Hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far and making up those Santa lists for upgrades for their Montero's!
The Thanksgiving Trail Ride was cancelled due to lack of interest this year, which is surprising because of its huge popularity in the past.
I think the reasons are several...
- The core regulars had work conflicts this year
- 2 years in a row made Arizona less interesting
Next year's Thanksgiving event is to be held in Death Valley, California, which I think will draw crowds. I'm already curious as to what's there.
On the subject of events, now that we have a track record, it seems every other event is successful. Therefore, I am cutting back the 2001 event schedule to 3 events and cancelling the Colorado trail rides event. It is traditionally one of the less popular events (though not this past year). Of course, this does not mean that the summer random rotation event won't occasionally pop up in Colorado.
In effect, this does several things...
- It allows core regulars less events to plan for.
- Saves on potential scheduling hassles and conflicts
- Lowers my stress level by not requiring me to plan, and organize two summer events.
This will also hopefully encourage potential attendee's to sign up for the 3 remaining events since events are what we are all about and how we will make this club successful.
Attendance numbers were essentially doubled at one event and way up at the other event this year and we need that tradition to continue. Days attending were also WAY up!
I would hope all 3 events are successful for the club next year, but REMEMBER... the Easter event is the BIG ONE. It is where the annual club meeting is held and where we try to influence Media, Aftermarket Manufacturers, and Mtisubishi support... so if you want to give some input, or help the club, then attend the Easter event.
Why Easter, and not some other time of the year? With our limited numbers, we MUST FOCUS on one event and Utah is the greatest place to wheel in the world and is more centrally located than other possible places.
Since the Thanksgiving event is cancelled, I will begin working on the Next Event details for April ASAP. (see below!)
I will also be working on other club business during the winter.
I would like to extend my thanks to Ray Sala for his continued help in improving the newsletter and mailing list this year, and may next year bring great things to the club!
Happy Holidays,
Lloyd Swartz
President - Mitsubishi Four Wheel Drive Club of America