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.