated decades of service and support of OHV recreation in North Carolina. 


Event Hosts True Patriot Inc and Carolina Trail Blazers welcome all to the Scott Fields Benefit Ride May 19th.

 Camping is available for $10 per rig for Friday and Saturday for those wanting to ride in the forest, daily trail pass not included. Camping is included with a $50 donation for the private rides on Big Creek Rocks and Grand Overland District, Ledger Shoals. Rides will be organized by moderate and difficult to take driver experience and vehicle capability into consideration. All rides will leave the event center around 9:30 and return by 5. Lunch is not provided, however, Texalina BBQ will be on hand when the rides return to the events center. 

The raffle will start at 6. Many thanks to Piedmont Performance Diesel & Off-Road for reaching out to MetalCloak and providing the complete install of either a Game Changer or Rock Sport lift kit; as well as Hi-Lift Jacks and Accessories, Root One Six Off Road, and Apex Overland for all of the awesome raffle items.

...UPDATE: thank you Rugged Ridge, Southeast Overland, and ARB for adding to the raffle!...

This event is only possible because of the phenomenal community that Scott is a cornerstone of who have come together on short notice to make this happen. He has greatly impacted the wheeling and veteran communities for many decades and we are honored to be able to do this for him. Scott is in a battle for his life against a rare cancer. All monies will go directly to Scott to cover medical costs, bills, and support his family. Please come out and support this event so all can show their love and appreciation for this great man.

https://www.gofundme.com/scott-fields-mtn-of-medical-bills

Texalina BBQ on site Saturday!!

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Win This Jeep - Help Support our dear friend Scott Field's fight with Cancer

Many of you do not know our good friend Scott Fields. Here is a little look into his OHV life. Scott is very sick and we are trying to support him, his family and the current issues. Please help us help Scott in this time of need. Support the Carolina Trail Blazers, Jason Watson and Team, as they support the Fields family.
— SFWDA President; Ray Stanley

A message from the Carolina Trail Blazers, James Belcher.

The Uwharries, prior to becoming a national forest in 1961 by decree of President John F. Kennedy, were used for hunting, gold mining, timber and farming. All of those activities left a system of roads and trails throughout the forest which continued to be used by recreationists after the Uwharries were name a National Forest. Motorcycles, trucks and early 4wd vehicles accessed the forest for many purposes. With the advent of the ATV in the early 70’s usage of the forest increased.

In the late 70s and early 80s, motorcycle clubs, notably NC Trailriders, under the leadership of John Worsley, were using the forest trail system and developing and maintaining new trails. At this time Scott Fields was living on Badin Lake and as an active outdoorsman, Scott was an active user of Uwharrie National Forest. Scott was an ATV owner who frequently rode the Forest Service roads and hunting trails in the Uwharries. As a “local” Scott became friends with John Worsley and NC Trailriders. Scott would use his Honda Foreman ATV to serve as a pack mule for the motorcycle club as they performed their trail work carrying chainsaws, axes, gas cans and other equipment the motorcycle riders couldn’t carry.

In 1982 Scott purchased a “79 Dodge Power Wagon. This vehicle was capable of carrying much more trail development equipment and Scott’s role in developing the Uwharrie trail system increased as well. At about this same time Forest Service personnel and motorcycle club leadership began to have issues over the trail system usage and maintenance. Legal motorcycle access was even suspended for a short period between 1982 and 1984. It was at this time that Scott began to have a vision to incorporate the off road trails into a Forest Service operation that would serve the full size OHV users in addition to the motorcycles and three wheeler ATVs that were using the trail system. In 1984 the trail system was reopened for all motor usage and was being used by motorcycles, ATVs and full size 4wd vehicles which were becoming very popular.

During this same period of time, 1982-1986, a 4wd event called the Smoky Mountain Trek was being held in the Nantahala National Forest area called Tellico. With the proliferation of full size 4wd usage, the event began to grow beyond its bounds, and the need developed for a recreationist advocacy group to work with the Forest Service in maintaining the trail system.

In the spring of 1987 a new organization was formed to be an advocate for the many individual and club 4wd enthusiasts in the southeast United States. This association was formed as the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association. The inaugural meeting took place in Gatlingburgh, TN. Among the attendees was Scott Fields, a member of the Carolina Trail Blazers 4wd Club, Inc. Scott is a charter member of SFWDA as is the CTB club.

Through his contacts with local enthusiasts, Forest Service personnel and SFWDA leadership, Scott brokered a deal whereby SFWDA would assist the Forest Service in developing an OHV system in the forest which would bring to fruition his vision of a multi-user trail system.

