TheSamba.com :: View topic - Mt. Shasta Snow Trip Feb 2nd

Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:08 pm

No, only when he doesn't have time.

Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:33 pm

Yep, every year at the last minute like clockwork. Keeps things challenging.

Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:55 pm

Update from Team Oregon,

Test run on rainy muddy backraods went great. Pepto and Green Truck kicked some ass ripping around some crazy trails, we even got to plow through some snow covered roads! Green Truck is in tip-top shape, wipers wipe, heater heats the cab, cb works, and now it's time for Shasta!

Next for me is to build my tweaker front bumper!!

Over and Out, Mr. Armstrong

P.S. Eat my Mud!!!

Sun Jan 24, 2010 4:55 pm

Mr. Armstrong wrote: Update from Team Oregon,

Test run on rainy muddy backraods went great. Pepto and Green Truck kicked some ass ripping around some crazy trails, we even got to plow through some snow covered roads! Green Truck is in tip-top shape, wipers wipe, heater heats the cab, cb works, and now it's time for Shasta!

Next for me is to build my tweaker front bumper!!

Over and Out, Mr. Armstrong

P.S. Eat my Mud!!!

Totally Awesome! 8)

Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:54 pm

I'm ready to go and get muddy

Sun Jan 24, 2010 9:07 pm

I'm feeling the shakes tonight. Maybe it's that the site's been updated and we have our countdown clock going.

It's been quiet this evening...everyone's either wrenching or resting well.

Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:22 am

NorCalRiviera wrote: I'm feeling the shakes tonight. Maybe it's that the site's been updated and we have our countdown clock going.

It's been quiet this evening...everyone's either wrenching or resting well.

I've been watching inspirational TV programs and movies and revisiting some of my favorite reading.
TV programs include Man VS Wild and I Shouldn't Be Alive.

on DVD.....
Gumball Rally (thanks to Brian)
Dust To Glory (thanks to Gary)
Cannonball Run
Into the Wild
Vertical Limit
Cliffhanger
CastAway
Journey To The Center Of The Earth
The Darien Gap (Documentary)

Books....
Baja Bugs And Buggies
Nine Lives Later (thanks to Brian)
Driven By A Dream
The Longest Walk
Road Fever
Road Race Round The World
Lost In My Own Backyard

11 Days And Counting!
Tick Tok- Tick Tok

Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:52 am

I've been playing Gene's video of Friday 2009 to get me through the various setbacks. Have to work for most of the day today, getting to that electrical tonight. Fresh link to it!

http://www.vimeo.com/7945054

Conversation with my wife after showing her the video:

"How long are you guys driving?"

"I don't really know, this is my first trip. Maybe 18 hours?"

"It takes THAT LONG to get to Shasta?"

"Well, they don't just drive up I-5, they find every available muddy, snow covered, impassible dirt road between here and there."

"You just drive?"

"Yep."

"Oh."

Then I played the Saturday video for her.

"What? Why are the buses driving the other way?"

"They're just playing around having fun."

"Have fun." Then she escapes my office.

Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:25 pm

Shasta Moonshine

Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:49 pm

Wanna take a peek under the skirts!?

I guess Lou finally came up with something to assist him with the snow chain application. Utilizing the OG Foxcrafts to work with the contours of the hacked wheel wells... do we sense a new craze coming???

OG Foxcrafts courtesy of James B. Roth collection...

Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:34 pm

derRHDmeister wrote: Wanna take a peek under the skirts!?

I guess Lou finally came up with something to assist him with the snow chain application. Utilizing the OG Foxcrafts to work with the contours of the hacked wheel wells... do we sense a new craze coming???

OG Foxcrafts courtesy of James B. Roth collection...

LMFAO!

OG Foxcrafts on the SST? Right next to chained tires? In the Snow?
2FF!

Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:52 pm

Update-

The Mango Express has been in the shop all month of January getting a new transmission due to a very long drawn out bunch of problems (trany #3). They said they hope it will be done by the middle of this week. Just in time to pack and head out(gulp). I spent today packing tools and getting stuff set out for tubs and boxes for the trip. This year team Mango will be 3 strong!! Both my brothers will be co-piloting this year. So pending an actual bus in front of me(ha ha) I am shaking and ready to go, ready to go, ready to go,

Pretrip will be heading south toward adventure

Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:30 am

Surf City update:
Looks like Randy won't be going, but my longtime copilot (on land, sea and air) will be joining team Surf City for his second year in a row.

