So. Cal freebie meet?

[fsj1978]

Anybody have any suggestions on when/where to get together for the next So. Cal. meet? I'm just not one who likes to pay $40 to attend an event. The ONE time we did was for the FSJ Ouray meet.
This year would be nice, but it's not entirely necessary, only 2 months left. OK folks, let's hear the ideas and hammer this out...

Chris

[Paul]

How about a weekend trip on the Mojave Road?

[fsj1978]

Majave road might be good. Would it be too cold this time of year? We've done it twice, it's a very easy run except for what *can* turn into a major mud crossing at one point. It was there once but not the other time... Anybody else???

[dnixon]

I heard someone talking of meeting a little more northernly like at Pismo.. but I don't know what kind of trails are around here.. I am not a fan of the sand dunes.. my jeep is everything that you aren't supposed to have on sand..

[fsj1978]

I wouldn't mind going up central or northern CA even... Where are you hearing this stuff anyway??? Am I missing out on gatherings???

[Mike B]

Well, Big Bear had come up before in another post at the forums here.
We were talking maybe late May or June(AFTER the Jeep Jamboree up there)...
Don't know what areas up there are fire-closed,but eventually that will pass...and lots of nice trails up there.
An earlier snow-run might be interesting up there too,but I think the trails on one side of the lake are closed in the winter..

I'd do a Pismo trip too-last time I was on those dunes,the ATV's(ATC's)had 3 wheels!

Mike B

[Jerry Anderson]

I did Big Bear in the winter 20 years ago with my Ford F250 4x4 had a great time and also pulled another four wheeler out of the snow and saved him the towing charges.
Jerry

[LHopper]

I try to do A Big bear snow run ever year. The more snow the more fun. Up to about 14". Holcomb Vally has lots of roads and trails just north of Big Bear about 10 miles.

[fsj1978]

From what my local (very knowledgable) 4X4 guy tells me (also the president of our 4X4 club) the entire mountain chain that Big Bear is in is shut down until they get some deacent snow. Soooo who knows when they'll manage to open it up agian. A snow run does sound like fun though. Snow is GREAT to visit, I just don't wanna live in the stuff. smile.gif

Chris

[desert_freak]

I vote for truck haven hills (Salton Sea). There are trails of every difficulty, easy extraction if you break through the washes, freeway friendly (trails run right upto the freeway) and free. I had a great time there during the Tierra Del Sol run.

P.J.

[fsj1978]

I'll second Truck Haven. We've been there once or twice, and had a BLAST. It's pretty easy if you don't do the harder parts, but there's enough of a challenge (from what I remember, it's been a few years) to make it fun for those who have toys. I don't recall it's being very pretty there though, and it's not really THAT hard. Anybody else like this idea???
We really need to work on a DATE that everybody is happy with as much or more-so than a place. We're pretty open as far as schedule is concerned. No holiday weekends please! Do we want to try to set this up this year, or early next year???

Chris

[desert_freak]

I'm up for a trip this year yet.

P.J.

[Desert Beast]

im in for truck haven, so long as its not on thanksgiving weekend, (gonna be in glamis)

[Jerry Anderson]

I'll try anything maybe mid to late November.
Jerry
79 Golden Eagle

[fsj1978]

Let's see, late Nov / early Dec puts it at...
Sat Nov 30 / Sun Dec 01 or the next weekend...
Sat Dec 08 / Sun Dec 09
How do those look for people? Do we need to push it back another week or more for people to schedule it into their plans? So far Truck Haven seems to be the place of choice... We've only been once or twice and that was years ago so I'd prefer to defer run leader to someone who's been there in the last 5 years! hehe
Do we want to make this a day run or weekend run?

[Mike B]

I've never been there,but it looks like it's enough of a drive to Truckhaven that I'd say make it a weekend trip-or would this idea work for some of you?....
Make it a Saturday run and those who want to get up there Friday night and camp can do so-those who want to go up Saturday morning can do so as well...especially if our AM meeting time is not too early...

Is there a place down there where FSJers could meet Sat AM ,or just endless dirt hills like I see in pics online?

Mike B

[dnixon]

maybe second week in december would be good for me...

[desert_freak]

There is a paved road that turns into a dirt road that leads into the area most people camp. This time of the year it would be pretty easy to "find each other" and/or camp in the same area.

I'll have to check my calendar for any blackout dates.

P.J.

[fsj1978]

2nd week is fine by us, the more lead time the better...

[83 WagDriver]

Where exactly is truck haven??
On the 111 side or 86 side??
Mario?

PS...anyone near Colton who might be able to listen to my Wag and tell me what my problem is??

[Desert Beast]

i believe its on the 86 side. ill be going right by there on my way to glamis this thanksgiving. anyone here goin to glamis this thanksgiving?

[dnixon]

i am just trying to get my jeep going... i probably won't be ready til' decemeber...

[CLS]

It sounds pretty cool. I really wish I could go. It is kind of far for me, but it would be cool. But the only time I could go would be during Christmas week, since my company is shutting down for that week. I hear there is some good boating and fishing there. It would be cool if I could make it into a fishing and wheeling trip.

Chris

[fsj1978]

OK, if we're going to do this let's figure it out and pencil it in...

Sat Dec 08 / Sun Dec 09 or
Sat Dec 15 / Sun Dec 16 ???

And are we still looking at Truckhaven? Do we have a volunteer for trail leader / coordinator? The Wife and I haven't been there for many years and I really don't know if we'll be camping or not.
Or shall we just wait for the runs that people are talking about for next year?

[dnixon]

where is this truck haven? any good website for info??

[dnixon]

this is my schedule.. i finish finals week on friday the 13th (oohh kind of spooky)so the weekend of saturday the 14 and on works for me

[dnixon]

WHOA.. i just found truckhaven.. and its going to be 9 hours to get to Salton City.. that might be a little far for me.. so don't worry about my needs for dates. Sorry~

[ November 02, 2002, 02:43 AM: Message edited by: dnixon ]

[Jerry Anderson]

I just looked at the web site for Anza-Borrego State Park and they have lots of 4x4 trails,I still can't find Truckhaven how about some feedback on a mid December run.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[fsj1978]

The Wife has Fridays off, so we just need to know what Sat for her to try for, makes no difference to us. Just need as much advance notice as possable. Let's get this settled so we can pencil it in.

[Jerry Anderson]

How about the weekend of Dec 13-14-15? I'm going to do some more research on possible areas of interest,any suggestions would be helpful.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[fsj1978]

OK, here's a link with directions to where someone camped... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justruns/message/193
I'm not saying we should camp there, but it gives people an idea where they'll be going.
Dec 13/14/15 (Friday / Saturday / Sunday) If anybody has a problem with that, speak up, if there are a few it doesn't work for we'll reschedule.
We'll have to set a meeting place and time after we finalize the date. We'll probably camp fri night and come home Sat either after the run or after a BS session if we get back to camp early.
Also, let's get a list of attendees.

[Jerry Anderson]

I found Truckhaven which is close to the Salton Sea. It looks like extreme wheeling, but I will go where everyone wants to go.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[fsj1978]

Truckhaven wasn't that bad when we went years ago. And MOST of it you could do go-arounds on. Kind of like hill climbs off of a washed out stream bed. Can either go easy way or take the 'go around' over the hills.
Here's another link for climate:
http://www.desertusa.com/anza_borrego/du_abp_map.html
Here are the highlights for December though...
Hi: 69 Low: 43 Average: 56 Rain 0.86" Definately jackets and lots of blankets for us!

[Jerry Anderson]

Just checked out the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, Check it out and see what you think.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[Super Chief]

I was in Ocotillo Wells this time last year. Weather was very nice and the trails weren't too bad. I was in 2wd the whole time (not by choice) and still had a good time. It was about a two and a half hour drive but worth the trip.

[Desert Beast]

im down for the 13-14-15 of dec, consitering that i have enough time to fix what breaks at glamis this thanksgiving. :D . pencil me in

[Jerry Anderson]

That's great, now where does everyone want to go? I don't know the area very well, but would like to go where camping is allowed.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[fsj1978]

OK, let's get a show of hands on who's going as well.
Desert Beast
Jerry Anderson
Chris & Sharon Enos (us)
Who else??
As for where... What's the difference in drive time if you're going south between the two listed sites? We'll be coming from Chino and staying Fri night going home Sat after the runs ar done...
As I've said, I'll 'lead' if necessary but we haven't been there for well over 7 years and only once then, soo... Anybody else? And I'm going to be wrenching on Herculies so we won't be able to do a pre-run to get up to speed either.

[Rompn]

Hey all,
The Salton Sea is right next to Glamis! I just got back from Glamis today and it was awesome. Add me to the list of people going. Thanks.
Patrick Goldsworthy
bmxtrme@aol.com

[Chero77]

Dec. 13-15 works for me.

[desert_freak]

I think the weekend of Dec. 13 sounds good to me as well. I will probably cut out early on Friday and make it there around 4-5 pm (barring any problems tongue.gif ) I haven't wheeled at Anza-Borrego but my impression from talking to others that have is that it is primarily pretty tame stuff. Truckhaven has some FUN stuff for everyone. We had a guy last trip in his stock 4WD F*RD EXPLODER (running boards and all) following us and doing the easier go arounds on the more difficult stuff. You can wheel all day and still be within a mile of camp and be easily extracted via the washes. I'm up for trying new areas (Anza-Borrego) but Gorman was pretty tame (except for our attempt at Lockwood) and I would love access to some more difficult climbs. I'm not looking to get too crazy but wouldn't mind trying some "interesting" terrain.

Sounds like we may have a trip on guys! :D !

P.J.

PS don't forget to blockout the Tierra Del Sol weekend for 2003.

[fsj1978]

Desert Beast
Jerry Anderson
Chris & Sharon Enos (us)
Rompn (Patrick Goldsworthy)
Chero77
Desert Freak

That's the current list. Anybody else? Let's hope it GROWS as the time gets closer instead of what usually seems to happen (My FSJ broke! Or I didn't quite get it put back together yet!) That last one was basically us for the Gorman run.
So far, a nice even half dozen attendees or vehicles, that works. More is better but that's enough to call it a meet. Let's go ahead and pencil it in then guys. Next question is exactly where??? And where do we want to camp? That way we can start pulling directions, figuring out drive times, etc.
This should be fun. smile.gif

[Jerry Anderson]

If possible I would like to be by a camping area, is there one close to Truckhaven? I haven't been on real hairy trails since I sold my FJ40. How ever I'm up for some more difficult runs. I figure if I'm careful I won't break anything (famous last words)

Jerry

79 Golden

[Jerry Anderson]

Oh by the way, what is this Tierra Del Sol weekend? It sounds like alot of fun.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[desert_freak]

You can camp anywhere, I figured we could pick an area (hopefully tent friendly for those tenting it) and just form a big group camp. There is no "campgound" around that I am aware of, you just pick a spot and set up. There is a gas station w/store just up the road for the forgotten items.

The TDS weekend is 3/1-3/2 and here is the the website that has the registration info.
http://www.tds4x4.com/

It is a great event (does cost money though), very well organized, marked trails of variying diffuculty with TDS club members leading the way and helping people through course. Sat. night there is a HUGE raffle (registration = entry into raffle) during which they give away tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Full sets of tires, rims , winches, lights.......
You'll see a lot of the custom rock crawler rigs there and it is just generally a great weekend and I highly recommend it. Start packing a lunch and save that fast food money guys!

P.J.

Oh yeah the TDS site has a map of the TDS staging area which is where I was planning to camp.

[ November 05, 2002, 01:50 PM: Message edited by: desert_freak ]

[Jerry Anderson]

How much to regrister for the TDS run?

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[JOECOOL]

Originally posted by CLS:
It sounds pretty cool. I really wish I could go. It is kind of far for me, but it would be cool. But the only time I could go would be during Christmas week, since my company is shutting down for that week. I hear there is some good boating and fishing there. It would be cool if I could make it into a fishing and wheeling trip.

ChrisI will confirm that yes there is, or at least a few months ago when I went to the area, there were fish. Caught a few 1 to 2 pound trout and a load of those flat skinny fish with the spikey fins on thier backs. I went there looking for catfish and those pesky flat fish kept biting my hook. Kept throwing them back as they didnt have enough meat on them too keep. The trout were good though.

[ November 05, 2002, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: JOECOOL ]

[Kris]

Originally posted by Jerry Anderson:
How much to regrister for the TDS run?

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle$45 pre-reg.
$60 on site.
tongue.gif
kris.

[BeerWolf]

Dec 13-15 at Truckhaven or Octillo wells would be fine with me.

[Desert Beast]

just found out that i have finals that next week...but, hell, its not like ive ever skipped out on studying to go off-roading before :D

[fsj1978]

OK, looks like we've got ourselves a run for Dec 13-15. Next question is where to meet? Are we going to elect a run 'leader' now or wait until we get there to figure it out? Big question though is where are we going to camp and/or meet???

Chris

[Desert Beast]

Pick a place and I’ll be there. as ive never been there i cant give any suggestions. As for trail leader maybe we should wait until we get there to decide that.

[Jerry Anderson]

Been busy the last two weeks at work so I haven't done any research on a place to meet and to camp. I will be tent camping like I did at Gorman except I'm bringing my bigger tent. I normally have to work on Saturdays but I have a few vacations days left that I'm going to use. My son wanted to borrow my Jeep to go 4 wheeling but not only did I say no but I said Heck no!!!!!!!!! I glanced at the directions for that San Diego 4x4 meet at Truckhaven it sounds like it may be a good place to camp. Feedback from the people going please.

Jerry

79 Golden Eagle

[fsj1978]

Our 4wd club is going to Truckhaven for Thanksgiving. *IF* we manage to be ready by then we can recon for the FSJ run. They camp at an abandon housing project. The streets are in but no houses. Sounds kind of odd to me but that's where they setup camp. And the off-road part is like 1/4 mile from there.
I'll post either when I realize we aren't going to make it, or after we get back.

[Desert Beast]

BTT

[fsj1978]

OK, I've seen in in other subs too, what *IS* "BTT" ?!?!

[Desert Beast]

Originally posted by fsj1978:
OK, I've seen in in other subs too, what *IS* "BTT" ?!?!"bump to top"
i didnt know either until i saw the acronym list
http://groups.msn.com/ASW4x4CampingTrailTravelClub/abbreviations.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=121&LastModified=4675396790576166646