Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
The Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
A monthly publication of the Dirt Devils
Editors Message:
Table of Contents
Take note of the ham radio class coming up at the end of
Run Report
2
the month. Ham radios are far more effective out on the
CA4 Wheel Drive Assoc
2
trail than CB’s.
Adopt a Trail meeting place
3
Guests & new members
4
If you want to watch Josh conquer Claw Hammer you
can. The hammer trails are not long trails; they just take
Classified
4
time to get through the trail. Go to the last couple pages of
Club info
4
this newsletter for the story.
Club membership
4
Adopt a Trail
4
Whoever is the proud owner of the perennial Dick Cepek
Run report template:
5
tire poster, remember to bring it to the holiday party.
DD Trail Ratings
5
Ron Webber will not be at the February meeting Ray will
10 reasons to be a trail leader:
6
be looking for a volunteer to introduce guest.
First aid kit tracking
6
See you on the trail.
Cowbells
7
Hammer town camping and KOH preview
8
Jeep pickup confirmed
The Detroit News reports that the decision has been made,
and it's a "Yes." A Wrangler-based truck is expected to
arrive in 2017, sometime after the launch of the next
Wrangler (the next?). It'll be built in Toledo next to its
sibling.
The Jeep Gladiator concept (pictured) is now 11 years
old.
DD newsletter jan16.doc
pg 1 of 10
printed: 1/15/2016
Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
Run Report
Impromptu Calico Run 1/9/16
Run leaders: Jack & Zoe
Attendees:
Dave & Linda
Kevin & Leslie
Janet Johansen
Jack Sobelman
Met outside the campground at 8.30am, aired down. Jack
& Zoe and Kevin had done this run in December with
Ron Weber. All others were first timers. Janet had just
got her rear locker, skid plates and sliders installed and
was wanting to try them out. She crawled up the double
waterfall effortlessly, with no slippage. She got the Most
Improved Award, since she has only been wheeling 1 year
and this was a difficult trail. We took Doran Canyon up
and came down Odessa.
Mid way, we stopped for lunch at Wall Street Canyon
overlook and went into the mines. The weather was
mostly cloudy, but some sun came out in the afternoon.
Went through the 'S' curve with no problem, but Kevin
decided to take the harder line out and got hung up on his
gas tank skid plate and frame rail. Jack Sobelman got his
shiny new purple tow strap out, and at the sight of it,
Kevin decided he didn't want a cowbell and rocked it and
punched it till he got off! No damage was done and no
cowbell earned. He won the Macho Dude award for
ARB fridge
PRP seats
taking a tougher line. Pucker Pass seemed to have got
37” BFG tires
Rock hard sport cage
even narrower since last month. A new route may soon
Genright aluminium
TBM brakes
be needed to get around it. Towards the end of the run at
fenders, bumpers,
BBS short arm kit
5pm, it just started sprinkling, and we made it out just in
skid plate
Warn winch
time before the rocks got slippery.
JE Real drive shafts
Odyssey battery
We then visited the Gatekeeper, but no one was willing to
Atlas 2 transfer case
Kicker sound system
try it - this time! Everyone aired up and decided to go to
Snevy’s LED lights
Sider web bikini top
dinner and we celebrated a members' birthday. 8 hours of
K&N air intake
Reid hi steer knuckles
wheeling, no damage, good weather, good friends and
Curry front dif
Rugged ridge hood
good food. It just doesn't get any better than that!
Yukon axle shafts
latches, handles, mats, ½
w/ zip air lockers
doors
PSC hydro steering
LGE paint work
CA4 Wheel Drive Assoc
Fox shocks
Convention February 19 - 21 2016
near Sacramento
11211 Point East Drive, Rancho Cordova
January, 23, 2016 south district meeting in Ontario
9:00am
Win a Jeep & keep trails open.
Raffle date: 2/21/2016 in Sacramento
DD newsletter jan16.doc
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printed: 1/15/2016
Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
Run Calendar
20 -22
Overland Expo, Flagstaff AZ. - non club event
21
HDR Prerun Devils Loop (M) - Ray
Adopt a Trail meeting place
27 -29
HDR Cal 4 Wheel Devils Loop (M) - Ray
8:30am at Rocky’s Roadhouse
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382
June
next to the 76 gas station
7
Monthly club meeting
11
Adopt A Trail - Roger
January 2016
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
February
20
Adopt A Trail - Josh
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
9
Adopt A Trail - Danny
15 - 17
El Mirage Jime & Karen
22 -24
Anza Borrego (M) - Mike
29 -1
Corral Canyon (D) - Danny
May
3
Monthly club meeting
7
Adopt A Trail - Chris
12 -14
Jeep Jamboree Big Bear - non club event
DD newsletter jan16.doc
pg 3 of 10
printed: 1/15/2016
Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
Safety Committee: Bill Smith:
Run Coordinator: Rick Walter rick03tj@gmail.com
Guests & new members
Emergency response team coordinator: Rick Walter
rick03tj@gmail.com
Guest
the emergency response team makes themselves
Ken Evans and Eva Evans lookin good in a JK
available to help with our adopt a trail Dish Pan.
Don Landry and Mary Karr putts around in a JK
CAL4 wheel reps: Jesse May and Keith Graham
Chris Raymond lookin grand in a ’98 Grand Cherokee
Brian Powell and Rosemary Powell lookin good in a JK
Club membership
Christian Rothery lookin good in a ’15 JK Sahara
Membership dues:
Thuy and Jim lookin good in a JK
Dirt Devil annual club dues
$36.00
Spouse
$12.00
New members
CAL4WD annual dues
$45.00
Josh and Raelene Schiller putt around in a ’06
CAL4WD permanent member
$675.00
Rubicon Unlimited
CAL4WD permanent member 12 installments of ... $56.25
CORVA
$30.00
Classified
New Complete Dana 30 axles shafts a little rust.
