Thousands Gearin’ Up for Off-Road for Hope IV

San Diego, CA – Southern California’s largest charity off-highway vehicle event is gearing up for an amazing weekend of gettin’ dirty for a great cause. For the fourth year, over 800 vehicles (4x4s, motorcycles, ATVs, buggies and bajas) and over 2,500 participants will be gathering in the desert, east Anza Borrego Desert State Park, to participate in Off-Road for Hope IV, February 1-3, 2002. This is three days of runs, fun and games with 100% of the funds raised benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“When you get an opportunity to meet these kids, talk to them, share their experiences, you want to do whatever it takes to help in the research for a cure and make their lives a little more comfortable,” said Harold Soens, Los Pretot’s Desert Club and event organizer.

Off-Road for Hope IV will be based out of the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, Ocotillo Wells, CA (35 miles east of Julian, CA) and will offer trails and runs for all off-road enthusiasts, from the novice to the expert. Last February, Off-Road for Hope III drew over 600 vehicles and raised $50,000 for MDA.

“This event has itself as the premier off-road fundraiser in Southern California in only three years,” says Ray Leuschner, California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs. “This fourth year will continue to exceed all previous expectations with the goal of raising $75,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.”

Four-wheel drive vehicle owners will have a choice of thirteen runs rated novice to expert. Street legal dirt bike riders can choose the 120 mile Dual Sport Motorcycle run and all vehicles (ATVs, buggies, bikes and bajas) can ride in the most unique and entertaining Desert Round Up. Friday, February 1st, all vehicles can run the Sunset Poker Run and the mind boggling Mystery Runs. Off-Road for Hope IV ends Sunday, February 3rd, with the amazing Rock Crawling Challenge.

Off-Road for Hope IV is being sponsored and organized by the California Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs, San Diego Off-Road Coalition, Los Pretots Desert Club, CORVA and over 150 off-road enthusiasts volunteering their time. In addition, flagship sponsors BF Goodrich, Kawasaki, Sanyo, Explorer ProComp and over one hundred companies have donated over $50,000 in product for the sweepstakes drawing.

Registration is $35 for all multi-seat vehicles; $30 for the dual sport motorcycle run (includes lunch and roll map); and, $15 for all adults riding single seat vehicles and $5 for single seat riders 17 and under (must be accompanied by an adult).

MDA provides all of its patient services free of charge. These programs include the annual MDA children’s summer camps, muscle disease clinics, support groups for families, caregivers and those affected as well as assistance with the purchase and maintenance of wheelchairs and leg braces. In addition, MDA funds vital research programs locally.

For more information and registration forms please call MDA at at address listed below.