Mojave Road Run - April 17th & 18th

[Andy Steiner]

Howdy everyone...

As we get approach the date of the Mojave Road run, I want to get an accurate count of those who are definitely participating. The run is limited to 20 vehicles. Starting today, we are taking reservations from NAXJA members ONLY . If spaces remain, then next Monday, we will open up reservations to GUESTS of NAXJA members. On March 29th, if room still remains, reservations will open up for non-members.


If you're able to make a firm commitment, right now, that you are running the Mojave Road with NAXJA on April 17th & 18th, please send a private message to me. Include your NAXJA membership number. Your PM will guarantee you a space in the run.

A firm commitment means that you know for certain that your vehicle meets the requirements and that you will definitely show up at the meeting place on time and ready to roll.


Only reservations from NAXJA members will be accepted this week. (March 15th - 21st)

[CharlesS]

Count me in.
See you there !!!

Charles
NAXJA Member 21

[MJR]

Marisha and I are in. We will limit ourselves to one vehicle if necessary to allow others to run.

[Andy Steiner]

These NAXJA members are confirmed for the Mojave Road run:

Andy Steiner - member #679 (Trail leader)
Charles Stein - member #21 (Tail gunner)
Marisha Dieters - member #715
G. Sequoia Armstrong - member #550
Matt Bevacqua - member #828
Stephan (karstic) - member #765
Corey (coreyva) - member #621
Andy (coach9119) - member #778
Michael Rollins - member #276


This week, we will accept reservations from guests of those listed above. We will also continue to accept reservations from other NAXJA members and guests of theirs.

If you're able to make a firm commitment, right now, that you are running the Mojave Road with NAXJA on April 17th & 18th, please send a private message to me. Include your NAXJA membership number and the names of your guests. Your PM will guarantee you a space in the run.

On March 29th, if room still remains, reservations will open up for non-members.


*

[LiquidOps]

4wd required?

[Andy Steiner]

As a reminder, here are the particulars about the run:

Where:
Mojave Road

When:
April 17 & 18

Meeting Place:
AVI Resort & Casino
Main Entrance near Texaco gas station

Take I-40 East to River Road Cutoff , which becomes Needles Hwy Go north 14 miles to Aha Macav Pkwy. Look for the AVI sign. Turn right and continue 2 miles to the AVI Casino.

Map to meeting location:
http://www.avicasino.com/map.htm


Time:
7:00AM (Have a full tank and be ready to roll).
We will leave the AVI at 7:00 AM and meet up at Mile 0.0 at 7:15AM.
Driver's meeting at 7:15AM
Run leaves Mile 0.0 at 7:30AM.

You may wish to spend the night at the AVI Casino or save money and stay in a motel in Needles or Laughlin. Michaelle and I will be camping in our motorhome at The Goffs Schoolhouse Friday night. We will depart from Goffs at 6:00AM.

Leaders:
Andy Steiner
Charles Stein (Tail Gunner)

Vehicle requirements:
Stock SUV okay. Must have transfer case with low range. Must have CB radio. (FRS radio not acceptable.)

Vehicle limit:
Twenty (20). Any more than that and the line starts to stretch out way too far for an interpretive run. The trail leader notes an interesting ruin off the side of the trail but it's five minutes later before the vehicles near tail of the run reach that spot.

Trail description:
The Mojave Road is full of spectacular desert scenery and hundreds of years of history. This trail is unique in that for most of its 120 plus mile stretch it is in much the same condition as the pioneers would have found it, and a lot of the trail passes through country that is virtually unchanged since prehistoric times.

The road was restored and developed as a 4WD recreational trail in the early 1980s by the volunteer work of the "Friends of the Mojave Road."

Trail reviews:
http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/nov/stories/mojavetrail.html

Maps & guide:
The Mojave Road Guide by Dennis Casebier
Here's a good review to the book: http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/5094.html
But if you do buy it, please buy it from The Friends of the Mojave Road at: http://www.mdhca.org/mdhcamrguide.html.


