Messages

1

Vendor Feedback / Experiences / Re: Blue Ridge Overland Gear

« on: July 16, 2015, 12:51:39 pm »

Thanks for the reply Bill and appreciate the compliment too! Not bragging, but we are proud of our gear .

I look forward to getting to meet you this weekend as well.

Safe travels, and we'll see you on Saturday!

Be well,
Richard

2

Vendor Feedback / Experiences / Blue Ridge Overland Gear

« on: July 08, 2015, 09:50:10 pm »

Hey folks. Just thought that I would post up to say hello, introduce ourselves, and offer to save you some money too.

We help folks organize their stuff, so they can enjoy their time outside more.

Blue Ridge Overland Gear
The Thread Shed
Bedford, VA 24523
866-855-5471
http://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/

I work for Blue Ridge Overland Gear and have since August of 2010. Mostly I cut fabric to make our gear, but all 5 of us do whatever it takes to get the job done here.

The PA Jeep show is a little over a week away. If you're planning on attending and there is anything that you would like to purchase, we can save you the shipping cost and deliver it to you at the fairground. Remember that this applies to all brands of gear that we carry not just BROG items. Simply put "Deliver to PA Jeep show" in the comments of your order and we'll bring it to you there. Please be sure to stop by and see Matt and I even if you don't preorder .

We make our own gear, as well as being an Authorized Goal Zero, Hydro Flask, NANUK, Road Shower, Life Straw, Engel USA, DeLorme inReach, Tembo Tusk, CVT Roof Top Tent, and Quick Fist Dealer. We can make you the custom piece that you need for your rig, or even create a product for your company too.

Any questions? feel free to either give me a call at 855-866-5471 Ext. 2 or just shoot me an email at Richard@blueridgeoverlandgear.com .

See ya at the show!

Be well,
Richard Drechsel

You can follow us on Facebook too: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear

3

National Issues / UFWDA - Immediate Action Needed

« on: November 10, 2010, 11:06:50 pm »

United Four Wheel Drive Associations
Lame Duck Sessions


For Immediate Release


Contact:
Chris Saunders
UFWDA
Director of Environmental Affairs
Email: Landuse@ufwda.org


Currently, the House and Senate are idle due to the November elections. On November 15th, the “Lame Duck” sessions will begin.

A “Lame Duck” session of Congress occurs whenever Congress meets after its successor is elected, but before the successor’s term begins. In current practice, any meetings of Congress after Election Day, but before the following January 3rd, is a “Lame Duck” session.

UFWDA is concerned the Wilderness Society will push legislators for pleas to pass wilderness legislation during the Lame Duck sessions. This is considered to be one of the most immediate threats to our recreation on public lands.

UFWDA is asking you to help by contacting your Congressman and asking for their commitment to oppose any public land omnibus bill that is submitted during the Lame Duck sessions.

With these sessions beginning on November 15th, your immediate response is required. We suggest that you contact your local Congressman by phone or email. You can also choose to send a written letter to your Congressman, which can be just as effective.

For Congressional Contact Information, you can visit: http://www.ufwda.org/write-your-congressman/congressional-contact-information/

If you choose to send a written letter, tips and sample letters are available here: http://www.ufwda.org/write-your-congressman/

Please take the time to make your voice heard and considered in Washington.



# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

United Four Wheel Drive Associations is the world’s leading representative of all-brand four-wheel drive enthusiasts. UFWDA benefits, developed and tested true over the past 30 years, include four-wheel drive safety and awareness education; user ethics programs such as Adopt-A-Road, conservation volunteer, and volunteer trail patrol; assistance with new club formation; education seminars to guide four-wheelers through complex state and federal programs affecting trail access; and internet forums designed to connect members globally and instantaneously;. For more information on the UFWDA, log on to www.ufwda.org or call toll free 1-800-44-UFWDA (800-448-3932).

