Who's going?

[HaleYes]

I just wanted to have the first thread. :D

[XJ Stryker]

LMAO... MWC taking over!!! http://www.slicky.net/smilies/roflfawk.gif

[Bryan C.]

I just wanted to have the first thread. :D


Post reported.

:wave:

[HaleYes]

Post reported.

:wave:
Why? I'm curious as to who is attending and you're jealous that I got the first post? :dunno:

[Bryan C.]

Why? I'm curious as to who is attending and you're jealous that I got the first post? :dunno:

Pretty much. :laugh2:

[XJensen]

What trails will be run? I know Swamp Lake is the main run but is anyone planning to run any others? I will be running Dusy around this time and would love to run both.


Josh

[XJ_ranger]

There is a myriad of trails in the area -
Mud Lake, Brewer Lake, Strawberry, Bald Mtn, Dusy, Swamp Lake, and Blue Canyon all come to mind right away...

I'd like to plan the event so the big dinner / raffle / hang out is on Saturday night.

Dusy is a LONG trail according to everything that I've read, and I've heard its best ran in a 3 day time frame.

[Ben H]

Opie and I were talking about doing a few trails instead of just Swamp. Maybe run Strawberry Lake, Brewer Lake and Mirror Lake one day, then do Coyote Lake for the Saturday run, have the raffle Saturday night, then diddle around on Bald or Blue Canyon on Sunday.

I've got a case of wine for the raffle, and would sure appreciate some ideas for raffle prizes, any ideas???

[XJensen]

Dusy is a LONG trail according to everything that I've read, and I've heard its best ran in a 3 day time frame.

Yeah, I hear it is long and the group that I will be going with is planning on four days. Was thinking that if I swayed them into running it during the week before or the week after then I could do both.


Josh

[byrinxx74]

Not to bump in butt was curiouse of were this run is going to be?

[Ben H]

Not to bump in butt was curiouse of were this run is going to be?

This is going to be in the Shaver Lake area, about an hour outside of Fresno. Most of the trails mentioned above are doable in a moderately modified rig with protection, 31's would be the minimum, with a locker on Coyote.

[NoCoastFocus]

I am planning on making this trip for once. I read the trip reports too many times to not be in one this year...hopefully not in the 'broken' thread.

[89RockHeep]

im moving to oregon, but il be coming down for this i think.How many expected? ive never ran shaver lake, what are the real minimums?im on 33's no lockers,but by august i hope to have finished my long arm, and have locked the rear atleast in some way

[Ben H]

im moving to oregon, but il be coming down for this i think.How many expected? ive never ran shaver lake, what are the real minimums?im on 33's no lockers,but by august i hope to have finished my long arm, and have locked the rear atleast in some way

Your set up as is would be fine. 31's with a locker would be the minimum on the trails I mentioned above. 33's and open would be fine also. A lot of the harder obstacles can be bypassed on most of those trails. There are a couple of spots on Mirror and Coyote that could pose a problem, but there will be someone to spot and pull if needed.

[Jimbo_1321]

I'm hoping to make it down for this!

[AirForce_XJ]

I already have my leave in for this. Hoping to have the rear locked by then. but running 30/44 open right now on 35's. SO I might be able to push it, but not without a big bag of luck in my pocket. Any one have the GPS coordinates for the campsite? :yelclap:

[Goatman]

I'll be there. I've done the annual XJ trip to Swamp, Coyote, Mirror, Bald, or whatever we ran every year for 12 years.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

[pantherchams]

Is there more info somewhere on the trails around the shaver lake area? I will be there in june (family reunion) from las vegas, and my brother will be there also with his XJ. I cant find many solid maps showing trails.

Ben

[CRASH]

I think my son and I can make it.

[XJ_ranger]

Is there more info somewhere on the trails around the shaver lake area? I will be there in june (family reunion) from las vegas, and my brother will be there also with his XJ. I cant find many solid maps showing trails.

Ben

search around in the sierra chapter forum about the trails near Shaver Lake.

some search terms:
Swamp Lake
Coyote Lake
Mirror Lake
Brewer Lake
Dusey -Ershim (sp?)
Bald Mountain

While I dont own it, the Wells guide:
http://www.4x4books.com/gtcan.htm

is fairly accurate and a good investment. I've heard nothing but good things.

