Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
The Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
A monthly publication of the Dirt Devils
Table of Contents
Presidents Message:
Table of Contents
1
We are half way through the year but don’t get
Top 10 reasons to be a Dirt Devils trail leader:
2
discouraged there are still many trail activities available
Ham Radio update Mike Wallace
2
for the rest of the year. If interested in going to the North
Johnson Valley closure
2
Rim next year (that would be 2016) let me know we need
Ocotillo Wells SVRA action
2
to begin planning now.
Run reports
3
We have many great methods of communicating now,
John Bull (Big Bear)
3
our newsletter, the web site dirtdevils.org, face book and
Run Calendar
4
course you can still use the telephone. Check out the
Adopt a Trail meeting place
4
forum, Chris has been working on. It is a great place to
July
4
August
4
We have a few new members, take time to get to know
September
5
them better.
October
5
See you on the trail.
November
5
December
5
Ray Kleinhuizen
New Member
5
Guests
5
Club info
6
Meeting Place
Club officers
Club membership
6
Accessories
Awards
Newsletter advertising
First aid kit tracking
6
Run report template:
6
Run announcement template
Day of the Run:
DD Trail Ratings
7
I'd like a 'Frank and Rubicon' on the rocks,
Adopt a Trail
8
cowbell please.
Cowbells
8
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 1 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
Defense Authorization Act of 2014 (NDAA) was signed
into law, authorizing the Marine Corps to occupy the
Top 10 reasons to be a
Johnson Valley Shared Use Area (SUA) for two 30-day
periods annually during which time the area would be
Dirt Devils trail leader:
closed to the public. See attached Johnson Valley
10 - You pick the trail (hopefully someone will want to
Subregion map.
run it with you)
9 - You pick the run start time and meet spot
The Marines have established a project website to obtain
8 - You write the run announcement
additional information. The project website is
7 - You pick the CB channel (duh 4)
PlansPAO/JohnsonValley.aspx
6 - You conduct the drivers meeting (best if done before
you start the trail)
The Marines have also developed a mobile app for
5 - You carry the Dirt Devils club first aid kit (hopefully
Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area to alert the user to
you know how to use it)
the SUA temporary closures for military training and
4 - You pick the bathroom stops (more stops keep you
when the user approaches/crosses into an area
out trouble)
permanently closed to public access. I've attached the
3 - You are the spotter when someone needs help (you’ll
instructions for obtaining this free app.
get a lot of exercise)
2 - You will get unwavering support from all drivers even
If you have questions regarding the August 1-30, 2016
when you are hopelessly lost and confused.
temporary closure of the Johnson Valley Shared Use
1 - You get to ride in front of everyone out of the dust
Area, contact the Marines at 760-830-3737;
(this the only good reason to be a trail lead)
smbplmsjohnsonvalley@usmc.mil.
Ocotillo Wells SVRA action
Web site info Chris Slaughter web site manager
By John Stewart, Cal4Wheel
Running good. May and June both had over 1,000 unique
June closed with the release of the Scoping Summary for
the Ocotillo Wells SVRA General Plan. The scoping
visitors. One of the guests found this club through a
referral from another site. A couple googled the site. A
summary information provides a large volume of data to
review. Next, the OHMVR Division and BLM will
couple got business cards. Have 36 members signed up.
• Added trail tracks for around Bishop and White
prepare the Preliminary Ocotillo Wells SVRA Plan. In
Mountain. • New forum section on land use issues (please
addition, a Draft EIR/EIS will be prepared that addresses
get involved). • Will add a forum for HAM radios and
the potential environmental impacts of the Ocotillo Wells
SVRA Plan, proposed alternatives, and potential
thinking about adding one for camping. Let Chris know
other ideas for the forum. Suggestion to add reviews.
mitigation measures. A public comment period will be
held to solicit public comments on the Preliminary
Ocotillo Wells SVRA Plan and the Draft EIR/EIS, before
Ham Radio update Mike Wallace
a Final Ocotillo Wells SVRA Plan and Final EIR/ EIS is
HAM report - Have a few new HAM operators making
approved. No dates for those document releases are
the total 15. Will be scheduling another class for
available.
sometime in January. There are additional opportunities
outside of the club. Planning on using the 2 meter band
so when looking for a radio, that's the main band that
needs to be considered. Working on putting a topic on the
form on HAM radios. • Thank everyone for not giving
him a hard time last month when he had to run the
meeting.
