Rockin' XJ Jamboree trip report

[Goatman]

Thought I'd throw up some comments about this years annual Johnson Valley XJ event. I appreciate all the people who came out for a good time, and we had a very good time. There were folks from AZ, Utah, NorCal, and IntrepidXJ even flew out from Chicago. Sat evening we counted 70 rigs in camp, which should make this the second largest XJ event we've had, second only to the 20th Anniversary Celebration in Moab where we had about 175. Sat evening we fed over 100 people, and the raffle was one of the best I've ever seen.

The raffle raised $3500 and most of that will be a donation to Friends of Panamint Valley to support the legal battle to reopen Surprise Canyon. Thanks to Capt Ron for organizing a super raffle, to all the members who stepped up and made merchandise donations, and to all the participants who bought tickets. Boatwrench (Tom) was the big winner of the evening, walking away with a pair of Beard racing seats AND a Warn M8000 winch.

Johnson Valley is the king of hardcore rockcrawling destinations, but it also has plenty to offer for the not so hardcore folks. I was very happy to see that the easy and the moderate run on Sat had by far the most participants. Thanks to Norm Taylor for leading the easy run, to Capt Ron Johnson for leading the moderate run, to Avery/Cracker for leading the hard moderate run, and to Dave Taylor for leading the hard run. From what I hear, everyone had a good time on the trails and all the runs were back in camp by 4:00 pm, which is very unusual out there when getting back after dark is almost the norm. There was a little carnage, but not bad, and the only roll over was on the easy run.......go figure. Someone brought friends in an older 4Runner and it rolled going down a little rough section of road, just a fluke situation and no one was hurt. Earlier in the week, Matt from AZ rolled his nicely built pristine '01 silver XJ, then tore up the other side on Wrecking Ball Sat. He definitely qualifies for the hard luck award for the trip.

I didn't end up taking pics this trip, so have none to post. Let's see some pics and hear some more stories about stuff that happened. Thanks again to all who participated and all who helped. See you next year.

[kndrewa]

Wow, this truly sounds like an awesome event!

I probably wouldnt know what to do if I ever found myself surrounded by 70 cherokees. I would probably need a bib (for drool) and a video camera (to help me remember all the cool ways people are solving problems and increasing their rigs capabilities).

I hope to see this in person next year, and see some pictures from this year...

Is it wrong to get so excited about an event I didnt even attend?

[Geepfreak]

Thought I'd throw up some comments about this years annual Johnson Valley XJ event. I appreciate all the people who came out for a good time, and we had a very good time. There were folks from AZ, Utah, NorCal, and IntrepidXJ even flew out from Chicago. Sat evening we counted 70 rigs in camp, which should make this the second largest XJ event we've had, second only to the 20th Anniversary Celebration in Moab where we had about 175. Sat evening we fed over 100 people, and the raffle was one of the best I've ever seen.

The raffle raised $3500 and most of that will be a donation to Friends of Panamint Valley to support the legal battle to reopen Surprise Canyon. Thanks to Capt Ron for organizing a super raffle, to all the members who stepped up and made merchandise donations, and to all the participants who bought tickets. Boatwrench (Tom) was the big winner of the evening, walking away with a pair of Beard racing seats AND a Warn M8000 winch.

Johnson Valley is the king of hardcore rockcrawling destinations, but it also has plenty to offer for the not so hardcore folks. I was very happy to see that the easy and the moderate run on Sat had by far the most participants. Thanks to Norm Taylor for leading the easy run, to Capt Ron Johnson for leading the moderate run, to Avery/Cracker for leading the hard moderate run, and to Dave Taylor for leading the hard run. From what I hear, everyone had a good time on the trails and all the runs were back in camp by 4:00 pm, which is very unusual out there when getting back after dark is almost the norm. There was a little carnage, but not bad, and the only roll over was on the easy run.......go figure. Someone brought friends in an older 4Runner and it rolled going down a little rough section of road, just a fluke situation and no one was hurt. Earlier in the week, Matt from AZ rolled his nicely built pristine '01 silver XJ, then tore up the other side on Wrecking Ball Sat. He definitely qualifies for the hard luck award for the trip.

I didn't end up taking pics this trip, so have none to post. Let's see some pics and hear some more stories about stuff that happened. Thanks again to all who participated and all who helped. See you next year.


:thumbup: Maybe next year, :fingers crossed:

[cracker]

Thanks for a great weekend Richard!

[shelbyluvv]

Thanks for the tug! We had a great weekend!

[karstic]

I finally made it out to the camp around 330pm Bought a bunch of raffle tickets and pitched in cooking up the burgers and dogs. For the short time I was there I had a great time. I look forward to it again next year. I've got a few picks of the raffle trailer and the food line, but there at home I'll post em up tonight.

