Mojave Road Feb 16-18 [Archive] - UltimateYota.com Forums

Seanz0rz

01-19-2008, 10:00 PM

THIS TRIP IS A GO, RAIN OR SHINE.

Here is the planning thread for the Mojave road run, February 16-18

initial itinerary(this will be updated as soon as i clear up some logistical details, and get an accurate guide of the trail):

running the trail from east to west. hopefully this will cure that "long drive home" feel! this is a moderate trail, nothing fancy, just 3 days traveling through the desert. it is beautiful and scenic.

extended forecast:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/CANPMO:13?dp=windsdp

Feb 15th:
hit the trailhead late at night, sleep there till the morning.

Feb 16th:
sunrise: eat breakfast, collect at the trailhead, and leave as soon as all are present, by 9 am want to be on our way. camp at or around the penny tree, or further on if we make good time just before marl springs.

Feb 17th:
continue on trail, camping at a convenient spot.

Feb 18th:
play in rasor ohv area. finish last leg of trail, and travel home.

i want to keep this party small, i know im in, jenn is in, bruce and lance have said maybe. i would like to add no more than 3-4 vehicles to the 4 mentioned above. this WAS a weather permitting event, because the end of the trail can become impassable in foul weather, and is prone to flash floods. i have found a way around this if the need arises.

i highly suggest you purchase this book: http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/5094.html

this is 3 days in the desert, so it is necessary to have at least 3 gallons of water, per person. total trail distance is about 120-150 miles, so extra gas maybe necessary, and obviously im requiring you to have AT LEAST an extra 5 gallons, 10 recommended. bring enough food. the usual other requirements apply.

this post will be updated as needed.

[Edit - Good Times - Added to calendar]

Tankota

01-20-2008, 08:31 AM

Seanz0rz

01-20-2008, 09:19 AM

i dont think this is that high speed of a run, but its certainly not rock crawling. we aim to travel around 40-50 miles per day, and have time to stop and look at the scenery. i think avg speed will be no higher than 20mph.

slosurfer

01-20-2008, 09:41 AM

I've been looking at running that trail for a while now and I might be interested. Do you think most of the traveling will be at higher speeds, say 30/35+. Any idea what the surface conditions are like. Not being a desert pre-runner, my rig doesnt like crazy terrain at high speed.

Your rig will be fine. There are some places where you can open it up, but you don't have to. The important thing will be having good communications with those in your group. That way if they open it up for a little section, you can still go at a comfortable speed and meet up at the end of the section. Also, getting a good map, gps, and that book will help out a ton if the group pulls a littel ahead.

Sean, I have a good gps route of the trail that I used last time. It worked pefect through every twist and turn of the trail. I can try to dig it up and send it to you. Or I may even be able to find the link.

Also, the way the trail is, I would suggest allowing a few more than 3-4 vehicles if you get any other interested parties. We ran the trail with over 20 rigs and we were able to stay a couple hours ahead of schedule. The trail is much more wide open than compared to DV canyons, etc.. so you generally have good range with your comm equipment. Just an FYI incase you get a few more interested.

That being said, I am very interested in making this trip.

slosurfer

01-20-2008, 11:54 AM

This is where I downloaded my mojave rd. gpx route from:

http://www.travelbygps.com/guides/mojave/road.php

Compared to other routes that other vehicles had on their gps, this one followed the trail as described by the book better than the others.

Tankota

01-20-2008, 01:14 PM

slosurfer

01-20-2008, 02:42 PM

This looks really cool. I'm one for taking time to slow down and soak up the beauty of the desert.
As for water, are there any fillup points along the way or will you carry enough for the duration.

slosurfer - You said that you have run this trail with 20+ rigs. Did it get insanly dusty toward the tail.

There are a few springs and wells along the way, but I wouldn't trust them for drinking without boiling or other means. It is better to bring your own and only use the wells and springs in an emergency situation. It you needed to, there are places where you can get off the trail and either run into Baker or to one of the ranger stations where you can fill your water up, but that would take quite a bit of time to do.

As for the dust, it really wasn't bad. I did the majority of the trip with my AC off and the windows down (it was over 100 degrees some of the time). The majority of the trip is slow and it only got dusty in some of the places where everyone opened it up, and in those instances everyone spread way out. Also, it is actually sand in many places which cuts down on the dust.

