FJ Bruisers

Representing on the beach and thinking of Jon.

FJ Bruisers

Last week, we lost one of our own. One of the most amazing, kind, selfless men. Jon never met a stranger. He was never too busy to help a friend and couldn’t resist staying up until the wee hours of the morning, chatting by the campfire.

We’ve spent many hours on and off the trails with Jon. We watched him raise his daughter with love and strength. He took care of others before taking care of himself. Our lives have been irrevocably changed because of knowing him.

Jon, we will miss you for the rest of our days. Thank you, from the bottoms of our hearts, for your years of friendship. The time was too short, but our love is great.

Rest easy, friend.

Online Parts Shop | Toyota of Dallas

Put a new Toyota battery in the FJ yesterday. The 84 month Toyota battery I put in just over 63 months ago pooped the bed. I sure do miss the Panasonic that lasted me 8 hard years. Glad they didn't make me buy this one.
https://www.toyotaofdallas.com/parts/shop.htm?path=%2Foem-parts%2Ftoyota-battery-2880066021%3Fc%3DZz1lbGVjdHJpY2FsLWNoYXJnaW5nLWFuZC1zdGFydGluZyZzPWJhdHRlcnktYW5kLXJlbGF0ZWQtY29tcG9uZW50cyZsPTEmbj1TZWFyY2ggUmVzdWx0cyZhPXRveW90YSZvPWZqLWNydWlzZXImeT0yMDA3JnQ9YmFzZSZlPTQtMGwtdjYtZ2Fz

toyotaofdallas.com

Here's wishing all you Bruisers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Trails!

[08/23/19]   Who's doing what Labor day weekend? I feel the need for some sitting around the camp fire and talking smack. Anyone want to camp out at GRSF? If we can get enough interested in the "Bike Field" the club may spring for a porta pot. Post up by Sunday 8/25.

[05/23/19]   Anybody camping this weekend?

*Update*

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED TO A DATE TBD! Stay tuned!

SAVE THE DATE!

Our fifth road rally will take place on October 19th at Green Ridge State Forest. More details to come in the following weeks, but for now, here are the basic "rules":

1) You must have a 4x4 vehicle (a Prius wouldn't work well).
2) Teams must consist of a driver and a navigator.
3) You must have a sense of humor.

4x4 Recovery Goes Seriously Wrong PART 2 - What Happens Next?

Mother Nature don't give a S#!*.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8trkgFX6wI

Watch full episodes at http://unleashed.tv or get the DVD: http://www.all4adventure.com/shop ► Part 2 of the original video, this complete segment shows what...

Meet the Washing Machine Club Gentlemen

Let's meet at Holly's house and do margaritas and laundry. :~)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiSTt50WOO8&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2ySRA2kvcr-AYQmi8wr1vXuz3Bq7fDPUCApGzZozUA2beGgIqUU50bgb4

Dreading laundry day? Not these guys. This dedicated community of middle-aged men LOVES washing clothes. Founded in 1984, the group now has 3,000 members fro...

Join or Renew now for 2019. Right here https://fjbruisers.org/membership/

[11/16/18]   T shirt time.
https://cruisergear.co/collections/all-products/products/3-wipers-shirt-men

Home

I would like to thank Ironman 4x4 for their great customer service. Years ago I mounted a set of their Gamma 175 driving lights on my '07 FJ and after years of use I had a problem with both lights and contacted them through their FB page about buying parts to repair the lights. I heard back from them within a day and was told, "We'll see what we can do". One month later I received a box all the way from China with a brand new set of 175's. W00t!! Thanks Ironman 4x4 you went above and beyond.
http://www.ironman4x4.com/

ironman4x4.com

[11/02/18]   Thinking about going to GRSF tomorrow, Saturday 11/3. Do some plinking and some woodsy driving to see if there is any color left in the leaves. Anyone interested? Let me know.

#airdown

DARPA's reconfigurable wheels switch from tires to tracks in two seconds

OMG! They reinvented the wheel.
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/darpa-reconfigurable-wheel-track-rwt/

cnet.com If it wasn't coming from DARPA, we'd be inclined to believe it's magic.

