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| Recreational Access and Conservation - Conservation and Public Service Activities | Short Cuts | ||||
| | Introduction | News | Notices | Activities | Education | Forums | Columns | Links |
Dedicated to conservation and multiple use of public lands for recreation opportunities. Edited by: John Stewart |
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During the first weekend in March, the Tierra del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club of San Diego will host their 
39th Annual TDS Desert Safari. From a few dozen vehicles in the early years, this event has grown to be the premier off-road event of the year with over 1,000 participants expected for the weekend. By Wednesday, off-roaders will begin arriving to stake out a choice camping spot at the North Marina Drive exit off State Highway 86. Soon, campers in motorhomes, trailers and tents will create a small city in the desert.
Safari Registration and Safety Check opens at 2pm on Friday. By midnight, with participants still streaming in, the early birds will be lining up for "The Run". Promptly at 8am on Saturday morning, the Trail Boss, followed by the Trail Crew and VIP guest, will lead the lineup out of camp. Rain or shine, snow or blow, the Desert Safari starts on schedule.
"The Run" is a "follow-the-leader" run along a marked trail through sandy washes, rocky canyons and scenic ridges of the best 4-wheelin' in southern California. The main route is "RED", locking device recommended, with "GREEN" bypasses around the more difficult sections. An occasional "BLUE" route will provide a technical challenge for the driver and a capability challenge for the vehicle. Saturday events end with a raffle. Each participant will receive one raffle ticket with each paid vehicle registration for a chance at one of over 150 prize packages worth $150 or more.
Off-road action continues at 9am Sunday with the signature TDS "follow-the-leader" Rough Run for the hard-core along an unmarked trail. Alternate runs are scheduled to local historic and scenic attractions.
While off-roaders enjoy the event, the local economy receives a significant benefit. The Lions Club of Salton City will be selling hamburgers and hotdog on Friday and Saturday evenings. The West Shores Seniors Club will provide a Sunday morning breakfast. All proceeds from these events will go towards community projects in the Salton City area.
Additionally, the Off-Highway Voyagers will be collecting cans and bottles for recycling. The Off-Highway Voyagers is the youth affiliate of the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs. Proceeds from the recycling will help fund their annual activities.
The Tierra del Sol Club has been active in supporting land access fights. In 2000, over $25,000 was provided to support organizations such as the BlueRibbon Coalition, California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, California Off-Road Vehicle Association, San Diego Off-Road Coalition, United Four Wheel Drive Association, and Tread Lightly!. This year Safari participants are provided an opportunity to add a donation in addition to their registration fee that will be marked to support fights against land closures.
The Tierra del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm, at the Holy Angles Church in San Diego, CA.
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