Tankota

01-20-2008, 04:43 PM

Thats what I was hoping. 'Cause I dont have A/C and my windows dont/wont stay all the way up.
I mostly wheel in the Anza Borrego desert area, and like you said, sand really cuts down on dust.

Seanz0rz

01-20-2008, 09:00 PM

i will be carrying about 7 gallons of water for the 3 days.

i should mention, the reason for keeping this group small, this may serve as a prerun for a much larger event at the end of march.

i also like to get to know the people i wheel with, and i dont want to drag a huge group through the desert, etc. just want it to be a more intimate event(though no doubling up in a sleeping bag.... that means you lance.)

slosurfer

01-20-2008, 09:15 PM

i should mention, the reason for keeping this group small, this may serve as a prerun for a much larger event at the end of march.

i also like to get to know the people i wheel with, and i dont want to drag a huge group through the desert, etc. just want it to be a more intimate event(though no doubling up in a sleeping bag.... that means you lance.)

I was just making the point that if you end up with 6 vehicles, it won't seem like a big group on this type of run. I made that point because, you said you want to keep it to 3 or 4 but it already looks like you had that many to begin with. :headscratch:

Seanz0rz

01-20-2008, 09:26 PM

oh, should rephrase, besides me and jenn, and the maybe's of bruce and lance, i would accept 3-4 more. if you want to come, post up!!!

slosurfer

01-20-2008, 09:29 PM

oh, should rephrase, besides me and jenn, and the maybe's of bruce and lance, i would accept 3-4 more.

ahh, that makes much more sense. :thumbup: I'm still interested in going. :D

Seanz0rz

01-26-2008, 10:08 PM

back to the top. socal crew, where are you?

bob, are you interested? lance, bruce? i know lance has to finish the 4runner first. chris, are you interested? marc, mikey, mike? jc? cmon guys!!! its going to be a great trip! im going regardless, but the more the merrier!

Marc P

01-26-2008, 10:41 PM

I would love to go Sean, but I am working that weekend.

That is a trail I want to do soon.

Tankota

01-27-2008, 03:10 PM

Work has been really slow the last couple weeks for me. I'll have to play it by ear and see if I can come up with some change for fuel.

BruceTS

01-27-2008, 04:11 PM

Work has been really slow the last couple weeks for me. I'll have to play it by ear and see if I can come up with some change for fuel.

Ditto

wifesaysimadumbass

01-27-2008, 09:17 PM

i don't think i can make this i have been out to the desert alot between quad riding and wheeling i dont think the wifey will let me do this one

tour4fun

01-28-2008, 08:24 AM

Still unsure ....... my car isn't lifted.

BruceTS

01-28-2008, 09:53 AM

Still unsure ....... my car isn't lifted.

but I heard your getting a badass tire carrier......

cplvc

01-28-2008, 10:22 AM

I just saw this thread. Sean I made some plans for that long weekend to go hiking up in the San Gabriels. Man, I want to get out more with this group so I can get better at this. If you go on a moderate run for a day run definitely let me know.

BTW, I like your avatar with the CLA building in the background.

elripster

01-28-2008, 02:17 PM

Well Claire and I will be in Cancun on our honeymoon so I'm out. But, gears/tires are in the cards here soon so I will naturally have to go wheel just to you know... make sure they work Ok and stuff. Next time I'm there.

Frank

Seanz0rz

01-28-2008, 02:57 PM

i will modify the first post to reflect this

this trip is no longer weather permitting. we are going pretty much no matter what (unless some biblical event happens...)

im doing my final 15 page paper/report on this trip for my class, and it absolutely has to be done.

we can skip the last section of the trail if it is necessary.

so far we have 2, and a bunch of maybes. anyone else? as an incentive, the trip is definately a go!

slosurfer

01-28-2008, 06:36 PM

I am still planning on going, I will know more for sure once we get closer.

tour4fun

01-28-2008, 07:44 PM

but I heard your getting a badass tire carrier......

Now that's a great incentive to go give it a test run !!! :banana:

slosurfer

02-03-2008, 08:15 AM

Sean, is it time to start getting some solid plans started?

