In July 1999, it started as kind of a fluke, actually.

Me and a couple of my wheeling buds that frequent The Badlands got to
talking about trying to see how many Suzukis we could coerce out for
the weekend in BFE, Indiana.  After some phone calls, some e-mail, and
no formal preparation to speak of, we wound up with 16!!

Now, that may not sound like much in light of the 100+ that Zukfari
attracts, but here in the Midwest, that's a whole herd, baby!  They came
from as far away as Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa.
We got ourselves an event here, Bubba, now what we gonna call it?

Usually,  July in the Midwest is hot and humid, so we prematurely
coined this extravaganza "Midwest Zooki Melt".  As it turned out,
the heat wave broke the day before and the Weather Gods treated us
to sunny and pleasant conditions for the entire event.

I had not anticipated this many vehicles, so things weren't as
organized as they should have been, but every soul who attended
had an absolute blast.  Many TALL tales to tell.

There were a few traditions established this first time: Cheesy trophies
to complement equally cheesy accomplishments, and an extreme night run
that resulted in a rollover, snapped axles, sweaty palms, and white knuckles.

For the complete 1999 trip report posted on IZOOK, click here.

In December or 1999, I started getting phone calls asking for details about
the Y2K Zooki Melt.  Huh?  I hadn't given it any thought yet.  By  January
I was beseiged for requests, so Larry Harris, Tim Porter and myself laid
the groundwork for an even bigger and badder Zooki Melt.  The IZOOK
Staff rounded up some incredible sponsors who have kicked in all kinda
delectable Zuk-related goodies.  And we've expanded the event to three
days of the best fun you can have in a Zuk with your pants on.

As of late March, we have upwards of 70 confirmed Zuk-heads for
the Y2K Zooki Melt, coming from as far as California, New Jersey,
and Oklahoma.  We've even got someone flying over from England
to check it out and pitch in with our Rally event.

Most of the Suzuki vendors will have reps present; Spidertrax,
Zuki South, Hardcore 4x4, GIRI Trading, and Higher Heights
to name just a few.

Plus, the owner of the Badlands will be cutting new
trails specifically for this event, in addition to several new ones
he's already added since last year's event.

The pile of raffle prizes alone justify the trip, ranging from
way cool t-shirts to rear disc brake kits and EVERYTHING
in-between!!  We will be splitting up evryone according to what
their wheeling preference is, and if we get enough interest, we'll
organize a not-so-extreme night run too.

Zooki Melt is Free!!
There is no registration fee, since this is not an "official" event.
There will only be a small fee for Badlands Park admission.

Goodie Bags
When you register, you'll be given a bag containing decals,
offers, coupons, catalogs, etc from the vendors and the Badlands Park.

T-shirts
There will be Zooki Melt 2000 commemorative shirts available
at registration at a steal-me price.

Organized Trail Runs
No matter what level of ability you are, we'll have a run
specifically tailored just to your tastes.  From a stock
vehicle to a world-class trail/rock monster, we can accomodate.
Trail leaders and tail gunners are all familiar with the area and
will make sure you have a blast.
These will leave at 1100 SHARP!! every day at the main parking lot.
Most of the trails can be run 3 times per day.
There will be a participation raffle every day for cool Suzuki stuff

Rally Competition
Well, kinda "Rally-ish", but more of an overgrown obstacle course.
Setup to be fun for spectators and competitors alike, it will
feature events like: backing thru cones and around/over obstacles,
tire change, mud pit run, water crossing, etc.
Designed so built vehicles have NO advantage over stock ones.
The competitor closest to the secret "ideal" time is the winner!
There will be cool prizes for the top three contestants.

RTI Competition
Think your rig is flexy?  Prove it!
Think your rig is not-at-all flexy?  Find out!
Trophies and accolades for the limpest and stiffest (trucks)

ISA (Izook) Sponsored Free Dinner
Hot dogs, Brats, and Baked Beans for a sweet aroma!
Will be Saturday nite at Summer's Campgound, prior to
the Zooki Melt Awards, and the Night Run(s).
Bring Your Own Drinks!

Collectible Zooki Melt Awards
Prizes like no others...
"Rash" Award:  most body damage
"Dana" Award: most drivetrain breakage
"Gordito" Award: best stuck
"Limp" Award: best RTI score
"Stiffie" Award: worst RTI score
"Loonie Bin" Award: farthest traveled

Buy-in Raffle
This is not to missed - Goodies Galore!
Tickets are available at registration for $1 each

EPF "Extreme Pucker Factor"
Night Run(s)
Wheeling at night is a whole new bag 'o' donuts.
Stuff that looks easy in the daylight can be nightmarish.
Think you've got what it takes?
 

So get ready and sign up!

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31 March 2000