Q-Tip: Annual Sierra Trek

If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle and if you have time on your hands this weekend and if you would like to do something different,then read on.

According to a recent press release, the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs has announced that space is still available for the 35th annual Sierra Trek on Saturday.

The Sierra Trek, the largest, all-volunteer, four-wheel drive event in the United States, is expected to draw more than 500 vehicles and more than 2,000 enthusiasts from throughout the western Unites States as well as attendees from foreign countries.

The event is held in the High Sierra at Meadow Lake, approximately 30 miles north of Truckee, Calif.

"We would like to encourage anyone who has bought into the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market to consider this scenic tour," said Jim Bramham, trail boss for the trip. "We will do some moderate four-wheeling around Meadow Lake and then take our participants to some very interesting and historic sites in the area."

Bramham said that the Meadow Lake area is rich in gold rush history. During the 1860's, gold miners arrived in this region and called their small village Summit City. At the height of the gold rush, more than 4,000 people lived in Summit City. The gold was there, Bramham said, but it couldn't be separated from the other metals and soon the miners left for other areas.

Pre-registration is required for the trek.

The registration cost is $100 per adult, $20 for children (ages 7-12) and there is no charge for children under seven.

The cost includes a Saturday trail breakfast, trail lunch, camp dinner and a Sunday breakfast for those choosing to stay overnight.

To reach Meadow Lake from Truckee, take California S.R. 89 north for approximately 14 miles to U.S. Forest Service Road No. 07. Watch for the Sierra Trek sign. Take Road No. 7 west for approximately 15 miles to Meadow Lake.

Space is available at Meadow Lake for tent camping or recreational vehicles.

For information or to register for the SUV trip, call Robert Reed at (925) 447-3142 or email at sierratrek@home.com.