Wow, is it March already? With all this mild winter weather were having, we are sure to get dumped with a ton of snow in April, which only prolongs the high mountain trail openings. Tis the time of year for upgrades and fixes, so when Memorial Day comes around you'll be ready for a great trail season. So too are the Hobos fixing and upgrading, from "The Toolman" Ken Kordes and his new motor upgrade, Scott Maxwell and his TJ lift and tires, "The Wiseguy" Paul Weisz's 12" lift with shackle reverse, Chris Vieth's beefed up rear-end, to the "The Colonel" Chris Potter's "new" fuel sock.
Speaking of trails, plans were to tag along with Patrol 8 on January 23rd for a snow run, as our token Hobo Chris Vieth can attest, we missed a great time. We'll catch you next time Kevin real soon, really.
On February 10th we had our monthly Hobo meeting hosted by new Hobos Scott and Janet Maxwell in Highlands Ranch. We have come up with a Hobo 2000 "Trail Wish List", and earmarked dates throughout the summer to run approx 18 different trips encompassing 44 different trails this year. The trails were based on personal preference, and the dates based on trail openings. With trips to plan for, we look forward to a fun Summer in the Rockies! The "Trail 2K List" is on our website, as is the newly opened HoboJeepers Theater with slide shows of past trips.
On February 13th, we charged up the batteries and went up Hwy 72 west of Denver to Patrol 11's Camp "Windyvue" Ice Races 2000. Hobos Paul Weisz (CJ7), Chris Potter (CJ7), Chris and Debi Vieth (YJ), Scott and Janet Maxwell (TJ), myself and my side-kick Molly (CJ7), were all in attendance. Thanks to Patrol 11 for another well-organized and fun event. I remember it being windy in the past, but I think I heard the term "wind chill" being used quite often. Standing on ice into a 20-30 mph 30 degree wind gusts for hours didn't look like too much fun, so our thanks go out to the all officials on the ice. I had a practice run early, and felt so confident that I almost froze my fingers off airing down. But, when it came down to real single elimination racing after lots of rubber tires before me, the track was as slick as "ice". So, of course the only real control I had was in the straight-aways. Seems that just the slightest turn locked in all fours, or too much gas, can turn you in a 360 just like that. Chris Potter also had a short day on his run, while we both watched rookie Scott Maxwell take 2 races, and almost making the 3rd trophy round races. Chris V., and Paul all had sipped tires, so they ran after the bare rubber class. I bet by then the ice was really slick. Even though no one took home a trophy, the real winning was in the fun of the race, and supporting other patrols in the club at club events like this one.
On February 20th, Some Hobos just couldn't get enough of the ice and came back for more fun. Hobos Scott and Janet Maxwell, Paul "Weiszguy" Weisz, Chris and Debi Vieth, and Brad Rivere and family, all came up for another shot at a trophy. Like night and day, that's what the weather was like compared with the 13th "win-chilled" day. With the sun out and no wind, seems like a nice way to spend a winter day. An email from Janet Maxwell the day after the races seems to sum up the day: "Hi Bill - it's Janet: Yes, we went to the ice races yesterday and Mr. Maxwell came home with a 5th place trophy! He also ran in the Millennium Cup and was edged out by a fraction of an inch in the first round by a small Toyota truck! I was Scott's co-pilot, so I am taking some credit!!! Paul was there with his CJ5. He did really well except at one corner. Chris of Chris and Debi were also there with different tires this time, and he did really well. I think he made it to the fourth round. Chris also had several of his work buddies there, they made it to the 3rd round, I think. One race he ran against his friend Joe and Chris won. It was a beautiful day and we were all outside sitting on bumpers. Brad and his family came up to watch for a while, his jeep is still being worked on. It was a great day!!!" Well, sounds like another great day of racing from Patrol 11, thanks from the Hobos!
Good luck to everyone as you put your finishing touches on your winter projects, weather it be a frame off or a simple upgrade. Better to do it now, then during the height of the Summer trail season. Eugene says "Jeep, Jeep",
Bill Hallinan HoboJeepers