Got rid of the Surfboards and wetsuit and traded them for a chainsaw, come-a-long, floor jack, chains and spare parts box.

The bus just got new torsion leaves in the front, gave the rears one more notch of height. Did the valves, timed and set up the spare distributor. I dialed in the carbs to what I thought was perfect and then started to doubt myself and took it to a pro. He changed the idles up a size and then it ran like shite on the low end, waaaay to fat. Borrowed my friends wideband, confirmed what I thought, and went back down a size to right where I had it dialed by reading the plugs and listening. Purrrrrs like a kitten.

Greased the front end, adjusted brakes. Still need to do the parking brake.

Hope everyone's prep is going well.

Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:10 am

9 Days, 20 Hours, 20 Minutes, and 20 Seconds, and Counting!

Nice to see the count down clock on www.shastasnowtrip.com working again!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock 8)

Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:29 am

Yeah, I didn't get much info added to the site, but got the new date up, and the important part, the countdown clock. Of course at this point my clock is at 1 week, 8 hours until launch, so time is closing in, which isn't unexpected.

I did get my engine torn the rest of the way down last night. All the lifters were galled on the contact surface, with the worst on the exhaust for 1 & 3, and just as suspected, that lobe of the cam looked more like a bearing journal than a lobe at this point. Looks like the main bearing saddles are good, but might need the thrust cleaned up. I'm hoping my faithful assistants get the parts cleaned today, and I'm going to see if they can get the case down to be cleaned and thrust cut. With any luck the new heads, cam and lifters will be here in the next day or so. I suspect the 40 X 35.5 valves are going to be bigger than I want, but I guess that will have to do for now. I wanted to build a higher HP 2L to go along with my torque monster one, so maybe that's what I'm working on building this time and I'll go back and build the other one up with different heads. For now as long as it runs well and is done in the next 7.3 days I'll be good.

Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:07 pm

I found this on another off road expedition site and thought it was good reading. I believe most of these thoughts are already found on the SST website but it never hurts to get a refresher.

Off Road Code Of Ethics

This by no means is a list of all the things to consider, but it is a good starting point.

1. Safety First. Always keep the vehicle behind you in your mirrors in case something happens.
At all intersections make sure the vehicle behind you knows which way to go. If there is any doubt, wait until you see them make the turn. If the vehicle behind you stops for any reason, wait until they get going again.
Get lost together. Unless it is previously agreed upon to split up the group, don't. Work out any differences of opinion before acting

2. Drive "as slow as possible, as fast as necessary" Remember to use the gears to efficiently manage engine power, braking and torque.

3. Be environmentally responsible. Support the "Tread Lightly" program that teaches land awareness policy which stresses environmental conservation in order to ensure the long-term preservation of our natural heritage.

4. Recognize that Type 2's and Type 2 Owners are differentially able. Try to be patient. The diversity of the trip attendees is generally a positive thing. But everyone must be willing to compromise. Try and describe expected trip conditions/attitudes up front so people can make a decision on whether to attend and with what vehicle. Ask before you commit to something you won't be comfortable with.

5. Be on time at the expedition starting point.

6. Always keep moving. We will stop more than enough times to discuss directions, take pictures, eat lunch, fix vehicles, etc. Minimize unnecessary stopping. If you do stop let everyone know why and for approximately how long. Nothing is more frustrating than being at the back of a convoy and not knowing what is going on.
If you see something you feel is interesting and want to stop and investigate please call it to the group's attention. It is likely others are thinking the same thing or just happened to miss seeing it. Too often we drive by interesting places, side trails, etc., just because no one wants to be the one to stop the convoy. (Use judgment if it is getting late in the day.)

7. Pack appropriately. Pack supplies, tools and extra gear, just in case. Be sure the gear is secured inside the vehicle so it doesn't bounce around while you're off-road.

8. Verify that your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition before you leave.

9. In remote areas travel with another vehicle.

10. Call all in oncoming traffic or obstacles. Much of the time dust obscures the trailing vehicle's vision.

11. Know the underside of your vehicle. Look under your vehicle and learn where the lowest-hanging parts are located so you can avoid damaging them.

12. Learn your angles. Study and know your approach and departure angles as well as your turnover angle to avoid damaging your vehicle.

13. Don't tailgate. Leave plenty of space. The person in front of you won't let you get lost. (See 1) Keep any mishaps isolated to one vehicle

14. Scout tricky terrain on foot. Don't hesitate to get out of the vehicle to examine, up close, the terrain and soil conditions. And be sure to scout out what's on the other side of a hill ahead of time so there are no surprises.