[Letterman]

I went up AfterShock on Wednesday morning with Farmer Matt, Jes and Bryan C.

Bryan C. looking up at Matt on the falls
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0075.jpg

Jes trying to make the trail harder, he some how rolled a 3 foot rock on end under his front pass tire:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0129.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0135.jpg

[mikeyl]

had a great time. thanks to all who helped set it up. too many to list, but thanks to richard and ron and the dozens of others who make it happen. special thanks to the vendors who make this non-event worth going to. hope to see everyone again next time.
posted below are my pics from sledge hammer on sat. if the link doesn't work it is also posted on the socal forum. hope to see all again. and thanks to avery and scrappy keeping me moving on the trail!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=197in0g1.3funhzv1&x=0&y=7dsz13

[Letterman]

Jes on Highway 20 Thursday morn:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0255.jpg

Dave made a pass as Jes worked on his Locker:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0270.jpg

Bryan C. on the same spot:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0281.jpg


Matt from AZ getting it back up on all 4's:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0313.jpg

[Letterman]

More Highway 20

Jes:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0359.jpg

Bryan C. about to loose a window:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0365.jpg

[Letterman]

Goatman in a nasty part of 20:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0389.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0407.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0439.jpg

[Letterman]

Mat in the cat on 20 made a nice run:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0456.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0479.jpg

He was so happy to have made that:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0494.jpg

[Letterman]

Crazy white boy:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0499.jpg

[Letterman]

Paul playing near the edge at the top of 20:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0522.jpg

[Letterman]

Friday went up Claw, Scrappy made some redneck coil overs:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0562.jpg

Did not work, and he almost ripped his front drive shaft off on a rock:

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0600.jpg

Sunset Friday night top of Claw:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0609.jpg

[IntrepidXJ]

well, i just woke up after finally catching up on some sleep. i'm glad i made the trip out, because i had a great time, and met a lot of cool people.

uploading my pics and videos right now, so stay tuned :D

thanks to everyone that organized this event and attended. big thanks to geoff for actually getting me there and back, too ;)

[xDUMPTRUCKx]

THANKS GOAT!

[xDUMPTRUCKx]

Crazy white boy:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0499.jpg




WHITE POW....whoops i mean......FLOUR!

[GSequoia]

As usual another fantastic event. We had everything ranging from Matt's nuts to Letterman's monkey lovin' goodness with some wheeling thrown in for good measure.

Pulled into the lake bed at 6am on Friday morning and got about twenty-five or thirty minutes of sleep.

Fun little pose at dawn on a random dirt road along 247.
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/15908-2/IMG_0002.jpg

Friday was pretty lazy for me since I didn't sleep much and had some finishing touches to do. Got the rear driveline in (thanks Opie) and later on, after they returned from the trails they rode along on, Clint and Randy helped me bleed the brakes after I put the front lines in.

Between all that I did manage to talk some shit at various campsites there and go along to Backdoor to watch Scrappy Matt get denied.

Saturday I went on the easy run with Norm Taylor; I was kinda nervous about hitting anything hard because I had 35's with spicer shafts and when I learend that he was ending the run at Wrecking Ball I was all over it; there is a lot of fun to be had pointing and laughing while people try to drive over impossibly large rocks.

Had a bit of fun on Emmerson Dry Lake:
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/15817-2/JV+Scenic+Run+09.jpg

Ended up going up to the end of Wrecking Ball / Clawhammer and sat around a bit, then saw Tim (Bent) coming up Claw so waited for him.
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/15862-2/JV+Scenic+Run+18.jpg

Then we headed up the hill to go to Wrecking Ball; Randy and I walked while those Sierra boys drove and Tim drove (although Randy and I jumped in Tim's Jeep shortly thereafter, we were feeling lazy).
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/15993-2/Wrecking+Ball+01.jpg

Timed it perfectly! We got over to the big waterfall just as Dave was getting ready to go up it. Of course Dave made it look real easy and boring because he's uncool like that.

Santa, realizing that we were bored, was a nice guy and provided us with some entertainment going up the waterfall, tahnks Santa!
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/16164-2/Wrecking+Ball+35.jpg

Had a few more go up then Joe got up there in his four cylinder TJ and nailed the fall. Rick Norman is never going to hear the end of that one...
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/16304-2/Wrecking+Ball+63.jpg

Those TJ's climb well when you stretch them out to XJ wheelbase ;)

Sunday we headed over to Back Door to watch what happens.

Avery got into the throttle a bit while going up and took an, ahem, alternate line at the top.
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/16480-2/Back+Door+019.jpg

This time Scrappy Matt made it up the first waterfall with ease - enough ease that aparently I didn't ahve time to photograph it, so here he is on the second one.
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/16635-2/Back+Door+050.jpg

Everybody had a hard time on the second fall, I think only Dave, Avery, and Richard made it up wtihout a tug but I could be wrong...

