By Yolanda Roberts, daughter of Mike & Mary Manneth

Excitement was in the air, people antsy to get on the trail. A whooping 38 vehicles in a chain, all in line to run the Cleghorn trail. Not far into the journey mishaps began, but teamwork proved to be the greatest antidote.

Once clear of the trouble spot with the odd ball Bronco, we made it through with out a backward glance. We came to the first real challenge. We watched a few vehicles take this endurance test, then heeding advice from the CB, took the go around. "Turn left" is said, so left it was, up this embankment and back down in a failed attempt. Up again we try once more, and over we went with a mighty thrust. Straitening the Bronco was not a simple chore. By then we had blown the spider gears, and the clip for the clutch had

come un clutched. Fighting to get us going, Dad (Mike Manneth) jumps out and sprawls under the dash. Half in and half out of the Bronco. With the clip reattached, we start rolling backwards lodging the door in the ground. I sat helplessly while Dad stopped the Bronco, but the damage was done! Help was there instantly, teamwork back in action. They got the Bronco moved forward enough to close the door. I’m not sure "close" is the appropriate verb to describe the door’s actions anymore.

We tried to get out of the rut forward, but that was out. We slid backwards and perilously hung on the verge of flipping. Frantically getting my heart back in it’s proper location, we awaited the verdict from the experienced Dirt Devils. A plan was formed and successfully executed. The Bronco was safe from utter disgrace. Back to the go around is where we arrived. To get stuck again, wasn’t a complete surprise. Assessments were made. The thoughts rang true, we only had front wheel drive! Boo Hoo!

Limping along with Bill clinging to the back of the Bronco, we finally reached the rest of the pack. We stayed on the low road while others challenged the high. We all safely came together for a regrouping and a sigh. Dad had taken the rear driveshaft off, luckily Pete had the tools that were required for that chore. With so many helpful people, it was nice to see the new world acting like the old, where people were there for people. Our day was done, we said our good-byes. We headed down the fire escape road towards the fire awaiting us at home.

It is several days later and the embers are still smoldering, but Dan and I are here to say, " We had a blast, and would do it again, except we would go strait instead of going left!" Special thanks to those who helped us. It was a great pleasure to meet you all. 
Yoli, Bronco II

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