Also check out:
http://www.4x4trailmaps.com/index.html

[mattyj]

Im planning on making this one. Been wanting to run some of those trails for some time now.

[Goatman]

Im planning on making this one. Been wanting to run some of those trails for some time now.

It's been kind of funny, this run started with nearly all SoCal people, but not many have come the last few years. This is a great trip, but be warned, you'll never want to go back to Big Bear after you've been here. :D

[karstic]

Yeah the scenary is beautiful and the trails are challenging but not brutal.

If I make it this year I WON'T forget my fly rod.

[ChrisRFewell]

is this near where KOH was held?

[ChrisRFewell]

is this near where KOH was held?

i found it so nevermind

[JESSE A]

I think im going to make it too i have family right down the hill in tollhouse.

[Loren St. Clair]

Looking forward to going. Had a great time last year.
:party:
http://i39.tinypic.com/169ncip.jpg

[SharkXJ]

It's been kind of funny, this run started with nearly all SoCal people, but not many have come the last few years. This is a great trip, but be warned, you'll never want to go back to Big Bear after you've been here. :D


Two years in a row I drove 9 hours to drive that trail :smsoap:

Rich is right - once you run Swamp you'll never wan to run Bear Valley again.....

Oh yeah - I will be there.

[4xSanta]

IN......SANTA

[JESSE A]

i think im going to make this one but it depends on how the new puppy is doing

[skull_black]

if i get my lift by then ill go

[Letterman]

Hope to make it for my 3rd year in a row . . .

Good time for sure in 2007:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/Andy.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/SwampBoat.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/SF07_0255.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/BenH.jpg

[Letterman]

2008 was some good times too:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0351.jpg

Some geocaching?:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/SL08_0468.jpg

Capt. Morgan Fishing?:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/SL08_0426.jpg

Nice views:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0360.jpg

Looking down on Swamp:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0387.jpg

Pink Shirts?:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0517.jpg

Dog's life:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0551.jpg

Ahhhh:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0543.jpg

[SharkXJ]

Some shots to convince those who are still a maybe.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7d632b3127ccec18fafa04c3c00000010O08AaNmrVu0ZNg e3nwE/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7d632b3127ccec18f955acdeb00000010O08AaNmrVu0ZNg e3nwE/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[zackmerrill]

I'm planning on being there late friday night. maybe with a toyota or two. I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not its cool to shoot some shot guns in this area?

[Ben H]

I believe guns are allowed, but please check with the group before popping them off nearby.

[JoesXJ]

better make sure your using steel shot...

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/docs/Ridley-TreeCondorPreservationAct.pdf

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/

[SharkXJ]

2 WEEKS!!!!!!

Cannot wait. Only my 2nd trip this year. I usually have 4 or 5 in by this time :-(

[Red Rock-It Racing]

I believe he would be hunting the elusive Orange Pigeon:



https://www.thevlm.org/files/Images/clay2.gif



.. but I could be wrong.

[National Drivetrain]

Hey guys,
I was thinking about coming up for this one. How bad is the trail?
I'm locked up front and rear w/33's, but my biggest concern is no rocker protection and the body sticks out an extra 6" on each side.

Am I gonna destroy my junk?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b304/EricFilar/IMG01119.jpg

Thanks,
Eric

[Ben H]

You should come, if your careful you should be good, just get a spotter in tight spots.

[JESSE A]

So im going to make this one, i was wondering if anyone would be able to let me be the extra car at there camp site? It will just be the xj, me,pup,and possible the Gf. Let me know


thanks guys!

[XJ_ranger]

So im going to make this one, i was wondering if anyone would be able to let me be the extra car at there camp site? It will just be the xj, me,pup,and possible the Gf. Let me know


thanks guys!

Camping is free where we usually camp :cheers:

[Letterman]

So im going to make this one, i was wondering if anyone would be able to let me be the extra car at there camp site? It will just be the xj, me,pup,and possible the Gf. Let me know


thanks guys!

Should be lots of spots to park around the camp fires. Last year we had two fire pits going, and people moved back and forth between the groups.

[JESSE A]

Awsome guys sounds great! Starting to get pretty excited!

[Ben H]

Likewise. This is going to be a great chill run, nice and relaxing. Look forward to seeing everyone and meeting some new faces.

Awsome guys sounds great! Starting to get pretty excited!

[Ben H]

BTW, that is a very nice jeep you have. Do those fenders have any give/flex, can you lean into a rock and not have them crack?

