Saturday, March 19th, 2016, marked another Chamber of Commerce day in Southern California. Bright sunshine, blue skies, and a warm breeze greeted the LAFD’s families and friends for the 7th annual Hook and Ladder Enduro.
Our main camp in California City saw more than 160 motorhomes, campers and trailers gathered for this year’s event. The 90210 camp started early this year arriving on Sunday, a full week prior to the event.
The highlight of the camp was Greg and Pam Pascolla’s new house on wheels. They went from a 1977 20’ Winnebago Brave to a 2016 48’ OMG diesel pusher with four slide-outs, 2,000 sq. ft. of living space, dual everything, a small city-size electrical generation plant, half a dozen air conditioners, leather everywhere, a 50” flatscreen, a KING size bed and a walk in shower! How do I know so much about this you ask? It’s because I was asked (I think?) by Greg and Pam to be the tour guide of their new digs. I did my research, prepared myself mentally with adult beverage, and apparently gave many tours, to many people, that night.
We had our best turnout ever this year. We had 480 entries in six classes with more than 650 participants. We again set up two courses – one for motorcycles and UTV/ATV’s that was 28 miles long and more technical. The “Kids Course” was laid out on mostly graded dirt roads and was 18 miles long. It included a stop at “Teter’s Trailer” for a hot dog, soda and potty break. The Stone’s, Nowell’s, Judy Teter, and all their helpers, cooked and served about 800 “Dirt Dogs” for the hungry crowd.
Thanks to all our volunteers (50+) who made this event possible. From Roy Prince at registration, Joanie Prince and Kathy Runyon selling T-shirts, Pam Abbott as cashier to Pam Pascolla and Sheri Turner at the Silent Auction. Also Mike Raden and our sweep riders who kept you safe, Doak Smith and Tim Larsen at the start line, and Dave Rowley, Lon Roberts and Steve Domanski at the finish line. Let’s not forget John Tohill and his ED crew for the start and finish line structures. All of these folks had many helpers and we thank them for their efforts.
This years’ event was another successful fundraiser for the LAFRA Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Through your efforts we raised more than $33,000. Please give yourselves a hand for your generosity and support. Also we want to thank all our generous sponsors for their unwavering support. “Strong work” people!
A note for next year: If you want to hire a DJ to play loud music all night long, we welcome you to do so, just find a camp where you won’t keep everyone awake all night. If you want to have a bonfire, and ride motorcycles in circles around it, making dust all night, please feel free to do so, just don’t do it in camp. If you have a big go-fast car, with a 500 hp motor, that roosts everybody you pass, leave it at home. In other words have a good time but have some respect for your neighbors. See you next year.
By Bruce Galien