This is a two day run.
We will camp overnight Saturday night at the Goffs Schoolhouse. There is plenty of room for RVs and tents. There is no fee for camping at Goffs, but donations are gladly accepted. Alternatively, you could spend the night in a motel in Needles if you wish.


Additional Information about the Goffs Schoolhouse Enclave:
Flush toilets and hot showers are available.
Cookhouse available for us to use. (Oven, range, microwave, toaster oven, sink) You are welcome to use it. Leave it as clean as you found it!
Plenty of water hookups but very limited electrical hookups are available. By limited, I mean there's only two 120v outlets in the camping area.
Release of gray water is not allowed, but there is a dump station so you RVers can dump all your tanks before leaving.

There is usually adequate firewood, but if you've got room, bring some anyway.
Trash may not be burned in any fire pit. Pack it in, Pack it out.
Dogs are allowed at Goffs, but they must be on a leash & MUST be cleaned up after.
Children must maintain control of their parents and guardians at all times.

Review of The Goffs Schoolhouse:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/goffs.htm
There is always work available for willing hands at the Schoolhouse. Volunteering your time is a great way to learn more about the Goffs Schoolhouse.


Sunday morning:
We will leave Goffs at 7:00AM and fuel up in Fenner. We will then take I-40 West to Essex Road and exit the freeway heading north to rejoin the Mojave Road with a detour through scenic Macedonia Canyon.

Run Conclusion:
The run will end at the Afton Canyon Campground near the I-15 approximately 35 miles north of Barstow. At that time, run participants may get on the freeway and head home or return to Goffs to get your RV.

--

[wolfheartak]

Dang Andy, Writing a novel? :)

-Marisha

[Andy Steiner]

Since there hasn't been much interest from guests or other NAXJA members, I'm going to open up the reservation list to everybody.

See message #6 in this thread for details:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22039


If you're able to make a firm commitment, right now, that you are running the Mojave Road with on April 17th & 18th, please send a private message to me. Include your membership number. Your PM will guarantee you a space in the run.

A firm commitment means that you know for certain that your vehicle meets the requirements and that you will definitely show up at the meeting place on time and ready to roll.

We will accept reservations until the maximum limit of 20 vehicles in reached.

Thank you.

[sintax]

Andy:

Are you going to be taking any last minute type reservations?? I do have a very large interest in going out on this run, esp after seeing how beautiful the desert floor looked after all of that rain!!!

Here is my delima, do I....

take the 89 XJ, if I do this I need to get the injectors from 5.0 motorsports by that friday so I can install them, install the new water pump by this weekend. And drive that beast all the way out to the middle of no where and worry about what else is going to go at any moment with 235k miles on the clock.

take the 99 XJ, if I do this I'll need to worry about only having one tow point (rear hitch) street tires and minimal ground clearance and scracthing my "pretty" jeep. It does have the skid plate package and factory LSD thats very tight thanks to the origional owner and the fact that it has NEVER seen even as much as a dirt road.

what to do....what to do....

Since you are leading this run Andy, what do you feel more comfortable with?

-Scott

[GSequoia]

Scott, get front hooks for that 99! You'll want them anyway.

I've got a front receiver you can borrow for the run if you decide to run the 99, you can pick it up from me this weekend in the South Bay (I can even help you install, we'll have to remove your front air damn and drill two holes, but once it's removed and teh dam is back it will appear that it was never on it)

This is a NAXJA run, tow points from and rear are going to be mandatory.

[sintax]

Scott, get front hooks for that 99! You'll want them anyway.

I've got a front receiver you can borrow for the run if you decide to run the 99, you can pick it up from me this weekend in the South Bay (I can even help you install, we'll have to remove your front air damn and drill two holes, but once it's removed and teh dam is back it will appear that it was never on it)

This is a NAXJA run, tow points from and rear are going to be mandatory.

yea I know, I do not plan on keeping the 99 much after I move so I dont want to put any money into any upgrades. I'll just see if I can get the 89 all taken care of.

