The Daily Chat Thread (2 Viewers)

[LCCRUISER]

Well Chris, it is almost new.

Old and new side by side - Cool! Another incentive to talk my wife into making a 4Runner her next purchase instead of the X3 or Lexus 350. I can see us going in that on our next western expedition since I will be giving up the FJC to buy a Tundra or something diesel for towing.

 

[Wrench]

Is the 97 Dodge 2500 junk?

 

[LCCRUISER]

Now, getting back to the LMFT thing before I get into the pipe again.

I can understand Bob's point of view and concerns. On the other hand, just because some YT members go down there on their own to run those trails, doesn't make it a YT run or involve YT at all.

I went once last year and once this year after paying my dues to LMFT and never went there with the thought that I was there as a YT member or representing the club. Unless those people who go there make it a point to announce that they are from a particular NEA club while getting a non-NEA run together or while they are on the run, I don't see an issue. I didn't even wear a YT shirt either time I went down there.

Some of the other YT people I have gone down there with seem to have a bad case of HAD (Heep Adoration Disorder). And even though the Toy often shows them up and rarely breaks even with mostly stock parts, their HAD affliction continues. For some reason, they also feel compelled to upgrade to bigger and bigger hardware like one ton axles and gigantic tires and other spendy stuff. Who would even know they are from YT?

Unfortunately, LMFT has dropped its own ball with the website being down and no smooth system in place for trail signups. The most recent post I saw on their FaceBook page inquired as to whether or not the page was even still active. They are referenced on the State of NH's OHRV trail system website and the link comes up with an error. It's not just an issue with us, it's also an issue for bikers, ATV's and Snowmobilers.

It's a fun area to go to occasionally, so I hope they resolve their issues. I can see going there maybe 2-3 times a year, but like anything else, it gets boring to run the same routes over and over again. I have no plans to be there more often than that. I'd prefer a wider variety of venues for wheeling then just one place.

PS: I'm not going tomorrow, not enough time to get the rig ready for it.

 

[LCCRUISER]

Is the 97 Dodge 2500 junk?

No, it's a good rig for towing and the plow is a big plus considering that I'm about to become the EGG and have a very long driveway. Virtually no rust. I think I'll keep the Dodge for plowing since it has the solid front end and I have so little into it. When it does finally fall apart, the Dana 60's, drivetrain and frame will be a good base for a buggy with a 40 body.

 

[Wrench]

Your calling your 4runner Tippy? LOL.

 

[LCCRUISER]

Yep, for now. I've been going over a variety of names in my head and with friends since I bought it and after the last excursion at Gretchen's with the roll, Tippy seemed to sum it all up. I'm working on making it a bit more stable with some limiting straps.

 

[green40]

It was interesting today to read the sign posted at the entrance to Wambus from LMFT.
Seems that only 8 of their members are 4x4 people. They say 75% of the membership is
snow machine and ATV.
Because the 4x4 people aren't coughing up enough money in membership dues they will be closing the trails
next year.
Will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[rain76king]

Lane, that sign was placed there by a private landowner and not the collective LMFT as far as I know.

It is true that the 4x4 community has really not invested in membership.

I have a meeting with a LMFT rep next Sunday.
I know their has been some discussion of gating a majority of the property.

Lets hope this doesn't happen.

 

[82cruiser]

green40 -

...Because the 4x4 people aren't coughing up enough money in membership dues they will be closing the trails
next year.

Have they said how much the 4x4 community needs to cough up? Knowing this would help us and other clubs participate to the level of the the ATV & snow machine clubs. Would be interesting to see how much we are in the red.

 

[82cruiser]

Swanzey is beautiful this time of year! Fun run yesterday with a great group.

First pic - standard disclaimer

 

[82cruiser]

...more...

 

[Liza]

Now, getting back to the LMFT thing before I get into the pipe again.

I can understand Bob's point of view and concerns. On the other hand, just because some YT members go down there on their own to run those trails, doesn't make it a YT run or involve YT at all.

