The Beginning

The Moslah Mystic Wheels unit was an idea in November of 1995 and presented to Illustrious Sir Dr Vern Ellis late that year. The formation of the unit was approved in January of 1996 and the charter was officially signed by Illustrious Sir Dr Vern in March of 1996. The first president
was Dennis Hall, first Colonel was Steve VandeKieft. Go karts were ordered direct from the factory and with a vow to "always go first class" the Mystic Wheels hit the gas and never looked back. The bylaws were written by a committee of members from their own ideas and bylaws from successful units in Moslah and around the state. The charter was written
much the same way and is posted in the unit meeting room at Moslah.

From the start, the Mystic Wheels were organized to be an inexpensive, family friendly unit riding traditional go karts in parades, exhibition drills, and Texas Shrine Association Drill Competition. The unit has remained true to this idea and grown to now be the largest motorized unit the Texas Shrine Association and possibly the largest in the US. Members were attracted to the go karts, the fun times the unit had, and the incredible camaraderie and harmony they demonstrated. The early days had their ups and downs, most notably the loss of a member, Jimmy Walton, through a tragic accident.

The unit contemplated closing down but the Walton family insisted we move forward. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. From a first year competition team of 8 riders we progressed to riding 12, then two competition teams of 12 and 8 riders, and finally two teams of 12 riders each. This had never been done in Texas Shrine Association history (four wheel vehicles) and not in 25 years if you include two wheel vehicles.

Our close order drill is ridden on a field 125 feet by 125 feet. Twelve riders perform close order drill on go karts at speed; a breathtaking thing to watch (as well as ride!). Five judges watch the field and mark off for errors. The Mystic Wheels have dominated competition within the Texas Shrine Association, having competed in 11 competitions to date and finished first or second in 9 of them. In some instances the two teams have finished 1st and 2nd. On two occasions the unit has one the 'high point' trophy overall for the best drill of ALL competitors. The Mystic Wheels have dominated in Texas Shrine Motor Patrol Association Obstacle Course competition, a 400 foot long maze of turns and slaloms. At this time the unit holds low time for the course, under 29 seconds. The unit has participated in International Shrine competitions in Las Vegas (4th in drill, 1st in Obstacle) and Colorado (5th in drill, ????in obstacle).

Early year practices revolved around a place to practice. Initially at the Moslah parking lot, however progress sold the land and took away that option. Discussions with Billy Bob's Texas had the group practicing on the Billy Bob's lot for a year or so - loading the karts on the trailer, hauling to Billy Bob's, practice, then reverse the process. Other locations included the Tandy parking lot, always exciting as we had to wait for workers to move their cars to clear a space large enough. On more than one occasion we altered the shape of the field to go around parked cars! In late 1999 the unit was able to secure a permanent (we thought) location at the Masonic Home and School of Texas. A unit member, Dennis Hall, and a Past Potentate, Illustrious Sir Gary Reynolds, donated a parking lot to the Home and School, and the Home and School allowed the Mystic Wheels to use it for practice, also providing a storage facility for the unit. This remains the unit location at this time although the Home and School was sold to the All Church Home for Children.

In addition to riding, the unit has been instrumental in taking the lead in Moslah Shrine fund raising activities for the Shrine Hospitals for Children including the Hospital Fund Drive, the Clay Shoot (organized and implemented by the unit), the Gala and Auction, and the annual Shrine Circus. The animal rides are handled from start to finish by the Mystic Wheels and this contributes a large amount of revenue. The unit leads the temple in blood donations.

From the start, the unit has emphasized membership and the growth has been spectacular. The unit continues to add 5 to 7 members per year, realizing that attrition and circumstances will cause a unit to lose members. All new members are attracted to the 3 key things the unit practices and preaches to all members:

1) Be the lead dog
2) Harmony
3) No Whining.

In fact they have a rule: there's a $5 fine for whining!

In short, the Mystic Wheels have been leaders in all areas of Moslah Shrine from the fund raising activities to the Arch Program at the ceremonials. They emphasize membership and it has paid off. They have been innovative and creative and exhibit enthusiasm in all their actives. Families are welcome and they have so many kids among members they refer to themselves as the day care unit! Many social actives revolve around the Yacht Club, a casual group activity for members and guests, and of course the annual Ritual of the Pyramid, a light hearted play to orient new members to the unit. Their hospitality rooms at TSA and other events have been legendary over the years! The Mystic Wheels have come a long way in a little over 10 years and the future looks very bright indeed.