-Scott

[Andy Steiner]

Are you going to be taking any last minute type reservations??

Sure. Consider yourself confirmed.


Since you are leading this run Andy, what do you feel more comfortable with?

Either vehicle is capable of completing the trail. I like your 89, but it's overkill for this trail. Like I stated in the run announcement, this run is suitable for any stock 4WD, high clearance vehicle. And your stock 99 XJ qualifies.

[sintax]

yea, I am really gonna try to make it. I think I will attempt to take the 89. I am gonna see if I can get my new injectors for the motor. Bruce at fiveomotorsport.com has really taken care of me, esp. since the injectors I bought from him were used. Hes going to give me brand new ones at a very slight cost to me.

I also need to get the water pump installed and powertank filled. I think I'll be in good shape then.

I'll keep you updated Andy.

-Scott

[Kejtar]

yea, I am really gonna try to make it. I think I will attempt to take the 89. I am gonna see if I can get my new injectors for the motor. Bruce at fiveomotorsport.com has really taken care of me, esp. since the injectors I bought from him were used. Hes going to give me brand new ones at a very slight cost to me.

I also need to get the water pump installed and powertank filled. I think I'll be in good shape then.

I'll keep you updated Andy.

-Scott

After seeing pictures of Andy's excursion this past weekend, all I can say: everyone bring two shovels :D

[sintax]

After seeing pictures of Andy's excursion this past weekend, all I can say: everyone bring two shovels :D

I'm just gonna stay behind Andy, I'll let him sink first :kissyou:

New injectors should be on the way.

-Scott

[Andy Steiner]

I'm just gonna stay behind Andy, I'll let him sink first

My Jeep will not be sinking again. Getting stuck on Soda Not-So-Dry Lake is a once in a lifetime event for me. I'll try crossing it again, but only in the fall and only during a dry season. I'll be going around the lake on I-15 to pick up the Mojave Road at either Raisor Road or Basin Road so that we can still go through Afton Canyon.

If anybody on the run still wants to attempt to cross Soda Lake, you're welcome to do so, but I won't be leading you. I'll meet you on the other side. I suggest you have a GPS, a camera, a shovel, a Hi-Lift jack and eight sheets of 3/4" plywood cut into pieces two feet wide and four feet long. If you do get stuck you can stay on top of the mud by using the plywood. While your rig is floating on four of the plywood sheets you can move the other four in front and just hopscotch your way onto firm ground.

[karstic]

Andy could you answer a couple of questions, please.




This is a two day run.
We will camp overnight Saturday night at the Goffs Schoolhouse. There is plenty of room for RVs and tents. There is no fee for camping at Goffs, but donations are gladly accepted. Alternatively, you could spend the night in a motel in Needles if you wish.

Would it be Ok to set up a tent camp on Friday night at Goffs? Would our stuff be safe during the day?


Additional Information about the Goffs Schoolhouse Enclave:
Cookhouse available for us to use. (Oven, range, microwave, toaster oven, sink) You are welcome to use it. Leave it as clean as you found it!

Are there utensils there to use or do we have to bring our own?

How 'bout a potluck for Saturday night. I'd be willing to do tri-tip again.

[sintax]

I am either going to sleep in my Jeep friday night, or I may just bite the bullet and get a room at AVI. I checked it out and it looks like its gonna be $65 for a room for that friday night. Maybe i'll get there early, blow some funds in the casino and see about getting the room comped :dunno:

Anyone planning on leaving OC / IE after work on friday? I would love to caravan out there, but if I take the 89 like i'm planning right now I'm kinda limited to 65 mph 70 TOPS. ( If anyone sees a big black XJ on the side of the road please stop :bawl: )

I can see about pitching in for a potluck on saturday night, sounds interesting.

-Scott

[Andy Steiner]

Andy could you answer a couple of questions, please.
Shoot...


