Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
The Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
A monthly publication of the Dirt Devils
http://www.dirtdevils.org/
Editors Message:
The new year is just around the corner and our run
calendar is complete. Do keep in mind the calendar is not
set in stone if you have a hair brain idea to try this or that,
then do it. The first run is January 14th - 17th (flip to the
very last page of this newsletter) near where the King of
the Hammers race will be held. Even if you are not
prepared to run the hammer trails, just puttin’ around
Johnson Valley and watching the teams prepare for race
day is very exciting.
If the El Nino storms do appear as predicted, it could
make our snow runs very interesting. Including some new
proud owners of cow bells.
If you haven’t purchased your CAL4 wheel raffle tickets,
I encourage you to do so. All profits go towards keeping
trails open.
We have some new members and more guest continue to
attend our meetings. Lets, make them feel welcome,
introduce yourself.
Emi does have whip flags and stickers for sale. See her at
the January meeting.
We are still on the lookout for a new meeting place. That
will accommodate our growing club. We would like to
stay in the general area where we are now.
Table of Contents
And regarding cow bells, Frank Gilliland, has been
driving around with all 4 now for a few months. What’s
Run reports
2
with this?
CA4 Wheel Drive Assoc
2
See you on the trail.
Run Calendar
5
Adopt a Trail meeting place
5
Guests & new members
6
Classified
6
Club info
6
Club membership
6
Adopt a Trail
6
Run report template:
7
DD Trail Ratings
7
10 reasons to be a trail leader:
8
First aid kit tracking
8
Cowbells
9
Hammer town camping and KOH preview
10
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 1 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
Black Canyon Run
Run reports
Run Date: Saturday - November 7, 2015
CA4 Wheel Drive Assoc
Trail Leader: Ray Kleinhuizen
South District Meeting. In this case it might be a good
Members:
thing since is will keep the renewable energy guys out.
1. Ray & Karen Kleinhuizen
January, 23, 2016 Ontario 9:00am Host club needed
2. Pete Johnson
3. Dave & Linda Jones
Win a Jeep, keep trails open.
4. Chris & Alison Johnson
http://www.cal4wheel.com/win-a-jeep
5. Jim Ettinger
Raffle date: 2/20/2016 in Sacramento
6. Mike & Nancy Zeller
7. Kirk & Jeanie Smith
8. Chris Goodman
Guests:
1. Mike Thomas + daughter
2. Steve Murphy + friend
3. Josh Schiller + family
Eleven Jeeps met at the T/A Center near Barstow ready to
hit the trail. After a short ride to the end of the pavement
on Hinckley Rd., we stopped to air down. Chris Goodman
was having issues with his Jeep. A front control arm bolt
kept loosening and a seal leak was getting worse. Chris
headed home rather than risk a trail breakdown.
The weather for the day was beautiful: clear sunny skies,
light wind and temperature in the high 60’s.
The remaining ten Jeeps headed into Black Canyon. A
mile or so into the wash is a small section of rocks off to
the left of the main trail. Each Jeep had a chance loosen
up its suspension on the small rocks. We made a couple of
short stops to view a ‘Tillman’ signature and Black
Canyon well. Tillman was a traveler who passed through
Black Canyon in 1874 and left his elaborate signature on
the rocks near existing Indian petroglyphs.
ARB fridge
PRP seats
37” BFG tires
Rock hard sport cage
Genright aluminium
TBM brakes
fenders, bumpers,
BBS short arm kit
skid plate
Warn winch
JE Real drive shafts
Odyssey battery
We headed out of Black Canyon on Opal Mtn. Rd., a
Atlas 2 transfer case
Kicker sound system
rocky trail that winds through the hills to the base of Opal
Snevy’s LED lights
Sider web bikini top
Mtn. We then headed north and west to Scouts Cove, a
K&N air intake
Reid hi steer knuckles
manmade shelter carved into the side of a hill by miners.
