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??

Not much else. Beverage of your choice, maybe a shovel for, well, you know, and it doesn't hurt to bring some wood for the community fire.

It will probably be a bit chilly at night so you may want to bring about a million blankets.

It should be mentioned also that AFBDs are a good idea while in Johnson Valley. This area of SoCal has seen a lot of activity dating back to the 40s (George Van Tassel, Giant Rock, The Integratron). I lost the link when my computer mysteriously crashed, but I think Frank may still have it. Anyway, its always smart to play it safe when dealing with the Greys.

Definitely what he said. Mitch is the authority in these matters.

Hey guys this will be my first time out with the club looking forward to it. Mitch you think I can follow you to the chevron? I have never been there.

Boats, if you want to meet up in Yucca Valley and then head out that's cool but I'm not going to the Chevron as its on the way. We can meet up with the group at Means Dry Lake staging area or where ever the local meet spot will be. We will probably be there in plenty of time as Brian's definition of 9 am is as flexible as his definition of stock friendly.

Here you go, Mitch:

http://zapatopi.net/afdb/

I did not realize Johnson Valley was so "active". All I remember was some really cheap real estate (Chris & Em? Something to consider). Looks like we've got just under a month to get our "protection" together.

Mitch that's cool. I don't have any mods so I will have to take it easy but still looking forward to it. Just let me know where and what time in Yucca. Thanks

Posted by AV Xterra I dont know about Ed......but
Calico didn't break mine off- I still have several inches left on my remaining 3 mud flaps. I hope to make this trip -missed last trip due to driving backwards under the influence of the flu into a 60 foot pine tree planter. Get my X back Monday.
I may just leave my mudflaps on this next trip as a science experiment......... :p

I found a link to the Integratron that Mitch mentioned. I've never heard of this before, but it looks like it would be worth a visit. If you go to the link on the page for Visiting and scroll down you'll see that they have "public sound baths" on Sat 2/24 at Noon.

http://www.integratron.com/

An alternative activity for Saturday perhaps? Just a thought.

I am hoping to make this one! Haven't seen any of you guys since the Xterra triathlon last year.

the differece is you can actually run the race . The rest of us were posing for the cameras

The girlfriend and I will be there for both days.

If Syndicate's coming...I am out... j/k

Lol. Your buddy gonna be able to make it too?

I was rolling on the ground when you posted this when I was trying to sell the shocks.

Mitch and I will be joining the run on Sunday morning for Rattlesnake Canyon, as we are going to see the Integratron on Saturday. They are having a public "sound bath" at noon. They claim this to be "the only all-wood acoustically perfect sound chamber in the US". And, its "one of the top 10 places in the Morongo Basin". Since we're going to be so close, it just seems like the thing to do.



http://www.integratron.com/

I don't want to highjack the Saturday portion of the run, but anyone is welcome to join us if they want.

Yes, its true, I'll be bathing with Frank.

I just got a visual and I have to say..

MY EYES...MY EYES. RODS AND CONES...MY EYES..OH MY GOD, THE HUMANITY..

Sorry, I digress.

Seriously? There's more than one or two things in the Morongo Basin to see? And they rank them? :rolleyes:

Are you guys turning hippie on us?

Well Chris, not that I was ever what one would actually call a "hippie", but my hair has not always been short and grey. Back in the mid to late 70's and early 80's I had fairly long dark hair and a full beard. Experienced more than one fairly thorough border crossing search when I lived in Italy in 1979-80. Got a lot of attention from the Border Patrol every time I drove out of San Diego in the early 80's. Luckily there is not much photographic evidence of those days.

The Integratron and its history seems interesting, besides, anything to take our minds off that photo that Syndicate posted earlier in this thread.

Belive it or not I had long hair for about 10 years, and I always got called a hippie,but believe me I'm not even close

Hey guys never done one of these. I don't know any of you and don't know if to get out at the meet point and introduce or if we are going to stay in our vehicles and wait til we take off.

Welcome to the club. You're right at that point all of us were before our first runs. Get out of the truck, introduce yourself, meet new people, check-out other's trucks, mods, etc. Rattlesnake Canyon last year was my first run with the club and I've met some great people and Mitch. It helps too if you have an FRS radio along so you can communicate with the group while we're moving.

Don't worry Boats, we'll get you there with little or no damage. Brian, how about a high desert meet at either Camp Rock Rd. or Bessemer Mine Road? Hi Dan.

Hey thanks guys. I have a pair of radios ready to go. I will get out and introduce myself. Let me know if you guys set up a meet in this area. I am all for it. Thanks again. I will go out and buy a tow strap today.

Rattlesnake Canyon sounds like a fun ride. I might just have to head south and give it a shot. Unfortunately, I won't have the rock sliders by then. I can't wait to get the new X off road though!

Rob

This Is Mrs. Snoopy, We would like to join you for the Saturday run Thanks

I'll bring a couple handles of firewood. I'm assuming we should all try to bring a little so Brian or someone doesn't have to haul up a big load.

Just saw a 10 day forecast, and rain in the lower elevation and snow in the upper elevation forecasted for at least Thursday and Friday of next week. Big Bear Weather (And rain elsewhere): WEATHER

The Tour of California is going to win out that weekend. Stage 6 rides into Santa Clarita and I'll be in Long Beach the next day to photograph it as well. Have fun.

I know, I'm kind of bummed I'm going to miss the race. Not going to miss the traffic, tho.

See everyone in BB.

Hmm...

Are you thinking about it? Don't think, just do.

At least do Sunday. The waterfall should be a piece of cake this year with your truck mods.

Mmmmm... cake.

The wife and I will be there.

No skid plates yet, just the stock ones. :rolleyes:

No problem. The stock ones dent-up just fine.

Hey guys. I regret to say that I will not be able to make it. I took my X to the dealer for what I thought was a minor oil leak and turns out they have to replace the valve cover and some other shit The manifold I think. I am pissed. i was told it may be ready on the 24th so I am hoping that I can make it for the 25th but not sure. Sorry guys

Sorry to hear about the X, and hopefully it all fixes up well.

Boats, hope you can get your truck fixed in time for Sunday. If you do, at least Mitch and I will be heading up to the meet spot from Indio on Sunday morning. We could meet up with you somewhere along the way, say Yucca Valley. I will PM you my cell phone number, that may be an easier way to coordinate a meet spot if you can make it.

If i plan on coming on sunday only, where can i meet you guys? Directions?

Look for the UFO a bunch of X's, or the 1st page for directions:

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

Google Maps: http://tinyurl.com/3d72ye
At 9:30am RattleSnake Canyon Trail Head:
.7 miles east of mile marker 27 off SR 247

Hey thanks Frank I will call you if I am able to make it. I sure as hell hope it's ready for Sunday.

I Will be there both days. Unfortunatly Jake (xterradude) can't come in his X but I will add a Fronty to the list.

I'll be there gettin off early sat morning so I will be there. I'm lookin forward to meeting all of you since I wasnt able to make the january run.

so... im out of this one. I've been sick all week and was hoping to get better by today but it looks like I will be sick for at least another week! Bummer!!! Hope I can join you guys next month, although next month I'll be getting ready to be done with school so I dunno how busy I'm going to be...

Have fun everyone, be safe and take lots of pictures!!

Mrs. X2THA_T