Johnson Valley closure
The Marine Corps recently notified BLM of their plans to
utilize the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area for military
training from August 1-30, 2016, and of the associated
temporary closure. BLM is working with the Marines to
address issues associated with this military
In other Ocotillo Wells news, the SVRA is continuing
training/closure, and to keep the public informed.
implementation of the California Fish and Game
Commission acceptance of a petition to list the Flat-tailed
BACKGROUND: On December 26, 2013 the National
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 2 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
Horned Lizard on the California Endangered Species list.
Trail comments:
The immediate impact is that no permits for events in
Ocotillo Wells SVRA will be issued during the one-year
temporary listing period.
To review information on the flat-tailed horned lizard,
visit the following links:
Horned-Lizard-Copy
While the immediate impact is within state managed
public lands, a formal listing will have repercussions on
other lands within the defined critical habitat area -
basically, Imperial County.
State Parks (OHMVR Division) is working to implement
a “take permit” process so that events can be permitted
What a terrific day of wheeling! Our group did a great
with certain conditions applied. Park officials believe they
job of negotiating a very tough trail. I think everybody
have sufficient valid data to justify that past activities
learned a little something to take with them forever on
have not harmed the FTHL.
this one. Whether it was a new confidence in your
For Cal4Wheel, that means Operation Desert Fun cannot
abilities, or a new driving technique, or possibly a quirk
be held as in past years. Arrangements have been made to
or tweak on your vehicle, I feel like this trail forces you to
relocate event headquarters and staging to the Blu Inn
take things to whole new level. For me I learned
RV Park, which is private property adjacent to the SVRA.
everyone has control of their own vehicle and that things
Scheduled runs will be directed towards Superstition
may not go exactly as I have envisioned them. I thank
Mountains OHV area, which is under BLM management.
everyone for their patience and assistance in high pressure
Online registration is now open! Only $25 if you
situations. I know that most importantly everyone was
register by August 31. Info | Registration
safe and had FUN. Thanks to all of our guest for joining
us and giving our club a try. And thanks to all our club
members for being so welcoming, friendly and helpful to
Run reports
our guests and to me. It was appreciated!
John Bull (Big Bear)
We gathered at the Big Bear discovery center along with a
Forestry service team and another 4X4 club that was
Trail Master: Joshua Bleijenberg
going to run the Grizzly-con. There were a ton of Jeeps
Tail Gunner: Frank Gilliland
in the parking lot. When I first arrived and saw the
# OF RIGS: 10
number of Jeeps there I was rather concerned.
Thankfully we only had 10 vehicles and everybody
Memebers/ Riders/ Rigs:
seemed built enough to handle the trail. We departed at
• Joshua Bleijenberg- 06 TJ
9:15 after waiting for the parking lot to clear and a few
• Danny and Linda Ward- TJ
late bathroom runs. We jumped on 2N09 and aired down.
After a 30 minute jog over to 3N32 we went straight to
• Gilbert Vasquez/ Marcus and Angel- XJ
the gate keeper, bypassing the John Bull connector.
• Frank Gilliland/ Rolland- TJ
Going this route doesn’t provide much of a warm up but
• Chris Slaughter- XJ
everyone handled the gate keeper like a pro….. Except for
• Larry Keller/ Julian- TJ
Mr. Frank. Frank was our tail gunner and was generally
half asleep through most of breakfast and apparently for
Guests/ Rigs/ Riders:
the trip to the trail as well. He parked himself on a huge
• John Strege- TJ (former DD member)
rock and proceeded to high center himself doing a full
• Doug- YJ
360 pivot on his belly pan before we really even got on
the trail. Ladies and gentlemen… Our first cowbell….
• Suhag Patel- 97 Toyota FJ80
He used his own winch (while most laughed and heckled)
• Eric Walberg/ Brett Grunseth- 12 JKU
to pull himself off the rock and then made short work of
Meeting Location: Big Bear Discovery Center 8:30 AM
the gate keeper, saving a bit of face. He said he was
conducting a tutorial for our guests on proper winching
Started: Big Bear Discovery Center @ 9:15AM
techniques. I wasn’t buying it!! COWBELL!!!!