Curry front dif
Rugged ridge hood
Yukon axle shafts
latches, handles, mats,
We headed north from Scouts cove out of the hills, then
w/ zip air lockers
½ doors
east past the Birdman Indian Petroglyph. This famous
PSC hydro steering
LGE paint work
image has been adopted as a logo by the American
Fox shocks
Institute of Archeology. There is a ‘Tillman’ signature
right below the Birdman petroglyph. We continued
DD newsletter dec15.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
another mile to Inscription Canyon, a small rocky canyon
7. Kirk and Derek
with many interesting Indian petroglyphs.
8. Eric W and Brent
9. Mike Z and Nancy
10. Suhag P, Meera, Lila and Radha
11. Tim D
12. James E
13. Joshua B
14. Mike W, Madison and Laura
15. Chris J and Alison
16. Nancy and Mike Z
Guest Participating:
1. Dale B
2. Robert N
3. Mike C
After lunch we headed south up a rocky section to the
4. Jon M, Michelle and Ava
base of a hill climb. The hill climb is steep but not
5. Geoff Y and Rylee
difficult. We headed south to a nice view point on the
east side of Opal Mountain.
The weather was perfect although it did get v cold at
night.
From here the trail heads south first through the hills then
Cow bells earned: None, darn I thought for sure there
a little east. Part of the group stopped to help a Tarantula
would be a couple.
safely cross the trail. The things we will do to help the
desert critters! We took a short trail that heads north to
dead end at a dry lake. After a lap around the lake and a
short break we continued to a place called Murphy’s well.
Up near the top of a rock pile is a large flat stone with
some very impressive and well preserved Indian
Petroglyphs.
From Murphy’s well we headed back to pavement at
Hinkley Rd to air up and head home. Overall a great
group and a really fun day exploring the Black
Canyon/Opal Mountain area.
Calico in December
Run leader: Ron Webber
We met out front of the Calico entrance. Early on the run
Date: Dec 5 2015
leader learned that he could not get his Black Jeep into
Number of rigs: 21 started 17 finished
low range. So he took his jeep back to camp and rode shot
Members Participating:
gun with Pete. the goal this time was to go in reverse of
1. Kevin D
what we typically do. We went up Duran Canyon and
2. Josh S
back down Odessa Canyon. Duran is a series of ledges
3. Jack & Zoe
that we crawled over. At the first 2 ledges a couple jeeps
4. Frank G and Chris
had difficulty getting up I advised them to bail as I new
5. Debi & Johnathan C
this trail would not get any easier. One of the ledges I
6. Pete J
expected a few drivers to use their winches but everyone
DD newsletter dec15.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
made it up (lockers do help). A few caught some air
which was fun.
After lunch we made our way to the Bismark Mine and
around to Odessa. Odessa is always fun and very narrow
but we made.
Josh had been bragging that he could make it through
the Duran gate keeper.
So after getting to the bottom of Odessa we drove around
to the start of Duran and stared at the very large rocks.
Josh did not see the line and chickened out (probably a
good thing it was getting late).
Josh if you want to see how others have done it or not,
search “calico gate keeper”.
DD newsletter dec15.doc
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printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
9
Adopt A Trail - Danny
15 - 17 El Mirage Jime & Karen
22 -24
Anza Borrego (M) - Mike
Run Calendar
29 -1
Corral Canyon (D) - Danny
Adopt a Trail meeting place
8:30am at Rocky’s Roadhouse
May
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382
3
Monthly club meeting
next to the 76 gas station
7
Adopt A Trail - Chris
12 -14
Jeep Jamboree Big Bear - non club event
January 2016
20 -22
Overland Expo, Flagstaff AZ. - non club event
5
Monthly club meeting
21
HDR Prerun Devils Loop (M) - Ray
27 -29
HDR Cal 4 Wheel Devils Loop (M) - Ray
15 -17 Hammer trails (D) - Josh
Go the last pages of this newsletter
June
15 - 17th Superstition Sand Diego 4 wheelers
7
Monthly club meeting
http://cal4wheel.com/calendar/g-1-
11
Adopt A Trail - Roger
t8jg18nngah9sko33tkinveupc_20160115
17 -19
Big Bear Forest Fest - non club event
23
Holiday Party
17 -25
Grand Canyon North Rim (E/M) - Ray
30th, 31st ham radio License (entry level)
Questions ask Mike Wallace
July
Instructor: Mark Chung 562 708 3893
5
Monthly club meeting
mchung@prodigy.net
16
John Bull (D) - Josh
Make check out to: Wynns radio for $75.
