THE  NANAIMOSIDEWINERS HISTORY

 

 

In may 1975,the Nanaimo Sidewinders Fourwheel Drive Club was formed. The original executive was made up of :

President: Dave Harris

Vice President: Dave Bessen

Secretary: Louise Besson

Treasurer: Kathy Hatch

Public Relations: Tom Oster

 

Approximately thirty people attended the first meeting ,with intent to promote outdoor recreation and responsible four-wheel drive activates. Today ,the club still upholds these ideas.

In 1976 the Sidewinders became members of the Four Wheel Drive Association of B.C.  From 1976 through the mid -80s, members participated in organized racing, rallies, and play-days throughout the province. In the days,33” Armstrong tires and limited slip were considered hardcore. Almost all the events had a dance/party on the Saturday evening. They were always a great fundraiser and a lot of fun.

On Vancouver Island in 1978 there was a total of thirteen organized clubs:

Victoria Four wheelers-Victoria

Eliminators 4x4 Club –Victoria

 Freedom Four Wheelers- Victoria

Off-Road Crusaders-Duncan

Cowichan Valley Roamers-Duncan

High Country Cruisers-Croften

Dirty Dozen 4x4 Club –Croften

Nanaimo Sidewinders- Nanaimo

Hub City Lockers-Nanaimo

Pacific Rimmers-Port Alberni

West Coast Hill Climbers-Port Alberni

Ridge Runners-Port Alberni

Campbell River Four Wheelers-Campbell River

As have other clubs, the club has incurred highs and lows. Membership has been as low as four, and as high as thirty-six. Originally, club meetings were always held at members homes. The host supplied snacks and treats, and beer was sold for 75 cents a bottle with the profit going to the club (how things have changed) In 2003,a decision was made to move the meetings to a more central location . Meetings  were held in the team room at a local restaurant. This was a wise choice ,as the club saw attendance double.

Today, it appears less emphasis is put on the racing ,with more members going back to basic outdoor activities and trail runs. There are more holidays taken to four wheel drive hotspots, such as Moab, Utah and the Rubicon Trail in California.

As a club .we sill hold an annual Christmas party and a summer BBQ. Both are held at members ‘ homes, with spouses and children being welcome. The club does trail clean-ups and in heavy snow we have helped transport nurses to and from work.. The club has also participated in the parades and Christmas toy drives. The club is enjoying good times now, with a great bunch of members.

Gregg Frazer 29-year member