I assume you plan on starting where the trail crosses the road just past the Avi Casino. I would actually suggest going in a mile or so to camp rather than right by the road, although we would have to make sure people knew how to get there.

What time were you planning on starting in the morning, just in case someone would rather stay the night at the Avi? edit: nevermind ijust saw you said 9am, that leaves plenty of time if someone stays in a hotel

What camping spots do you have in mind for the other nights?

I'm starting to get excited about this trip. I need to go dig my book out and start studying. :thumbup:

Seanz0rz

02-03-2008, 11:05 AM

yea, working on getting some concrete plans down, hard when ive never been out there though. reading through the guide book, looks like camping in previously used camp sites is the only way to do it.

if i have time later this afternoon, ill get all that posted up.

cant wait for this trip!

slosurfer

02-03-2008, 11:22 AM

Sounds good. I need to get my book and map out so I can remember what came in what order. I do know that the first half is more "technical" and has more sites to stop at and see. The second half is much easier driving (unless you get stuck in the mud on Soda Lake :hillbill:)

Since we are doing it in 3 days, you probably won't have to go all the way to Marl Springs to camp the first day.

I'll look over stuff today during the superbowl, I also have the gps coordinates of where I camped the first night and second night. I wonder how cold it will be. :D

Seanz0rz

02-03-2008, 12:18 PM

our pace will be determined by weather. if it is suppose to rain monday, we may try to make it in two days to avoid the very very deep water crossings, or we may have to skip that last part of the trip entirely. so that we will know probably the week before. it is the rainy season after all, and i dont think anyone wants a hydrolocked motor hundreds of miles from home.

first post has been updated with the link to the extended forecast for the preserve. the last few weeks ive been looking, rarely much below freezing, usually 50-60 in the day time.

slosurfer

02-04-2008, 11:16 PM

The fj cruisers just did the trail this weekend, here's the link to get an idea of what we could be in for: Trail Report (http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/trail-report-photo-section-gps-coordinates/47178-snow-carnage-madness-mojave-trail.html) They did it in the opposite direction as we will be doing it but you get the idea.

Sean, they camped at Beal Mtn. which is where we camped last time, it is a great spot especially if we end up doing it in two days. :thumbup:

cooldry

02-05-2008, 01:28 PM

Darn, that looks like fun. I wish I could go on the trip. :( Hopefully we'll have another run later in the year.

Seanz0rz

02-05-2008, 02:02 PM

i was thinking late march, early april.

slosurfer

02-09-2008, 06:16 PM

So, who's all planning on making this? Looks like it is going to be perfect weather. I'm still in. :D I probably won't get there till late Fri. night.

Seanz0rz

02-09-2008, 06:18 PM

awesome. i spent the entire day rewiring the accessories in the 4runner, and packing. im exhausted!

im going to try to hammer out a real plan tonight, but i think its going to be kind of a seat of our pants run. since its such a long drive back for some of us, i was thinking of camping at somewhere before the half way point, so doing the trail in 2 days, with a little on monday morning so the freeway can consume the rest of the day (being a 3 day holiday weekend for alot of people, the freeways will be packed with people returning home, like us!

final plan will be posted by monday, the 11th, but is subject to change.

slosurfer

02-09-2008, 07:02 PM

Sean, that sounds good. There is a great spot right around mile 68.2 Any word from Lance or Bob?

Seanz0rz

02-09-2008, 09:39 PM

lance assured me he would be going, not sure about bob, didnt he have something to do that weekend? cant remember.

slosurfer

02-09-2008, 09:49 PM

Seanz0rz

02-09-2008, 09:55 PM

justin is working, so it will just be the girls.

thats it so far, lance may have a buddy going, maybe driving, and i know tankota was interested.

ANYONE ELSE??? now is the time to speak up.

food: you guys are on your own! no potluck this time, but youre welcome to share goodies with others.

firewood: bring at least 2 bundles of firewood.

it will be cold at night, so bring warm clothes, low temps look to be in the mid 30's to low 40's. highs around 50-65 (temperatures can very quite a bit along the trail)

slosurfer

02-10-2008, 08:49 AM

Tankota

02-11-2008, 08:03 AM

I would still love to go, but we had a realy slow couple weeks at work here. It looks like my gas funds are kinda tied up right now.
Its just the drive to and from the trail that are gettint me.

cooldry

02-11-2008, 09:32 AM

lance assured me he would be going, not sure about bob, didnt he have something to do that weekend? cant remember.