23
Adopt A Trail - Ray
Mail to: Cerritos Amateur Radio League
Old white mtn road near bishop No date
PO Box 575
13337 South Street Cerritos CA 90703
Class location:
August
Sheriff's Station
2
Monthly club meeting
18135 Bloomfield Ave Cerritos .
6
Off road Clinic 1 - Mike
8am to 5pm both days
13
Off road Clinic 2 - Mike
13
Little John Bull night run (M) - Jack& Zoe
20
Adopt A Trail - Josh
February
11 -14
Jeep Jamboree Rubicon Trail - non club event
1 - 7th King of the Hammers, Johnson Valley
2
Monthly club meeting
September
13
Holcomb Valley aka Gold Fever 3N16 (snow
6
Monthly club meeting
run) this trail connects Crab Flats campground, Holcomb
9 -11
Sherman Pass (M) - Danny
Creek, Lower Larga, Gold Mountain and Jacoby Canyon
17
Holcomb Creek (D) - Jack&Zoe
to the east. It exits at the dump. (Easy) - Dave
24
AAT BBQ
20
Holcomb Creek 3N93(snow run) (Dif) - Rick
26 -28 Primm Colosseum Gorge Trail (M) - Chris
October
4
Monthly club meeting
March
7, 8
Miller jeep trail / lockwood creek
1
Monthly club meeting
14 - 16
Death Valley (E) - Rick
4 - 6
Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari - non club event
El mirage date not set
12
Motino Wash (D) / Rattlesnake canyon
(E)-D Josh/ E Ron
November
19
Adopt A Trail - Roger
1
Monthly club meeting / run planning 2017
4 - 6
Afton Canyon (M) - Chris
19 - 27
Easter Jeep Safari Moab - non club event
11 - 13
Panamint Valley PVD - Cal 4 Wheel event
25 -4/ 3 Moab (trail ratings Mod - Dif ) - Dave
December
April
6
Monthly club meeting
5
Monthly club meeting
10
Calico (D) and Calico (E) - Ron/ Mike
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 5 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
Web Master: Chris Slaughter:
webmaster@dirtdevils.org
Guests & new members
Adopt a trail chairmans:
Roy Chance: rchance@aol.com
Guest
Roger Mauer: rogermauer@gmail.com
1 Mel Nix ’14 Rubicon
Newsletter: Ron Webber: ronjp@outlook.com
2 Ron and Debbie Robinson is the proud owner of
Hospitality: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
a Jeep Wrangler
3 Josh and Raelene Schiller putt around in a ’06
Safety Committee: Bill Smith:
Rubicon Unlimited
Run Coordinator: Rick Walter rick03tj@gmail.com
4 Erv Hunt putts around in a ’14 JK
Emergency response team coordinator: Rick Walter
5 John Strege lookin good in a red TJ
rick03tj@gmail.com
6 Hector Escamilla drives around in a ‘79 Ford
the emergency response team makes themselves
Bronco
available to help with our adopt a trail Dish Pan.