[04/25/18]   May 18-20 at Green Ridge State Forest.

For paid up members and guests.
Our new and improved Guns&Mud, now with warmer temperatures.
Camping will be be at Group site G7 on Mertens Rd. near Banner overlook.
The portApot has been ordered and is sanitized for you protection.
I will have some swag with me.
Bring camping gear, food and water, and appropriate firearms for a trip to the range.
A "trail" run is most likely to happen as well.
We need a big turnout for this event so make your plans now and post up if you are coming.

Happy Trails!

Michael

American Adventurist

Save Pismo! We’re working with the California Offroad Vehicle Association to fight closure at Oceano Dunes SVRA. We’re making Limited Edition T-shirts with 50% of every shirt sale going directly to C.O.R.V.A. to help with legal fees. Why? Because CLOSURE ISN’T MANAGEMENT! Link here: http://grilledtees.bigcartel.com/category/american-adventurist

2018 Membership – FJ Bruisers

https://fjbruisers.org/2018-membership/

fjbruisers.org

fjbruisers.org

https://fjbruisers.org/2018-membership/

fjbruisers.org

2018 Membership – FJ Bruisers

Although it started out that way 10 years ago, we aren't just FJ Cruisers anymore. Many members have gotten 4 Runners, Tacomas, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, Jeeps, and a few still have their FJ Cruiser. A few folks now have more kids than FJ Cruiser.
Our memberships run through the calendar year, January through December.
This year's membership dues are $20.00 so don't delay- sign up…while you're thinking about it.
If you're not currently an FJ Bruisers Paid Member, there is no better time to become one.
If you've already signed up for 2018, Thank you.
https://fjbruisers.org/2018-membership/

fjbruisers.org

2018 Membership – FJ Bruisers

Alright all- 2018 Membership Renewal is underway. You're here so you know about us.
2018 FJ Bruisers dues are $20.00. Credit Card, PayPal, or send us a check. Just fill out this form. https://fjbruisers.org/2018-membership/.
If you're not a paid member, there is no better time. Come join us.
Memberships are for the calendar year, January through December.
Get 2018 squared away while you're thinking about it.
https://fjbruisers.org/2018-membership/

fjbruisers.org

FJ Bruisers's cover photo

NARHAMS Model Rocket Club

So, if you want to help celebrate Buzz and Neil doing their thing 48 years ago come join us at Goddard Space Flight Visitors Center today at 12:00 to launch some model rockets. The museum is almost all put back together so there are lots of new displays to see and touch. We should have a very nice turn out with the nice weather we will have today. I hope to see you there.
http://www.narhams.org/

narhams.org

FJ Bruisers's cover photo

FJ Bruisers

“The 2017, FJ Bruiser, ‘Rally FORE!’, OnRoad/OffRoad, Road Rally”
…
Over the last several months, we have been very busy designing and setting up a good old fashioned TSD (Time, Speed, Distance)/Navigation Road Rally to be held at Green Ridge State Forest on Saturday, June 10. We are an off road club and navigation is a crucial skill to develop. Many of us have never had to navigate without a map or using a compass only; many more simply follow the vehicle in front of them on the trail and never consider where they are. We decided this event could help sharpen those skills and give everyone practical experience in orienteering on and off road. We have combined that concept with a need for more intimate understanding of your preferred OHV/4x4 vehicle and come up with a classic Road Rally that we think you all will remember for a long time. If you have never rallyed before, here is how it works… We will meet at the big campground at Green Ridge, (Camping will be available at that site for Friday and Saturday nights) on Saturday morning at 9:00 am for a Check in and Pre-Race meeting. We will then line up for the START right there and each contestant vehicle will have a Driver and Navigator along with the following REQUIRED items:
HAND HELD COMPASS
CALCULATOR
STOPWATCH
WORKING ODOMETER and TRIP METER
CLIPBOARD AND SCRATCH PAPER
PEN/PENCIL, CELL PHONE
DIRECTION SHEET (SUPPLIED ON RACE DAY)
VEHICLE RACE SHEET (SUPPLIED ON RACE DAY)