Of coruse Richard made it look easy.
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/16935-2/Back+Door+110.jpg

One last poser shot and then I went back to the lake bed to pack ukp and head out. Was a great time!

http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/15973-2/IMG_0192.jpg

The rest of my pics are here: http://events.sequoia4x4.com/v/20061117-jv/?g2_highlightId=15768

[Brendan_91XJ]

The Family had a great time as I did!
Have to throw out some thanks to Richard and Ron and everyone else that put this together. Thanks to Johnny for spotting me on LBJ and helping me change out my tire after throwing a bead. the quote of the day on that run should be "What do you mean you are not locked up front" or "That locker in your garage is not doing you any good here". Capt Ron helped me through a few tough spots and was waiting for me at the end with the winch at the ready which I did not have to use. Thanks to Opie and a bunch of others that go me through that last obsticle of LBJ.
I am now sporting a few more dents, but it was fun getting them! :roll: mostly.

[cracker]

And Goat trying to push me over again :D

http://beta.propichosting.com/FileHandler.ashx?pa=450016572&sub=49&timecode=632996244132812500&checkref=1

[TRNDRVR]

Sobe Bombs?

[cracker]

Sobe Bombs?

Always!

[ChiXJeff]

Speaking as an MWC member..... ya'll SUCK! :D

Good to hear that all the carnage was mechanical.

[IntrepidXJ]

coming home to 32 degree sucks!

[IntrepidXJ]

Here's the video I got from Backdoor, yesterday:

Cracker (13MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/Cracker_Backdoor.wmv

Goatman (10MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/goatman-backdoor.wmv

Scrappy (20MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/scrappy-backdoor.wmv

[IntrepidXJ]

Now, here's some pics:

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0158.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0226.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0235.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0251.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0275.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0307.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0316.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0411.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0499.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0507.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0560.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Less roof

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0586.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-19-06/photos/IMG_0621.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-19-06/photos/IMG_0660.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-19-06/photos/IMG_0674.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0231.JPG

[ChiXJeff]

coming home to 32 degree sucks!
:D It was 17 degrees here this morning!

[GSequoia]

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0231.JPG

He looks so relaxed.

[FarmerMatt]

BIG BIG props go out to Goatman & Captain Ron. The event went off without a hitch that I could tell. What more can you say, but great people, great party's, great food & great wheeling...

[Clint]

I just wanted to say thanks to Goatman, Ron for the great event and hospitality for us people who didn't bring our rigs :) I'll have pictures soon, but below is my expirience on the way home...

Well after a flawless departure from SLC, my return trip from LAX was quite a cluster****. I missed the baggage drop off by 1 minute, so I was sent to a different rep to get it on the plane. I wait in line to be told I'm in the wrong line and get sent further down. Get to the next counter..sent to the wrong one again. I finally get a supervisor and yell, but by then it's too late.
So they rebook me on Delta for the 6:30AM flight. OK no prob, go check my bag and find a nice quiet spot to camp in the terminal. WRONG! Apparently you cannot check in more than 6 hours early (I havent flown in like 10 yrs). OK no problem, 6 hours before would be 12:30 I can hang out. WRONG! Apparently ticketing and checkin closes at 12-12:30. I was there at 12:45...The Desk reopens @ 4:15am. So I wait around in the checkin area until the the joint opens, wait in line behind about 20 clueless Marine Recuits to find out United screwed up my ticket on Delta and I have to wait 30 minutes and pay an extra $100 to delta even though United said it was free. OK after getting all my ticketing straightened out, run up to security. For some reason me, in my camo hat, shorts and a nice beard growing, I get picked for the "Random" physical searches. After being "felt up" by a nice latino gentleman, I'm told I can have my shoes back and continue on.

After all that, I did make the 6:30 flight, landed early in SLC, and now here I sit at work. Sorry for the big rant!

[BrettM]

Here's the video I got from Backdoor, yesterday:


Scrappy (20MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/scrappy-backdoor.wmv

gotta love a D30 and 35s making that climb :cool:

[Beej]

Here's the video I got from Backdoor, yesterday:

Cracker (13MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/Cracker_Backdoor.wmv

Goatman (10MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/goatman-backdoor.wmv

Scrappy (20MB): http://myxj.net/videos/JV2006/scrappy-backdoor.wmv I was gonna comment about how frustrating that must have been for Avery, especially after watching Richard basically walk up that sucker, but then I watched Matt, and am both impressed and rolling around on the floor in stitches...