7 Brian Cole is the proud owner of an ’01 xj and
CAL4 wheel reps: Jesse May and Keith Graham
’12 JK
8 Ralph Rosales can be seen in an ’86 F150
Club membership
Membership dues:
New members
Dirt Devil annual club dues
$36.00
1 Kevin Davidson & Leslie Carlin
Spouse
$12.00
2 Michael Thomas
CAL4WD annual dues
$45.00
CAL4WD permanent member
$675.00
Classified
CAL4WD permanent member 12 installments of ... $56.25
New Complete Dana 30 axles shafts a little rust.
CORVA
$30.00
keep a spare with you at all times, just in case
http://cal4wheel.com/
was in my 2000 TJ (until I upgraded) should fit ’97 - 2006
Adopt a Trail
maybe others
The Dirt Devils Adopt A Trail is: Dishpan Springs Trail
(3N34)
Dishpan Springs Trail can be found in the
San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead.
The Dishpan Springs Trail is one of the toughest and most
popular trails in the SBNF.
$50. Each, driver and passenger side.
The West entrance:
contact Ron Webber 714 715 5692 or ronjp@outlook.com
2N26Y is N34° 16.198 W117° 08.258.
The T6 Bridge:
N34° 16.106 W117° 07.745.
Club info
The East entrance:
3N16 is N34° 15.663 W117° 05.116.
Meeting Place
Meeting place
First Tuesday of each month,
8:30am at Rock Road House
6:30pm for Dinner & 7:30pm for the meeting at
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382 next to
just east of Imperial Hwy and north of the 91 Fwy.
the 76 gas station
Marie Callenders. 5711 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim,
CA 92807, 714-779-0600
Accessories
Available at the regular meetings, see Emi Webber.
Club officers
Dirt Devil Stickers: $15.00.
President: Ray Kleinhuizen
Short sleeve shirts: $15.00
kkfusedglass@roadrunner.com
Long sleeve shirts: $18.00
Immediate past president:
Sweatshirts: $30.00
Jesse May: jemay.xj@gmail.com
Hats: $20.00
DD logo magnets available in various sizes for
Vice President: Mike Wallace proudpop80@gmail.com
$4.50 to $13.50 each.
Secretary: Cheryl May: jemay.xj@gmail.com
Treasurer: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 6 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
Awards
Day of the Run:
Hold brief driver’s gathering before start of run. Include
special instructions.
Assign vehicle order if there are vehicles with open diffs.
Have vehicle with locked diff in front & behind. (If
possible disperse vehicles with HAM radios near the
front, middle and rear of the line.
Encourage drivers to learn the name of the person in front
and behind his/her vehicle.
Assign Tail Gunner Vehicle
After returning home forward to the newsletter editor a
Run Report and a few photos. subject line write
CAL 4 Wheel Drive, new member award
“Run Report”
Newsletter advertising
DD Trail Ratings
Trail ratings are subjective and weather conditions over
$25 for ¼ page ad, for 3 issues
the years can change a trail. An easy trail can become
$50 for a ½ page ad, for 3 issues
more difficult after or during rain. The trail leader needs
$100 for a full page ad, for 3 issues.
to be the final judge of trail conditions the day of the run.
A full page ad also gets a Web Link.
If any part of a trail is difficult the trail is rated difficult. If
Run report template:
difficult sections have bypasses the trail may be suitable
for less capable rigs or less experienced drivers.
Run name:
Run leader:
E - Easy (Black Canyon, Mohave Trail)
Date:
M - Moderate (Devils Loop, Miller Jeep Trail)
Number of rigs:
D - Difficult (John Bull, Calico)
Participants:
Members:
Easy trails could include these conditions:
Guest:
Any dirt, sand or gravel road.
The story:
Gentle to mildly steeper hill climbs, mild rocky
Weather:
sections and/or soft sandy sections.
Cow bells earned:
Four wheel drive may not be necessary all the time.
Pot holes or ruts that require high ground clearance.
Run announcement template
Water crossings up to 12 inches deep.
Suitable for full size vehicles.
Research and/or Pre-run the trail route.
Low gears may be required on hill climbs.