Vehicles will be started on each of two alternating courses at timed intervals, and each vehicle will then follow their directions around the course. Each direction will involve solving time/speed/distance calculations, or require you to use the vital facts and specifications in the rally packet to determine either your distance to travel, or compass heading to take, or require multiple calculations using your odometer and stopwatch. Each turn will be described on the directions but require you to do some mental gymnastics to figure it out. (There WILL be math involved!) The course will be approximately 60 miles long and will take you through various places of the forest. It should be a beautiful time of year, and the ridges and forests of Allegheny County offer an unusual variety of road types as well as some great scenery. You will rise and fall over 23,000 feet as you go between 505’ and 2035’ ASL, a number of times. (Kind of like DRIVING to Camp 3 on Everest!) As you move through the course, you will find a number of “Checkpoints”, some of which will be manned by Race Officers, some of which will be simple signs. You must stop and get the information on the back of each checkpoint to put on your “Vehicle Race Sheet” before completing the leg. Some checkpoints will be harder to see, so you must stay alert – some may require other activities be done… so you never know what you’ll find – or where! When you reach the manned checkpoints, your elapsed time since the start will be calculated and points will be taken from you if you are too fast – or too slow. You will also be asked questions, or given another task to perform – for points! Everyone starts with a score of zero and you gain points as you find checkpoints, take just the right amount of time, don’t backtrack because you are lost or otherwise screw up… the one with the most points accumulated will be the winner. Once you start, every second counts. You will finish back at the campground where we will have campfire to gather at, discuss the day, tell some lies, and have a beer or other adult beverage. Once the Race Committee has calculated the winners, trophies will be awarded immediately. The first three highest scores will receive trophies. (There will also be a somewhat less coveted award to the LAST place vehicle!) This event will take most of the day on Saturday. We are limiting this rally to the first 30 vehicles that sign up. We will keep a list of alternate or late registrations but make no promises. We expect a lot of interest in this event, but can accommodate a limited number of vehicles, so please do not sign up if there is a chance you won’t be able to come.
We also suggest you familiarize yourselves with your hand held compass skills as well. Know how to take a heading, how to find a bearing and be sure it is set for about 7 degrees of variation from true north. You might also check to see what impact your truck has on the handheld – you may need to move 20 feet or more from the vehicle to get an accurate reading. There is no reason kids or pets can’t be brought along. Just remember they can be a distraction, and both Driver and Navigator are going to need to have their heads in the game just to keep from getting lost! Rallies are typically not family events, but we are a family club; so it’s your call. One of the beauties of this event is that we have designed it so that the winners can feel accomplished, but the course can be run just for laughs and a good time too. Those of you who know your way around a map and compass will have plenty to challenge you; those of you who simply want a nice day in the woods will not be disappointed either. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of the Navigators in this event. We don’t care if you are the most precise driver in the world; if you are driving down the wrong road, you are going to lose! Navigators typically have to keep the Race Sheet filled with info at Checkpoints, make the decisions at turns, and calculate the right answers to the directions. They may have other tasks to perform as well, so be nice to your Navigator! Before someone asks, a child CAN be Navigator – if you think they have the skills…
This is going to be fun.
There is a $30 “Entry Fee” per vehicle, payable to the FJ Bruisers, in the usual ways. Now go mark it on your calendars and find the registration link and get registered.

https://fjbruisers.org/rally-fore-registration/

Rally FORE Registration – FJ Bruisers

“The 2017, FJ Bruiser, ‘Rally FORE!’, OnRoad/OffRoad, Road Rally”
…
Over the last several months, we have been very busy designing and setting up a good old fashioned TSD (Time, Speed, Distance)/Navigation Road Rally to be held at Green Ridge State Forest on Saturday, June 10. We are an off road club and navigation is a crucial skill to develop. Many of us have never had to navigate without a map or using a compass only; many more simply follow the vehicle in front of them on the trail and never consider where they are. We decided this event could help sharpen those skills and give everyone practical experience in orienteering on and off road. We have combined that concept with a need for more intimate understanding of your preferred OHV/4x4 vehicle and come up with a classic Road Rally that we think you all will remember for a long time. If you have never rallyed before, here is how it works… We will meet at the big campground at Green Ridge, (Camping will be available at that site for Friday and Saturday nights) on Saturday morning at 9:00 am for a Check in and Pre-Race meeting. We will then line up for the START right there and each contestant vehicle will have a Driver and Navigator along with the following REQUIRED items:
HAND HELD COMPASS
CALCULATOR
STOPWATCH
WORKING ODOMETER and TRIP METER
CLIPBOARD AND SCRATCH PAPER
PEN/PENCIL, CELL PHONE
DIRECTION SHEET (SUPPLIED ON RACE DAY)
VEHICLE RACE SHEET (SUPPLIED ON RACE DAY)

