MOAB, UT. —Let's face it, the weather this year during the Easter Jeep Safari was less than desireable. However, this didn't keep the scores of rabid enthusiasts away from attending another record breaking and fantastic week of wheeling in the southern Utah desert.

For Suzuki enthusiasts, there was more than enough to keep them busy. The ZUKIWORLD Fun Run and the Zukfari events provided ample oportunities to go exploring, wheeling, and to meet new people. Without further adue, let's talk day one. For many the week starts early. The most dedicated enthusiasts begin arriving the week before the Easter weekend. Among these participants was Nathan and Heather Galvin who graciously agree to lead an easier "break in" run on Sunday to Klondike bluffs a trail known for fossilized Dino prints and several other unique land features, leading participants into Arches National Park. On Monday the Galvins stepped up again to cover for Yankee Tim, who could not make this year's activites, and led Fun Run participants on the Chicken Corners trail which provides spectacular views of both the Colorado River Gorge and Kane Creek Canyon.

Tuesday was the big kick off for most Fun Run participants with the well attendend Poison Spider Trail run led by Rick and Cindy Hawkins of Hawk Strictly Suzuki. This group of Suzuki enthusiasts were treated to some great wheeling on this in and out trail. A pleasant and happy atmosphere accompanied all helped by the great company. Rick and Cindy gave all who attended a Hawk Strictly Suzuki Moab 2004 commerative t-shirt.

VIDEO: Minnesota's Blake and Kenny tackling an obtacle on Poison Spider | 2.5M | .MPG Grant Peterson cruising Poison Spider | 1.8M | .MPG Rick Hawkins on Golden Spike | 1.5M | .MPG Eric and Mike on Golden Crack IFS vs. SAS | 6.8M | .MPG Chunk on Golden Crack | 2.8M | .mpg

"Big Wednesday" not only included the ZUKIWORLD banquet held in the evening but also the Calmini sponsored Golden Spike trail Conecting Poison Spider Mesa with Gold Bar rim, this trail is normally a full day's journey. Today would be no exception due in part to the large group, or should we say two groups consisting of a Suzuki group led by Mike Hagen and a Nissan group led by Calmini's company VP Steve Kramer. A difficult trail made more so with the rain storms that made the Golden Crack fill up and resemble a ragin river. All participants received Calmini designed Moab 2004 t-shirt and several challenging moments due to the wet and slippery obsticles.

Pritchett Canyon, a little bit of sunshine, and some Suzuki nutz are the ingredients for a great Thrusday. We sponsored Thursday's run up Pritchett Canyon trail which is one of the toughest in the Moab area. Most of its most difficult obstacles have no bypasses and the trail is getting even more difficult every year. Pritchett Canyon is deep, steep walled and beautiful. ZUKIWORLD provided Evil Seed t-shirts to the participants. We started with 20+ vehicles but by the time we reached one of the last obsticles, the rock pile, we were down to a hardy half dozen. This was due in large part to heavy breakage which becomes more previlent as the Moab week progresses, a full week of hard wheeling can be too much for even the most prepared vehicles.

Friday and the week is winding down but not for the hard core wheeler. For those with the stamina and intestinal fortitude to make it through a week of solid hard wheeling, another challenge awaits. Upper Helldorado, a well documented trail that recently lost it's sister trail to a conservationist buyout, still stands as high water mark to judge one's vehicle and driving skills. Jake Palmberg, in his 'mog axled Samurai led a group of Fun Run participants up and out of this short difficult trail.

By all accounts Moab Easter Jeep Safari 2004 was a huge success. From the ever expanding vendor show at the arena Thursday and Friday to the offering of two sets of events for the Suzuki enthusiast. Moab continues to offer the most and the best that the sport of four wheeling has to offer.

ZW