I'm not sure, maybe bob has a date with Dave (cooldry) :gay:

So, is it Sean, Me and Jack, Lance, and Jenn/Justin/Caitlyne so far?

Bob and I may have a date the following week. He's been spending much more time with his girlfriend Lance. :banana:

slosurfer

02-11-2008, 05:42 PM

Bob and I may have a date the following week. He's been spending much more time with his girlfriend Lance. :banana:

:lol: :rofl:

If the cruiser's a rockin', don't come a knockin'! :flipoff:

YotaGirl

02-11-2008, 07:51 PM

Bob and I may have a date the following week. He's been spending much more time with his girlfriend Lance. :banana:

:lol: :rofl:

If the cruiser's a rockin', don't come a knockin'! :flipoff:

bahahaha!!!

Good Times

02-11-2008, 07:57 PM

David, you're just jealous that I've got Bob all of myself :flipoff:

Front bumper is 90% done. Just need to weld a few places here and there to reinforce and it's done. Still need to make the hood pin holes/mounts but that should be easy.

Attempting to complete 4runner by tomorrow and be test driving all day wed/thurs for this weekends run :)

O yeah, gonna have to charge my A/C somewhere between now and friday.

YotaFun

02-11-2008, 08:19 PM

O yeah, gonna have to charge my A/C somewhere between now and friday.

Hijack:
You need A/C!?!?!
On thats right your in SOCAL!!!

Wish I could join you all, mayeb next year....

A/C..... Sheesh...... Its freaking 12 degrees here....

reggie 00

02-11-2008, 08:27 PM

I need a favor, do any of you know if your local 4WD store has a super siphon? No place around here has one and I don't think I have time to order one over the internet. Anyone willing to pick one up for me and bring it to the trail? I could pm you the $$$. Thanks :D

I borrowed one last time on the trail and it worked awesome, and it was nice that I could just leave the can strapped down in the rack.

I got one at Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3878

not sure how it performs. Got it for emergency kit, havent had to use it.

slosurfer

02-11-2008, 08:52 PM

Reggie, no harbor freight here in the sticks. The other problem is that I don't drive through any bigger towns on the way there either. This is the one that I am looking for, they work awesome.
Super Siphon (http://www.expeditionexchange.com/supersiphon/)

My Dad is going to copilot for me. :D So this is going to be a true father/son trip (My dad, me, and Jack) :D I wonder how many times I'll hear him complain about how uncomfortable my seats are, hehe.

Good Times

02-11-2008, 09:16 PM

Hey Chris:

If I have time, I can drop by EE and pick up this for ya. I'll let you know by Wednesday as I may be out there either on Wed or Thursday.

Btw, this thing rocks :D I've used it in DV the last 2 times and it really helps a lot. Much easier than trying to flip the can and use the gravity method of trying to hold a 5 gal can as it fills my tank.

Let me know which size you want (they come in 2 diameter sizes I think). I got the larger one (fyi)

Seanz0rz

02-11-2008, 09:19 PM

ohhh looks like ill be buying one of those!!!

if i remember correctly, they also have them at pepboys

slosurfer

02-11-2008, 09:23 PM

Lance, that would be awesome if you could snag me the big one. :D :thumbup: I don't need the extension, the regular size will work perfect. Thanks your the :king:

cooldry

02-11-2008, 10:07 PM

That's a cool gadget. I think I'll be getting one too.

cooldry

02-11-2008, 10:10 PM

David, you're just jealous that I've got Bob all of myself :flipoff:

I'm not jealous. Tell you what, we'll just share him. Which half of Bob do you want? :D Okay this thread is starting to become too much.

slosurfer

02-13-2008, 10:23 PM

Does anyone know what their plans are for Friday, time leaving, time arriving, etc...?

What cb channel will we be running?