Am I gonna destroy my junk?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b304/EricFilar/IMG01119.jpg

Thanks,
Eric[/QUOTE]

[tayman]

I plan on going, assuming I can get gas money. am I going to be okay going through swamp on 30/35 and 35's? I have protection, and I don't care about body damage...
I'm working on a bigger build, but the cash flow isn't happening the way I want it too...

[tayman]

FYI Zack, Ben, and Joe:
Non-lead ammunition is ONLY required for hunting. If you are just target shooting, you can use lead. I'll be bringing mine too.

[Ben H]

Bring some spare shafts for your rear and you should be good to go. We will probably leave Dinkey Creek around 9am on Friday and be starting it from the Rock Creek Road side.

I plan on going, assuming I can get gas money. am I going to be okay going through swamp on 30/35 and 35's? I have protection, and I don't care about body damage...
I'm working on a bigger build, but the cash flow isn't happening the way I want it too...

[Letterman]

We will probably leave Dinkey Creek around 9am on Friday and be starting it from the Rock Creek Road side.

So is that going past Swamp lake before you get to Grouse or the other way and up Rooster Rock before Grouse?

[Goatman]

Rock Creek Rd is starting on the north side, coming past Swamp Lake and then going down Rooster Rock.

[Goatman]

I plan on going, assuming I can get gas money. am I going to be okay going through swamp on 30/35 and 35's? I have protection, and I don't care about body damage...
I'm working on a bigger build, but the cash flow isn't happening the way I want it too...

If stock axle shafts and stock steering on 35's you better be easy on that thing. If it was my run I'd say no go, but this is Ben's run. Better have spare front and rear shafts and spare steering links. Body damage isn't an issue, it's pretty wide open, you only do body damage on this trail if you really screw up, but I'd seriously worry about broken parts. The problem with this is a likelyhood of breaking and holding the group up. No one cares about incidental breakage, we just deal with it, but likely breakage is another matter.

I remember changing a broken D35 rear axle one year on this run and he was running 32's.

[Ben H]

If stock axle shafts and stock steering on 35's you better be easy on that thing. If it was my run I'd say no go, but this is Ben's run. Better have spare front and rear shafts and spare steering links. Body damage isn't an issue, it's pretty wide open, you only do body damage on this trail if you really screw up, but I'd seriously worry about broken parts. The problem with this is a likelyhood of breaking and holding the group up. No one cares about incidental breakage, we just deal with it, but likely breakage is another matter.

I remember changing a broken D35 rear axle one year on this run and he was running 32's.

Good point Richard. I forget about some of the tougher spots with a lot of weight on your rear axle. Tayman there are a couple of spots that you will need to watch out for, especially when climbing. It is your call if you want to come. If you break, have spares and be able to swap them out quickly.

Anyone who has stock steering should also bring spares

[tayman]

that's what I wanted to know... I'm not the type to slam the skinny pedal, and I tend to blow U-joints before axle shafts... from what I've done, I've found out that if I don't get bouncing, slamming, I'm pretty much OK. I haven't done a whole lot of rocks... mostly really tricky, really flexy dirt. anybody have pics of some of the harder spots? I mean... I do things that even guys with lockers struggle with... just takes some judgment.

[Letterman]

Open/open on 35's with a 30 and a 35? And stock stearing, Ouch! What gears in them axles? If you have under 3.73's with 35's your crawl is more of a walk even with an auto.

One of the fun spots, hard to tell how tall it is from this photo:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/SF07_0274.jpg

Only one locker was working so I got the finger:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/SF07_0308.jpg

Ben H. hooking up on it:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/SF07_0313.jpg

Thats is a fun climb, but that is also a long way away from the road:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp07/Jes.jpg

Drop'in down, photos don't show this for what it is at all, just before going down Rooster rock:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0604.jpg

Everybody say "Hi"
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/Swamp08/DSC_0593.jpg

[SharkXJ]

I had a hard time in that spot too without my front locker working. It took me a few tries to finally get it. The trail changes from year to year but if you take it easy you should be ok.

Like the guys said - Take it slow, don't rush yourself and stay off the skinny petal.

You have a surplus of spare shafts and joints? How about steering?

Should be fun eh :-)

[Letterman]

but if you take it easy you should be ok.

Take it slow, don't rush yourself and stay off the skinny petal.


