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This 2002 running of the John Bull Trail was a great success and for many reasons. Mike V. invited a few guests to join us. One showed and one was a no-show. We started almost on time, which was a great advantage over two years ago. The weather was quite tolerable. It was definitely cooler at 8,000+ feet. The people we encountered on the trail, of which there were many, were quite friendly. We met a group from Havasu. Mike V. knew one of their members although not present on this run. It's a small world.

Participating in this year's run were Mike & Melanie Young, Anthony & Dawn Coll, Pat Gilmartin, friend Laura and two of Pat's boys. Mike & Jeannie Vercillo rounded out the member trucks along with Mike's guest Tay Offenhauser in his Jeep.

We had a few breakdowns, but we still managed to make it through the trail at a reasonable hour, finishing by late afternoon. Tay's Jeep did not have front wheel drive but he still managed to make it all the way through the trail. Anthony discovered a loose sway bar but managed a quick fix. To erase the mystique of the Kavanaugh's misadventures of two years ago, Pat decided it was his turn to have a lion's share of problems. He started out with his front hubs not locking in, but managed a fix before getting into real trouble (whew!). Next came a sharp rock which sliced through the sidewall of his tire (yuk!). His major breakdown came shortly later when his MSD ignition gave out (ouch!). We managed to hook up the original ignition components still mounted (good thinking, Pat) and once again had "spark". But off again we weren't. Somehow, in the process of repairing the ignition, we disturbed the fuel system wiring. We had no power to the electric fuel pump. After a total of two hours, we were once again on our way (yay!). Our guest, who is young in the art of four wheeling, was thoroughly impressed with our field repairs and was very happy to be part of our group.

Once the traditional group picture taking at the end of the trail was accomplished, we again headed back to camp or at least that's what our President and Leader had in mind. After a couple of wrong turns, directions from some other campers helped find our way back to the main road and camp.

If you missed this one, come join us in September for the Sherman Pass Run. The challenge and scenery should be equally spectacular.