Create and Post a Run Announcement
Recommend 4 wheel drive vehicle
When emailing the run announcement: Please, use the
Suitable for most tire sizes
words “Run Announcement” in the Subject line of the
message, forward to the webmaster and newsletter editor.
(M) Moderate trails could include these conditions::
Date/Time and Place for the Run
Steep rutted and rocky hill climbs that require careful
tire placement.
Description of Run
three foot ledges to climb and/or steep drop offs.
Difficulty Rating
Rocky sections that can cause body or rim damage.
Run Type: Base Camp, Day Run
Water crossings might have rocks and could be
Camping Location/ Directions/ Details/ Facilities/ Fees.
deeper then 12 inches.
Access for motor homes?
Brush or cactus may scratchy vehicles.
Directions to Meeting Place.
These trails will require low range gears, high ground
EXACT Departure Time from Meeting Place
clearance and 4WD.
Required Equipment. Open dif ? Lockers?
Skid plates and body protection are recommended.
Is RSVP Required?
Minimum 33 inch or bigger tires.
CB Channel channel 4, if too much traffic then switch to
Recommend at least rear axle locker.
5 and so on.
(D) Difficult trails could include these conditions:
HAMM channel 146.440
Rocks as big as your tire to as big as your vehicle.
Contact Information (Run Leader
Hill climbs are steep and may require extended wheel
Phone Number & email address)
travel.
DD newsletter dec15.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
These trails can have long sections of large rocks that
have knowledge of your vehicle, any special items can be
require careful tire placement. .
added. If your rig has a history of U joint issues carry a
Three foot + ledges to climb and steep drop offs.
spare.
Body damage possible.
Sample Spare parts list: add or subtract as needed!
These trails will require vehicle modifications such as
1. Fuses, electrical wire, electrical tape, duct tape,
suspension lifts, body protection and skid plates.
nylon wire ties, silicon sealer
Minimum 35 inch or bigger tires.
2. Miscellaneous nuts, bolts and hardware
Recommend front and rear axle lockers.
3. Fan belts, hose, clamps
10 reasons to be a trail leader:
4. Valve stems, tire plugs
10 - You pick the trail (hopefully someone will want to
5. Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.
run it with you)
6. Coolant or water for the radiator
9 - You pick the run start time and meet spot
A breakdown will likely include crawling under the
8 - You write the run announcement
vehicle and messy parts. Bring a blanket, towel or plastic
7 - You pick the CB channel (duh 4)
trash bag that you can lay on. They also help keep parts
6 - You conduct the drivers meeting (best if done before
and tools away from the dirt.
you start the trail)
5 - You carry the Dirt Devils club first aid kit (hopefully
First aid kit tracking
you know how to use it)
FA #1 (red, blue backpack)
4 - You pick the bathroom stops (more stops keep you
Danny Ward
out trouble)
Ray Kleinhuizen
3 - You are the spotter when someone needs help (you’ll
Mike Wallace
get a lot of exercise)
Josh Bleijenberg
2 - You will get unwavering support from all drivers even
FA #2 (Orange canvas bag)
when you are hopelessly lost and confused.
Ray K
1 - You get to ride in front of everyone out of the dust
Gilbert
(this the only good reason to be a trail lead)
Mike Wallace
Recommended trail tools:
Josh Bleijenberg
1. Socket Set (some vehicles use both standard &
Pete Johnson
metric), ratchet and extensions
FA #3 (Orange canvas bag)
2. Combination wrenches (some vehicles use both
Ron Webber Calico
standard & metric)