Would it be Ok to set up a tent camp on Friday night at Goffs? Would our stuff be safe during the day?
Yes, of course it's okay. Your stuff is quite safe.


Are there utensils there to use or do we have to bring our own?
The cookhouse is well stocked. You're welcome to use what's there as long as you clean up after yourself.


How 'bout a potluck for Saturday night. I'd be willing to do tri-tip again.
I'm up for a pot luck as long as everybody else is as well. Keep in mind that there are no stores anywhere close to Goffs. The nearest store is in Needles.


p.s. A bag of potato chips is NOT considered a sufficent pot luck contribution. :flamemad:

[GSequoia]

Anyone planning on leaving OC / IE after work on friday?
I should be leaving straight from downtown L.A. Friday, I'm going to try to get out early (4-ish?), I could meet you someplace out your way and we can head out...

[karstic]

We'll be leaving from Fullerton on Friday afternoon. Sonia has the day off and it depends on when I can sneak out of work.

I'll start a potluck thread on Monday.

[coreyva]

This is a NAXJA run, tow points from and rear are going to be mandatory.

Like Calico?

[coreyva]

If anybody on the run still wants to attempt to cross Soda Lake, you're welcome to do so, but I won't be leading you. I'll meet you on the other side. I suggest you have a GPS, a camera, a shovel, a Hi-Lift jack and eight sheets of 3/4" plywood cut into pieces two feet wide and four feet long. If you do get stuck you can stay on top of the mud by using the plywood. While your rig is floating on four of the plywood sheets you can move the other four in front and just hopscotch your way onto firm ground.

It's got two weeks to dry out. You know I have to try it Andy.
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCA0061?from=search_city

[coreyva]

I am either going to sleep in my Jeep friday night, or I may just bite the bullet and get a room at AVI. I checked it out and it looks like its gonna be $65 for a room for that friday night. Maybe i'll get there early, blow some funds in the casino and see about getting the room comped :dunno:

They are sold out on Friday night. I'm heading out Friday morning and staying somewhere in Laughlin.

[Andy Steiner]

It's got two weeks to dry out. You know I have to try it Andy.
Soda Dry Lake is the great basin in which the Mojave River empties. As long as the river runs, it's not going to dry out. The only question is how deep the crust is.


Either way, it's your choice. I STRONGLY recommend taking the plywood along if you want to try. At least with the plywood, you have a good chance of freeing yourself should you :hang: yourself.

[Xtreme XJ]

I like the idea of setting up a tent on Fri. afternoon....(good think'n Sintax) makes it easier when we roll in on Sat. afternoon. Probably still stay in Needles on Fri. night. Not to offend anyone but I'd/we'd probably pass on participating in a potluck...limited room in the XJ & 2 kids who dictate dinner time...gotta love'm.
Kids are 80% of the reason I want to run this road.
Anyone heard what the weather is supposed to be like......
See Ya !!
Curt (aka Xtreme XJ)

[karstic]

Alll the long range forecasts I've seen call for mid 80's in the day and mid 50's at night-pleasant spring-time desert weather.

[sintax]

Ohhh, but it was Karstic's idea to setup camp at Goff's on Friday, not mine. Good idea, but I wont be rolling through that area until 9pm - 10pm or so.

-Scott

[karstic]

Yeah that was my idea. I'm bringing out some firewood and I don't want to haul it on the trail with me along with any other camping gear that I can leave at camp.

Curt set up the kids with some hotdogs, they're quick and easy.

[Xtreme XJ]

Just call me the Namemeister..... my appologies....Karstic. Yeah the Hotdog ideas is a possiblity. We just went camping last weekend & one of the ladies along had to have a fire the size of an XJ...the heat was INTENSE !! Ironwood
PLEASE don't think of it as unsocialble just look'n out for the family... I intend to be social.
If that weather holds it'll be nice.
See Ya !
Curt

[sintax]

You dont think flash floods could be fun??

Camping in the rain is never much fun, thats for sure. I will be bringing the rain fly though...

