The first day we took 52 dune buggies on the challenging run through Fish Creek to Ocotillo Wells. The famous Squeeze and Drop-Off seemed much more difficult this year. Flat tires and bent tie rods caused delays before we got down the Drop-Off. The Drop-Off was a real challenge for a couple buggies that were having brake problems. One buggy tipped on its side at the top of the Drop-Off but there were no injuries and the damage to the buggy was minor. The token Burro (tin lizzy rather than fiberglass buggy) had a lot of trouble i.e. flat tire, broken shifter, too much air in rear, and not enough weight in the front. Dennis Odorico burned out the clutch in his Porsche powered Tow'd and was fortunate to be helped by Andy Felix. Andy found a replacement clutch in Ocotillo Wells and then proceeded to drop Dennis's engine and install the new clutch in the middle of the desert ! Dennis earned the Philippe Award for the most involved failure and subsequent field repair. Lunch was again served in the shade of the beautiful Fish Creek canyon by the crew of our Chuck Wagon (with help from Cindy and Bob). Saturday Evening we were entertained by an excellent Country/Rock band that got a few of the Club members dancing by the campfire.
The second day we again took a circular route via a dirt road through the Oraflamme Mountains and Rodrigez Canyon. The club enjoyed a great sandwich buffet that was carried all the way on top of Bruce Meyers old #4.
Bruce Meyers lines up the cars for the "Bruce Meyers and Show & Shine" inspection and awards judging.
A Tow'd makes its way through the SQUEEZE !
Rudy tackles the one-way (i.e. DOWN) Drop-Off with his Corvair powered Super Manx !
The Club gathers under the Oak trees for a picnic on the Oraflamme Trail.
Bruce Meyers takes charge (with Winnie's bull horn) to make announcements.
"Old Yeller #2" and Rick's YBDB waiting for the club to continue through Rodrigez Canyon
The Club makes its way through the Oraflamme Mountains on its way back to camp.