Several of SFWDA’s leaders at that time were experienced heavy machinery operators and Scott recruited their services in operating the machinery that modified the single track trails into something suitable for full size 4wd vehicles. Gunnar Byrd, 2011-2013 SFWDA president, and Griff Shirley were the men on the machines during this phase of the Uwharrie OHV trail system development.

As with many Forest Service programs, the participation of the general public, especially sport specific enthusiasts, was a key to maintaining the new OHV trails. As Scott’s vision began to take shape, the need for someone to coordinate volunteer efforts in this maintenance was self evident. As a resident of the area, an enthusiast and visionary of the project, Scott was the logical choice, and so began his 16 year run as OHV volunteer coordinator for the Uwharrie OHV trail system.

In the mid 2000s Scott suffered some business problems which forced him to curtail his OHV volunteer activities and move away from the Uwharie area. The OHV volunteer coordinator position passed through several people and as participation and communication between the coordinators and the Forest Service declined the Forest Service decided to began using an Adpot-A-Trail Partner program. Instead of having a volunteer coordinator that would work with the various clubs and individuals, clubs would adopt a specific trail to maintain in the Uwharrie OHV system and the Forest Service personnel would coordinate with club leadership.

Without Scott Fields and his vision it is very doubtful that there would even be an OHV trail system in Uwharrie National Forest. He is owed a debt of gratitude from every enthusiast who uses those trails!

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SFWDA Contributes $2,500 Grant to help support "Crawling for Reid" event in 2018

$2,500 Grant Awarded to "Crawling for Reid" event

 In case you missed in the Fourth Annual Crawling for Reid event on Saturday, March 17th at Adventure Off-Road Park in South Pittsburg, TN. Many SFWDA members were in attendance and our President Mr. Ray Stanley presented this very special $2,500 grant to the event organizers and the Underwood family in support of the "Crawling for Reid" event. SFWDA can't express how much we love to support great causes like this one. We hope to do the same again next year, and maybe we'll see you there. 

 Overall we're told they had a very successful event with over 2000 people in the gates and $178,000 dollars raised for Reid Underwood and his Doctor’s (Dr. Jakub Tolar) research foundation at the University of Minnesota.  

"This brings us one step closer to raising the money we need to cure the devastating disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).  We could not have the success we did without the generous support and contributions from our vendors and off road organizations such as SFWDA.  We are truly grateful to have you on our team and hope that you will continue to be a part of this growing off-road event. We have exciting plans for 2019 and are working hard to get your products in front of even more people in the off-road community.  So, thank you again for partnering with us and we look forward to working with you again in 2019." - Bobby Underwood

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Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless Day makes a $5,954.00 contribution to help support a cooperative Grant Project in Uwharrie National Forest

 We wanted to give a huge shout out of gratitude to the Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless Day; who just made a $5,954.00 contribution in 2017 for support of an all new "Interpretative Trail System" project within the Uhwarrie National Forest. 

This project showcases how the OHV community contributes positively.  By supporting the mapping portion of this project, the OHV community illustrates to the overall outdoor recreation community and the National Forest Service that we are dedicated to promoting responsible use of the trail system by all. 

Thank You CBJGTD for your generous support!

 What is the Carolina Beach Go Topless Day like? 

 

Check out the aerial video from last years event....

Carolina Beach Go Topless Day - 2017 https://youtu.be/1bFoIau6CAA


Venuw Location; Wilmington, NC

Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless Day was formed by a few close friends back in 2012 to get out and enjoy the weather, being topless, the beach and most importantly to share a love in our vehicles and give back to the community. We quickly realized just how important this was to the lifelong Jeeper’s and even the newest members to the Jeep community. The first year we had 72 participants and thanks to Neuwirth Motors sponsoring the event, we were able to contribute $1200.00 to local charities around our community. The word quickly got out and the event has beyond grew to 648 Jeeps in 2017 with the help of 4WD joining on and just over $32k being raised and donated to local charities. We invite you to join this event and not only give back for a good cause, but get to be apart of the biggest annual Jeep event in NC.

Learn More.... https://www.jeepgotoplessday.com/ 

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SFWDA joins a Cooperative Grant to provide Smart Maps for all within the Uwharrie National Forest

Uwharrie Co-Op Grant Info Package

 We are very proud to announce an exciting new Educational Grant project to map the Uwharrie National Forest!

 Made possible together with a dynamic team of both sponsors, and volunteers. The team at CartoTracks will not only be mapping the OHV trails, but also the hiking, mountain bike, horse, and kayak trails. Our hope is that this project will bring trail conservation further into the spotlight, potentially saving the lands we all hold so dearly — at Uwharrie National Forest. 

