Fordyce Cleanup- November 2002

by Alan "Dr. Driveshaft" Ratzburg
MEMBER ATTENDEES: Keith Ratzburg, Elizabeth Forster, Kevin Berry, Allison Rolling, Ray Revallier, Alan Ratzburg. OTHER ATTENDEES: Dimitri Andruha, Sergei Andruha, Brett Benson, Chris Gage, Brian Landers, David Luke, Joe Pasic, Kris Revallier, Sherman Seelinger, and others

Without a doubt, this was a very successful venture. It was worth all of the efforts that it took to pull off a successful event such as this, with a minimum of time to prepare. The Rubicon Trail gets a lot of attention, as it should, it is the most popular trail in Northern California. A great trail, but less popular, is the Fordyce Creek Trail. A concern was circulating, that no one has taken responsibility for maintaining this trail. A brand new club in the making, the Four Dice Four Wheel Club of San Jose Ca., saw this as a natural opportunity to jump in with both feet. With not more than two weeks before winter would set in, they put up an open call to volunteers to join in this project. On November 2nd, about fifteen rigs showed up at Indian Springs to receive a briefing of what needed to be done. Donated garbage bags and drinking water were handed out as everyone dispersed to accomplish the task at hand.

There were multiple fire pits that needed to be emptied and cleaned of debris. The shovel and bucket brigade was drawn into service. Several signs were broken and no longer anchored down. With forest service permission, the signs were repaired, and small rock pyramids were cemented together to hold them up. Throughout the day, everyone remarked at how clean the trail seemed to be. However, when all the volunteers returned with their collections, it filled the back of a Ford Superduty pickup. Everyone had done well. The approximate seven miles of trail between Indian Springs and the 1st Winch Hill, had been the focus of our attention. Next year, with more time to plan, we will attack this from both ends. Sending groups from Meadow Lake and Indian Springs to meet somewhere in the middle. It was remarkable at how many volunteers eagerly showed up on short notice. Donating their weekend to maintain the trails, and support the very sport that they enjoy. There were also many businesses behind this enterprise. Home Depot donated boxes of heavy duty garbage bags. KLA-Tencor donated cases of drinking water. The 4 Wheel’in Industry stepped up also, donating gifts for a free raffle as a thank you to participants. Bay Area local - South Bay Driveline, Advance Adaptors, 4 Wheel Parts, and Scotties 4WD in Camino.