:laugh2:

[BrettM]

So I'm guessing there was no tech inspection: http://images.kodakgallery.com/servlet/Images/photos2796/4/83/86/63/0/6/600638683405_0_BG.jpg?a=0

[cracker]

I was gonna comment about how frustrating that must have been for Avery, especially after watching Richard basically walk up that sucker, but then I watched Matt, and am both impressed and rolling around on the floor in stitches...

:laugh2:

Richard's 'competition' sticky tires hook up SO well.

Like how I hit the wall? I was so dumb founded when I got up it I didn't know what to do. :D

[FlexyJOE]

I must say this event was such good time fun, I cant wait untill next year!!!!! Big Props go out to Goatman and Cpt Ron for all of the hard work they have done in getting an event of this magnatude to run smoothly. Even though I dont have an XJ anymore, I was still treated like I did. :yelclap: Even with Farmer Matt wanting to put his "Meat on my grill" It was still a blast. I think it boils down to good wheeling, with good people and an all around good time. One thing I still enjoy is the comraderie with XJ owners. For some strange reason, its not there with TJ owners. But hey, Like Sequoia said, They climb pretty well when they are XJ length.......:worship:


Joe

[IntrepidXJ]

BTW- I'd also like to thank Bryon and Matt for letting me crash in their campers :)

[Brady's XJ]

Anyone else see right before Cracker's surprise jump over the falls, my brother moves his filming spot 10' to the left. If he hadn't moved, he woulda been wearing Cracker's bumper as a bowtie. I think that plus the box of almonds he won/allergic to woulda made for a rad weekend.

[GSequoia]

Used that WAG bag yet Randy? ;)

[XJ_ranger]

well I finally made it home and got to a position where I could post again...

Thursday - left the bay area around 3:45 after borrowing a friends CTD and renting a trailer, picking up dad, going to the store and packing....

got to the lakebed around 2:00 - everyone was asleep...

woke up early with the sun firday morning... helped Ben (xDUMPTRUCKx) remove doors / hatch... then went on a clawhammer run with Ben (being as that was the only trail that both he and I knew how to get to)
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1014.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1037.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1039.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1041.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1044.jpg

[XJ_ranger]

Friday Night, I went out on a night run with Robert K, and Ben H. - no pictures because night runs are about wheeling - not showing your friends you went wheeling :D

Saturday - ran Tackhammer and LBJ with Ron and Robbert and quite a few 'smaller' rigs.
Kevin needed a small winch pull using Mike G as ballast after taking a retarted line -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1050.jpg

Group shot on Lower Big Johnson -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1060.jpg

[RWKHausSupply]

One thing I still enjoy is the comraderie with XJ owners. For some strange reason, its not there with TJ owners.
Joe

I have to fully disagree. Its all depends on the Group that holds the event and those that fall in to that group. I am a previous TJ owner turned XJ after my TJ was stollen. I brouhgt out ex-TJ owner turned bronco owner not by choice and had a current owner met us up there sat afternoon. Ask Ben how friendly they are, wrenching on his crap and such. As well as myself, I hope I dont put either (xj or tj) to shame. Its all in the group not the individuals. Hell I found two XJ owners out there that I would say didnt fall in to your comraderie reference. But all in all every one was great except......

Good times..

Thanks to all involved..

hope to make this as a regular event as TDS..

[XJ_ranger]

and then we went over to Back Door where Ron and Robert gave it a shot -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1079.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1081.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1085.jpg

Ron on the 2nd waterfall -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1086.jpg

Robert grows a pair -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1090.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1095.jpg

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1098.jpg

but rips an ARB line before he can launch up the falls...

Saturday night was the raffle, where I lucked out and won a set of tires from BFGoodrich (which I needed badly! Thanks! :D)

[XJ_ranger]

Sunday was the pack up and leave day for most rigs, but a few of us stuck it out and ran Aftershock while all the buggies put the hammer down on backdoor....

Ron, Robert, Myself, Ben (XDumptruckx), Rawbrown, and Zack all headed out for the trail....

my suspention bottomed into my oil pan before reaching the trail, but oil was only seeping out and I decided to continue on.

at some point Robert got kinda hung up and had to winch - and needed someone to tie to :D

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1103.jpg
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1104.jpg

:D :D

http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_1106.jpg


Ryan broke a Tie Rod End, and had an issue with his steering box frame mount, and turned around during th earlier part of the trail -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_6236.jpg


Phil was missed -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_6266.jpg

Had a little fun looking for the intern line while watching Ron and Robert do this part -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_6272.jpg

Robert drives it -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_6274.jpg

and so do I -
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Jeep/JohnsonValley111806/img_6280.jpg

[XJ_ranger]

all in all - I only lost a bead... of course it was at night, with Robert K :D He thinks I hate him - I think he's wrong :D I just happen to be broken on the trail every time Im around him :D

I had a great trip!

