Mountaineer Trail Riders of WV Names Charity for 1st Annual Event.

Special Needs Children Will Benefit.

EDITOR’S NOTE: MOUNTAINEER TRAIL RIDERS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE WILL NOW BE PARTNERING WITH MUD BUDDIES FOUNDATION AND RALEIGH COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS, BOTH LOCAL CHARITABLE GROUPS. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A CHANGE FROM A PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASE NAMING ‘PWD-OFF ROAD’ (AN AUTISM FOCUSED GROUP) AS THE BENEFITING CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FOR THE EVENT. THIS CHANGE WILL ALLOW US TO HELP CHILDREN WITH MANY DISABILITIES, INCLUDING AUTISM.

Beaver, WV – May 9, 2012: Mountaineer Trail Riders of West Virginia named two organizations, Mud Buddies Foundation and Raleigh County Special Olympics as the charitable groups benefiting from the 3rd Annual Thrills in the Hills Off Road Jamboree. This is the ATV club’s first year managing the event, which will be held at Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park, Sophia, WV on June 15-18.

“Charitable giving is an important part of who the Mountaineer Trail Riders are”, said President, Rob Atha. “We are committed to donating a portion of event proceeds to charity”, he continued.

The primary beneficiary of the funds raised will be the Mud Buddies Foundation located in Gilbert, WV. They are a non-profit, public charity organization dedicated to providing customized, guided ATV adventures to children affected by physical or developmental disabilities, at no cost. Another local non-profit group, Raleigh County Special Olympics, will also receive a donation.

“The heart of what Mud Buddies does is to enrich the lives of special needs kids”, said Burning Rock marketing director Lisa Gale. “They provide kids with a wide variety of disabilities a safe, off-road experience. And their parents just love it… they see their kids getting outdoors, having a ton of fun, interacting with others and building confidence”, she continued.

About Mountaineer Trail Riders
Mountaineer Trail Riders is southern West Virginia’s newest premier OHV club. Members are actively involved in creating, organizing and managing a variety of events held primarily at their ‘home base’, Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park. The club emphasizes rider education & safety, a family atmosphere, charitable giving/community service and of course, lots of trail riding. To learn more about the club and membership, visit mountaineertrailriders.com or call 304-237-4085.

About Mud Buddies
Mud Buddies is a non-profit, public charity foundation that is located in Gilbert, West Virginia. They provide no-fee, guided ATV rides for those affected by disabilities. Safety is the number one goal. Founders Mike and Susie Rasmussen have served as volunteer firefighters, EMT’s, nationally certified swift water rescue technicians and have an excellent background in First Aid and Rescue. Each client is interviewed to determine their interests, mobility, and any limitations as each ride is customized to the interests, likes and limits of each client. Families are also highly encouraged to participate. Visit
www.mudbuddiesfoundation.com or call 304-583-6511 for more information.

About Thrills in the Hills Off Road Jamboree
The 3rd Annual Thrills in the Hills event has undergone a transformation for 2012. Hosted for the first time by the Mountaineer Trail Riders of West Virginia, it will be the coolest, newest, action-packed ATV, SxS and dirt bike riding event of the year. Three days of adrenaline packed off-road fun, activities, music, food and camaraderie. It’s off road trail riding in beautiful West Virginia plus so much more… celebrity host appearance, guided trail rides, Challenge at the Rock Obstacle Course, Pro Armor’s Xtreme Mountain Challenge, Moonshine Run, Radio Control Off Road Track & Races, Mud Pit Competition, Mud Run, Fireworks, Blackwater Outlaws Concert, Vendors and so much more. For more information and to register for this event visit burningrockwv.com/thrills-in-the-hills or call 877-683-9240.

Contact: Lisa Gale
Mountaineer Trail Riders
Phone: (304) 673-1958
P.O. Box 876
Beaver, WV 25813
Mountainertrailriders.com

A resource for consumers looking to protect and maintain a range of vehicles and engines—from motorcycles to boats —Yamalube.com will feature Yamaha’s full line of Yamalube products. With consumers owning multiple Yamaha vehicles or engines, this site is a user-friendly guide to find the right Yamalube products for their needs in one place.

“Our full line of oils and maintenance products has always been available through Yamaha dealerships,” said John Tomsche, Yamaha’s Parts & Accessories division manager. “Now, consumers can review our entire product offering, choose which products they need, learn how to use them and find a dealer who carries them, all online.”

