Season 2 of our Educational Video Series is Starting Now!

 Season 2 of our Educational Video Series
is Starting Now....

  Off Road Education is at the core of our association's directive. A strong emphasis of our core mission is placed on education. All OHV enthusiasts are encouraged to practice safe and courteous driving and proper vehicle use off road.

We work closely with certified instructors, and professional trainers within the region who teach the principles of Tread Lightly! and best practices for safe and effective off road driving.

This continuing series of videos discuss some of the most common and useful best practices of traveling off road and managing a variety of obstacles that you may be confronted with. Stay tuned for a 5 new titles in Season 2 featuring topics like " What to carry on a 1 day trail ride", safe operation of a High Lift jack and a Winch as well as How to avoid getting stuck and in an emergency "How to get unstuck". We will be releasing these videos monthly throughout the year beginning with our first title feature already out within this months newsletter. 

 These videos are created with idea that through proper Education we will all enjoy continued safe use and access of our trail systems. Produced through our Non-Profit Associations Grant Program which supports our core mission of Education, Conservation, and Recreation. Check out our website SFWDA.org to learn more get involved.

UPDATE ALERT * Spring Meet & Ride at Turkey Bay OHV will be Postponed until April 2, 2016

Access over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, 200 miles of paved roads, 500 miles of trails, 100 + miles of OHV trails, and 170,000 acres of forests and open lands.

* UPDATE ALERT * Spring Meet & Ride
will be Postponed until April 2, 2016

  Due to uncontrollable weather related circumstances our upcoming Meet & Ride at Turkey Bay OHV Area, near the shores of beautiful Kentucky Lake has been postponed. Forest service reports indicate the soil in the area has become too saturated. In effort to prevent excessive erosion the park will be temporarily closed.  The back up plan already in place is to reschedule until Saturday, April 2, 2016. Same place, time, and same agenda otherwise. 

 This will remain our first SFWDA Meet & Ride of 2016. The Stones River Jeep Club, Murfreesboro, TN will host this event and provide guided Trail rides throughout the park. 

For Full Details check out our original Message Board & Events page;
http://www.sfwda.org/message-board/blog/2016/1/18/sfwda-spring-meet-ride-of-2016

To Register / RSVP Online today:
http://www.sfwda.org/event-calendar#id=120&wid=201&cid=1044

Wilderness First Aid Education Demonstration unveils at TrailFest 2016

Another exciting development is our new Education Initiative. This year you can learn about the basics of Wilderness First Aid hands-on with a demo of a real life scenario of how to handle a compound fracture leg while out trail riding miles from services. Led by a 30 year veteran EMT and member of Warner Robbins Jeep Club. Learn the basics of what do first, and what not to do ever, so that you can be better prepared in the event of a real emergency.
(Spots will be very limited and registration will be announced soon.)

Announcing the 4th Annual "4 Wheeling for a Cure" April 9, 2016 at Windrock Park

4 Wheeling for a Cure

April 9, 2016

 Windrock Park
Oliver Springs, TN

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Brian Overly presenting the 2015 event proceeds check to St. Jude organization representative

 Join the Rattlerock Club for the Fourth Annual 4 Wheeling For A Cure Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!  In honor of Brendle Sara Overly, Jim Tunnell, D.A. Young and Kenneth Spence where all proceeds are donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in hopes of finding cures and saving children.

Help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital change the way the world treats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood survival rate from 20 percent when the hospital opened in 1962 to more than 80 percent today.

Because of St. Jude supporters, St. Jude creates more clinical trials for cancer than any other children's hospital and turns laboratory discoveries into lifesaving treatments that benefit patients — every day.

How your support helps kids:

Thanks to committed fundraisers and donors like you, no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.
St. Jude shares its research discoveries worldwide, so one child saved at St. Jude means thousands more saved worldwide.

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Questions?
Contact Brian Overly 865-308-3310

Official St. Jude Donation Page
http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?fr_id=56286&pg=entry

Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/StJude4WheelingforaCure

Warn Winch & Clemson 4WD Center are together donating a Brand New Warn Zeon 10K-S Winch for TrailFest 2016!

        Register Now for TrailFest 2016
and you could
WIN THIS WINCH ! 

