For February thought we try something different, new with a two day run pushed back a week for the Calico Cleanup on 2/17.

For Saturday 2/24; explore the Johnson Valley OHV area and see what we can find, lots of open areas, dry lakes, rocks and what not so where going to cover some ground and play around on the stuff that looks fun.

Sunday 2/25 will feature the traditional planned trail run through rattlesnake canyon climbing all the way up to big Bear from the high desert floor.

Meets:
2/24 9:30 - Chevron:
12659 Foothill Blvd Etiwanda, CA 91739, US
Exit the I15-E at Foothill Blvd and turn right.
http://tinyurl.com/yeo4xp
We could also meet at the staging area @ Couger Buttes at 10:30 for those that live out that way.

2/25 at 9am - SR 247 / Bessemer Mine Road Intersection (N 34 24.73 116 43.39')
Google Maps: http://tinyurl.com/3d4ymt
At 9:30am RattleSnake Canyon Trail Head:
.7 miles east of mile marker 27 off SR 247

2/24- Johnson Valley OHV area
Start at the east end off SR 247 via Camp Rock road, check out Couger Buttes, bomb to the Anderson Dry Lake, Powerline Rd, Bessemer Mine Rd, Rock Pile, Soggy Dry Lake, etc toward Means Dry Lake.

Primitive Group Camping Saturday night at someplace that looks good

2/25 - Rattlesnake Canyon [Moderate: ~ 25miles & 4 hours]
Starts off in the high desert washes, passes through a fun rocky, canyon, by some yucca & Joshua trees with a mine site and optional short dry waterfall climb along the way. At the burns canyon intersection we’re going to take 2n02 up to Big Bear. If there is water in the canyon the trail can get more difficult but still passable for stock 4x4’s, while dry its easy to moderate.

This run will be diverse and offer something for everyone from easy wash running, desert fast tracks, traditional trail rides, optional rock piles, with views, mine site, landmarks, and flora to see along the way. Stock friendly, one or both days. please post up if you're interested, have some other stuff in mind, etc.

Reference / GPS:
Guide to Socal Backroads and 4-wheel Drive Trails: Charles A. Wells
RattleSnake Canyon #43

Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area info from BLM
http://www.blm.gov/ca/barstow/johnson.html

Johnson Valley Landmarks:
http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Means_Dry_Lake

FRS Channel 2, Subcode 24
CB Channel 12

Brian

Sounds like a blast, any minimum setups for the run or can any X head out?

X2

Stock 4x4 with the step rails removed should be fine. If you want to do the optional stuff like the waterfalls in rattlesnake or some of the rock piles in Johnson Valley OHV than rock sliders and upgrades tires are recommended.

Erick, with those tires you have you should be fine. I did this one in a brand new stock 2005 S model last year (on stock Long Trails aired down a little), hit the frame rails a few times but that was about it. I had removed my step rails and mud flaps before going. There was another new truck right behind me that still had step rails on, he was fine as well except for some nicks on the steps.

I've cross-posted the run info to thenewx.org as well.

Heather and I expect to be there.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY (ad infinum) want to be there for this run... But chances are we me and emily will be moving as we have been asked to move by march
all I can say is :

This really is my favorite run I've ever done with SCCX. And two stock 2005's did the most difficult part of the rattlesnake trail with stock step rails on. This is a great run and I'd highly recommend it for new commers.

check out pictures from last year: http://chrisnem.com/gallery2/v/4x4/02_18-19_2006+-+Snow+Run/

Going to try to make this one. It's been far too long.

I will be there. I loved doing this run (Rattlesnake Canyon) last year. It was where I learned just how thin "stock friendly" could be stretched. With the lift, tires and sliders I'm ready for the waterfalls!

I'm up for it.

No kidding!

Well I am pretty sure I am in, though Ruth (my fiancee) won't be able to make it. She is going to be in Taiwan for work.

I think frank and Ed learned that the most.

I am in for the 25th. Good to go.

I should be able to go both days...hoping to have sliders by then. I just got engaged, so spending $$$ is a little hard to justify right now.
I like the Shrockworks sliders alot, but they are significantly more expensive than the Calminis, plus Calmini has them in stock and I can pick up in bakersfield on my next trip up there. Should I get the Calmini's or wait a long time to save enough for the Shrockworks (probably not til after the wedding in July???

All the sliders pretty much do the job, I like the look and extra tube of the shrocks.

If I had to wait for a while or do /wo why I was planning on running in the rocks I would think option for what I could afford at the time.

Money always makes a difference, but on the same note don't buy something now if you might regret it later. If you like the Shrocks more, then I would suggest holding off so you are happy with the setup. If you are indifferent, then buy the less expensive and easier to get ones (Calmini).

I was also curious, being a two day run are gas cans a must or do we have access to a gas station in between somewhere? (Sorry for all the questions, but I would rather be safe then sorry)

Erick, I don't know how close the gas stations will be, but I can tell you that last year I topped off my 05 tank at the Chevron meet spot and had just over 1/2 tank left when I got to the bottom of the hill (near I-10) from Big Bear on the way home that night. Keep in mind, though, that last year was a 1 day run, we did not spend the previous day running around an OHV area.

(Disclaimer: I only mention this because I know Erick has the same gen truck as mine, the older trucks may not get as good mileage, and people should act accordingly.)

Looks like I will be able to make both days instead of one like I thought. Anyone leaving from the 29 palms/joshua tree/yucca valley area? Maybe we can meet and leave at the same time.

Where's Ed? He can tell you it's stock friendly but you will break 2nd Gen mud flaps. May not actually tear them off like Calico but will break them.

No extra gas/cans needed just fuel up in Lucerne or Yucca Valley before the run.

Depending on the time/conditions on sunday we can opt to head towards Pioneer town from Burns Canyon after Rattlesnake intead of going all the way up to Big Bear, connects with SR 62 near Morongo Valley.
http://pioneertown.com/f-index.htm

Pioneer Town might be a good idea, especially if the weather is bad in Big Bear. Driving down the mountain last time took forever, especially with one of the roads closed we had to detour around the lake. Did not get home til 12:30 (of course, we didn't leave that Mexican restuarant til about 8:30).

Did Pioneer Town survive that last fire?

I am an maybe since I have some upcomming issues and 0nly sunday since I dont have camp gear and time constraints.

Yeah when Brian says STOCK friendly , be scared . Very scared . I followed him down an black diamond and to my surprise made it unscathed . Well minus some fressh scars on the rock krawlers

and brian what is better Johnson or rattlesnake . I can only do one day so I have to choose . I am thinking rattlesnake

Stupid question but, for camping, what is needed? A tent, sleeping bag and??