5th Annual Mojave Road Expedition, March 11-13, 2016

[Seanz0rz]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/16726968669_887483fdb6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ru762x)
WELCOME TO THE FIFTH ANNUAL ULTIMATE YOTA MOJAVE ROAD EXPEDITION!

The dates are set. Friday March 11, 2016 through Sunday March 13, 2016.

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! This trip is very similar to the previous years. If you have done those, you may want to sit this one out, as it will be much the same. I'd also like to get some new people out there!




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



http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/11898605673_c746d30d0d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/11898605673/)




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 convenient.

Attendees:
1. Seanz0rz - Sean
2. Savage Offroad - Roy & Shawna
3. toyotech - Jose +1 & Dogs
4. JC
5.
6.
7.
8.


Itinerary:

Thursday:
20:00 - Camp 1 or Avi Casino

Friday
09:00 - Start Mojave Road at Needles Highway
Fort Piute
12:00 - Piute Gorge - Lunch
School Bus
Indian Wells
Penny Can Tree
16:00 - Caruthers Canyon
Watson Wash and Rock Spring
Government Holes
Camp 2

Saturday
08:30 - On the road again!
Death Valley Mine
Mojave Cross
12:00 - Marl Springs
Mailbox
Lava Tubes
Aiken Mine
17:00 - Camp 3

Sunday
09:00 - Almost done!
Green Rock Mill
Traveler's Monument
12:00 - Mojave River Sands - Lunch
Buried Rail Cars
Afton Canyon
Mojave River Crossing
15:00 - Homeward Bound


Important Information:

Communication:

Ham only run. If you don't have a ham, I have 1 extra hand held, but I highly encourage you to buy one and get your license. Contact me if you have any questions about this.

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
Front and rear recovery points
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. 2wd vehicles could make it, but I am requesting that all vehicles are 4wd.

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 (HIGHLY recommended, especially on the western edge)
Basic tools
Sanitation Supplies - anywhere from a shovel and TP to a PETT toilet and privy, your choice.
Emergency Info Sheet (http://www.ultimateyota.com/entry.php?14-Planning-for-the-Worst-The-Emergency-Info-Sheet)


I will not be doing vehicle inspections, but I expect you to have all of these things in your vehicle.

Recommended Items:

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


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 one 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 HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.

Firewood:
As long as the fire restrictions are lifted, camp fires will be allowed. If they are still in effect, we will work around that.

We will be camping 2-3 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. Saturday night, we will be camping between 4000ft and 5000ft. It can get quite cold.


*With an expected severe El Nino event this year, the threat of flash flood is even higher than most years. We will play it by ear. We may have to cancel or postpone the trip if heavy rainfall is expected.

UPDATE 2/27/16: It looks like we will have a system dropping into the area on the 11th. So far it looks fairly mild and short lived, but we will have to keep an eye on it. I will update again as more information becomes available.

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

Probably the best resource is looking at the past trip reports.
MRE 2013 (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?10346-UY-Mojave-Road-Expedition-2013)
Mojave Road day trip (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?10248-Mojave-Road-Day-Trip-Thursday-12-13-12)
MRE 2012 (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?9991-Mojave-Road-Spring-2012)
Mojave Road West (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?9870-Mojave-Road-West-11-4-2011)

Route:

Subject to change as I do even more research:

Final Distance: ~160 from start to finish.

About 30 miles of that is pavement, but speed will be limited to 40 mph to save the tires from overheating.

Distance from Fort Mojave, AZ gas station to Trail Start is 7.5 miles and Distance from Trail End to Barstow gas station is 47 miles, most of which is on I-15. There are probably other gas stations, but this is the one I always aim for. We have also taken some backroads to get to Barstow to avoid Vegas return traffic.


Escape routes:
If you just can't take one more minute of the desert, good news! There are several roads that cross the Mojave road that will take you back to the highways.

US95 - After just 11 miles on the road, if you figure out this is not for you, US95 will take you south towards Needles, or North towards Searchlight, NV.

Lanfair Road - Lanfair Road will come up around 40 miles in. North will take you towards the I-15, and south will take you to the I-40. The distances from the Mojave Road to the interstates are 32 miles to I-15 (road can be difficult), and 27 miles to I-40.