Weather: Mostly Sunny, light cloud cover for most of the
day and 30 minutes of big rain drops
Anyone who knows this trail already knows that the gate
keeper really just continues on for the first 300 yards of
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 3 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
this trail, so onward and upward we went. We made
types of vehicle. For any information, look at the website
pretty steady progress until the waterfall. Josh and John
or contact Roger. He will be leaving his place around
went thru the section without trouble and got ready to spot
noon if want to meet up. On Saturday, will be leaving the
for the group. Next we had Danny who tried the right
campsite about 9:00. If anyone wants to meet at Rocky's,
side line. That proved to be a whole heap of trouble. I
meet at 8:00. "Official" dress attire is long pants and
got hung up in the same place on the pre-run, but he made
long-sleeved shirt, gloves, glasses, boots that cover the
it through with a little moab bump action and a few
ankles. If around the trees and chain saw, need a hard hat.
different back up and realignment maneuvers. Then we
23rd - 26th Jeepers Jamboree
had the Suhag in his beast of a Toyota. He promptly
31st - 2nd Jeep Jamboree
turned completely sideways on the top of the waterfall
and had his own winching seminar. Luckily for him he is
represent the Dirt Devils on the 31st
not a club member and was spared the cowbell. Most of
the rest of our Jeeps negotiated the obstacle without too
August
much trouble. For most I feel like witnessing Danny and
Suhag try the harder lines they opted for the far left
1st Swap meet and pot luck dinner
option. It was a fine display of decision making and
2pm dinner at 5pm
driving!
details to follow
At Ron & Emi Webber’s house in beautiful Modjeska
After the waterfall we broke for lunch at 12:30 then
Canyon (near Irvine Lake).
enjoyed a nice ride down to the west side rock garden. It
was about 2:30 by the time we got to the end of the trail.
Drive a pick up truck with your spare parts, camp gear or
The group split up at the 3N10, 2N09 intersection.
4
just yourself; bumpers, lights, wheels & tires, gas tanks,
Vehicles: John, Chris, Gilbert and Josh all continued on to
roof top, alternator, drive shafts, axles, battery box,
Holcomb creek and continued the fun. We moved
suspension parts, springs, straps, etc.
through without too much issue and stopped to play on a
few optional obstacles. We finished the trail around 5:30
4st club meeting
and were back on the highway by 6:15. I had a blast!
6th
- 9th Sierra Trek near Truckee CAL4WD event.
Cowbells: Frank Gilliland
Damage: None reported
Injuries: None reported
Recommended minimum equipment: 1-locker, 33”
tires, Full skid plates including rocker guards, 35’s and 2
lockers recommended. Longer wheel base vehicles may
have trouble with this trail on minimum requirements.
Run Calendar
Adopt a Trail meeting place
8:30am at Rocky’s Roadhouse
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382
next to the 76 gas station
15th 4x4 Big Bear Clinic (E/M) - Mike Wallace
July
Dirt Devils Training Day
24th - 26th Adopta Trail overnight camp
This is a great opportunity for those that want to jump
tent peg campground Big Bear
start their experience level.
run Leader Roger .
Space is Limited so PLEASE RSVP on the Dirt Devil
Should be getting a backhoe, a driver and a chain saw
Face book page Training Event
with an operator in order to open a new bypass. Most of
THIS Clinic is FREE for Dirt Devils and Prospective Dirt
the work should be moving some dirt and blocking the
Devils ONLY. To be considered a Prospective Dirt Devil
trail. There is alot of brush that needs to be cleared. To
and participant must have attended one or more Monthly
operate a chainsaw, a certification is required, so it is not
club meetings and have a club application.
something that any club member can do. If a backhoe
doesn't show, can still do the work, just would be easier
Date:
Aug. 15th, 2015
with the backhoe and would allow additional things to be
Meeting Location: Subway, 42124 Big Bear Blvd, Big
completed. The bypass will be able to be used by all
Bear CA
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 4 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
Meeting Time:
0830
16- 17 Operation Desert Fun
Leave:
0900 (9AM) sharp
PACK a LUNCH and WATER
Vehicle Requirements: Short Wheel Based 4x4, with
33in tires, rear locker preferred. All club req. Safety
equipment and CB radio:CB Ch4
HAM Freq: (OPTIONAL) 146.550 (Club Simplex 2)
Attention: All Dirt Devils, on Aug 15th , 2015, Don
Alexander owner operator of Jeep 4x4 School of Big
provide us with a Full day training course on the safe
operation of your off road vehicle. This course is being
offered FREE of Charge to all Members and prospective
Online registration is now open! Only $25 if you
Members.
register by August 31.
Content will be catered to our requested needs.
The Day will begin promptly at 9am in Big Bear at the
17th Miller Jeep Trail (M) - Pete
Subway located at 42124 Big Bear Blvd, followed by a
24th Adopt A Trail - Lead TBD
caravan to Gold Mountain trail. At the trail we will break
out the chairs and have a discussion (Class Room
November
Scenario) covering topics of recommended Safety
Equipment, Vehicle Capability Familiarization, Drivers
3rd Monthly club meeting / run planning 2016
Skill Levels, Driving techniques. We will be negotiating
6th - Black Canyon (E) - Ray
the first two difficult obstacles that Gold Mountain has
12th - 14th Panamint Valley Days (PVD), Cal 4 Wheel
too offer going UP the Trail and then we will turn around
event
and negotiate the obstacles coming down. This will give
each driver multiple learning opportunities in varied
conditions. Then we will move back up the trail honing
December
our new skills.