Elements on the new website include:

• Informational Videos: Product experts show visitors how to select the right products for their vehicles and engines, and provide tips on using those products to ensure the best performance.
• Wish List Functionality: Visitors can find the products they need, add them to their wish list and either print it out for themselves or email it to others for gift ideas.
• Catalog Accessibility: The Yamalube catalog can be easily downloaded and viewed from the website.

“We value reliability, and know the importance of protecting Yamaha vehicle and motor investments,” said Tomsche. “Therefore, customers can expect even more from us in the future. We have lots of exciting maintenance tip videos and new products in the works.”

All Yamalube products are developed in collaboration with Yamaha mechanical and oil engineers, and provide high performance, extended engine life and lasting protection in Yamaha and other vehicle brands. For more information on Yamalube offerings, consumers can visit Yamalube.com or contact their local dealer.

About Yamalube Products

Yamalube brand engine oils, lubricants and care products are distributed by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Located in Kennesaw, Georgia and Cypress, California, the Customer Support Group is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Yamalube brand products in the United States. For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

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The 2.0-DIN JENSEN JRV212T has 4x40W audio output power, an electronic AM/FM tuner with RBDS and a rear channel pre-amp audio output. This stereo features a large 6.1” LCD touch screen with blue LED backlight allowing for easy readability in any setting. The system also features 3 camera inputs with auto-trigger which enables the JRV212T to assist drivers when merging, changing lanes or reversing.

The JRV212T also features an AUX input which allows for an external media device to easily be connected to the system. Plus, the stereo has a USB 2.0 front panel connection for MP3 playback. This system is iPod ready and offers drivers the ability to fully control and charge their portable music devices. If you are not an avid iPod or MP3 listener, then the stereo also has a CD player with 30 second ESP and is SIRIUS Satellite Ready with subscription. Along with featuring excellent music capabilities, the JRV212T is equipped with a NOAA Weatherband radio to keep drivers informed of any approaching inclement weather.

The JRV212T stereo system also offers other useful features that any road warrior will appreciate. In addition, the system has auto-store, adjustable display settings, audio mute and a non-volatile memory in order for station presets and settings to be maintained even when the vehicle battery is not in use. Plus, this stereo is wireless remote ready.

Since 1977, ASA Electronics has been an international manufacturer/supplier of mobile electronics to the Marine, RV, Van, Commercial Vehicle, Bus and Limo industries. ASA’s proprietary line of products includes:

• JENSEN® stereos, speakers, LCD televisions and DVD players
• JENSEN® Marine waterproof/water resistant stereos, speakers, DVD players and accessories
• JENSEN® Heavy Duty stereos, speakers and accessories
• Voyager® rear and side observation systems
• Advent® rooftop air conditioners and appliances

All-New Grizzly 300 Receives a Utility ATV Best Buy; Four Raptors Earn a Sport Quad Nod

CYPRESS, Calif. – April 4, 2012 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is proud to announce that its Grizzly 300 utility ATV and Raptor 700R, Raptor 700R Special Edition, Raptor 250 and Raptor 250R sport ATVs have been named Consumers Digest Best Buys.  This is the second time the Raptor 250 has received the honor.

The all-new 2012 Grizzly 300 was selected by Consumers Digest for delivering “… the well-known quality of the Grizzly line at a bargain price.”  The Grizzly 300 boasts the longest suspension travel length providing the smoothest ride of models in its class.  Premium features such as hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels helped the Grizzly 300 rise to the top of the Economy Utility ATV category.

Featuring the best power-to-weight ratio among sport ATVs, the 686cc fuel-injected engine and overall performance of the 2012 Yamaha Raptor 700R impressed the Consumers Digest team in a variety of terrain.  Also noted was that the 700R can be customized with a choice of 11 different graphic options at no additional charge, which is an industry first.  The 700R Special Edition was selected as a Best Buy for its addition of a wave-type rear disc and unique graphics to the 700R’s design.

Earning its second Best Buy award since 2008, the 2012 Yamaha Raptor 250 was commended for producing the kind of performance that riders might expect from a higher-end model.  Consumers Digest cited the Raptor 250’s light weight and low seat height as features that help make it “… a fun machine for riders, regardless of their size.”  The 2011 Raptor 250R also received a Best Buy for the addition of upgraded shocks, LED taillight and adjustable front-brake lever to the 250’s construction.