Cima Road - This will take you to I-15, 12 miles from the Mojave Cross.

Kelbaker Road - This will take you to Baker on the I-15.


There are other roads. If you think this is important information for you to have, you may want to research these roads further. We will have multiple maps and GPS devices to aid in navigation, even unexpected and emergency navigation.


Important Files:

These are from 2014, but will be pretty close to what we will be dealing with this year. I will update them by the end of January, so check back!

MRE 2014 Safety Brief.pdf - Safety tips (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5538572/MRE%202014%20Safety%20Brief.pdf)
MRE 2014.gpx - GPX file for loading track and POIs into a gps system (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5538572/MRE%202014.gpx)
MRE 2014.kml - Google Earth KML file (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5538572/MRE%202014.kml)
MRE 2014.kmz - Google Earth KMZ file (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1pneul23ngps8vr/jihTqgXPMB)

[toyotech]

I am IN. had such a great time with you guys last year. hope to make this a yearly trip.

[Seanz0rz]

I will update the first post tomorrow.

[toyotech]

So this trip maybe prosponed ??

[Seanz0rz]

So far we are a go for that date. IF we have bad weather predicted for that weekend, we may cancel or postpone the trip. We are looking at a fairly wet December, January, with a lull in February and a return to the heavy rains in March.

Here is more information on the weather we should be expecting:
http://www.southerncaliforniaweatherforce.com/2015/11/12/final-forecast-southern-california-el-nino-forecast-breakdown-by-month-released/

[toyotech]

So far we are a go for that date. IF we have bad weather predicted for that weekend, we may cancel or postpone the trip. We are looking at a fairly wet December, January, with a lull in February and a return to the heavy rains in March.

Here is more information on the weather we should be expecting:
http://www.southerncaliforniaweatherforce.com/2015/11/12/final-forecast-southern-california-el-nino-forecast-breakdown-by-month-released/

Ok. Thanks for the update. I got some updates I need to do to my truck

[Seanz0rz]

Mid December Bump!!!

[boyfester]

Just saw your reply to my Mojave Road trip on Facebook. I don't think I will be able to make this one this year. I can send you the coordinates though for the hidden cabins that we found though. I highly recommend Brannigan cabins at the Oro Fino mines. They are open to the public, well maintained, and very clean. You just need to bring cots or mattress as the floors are concrete. There are two cabins to choose from.

[Seanz0rz]

Bump!

About 1 month left! Looking at the weather outlook, we will probably be getting hammered by el nino storms about this time. We will have to make the call on go-no go the week of the trip.

I'll keep everyone updated as the weather progresses. Here is a good overview of what we are expecting: http://www.southerncaliforniaweatherforce.com/2016/02/02/february-and-march-2016-forecast-the-start-of-el-nino-effects-for-southern-california/

[troyboy162]

I really hope I am around for this one. always a blast out there with you guys!

Also I red loctite'd two new shock eyelets on a couple monthes ago lol.

[toyotech]

Hope my truck will ne ready. Currently no rear bumper. Just sold it and a new one is coming.

[Seanz0rz]

2 week bump. I will be sending out camp info through PM this weekend.

It is probably going to rain. We will discuss options if rain is an issue.

[troyboy162]

dang it! just committed to a mine trip yesterday. My calendar has nothing written down since I thought id be deployed or moving at this point. Bummed :(

[Jaydee914]

Well, if there's rain in the forecast and it gets cancelled, we could always run it the following weekend...


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[Seanz0rz]

First post updated. Looks like we will have a smaller group this year.

Still keeping an eye on the weather. 2 weeks is extremely far out to predict a specific storm, but it looks like we will get something between Wednesday and Sunday. I will update as more info becomes available.

Info Packets will be sent out soon.

[Jaydee914]

Would you mind sending me the packet as well, just in case?


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[Seanz0rz]

Sent.

[paddlenbike]

The timing might work out well for desert blooms. I haven't been to Mojave at the right times to catch it, but right now Death Valley is blooming like crazy.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1578/25087524272_c17672b111_h.jpg

Pic stolen from online.

[Seanz0rz]

So far we are looking OK on weather. We might have a few showers but it should be fine.

The only big question will be Soda Lake. We may have to go around it.