Thanks to:
Goatman for putting all this together!
Ron for getting the raffle and leading the runs I was on
Kevin and Robert K for help changing my tire :D
Dave for the Valve Stem
Ryan Brown for doing doughnuts evert 12 seconds and kicking up dust

and everyone who I got to meet and shake hands with and get out and wheel with!

[Captain Ron]

Mmmm, what to say...

... Great weather, super XJ folks, big rocks, Sobe, Fireworks, raffle, food, homebrew, and on top of that, not at all the kind of carnage you'd expect from 70 odd rigs spending a weekend in JV.

I didn't get Junk ver 15.0 on the trailer until lunchtime on Friday, so I missed out on the week. But the high speed testing romps Friday night made up for some of that. Fox 2.5's in front with single bleeds, and a slight re-engineering of the front end geometry made a huge difference...

In the meantime, Ryan had made it out with his bar, and mine was well underway. My mistake, I only brought out 10 gallons based on prior "National" events. :D

Turns out, that was pretty much gone on Friday night... Sorry folks, I'll bring more next time. I'm glad Ryan brought more than I did.

So for the Saturday runs, we had a really good turn out for the easy and moderate runs. I counted 19 rigs at various points along our route for the moderate run. We had a quick drivers meeting, and headed out to Tack Hammer for the warm up. It gave everyone a chance to get acclimated to the trail conditions, and prepare for the next leg on Lower Big Johnson.

Everyone did a good job of getting thru; there was some minor body damage at the big rock, but nothing major. We had a mixed group of locked and open front rigs, mostly 33's. Tack is a pretty short trail, but going thru on the way to LBJ paid off in getting everyone a taste, and tuning up the driving skills.

Off to LBJ. Wait... Sand Dune, go fast. :D

Ok, into Lower Big. Fun trail! The open guys really had to work in a few spots, but did a fantastic job of getting thru. We had a few minor stops, JohnX took care of a starting problem, I split a radiator hose that was an easy fix, Robert was running hot, and a few other minor issues that folks had got taken care of. On the split rocks, Kevin got hung really good. That obstacle doesn't look like much, but even I had to work at it. We got him off without damage, and decided to run everyone else around it.

The exit is always kinda interesting, more so on 33's or open in front. After we established the line, Bryan and Robert spotted folks thru it while I worked the water fall. A big thanks to those guys and Johhny & Chris for their help too. We'd get a line worked out, I'd move up, and they would work everyone thru as we moved along. Nice work guys!

So we collected at the top, had lunch, and watched Bryan and Robert work the last rigs thru the exit. After that a few of us played on the entrance to Upper Big. Zak gave it a shot on 33's and made it work. In all, no one broke, and there was only some minor body damage. I give the most improved in this group to DJ Josh, although there were more than a few that I saw that had improved greatly over the year. He's driving very smooth on 32's very little lift, and open in front. Nice job!

Heading out off the trail, we made our way down and to the main wash. It was getting into the 3ish time, so we decided to skip After Shock. There was enough time to head over to Backdoor however...

I took a group over to see me conduct the flog test. I made it up, but it took awhile. Note to self: Don't cross rotate your Creepies before doing Backdoor. :D

Sunday, I took 6 of us over to After Shock and had a great run. Ryan had some pretty serious cracking around his steering box, and wisely turned around after the second obstacle. The rest of us made it thru without much damage, although, ask Bryan about his welding... :D

A big thanks to Richard for conceiving the idea for this event, opening it up to a wider range of people, and the usual crew that let us take over the weekend. Obviously, it's been a big hit!

Now, these guys deserve some note:

Poly Performance. Alot of us spend quite a bit of money with them, and they returned it in a pretty big way. Really good stuff. Ethan is your man.

4 Wheel Parts in Thousand Oaks. It's a new store. If you are in the area, you can't beat some of their deals. Say hi to Randy!

BFG. What's to say? They donate to alot of causes. We/FOPV are just lucky to be one of them. Geoff worked out the details for this one.

The Assendrup's, Lincoln and his Dad, and Richard Gauthier. Those Beard seats were very nice. The ratchet straps were top of the line.

Alloy USA. A big donation, most of us use them, gotta love them. Thanks to Mike Lockwood for working it all out for us.

Big Offroad. A nice goodie, generous donation. Bryan arraigned this one, Thanks guys!

NAPA. I use the store in Camarillo alot. Dave's the guy to talk to there. A great operation and they get what I need yesterday.

HotRodOil.com. Jon got us some syn Amsoil transfer case juice, and some syn Amsoil diff lube. Good stuff!

Parts Lawrence. Johnny arraigned for a few goodies from Lawrence. Most of the SoCal guys rely on him for unit bearings and steering stuff. Good hookup!