1st Monthly club meeting
The course that has been selected has obstacles that will
5th Cleghorn (M) - Joel
progressively challenge your newly acquired skills and
bring you close to understanding your personal and 4x4’s
New Member
capabilities.
Dave Mauer
The Day will end around 4:30pm.
Eric Walberg
RSVP Is required so please join the EVENT on our DD
Facebook page
Guests
Mark & Kaylynn Ambrose 4 door JK
22nd Adopt A Trail - Roy
Debbie and Troy Craddock 2012 Rubicon
September
Cole Jensen
1st club meeting
Matthew Vanderhoof F150 4x4
4th -
7th High Sierra Poker Run CAL4WD event.
Cole James
near Shaver Lake
Ralph Richardson ’99 XJ
11th - 13th Sherman Pass (M) - Danny W.
Debbie Craddock 2012 Rubicon
19th Adopt A Trail - Josh
Jerry and Dana Horner ’06 LJ
Last Saturday of September Adopt a Trail BBQ
David and Susan Hawkinson 2000 red TJ w/ 33’s, lockers
and a 4” lift
October
Steve Myers 2000TJ
6th club meeting
Andrea Friedenthal
3th & 4th Off Road Expo Pomona
Suhag Patel FJ80 Land Cruiser
6th Monthly club meeting
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 5 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
DD logo magnets available in various sizes for
Club info
$4.50 to $13.50 each.
Meeting Place
Awards
First Tuesday of each month,
6:30pm for Dinner & 7:30pm for the meeting at
just east of Imperial Hwy and north of the 91 Fwy.
Marie Callenders. 5711 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim,
CA 92807, 714-779-0600
Club officers
President: Ray Kleinhuizen
kkfusedglass@roadrunner.com
Immediate past president:
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
CAL 4 Wheel Drive, new member award
Web Master: Chris Slaughter:
webmaster@dirtdevils.org
Newsletter advertising
Adopt a trail chairmans:
$25 for ¼ page ad, for 3 issues
Roy Chance: rchance@aol.com
$50 for a ½ page ad, for 3 issues
Roger Mauer: rogermauer@gmail.com
$100 for a full page ad, for 3 issues.
Newsletter: Ron Webber: ronjp@outlook.com
A full page ad also gets a Web Link.
Hospitality: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
Safety Committee: Bill Smith:
First aid kit tracking
Run Coordinator: Rick Walter rick03tj@gmail.com
FA #1 (red, blue backpack)
Emergency response team coordinator: Rick Walter
Ray Kleinhuizen
rick03tj@gmail.com
Mike Wallace
the emergency response team makes themselves
available to help with our adopt a trail Dish Pan.
Josh Bleijenberg
Ron Webber November 2014
CAL4 wheel reps: Jesse May and Keith Graham
Ray Kleinhuizen July 2014
FA #2 (Orange canvas bag)
Club membership
Mike Wallace
Membership dues:
Josh Bleijenberg
Dirt Devil annual club dues
$36.00
Spouse
$12.00
Pete Johnson
CAL4WD annual dues
$45.00
Josh Bleijenberg corral cyn then handing off to Pete
CAL4WD permanent member
$675.00
Ray Kleinhuizen
Danny Ward
CAL4WD permanent member 12 installments of ...$56.25
Josh Bleijenberg April 2014
CORVA
$30.00
Roger Mauer Feb 2014
FA #3 (Orange canvas bag)
Roger Mauer
Danny Ward
Accessories
Ron Webber March 2015 Calico
Available at the regular meetings, see Emi Webber.
Rick Walters July 2014
Dirt Devil Stickers: $15.00.
Pete Johnson April 2014
Short sleeve shirts: $15.00
Ron Webber March 2014 Calico
Long sleeve shirts: $18.00
Sweatshirts: $30.00
Run report template:
Hats: $20.00
Run name:
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 6 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
Run leader:
difficult sections have bypasses the trail may be suitable
Date:
for less capable rigs or less experienced drivers.
Number of rigs:
E - Easy (Black Canyon, Mohave Trail)
Participants:
M - Moderate (Devils Loop, Miller Jeep Trail)
Members:
D - Difficult (John Bull, Calico)
Guest:
The story:
(E) Easy trails could include these conditions:
Weather:
• Any dirt, sand or gravel road.
