Extreme 4 Wheelin'
Chili Run, Jan 10 2004
(Click on image to enlarge)

Ah, a nice brisk January morning!  What an awesome day for wheelin'.

Steve and Ken lead us out towards the Rock Garden to start the day.

But, what's this.  Looks like Russ has some new meat on the Hornet!

Here Henry and Dillon drop down the ledge on the RG loop.

Next is Hamid with a new victim/passenger, David....

Mike even made it out to join us.  Man, this is one clean YJ!

But, what's this.  His passengers bailing on the first obstacle!
That's alright, I have a feeling they'll get used to this stuff quick enough....
 

Everyone's thru the first tricky spot, and now time to move on to the Garden.

Here Mike is getting lined up to climb the ledge above RG. 
This time his crew is ready for the challenge.  But they are kinda hard to spot in there.... 

OMG Russ, those new tires are HUGE! 
But, of course he's not afraid to show us what they can do.

And Ken can't pass up a chance to play on the walls.

Now Jackie gets a shot at the Staircase. 
A little insecure without dad in the truck with her, but she's really getting the hang of this!

Watch out dad, here she comes!

Now Denise gets some time behind the wheel.

Still got some hydraulic issues to work on, because the wheel is not cooperating.

Jackie is back again.

A little guidance from Steve, and up and over another one!

Even Jamie gets some wheel time. 
But, for some reason she seemed to try and stay just out of camera range....

Now Jayson's got an eye on a couple lines in the Garden.  The first one was pretty easy, but the second one, well check out that back tire!

He was crawling out of the spot great, the back tire was almost on top when POW!  Left front inner axle gave up.   Oh so close.  But, good thing he carries spares.

As Jayson was backing down, we got the word that Denise had a problem. 
Dillon's helping Steve access the damage....

They get the truck jacked up and attempt to reseat the bead when they find a large gash.  Deana went back to the park and picked up a spare for them to limp out on.

Speaking of tires, did I tell you how HUGE those 49" IROCS are!

And now, time for lunch.  You wondered why it was called the Chili run, it's because Ken and Denise has cooked Chili for everyone.   Thanks guys.  That hit the spot!

Ok, lunch is over and we are ready to head to the woods.  But, we're determined not to leave anyone behind.  Deana offered Ken her spare off the 'burb.  Have you ever seen a 35" Swamper doughnut?  It's pretty cool, and it worked great.

Before we go, the girls have to get a ride in the Hornet.  Obviously that initial uncertainly has gone, because you gotta be REAL brave to ride with Russ... ;-)

Now off to the woods we go!

Hey Jamie, you look a little too comfortable there....

What a great time everyone had.  Special thanks to Ken and Denise for the Chili!
And, thanks to all that came out!

See ya next time......