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WARN® ZEON® 10-S
10,000 lbs. of cutting-edge pulling muscle
Choose your way to conquer the terrain. The ZEON 10-S is tough enough to tackle anything you will, with a look that is advanced, capable and strong. Muck-busting sealing keeps out everything but the good times. Add a hyper-durable cast-aluminum housing, satin-black finish, and 10,000 lbs. single-line pulling capacity and, well, you've got a workhorse unit you can trust for years to come.   https://www.warn.com/truck/winches/ZEON_10-S.shtml

THANK YOU BOTH!

Warn Winch & Clemson 4WD Center are together donating a Brand New Warn Winch to be raffled off at TrailFest 2016.

How do you I qualify? 
As part of an exclusive raffle feature this year all individuals who register in advance and online for TF'16 will be automatically entered into this exclusive raffle. No additional purchase necessary! 

Thank You for supporting SFWDA!! Please be sure to remember these brand names during your next purchase. Support like this is what enable to be effective at our core mission. 

#trailfest2016   #warn 

Clemson 4WD Center

Why Shop Clemson 4WD Center?

• Experience. In the off-road equipment business since 1970. Thats 44 years of serving upstate South Carolina!
• More Experience. Our employees are also off-road enthusiasts. We actually go out and use the stuff we sell.
• Customer service. Some of the other guys have phone operators, but you can rest assured that we have knowledgeable staff.
• Product service. We install & service the products we sell.

Discounted Hotel rooms at Holiday Inn Express for SFWDA at TrailFest 2016

Located in Kimball, TN Just a few miles from the parks entrance at AOP. 

 Last year we have partnered with IHG Properties. This great partnering provides a special SFWDA members only rate at the Holiday Inn Express in Kimball, TN. This is the featured hotel of The Adventure Off Road Park or AOP and TrailFest 2016. Conveniently located just down the road from the parks entrance. Our discounted rate applies year round and will allow you to book without and cancellation penalty. Book online today using the link below or call direct and mention your SFWDA Membership for the discount. 

Holiday Inn Express - Kimball
300 Battlecreek Road
Kimball, TN 37380
(423) 837-1500   /   1-800-HOLIDAY
Front Desk Manager, Christeena Deford
kbltn@bellsouth.net

SFWDA Event Rates:  

• King Size Bed$85*plus TAX  

• Two Queen Size Beds$85*plus TAX

• King Suite Room$95*plus TAX

*(book at this rate without any cancellation penalty)

Corporate Number: 786790826

Parking is always FREE!  Also have space available for parking trailers. 

Registration is still discounted until March 1st, but rooms may sell out sooner. Book both now and be sure to get in on the biggest TrailFest event yet! 

* Based upon availability.  Cannot be combined with any other discount(s).  Not guaranteed during other special events. 

TrailFest 2016 is Absolutely Fun for the Whole Family!

Kids of all ages will enjoy TrailFest 2016 featuring the new "Family Fun Zone".

  This year we've made several enhancements that the whole family is sure to appreciate. We're adding a Rock Climbing Wall, a Digital Scavenger Hunt, Field Activities, all in addition to our Bounce House, and an R/C Challenge with a great prize. Did I mention there will also be Fun Eats & Treats through throughout the whole weekend from a variety of food truck vendors.  Make sure you bring out the whole family this year! There's sure to be something to enjoy for kids of all ages. We'll see you at AOP; let's have some fun, and make some great memories! 

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"The ROCK" Ultimate Rock Climbing Challenge

Features:

• 28 ft. tall
• 4 climbing stations = 4 climbers at 1 time
• Auto-belay hydraulic safety system = Safety First !
• Stainless Steel 1/4" safety cables (5,000 lb. break rating) - no nylon ropes for safety lines
• Various Skill levels for climbing by all ages
• No age limit: 30 lbs to 250 lbs.
• Professionally Operated & Supervised

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Unlimited Climbing, Sliding, and Bouncing in
"The CASTLE"! 

• The Bounce "Castle" features 3 activities in one
• Safe for all ages
• Come and go as you please
• Play on it all weekend long at no extra cost. 

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"Win an R/C Crawler" 
Axial SCX10 R/C Crawler Jeep  

•  All ages are invited to participate. 
• Meet up near the pavilion Saturday morning where we will Race R/C's on a challenging Mini Rocks obstacle course.
• Don't have an R/C of your own, no problem.
• No car of your own will be necessary, we will have a couple on site for participants to drive. 
• The "driver" with the fastest time through the gate overall takes home a brand new Axial SCX10 R/C Crawler, Jeep Wrangler valued at $350. 