Jack & Zoe
3. Vise grips
Roger Mauer
4. Adjustable jaw pliers and channel locks
Danny Ward
5. Crescent Wrench
Ron Webber March 2015 Calico
6. Spark plug wrench
7. Screwdrivers (Standard & Philips )
8. Hammer 9. Bottle Jack
10. Utility Knife
11. Hacksaw
12. Latex Gloves
13. Tire plug kit
14. Hacksaw
15. Rags
16. Funnel
17. Flashlight / work light (extra batteries)
18. Ratchet straps
19. Cordless tools (impact driver, saw, etc.)
Spare parts and consumables:
The extreme situations: carry no spare parts, or carry so
many your rig breaks due to the extra weight. What you
need to do is get somewhere in the middle by carrying
parts that are most likely to fix your broken rig. If you
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 8 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
Cowbells
Little Blue bell
The cow bell rules are: If you get stuck and are unable to
Frank Gilliland Holcomb Creek 9/26/15
move under your own power and need the help of a winch
Bill Smith HDR May25 2015 winched Bronco on to trailer
or you get strapped from one of your fellow jeepers then
Gilbert at Corral Canyon 4/10/15
you have earned the privilege of hanging a cow bell from
Chris Slaughter Grizzly
your front bumper. You must leave the cow bell on the
Rick Walter
front of your rig until another Dirt Devil gets stuck then,
Mike Wallace
you can proudly hand it over. This starts at the beginning
and the end of the trail, not on the highway.
Mike Maneth memorial bell
Frank Gilliland John Bull 6/27/2015
Mike Wallace Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Old logo green bell
James Eddinger Claw Hammer 1/10/15.
Frank Gilliland Holcomb Creek 9/26/15
Castulo Olivas
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Josh Bleijenberg Dusy Ersham Sept 2014
Brown bell
Frank Gilliland Claw Hammer
Bill Smith HDR May25 2015
Tim Debolt Rattlesnake Feb 2015
Rick Walter adopt a trail 6/27/2014
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 5/4/2014
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 9 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
Hammer town camping and KOH preview.
15-17 - Camp Friday and Saturday night with scheduled
Campsite/ Run meeting location: Campsite @ Valley
runs Saturday and Sunday
Vista Airport (Landers). Daily runs will stage here at
9AM and depart @ 9:30 AM. (DO NOT DRIVE ON
Contact info and RSVP: Joshua Bleijenberg
ANY AIRPORT PROPERTY AT ANY TIME) more info
562 400 1305 / Jbleij@gmail.com
below.
Where: Johnson Valley OHV
Coordinates: 34.337231, -116.579934
Trip description: There are a couple of options if you
choose to join us for this trip. I will be leading two trails
in hammer town. Claw hammer trail on Saturday, and
Sledge hammer on Sunday. More on both of these
below. There is also staging and testing for
King of the Hammers off-road race at Means dry lake.
KOH is run annually and is one of the biggest off-road
races on the west coast. I have attached a link with KOH
info below if you are not familiar. Last year when we
came out around the same time there were race teams out
testing their vehicles and making adjustments. We saw a
competitor out on the trail and got a firsthand up close
look at their tube buggy in action. It was really cool!
aerial view of the camp ground.
DD newsletter dec15.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
Technically this is not the event itself so it would be
informal and I don't have any contacts or connections
there so I won't promise anything as far as tours or meet
and greets, etc. Instead I will be out on the trails
mentioned above. There is also some easier trail options
in the area if you would like to go out and explore or put
together another option for people. The area has a lot to
offer if you just want to come out and camp with some
good people and check it out. I have included details
about the camp site and lodging options below. Also you
can do either of these runs as day runs if you prefer.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/events/131-9903-guide-to-
Area and trail descriptions: Hammer town and the trails
the-hammers/
in this area are HARD! Very HARD! These trails I have
Saturday (1/16/2016): CLAW HAMMER: Meeting @
chosen are both short and considered to be some of the
9, Departing @ 9:30 AM. This is the easier of the two
easier trails for this area, but make no mistake, this is a
trails. (sorry for the music)
whole different level. Body damage and breakage is very
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vMFHt3VpXk
possible. We had 3 of 5 vehicles use their winch last time
we ran Claw hammer but no body damage. The time
Sunday (1/17/2016) : SLEDGE HAMMER: Meeting @
9, Departing @ 9:30 AM. One of the original trails in
before some vehicles did take some dings but no
breakage. As a result I am going to limit the number of
the area. It has trail signage and mail box to send for
help if you get stuck. HAHA
vehicles on these trails to 15 and ask that you RSVP if
you would like to join us. I will ask you questions about
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rvN11IyZZQ
experience and vehicle build as I want to be sure you are
Difficulty: D+
prepared for the level of trail we are going to run. Please
Minimal equipment: Short wheelbase 33" with front and
don't take it personal, I just want to get to know who I'm
rear lockers. Long wheel base 35" with lockers. Full skid
guiding through. There are a ton of videos on you tube for
plates highly recommended. Expect me to ask you
both of these trails and I would encourage you to watch
questions about this when you RSVP...