Cow bells earned:
• Gentle to mildly steeper hill climbs, mild rocky
sections and/or soft sandy sections.
Run announcement template
• Four wheel drive may not be necessary all the time.
Research and/or Pre-run the trail route.
• Pot holes or ruts that require high ground clearance.
• Water crossings are up to 15 inches deep.
Create and Post a Run Announcement
When emailing the run announcement: Please, use the
• Suitable for full size vehicles.
words “Run Announcement” in the Subject line of the
• Low gears may be required on hill climbs.
message, forward to the webmaster and newsletter editor.
• Recommend 4 wheel drive vehicle
Date/Time and Place for the Run
• Suitable for most tire sizes
Description of Run
•
(M) Moderate trails could include these
Difficulty Rating
conditions::
Run Type: Base Camp, Day Run
• Steep rutted and rocky hill climbs that require careful
tire placement.
Directions to Meeting Place.
• Two to three foot ledges to climb and/or steep down
EXACT Departure Time from Meeting Place
hill drop offs.
Required Equipment. Open dif ? Lockers?
• Rocky sections that can cause body or rim damage.
Is RSVP Required?
• Water crossings might have rocks and could be
CB Channel channel 4, if to much traffic then switch to 5
deeper then 12 inches.
and so on.
• Brush or cactus may touch vehicle.
HAMM channel 146.440
• These trails will require low range gears, high ground
Camping Location/ Directions/ Details/ Facilities/ Fees.
clearance and 4WD.
Access for motor homes?
• Skid plates and body protection are recommended.
Contact Information (Run Leader
• Minimum 33 inch or bigger tires.
Phone Number & email address)
• Recommend at least one axle locker.
(D) Difficult trails could include these conditions:
Day of the Run:
• Rocks as big as your tire to as big as your vehicle.
Hold brief driver’s gathering before start of run. Include
• Hill climbs are steep and may require extended wheel
special instructions.
travel.
Assign vehicle order if there are vehicles with open diffs.
• These trails can have long sections of large rocks that
Have vehicle with locked diff in front & behind. (If
require careful tire placement. .
possible disperse vehicles with HAM radios near the
• Three + foot ledges to climb and steep drop offs.
front, middle and rear of the line.
• Body damage is possible and brush may scratch
Encourage drivers to learn the name of the person in front
vehicle.
and behind his/her vehicle.
• These trails will require vehicle modifications such as
Assign Tail Gunner Vehicle
suspension lifts, body protection and skid plates.
After returning home forward to the newsletter editor a
• Minimum 35 inch or bigger tires.
Run Report and a few photos. subject line write
• Recommend front and rear axle lockers.
“Run Report”
DD Trail Ratings
Trail ratings are subjective and weather conditions over
the years can change a trail. An easy trail can become
more difficult after or during rain. The trail leader needs
to be the final judge of trail conditions the day of the run.
If any part of a trail is difficult the trail is rated difficult. If
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 7 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
July 2015
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Josh Bleijenberg Dusy Ersham Sept 2014
Adopt a Trail
The Dirt Devils Adopt A Trail is: Dishpan Springs Trail
(3N34)
Dishpan Springs Trail can be found in the
San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead.
The Dishpan Springs Trail is one of the toughest and most
popular trails in the SBNF.
The West entrance:
2N26Y is N34° 16.198 W117° 08.258.
The T6 Bridge:
N34° 16.106 W117° 07.745.
The East entrance:
Brown bell
3N16 is N34° 15.663 W117° 05.116.
Bill Smith HDR May25 2015
Tim Debolt Rattlesnake Feb 2015
Meeting place
Rick Walter adopt a trail 6/27/2014
8:30am at Rock Road House
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 5/4/2014
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382 next to
the 76 gas station
Adopt a trail Current hours - 192
Cowbells
Little Blue bell
Bill Smith HDR May25 2015 winched Bronco on to trailer
Gilbert at Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Chris Slaughter Grizzly
Rick Walter
The cow bell rules are: If you get stuck and are unable to
Mike Wallace
move under your own power and need the help of a winch
or you get strapped from one of your fellow jeepers then
you have earned the privilege of hanging a cow bell from
your front bumper. You must leave the cow bell on the
front of your rig until another Dirt Devil gets stuck then,
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
Mike Wallace Corral Canyon 4/10/15
James Eddinger Claw Hammer 1/10/15.
Castulo Olivas
Old logo green bell
Frank Gilliland John Bull parked on a rock.
DD newsletter jul15.doc
pg 8 of 8
printed: 7/18/2015