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In between the Rock Wall, Playground, R/C Trucks, Treat's, and Bounce House be sure you save some time for our scheduled and Inaugural TrailFest "Digital Scavenger Hunt" on Saturday afternoon where we will send the kids out on a - No Adults Allowed Adventure  around the Main Pavilion to  seek, hunt, and discover a creative list of people, places, things, and challenges; all of which must be photographed to count! 

SFWDA Welcomes members to join the NOHVCC for 3rd Annual - TN OHV Day on the Hill

2016 OHV Day on the Hill -
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Photo from our 2015 TN OHV Day on the Hill 

 The concept of this day is for various groups representing motorized OHV recreation to come together at the Tennessee State Capitol "On the Hill" to promote and discuss Off Highway Vehicle areas on public lands across the state. Michelle Russell of the NOHVCC is spearheading this event and leading the discussions.

 Previously attending were members of the ATV/side by side, dirt bike and full size four wheel drive communities, making voices heard to promote and discuss off highway recreation areas on public lands in the state. 

 Groups represented were NOHVCC, Mountain Trail Riders, Southern Four Drive Association, and supporters of the Coalmont project. Southern Four Wheel Drive Association was represented by Past Presidents Bob Yarbrough and Gary Parsons and long time Dixie Run Coordinator Greg Griffith. Knox Off Road and Franklin County Off Road Club along with Mountain Trail Riders and NOHVCC had tables set up to promote awareness of motorized ohv recreation. Also, a huge THANK YOU goes to Michelle Russell for spearheading this event and leading the discussions. (If I left anyone out I apologize.)

Schedule of Day's Events

7:30am - Booth setup in War Memorial Building near legislative hearing rooms
8:00-9:15am - OHV Roundtable in Senate Chamber, 2nd Floor Capitol
9:15-9:45am - Lt Gov Ron Ramsey welcome, Senate Chamber
9:45-10:00am - Speaker Beth Harwell welcome, Senate Chamber
10:00 - 3:00pm - Visit legislators, committee hearings, OHV booths
3:00 - Booth breakdown
Optional * 11:00 & 1:00 - Capitol Building Tour (first come, first served)

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Highlights from Last Year:

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TN Capital Building "On the Hill"

 On April 7th, 2015 Tennessee hosted it's second annual TN OHV Day on the Hill where representatives of various motorized recreation groups (off-roading) came to the capitol to enjoy the end of session legislative fun, meet with state elected officials and gathered in the awe-inspiring senate chambers for updates and discussion on several significant projects across the state.

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Lt. Govenor Ron Ramsey

  Special welcome from Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey & Speaker Beth Harwell.
Current legislation. HB1104/SB1003 creates a nine member board that will recommend to the legislature, at the beginning of next session (by Jan 1, 2016), a course of action for the following: Creating a statewide, self-funded TN OHV safety and training program, creating an inventory of TN public land available for OHV use, as well as potential opportunities, and when coming up with these recommendations, investigate how other states are doing it well.
Presentation by Bob Yarbrough, TN Greenways & Trails OHV representative, on his recent study of the economic impact numbers from several offroading events in the state. Mind blowing.
Updates on several big projects: Doe Mountain, Coalmont and Aetna Mountain Adventures.
Great club success stories, like Mountain Trail Riders Association and Franklin County Offroad Club.
Leadership updates from NOHVCC-Tennessee and Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA).

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2014 - TN OHV Day on the Hill 

This is a great event for youngsters to attend with their parents and experience their state capitol at work. Last year, NOHVCC-Tennessee Associate Partner Joey Blevins brought his grandson Caleb to the event. So great to see the next generation of OHV leaders starting early!

SFWDA Spring Meet & Ride of 2016 at Turkey Bay. Land Between the Lakes, Golden Pond, KY. Hosted by Stones River Jeep Club

Access over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, 200 miles of paved roads, 500 miles of trails, 100 + miles of OHV trails, and 170,000 acres of forests and open lands.

SFWDA Spring 2016 Meet and Ride
Hosted by Stones River Jeep Club
Turkey Bay OHV Area, 
Land Between the Lakes,
Golden Pond, KY

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*  UPDATE ALERT * THIS EVENT IS NOW RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 2, 2016. *

Same time, location, etc. Remaining details below. 

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Join us at Turkey Bay OHV Area, near the shores of beautiful Kentucky Lake on Saturday, April 2, 2016 for the first SFWDA Meet & Ride of 2016. The Stones River Jeep Club, Murfreesboro, TN will host this event and provide guided Trail rides throughout the park. 