some to acclimate yourself. I have attached a couple of
links below that include a detailed write up on the area as
Weather: TBD. I know if we have any moisture I do not
well as some videos that seemed fairly accurate in their
want to run anything in Johnson Valley. They are hard
representation. Try to picture yourself on those obstacles
enough when its dry.
in your Jeep and ask yourself if this is something that you
Hotels in the Area: Best western yucca valley (30 min
want to try. That being said, I want to scare you, but they
from camp) (760) 365 3555
are REALLY Fun! We have done Claw Hammer as a club
There are also options closer but they were questionable
run with about 12 vehicles and it went very well. A
so I did not include them in my write up.
couple of people turned back but most made it thru
unscathed and we finished before night time. Lucerne
Valley is an off-road playground and if you have never
been there you should really check it out. There are
continuous talks about closures and limited use of this
Camping details:
area and who knows how long it will be open. It is an
amazing resource.
This is a private campsite owned by one of our members
who is gracious enough to let us use it. It is a about an
acre of graded, packed dirt with a couple of vehicles and a
shipping container on it. It is located next to
Valley Vista Airport. The access road to the camp is fine
for 4x4 and trucks with trailers, but heavy RVs will want
to access by crossing the runway (requires escort spotter,
it is an active runway). You can put “Valley Vista
Airport” into most GPS and it will either come up with a
Yucca address or Landers. But it leads you to the right
place. About a mile West of Boone Road off 247 is
Valley Vista Road. Head south on Valley Vista for 2
miles until you T-bone Quailbush Road at the airport. I
will be there and will help direct folks into camp. Camp
has the red fire truck, white 5th wheel and brown shipping
Four wheeler guide to the hammers article with
detailed descriptions for each trail:
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 11 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
December 2015
container. It’s a fun spot, and just a couple miles from the
Camp ground host (Brad Lark) putts around with his
Boone Rd entrance to JV.
vintage Fire Truck.
Again I need to mention this:
THIS IS AN ACTIVE AIRPORT AND WE ARE
King of the Hammers Race info: (not scheduled for
NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE ON IT!!!! IF YOU
this weekend)
ARE GOING TO BRING A RV THEN WE WILL
https://ultra4racing.com/the-inside-line/official-date-
NEED SET UP A SPOTTER. OTHERWISE STAY
2016-nitto-king-hammers/
OFF THE RUNWAY!!!!! This is for your own safety.
Hammers trail map (Dirtopia)
We are going to rent a port-a potty for the weekend and
http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/File:Johnson_Valley_Trails
there are no service hook ups or showers here. We will
.JPG
have plenty of space to spread out and will be very close
to the trails though. I could also use some help with
firewood if anyone has a resource here. It would be
greatly appreciated!
I'd like to get an idea of who will be able to make it and
we can talk about food for the weekend. Maybe we can
do a pot luck? If you are going to join us for day use
please be sure to bring your lunch and plan to eat out on
the trail.
night time activities
DD newsletter dec15.doc
pg 12 of 12
printed: 12/24/2015