An educational project has been started to turn the Uwharrie National Forest Trail System (UNFTS) into an Interpretative Trail System (ITS), where important key areas along the trails are identified by local experts and then identified with signage along the trail and highlighted on an Interactive Map Application (IMA). This will be the first of its kind in the nation.  



The UNF Interpretative Trail System project is being sponsored by organizations like Tread Lightly!, 4 Wheel Parts, Carolina Trail Blazers, Carolina Jeep Beach Go Topless Day and the National Forest Service. To date each sponsor has donated in their own way to creating the Interpretative Trails in the Uwharrie National Forest.   

Visit our Grants Page to learn how your club or group can make a difference. 

 
This project showcases how the OHV community contributes positively.  By supporting the mapping portion of this project, the OHV community illustrates to the overall outdoor recreation community and the National Forest Service that we are dedicated to promoting responsible use of the trail system by all. 


I am really glad to see SFWDA and Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless Day step up and illustrate to all those that like to recreate in the great outdoors that we are committed to helping provide tools that will help everyone.

While doing the research to determine the value of this Uwharrie National Forest Trail System mapping project, feedback from OHV enthusiasts, hikers, bikers and equestrians indicated a GPS enabled map that requires no cellular network connectivity will help them stay on the designated trails as they trek through the forest.
— Al Sweney - Vice President; SFWDA

Learn More;

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A look back at 2017 and wishing all a Happy New Year for 2018

What's your Association been up to.......

Video from meeting archived on Facebook from our LIVE stream


SFWDA Membership Status

  • Membership overall is up over 10% on a year to year bases.
  • Active club members: 2018 / up 16%
  • Individual members 375 / Premium members 223
  • Clubs 36/ up 12.5%
  • Business members: 62 /up 19.2%

Social Media (Dec. 2017)

  • Facebook Group: 7,006 / up 13%
  • Facebook Page 1,000 Likes + since mid 2017 inception 
  • 500+ followers for Instagram
  • 300 followers on Twitter

Third party awards for BOD Members

  • UFWDA Four-Wheeler of the Year Award:  Flint Holbrook
  • ORBA/SEMA Recognition Award for Outstanding Commitment:  Walter Shafer and Pete Mier

Regional Land Use Updates

Brent Galloway: WindRock – state of park activities

  • Additional cabins to be built on WR land and within the next 2 months online reservation will be available.
  • Building new parking lot next to T2- will be open for special events.  
  • WRP be getting into the concert business.  Spring 2018 will be timeframe of first event.
  • Currently has a Shooting range- shoot your own or rent.
  • A new restaurant on site:  WR Grill   
  • WR Bike Park- leased area for a prof mountain cyclist.   WR is diversifying. 
  • WR ATV Club is involved with trail systems since inception.   Disbanding at end of year.

DBBB Mountain Springs Rd Update:

  • Another hearing schedule on December 6.  We are trying to show 15 years of public use of roads. 
  • Goal to move forward to receive from the court system a Summary Judgement by Feb 2018.

New dialogues about the Blackwater Watershed.

  • Aaron Roddy- Carburetor Hill update:  
  • Early this year Forrest Service has closed it to OHV traffic due to landslide. 
  • Next few years to start process to do a land swap with the Forest Service and County. 

Uwharrie National Forest update: updates by Flint Holbrook and Ray Stanley

  • New District Ranger Michael Spisak  
  • USFS approved Interpretive OHV Trail system developed by Tread Lightly, 4Wheel Parts and Path Less Traveled, Inc.
  • Construction of expansion of Baldwin Lake Trail starting mid-December and will be RTP funding.

Beasley Knob OHV

  • GBR GA RTP grant complete.  The ongoing maintenance continues.
  • Problem area at Nicholson Gap, the potential solution may be re-route.
  • GBR proposed adding camping to Satterfield Station area.
  • Jay Bird discussed new Rock Garden at Beasley Knob.

Tennessee Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails

  • Update provided by Bob Yarbrough: 
  • Things are more positive than in years past.
  • Currently in the planning stage which includes the study and surveys of OHV usage

NFS Region 8 Southern Region Recreations Resource Advisory committee

  • Ray Stanley has seat on committee
  • First meeting was elections, setting up structure and by-laws.

South Carolina Recreation Trail Program

  • Updates provided by Flint Holbrook
  • Rebecca Smith is the point of contact.
  • Trick N Traction looking for RTP grant to provide help to land area.

GA Recreation Trail Program Ken Sutz GA RTP committee

  • Completed a 2year cycle for RTP grant funds.
  • Estimating roughly 2million dollars available for motorized RTP grant funds.
  • Pre-application phase in progress and Phase 2 scheduled to commence April 2018
  • GA NR Projects for 2017
  • Conassuga Ranger district OHV trail Maintenance $70K
  • Bush Head Shoals State ATV Park $1.1M ATV project
         Proposal had public resistance with NEPA issues; the project was not approved.
  • GA DNR Projects for 2018, preliminary $2M to develop OHV trails.