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Located in western Kentucky and Tennessee between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.

Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area provides designated trails for OHV riding and Self-Service Camping. Centrally located, Turkey Bay offers a variety of topography and trails for everyone.

The area consists of approximately 100 miles of primary, secondary, and tertiary trails for many different levels of OHV ridin, .and is managed by the USFS. There is a $20 (1-3 day) usage fee collected by the USFS upon arrival to the park. 

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Turkey Bay OHV Area

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Turkey Bay Trail System offers 100+ miles for every type of OHV. 

• SEASON - Year Round

• HOURS  - Sunrise to Sunset

• ADMISSION - One to Three-Day Permit is $20.  Annual permit is $75.

• GPS - N 36 45' 00.0" / W 88 04' 19.0"

• PHYSICAL ADDRESS -
  80 Turkey Creek Road
  Golden Pond, KY 42211

• TRAILHEAD LOCATION - 2.3 miles / 5 minutes south of the Visitor's Center on the Trace.

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Free Registration!
Register online today, free for all SFWDA members (Separate $20 entry fee includes up to 3 days of LBL Park access.) for a full day of fun to meet your association, the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, and explore the beautiful LBL trails.  On-site check in will open at 8:00 AM CST.  Our SFWDA meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 AM CST.  Trail rides will begin at 10:00 AM CST. 

Coming to Turkey Bay?  Consider an Overnight Stay!
 You could pitch a tent at Turkey Bay in the camping area.  In addition to the trails, Turkey Bay OHV permits camping at designated areas near the lake along road 167.  An added perk of the campsites is the ability to wake up and ride directly to the trails, as the sites offer chemical toilets, unloading ramps, and drinking water. But if you need some additional amenities, consider from a variety of lodging options located just outside Land Between The Lakes and a few minutes from Turkey Bay. https://www.explorekentuckylake.com/lbl/ohv.htm

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We will be collecting supplies for the community to be distributed through this local organization. 

It's for Charity!
We initiated a charitable component to our Meet & Ride events last year and our charity for this event will be The Journey Home, a Christian Outreach Center for the homeless and at-risk individuals and families in Rutherford County, TN.  For more information please check this link:  www.lovegodservepeople.org/.  Each attendee is asked to donate one item to support this outreach effort.  Suggestions:  Caned / Boxed food (none-perishable food item); or all sizes of clothing (slightly used is OK).  Highest need is for socks, under garments, shoes and diapers.  Please join us and support The Journey Home.

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Due to FURTHER potential Winter weather related closures, please check our Facebook and web page for updates on the event. 

For more details about camping, nearby lodging, maps, and more travel accommodations check out the LBL travelers resource page for Turkey Bay. 
http://www.landbetweenthelakes.com/attractions/turkey-bay-ohv-area/

For Specifics on Park Rules & Regulations, hours of operation,  camping opportunities, and much more from the USFS about LBL. 
http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/trails/turkey-bay/

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Browse through some web sourced images below from the LBL park, it's trails, and incorporated amenities......

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Free PDF Map Download provided by our USFS 

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We highly encourage all person attending to download, print, and complete the Turkey Bay OHV Area Liability Waiver Form and have $20 cash ready before arriving to expedite the check in process for everyone. 

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Direct Link to Registration
http://www.sfwda.org/event-calendar#id=120&wid=201&cid=1044

SFWDA delegates meet with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to discuss current RTP projects plans for 2016

A number of SFWDA members had a very open dialogue today with the Recreational team from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to discuss current RTP projects, plans for 2016 and facilitate the introductions of Jay Bird, Past President SFWDA and GBR, as our Georgia Co-Trails Representative; and Ken Sutz, long standing SFWDA and GBR member, as our Georgia Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Representative. As a critical OHV Stakeholder, we want to thank both Jay Bird and Ken Sutz for volunteering for these critical roles as Dave Logan moves on with new professional commitments with Omix-ADA (Rugged Ridge), one of our supporting SFWDA Business Members.

Dave Logan is retiring after a long term as Georgia RTP Representative

We also want to thank Dave Logan for his volunteer commitments since 2008 in representing the Georgia Bounty Runners and our association, SFWDA, in both of these roles. Dave has also been critical in the development of our SFWDA Educational Video series over the last few years and will continue to serve as a resource and adviser. Thank you Dave Logan for your service.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/conf/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5427592&width=full