Farmer Matt. Goodies from the Farm, and tail light boxes. All jokes aside, I bet every one of those boxes gets horse traded to someone that can use them. I won't say I spotted anyone into any tail light biters on purpose, but I did my part. :D

Clean RC. Scott threw in a Yukon D30/D44 yoke repair kit. Nice item!

Jes. Jes brought a set of his lower panel armor out. They went to a good home!

Bryan C. The Snap-On bag and Impact sockets were a good item! The Cooler and six of Heineken were a nice touch too.

Jim Rogers. Jim came out with Richard and belongs to the Bakersfield Trailblazers. He put an Optima Yellow Top on the raffle table. Nice!

Goatman. He brought out an extra heavy duty alternator cable kit and the sweet hood louvers kit. Thanks!

Shelbyluv. Bo had a set of Rockcrawler front shocks that he set down for raffle. Thanks, and next time I’ll bring more beer… :D

ROBERTK. Robert had a set of off road lights that he threw in. Thanks dude!

There were a few other local contributors, a bunch of guys helped out with dinner, and there’s always some one that helped out in some way that didn’t get much recognition. A big thanks to you folks for doing what you do.

Now the biggest group that deserves a note:

All you folks that came out and ran a trail, or just hung out, you guys make this whole thing happen, and make it all worth doing, and are some very generous people. I hope you had a good time, you certainly did a great thing for an important legal challenge that is now underway.

See you next year!

--ron

[karstic]

http://theoutdoorsforum.com/forums/uploads/1134115013/gallery_138_32_315415.jpg
PigPen (Rawbrown)

http://theoutdoorsforum.com/forums/uploads/1134115013/gallery_138_32_302813.jpg
Johnny and his man purse

http://theoutdoorsforum.com/forums/uploads/1134115013/gallery_138_32_403958.jpg
Goatman and a set of FarmerMatt tail light boxes

http://theoutdoorsforum.com/forums/uploads/1134115013/gallery_138_32_412766.jpg
Trailer full of affle prizes

[Monkey55]

I had a GREAT time filming the event... Thanks to everyone who helped put it on. Even though I missed out on Saturday's day runs, I was there from Wed to Sunday afternoon.

I didn't meet everyone in person, but everyone there was cool. Even the Kangaroo Rat that joined us at night..

I did get some cool ideas about what I want in a rig.. :D

Elias

[Letterman]

More Photos . .

Saturday I was done driving, and wanted to be a passenger, so I grabed my camera and jumped in with Jes and Bryan C.

Tack:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0627.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0637.jpg

We found the end of Captain Ron's moderate group, just at the end of Tack
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0651.jpg

Drove from there and found a group on Sledge, Ben H. was wrenching on a break just at the start of the trail:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0694.jpg

[Letterman]

From there we went with Goatman on a explore run around the hills:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0709.jpg

Weeeeeeeeee:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0719.jpg

Smile:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0736.jpg

We found the easy run at the top of Sledge having lunch, everyone looked happy and some really nice people to talk with:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0755.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0757.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0763.jpg

From there we went over the hill to Wrecking Ball . . .
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0771.jpg

More photos soon

[Letterman]

We walked down to the falls on Wrecking ball and found the group eating lunch just before the falls, Matt was driving David's rig:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0800.jpg

I think Mat really wanted to drive the falls but David took over just before the ugly stuff:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0806.jpg

David made it look really simple:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0814.jpg

Everyone got a camera out for 4xSanta's wheel stand :scared: :
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0838.jpg

After a few more trys it was time to put a line out:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0861.jpg

Still having fun!
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0864.jpg

Rick!!!!!
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0866.jpg

In it deep:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0882.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0887.jpg

[Letterman]

Joe crawled it:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0891.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0894.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0905.jpg

The cheep seats:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0915.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0922.jpg

Fun stuff:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0927.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0928.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0942.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0943.jpg

[Jackal]

One of the best wheeling trips I've been on. Special thanks to Richard, Ron and all the others responsible for making this event such a success.

[chelms27]

I had a great time, this was the biggest event I have been to yet and there where some nice rigs. It was great to meet all of you guys, thanks to Capt Ron for leading a great moderate run...I learned a lot and had fun and learned a lot spotting Ken and Nick. Ryan Brown's dunkelwizen? was some good stuff!

[Goatman]

Any more good pics?

I didn't take any this trip........

[swbooking]

Heres one :twak:
http://photos-666.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v48/177/115/6310842/n6310842_30708666_1151.jpg

[Letterman]

Bryan C. on Highway 20, if you look in back (behind David) you can see AZ Matt standing on the side of his rig:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0301.jpg

A few more from Highway 20:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0185.jpg

http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0247.jpg

[mikedashg]

Any more good pics?