[Seanz0rz]

Also, we have a few empty slots if you are still interested in coming.

[Seanz0rz]

We will postpone the trip. New dates tonight.

[Jaydee914]

Rain?

[Seanz0rz]

That and lack of participants.

How about April 15-17? Does that work for you guys?

[Kryptoroxx]

Man I would love to come....someone rescue me from michigan. This is the first day I was able to wear sandles.....

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[Good Times]

Sean the farther you push this out (without it getting too hot) I might be able to sneak in Fri night to Sun. Definitely can't do Thursday but can drive out Friday evening from LA. Put me down as a definitely "maybe" at the moment. Things can change at a moments notice with me now-a-days. lol

[Seanz0rz]

I can't even do a Thursday right now. My plan is to leave home very early Friday AM.

I'll put you down as a maybe.

[Jaydee914]

I'm out unfortunately. At best, I can meet up with you guys at the cross Saturday morning.


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[Seanz0rz]

Bummer. Luckily it's the exact same trip as 2014 so you probably aren't missing out too much.

[toyotech]

I'm trying. Still waiting on my bumper. Also I have to see if my gf can go. She said the following week Would be better if she can get it off.

[Seanz0rz]

Even the 15th is too late for me. It will probably be hot out there, any time after that and we will just move it to the fall.

[4x4mike]

I'd love to make it but I don't think I'll be able to pull it off this Spring. Pretty busy with the kids and family. Plus we've had all this rain and it's pushed back the kids sports and a camping trip.

[Seanz0rz]

Come out for an Eastern Sierra trip this summer!

We are going to try to make it up there this summer too. Hopefully we can make that happen.

[toyotech]

Even the 15th is too late for me. It will probably be hot out there, any time after that and we will just move it to the fall.

Ahh don't blame yah. I'll keep checking back. I know for sure the 15 won't work for us.

[troyboy162]

...must get out wheeling...

[Seanz0rz]

You're telling me. You coming for this one Troy?

[4x4mike]

We are going to try to make it up there this summer too.

Do it! We'd be down to show you guy around. We actually got rain this winter so it's going to be beautiful.

[troyboy162]

You're telling me. You coming for this one Troy?

I'd like to if I'm still down here. I'd meet up at fridays camp site.

[Seanz0rz]

Bump. 2 weeks!

I will send out camp info those interested next week

[troyboy162]

we can do this!
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oQtbeWn2Juo/maxresdefault.jpg

[Good Times]

sweet! keep me posted!

[Seanz0rz]

I dunno Lance. Seeing you actually on dirt again might give me a stroke. And not the happy ending kind...

[Seanz0rz]

Got the weather report for the month and it looks like rain is likely. I think we're good but stay tuned.

[troyboy162]

Lance wont go. He's chicken :) <---you'll never know what smiley face I put lol

[Good Times]

damn it I thought I fixed the damn smiles. friggin a!

So far I'm in however I'll have to drive Friday evening so it'll be a rather interesting drive in stupid traffic. And if it's raining that'll only make it that much more exciting! Now trying to find you guys at midnight will probably be a whole difference challenge driving a stock rig (assuming it's raining and muddy as hell).

[toyotech]

What's the new date ?

[Good Times]

Suppose to be April 15-17 right as you get donate a ton of tax money to uncle sam!

[Seanz0rz]

Roll call?

So far I have JC and Shawna & Roy for sure.

Lance? Troy? Jose? You guys in?

Any one else?

[Good Times]

I'm still good Friday late late arrival to Sunday. Hoping it won't be muddy :)

[Seanz0rz]

Yeah. Looks like they got a fair bit from this storm but nothing for the next week. Hopefully that holds out. I think the wind will actually be horrible, so I highly advise sleeping your vehicle, not a tent. I'll send out info today.

[Good Times]

yeah I've been monitoring the weather and although they're not expecting any rains I'm not certain if it'll get dry enough for ground camping anyway. Was looking at sleeping in the truck regardless. Just gonna have to pack a bit better to make things work out cuz I have limited space. Didn't factor the wind into the equation so good thought on that part. Definitely makes it easier to justify sleeping inside the truck.

[Seanz0rz]

Info sent in PM. I'm planning a route around Soda Lake just in case.