So Mark, are you volunteering to drag him off the trail if it breaks? :)

[SharkXJ]

:kissyou:

[Jes]

This was back in 2003...

Dana35 with 35s...
http://www.fototime.com/1E6BB207275001B/standard.jpg
...cute little axles they are...
http://www.fototime.com/20B951964C655AA/standard.jpg
...not fun when you have to pull the carrier to get the pieces out...
http://www.fototime.com/785F7269B491315/standard.jpg

[Goatman]

that's what I wanted to know... I'm not the type to slam the skinny pedal, and I tend to blow U-joints before axle shafts... from what I've done, I've found out that if I don't get bouncing, slamming, I'm pretty much OK. I haven't done a whole lot of rocks... mostly really tricky, really flexy dirt. anybody have pics of some of the harder spots? I mean... I do things that even guys with lockers struggle with... just takes some judgment.

Rocks are MUCH less forgiving than dirt. If you're breaking axle joints on rutted dirt then you're going to explode them in the rocks. Rocks bind up the wheels in big holes and against big rocks and ledges, which you just don't get in dirt. Also, if you've driven mostly rough dirt trails then you'll find rocks are different. The gearing thing is also an issue, with 35" tires and stock gearing it's even worse. I'd give 10 to 1 odds of you running the trail and having axle breakage.

Been there, done that, not doing it again. But, I won't be running with you guys, I'm going in Thurs, so it's up to those who you'll be holding up. Like I said, we all are happy to deal with incidental breakage, but most likely breakage is another matter.

[National Drivetrain]

BTW, that is a very nice jeep you have. Do those fenders have any give/flex, can you lean into a rock and not have them crack?



http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b304/EricFilar/IMG01119.jpg



Thanks.
The front glass is pretty thick and can take a small impact, but I would'nt recomend leaning them against rocks much.

The rear is pretty flexable, but would crack if leaned up against rocks.

The bright side, I guess, is that they crack instead of bending into other parts like the hood and doors ect. they're all easily replaceable for not much more money than steel parts.

Eric

[tayman]

so what you guys are saying is it's probably not a good idea... haha. I've been in the area before, so I know there are other trails that I can play on. is anybody planning on running the easier ones?

I've done more than JUST dirt... when I break joints, it's usually because I've gotten the jeep bouncing hard in loose stuff... just the combination of not perfect pinion angle, axle wrap, and shitty gearing likes to explode U-joints.

I mean... I screw around in what few rocks there are at Hollister Hills SRVA... but I know I can't do the "mini rubicon". I do know my limitations, but I have to see the obstacle to know if I can drive it or not :P

[Letterman]

This was back in 2003...
...not fun when you have to pull the carrier to get the pieces out...
http://www.fototime.com/785F7269B491315/standard.jpg

Also not fun when you have to drain the fluid and pull the cover just to get at the C-Clip to get the axle out. :fuse:


I mean... I screw around in what few rocks there are at Hollister Hills SRVA... but I know I can't do the "mini rubicon". I do know my limitations, but I have to see the obstacle to know if I can drive it or not :P

The Mini rubicon at hollister is flat unlike the hills on Swamp, also at Hollister you can get a tow truck and are not 5 miles away from any roads. If you go bring at least all 4 spair axles and a extra rear driveshaft, you should be ready to winch yourself out of more then a few spots and have all the tools to fix your own rig if it dose break.

Or you could go to Dinky Creek and camp out with us then run the easy lines up Bald. Mt. or try to grab a open seat.

I am not say'in "Don't go" but I am thinking you should listen to what others have said about what you are running.

Cheers

[National Drivetrain]

Also not fun when you have to drain the fluid and pull the cover just to get at the C-Clip to get the axle out. :fuse:




The Mini rubicon at hollister is flat unlike the hills on Swamp, also at Hollister you can get a tow truck and are not 5 miles away from any roads. If you go bring at least all 4 spair axles and a extra rear driveshaft, you should be ready to winch yourself out of more then a few spots and have all the tools to fix your own rig if it dose break.

Or you could go to Dinky Creek and camp out with us then run the easy lines up Bald. Mt. or try to grab a open seat.

I am not say'in "Don't go" but I am thinking you should listen to what others have said about what you are running.

Cheers


I have spare 30 shafts I can bring if someone wants to tote them around and the race jeep always has spare steering and driveshafts mounted in it that anyone with problems are welcome to use.

