President's Report

The IRC is off to a good start for 1999, with the formation of various committees within the membership. These committees consist of the May Run, Rock Review Newsletter, Bylaws, Land Use and Access, and Off-Road Education. Other committees can be formed as needed. By forming these committees with an open volunteer policy, any IRC member can have their ideas and input joined with others to improve the IRC's activities and ultimately, its future existence. So you see, it is quite simple: if you as an IRC member want to become involved, track down that committee's chairperson and say, "How can I help?"

I have taken it upon myself to draw up an IRC portfolio, with a great deal of help and input from Rob Bryce, and Rob and Andrea deLange. We spent an entire Sunday afternoon writing and discussing the portfolio's content. With a great personal finishing touch in the layout and graphics by Rob deLange, I think this portfolio will be very impressive to those outside of the IRC. The plan is to send copies to various companies, government agencies and branches, tourism organizations, and news media to let them know what the IRC is all about, and to impress on these people that we are a serious club, dedicated to keeping this sport prospering. By completing this project, I hope that I have not offended anyone, thinking the portfolio is for the better of the IRC. Copies of the portfolio are available to members upon request for your reading and to keep as your own personal reference.

The IRC has been consistently attracting new members who believe in the same ideals that the IRC stands for. Hopefully the IRC ranks will continue to grow, and we will have an impact on four wheelers as a whole. By setting a good example, others will respect and adopt our club's mandate. The sport as a whole can benefit. Remember that there is strength in numbers, so let's set that standard and get the word out. The IRC must, as a group, promote us as responsible four-wheel drive enthusiasts. We can and will improve the general public's perception of our sport for the better of our club and for the future of our recreation.

Rick Reimer

Rock Crawl '99 Update

January has seen excellent progress in preparations for Rock Crawl '99. Garrison W. has reserved the campground and Nadine F. has booked the food with the Sooke Lions. Also, Nadine has once again created a fabulous design for the t-shirts and dash plaques. Jenny S. and Joan S. have worked really hard to put together a great registration package, to be sent out on February 1st. The crew that is working on the trails has come up with a usable trail-rating system and is close to figuring out which trails we will run. They still have to arrange a meeting with TimberWest to ensure their co-operation for use of their lands. Al V. and Rob McF. have both been busy in the donation department, and goodies are arriving daily. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 pm at Rob and Andrea's house.

Andrea deLange

South Island

Contact Events Co-ordinator
for more information.

February 99

Feb. 4 - Monthly Branch meeting at 7:30 pm at Spencer School, (1026 Goldstream Ave.)

Feb. 7 - Monthly Club Run, meet at Harbourview Road in Sooke at 9:00 am.

Feb. 28 - IRC Private First-Aid Course (location to be determined)

March 99

Mar. 11 - Monthly Branch meeting at Spencer School

Mar. 13 - Winching Seminar with Monthly Club Run to follow.

Mid-Island

Contact Berry Sintnicolaas for more information.

February 99

Feb. 18 - Monthly Branch meeting at 7:30 pm at the house behind Bow-Mel Chrysler in Duncan

Feb. 21 - "Snow Fun Day", Monthly Club Run, call Berry

March 99

Mar. 18 - Monthly Branch meeting at 7:30 pm at the house behind Bow-Mel Chrysler in Duncan

Mar. 21 - Monthly Club Run, call Berry

Club Membership - 53

Branch	Total	Regular	Associate	Honourary
South Island	42	31	10	1
Mid-Island	11	9	2