For the longest time I had a hard time defining just why you should spend your hard earned money to belong to the Toyota Landcruiser Association, which on the surface has only one thing in common amongst the members, we all wheel Toyota’s. And you can’t forget, it also has the most visible benefit, Toyota Trails, the mostly member written magazine/newsletter that you get 6 times a year. But are these two things enough the keep the international organization alive? Probably not in today’s changing world.
Recently though I have come to the realization that there are more than 2500 reasons to join the TLCA. About now you probably think I am off my rocker (especially those of you aware of my history with the board, I say this with a smile by the way….). So what exactly are these 2500 reasons? 
They are the guys and gals who belong to this group. The volunteers who make things happen on runs, who put time into the magazine, who take the time to call in on monthly board meetings, who just belong to the national organization as regular members. The individuals who make up this group of crazies are the one and only reason you need, to justify the membership dues.
And what exactly brought me to this conclusion? It happened during a run I was recently on, the McGrew Trailride. Nothing spectacular happened just a thought that came to mind. I have gone every year for the last 3 years and while the wheeling is pretty mellow I came to the realization that the best part of this run is not the wheeling, the place or the weather (usually HOT), it’s the people. The guys from Jefferson State Cruisers who now sponsor this run are prime examples of everything that makes the TLCA worthwhile. I love wheeling with these guys and just hanging out at the campfire. Who else could have a potluck dinner two hours from nowhere!
And this brings up another batch of guys I have gotten to know over the years. Cruise the Woods is sponsored by the Cascade Cruisers. I have gone on this run for the last 5 years and have plans to go again this year, I have gotten to know a big portion of the members and count many of them amongst the best of my friends. These guys are another group that exemplifies the best of what you want in fellow wheelers.
And why do I point out these two groups? These guys are exactly who you want on a run with you. Whether it’s just some spotting to get you through a tricky spot or a major trail fix, you can count on them to not leave you in a pinch. 
If you break somewhere, they will be the first to jump in a rig and head off to the woods to help, no questions asked short of “What do I need to bring? Let’s go”. Doesn’t matter what time or place, you can count on them to help you out. Being part of these rig “rescue” missions brings out the best in already outstanding people. The peace of mind offered by wheeling with these type of folks takes a lot of the worry out of being in the middle of nowhere….
And one of the things that sets these two clubs apart is that they are very small groups who put on big events in relation to how many members they have. Campfires with either of these groups are an absolute blast. Pretty much every campfire 
I have sat around with fellow Toyota owners has been well worth any dues I had to pay to join the TLCA.
I have met some of the finest people I know while wheeling my wagon at these events or even just by coming across other Toyota owners in the dirt and on the road. Driving down the highway occasionally leads to thumbs up from passing drivers, and they are doing the passing as my wagon is slow. Mostly these are for unknown reasons considering how banged up my rig is!
Each year the TLCA sponsors or supports more than 20 runs, events, get togethers, etc. These things are held all over the country, from coast to coast as well as overseas and in Canada. Lest I forget, Cruiser Days in British Columbia is put on by the Coastal Cruisers and is well worth your 
time. Especially if you are a fan of diesel Cruisers…. I have only been able to go once due to schedule conflicts which is disappointing because it’s great to see a lot of cruisers that never made it to the US and I have several friends in this club as well.
And I would be willing to bet, my experience with West Coast events is repeated all over the country on runs that may happen in your area. Or even not so close by, I drive almost 600 miles to get to the trail head for the McGrew Trailride… Been more than worth it every year. I don’t doubt others share the same opinion about long drives to events in their areas.
The local chapters that hold events (as well as the ones that don’t) are a great way to meet other wheelers and more often than not they have their own runs so you don’t have to head off into the woods or desert on your own. These local chapters can also use the support you can provide when they need help, either putting on a big event or on a small local run. It’s a win win when you get involved with your local chapter. Chapter contact info is on the website or you can find a list in every issue of Toyota Trails.
So how exactly do you access these events and the special people that put them on and participate at them? You simply need to belong to the TLCA. Membership gives you access to these outstanding people and the events they are affiliated with. $30 gets you the worlds finest newsletter, Toyota Trails, and ready access to some of the finest folks you will ever meet.
By no means will you get along with everyone you meet but after spending time with them they just may turn out to not be who you think they are. And if you don’t belong to the TLCA you might not ever have the opportunity to make these friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Added a few while I was at McGrew this year….
So sign up, get involved and make it to an organized run, it’s 
worth it for the people. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that wheeling is involved…..