Eric

[SharkXJ]

I have two sets of D30 Shafts and a spare front DS.

[tonofclay2]

Shoot I did swamp a few weeks ago then the dusy and I thot swamp was harder. I did it last year and this year it just seems so much worse. But thats what I like the trail is never the same two years running.

[tayman]

Alright guys, I think this is my plan: Go. but stay away from swamp! haha. I'll stick to the easier trails... Bald Mtn, Brewer Lake, and whatever else is around and not too hard. I'll gladly take a couple spare axle shafts, if somebody is just giving them to me! I already have a spare DS, and U-joints... I'll definitely go up there and explore the area. I've been up there once in our previous jeep... it was stock. we ran brewer trail, and came to a point where my dad said "turn around, we still have to tow the boat home". I want to finish the trail!!!!! Anyways, looks like I'll go for it, and just make a trip of it with whoever else can't run swamp.

[karstic]

Wish I could make it but I'm definately out.

[Ben H]

Right on man. Glad you decided to still come. Be careful of Brewer, if you make that last drop just before the lake you might not be able to climb/drive back up it.


Alright guys, I think this is my plan: Go. but stay away from swamp! haha. I'll stick to the easier trails... Bald Mtn, Brewer Lake, and whatever else is around and not too hard. I'll gladly take a couple spare axle shafts, if somebody is just giving them to me! I already have a spare DS, and U-joints... I'll definitely go up there and explore the area. I've been up there once in our previous jeep... it was stock. we ran brewer trail, and came to a point where my dad said "turn around, we still have to tow the boat home". I want to finish the trail!!!!! Anyways, looks like I'll go for it, and just make a trip of it with whoever else can't run swamp.

[Ben H]

Shoot I did swamp a few weeks ago then the dusy and I thot swamp was harder. I did it last year and this year it just seems so much worse. But thats what I like the trail is never the same two years running.

THanks for the trail update. I dont doubt it, and I'm glad it is tougher than last.

[JESSE A]

Well guys after much debate ive decided that im not going to make this one, as much as i want too i just cant afford it :(. hope to do this run sometime in the future.

[tayman]

Right on man. Glad you decided to still come. Be careful of Brewer, if you make that last drop just before the lake you might not be able to climb/drive back up it.

Hey thanks, good to know.

[Letterman]

Wish I could make it but I'm definately out.

Karstic you suck!

I was looking forward to hang'in and talk'in with you!

Our loss, next time I hope you can make it.

[Red Rock-It Racing]

The Red one below should be there


http://www.fototime.com/2AA50A6EB25684C/standard.jpg

[Red Rock-It Racing]

And this one

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v646/21/9/1049441872/n1049441872_30082588_1221.jpg

[tayman]

I've done all of that :P but then again, I've also been in the same situation as the grey one when the log jam was torn up like that... Where do you live red rock-it?

[XJ_ranger]

to everyone headed to this event -

Have a great time, and be safe! I'd love to be there, but unfortunately 1000 miles seperate me from this event.

:thumbup:

[Letterman]

Will not be the same with out you Opie, and you still owe me a chair!

[XJ_ranger]

Will not be the same with out you Opie, and you still owe me a chair!

http://images.zaazu.com/img/vomit-boy03-vomit-puke-sick-smiley-emoticon-000662-large.gif

:doh:

[Goatman]

Well, looks like the PCM went out on my truck. I have one coming which will be here Fri morning. If it gets here and fixes the problem, then I'll head up Fri afternoon and drive in to the lake when I get there.

So, hopefully I'll see you all by dinner time on Fri.

[Ben H]

Well, looks like the PCM went out on my truck. I have one coming which will be here Fri morning. If it gets here and fixes the problem, then I'll head up Fri afternoon and drive in to the lake when I get there.

So, hopefully I'll see you all by dinner time on Fri.

That sucks a big one. At least you got the part quickly. See you Friday

[Letterman]

Get it fixed Richard, it will not be the same with out you, and Opie you still owe me a chair!

[Red Rock-It Racing]

Well, looks like the PCM went out on my truck. I have one coming which will be here Fri morning. If it gets here and fixes the problem, then I'll head up Fri afternoon and drive in to the lake when I get there.

So, hopefully I'll see you all by dinner time on Fri.



This is the same schedule Myself and ZackMerrill have planned on, minus the PCM.