I went once last year and once this year after paying my dues to LMFT and never went there with the thought that I was there as a YT member or representing the club. Unless those people who go there make it a point to announce that they are from a particular NEA club while getting a non-NEA run together or while they are on the run, I don't see an issue. I didn't even wear a YT shirt either time I went down there.

The problem there is when you organize or announce a trailride on the YT forum it's hard to argue that it isn't a YT "approved" run.

 

[thepinktaco]

It was interesting today to read the sign posted at the entrance to Wambus from LMFT.
Seems that only 8 of their members are 4x4 people. They say 75% of the membership is
snow machine and ATV.
Because the 4x4 people aren't coughing up enough money in membership dues they will be closing the trails
next year.
Will be interesting to see what happens.

It's interesting they say that but they also don't want to work with us. I'd pay to play in Swanzey if I had to, but the guy from lmft doesn't seem the bit interested in our side.

 

[rain76king]

So tired of politics and balancing personalities and situations.

I just want to wheel.

 

[Krazyfj]

Goal is to do that exit sans rope with the buggy.

Looking at the exit to that trail with Lane, looks like your not getting up that unless your running 42's" at least, big deep holes in-between good sized rocks on a fairly steep ledge

 

[Krazyfj]

The problem there is when you organize or announce a trailride on the YT forum it's hard to argue that it isn't a YT "approved" run.

Agreed,,,

 

[Krazyfj]

Lane, that sign was placed there by a private landowner and not the collective LMFT as far as I know.

It is true that the 4x4 community has really not invested in membership.

I have a meeting with a LMFT rep next Sunday.
I know their has been some discussion of gating a majority of the property.

Lets hope this doesn't happen.

I would be interested to know what if anything we could do as a community to help LMFT run/operate, I'd be willing to help if it meant keeping this area open.

 

[rain76king]

I would be interested to know what if anything we could do as a community to help LMFT run/operate, I'd be willing to help if it meant keeping this area open.

I'll have solid answers after this weekend.
There will be several work days in the next few weeks both run by the NEA and LMFT.

I think the first step is volunteering assistance and following through with it.

Situations like this seem to come up at least once a year, everyone throws their hands up and starts freaking out, they then offer help and then do nothing.....,

I know that between family, work and everyday life, time is at a premium and it can be hard to find time for your hobby/sport of wheeling.... But I'll tell you what, if we don't start putting some time aside there won't be any trails for us to wheel.

I will report back after my meeting with LMFT and post up what we can collectively do to help keep these trails open.
I will also post up the work days as soon as I get them.

 

[LCCRUISER]

I'm beginning to think that the LMFT is some sort of secret society.

My suggestion is that you ask them to give us a working website where people can sign up so that the area isn't overused by 4WD rigs. That's what they decided to do last year. It should also be a website where people could contribute $ and/or volunteer time.

I paid my dues and never got a response. I think one should at least get a member decal for the rig after joining. I also paid for a map that is a total joke.

Some of us live close and some of us live 200 miles away. In any case, we all want to keep it open and are willing to help in whatever way we are able.

If they only want ATV's and snowmobiles there, then they should just say so and quit complaining about the 4WD users. From what I've seen, the NEA clubs have done most of the trail cuts. If that doesn't count for anything then they can .................

 

[LCCRUISER]

Lane, that sign was placed there by a private landowner and not the collective LMFT as far as I know.

It is true that the 4x4 community has really not invested in membership.

I have a meeting with a LMFT rep next Sunday.
I know their has been some discussion of gating a majority of the property.

Lets hope this doesn't happen.

If the sign is on the landowner's property, that's OK by me, it's his opinion. I have the impression that LMFT was distancing itself from the verbiage on that sign, true? On the other hand, isn't LMFT in a position to have it removed, especially if it is on the LMFT property?

We really have to find a way to keep access for the NEA clubs at the least.