“Yamaha has injected real world value into the all-new Grizzly 300 and offers class-leading performance throughout our Raptor line of sport ATVs, and we couldn’t be more proud to have an impartial, third party like Consumers Digest recognize this with Best Buy awards,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group.  “Receiving a Best Buy is exciting, but earning five Consumers Digest Best Buy nods this year in both utility and sport ATV categories is a unique and exclusive honor that symbolizes Yamaha’s dedication to excellence and leadership in the ATV industry.”

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

I had a chance to work with Don Wilson, Sales Application Engineer and Tech Doctor for Xantrex while doing my research and this is what he had to say about the Sequence:

“There are 2 main reasons to use the Sequence. 1. To allow the OEM to ignore regulatory codes on how many branch circuits are allowed in the 50A panel without jumping up to a 70A, or higher, panel-because we automatically calculate the ceiling for them. 2. To keep added loads (space heater, computer, etc.), or the combination of many of the heavy (installed) loads, from tripping the main breaker.

Think of when one first plugs in. The big box, we call a motorhome, wants to cool down (using ACs that cycle on and off), charge the battery (with the largest single 120V load in the box), and maybe make breakfast, heat water, etc. We allow the loads to all be used, in order of priority, without the user thinking about a thing.

We’re not the first energy manager in the market, but we are the first fully integrated Inverter, Charger, AGS, and load manager with as much installation latitude as we do (we don’t force the use of ‘our’ load center, or hijack the inverter’s communications to achieve the end goal). Our components speak the same language so when the charger needs to shed, instead of ‘fooling’ the charger and forcing it off, then slowly incrementing it back up until load ceiling is reached. The EMS simply gives the charger a number, in amps, it is allowed to use. If the charger determines the battery is too discharged to help, it rejects the command and the EMS moves on to shed the lowest priority load.

It’s really brilliant, as well as elegant in it’s operation.” Very well said.

Installation is fairly straightforward but unless you understand electrical wiring you should hire a professional. But I’ll give you a down and dirty summary in case you decide to do it yourself. Obviously you should consult the owners manual for detailed instructions.

First, find a suitable location on a solid surface to mount the Sequence, preferably near your transfer switch and your distribution panel. Next, Locate the main 4 wire bundle that connects the transfer switch and the main breaker on your distribution panel. Cut the wires and connect one end into the AC-in of the Sequence and the other end into the AC-out of the Sequence.  Next, identify the AC loads you wish to monitor. Ideal candidates are the refrigerator, air conditioner, washer & dryer, electric water heater, and 120 volt outlets. Locate the wires that feed each load from the back of the breaker distribution panel. Cut the wires at a suitable location as near to the Sequence as possible. Connect one end into either side of the AC relay terminal block and the other end into the terminal block directly across. Next, attach the Sequence network ports to the Xanbus system using the supplied Cat-5 cables. These connect the Sequence to the System Control Panel allowing it to be programmed. The final step is to connect the 12v power and ground leads to the battery.

Once installed, the Sequence can be programmed using the System Control Panel by giving each device a priority from 1 to 9. Now you can relax and not worry about blowing breakers anymore.

For a complete list of features and a spec sheet click Freedom Sequence Spec Sheet

Friends of Jawbone is requested grant funding for Education and Safety, Ground Operations and Restoration projects.

The preliminary applications are available on the OHMVR Division’s website at ohv.parks.ca.gov for review and comment through Monday, April 2, 2012. The Division’s website provides detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary application and submitting comments. Comments must be submitted via email to both the OHMVR Division and Friends of Jawbone. Comments to Friends of Jawbone should be submitted to: wtarvin@charter.net.

Friends of Jawbone (FOJ) is a nonprofit organization with a cooperative Agreement with the Bureau of Land Management’s Ridgecrest Field Office. The OHV grant applications are filed annually and play a key roll in the success of FOJ being able to bring you a safe and a quality place to recreate.  The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s OHMVR Division awards grants to a variety of entities to improve or mitigate off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation.  Under this process, the FOJ applies for grants from the state each year to help fund and coordinate its OHV program.

The Friends of Jawbone is a non-profit, public benefit corporation that promotes outdoor recreation in Jawbone Canyon, Dove Springs and the surrounding public lands in East Kern County.  Formed in 1998, Friends of Jawbone supports and develops projects to improve, protect and maintain existing trails.  In addition to these projects, Friends of Jawbone works to promote understanding, education and cooperation among all users of public lands.  For more information about Friends of Jawbone visit:  www.jawbone.org.

Some people are not happy with the typical vacation. The adventure travel industry continues to grow at a steady pace, yet only certain Americans are beginning to take part. There are those who search out the most unique destinations to see, explore, and experience. A new vehicle concept is providing adventurers worldwide with the opportunity, but are Americans up for the challenge?