Adopt a Trail
keep a spare with you at all times, just in case
The Dirt Devils Adopt A Trail is: Dishpan Springs Trail
was in my 2000 TJ (until I upgraded to dana 60’s)
(3N34)
fits ’97 - 2006 maybe others.
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.
The West entrance:
2N26Y is N34° 16.198 W117° 08.258.
$50. Each, driver and passenger side.
The T6 Bridge:
contact Ron Webber 714 715 5692 or ronjp@outlook.com
N34° 16.106 W117° 07.745.
The East entrance:
3N16 is N34° 15.663 W117° 05.116.
Club info
Meeting place
8:30am at Rock Road House
Meeting Place
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382 next to
First Tuesday of each month,
the 76 gas station
6:30pm for Dinner & 7:30pm for the meeting at
just east of Imperial Hwy and north of the 91 Fwy.
Accessories
Marie Callenders. 5711 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim,
Available at the regular meetings, see Emi Webber.
CA 92807, 714-779-0600
Dirt Devil Stickers: $15.00.
Short sleeve shirts: $15.00
Club officers
Long sleeve shirts: $18.00
President: Ray Kleinhuizen
Sweatshirts: $30.00
kkfusedglass@roadrunner.com
Hats: $20.00
Immediate past president:
DD logo magnets available in various sizes for
$4.50 to $13.50 each.
Jesse May: jemay.xj@gmail.com
Vice President: Mike Wallace proudpop80@gmail.com
Secretary: Cheryl May: jemay.xj@gmail.com
Treasurer: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
Web Master: Chris Slaughter:
webmaster@dirtdevils.org
Adopt a trail chairmans:
Roy Chance: rchance@aol.com
Roger Mauer: rogermauer@gmail.com
Newsletter: Ron Webber: ronjp@outlook.com
Hospitality: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
DD newsletter jan16.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
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 jan16.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
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
Josh
out trouble)
Danny Ward
3 - You are the spotter when someone needs help (you’ll
Ray Kleinhuizen
get a lot of exercise)
Mike Wallace
2 - You will get unwavering support from all drivers even
Josh Bleijenberg
when you are hopelessly lost and confused.
FA #2 (Orange canvas bag)
1 - You get to ride in front of everyone out of the dust
Dave
(this the only good reason to be a trail lead)
Ray K
Recommended trail tools:
Gilbert
1. Socket Set (some vehicles use both standard &
Mike Wallace
metric), ratchet and extensions
Josh Bleijenberg
Pete Johnson
2. Combination wrenches (some vehicles use both
standard & metric)
FA #3 (Orange canvas bag)
3. Vise grips
Bill
4. Adjustable jaw pliers and channel locks
Ron Webber Calico
5. Crescent Wrench
Jack & Zoe
6. Spark plug wrench
Roger Mauer
7. Screwdrivers (Standard & Philips )
Danny Ward
8. Hammer 9. Bottle Jack
Ron Webber March 2015 Calico
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 jan16.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
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
James Ettinger Holcomb Creek
Frank Gilliland John Bull 6/27/2015
Old logo green bell
Mike Wallace Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Frank Gilliland Holcomb Creek 9/26/15
James Ettinger Claw Hammer 1/10/15.
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Castulo Olivas
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 jan16.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
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.
Technically this is not the event itself so it would be
DD newsletter jan16.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
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.
Area and trail descriptions: Hammer town and the trails
in this area are HARD! Very HARD! These trails I have
the-hammers/
chosen are both short and considered to be some of the
Saturday (1/16/2016): CLAW HAMMER: Meeting @
easier trails for this area, but make no mistake, this is a
9, Departing @ 9:30 AM. This is the easier of the two
whole different level. Body damage and breakage is very
trails. (sorry for the music)
possible. We had 3 of 5 vehicles use their winch last time
we ran Claw hammer but no body damage. The time
before some vehicles did take some dings but no
Sunday (1/17/2016) : SLEDGE HAMMER: Meeting @
9, Departing @ 9:30 AM. One of the original trails in
breakage. As a result I am going to limit the number of
vehicles on these trails to 15 and ask that you RSVP if
the area. It has trail signage and mail box to send for
help if you get stuck. HAHA
you would like to join us. I will ask you questions about
experience and vehicle build as I want to be sure you are
prepared for the level of trail we are going to run. Please
Difficulty: D+
don't take it personal, I just want to get to know who I'm
Minimal equipment: Short wheelbase 33" with front and
guiding through. There are a ton of videos on you tube for
rear lockers. Long wheel base 35" with lockers. Full skid
both of these trails and I would encourage you to watch
plates highly recommended. Expect me to ask you
some to acclimate yourself. I have attached a couple of
questions about this when you RSVP...
links below that include a detailed write up on the area as
well as some videos that seemed fairly accurate in their
Weather: TBD. I know if we have any moisture I do not
representation. Try to picture yourself on those obstacles
want to run anything in Johnson Valley. They are hard
in your Jeep and ask yourself if this is something that you
enough when its dry.
want to try. That being said, I want to scare you, but they
Hotels in the Area: Best western yucca valley (30 min
are REALLY Fun! We have done Claw Hammer as a club
from camp) (760) 365 3555
run with about 12 vehicles and it went very well. A
There are also options closer but they were questionable
couple of people turned back but most made it thru
so I did not include them in my write up.
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
area and who knows how long it will be open. It is an
Camping details:
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
Four wheeler guide to the hammers article with
will be there and will help direct folks into camp. Camp
has the red fire truck, white 5th wheel and brown shipping
detailed descriptions for each trail:
DD newsletter jan16.doc
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Dirt Devils Digest
January 2016
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
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
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.
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