Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
The Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
A monthly publication of the Dirt Devils
•
37 voted for Day trips
Presidents Message:
•
35 voted for Weekend trips
There has been some conversation about looking for
•
19 voted for Expedition trips i.e. North Rim,
another meeting place, we are out growing our current
camping out of the back of your rig for days or a week at
location and because it is open at one side it is a bit noisy.
a time.
Premier Jeep in Placentia maybe and option I will
See you on the trail.
investigate. Please keep your eyes and ears open for other
options.
Ray Kleinhuizen
I would like to ask, if you join CORVA put on your
application that you are a member of the Dirt Devils. I
Table of Contents
would like to see our club recognized as a CORVA
Cal 4 Wheel
sponsor.
10 reasons to be a trail leader:
2
The Blue Cow bell is missing if you have it please bring it
Trail Tools
2
to the next meeting. It now goes to Bill Smith.
Adopt a Trail
3
Run reports
3
Kids on Public Lands is a very worthwhile event and to
Run Calendar
3
show our support the Dirt Devils have donated $200 to
Adopt a Trail meeting place
3
“kids on public lands”.
September
3
November is next years run planning meeting. Start
October
4
making plans. At the September meeting I asked what
November
5
type of runs we wanted:
December
5
Guests
5
•
17 voted for Easy runs
Classified
5
•
34 voted for Moderate runs
Club info
6
•
29 voted for Difficult runs
Meeting Place
Club officers
Club membership
6
Accessories
Awards
Newsletter advertising
First aid kit tracking
6
Run report template:
7
Run announcement template
Day of the Run:
DD Trail Ratings
7
Adopt a Trail
7
Cowbells
8
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 1 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
and driving off the trail. The question is: will we be able
to perform a trail fix that’s not straight forward? These are
important issues we all should think about before each
Cal 4 Wheel
run. The fact is, if you 4-wheel, on any level of difficulty
I believe this sums up the forest service attitude towards
trail, sooner or later you will be faced with a trail fix
people using our public lands.
situation! Close scrutiny above and below your rig will
Donn Christiansen was recently asked via email why
reduce the likelihood. Loose screws, nuts and bolts.
close down Carveacre road (16S03) an offroad trail in San
But what tools and spare parts should we bring? Most of
Diego County. Carveacre road (16S03) off of
us have limited space for tools and spare parts in our rigs.
Japatul/Lyons Valley Road is on Forest Service land. This
Therefore we bring tools and spare parts that we hope will
trail has been used by offroaders for year. Donn’s reply
fix whatever breaks so that we can be back on the trail in
was:
minimal time. Knowledge of your vehicle is very
“This section of road is under review for
important when selecting tools and spare parts. It’s a good
decommissioning related to a Forest ecological restoration
idea, if possible to pack a separate tool kit specifically for
project due to resource concerns and unauthorized
your 4 wheeling vehicle. A good way to determine if you
routes.”
have the right tools in your kit is to do some basic
“We do have a designated OHV area at Corral Canyon
maintenance on the vehicle using only tools from your
that is available for public use. Maps and information are
take along tool kit. This will give you a good idea of how
available online at the Cleveland National Forest website
much you can accomplish with that tool kit and what
or at the District office in Alpine, CA.”
items need to be added.
Donn Christiansen
A sample list of items in a trail tool kit is identified
Forest Service District Ranger
below. Your knowledge of your vehicle should help you
Cleveland NF, Descanso RD
edit the list to include the tools and spare parts that could
p: 619-445-6235 x73415
be needed on the trail. No matter how prepared you are, a
c: 619-517-6275
failure can still ruin your day because it’s not practical or
dchristiansen@fs.fed.us
possible to carry every spare part that might be needed.
3348 Alpine Blvd Alpine, CA 91901
Recommended trail tools:
1. Socket Set (some vehicles use both standard &
“Caring for the land and serving people”
metric), ratchet and extensions
2. Combination wrenches (some vehicles use both
10 reasons to be a
standard & metric)
trail leader:
3. Vise grips
10 - You pick the trail (hopefully someone will want to
4. Adjustable jaw pliers and channel locks
run it with you)
5. Crescent Wrench
9 - You pick the run start time and meet spot
6. Spark plug wrench
8 - You write the run announcement
7. Screwdrivers (Standard & Philips )
7 - You pick the CB channel (duh 4)
8. Hammer 9. Bottle Jack
6 - You conduct the drivers meeting (best if done before
10. Utility Knife
you start the trail)
11. Hacksaw
5 - You carry the Dirt Devils club first aid kit (hopefully
12. Latex Gloves
you know how to use it)
13. Tire plug kit
4 - You pick the bathroom stops (more stops keep you
14. Hacksaw
out trouble)
15. Rags
3 - You are the spotter when someone needs help (you’ll
16. Funnel
get a lot of exercise)
17. Flashlight / work light (extra batteries)
2 - You will get unwavering support from all drivers even
18. Ratchet straps
when you are hopelessly lost and confused.
19. Cordless tools (impact driver, saw, etc.)
1 - You get to ride in front of everyone out of the dust
Spare parts and consumables:
(this the only good reason to be a trail lead)
The extreme situations: carry no spare parts, or carry so
many your rig breaks due to the extra weight. What you
Trail Tools
need to do is get somewhere in the middle by carrying
We all know it’s important to carry tools in case
parts that are most likely to fix your broken rig. If you
something breaks when we are on the trail. We also know
have knowledge of your vehicle, any special items can be
that spare parts can be the difference between walking
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 2 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
added. If your rig has a history of U joint issues carry a
one. Will bring up next month for a vote to take on as a
spare.
second trail. The trail is “Sparks Ranch Road” east of
Baldwin Lake. The trail is basically a dirt road that has a
Sample Spare parts list: add or subtract as needed!
couple of rocky places. The reason that Rick picked that
1. Fuses, electrical wire, electrical tape, duct tape,
one was for the intermediate and new people. Jesse noted
nylon wire ties, silicon sealer
that on the web site it shows as assigned but Rick has
2. Miscellaneous nuts, bolts and hardware
been talking to Greg who said that it is open and they did
3. Fan belts, hose, clamps
not see any club signs on it. Initial effort would be "all
4. Valve stems, tire plugs
hands" to get it up to snuff and then after that is just
maintenance. The trail is five miles long. Question on
5. Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.
amount of time. Ray noted that we're at almost 500 hours
6. Coolant or water for the radiator
on the current trail and while this one likely would not
Once you have everything together, you need to
take as much time, its a good amount to use as a guide.
determine how to store them in your vehicle. A
Rick does not think it will take as much maintenance.
permanently installed tool box or a carry-on tool bag / box
Greg wants to control coming off the road using this trail.
that can be secured to the vehicle are good choices.
It may need some barriers. It was graded at one time but
has not been graded for several years. It is a blue route,
A breakdown will likely include crawling under the
which is usually graded about once every ten years. Ray
vehicle and messy parts. Bring a blanket, towel or plastic
suggests to schedule another run to allow people to take
trash bag that you can lay on. They also help keep parts
another look. There needs to be a core group willing to
and tools away from the dirt.
take this one separate from Dishpan Springs.
Many breakdowns can be fixed on the trail with some
tools, spare parts and knowledge of the vehicle. Keep an
Run Calendar
open mind when the fix is not straight forward. Many
vehicles have been driven off the trail with unique fixes.
Adopt a Trail meeting place
A ratchet strap can be used to keep an axle in place to
drive off the trail. (I have personal experience) A high lift
8:30am at Rocky’s Roadhouse
jack handle and hose clamps can straighten and splint a
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382
bent tie rod.
next to the 76 gas station
With some forethought and preparation you should be
September
able to deal with a wide range of common trail fixes. The
big plan here is to safely get you off the trail after a
11th - 13th Kennedy Meadows
breakdown.
Sherman Pass, Monache Meadow
Run Date: Sept. 12, 2015
Adopt a Trail
Trail Leader: Danny Ward
Hours 412
(Cell 714-651-9717) d4lward@sbcglobal.net
At the last run we worked the bypass, moved a few rocks,
Meeting Location: Troy Meadow Campground Entry
cut some brush back and picked up trash.
Meeting Time: 7:45 am - Leaving at 8:00 am.
Motorcycles have created a single track by pass around
Directions to Pearsonville, Ca.: Starting at CA-91 east
the waterfall. Greg (ranger) has recommended that we
bound toward the I-15, take I-15 north toward Barstow
look and build an easy by pass around the water fall.
43.3 miles. Take exit 141 to merge onto US-395 north
Last weekend august 29th led 45 rigs around Big Bear
toward Bishop/Adelanto 98.3 miles. Take the ramp onto
back country. It was a lot of fun to see some of the closed
US- 395 north 7.3 miles to Pearsonville, Ca.
down areas.
Special Note: Pearsonville, CA. is the last chance for
Gas. Pearsonville elevation is 2513 and going to Troy
Run reports
Meadow elevation of 7800 is a little bit of a climb.
4x4 clinic August 15th
Directions to Troy Meadow Campground: From
Pearsonville take US Rt. 395 north 2.6 miles to Kennedy
15 rigs made their way along gold Mtn trail. The trail was
Meadow sign. Turn left at sign onto Nine-mile Canyon
a bit busy but the attendees felt they learned a lot.
Road and go 24.6 miles to a “Y” intersection. Bear left
2nd adopta trail
onto Sherman Pass Road and go 10.3 miles to
Rick led a run to check out a second trail. Rick is
campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
recommending that we adopta a 2nd trail. He has found a
good one and would not take as much work as the current
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 3 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
Special Equipment Required: Minimum 31” tires but
RSVP: Yes, Cell 909-213-6787 or Email:
could have trouble. High ground clearance vehicle
sqca12@verizon.net
required and rear lockers.
Trail Leader camping: No, day trip only.
Trails Description: Sherman Pass 4 wheel drive road is
Permits Required: Yes, Adventure Pass. Annual $30 or
narrow, rocky, and steep. Road is difficult terrain, expert
day $5, available at most grocery/gas stations, as well as
4WD techniques required. Not suitable for long wheel
Ranger stations and Discovery Center
base vehicles. (6.8 miles)
Meeting Time: 8:30am. Go over rig readiness and plan,
Permits: "Forest Adventure Pass" is needed to park
leave at 9am.
along this trail.
Meeting Location: Rocky's Roadhouse
Reminder to Bring: Camera, Warm Clothing, Chair,
(32150 Hilltop Blvd, Running Springs, CA 92382) i.e.
Lunches, etc.
usual spot across from 76 gas station. From there, we will
Weekend Plan: I’m leaving Friday the 11th and tent
drive to Big Bear (north shore) Fawnskin area to 3N14 to
camping Friday and Saturday nights at Troy Meadow
Coxey Road.
Campground.
Trail Description: 3N93 is a 6 mile trail. You can
19th Adopt A Trail - Josh
expect to encounter large boulders, tippy terrain and
puddles and moguls on sections of the trail. The US
26th Last Saturday of September 1:00pm at the Big Bear
Forest Service rates this trail a Black Diamond Most
Discovery Center, Adopt a Trail BBQ if attending RSVP
Difficult trail and it is not recommended for stock SUVs.
to Angela Cook angcook@pacbell.net
Body damage and breakage are possible. Elevation ranges
19th & 21th Sand Sport Show Costa Mesa
from 5600' to over 6500'. Wet tires add to the difficulty
Fair Grounds
as the trail crosses Holcomb Creek in a few areas.
Difficulty:
(1=Easy, 5=Most Difficult) Rated 5, due to
the last 2 boulder fields (i.e. most of the trail is easy).
19th & 20th KOPL
There is a bypass route around these rock gardens but it's
Kids on Public Lands We always need female drivers on
a separate trail (2N06X). The rest of the trail is rated 1
with a couple of 3 rated obstacles.
CB Channel: 4
Special Equipment Required: High ground clearance
with limited slip or lockers, 33 inch tires or larger
recommended but not required. We have seen stock jeeps
make it with some damage. Tire damage is always a
possibility. A good spare is required.
Bring: Bring lunch and extra water, chairs, basic tools,
shovel, camera, extra weather appropriate clothing, etc.
Weather: If it’s raining the trip will be canceled.
Trail Head Coordinates:
Start: 3N14 is N34° 18.027 W116° 58.940
Holcomb Creek 3N93, Big Bear
Finish: 3N16 is N34° 16.521 W117° 03.049
Departure: We will join up to 3N16 at Crab Flats and
Saturday Sept 26th
head towards Green Valley/Running Springs at
Trail Organizer: Jack & Zoe
Highway 18.
October
2nd Wrightwood Willys-Jeep Day
Short cut:
sqmeffvse2sml76httn641p90o_201510031600
3th & 4th Off Road Expo Pomona
6th club meeting
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 4 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
9 - 11th Fun in the Desert
2.
Mike and Nancy Zelle 2014 JK
sponsored by Victor Valley 4 Wheelers & Cal 4 Wheel
3.
Ron and Debbie Robinson 2015 JK
Means Dry Lake Johnson Valley, CA
4.
Kevin Graff 2015 JK
16- 17 Operation Desert Fun
Ocotillo Wells Blue Inn The park service will not allow
Classified
ODF to hold the event on public land because it of the
New Complete Dana 30 axles shafts a little rust.
endangered species act.
keep a spare with you at all times, just in case
was in my 2000 TJ (until I upgraded) should fit ’97 - 2006
maybe others that I don’t know about.
$50. Each, driver and passenger side.
contact Ron Webber 714 715 5692 or ronjp@outlook.com
Free Alternator from 2000 TJ stock swapped out for one
with higher amperage at about 40k miles
Online registration is now open! Only $25 if you
register by August 31.
17th Miller Jeep Trail (M) - Pete
24th Adopt A Trail - Lead TBD
November
3rd Monthly club meeting / 2016 run planning
6th - Black Canyon (E) - Ray
12th - 14th Panamint Valley Days (PVD),
Cal 4 Wheel event
Free contact Ron Webber 714 715 5692 or
ronjp@outlook.com
We're celebrating 30 years of having fun in the Panamints
with all your friends and family; all those great sunrises
Free Oil pan skid plate John Bull trail tested.
and sunsets. All those flyovers, the rain, the snow, and W,
the great starfield at night, really seeing the Milky Way.
All this makes Panamint Valley Days so fun and great to
spend time with all your friends and family.
For full info and resistration:
days?utm_source=CA4WDA+Updates&utm_campaign=
04e69c8669-barrett-lake-reopen-07-27-
15&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d30f6c948f-
04e69c8669-
85608049&mc_cid=04e69c8669&mc_eid=e64d42a631
Free contact Ron Webber 714 715 5692 or
December
ronjp@outlook.com
1st Monthly club meeting
5th Calico Run Leader Ron Webber
Guests
1.
Eric Dow - ‘15 JK
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 5 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 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
Danny Ward
rick03tj@gmail.com
Ray Kleinhuizen
the emergency response team makes themselves
available to help with our adopt a trail Dish Pan.
Mike Wallace
CAL4 wheel reps: Jesse May and Keith Graham
Josh Bleijenberg
Ron Webber November 2014
Ray Kleinhuizen July 2014
Club membership
FA #2 (Orange canvas bag)
Membership dues:
Mike Wallace
Dirt Devil annual club dues
$36.00
Spouse
$12.00
Josh Bleijenberg
CAL4WD annual dues
$45.00
Pete Johnson
CAL4WD permanent member
$675.00
Josh Bleijenberg corral cyn then handing off to Pete
Ray Kleinhuizen
CAL4WD permanent member 12 installments of ...$56.25
Danny Ward
CORVA
$30.00
Josh Bleijenberg April 2014
Roger Mauer Feb 2014
FA #3 (Orange canvas bag)
Accessories
Roger Mauer
Danny Ward
Available at the regular meetings, see Emi Webber.
Ron Webber March 2015 Calico
Dirt Devil Stickers: $15.00.
Rick Walters July 2014
Short sleeve shirts: $15.00
Pete Johnson April 2014
Long sleeve shirts: $18.00
Ron Webber March 2014 Calico
Sweatshirts: $30.00
Hats: $20.00
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 6 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
Run report template:
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
Run name:
difficult sections have bypasses the trail may be suitable
Run leader:
for less capable rigs or less experienced drivers.
Date:
E - Easy (Black Canyon, Mohave Trail)
Number of rigs:
Participants:
M - Moderate (Devils Loop, Miller Jeep Trail)
Members:
D - Difficult (John Bull, Calico)
Guest:
(E) Easy trails could include these conditions:
The story:
Weather:
• Any dirt, sand or gravel road.
Cow bells earned:
• Gentle to mildly steeper hill climbs, mild rocky
sections and/or soft sandy sections.
• Four wheel drive may not be necessary all the time.
Run announcement template
• Pot holes or ruts that require high ground clearance.
Research and/or Pre-run the trail route.
• Water crossings are up to 15 inches deep.
Create and Post a Run Announcement
• Suitable for full size vehicles.
When emailing the run announcement: Please, use the
• Low gears may be required on hill climbs.
words “Run Announcement” in the Subject line of the
• Recommend 4 wheel drive vehicle
message, forward to the webmaster and newsletter editor.
• Suitable for most tire sizes
Date/Time and Place for the Run
•
(M) Moderate trails could include these
Description of Run
conditions::
Difficulty Rating
• Steep rutted and rocky hill climbs that require careful
Run Type: Base Camp, Day Run
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
deeper then 12 inches.
CB Channel channel 4, if to much traffic then switch to 5
• Brush or cactus may touch vehicle.
and so on.
• These trails will require low range gears, high ground
HAMM channel 146.440
clearance and 4WD.
Camping Location/ Directions/ Details/ Facilities/ Fees.
• Skid plates and body protection are recommended.
Access for motor homes?
• Minimum 33 inch or bigger tires.
Contact Information (Run Leader
• Recommend at least one axle locker.
Phone Number & email address)
(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
require careful tire placement. .
Have vehicle with locked diff in front & behind. (If
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
vehicle.
Encourage drivers to learn the name of the person in front
• These trails will require vehicle modifications such as
and behind his/her vehicle.
suspension lifts, body protection and skid plates.
Assign Tail Gunner Vehicle
• Minimum 35 inch or bigger tires.
After returning home forward to the newsletter editor a
• Recommend front and rear axle lockers.
Run Report and a few photos. subject line write
“Run Report”
Adopt a Trail
DD Trail Ratings
The Dirt Devils Adopt A Trail is: Dishpan Springs Trail
(3N34)
Trail ratings are subjective and weather conditions over
the years can change a trail. An easy trail can become
Dishpan Springs Trail can be found in the
more difficult after or during rain. The trail leader needs
San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead.
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 7 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
Dirt Devils Digest
September 2015
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:
3N16 is N34° 15.663 W117° 05.116.
Meeting place
8:30am at Rock Road House
32150 Hilltop Blvd Running Springs, CA 92382 next to
Brown bell
the 76 gas station
Bill Smith HDR May25 2015
Tim Debolt Rattlesnake Feb 2015
Adopt a trail Current hours - 192
Rick Walter adopt a trail 6/27/2014
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 5/4/2014
Cowbells
Little Blue bell
Bill Smith HDR May25 2015 winched Bronco on to trailer
The cow bell rules are: If you get stuck and are unable to
Gilbert at Corral Canyon 4/10/15
move under your own power and need the help of a winch
Chris Slaughter Grizzly
or you get strapped from one of your fellow jeepers then
Rick Walter
you have earned the privilege of hanging a cow bell from
Mike Wallace
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
Frank Gilliland John Bull 6/27/2015
Mike Wallace Corral Canyon 4/10/15
James Eddinger Claw Hammer 1/10/15.
Castulo Olivas
Old logo green bell
Josh Bleijenberg Corral Canyon 4/10/15
Josh Bleijenberg Dusy Ersham Sept 2014
DD newsletter sep15.doc
pg 8 of 8
printed: 9/7/2015