UFWDA
PO Box 16982
Chesapeake, VA 23328


Richard Drechsel
Director of Public Relations
UFWDA
P.O. Box 16982
Chesapeake, VA 23328
email: PRdirector @ UFWDA.ORG (no spaces)

4

National Issues / UFWDA launches new Land Use Committee

« on: September 15, 2010, 01:47:18 am »

As many of you have heard, UFWDA is working hard to re-establish relationships on a national level, working harder on land use issues, and making United bigger and better than ever before. For the first time in quite a while, we have a full board of directors with new members along with the seasoned veterans, all with new and fresh ideas. The Board members have already made significant progress and are excited about new items on the horizon which will be announced soon.

One of those things is our new Land Use Committee. We are very proud and eager to get this up and running. We wanted to create a committee of land use directors across the nation. This would provide the chance to gather information and better assist one another other on issues facing each region and/or state. Since UFWDA is based on providing and coordinating land use efforts on a national level, this committee will be a great step accomplishing this goal.

The purpose for such a committee is to bring all of the land use directors together on a regular basis. During this time, we can discuss situations occurring in each of our areas, which will allow me to keep our attorney informed on which issues we need addressed. It will also allow us to share ideas on things that have worked effectively in certain areas as well as not so effectively. We will also have the opportunity to come up with new and improved ways to become more effective in all of our land use efforts.

The Committee will have its first conference call in late September to establish meeting protocol. Once that has taken place, an invite will go out to all land use directors who want to participate and become involved in this committee.

I hope you take the opportunity to become apart of this great committee. I am positive that once we all put our heads together, we can make a huge difference!

For anyone interested in participating, or simply having questions on the committee, feel free to send me an email to: landuse@ufwda.org. I look forward to working with each and every one of you in order to help save our trails!

Thank you,

Chris Saunders
Director of Environmental Affairs
UFWDA
P.O. Box 16982
Chesapeake, VA 23328
landuse@ufwda.org

Richard Drechsel
Director of Public Relations
UFWDA
P.O. Box 16982
Chesapeake, VA 23328
email: PRdirector @ UFWDA.ORG (no spaces)

5

National Issues / UFWDA announces new Land Use Bulletin

« on: September 15, 2010, 01:14:47 am »

UFWDA Land Use Bulletin

United Four Wheel Drive Associations is pleased to announce the launch of our
new land use tool, “UFWDA Bulletin”.
The idea is to keep everyone informed about land use related topics.

For anyone interested in the land use happenings across the country, subscribe
to the "UFWDA Bulletin". This new feature allows land use news, info, and alerts
to be sent directly to you. It's free, it's quick, and it's easy...so sign up today!

http://eepurl.com/2ezc

Look for "UFWDA Bulletin" to be sent out starting September 24th
Thank you,

Chris Saunders
Director of Environmental Affairs
UFWDA
P.O. Box 16982
Chesapeake, VA 23328
landuse@ufwda.com

Richard Drechsel
Director of Public Relations
UFWDA
P.O. Box 16982
Chesapeake, VA 23328
email: PRdirector @ UFWDA.ORG (no spaces)

6

National Issues / United Four Wheel Drive Assoc. March 2010 Power of ONE

« on: March 12, 2010, 01:43:11 pm »

THE POWER OF ONE!

United Four Wheel Drive Associations launched a campaign for 2010 that illustrates the power of ONE! The goal is to show how ONE can make a difference. Whether it is ONE person, ONE dollar or ONE organization, we can collectively make a difference.

Send us your dollar today and see what the Power of ONE dollar can do to support the sport that we all love!!

THE POWER OF ONE DOLLAR!
* Will help SAVE THE TRAILS!
* Will allow us to offer new and exciting programs!

SEND ONE DOLLAR TO:

UFWDA
14525 SW Millikan Way #22622
Beaverton, OR 97005-2343

SEND IN YOUR DOLLAR TODAY!

Thank you for all of your support! See you on the trails!

Not interested in using the mail? You can make a donation on the website at http://www.ufwda.org/ . Simply click on the "Donate Today" button to the upper right.

