Team Trophy Challenge

[John]

The following message was received from our friend and fellow Rover enthusiast Doug Shipman (Pacific Coast Rover Club, (PCRC)). I would like to take this opportunity to thank Doug for all his efforts to date with respect to both the TTC event as well as the Northwest Challenge.

Team Trophy Challenge

Well, all good things must come to a end. It has taken great thought and reflection on many great years of punishing Teams, but, it's time for a break. I could go into a whole list of reasons for not doing it, but what it really comes down to is, it's become too much work and more of a job. In the beginning it was fun! Now with the more rigid forestry policies, it has became a "Challenge" just to put a "Challenge" on. Now I certainly don't want to put all the blame on ODF. In some fairness to them, the mass amount of use the Tillamook State Forest is seeing certainly has changed the face of our trails and type of damage control needed on them. Over the 10+ years I have been putting the TTC on, I've tried to dedicate the proceeds to "Keeping Public Lands Public". We have contributed thousands of dollars to the Blue Ribbon Legal Fund, Millican Valley Legal Fund, and various TSF projects. The remaining funds will be used for coming projects in the place that made this event possible, the TSF.

I want to personally thank those competitors, users, and clubs who have made this event possible over the years. My time has been only a fraction of what it takes to put a competitive event on and without the help of many, nothing would have happened.

Another Challenge will rise again! But, for now, it'll be put to rest. Just remember some of my key points at the drivers meetings;

--- Respect the forest, it's ours!
--- Thank the forestry workers when you see them for letting us use "our forest"
--- Get involved in forest and trail management.
--- "Keep Public Lands Public"

Hang in there, lifes too short, and getting shorter to not have fun.

Many Tks and GOOD memories!!!

Doug Shipman

[Bill E.]

Thanks for posting this John. I also would like to thank Doug for taking on the responsibility for putting on these events for many years now. I suppose we may see the demise of the Northwest Challenge soon based on our groups level of interest or lack thereof at this years event. Doug expressed to me in August that perhaps these events have run their course for the time being and for him personally it is time to concentrate on other interests. Who can blame him? He told me he has enjoyed all of the events and hopes that some of the younger gang will take up the gauntlet. For those of you who don't know, Doug Shipman runs "Ship's Mechanical" out of Portland Oregon. His business, when it started was supposed to cater to marine hydraulics, hence the name. His interest and skills with Landrovers was supposed to be a sideline he and his wife told me. His knowledge and expertise along with friends who needed work done on their Landrovers pretty much ended any notion of working for the marine industry. Doug's son is now involved with the business and I can highly recommend their services if any of you are having troubles with your Rover in or around the Portland area.
Bill
Bill

[bclandrover]

It's too bad I only made it to the one TTC, in 2001. I thoroughly enjoyed the pain and suffering my truck, co-pilot and I went through as a compeditor. Thanks for all your hard work Doug!!

But, let's not use this as an excuse to get soft!!! I can assure you there will be at least one more NorthWest Challenge, as plans are already underway for Sept/Oct 2007 in Southwestern BC.

Start getting you rigs ready cause it ain't gonna be no campin' trip!!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: