Dirt Devils Digest
May 2014
The Dirt Devils Digest
May 2014
A monthly publication of the Dirt Devils
http://www.dirtdevils.org/
President’s Message
Forest Service news
June is election month.
A sign requiring visitors to display an Adventure Pass
inside a parked vehicle is seen at the Maple Spring
Open positions:
Trailhead in Silverado Canyon. A judge has ruled that the
Newsletter editor
President
Forest Service can no longer charge fees for visitors who
Vice president
Safety officer
simply park and explore in undeveloped areas of
Secretary
Run coordinator
Cleveland, Los Padres, Angeles and San Bernardino
Treasurer
Hospitality
national forests.
Election officer
Adopt A Trail
Membership dues is now due.
CAL4WD
$45.
Annual club dues
$36.00
Spouse is
$12.
At the last meeting there was talk of committing a certain
number of hours to the adopt a trail program. What do
you think? Without the adopt a trail program a lot of these
trails would be shut down.
There has been no change in cow bell ownership, who is
next?
In the club info section of this newsletter I have added a
template for run announcements and run reports.
Because I know you wanted to know my son Eric has
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fee-612700-forest-
finished boot camp and is now stationed at Goodfellow
visitors.html
Air Force Base in Texas.
Remember, buy your CAL$WD Jeep raffle tickets. This is
a very important fund raiser for us.
http://cal4wheel.com/ca4wdc-store/win-a-jeep-tickets
See you on the trail.
Jesse May
Table of contents
Run reports
2
Run calendar
4
Guests
5
Club info
6
Run template:
6
Cowbells
8
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about 9 AM under sunny skies, with Pete leading and
Safety report
Rick running tail.
When on the trail, check for the people behind you. They
should be in your rear view mirrors, especially when
coming to turn and make sure they see the turn. Had a
couple people get lost at Calico. When on the trail, check
Adopt-a-Trail - Roger and Roy
Roger went to the Adopt-a-Trail meeting and talked to
Greg. The go-around idea is scraped and is not needed.
Greg watched some of the traffic going through and the
trail is fine as is, especially since it’s a black diamond
trail.
Ray noted that Roger and Roy are being depended on
very heavily to keep this going and the club should make
more of a commitment and how many hours can be
committed in order to take the burden off them. Roger
thinks that the club put in 500 hours last year. Ray would
like to see it put in an addition 10% this year. Some
discussion of a financial incentive to get people to
volunteer more.
Current hours -124.6
Additional hours for meeting. Had two people there, so
include 8 hours, making new total 124.6.
The Pinion Mountain trail is in good shape, and all five
for the people behind you. Had a couple people get lost at
Calico.
jeeps slid through the Squeeze with no problems. Well,
Chris did get some scrapes on his driver’s side door.
Run reports
Amazingly, Tim’s SWB JK was the tightest fit, due to tire
Anza Borrego - Pinyon Mountain 4/12/14
size and wheel offset. We proceeded on to Heart Attack
Hill, which also has not seemed to change since the last
run. Again, all jeeps descended with no problems. Chris
did air out the underside of his passenger-side rear tire at
the lip, but he says he’s used to getting it airborne. Rick,
without a spotter, took the right-side route down the hill,
and made it look easy.
On Friday, April 11, Rick Walter and Pete Johnson
caravanned down from Corona to Blair Valley at Anza
Borrego and set up camp in the usual Dirt Devil’s spot.
Chris Slaughter joined us later in the afternoon with his
Cherokee, and we spent an enjoyable not-too-chilly
evening around the campfire swapping lies before turning
in.
At O-dark-thirty the next morning Dan Ward arrived at
the campsite, and we proceeded to the meeting spot at the
head of Blair Valley, where Tim DeBolt and shotgun,
Charlie Hentges, soon showed up. We left for the trail at
Then headed down the trail to Heart Attack Hill has been
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another obstacle that, in the past, has pointed a few
Sometimes if we didn't have bad luck, we would have no
bumpers at the sky, and sat some Jeeps on the spare tire.
luck at all...
This ledge has been graded and, personally speaking, will
Trail Leader Danny Ward and better half Linda, Josh
not be missed.
Bleijenberg with friend Chip German riding shotgun, and
After stopping for lunch at Split Rock, we proceeded
Gilbert Vasquez arrived early Saturday. Since all known
down the Fish Creek drainage and, after a little fumbling
participants were present, we headed out from the
around due to the leader’s seniorized memory, we headed
meadows with four wranglers and a Cherokee, all with
north up the side canyon to Diablo Dropoff. Due to the
lockers, good ground clearance, and decent articulation.
lack of rain this year, the whole hill is soft, deep sand.
We headed from Bobcat Meadows camp ground, about a
Everyone exercised the skinny pedal on the way up. Chris
mile south of the Four Corners staging area at the OHVA
got the most exercise, as he took three passes before
in San Diego County around 9 am, Saturday. Our goal
topping the grade. Between the first and second pass, he
was to try some of the new offshoot trails that the Tierra
took the record for backwards speed on the hill. Between
Del Sol Club had created. On the way we were delayed
the second and third pass, he aired down some more. I
by a large rattlesnake sunning in the middle of the trail.
don’t know if it was less air or more resolve that got him
The rattler was not pleased when snake wrangler, Rick
to the top on the third pass, but he made it with flying
Walters herded the rattler off the trail.
colors.
We made a right turn onto Morena Stokes Road and
We headed south from the dropoff and took an alternate
headed for Gunslinger. Just short of the entrance to
route back to S-2, through Canyon Sin Nombre. This
Gunslinger we came upon a new metal trail sign. The
route starts west through mud hills, and just when I was
name, “Peacemaker” was cut through 1/4" plate with
beginning to think the canyon didn’t have a name because
"Tierra Del Sol" in cursive below. No indication of
it doesn’t deserve one, a short section of rocks appeared.
difficulty level or length. This trail, first of three offshoots
And draped all over the rocks were coed geology students
we found, was short (about 1100 yards, with 70' of ascent
from the University of San Diego. Surely this canyon
and 80' of descent), but it had some decently large rock
deserves a name! But will it be printable?
obstacles, but not enough to convince a guy to make his
We reached S-2 south of Sweeney Pass, and the wind was
“peace.” That would come later.
blowing a gale. Anzo reminding us where we were. No
The second offshoot we found is called "Diamondback,” a
injuries, major damage, breakdowns, or cowbells. A good
more sinister moniker. It turned out to be both longer and
run. And Dan’s new JK 4-door, with stock lift and 31”
more difficult than Peacemaker, at about three-quarters of
tires, came through it all without a scratch.
a mile, 80' of ascent, and 120' of descent, with larger
rocks, bigger drops, tighter squeezes, more articulation,
and twisty.
"Winchester,” the third offshoot was tiny, only about 200
yards long, but interesting nonetheless, easier than the
others by far.
We headed East after Winchester and about a half mile
later came to the exit from Bronco Peak trail. The trail
leader suggested we try Bronco Peak backwards, and we
were all silly enough to agree. The backside of Bronco
has been getting more and more eroded over the last few
years, and we shortly realized that we were in for a few
challenges. Just how many we didn't know, but it soon
became apparent that turning around wasn't going to be an
easy way out.
Corral Canyon- 5/3/14
Rick Walter and Pete Johnson camped at the Bobcat
After about a quarter mile we got to the Bronco Peak
Meadows Camp Ground Friday night. Randy called Pete
Connecter turnoff, which we intelligently avoided, and
around 11 pm Friday night and related that an equipment
after a couple more hours of battling obstacles, many of
failure caused his trailer brakes to lock up on Buckman
which needed a spotter to negotiate, we reached the
Springs Road almost to the entrance of Corral Canyon
summit. WHEW! But the way down had some interesting
OHVA. The resulting roadside excursion tore a big hole
obstacles, too, so it took us quite a while to get back down
in his camper shell. No one was hurt, no damage to the
to the loop road.
Jeep, and no other vehicles involved, but extremely
We got back to Bobcat Meadows about 5 pm, tired but
discouraging to Randy and Donna after fighting traffic for
exhilarated. No injuries, cowbells, major damage, or
about 7 hours. Donna was already nursing a broken foot.
breakdowns. A gentle breeze moderated the warm
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May 2014
temperatures. Overall a good run, at least on the trail.
July
Challenging, strenuous, and interesting, and running
4th - Gold Mtn Night run see the Big Bear
Bronco Peak backwards makes it a very different trail.