I didn't take any this trip........

Mine, from the easy/moderate, some of backdoor, and camp:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/91A2B54717C4F05

[Hackle]

Even though I drive a YJ I went to the JV trip and had a great time. Thank you to everyone for letting me tag along. I hope you enjoy the videos but be warned they are long and large files.

Highway 20 (http://www.hacklesjeep.com/Highway%2020.wmv)
I was not on this trip as I was still in Phx.

Sledge Hammer (http://www.hacklesjeep.com/Sledge.wmv)

Wrecking Ball (http://www.hacklesjeep.com/Wrecking%20Ball.wmv)
This probably the best but longest video.

Hackle, Jim f.

[IntrepidXJ]

ok, just pulled out my tshirt to wear today.....and noticed Friends of Panmint Valley across the bottom. :roll:

oops ;)

[TRNDRVR]

I haven't used my Jeep since Moab Fall Fling 2005. I'd sell it in a heartbeat if I knew I could enough out of it. But after looking at all these pictures and videos, I having second thoughts.

Just might see me there next year.ok, just pulled out my tshirt to wear today.....and noticed Friends of Panmint Valley across the bottom. :roll:

oops ;)You got a shirt? :huh:

[IntrepidXJ]

You got a shirt? :huh:

why wouldn't i?

[TRNDRVR]

why wouldn't i?It was a subliminal hint aimed at someone other than yourself. ;)

[Goatman]

I haven't used my Jeep since Moab Fall Fling 2005. I'd sell it in a heartbeat if I knew I could enough out of it. But after looking at all these pictures and videos, I having second thoughts.

Just might see me there next year.You got a shirt? :huh:

Damn, Dan, you're admitting that you're a blatant web wheeler? :looser:

:D

Just get out and use it. After taking a break you'll likely find that you really enjoy yourself. You have plenty of time to plan.......so we'll see you next year. :)

Oh, and after catching my breath this week, I have stuff going out next week.

[XJEEPER]

Agreed. Dan.....knock the cobwebs of that thing and wheel it! I'm achin' to get the basement project finished and back to axle building so I can have my rig done before spring.

[TRNDRVR]

Damn, Dan, you're admitting that you're a blatant web wheeler? :looser:I know. No one to blame but myself.

I have been extremely busy at work this year. Is that a good enough excuse? :D

[Goatman]

I know. No one to blame but myself.

I have been extremely busy at work this year. Is that a good enough excuse? :D

Sure........as long as all that work netted you some cash for jeep upgrades. :D

[IntrepidXJ]

here's some other pics i took out at JV

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0142.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0237.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-17-06/photos/IMG_0293.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0520.JPG

http://myxj.net/trail/JV2006/11-18-06/photos/IMG_0570.JPG

[Porch Puppy]

Some pic from Highway 19 & 20 http://rides.webshots.com/album/556068875RcspSx

[Letterman]

Some pic from Highway 19 & 20 http://rides.webshots.com/album/556068875RcspSx

You got a photo of me taking your photo!!!!!
http://image62.webshots.com/162/1/35/49/2146135490038561203aRAApP_ph.jpg

Here is what I shot of you:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e5094cb00000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e5294c900000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e5315f800000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e5494cf00000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e4715ec00000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e4515ee00000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e4694dd00000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e4315e800000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e4915e200000025138IasWTVu5aE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6cf09b3127cce8fce6e4894d300000025138IasWTVu5aE


:cheers:

[David Taylor]

Some pic from Highway 19 & 20 http://rides.webshots.com/album/556068875RcspSx

Great pics Andy.

[SeanP]

ok, just pulled out my tshirt to wear today.....and noticed Friends of Panmint Valley across the bottom. :roll:

oops ;)

I will put this next to my 2002 Fall Fling Maob Dash Plaque.

[Joe]

Sure........as long as all that work netted you some cash for jeep upgrades. :D


So how did the new buggy do?

[Joe]

Missed a great run. My company sent me to Memphis to train management on inventory processes. Next year for sure.

[AzRick]

Broke my junk on the first night, but had a great trip anyway. Thanks to FarmerMatt for letting me drive the CAT on Hwy 20.

Good friends......good times.......

