Well, it is spring time everyone! We have had all winter to fix the broken parts from last year and by now we should have completed our annual service routines. It’s time to play!!

 

I have to say that I am truly honored to be President of Idaho Off-Road 4x4 Club. You are all a great group of dedicated four wheelers, families, and friends. I am really looking forward to spending the year getting to know all of you. I sincerely hope that I can be as successful as our past Presidents have been. Howard Shields did a fantastic job during his two year term. He brought all of us together and made everyone feel welcome. This is one of the primary reasons that Idaho Off-Road has grown so quickly. We owe him our respect and gratitude for all his hard work. Howard is now one of the Vice Presidents of our Idaho State 4x4 Association and we know he will do a great job there too!  

 

As many of you know, I have spent the past 3 years as a council member, web administrator, and events coordinator for IOR. Throughout that time, I have seen first hand how much work goes in to keeping this club moving forward in an organized, professional manner. It is humbling. Through all of my experiences as a member of this club I have discovered one very important truth. That truth is this:

 

“There is an historical thread of club history that is one of commitment, honesty, trust, and integrity that stands as the very foundation from which all actions and ideas grow. We can be assured that this foundation will not crumble, fade, or waiver and it falls upon each of us to ensure that this thread weaves its way through everything we do as representatives and members of Idaho Off-Road 4x4 Club.”

 

I hold great respect for those who started this club and I continue to learn how important maintaining the highest standard is to them. They always remember why they started this club and I hope they never let us forget.

 

I am so excited about this year. We have a huge list of activities planned including more camping, trail runs, and barbeques. We are ramping up for the annual Tech Inspections on April 19^th and we are already making preparations for Northwest Motorfest and the Fair.

 

We are also dedicated to enhancing our education program this year. This is huge! Tony Lancaster is heading up this effort and he is already putting together a comprehensive list of topics such as driving seminars, trail etiquette, proper winching, trail repairs, safety classes, and much more. Our goal is to ensure that IOR members are safe and that we truly understand how to use our equipment in the back country.

 

We will maintain our commitment and support of trail preservation and land access advocacy efforts that are always on the front burner. The extensive work that Bill Taylor, Joe Aldape, and many others are doing is so important to the future of four wheeling. This is serious folks! These issues aren’t going away and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to support this work by dedicating our time and our financial resources whenever we can. Please spend some time with these gentlemen and you will be surprised how much is going on behind the scenes and just how important it is. We have achieved enormous success over the years through our contributions to the Blue Ribbon Coalition, United Four Wheel Drive Association, Idaho State 4x4 Association, Idaho Recreation Council, and Tread Lightly! Keep up the good work guys!

 

As we move into 2008, I would like to say one last thing. Please remember that it takes all of us to make things happen. As members, all of us have many opportunities to get involved by leading trail rides, volunteering at events, and supporting all the activities that we love to participate in each year. Let’s work together and make this a year to remember!!

 

Kevin Mereness

Club President