15. Don't wrap your thumbs around the steering wheel. Sudden steering wheel movements can result in injury.

16. Drive with both feet. Having both feet on the pedals speeds up your response time for needed power and braking input.

17. Create a mental picture. Look ahead and visualize the paths you want your tires to travel. Follow those paths.

18. Drive straight up and down hills. Avoid diagonal lines that put the vehicle in a situation where it might roll.

19. Wear your seat belt and be safe.

20. Keep the environment clean. Carry your own-and maybe other people's trash home.

21. Obtain permission before driving on private land. Leave livestock alone and gates as found.

22. Respect our wildlife. Stop and look, but never disturb or chase animals.

23. Respect other recreationalist's rights to peace and solitude outdoors.

Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:26 pm

Some of these roads remind me of Shasta

Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:00 pm

Good info. Lots of stuff that would help make the trip better for all.

bad dog racing wrote: I found this on another off road expedition site and thought it was good reading. I believe most of these thoughts are already found on the SST website but it never hurts to get a refresher.

Off Road Code Of Ethics

This by no means is a list of all the things to consider, but it is a good starting point.

1. Safety First. Always keep the vehicle behind you in your mirrors in case something happens.
At all intersections make sure the vehicle behind you knows which way to go. If there is any doubt, wait until you see them make the turn. If the vehicle behind you stops for any reason, wait until they get going again.
Get lost together. Unless it is previously agreed upon to split up the group, don't. Work out any differences of opinion before acting

2. Drive "as slow as possible, as fast as necessary" Remember to use the gears to efficiently manage engine power, braking and torque.

3. Be environmentally respobsible. Support the "Tread Lightly" program that teaches land awareness policy which stresses environmental conservation in order to ensure the long-term preservation of our natural heritage.

4. Recognize that Type 2's and Type 2 Owners are differentially able. Try to be patient. The diversity of the trip attendees is generally a positive thing. But everyone must be willing to compromise. Try and describe expected trip conditions/attitudes up front so people can make a decision on whether to attend and with what vehicle. Ask before you commit to something you won't be comfortable with.

5. Be on time at the expedition starting point.

6. Always keep moving. We will stop more than enough times to discuss directions, take pictures, eat lunch, fix vehicles, etc. Minimize unnecessary stopping. If you do stop let everyone know why and for approximately how long. Nothing is more frustrating than being at the back of a convoy and not knowing what is going on.
If you see something you feel is interesting and want to stop and investigate please call it to the group's attention.. It is likely others are thinking the same thing or just happened to miss seeing it. I think to often we drive by interesting places, side trails, etc., just because no one wants to be the one to stop the convoy. (Use judgment if it is getting late in the day.)

7. Pack appropriately. Pack supplies, tools and extra gear, just in case. Be sure the gear is secured inside the vehicle so it doesn't bounce around while you're off-road.

8. Verify that your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition before you leave.

9. In remote areas travel with another vehicle.

10. Call all in oncoming traffic or obstacles. Much of the time dust obscures the trailing vehicle's vision. (See 4)

11. Know the underside of your vehicle. Look under your vehicle and learn where the lowest-hanging parts are located so you can avoid damaging them.

12. Learn your angles. Study and know your approach and departure angles as well as your turnover angle to avoid damaging your vehicle.

13. Don't tailgate. Leave plenty of space. The person in front of you won't let you get lost. (See 1) Keep any mishaps isolated to one vehicle

14. Scout tricky terrain on foot. Don't hesitate to get out of the vehicle to examine, up close, the terrain and soil conditions. And be sure to scout out what's on the other side of a hill ahead of time so there are no surprises.

15. Don't wrap your thumbs around the steering wheel. Sudden steering wheel movements can result in injury.

16. Drive with both feet. Having both feet on the pedals speeds up your response time for needed power and braking input.

17. Create a mental picture. Look ahead and visualize the paths you want your tires to travel. Follow those paths.

18. Drive straight up and down hills. Avoid diagonal lines that put the vehicle in a situation where it might roll.

19. Wear your seat belt and be safe.

20. Keep the environment clean. Carry your own-and maybe other people's trash home.

21. Obtain permission before driving on private land. Leave livestock alone and gates as found.

22. Respect our wildlife. Stop and look, but never disturb or chase animals.

23. Respect other recreationalist's rights to peace and solitude outdoors.

Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:19 pm

Reminds me of 08'

Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:05 am

Gene isn't gonna like #6 :wink: