2nd Annual Mojave Road Expedition Mar. 22-24, 2013 planning thread

[Seanz0rz]

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Mojave%20Road%202012/IMG_5133.jpg
WELCOME TO THE SECOND ANNUAL ULTIMATE YOTA MOJAVE ROAD EXPEDITION!

The dates are set. Friday March 22, 2013 through Sunday March 24, 2013.

If you can't make it the whole weekend, come out and join us for a day trip, come a day late or leave a day early!




The first post will be continually updated with more information, locations, suggestions, etc.






General Information:

Our direction of travel will be East to West - Beginning on Needles Highway (near the Avi Casino) and ending at Afton Canyon Camp Ground.


6 Vehicle/14 Person Max (NPS regulations - otherwise we must apply for a permit) If there are more than 6, we will reach out to NPS for a permit or we will split the group into two smaller groups for camping and driving, whichever is more easier.

Attendees:
1. Seanz0rz - Sean & Alexus
2. Jaydee914 - JD + fam?
3. Crinale - Kevin & Neashell
4. DHC6twinotter - Dan
5. John & his 98 Suburban
6. JD's friend?
7. kafene - Mark + Fam? Sat&Sun?
8.
9.
10.



Important Information:

Communication:

CB Channel 16
UY simplex primary 146.430MHZ (2m Ham)

Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle in good working condition, with no known faults
Working 4WD
1 spare within 2" of other tires
Working, suitable jack
CB Radio or Ham Radio in good working order

Note: Stock Vehicles are welcome on this trip. There are only a couple of short, difficult spots, and they are easily bypassed if necessary. The vast majority of the road will be a single track thorough the desert. Some areas present unrelenting corrugations, and others have undulations that can catch you off guard and swallow your vehicle. This is not a technically challenging run, but a scenic drive over some of the most beautiful desert areas found in California. The long distances and rough road are the challenge. Terrain will vary from rocky desert pavement, extremely soft sand, off camber sections, deep ruts and washes, and Soda (somewhat) Dry Lake. There will also be some water crossings that are easily crossed.

Required Equipment and Supplies:

Enough fuel to travel 200 miles in 4wd
Minimum 1/2 gallon water per person, per day
Food
Well stocked, current first aid kit
Tow strap & shackle
Method to refill tires, if you choose to air down (recommended, especially on the western edge)
Basic tools
Sanitation Supplies - anywhere from a shovel and TP to a PETT toilet and privy, your choice.


Recommended Items:

Rear locker
Full size spare
Spares for common items (axles, etc)
Still/Video camera with spare batteries and extra memory
Binoculars
Fire wood
Wide-brimmed hat


This is by no means a complete list, but merely the high points of what should be considered for this trip.

For those uninitiated to expedition style desert travel: The best way to travel is to travel light but do not forget comfort items. Three days on the road without a good night's sleep can spell disaster!



Sanitation:
At some point during this trip, you will have to use the bathroom. There are no toilets where we are camping, and none along the road. #1 is fairly easily handled, #2 is up to your comfort level. I personally have a bucket with seat, Double-Doodie bags, and a privacy shelter. What you bring is up to you. Pack in - Pack out is encouraged.

Firewood:
We will be camping 3 nights. If everyone brings 1-2 bundles of firewood, we should have plenty for 3 nights of camping with a small fire.

Weather:
Weather can be very unpredictable in the deserts. This event is a rain or shine event, meaning we will be traversing the desert even if it is raining. Temperature can vary wildly. Higher elevations can see significant snowfall during the winter, and lower elevations frequently break 120F in the summer. Temperatures are expected to be between 50 and 70 in the day, and 30-50 at night. Layers are suggested, as well as extra socks and gloves.

More Information:

Dennis Casebier's "Mojave Road Guide" is HIGHLY recommended. It can be purchased here: http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/5094.html
I also have a previous edition for sale if anyone wants it. PM me for details.

Other guide books have information on the trail but the best is the one mentioned above.

Google is a great resource for research about the Mojave road.

Dirtopia has a bit of information and quite a few waypoints here: http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Mojave_Road

Route:
Attached below are the files you will need to load into your GPS. you can load these in Google Earth to review the route we are taking.

[Marc P]

I will keep an eye on this...

[DHC6twinotter]

I had a blast last time and would like to go again. Everything all depends on work, or lack thereof.

I'd like to see the lava tubes, and Government Hole was pretty neat.

Looking forward to it!

[Jaydee914]

I'm in, depending on the dates, of course. I'm down for checking out anything, but would prefer stuff we didn't do last time (although the lava tubes were pretty cool - I'd definitely do that again!).
Are there any slightly challenging trails on Mojave? It would be cool to mix it up a little bit, as long as that was agreeable to everybody or there was an easy way around.

[elripster]

I don't know enough about the area to add any specifics. Hikes are always fun 'cause it's nice to get out of the truck. Routes that let folks leave or join can add some flexibility.

I'd say do some searching to check on other events and the pick a date / rough route. It can be refined from there.

Frank

[Seanz0rz]

JD, much of the stuff we saw is just on the road, so no much getting away from those things. However, there are several things we missed and several things I've found that I want to see. As for more difficult trails, there isn't much in the way of difficult stuff out there, but we will be hitting some unknown roads and traveling some stretches we've never traveled before. Specifically crossing some of the more volcanic stretches around the cinder cones where we camped the second night. I would also like to spend more time exploring in the river and Afton Canyon area.

Frank, there are lots of roads that cross the MR, so coming in a day late or leaving a day early is fairly easy.



I am also going to try to not limit the number of spots on the trip. I will start contacting the NPS to determine the requirements for the permit, but since it is a pretty low key event with no more impact on the land than us all going separately, I don't foresee major hurdles in getting a permit. If it is prohibitively difficult then we may split the group in half if it gets exceedingly large.

[Crinale]

My vote is doing it in the same direction. Staying at the Avi the night before was a nice way to get some rest before the trip. Otherwise, that is the only time I've ever been out there, so I'm not picky on anything. I just want to get out there again because it was a really good time!

[Seanz0rz]

I agree, east to west is the way to do it. Then the end of the trail is closer to home as well.

[Jaydee914]

Yup, I agree - west to east seems to be the way. And I'm down for anything along the way, including some hikes.

Sean, do you have a target month? March/April?

[Seanz0rz]

late feb/march.

[Crinale]

That is my target for getting the current phase done on my truck.. gotta get this thing trail worthy and make it a smoother ride instead of getting vibrated to death the whole road XD

[Seanz0rz]

First post has been updated! The date is set! This is president's day weekend so hopefully a few of you will have that Monday off!!!

[Seanz0rz]

Who would be willing to buy an event t-shirt? Prices would be between $20-$25 depending on how many are ordered. They would be Haynes Beefy heavyweight t-shirts. It would be a very appropriate color with a custom designed logo. What do you guys think?!

[Jaydee914]

That's probably a good weekend for me, so count me 75% in for all 3 days!

[Crinale]

Sean - I have a buddy that could make shirts a lot cheaper than that. How many colors are you thinking for the design?

[Seanz0rz]

1 or 2 colors for the design, something real simple.


in other news, I've found some cool places to check out, and will post about them later.

[Seanz0rz]

I've spent a few dozen hours going over this map. I have every side trip mapped out with the best detail I can do with Google Earth.

The Google Earth .KMZ is attached below. This is not the final map, but is getting pretty close. It is the likely route we will be taking.

I am having a hard time finding a second night campsite. Either we do about 90 miles the first day, or about 40.

total mileage as described in the .KMZ is 175.5

Let me know what you think!

[Seanz0rz]

I found some possibilities, and will update the map later after I make some more progress on it.


it is 53 miles for the first day from the starting point. probably 47-50 miles from Friday night camp site. I think that sounds pretty good, as we should be covering about 58 miles per day to even them up. Sunday's run will be a little longer possibly, depending on where we can camp on Sunday night.

[Seanz0rz]

Dates are going to change to end of March. More info soon.

[Jaydee914]

Noooo!!!!!
If it winds up making any difference, the weekends of the 16th and 23rd would work for me. I almost definitely wouldn't be able to do a 3 day trip on the weekend of the 30th though.

[Seanz0rz]

I'm thinking the 23 but will know more tonight. Logistically we just can't make the set date work.


Dates changed to the Friday, Saturday, Sunday; March 22-24.

[Jaydee914]

Perfect. Count me in (again).

[Crinale]

Sounds good, March 22-24 works for me.

[Seanz0rz]

First post has been updated with what is likely the final map version. I do not see it changing, but if I must, I will post up.

76 days...

[Seanz0rz]

bump! anyone else interested in going, have any questions, or anything else?



9 weeks until we roll out!!!

[Seanz0rz]

6 week warning!!!!

who else is interested? Mike, Ken, Stover? Mark? Bob? Lance? Matt? This trip is going to be awesome!!! Even better than last time!

[Jaydee914]

Yeah, I'm getting excited for the trip! I'm going to invite a coworker who's been jealous of our travels and just picked up a Tacoma.

[Seanz0rz]

JD, have him sign up on UY and post up!

If we don't get more people, I'm going to start coming to people's houses, tossing camping gear in their vehicle and taping their hands to the wheel...

[Seanz0rz]

updated the attendees. My buddy in his "new" Suburban is going to make it.

[Marc P]

I am now a maybe....I want to go, but we will see

[Seanz0rz]

Marc, I'll add you as a maybe.

[Good Times]

Sean, unfortunately I'm a no go. The timing of trying to take any time off right now is very slim to really crazy slim. :(

[troyboy162]

Lance as far as you working hard, I'm gonna have to say pics or it didn't happen :P

[Seanz0rz]

that's OK Lance, I know you are just too chicken to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TphEh0Qgv0

[Marc P]

Sorry...wishful thinking...cant go this time

[paddlenbike]

6 week warning!!!!

who else is interested? Mike, Ken, Stover? Mark? Bob? Lance? Matt? This trip is going to be awesome!!! Even better than last time!


I would love to go but it's getting pretty close to my wedding date. If things aren't crazy by then maybe I can sneak in, but it's sort of doubtful at this point.

[4x4mike]

6 week warning!!!!

who else is interested? Mike, Ken, Stover? Mark? Bob? Lance? Matt? This trip is going to be awesome!!! Even better than last time!


This trip is just too far away from home for me right now. Too far to drive with the kids and too far to be away from them.

[Seanz0rz]

Marc, got ya. Next time for sure.

Ken, let me know by pm if you do plan on it. There will be last minute instructions.

Mike, I can understand that. Hopefully soon!

I've been working on my VW lately, but I still have to replace the trailer axle, and prep the truck. Can't wait!

[Seanz0rz]

updated the first post with some more information/cleaned it up a bit.

Anyone else want to go?!

[kafene]

updated the first post with some more information/cleaned it up a bit.

Anyone else want to go?!


Working on two of those three days. Going to try and get at least a day off so I can ride part of it. Will let you know as soon as I get confirmation in about two weeks.

[Seanz0rz]

Awesome! I will do the standard PM of all the camping details before we set off.

[troyboy162]

have you guys got your food figured out? I'm trying to make a semi solid packing list and the food department is a mess. Three day is in addition to two day. I have come a long way from cold soup and cheese sandwiches, but I think my list could be alot tastier without more effort and would love to know what everyone is bringing on this trip. JD has A good plan with the frozen bag meals Ive seen. I carry a grill at this point, but a single burner/water boiler set up might be in my future.
Food:
Two day trip
Hot dogs 1 pack frozen
Hot dog buns one pack
Ketchup
Mustard horseradish
Turkey one pack
Bread half loaf
Cheese One pack
Cliff bars/cheese and crackers
Three 22 oz
Marshmallows
2 gallons water

Three day trip
Chips 1 large bag
Burgers 1 Pack frozen
Season salt
Burger buns
Pepperoni
Cheddar
Pisbury cinimon rolls
4 22 oz
Aluminum foil
5 gallon water

[Seanz0rz]

The last couple of outings have been special cases, but what we are starting to do is precooking food, putting it in a food saver bag, and reconstituting in a skillet out on the trail. It worked great at pismo, and only requires us to bring cookware, basic utensils, and frozen or refrigerated precooked meals. No more packing a measuring cup, spices, etc.

for our Mojave trip, it is highly likely Lexi will not be coming with me. If that is the case, then my meals will be much simpler, but I will likely precook what I can. Say something like a pasta dish. All it requires is dropping it into a pot and reheating. Even hamburgers and hotdogs can be cooked on the grill at home, sealed up, then reheated in a skillet for lunch or dinner.

I like to do sandwiches for lunch, as it requires nearly zero effort to do so. A warm dinner goes along way in making life better on those cold nights. And a simple breakfast of a bagel and a granola bar works good.

Eggs are a pain to pack, but are nice to have for breakfast. those are usually brought along on pure camping trips, where they are less likely to be prematurely scrambled (had that happen before...)

I am going to try some new stuff this year, I will post up about it later.

Troy, does this mean you are coming?

[troyboy162]

still not going sorry, but I have been rethinking my food. My truck is just about where I like it so its time to improve the other aspects of camping. I've been looking up recipes to find easy to pack and make foods like this snack. Tell me that dosnt look great lol. Bananas, peanut butter and a sleeve of gramcrackers....too easy
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5304/5749979533_35cf063f60_z.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

nice! I am allergic to bananas though!

We have really started to bump up the quality of the food we eat when camping. Going alone, I am pretty happy with a packet of tuna and some chips for lunch! that doesn't fly with a wife in tow!

they used to post here all the time, but here is the living overland blog: http://www.livingoverland.com/

[troyboy162]

Yeah I remember those guys and they are inspiring, but I dont see myself taking more then 15 minutes start to finish on a meal. Pre-cooking sounds key

lol Yes potential women coming along camping is half my motivation for getting fancier. the ol' "wanna go eat hotdogs and drink beer in the desert?" has less takers then one might imagine lol

[Jaydee914]

In my lazy... I mean humble opinion, here's the greatest wheelin' meal ever: http://www.villabertolli.com/product/category/114646/bertolli-frozen-meals-classic-meals

[troyboy162]

Those meals you make have had me thinking ever since I smelled the first one lol. Dont be surprised if I end up with a single burner and some shrimp scampi for the next trip!

[Crinale]

That is a great idea JD... I may have to pitch that idea for at least dinners to Neashell for this trip; would be so much easier (cooking and cleaning) than what we are currently planning XD

I will probably continue with my dual burner, mainly because it fits perfectly in my truck box, and also because I already have it.

[DHC6twinotter]

I did a lot of tortilla chips and chili on my road trip. Throw on some tomato and cheese, and you've got some tasty food. Quick too.

[Seanz0rz]

3 week warning!!!

The map files in the first post are the ones we will use on the trip.

Later this week I will add the safety brief to the first post.

1 week before we depart, I will PM specific instructions on the camping spots and how to locate us, as I did last year.

[Crinale]

I did a lot of tortilla chips and chili on my road trip. Throw on some tomato and cheese, and you've got some tasty food. Quick too.
too much chili and the SO isn't overly happy :chair:

[Crinale]

3 week warning!!!

The map files in the first post are the ones we will use on the trip.

Later this week I will add the safety brief to the first post.

1 week before we depart, I will PM specific instructions on the camping spots and how to locate us, as I did last year.


Oh wow it is 3 weeks huh? I guess I should make my reservation at the Avy pretty soon

Edit: reservation made :thumbup:

[Seanz0rz]

I am cheap and camping the first night this time!

safetybrief.pdf has been attached to the first post. I will also pass out copies to each vehicle and we will go over it before we set off.

Otherwise, I don't have too much to add. Still have some work to do on the truck to get it all ready.

My friend with the Suburban is likely not going, as he is having problems with his MECHANICAL fuel injection... Silly GM.

[Jaydee914]

I can't take another day off from work, so I'll need to meet up with you guys on the road Friday evening. Thanks to your map, Sean, I should be able to find the campsite. Just send me a text message (and we'll hope it goes through!) telling me which campsite you're at. Either way, I should be able to find you - I know those 2 locations.

I'll aim to leave a little early from the office so that I'm not pulling in when you're all sacking out again.

[kafene]

I got the Sunday off, so it looks like I can make most of it. I'll drive out Friday night. Should be there by midnight/1am. 8)

[Seanz0rz]

Sounds good! bummer you can't make Friday though!

Camp will be marked in a similar fashion as last time, although this time we will be much more in the open.

2 weeks and change!

[paddlenbike]

Unfortunately, I won't be able to pull this trip off. Have fun and take lots of pictures!

[Seanz0rz]

bummer Ken, next time!

[paddlenbike]

Sean, I hope to get you guys up this way later this fall for some wheeling and camping in the Sierras.

[Jaydee914]

Sean, I hope to get you guys up this way later this fall for some wheeling and camping in the Sierras.


Check out Troy's trip... http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=10338.0

[Seanz0rz]

Hoping to make it up there this year, but we will have to see. HOPEFULLY, I will be gainfully employed by then!

[troyboy162]

Sean, I hope to get you guys up this way later this fall for some wheeling and camping in the Sierras.


total thread jack but I have been meaning to ask you guys if you knew any spots that would work out? Funnel lake is about the best I have found and then wandering around out there on those trails looks like a epic weekend. If you have any input we can bring it over to the other thread.

I am dieing over here seeing this trip come together. I cant believe there arent anymore takers. M.R with Sean leading is the perfect outing for anyone on this forum.
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/Mojave%20Road%2020120401/IMG_0250.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Troy! I try to make each trip better than the last.

I just noticed, I photobombed that picture. When you see it...

as for the hijack, I have a few places in mind. When I get my big computer back, I will post up in your thread.

[Jaydee914]

Ha! Found you, Sean.

[troyboy162]

lol I like that you can see you in the mirror. It makes it a people picture and those are more interesting. I felt I took a artistic shot lol

[Seanz0rz]

Yeah, I never noticed me in the mirror though! It's a great shot!

Camping info will be sent in the next week.

It is sneaking up on us! I have so much left to do!

Any other takers? We have plenty of space!

JD, Kevin, what's the status on your friends going?

[Seanz0rz]

Event went great! I will post up the writeup next week!