Fitting myself in the back as well as all my crap will be a challenge... it always is.

[Jaydee914]

Wanna send me the info too? You never know what my weekend might bring - you could run into me waiting at the cross Saturday morning.


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[Seanz0rz]

Done. Same as before.

I'm excited!!! better get to packing up!

[troyboy162]

in fo' sho
still planing on meeting you guys friday night

[toyotech]

I can't make it. GF can't get the dates off and my tundra bumper is still being built. I'm bummed.

[Seanz0rz]

Gotcha. Next time!


I am NOT bringing firewood, just don't feel like packing it all in. I'm also not bringing my campfire in a can, for essentially the same reason. I'll be lucky if I remember to pack my undies.

[troyboy162]

im packing light and quick for this one too. Probably eating hot dogs lol.

2B still the best place to look for you guys friday night?

[Seanz0rz]

I think so. I'll let you know if plans change.

[troyboy162]

oh man looking super windy, but its time to get out there!

[Jaydee914]

Have fun guys!


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[Savage Off-Road]

Breaking all my "no time for forum" rules and adding myself on here so we can see updates. We are excited and will see you tomorrow morning.

[Seanz0rz]

Haha welcome to the forum! I'm up in Victorville buying a new truck.

And by buying, I mean my dad is.

[RobG]

Hi Sean,

I'm thinking if I can get my act together tomorrow I would like to try to meet up with you guys Saturday morning.

If that is OK just give me a rough idea where you might be, probably about 10AM and I will find you.

Sorry for the late reply.

[Seanz0rz]

I will PM you the info. Be great to have you along. Please PM me your phone number.

[troyboy162]

Kelso is showing a nice windless morning. Hope it's a good day out there!

[4x4mike]

Breaking all my "no time for forum" rules and adding myself on here so we can see updates. We are excited and will see you tomorrow morning.

What's up Roy?

I hope you guys have a great trip.

[troyboy162]

awesome weekend! one of the best trips in a long time!

some shaky cam wind battling

https://youtu.be/Vt2jvYLt060

[Savage Off-Road]

Here are some photos of the trip.

https://goo.gl/photos/Nev7y4YeA97bDBfd9 (https://goo.gl/photos/Nev7y4YeA97bDBfd9)

[Savage Off-Road]

Not much...super busy but good (really...it's Shawna...but I pass along the messages)




What's up Roy?

I hope you guys have a great trip.

[cplvc]

Thank you Sean for setting this up...great weekend and lots of nice site visits. I enjoyed the time in Mojave with all the familiar faces and meeting new people. Thanks to all the help from the experienced folks!

[RobG]

That was an awesome trip!! Sean you are a great trail boss and tour guide, thanks for letting me tag along. So good to meet everyone.

Troy that is really cool I had no idea you were recording video.

Shawna, great pictures. Thanks.

A few of my pictures in the following link, I haven't processed most of them yet.

http://s31.photobucket.com/user/robG2/library/2016-04-17%20Mojave

[paddlenbike]

That was an awesome trip!! Sean you are a great trail boss and tour guide, thanks for letting me tag along. So good to meet everyone.

Troy that is really cool I had no idea you were recording video.

A few of my pictures in the following link, I haven't processed most of them yet.

http://s31.photobucket.com/user/robG2/library/2016-04-17%20Mojave

Looks good, thanks for sharing the pics. Looks like the green 3rd gens were out in full force.

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks guys. I will try to get a proper trip report up tonight.

[troyboy162]

Damn Rob, those are some very professional pics!

[YotaFun]

Looks Like an awesome trip! thank you for sharing the pics

[Jaydee914]

Wow, looked like a great trip! Lots of stuff that I haven't seen before.


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[4x4mike]

It looks like you guys had a great trip and dry weather. Thanks for posting up the pics.

[Kryptoroxx]

Awesome pics. Wish I had the time. I'm fighting just to get time to sleep. Final exams coming up....

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[toyotech]

Nice flying. Must be nice to have such an open area to fly it. Wish I could had made it. Wanted to play with my advanced camera system aka a drone. Looks like a missed out on an amazing trip. Will have to make it next year and all the ones to follow.

Amazing photos and looks like another deep water crossing.