Overview on Land Use:

Adventure Off Road Park:

  • change of ownership in 2017  
  • Committed to hosting Trailfest May 3-6 2018
  • Troy discussed conversations with Shawn and his continued commitment to the AOP.

Big Creek Rocks LLC Uwharrie NC

  • Mapping by Cartotracks/ campsites built / entrance gate and fencing installed / road repaired and shelter pad rocked.

Busted Knuckle Off-Road Park, Stevenson AL

  • Monitor progress of BKOR / hosting SFWDA M&R March 3, 2018

Coalmount TN Southern Gulf Off Road Park:

  • Roger Theurer provided status of construction.
  • TN RTP grant – purchased 1340 acres with an additional RTP grant for Construction
  • Started the project in 2010; $528K construction grant coming in.
  • Will need volunteers to help complete this park.  
  • Will be requesting SFWDA grant to help maintain water issues and road access.
  • Target is to open in end of year 2018.

Golden Mountain Park – Sparta Tn

  • Property is for sale and was reclassified for tax purposes.
  • GMP loss significant monies in recent periods.
  • DR31 & DR32 on GMP calendar, but no firm commitment if property sells.
  • Review findings of Event Planning Committee in the 2018 SFWDA calendar building portion of meeting. SFWDA will continue to monitor progress of any potential investors.

Tread Lightly updates

Al Sweeney:  Master Trainer Regional training projected schedule

  • July in Troy NC
  • November in Greenville SC   
  • Support of UNF Interpretive trail and SFWDA Educational Initiatives
  • Membership discussion on cost, time and requirements for having a Master Training Class with individual clubs in the Southeastern area.

ORBA and UFWDA

  • ORBA association of motorized offroad related businesses formed to promote and preserve off road recreation.
  • One Voice: explanation of the purpose and what is stands for “one voice to our government leaders”

2018 Grant opportunities:

  • Regional Tread Lightly Training  
  • Educational Videos
  • Organizational Support
  • Charity Contributions
  • UNF Mapping Project

2018 Organization support

Charity Contributions

  • Grant request to continue annual commitment to $1K each to TreadLightly, UFWDA, ORBA, and BRC
  • Grant request to donate $2500 each charity Crawling for Reid and 4 wheeling for a Cure

UNF Interpretive Trail System Project

  • Scope: create printable map of 173 miles in UNFTS which includes OHV, hiking, mountain bike, horse back and Kayaking trails.  Key part of Treadlightly interpretive trail project.
  • Start Dec 2017 / projected complete date May 2018
  • Total cost $10,954 / Carolina Beach Jeep Go Topless contributing $5954/4 Wheels Parts $10,000
  • Approved $5K SFWDA grant to help support

We are optimistic for a very successful and prosperous year ahead in 2018.


Hope to see you on the trails soon. 

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BESTOP has contributed an all new "TREKTOP NX" for the 1997-2017 Jeep Wrangler for one lucky person at our Trailfest 2017 Raffle!

You Could Win an this brand new
"TREKTOP NX"
for any 1997-2017 Jeep Wrangler from our friends at BesTop! 

Fits Any Year, Any Color, Any Body, Any Style

  We’ve covered all the angles. Bestop's innovative fastback styling has made Trektop NX the best selling soft top on the market today. Trektop NX is truly a complete soft top but doesn't need all the frame hardware and bows of traditional soft top designs. It takes advantage of the Wrangler's sport bars to give it shape and support for an easier installation. And there's an added bonus to the Trektop NX - just zip out the windows and it transforms into a Safari Bikini Top.  Learn More.... https://www.sfwda.org/bestop 

For 1997-2017 Wrangler TJ/JK models

  • Includes everything necessary for installation including factory-style header, tinted 30-mil side and rear windows, factory-style door surrounds and tailgate bar.
  • Our premium-quality multi-layer sailcloth fabric maintains its shape in all temperatures, is mildew-resistant, contains UV inhibitors.
  • Tailgate bar allows you to open tailgate without unzipping the rear window for trouble free access.
  • Top Arch Bar spans the space above the seating area to keep the top tight, reduce flapping, and minimize puddling.
  • Bestop's exclusive patented polymer Door Surrounds are based on the OEM surrounds we supply on factory Wranglers.
  • Fits factory full steel hard doors – also compatible with any Bestop door kit (sold separately).
  • Also available for 04-06 TJD Unlimited.

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