Note: Donations through the UFWDA website are a $5.00 minimum due to processing fees.

Pass it along to everyone you know and encourage them to send in their dollar!

Be well,
Richard

Richard Drechsel
Director of Environmental Affairs
UFWDA
14525 SW Millikan Way
#22622
Beaverton, OR 97005-2343
email: landuse @ ufwda.org (no spaces)

7

National Issues / United Four Wheel Drive Associations Announces The Power of ONE Campaign!

« on: March 08, 2010, 02:10:13 pm »

UFWDA Announces The Power of ONE Campaign!

ONE United Voice
ONE Purpose
The Power of ONE can make a difference!


United Four Wheel Drive Associations began 34 years ago to be ONE voice for all four wheel drive enthusiasts. Over the past 3 decades we’ve experienced many types of obstacles in the trail, some more difficult than others. We’ve learned how to drive better, and more importantly how to listen to our spotters, those with more experience or more familiarity. As we continue our journey in 2010 we’re reminded of our roots and why UFWDA was formed – to be a unified voice for clubs and associations worldwide. It is not possible to be successful without the power of ONE. Each ONE of you makes up the ONE United Four Wheel Drive Associations, whether it is you, ONE association; you, ONE club; or you, ONE individual. There is ONE national organization that works for ONE purpose, the purpose of working together united as ONE to make a difference for the ONE group of enthusiasts, the 4x4 community.

Each month in 2010 we will offer a new challenge and a new survey to get a better understanding of what we can do to be your unified voice and to demonstrate how ONE person can make a difference when joined together with others. The list is below and we encourage you to read eNews each month to keep up to date on the campaign. You can sign up for eNews at http://www.ufwda.org/ .

February - Tell us about ONE thing you did to volunteer - Let us know what you did in 2009 to contribute to your community whether that was volunteering to drive someone to the doctor in the snow, participating in the emergency vehicle program, a trail clean up, or your club raising funds for charity. Let us know what you did to make a difference in 2009. We’ll join your success stories into a unified message to lobby Congress and other policy makers.
March - ONE Dollar - To demonstrate the power of one person we are asking every four wheel drive enthusiast to donate just $1 to UFWDA and to forward the message to just one other person. Each one of us working together can make a difference!
April - ONE hour of clean-up - Spend one hour in the month on a clean up with either your club or association or with your family. We encourage you to contact your local media outlet and let them know what your club or association is doing to help in Earth Day and to demonstrate who that we are the true environmental stewards of this earth. UFWDA offers educations material to help you plan and carry out your volunteerism as well as help you work with the media to get the word out.
May - Asking ONE person to join your local club
Help us promote your local club by asking one person to join your club or association. If everyone asks just one person to join you can double your club membership in one month!
June - Attend ONE meeting – Attend either the UFWDA AGM or your local club or association annual, quarterly, or monthly meeting.
We encourage everyone to attend a meeting and find out what is happening in your area. Meetings are a great way to get informed about the next four wheel drive outing, the skinny on the latest and best vehicle modifications, and a place to get to know people who share the same passion for four wheeling.
July - ONE letter to your government representative -
There are over 4 million off road enthusiasts in the US alone. If we all sent a letter the impact we can have on legislation is unparalleled. Information on how to find your government officials and how to introduce yourself will be available on the UFWDA website.
August - Attend ONE Trail Ride Event -
Get out there and have fun to remember why we all love this sport so much! Never wheel alone! Doing this sport together is one of the hallmarks of responsible four wheeling. Check our website and forum calendar of events for a trail ride near you or join us at the 3rd annual UFWDA Wheel-in in West Virginia.
September - Attend ONE educational seminar- Find out how to administer CPR, find out proper winch usage, or attend a seminar on land use issues. Use this month to learn something you never know about wheeling and our community. Clubs in your local area, your state or regional four wheel drive association or UFWDA can help you find something fun and educational.
October - Attend ONE clean up- October is the United Four Wheel Drive Associations National Clean up day. Take the time to organize a clean up in your area. Helpful hints and ideas are available at UFWDA to help you, whether it’s your 20th annual clean-up or you’re first!
November - Shop from ONE 4x4 businesses that supports the sport. - It is time for Christmas shopping and what better way to support your sport than by shopping the 4x4 businesses that support you, the enthusiast. UFWDA has a complete list and rating of 4x4 businesses that give back to the four wheel drive community.
December - Give ONE gift to those in need – Within the Four Wheel Drive Community are some of the most caring and generous people. Let us take this time to reflect on all that we have and give to those less fortunate.

