TheSamba.com :: View topic - SoCal Bajas Last-Minute Death Valley Dirt

Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:13 pm

Sorry guys. I should have posted this earlier:

Our three-day New Year's "MEGA RUN" turned into a single-day "MINI RUN", due to scheduling problems. So here's the (REVISED) deal: We'll be meeting about a half hour north of Baker at the Harry Wade Road turn-off from HWY 127 at 8:00 AM on January 2nd for an all day adventure. We'll be exploring trails, mines, washes, canyons, and the usual historical stuff. This run is safe for even the most stock vehicles, so if you were ever thinking about going out with a bunch of fun guys and getting some dirt, this would be a good introduction to the group. It'll be a really good time. Join us.

BTW, it's right in the Dumpot Dunes area if anyone is making a weekend out of it. Many of us are going to be "Truck Camping" in our tow vehicles in or around Baker the night before. You're welcome to join us for that, too!

So far... Here's a list of "Probable" participants:

57baja
mgirdner
regnbus (Trail Leader this time)
JohnTheWelder
emboomer
DustyBus
HOTBAJA
BlackDog
SamW
BanditBill
Idm314

(cut and paste your name to the bottom and re-post so we know to look for you!)

Also, PM me and I'll get you more info and a phone number.

CB's are recommended, but not necessary for participation.

Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:21 am

We're up to 12 thrill seekers now:

Roll Call:
57baja
mgirdner
regnbus (Trail Leader this time)
JohnTheWelder
emboomer
DustyBus
HOTBAJA
BlackDog
SamW
BanditBill
Idm314
nukeworker

It's a big desert -- there's always room for more. :D

This run will involve both the "Kingston Wash" and the "Sperry Wash" trails that are covered in most of the trail books.

Thu Dec 31, 2009 2:41 pm

mgirdner wrote: We're up to 12 thrill seekers now:

Roll Call:
57baja
mgirdner
regnbus (Trail Leader this time)
JohnTheWelder
emboomer
DustyBus
HOTBAJA
BlackDog
SamW
BanditBill
Idm314
nukeworker

It's a big desert -- there's always room for more. :D

This run will involve both the "Kingston Wash" and the "Sperry Wash" trails that are covered in most of the trail books.

Man I wish I live in so cal sometimes :cry:

Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:56 pm

Dude, there's a couple of guys coming all the way from the SF Bay area!

Sun Jan 03, 2010 3:03 am

Any pics of the trip? I was on an awesome run off Trona road (Grass Valley Trail) today in a non VW. sure wish I was in one of my vdubs though.

Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:42 pm

One of the most significant things about this month's run was that we set the record for the most Things on a single outing.
We had four '73 Things, two bajas and one squareback.

We basically made a big circle around Dumont Dumes.

We met at the Harry Wade Exit corner of Death Valley, cruised by Dumont Dunes, then ran the Sperry Wash trail and Alexander Hills Trail up to Excelsior Mine Road then crossed over to the Kingston Wash trail and ran down towards 127.
Near the end of the Kingston trail we took a quick spur up to the Crusty Bunny cabin before returning back to the start to scarf down some of 57baja's amazing carne asada.

This was probably the easiest run we've ever done as far a challenges go

The only problems of the day were a bent steering dampner and a dented fender.

Here's a no-frills video to give you a flavor of the scenery.

-Mark

Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:02 pm

Hey thanks! Cool footage. Wasn't it a bitchin day yesterday? How often do you guys go wheelin? I live in the Hi Desert and try to go out every weekend or almost every weekend. Even if it's a quick one or two hour trip from the house, it's still a blast.

Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:17 pm

We go on a run once a month and we also get together for pizza once a month too.

You can find out more at http://socalbajas.com.

Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:38 pm

Here are a few o my favorite pictures, of course, starting with my very favorite of them all:

BajaSquared...

My son Robert driving BajaSquared:

The results of Robert driving BajaSquared.... Now temporarily referred to as Baja Impaired:

My personal favorite group shot of the cars:

Another group shot of the cars:

What happened here? A seriously bent steering stabilizer was preventing SamW from being able to turn left. It was binding on the tunnel.

Here, SamW is doing his best impersonation of HOTBAJA, while sneaking up on his prey:

SamW, proudly displaying his trophy kill. He said he's going to take it to the taxidermist when he gets back home!

more misc shots....

And per our recent SoCal Bajas tradition....

It just wouldn't be right not to include somebody taking a leak in a run photo collage:

Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:50 am

Cool photos. Looks like you guys had a blast on your trip!

Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:05 am

looks like alot of fun... I live in ventura county i might have to make a run or two ....

Tue Jan 05, 2010 1:43 pm

I have put this in the Thing Forum, but this is a better place.

Thank you Socal Bajas for a great time.

Here are too many pics, but it shows Brian and me driving down I-5, my camera mount on the window, and some pics of the drive through the dirt

I guess that I have my work made out.
New windshield wiper, new starter motor, new steering damper, but as Arnie says
"I will be back"

Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:48 am

Awesome pics fellas

Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:55 am

My first cut at a video, I will make it better