Without good equipment, good drivers, excellent spotting,
Lake fireworks Rick Walter
and some minor road building and maintenance, it could
26 - Adopt-a-Trail
easily have turned into a midnight run. Many thanks to
Tierra Del Sol for constructing the offshoots on
24 - 27 Jeepers Jamboree 62nd annual
Gunslinger. They make for a much more entertaining
Georgetown to Lake Tahoe via the Rubicon Trail
trail.
www.jeepersjamboree.com
After some jolly debriefing at Bobcat Meadows, Danny
and Linda hit the highway, while Rick, Josh, Chip,
August
Gilbert, and Pete enjoyed another night at camp. The
overnight low dropped to about 50, but there was plenty
1 - 3 Jeep Jamboree 36th annual
of firewood thanks to Gilbert.
Georgetown to Lake Tahoe via the Rubicon Trail
www.jeepersjamboree.com
On the way home Sunday, Josh had some excitement
when his left front wheel decided to part company from
7 - 10 Sierra Trek (Cal-4-Wheel)
the jeep at about 65 mph on I-80. The tire and wheel
Fodyce Creek trail one of the top trails in California
passed him, and headed for places unknown in the brush
in the freeway median. Meanwhile, hot metal from the
23 - Adopt-a-Trail
exploded wheel assembly had started a small brushfire
alongside the road, which, thankfully, Gilbert ran back
and extinguished.
September
13 - 14 Sherman Pass
Run calendar
Danny Ward/ Pete Johnson
Adopt a Trail meeting place
27 - Adopt-a-Trail
8:30am at Rock Road House
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382
next to the 76 gas station
October
4 - 5 Off-Road Expo
May
17 - 19 Operation Desert Fun (Cal-4-Wheel)
31 - June 4th Grand Cyn North Rim
Run Leader: Rick Walter rick03tj@gmail.com
18 - Last Chance Canyon Rick Walter
1st night at St George
25 - Adopt-a-Trail
2nd night at Kelly Point
3rd night somewhere between Twin Point and
November
Grand gulch mine
4th night St George
7 - 9 PVD (Cal-4-Wheel)
300 miles loop from St George and back to St George
27 - 30 Niland- North Glamis
http://www.nps.gov/hfc/carto/PDF/PARAmap1.pdf
(Thanksgiving)
http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/ohv/gc_
overlook.html
Ron Webber
435-688-3200
http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=
December
1521
13th Cleghorn Joel Card
pictures are 3 years old
http://www.offroaddance.de/Trails/GrandCanyon/No
rth/KellyPoint/KellyPoint_e.html
2015 March
17 thru 22nd
June
Lake Havasu sidewinder’s
The Sidewinders put on a really well organized event with
14 - 15 Forest Fest
trails ranging from “Easy” to “Very Challenging”.
21 - Adopt-a-Trail
28 - John Bull/ Holcomb Josh Bleijenberg
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Guests
James Ettinger 2014 Jeep with a few mods, has more to
Chris Slaughter can be seen in a ’94 Cherokee and a
do.
¾ ton GMC 35’s and a 6” lift. (4th visit)
Chris recently visited Calcite mine in Anza Borrego
Bob Emerick putts around in a 2014 Rubicon no damage
yet, but is ready to test it out.
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May 2014
President: Jesse May: jemay.xj@gmail.com
Vice President: Ray Kleinhuizen
Club info
kkfusedglass@roadrunner.com
Secretary: Cheryl May: jemay.xj@gmail.com
First aid kit tracking
Treasurer: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
FA #1 (red, blue backpack)
Web Master: Mike Ortega:
mike@topwebsiteplacement.com
Mike Ortega Adopt a trail
Adopt a trail chairman:
Roy Chance: rchance@aol.com
FA #2 (Orange canvas bag)
Roger Mauer: rogermauer@gmail.com
Josh Bleijenberg April 2014
Newsletter: Ron Webber: webbermail@cox.net
Roger Mauer Feb 2014
Hospitality: Emi Webber: emiwebber@hotmail.com
FA #3 (Orange canvas bag)
Safety Committee: Randy Huddleston:
hudd1@pacbell.net
Pete Johnson April 2014
Ron Webber March 2014 Calico
Run Coordinator: Rick Walter rick03tj@gmail.com
Awards
Meeting Place
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
Run report template:
Run name:
Run leader:
Date:
Number of rigs:
Participants:
Members:
Guest:
The story:
Weather:
Cow bells earned:
CAL 4 Wheel Drive, new member award
Extra info
Accessories
If camping describe camp site and would you camp there
Available at the regular meetings, see Emi Webber.
again or would you recommend a better camp site?
Dirt Devil Stickers: $15.00.
Meeting place:
Short sleeve shirts: $15.00
Departure time:
Long sleeve shirts: $18.00
Was there an objective?:
Sweatshirts: $30.00
Describe the trail:
Hats: $20.00
Lessons learned?
DD logo magnets available in various sizes for
Events:
$4.50 to $13.50 each.
Vehicle carnage:
Juicy tidbits:
Newsletter advertising
Trail difficulty: on a scale of 1 to 5
Ending place:
$25 for ¼ page ad, for 3 issues
Finish time:
$50 for a ½ page ad, for 3 issues
A few pictures:
$100 for a full page ad, for 3 issues.
If possible use GPS coordinates for future reference.
A full page ad also gets a Web Link.
If necessary write directions to the trail head.
These run reports will be saved for future reference.
Club officers
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May 2014
Springs Trail is one of the toughest and most popular
Run template
trails in the SBNF.
Research and/or Pre-run the trail route.
The Western entrance:
Create and Post a Run Announcement
2N26Y is N34° 16.198 W117° 08.258.
When emailing the run announcement: Please, use the
The T6 Bridge: N34° 16.106 W117° 07.745.
words “Run Announcement” in the Subject line of the
The Eastern entrance: 3N16 is N34° 15.663 W117°
message, forward to the webmaster and newsletter editor.
05.116.
Date/Time and Place for the Run
Description of Run
Difficulty Rating scale 1 to 5
Run Type: Base Camp, Day Run
Directions to Meeting Place.
EXACT Departure Time from Meeting Place
Required Equipment. Open dif ? Lockers?
Is Special Equipment Required?
Is RSVP Required?
Are Permits Required? (Forest Adventure Pass etc.)
CB Channel start with channel 4, if to much traffic then
switch to 5 and so on.
HAMM channel 146.440
Camping Location/ Directions/ Details/ Facilities/ Fees.
Access for motor homes? Very little ground clearance?
Deep soft sand?
Expected Weather Conditions.
Contact Information (Run Leader
Phone Number & email address)
Please, cover all the needed information in the Run
Announcement rather than say “contact me for details”.
Start of the Run:
Hold brief driver’s gathering before start of run. Include
special instructions.
Assign vehicle order if there are vehicles with open diffs.
Have vehicle with locked diff in front & behind. (If
possible disperse vehicles with HAM radios near the
front, middle and rear of the line.
Encourage drivers to learn the name of the person in front
and behind his/her vehicle.
Assign Tail Gunner Vehicle
Give 5 Minute Warning before start
Begin Run ON TIME or notify everyone of new time.
Announce Departure over CB channel 4
Stop at all turns to confirm vehicle behind sees turn
Stop occasionally to close up ranks
Announce Lunch Stop and Length of Stop
After returning home forward to the webmaster and
newsletter editor to be copied and pasted a Run Report
and a few photos. In the subject line write “Run Report”
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
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Cowbells
Mike Ortega Big Bear Holcomb Creek high centered and
yes that is the winch controller in his hand.
June 2013
Pete Johnson: Corral Canyon May 2013
Ray Kleinhuizen Moab UT broke shock and track bar
mount and rear differential supports. April 2013
Don Young Moab UT broke a ring and pinion on his new
dana 60 but he did limp out April 2013
Dan Delp 3. Can you say Calico.
Cow bells 1, 2 and 3 Dan, hang them with pride.
The cow bell rules are: If you get stuck and are unable to
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.
Josh Bleijenberg TDS 2/28/14
Mike Ortega supposedly has the old brown bell)
Rick Walter Cleghorn January 2014
High Centered and yanked with help from Josh
Mike Wallace Cleghorn January 2014 water pump went
out Ray Kleinhuizen to give
Ray Kleinhuizen Coyote Flat July 2013
little blue
Mike Maneth memorial cow bell
Old Green w/ old logo
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