For all of the latest information each month on the ONE campaign visit our forums at http://www.ufwda.org/smf/ . To participate in the survey for the month of February follow this link to participate  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P6DJL7M . The survey link will be up until March 10th.


Be well,
Richard

Richard Drechsel
Director of Environmental Affairs
UFWDA
14525 SW Millikan Way
#22622
Beaverton, OR 97005-2343
email: landuse @ ufwda.org (no spaces)

8

14th Annual (2009) / Re: Thanks.

« on: August 26, 2009, 01:03:09 pm »

Hey folks.

Just wanted to thank you for an awesome time. We had heard for years that it was a good time from some of our Jeepin' friends. They were right, it was our first time attending, and we had a blast. Tons of Vendors, activities for you and your Jeep, and more Jeeps in one place to look at than we have ever seen. Everyone you saw couldn't help but smile all weekend. We were very glad that Rick ordered the cooler weather after hearing about last year too.

Once again, thanks for hosting a great event! PA Jeeps ROCKS!

Be well,
Richard

9

National Issues / UFWDA Launches “Million Voices” Campaign

« on: March 27, 2009, 04:50:18 pm »

United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) yesterday launched its “Million Voices” campaign to motivate new membership in the more than 30-year old organization. Individual membership for all new members is being offered at a discounted rate of $28 per year. The deadline to enroll with this discount is June 30th.

“The challenges before us to maintain access to public lands requires not only dollars but a strong and clear voice,” says Wayne Groom, President. “That's what this campaign is really about, the ability for us to have all the resources we need to be there and represent those who value and appreciate public lands.”

The bond among UFWDA’s members is the enthusiasm for the outdoors and the camaraderie enjoyed at 4-wheel drive events. Since the mid-1970s, the organization has served to speak on behalf of its members, ensuring that public and private trails are accessible, specifically for 4-wheel drive vehicles.

“Our public lands are being locked up in massive wilderness bills. Our favorite trails are threatened or are already closed. This is happening in your back yard or will soon,” says Dave Logan of Southern Four Wheel Drive Association.

On March 25, the Omnibus Public Lands Act put forward as the Battlefield Acquisitions bill won U.S. House approval in a 280 yea – 140 nay vote. It’s now ready for the president to sign into law. It provides the government's highest level of protection on land such as:

• 517,000 acres of wilderness in Idaho’s Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands
• 256,000 acres of wilderness in Washington County, Utah, including in Zion National Park
• Almost 250,0000 wilderness acres in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
• 128,000 acres of wilderness around Mt. Hood in Oregon
• 53,000 acres of wilderness in Jefferson National Forest in Virginia

Logan continues, “Change is in the air. So, we have a choice. We can work together and spot each other through the obstacles by working slowly and carefully or we can turn around and go home.”

New members can join by going to www.ufwda.org.

Contact:
Geraldine Grady
Director of Public Relations
804-381-1153


# # #

United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) is the leading representative for four wheel drive enthusiasts. UFWDA is a group of individuals, clubs, state, regional, provincial and national associations and businesses in the United States and around the world; our members span the globe from the U.S. and Canada, New Zealand, Australia, England, Japan, South Africa, and Iceland. If you would like more information on how you can be a part of this effort contact United Four Wheel Drive Associations today at 14525 SW Millikan Way #22622, Beaverton, OR 97005-2343, 1-800-448-3932 or visit www.ufwda.org.

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