A popular Australian adventure vehicle just arrived in the USA, but creators aren’t sure if America is actually ready. When you see your first EarthCruiser in person, it likely won’t be at the local RV campground. This is NOT the typical camper! EarthCruiser is a self-contained, all-terrain expedition RV built on the U.S. FUSO 4×4 chassis, capable of negotiating everything from long-distance desert crossings, frigid snow-covered terrain, or miles of challenging rock-covered mountain trails. “This vehicle is not for everyone,” explains EarthCruiser executive Lance Gillies. “This is a serious expedition vehicle that can take people to places that no other RV can, places they’ve only seen in magazines.”

Gillies recently opened the U.S. office for EarthCruiser, located in Bend, Oregon. His team understands that an EarthCruiser provides a great opportunity for U.S residents to see and explore the Nation’s beautiful and remote regions like never before. “Part of our challenge will be to really educate extreme travelers about the vehicle’s amazing capabilities,” says Gillies. “Once the real adventure seekers understand how comfortably they can travel to locations they never had access to before, the excitement should spread quickly.”

EarthCruiser’s global customers have been driving them directly into freight containers and shipping them to travel locations all over the world. Current International owners of the EarthCruiser include wildlife photographers, hunters, rock climbers and other extreme adventure seekers. The vehicle is also in demand by Eco and Volunteer travelers who are doing everything from delivering medical supplies to remote villages, teaching children, repairing endangered reefs, and a wide variety of outreach programs all over the globe.

For the past few years, the adventure travel industry has grown at an impressive rate and Americans may be ready, but will also demand a more capable vehicle to take them there. After all…safety is always a concern, and there is a limit as to how much most of us need to “rough it.” That’s what makes the vehicle so unique. EarthCruiser provides an impressive list of luxury features that offers plenty of comfort and security during your adventure. “Even our most extreme travelers still want to enjoy some of the comforts and safety of home,” adds Lance. “After all, there’s nothing wrong with a hot shower, cold drink, and comfortable bed wherever you may choose to stop for the night.”

Some people only talk about the things they will do someday. Some will… and some will never pack their bags and enjoy an adventure that others only dream of. The EarthCruiser seems ready, whether you choose to travel the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, remote regions of Africa, or simply stay stateside, enjoying the vast and beautiful backyard of America.

Additional information can be found at http://www.earthcruiser.com.au .

One of the unique qualities of this event is that fans can freely travel in their UTV, golf cart, or quad to the pits to view race crews in action working on their cars between races. And if you didn’t bring one, you can rent one. In between the track and the pits there is a section where owners can show off their classic car and a swap meet where you can rummage for that old part. There is also a vendor row immediately adjacent to the pits
where you can shop for race parts, gear, and tools but it’s not just for the guys; there are plenty of shopping opportunities for the ladies as well.

On Saturday the large crowds begin to show as the drag racing gets serious. My advice is to get there early and sit towards the middle of the track. Here you have a good view of both the start and the finish. Bring a set of earplugs, some beverages, and some kind of seat cushion. The drags wind down after dusk each day but the action doesn’t stop there. Each camp goes to work cooking its meat of choice and as the night winds on everyone trailer hops. We crashed one party that was cooking a full size pig on a trick homemade mechanical spit and one camp even had a live band. Suffice it to say that a good time was had by all.

On Sunday the racers in each class with the highest times go head to head to determine the champion. In the end it was Tim Boychuck of Edmonton Alberta in his ’77 Firebird beating out Chad Head to win the Funny Car Eliminator Class. Tim covered the 1/4 mile in 5.803 seconds at 243 mph. In the Top Fuel Eliminator class it was Jim Young of Salem, WI beating Rick White. Jim did the 1/4 mile in 5.684 seconds at 249 mph. For more results and details of the race visit http://www.famosoraceway.com/

The 2012 March meet was a great time and will definitely become an annual tradition for us, one that I highly recommend.

To view more photos visit http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r237/kevlarzbucket/

Dutchmen is recalling model year 2012 Rubicon toy hauler trailers manufactured from October 2011 through February, according to NHTSA.

The recalled RVs – potentially 28 units – have been manufactured with a frame support located too close to the trailer tires, which could result in the support contacting the tires when loaded, according to NHTSA. Contact between the support and tire could result in tire failure, leading to loss of the vehicle control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Dutchmen will notify owners, and dealers will remove the interfering frame support and install a new frame support for free, according to NHTSA.