Matt:
http://www.fototime.com/1680596472C378C/standard.jpg

Irony?
http://www.fototime.com/A0BB42CA73955BF/standard.jpg

I like this spot:
http://www.fototime.com/8EABC2BBE8B4069/standard.jpg

Richard's longarms :)
http://www.fototime.com/7955E2B250A2B1E/standard.jpg

My buddy Spicoli:
http://www.fototime.com/70F01F15803E5B4/standard.jpg

Jes:
http://www.fototime.com/2DB08FFC1CC61C7/standard.jpg

The Plow:
http://www.fototime.com/7334EA13EBB5590/standard.jpg

Hwy 20:
http://www.fototime.com/4FF706EA21B09B1/standard.jpg

Just crawled it!
http://www.fototime.com/158F6155C5EFF04/standard.jpg

I don't even know what to say about this one:
http://www.fototime.com/0DBD2BF23F3087F/standard.jpg

Rest of pics are here:
http://www.fototime.com/inv/6A28FB74478A0C3

Rick

[Letterman]

I don't even know what to say about this one:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/RicksPhoto.jpg





Fixed it for ya! .!.:D.!.

I don't know what is worse, the look on my face, the look on all the other faces behind me, or the fact you have 5 photos of me like this!:shhh:

Really glad I met you Rick:cheers:

[Jes]

Once again another great trip to Johnson Valley. The weather this time was unbelievable, by far the most comfortable temps I've experienced there... EVER!
On to some pictures...

This thing has spoiled me...
http://www.fototime.com/{41A71649-A079-4F81-92C3-8C96B6FC0497}/picture.JPG
...glad I stopped the procratination on buying it.

Nothing better on my B-day than a quick run up Resolution with my favorite farmer...
http://www.fototime.com/{534FC6E0-8F5F-4B9B-8163-0FDFE5BAC15C}/picture.JPG

Dave on his first trip to the Hammers...
http://www.fototime.com/{3662D386-1AB0-4BAB-93B0-25D330ECEBAA}/picture.JPG
...I think he was having fun.

Paul screwin' around on Hwy19...
http://www.fototime.com/{D4E97BC1-374E-4D4F-9838-CEF0DD076EB6}/picture.JPG

I'm glad I got rid of my doors... and my windows... and my hatch...
http://www.fototime.com/{093FA3EE-D155-4E6C-8423-145A35EC18D3}/picture.JPG

WCGIC, we're always down for snuggles...
http://www.fototime.com/{C6EEBD53-2FE4-472B-9874-C89CA7A18E00}/picture.JPG

I wonder what he's thinkin'...
http://www.fototime.com/{499E2479-A6FD-4A89-B08D-7E297223628F}/picture.JPG

Bryan on the retarded Clawhammer run...
http://www.fototime.com/{208A3AD4-AB21-4C75-A158-E9941C18FEB4}/picture.JPG
...probably the most kickback run of the week.

The webwheelin' has paid off for Dave...
http://www.fototime.com/{B9B6B158-9FDE-445C-AF4B-4F2B792DCFD1}/picture.JPG
...600 in '07?

Joe idles right up the waterfall on Wreckingball...
http://www.fototime.com/{8F5742F6-A8AF-4D93-9134-29AD4EB7A050}/picture.JPG
http://www.fototime.com/{D3377042-8D09-4245-A1C2-8AC8E8237133}/picture.JPG
...it was sweet.

In an homage to Rick, Bryan shows his displeasure for 30 spline junk...
http://www.fototime.com/{C57ECFD2-E565-4ED5-9ACD-FCBF4005B828}/picture.JPG

Good times! :cheers:

[juryrigjalopy]

The Plow:
http://www.fototime.com/7334EA13EBB5590/standard.jpg


I think that we, meaning my Dad, hit every rock on wreckingball multiple times with the bottom of the 14blt rear. So I guess its accurate to nickname it "plow"

[juryrigjalopy]

Mmmmmmm, virgin dunes on Friday night:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/juryrigjalopy/JV%20Rockin%20XJ%20Jambo%2006/PB170005.jpg

doesnt he look happy:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/juryrigjalopy/JV%20Rockin%20XJ%20Jambo%2006/PB170010.jpg

stickerglass, another form of safety glass.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/juryrigjalopy/JV%20Rockin%20XJ%20Jambo%2006/PB180051.jpg

this is where we lost the rr pass. window and door:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/juryrigjalopy/JV%20Rockin%20XJ%20Jambo%2006/PB180041.jpg

staging???:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/juryrigjalopy/JV%20Rockin%20XJ%20Jambo%2006/PB180023.jpg

wreckingball group:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/juryrigjalopy/JV%20Rockin%20XJ%20Jambo%2006/PB180034.jpg

[Letterman]

Put some more photos up.
Dave T, passed Jes on a steep section of Highway 19-20 as Jes was working on the cable for his locker:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0264.jpg


http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0265.jpg


http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0266.jpg


http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0267.jpg


http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0268.jpg


http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0270.jpg


http://www.urfracing.com/images/JV06_0271.jpg

Photos do not show how steep it was

[David Taylor]

Short video shot by Norm Taylor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj1Fp74BAH4

If you were on this run and would like the full 1hr 37 min dvd PM me.