Good Times

02-13-2008, 10:30 PM

Chris, I may not have enough time to drop by the store so if I don't I'll just give you mine and just pick up another one for myself if that's ok too? We'll see I'm gonna hit a diff store tomorrow for some misc parts I need so if they have it there then disregard the first sentence.

Sean, I won't be able to leave at 1:30pm unfortunately. The earliest will be 4pm so if you want to head out first that's cool with me.

Channels... Not sure what everyone is using but I would err either ch4 or 16 for the cb's and if you've got a ham, let me know so I can fire it up.

slosurfer

02-13-2008, 10:43 PM

Lance, that would totally work. I was more concerned that no one would have one out there and I'd have to transfer the old fashioned gas breath way :hillbill: If that other store has one that's cool otherwise I'll just borrow yours probably Sunday morning.

Ch 16 works for me, no ham but I will be bringing a tri-tip. I think I have everyones cell # except for Sean's (I'll pm you mine)

Lance, you just like arriving late so you can use your XGT's. :bowdown:

Seanz0rz

02-13-2008, 11:15 PM

channel 16 is the official channel, cb's will be left on so you can contact us, and you should have my phone number as well.

we will be camping at approximately mile 4, just past the pole line that runs north south, consisting of wooden poles and 3 lines (according to the guide book)

we expect to be at the trail head at approximately 5-530 PM, right at sunset.

Seanz0rz

02-13-2008, 11:23 PM

FINAL ROLE:

Seanz0rz (Sean)
JNJ (Jenn and daughter Caity)
Good Times (Lance)
Slosurfer (Chris)

thats it right? no one else coming?

im not sure how much of a GPS i have this trip, so i might require someone else to lead who knows where the heck they are going.

other things to bring:
Firewood, im bringing 2-3 bundles
AT LEAST: 5 gallons of extra fuel, and 3 gallons of water per person.
FOOD for 4 days.
Warm clothes, lows are in the low to mid 30's, and maybe lower than that at certain elevations and points along the road.
typical safety gear, any spare parts you wish to bring, tools, first aid kit, etc.

i really hope im not forgetting anything.

slosurfer

02-14-2008, 08:08 AM

I'm bringing 2 bundles of oak and some wood for kindling/filler.

If you haven't picked up the guide book yet, you can pick one up at the Barstow Mojave Office. They also have some pretty good free maps and good topo maps of the preserve. You'll have to look up the addresss but it is off the 15 a couple exits before the 40. It's a good stop if you have time, they are very helpful and have a little gift shop.
Barstow Mojave Headquarters (http://usparks.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.nps.gov/moja/)

slosurfer

02-14-2008, 05:35 PM

FINAL ROLE:

Seanz0rz (Sean)
JNJ (Jenn and daughter Caity)
Good Times (Lance)
Slosurfer (Chris)

I just realized that this line up will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen 4runner. :tapedshut:

YotaGirl

02-14-2008, 07:14 PM

FINAL ROLE:

Seanz0rz (Sean)
JNJ (Jenn and daughter Caity)
Good Times (Lance)
Slosurfer (Chris)

I just realized that this line up will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen 4runner. :tapedshut:

haha Justin and I were talking about this today as well. :D

Good Times

02-15-2008, 01:10 AM

We are heading east to west right and following the gps coordinates from the mojave2.gpx file?

just confirming so I know where to meet ya guys :)

slosurfer

02-15-2008, 01:34 AM

We are heading east to west right and following the gps coordinates from the mojave2.gpx file?

just confirming so I know where to meet ya guys :)

That's correct. What time do you think you will be arriving? If I have cell service, I can email you our camp gps coordinates once I get there. If we are in bed before you get there, I'll hang a chem light on my antenna to mark where we are at, otherwise you should see our fire.

slosurfer

02-15-2008, 09:32 AM

Getting my tires balanced right now and then we are out of here.

Seanz0rz

02-15-2008, 10:19 AM

wow nice, i just finished loading up what i can, ill have to grab the cooler on my way out and stop and get ice somewhere.

pretty sure my left caliper is sticking a bit, causing my abs issues. i dont want to have to pull the wheel on the trail unless i have to, and so far im fine, just a little resistance, i think the disc quiet squeezed out onto the pins.