Vehicles will be started on each of two alternating courses at timed intervals, and each vehicle will then follow their directions around the course. Each direction will involve solving time/speed/distance calculations, or require you to use the vital facts and specifications in the rally packet to determine either your distance to travel, or compass heading to take, or require multiple calculations using your odometer and stopwatch. Each turn will be described on the directions but require you to do some mental gymnastics to figure it out. (There WILL be math involved!) The course will be approximately 60 miles long and will take you through various places of the forest. It should be a beautiful time of year, and the ridges and forests of Allegheny County offer an unusual variety of road types as well as some great scenery. You will rise and fall over 23,000 feet as you go between 505’ and 2035’ ASL, a number of times. (Kind of like DRIVING to Camp 3 on Everest!) As you move through the course, you will find a number of “Checkpoints”, some of which will be manned by Race Officers, some of which will be simple signs. You must stop and get the information on the back of each checkpoint to put on your “Vehicle Race Sheet” before completing the leg. Some checkpoints will be harder to see, so you must stay alert – some may require other activities be done… so you never know what you’ll find – or where! When you reach the manned checkpoints, your elapsed time since the start will be calculated and points will be taken from you if you are too fast – or too slow. You will also be asked questions, or given another task to perform – for points! Everyone starts with a score of zero and you gain points as you find checkpoints, take just the right amount of time, don’t backtrack because you are lost or otherwise screw up… the one with the most points accumulated will be the winner. Once you start, every second counts. You will finish back at the campground where we will have campfire to gather at, discuss the day, tell some lies, and have a beer or other adult beverage. Once the Race Committee has calculated the winners, trophies will be awarded immediately. The first three highest scores will receive trophies. (There will also be a somewhat less coveted award to the LAST place vehicle!) This event will take most of the day on Saturday. We are limiting this rally to the first 30 vehicles that sign up. We will keep a list of alternate or late registrations but make no promises. We expect a lot of interest in this event, but can accommodate a limited number of vehicles, so please do not sign up if there is a chance you won’t be able to come.
We also suggest you familiarize yourselves with your hand held compass skills as well. Know how to take a heading, how to find a bearing and be sure it is set for about 7 degrees of variation from true north. You might also check to see what impact your truck has on the handheld – you may need to move 20 feet or more from the vehicle to get an accurate reading. There is no reason kids or pets can’t be brought along. Just remember they can be a distraction, and both Driver and Navigator are going to need to have their heads in the game just to keep from getting lost! Rallies are typically not family events, but we are a family club; so it’s your call. One of the beauties of this event is that we have designed it so that the winners can feel accomplished, but the course can be run just for laughs and a good time too. Those of you who know your way around a map and compass will have plenty to challenge you; those of you who simply want a nice day in the woods will not be disappointed either. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of the Navigators in this event. We don’t care if you are the most precise driver in the world; if you are driving down the wrong road, you are going to lose! Navigators typically have to keep the Race Sheet filled with info at Checkpoints, make the decisions at turns, and calculate the right answers to the directions. They may have other tasks to perform as well, so be nice to your Navigator! Before someone asks, a child CAN be Navigator – if you think they have the skills…
This is going to be fun.
There is a $30 “Entry Fee” per vehicle, payable to the FJ Bruisers, in the usual ways. Now go mark it on your calendars and find the registration link and get registered.

https://fjbruisers.org/rally-fore-registration/

fjbruisers.org You and a navigator will attempt to complete a course covering a certain distance in a certain amount of time while driving at or below posted speed limits.