-Scott

[mattb]

Alll the long range forecasts I've seen call for mid 80's in the day and mid 50's at night-pleasant spring-time desert weather.

That's what the WeatherChannel.com is saying. But here in Las Vegas the local forecasters are saying there might be some rain. NOAA radar shows another front over the Pacific but its a little early to see where its going. As for the lake bed drying out It seeming like this afternoon's gonna bring some more rain, (at least in this part of the Mojave, we're about 50mi N.)

Matt

[igavryus]

Initially we planned to stop in Needles on Friday. I even have reservation in some cheap motor lodge ($38 for party of 4) but always liked the idea of staying in tents. So we decided to change plans and stop at Goffs if company does not mind. We'll bring something for Saturday potluck as well and it won't be potato chips ;-). We will be departing from Thousand Oaks area around 3pm.

About Soda Lake detour. Is there way from I-15 to Mojave Road through Zzyzx? Would be interesting to take a look at that place.

[karstic]

About Soda Lake detour. Is there way from I-15 to Mojave Road through Zzyzx? Would be interesting to take a look at that place.

NO. I think there is a road and gate but access is definately closed.

[Andy Steiner]

So we decided to change plans and stop at Goffs if company does not mind.
I don't mind at all. Michaelle and I will be leaving the San Fernando Valley about 12:30PM on Friday.


About Soda Lake detour. Is there way from I-15 to Mojave Road through Zzyzx? Would be interesting to take a look at that place.
The Desert Studies Center (http://biology.fullerton.edu/facilities/dsc/zz_about.html) is open only to research groups and students. Moreover, the lakebed of Soda Lake is entirely within a Wilderness area now. Only a 30' wide corridor for the Mojave Road remains open. IOW, if we were to exit the I-15 at Zzyzx, we couldn't get through to the lakebed and couldn't legally travel on the lakebed from that point.

Depending on the time of day and how fast we've run during the day, we can exit the I-15 at either Rasor Rd or Basin Rd and finish the tour through Afton Canyon. Or, if it's just too late, we could finish at Kelbaker Road and head home.

[coach9119]

I should be leaving straight from downtown L.A. Friday, I'm going to try to get out early (4-ish?), I could meet you someplace out your way and we can head out...


I'm leaving about the same time, maybe a bit earlier from Santa Monica. Are you guys going to caravan out there? Let me know if you are and what CB channel you're on.

[GSequoia]

I'm leaving about the same time, maybe a bit earlier from Santa Monica. Are you guys going to caravan out there? Let me know if you are and what CB channel you're on.
Slight change in plans...

I will be leaving the Glendale area at around 5.00p. I'm taking 210 East to get out that way. If you want to caravan just head up to 210 (you can take 10 E - 110 N - 5 N - 2 N - 132/210 E to get there) you're more than welcome to.

I'll be monitoring channel 4 all the way out there, can't help it, I don't have a stereo anymore :)

[karstic]

So is CH 4 gonna be the Run Channel for this weekend? I'm still up in the air about when we're leaving tomorrow, hopefully sooner than later.
Here's my cell# in case anyone needs it. (714) 609-6853

[GSequoia]

Well, I don't know if Andy has any other favorite channels, he's the boss for the run itself :) But that's what I tend to keep it on when I have the CB on the highway.

[sintax]

Speaking of CB's...

I have not been able to find my handheld CB yet, I know its somewhere at my parents house, either in their motorhome or in a closet somewhere. Does anyone have a spare handheld one that I could use for the run if I cant track mine down?

-Scott

[Xtreme XJ]

Well we're loaded & will be leaving within an hour & head'n out. I'll be coming up through Desert Center then up Rice Rd. & then up a dirt road from Iron Mtn. pumping plant & coming out between Essex & Amboy (Cameron something ?) I'll be stoping at Goffs to set up the tent then into Needles for the night. See you all in the A.M. or at Goffs in the mid. afternoon.
Curt (aka Xtreme XJ)