Syncro Solstice, May 10-13 2012

[davevickery]

Miguel, when you get to the dirt parking lot (sorry.. campground) with 40 vans in it, you'll know you're at the right place. It'll be fun to see you again, it's been a while.
Dave

[Classicvibe]

The attendees list (at the beginning of this thread) will be updated shortly , but I want to give notice that I need to finalize shirts today, and although I am going to buy a few extra, there is a chance that if you have not registered today by say, noon, you will not receive a shirt. Payment also needs to be submitted unless you have made other arrangements with someone on the Solstice Staff. I will stall on shirt ordering if I can, but we are down to the last moments now. There are 11 people registered that have not paid, and there are a few people that have neither registered nor paid.

Along those lines, the "Rush" shirt is freaking awesome, and totally heavy metal, and there are only like 6 of them sold so far...read: "Rare & Limited edition!!!!"
_________________
Peace, Johnny

...on a mission
The destination is just an excuse.

My van is going to kick ass for the next Solstice...I'm just sayin'

1986-n-a-half Pop-top Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition Weekender Syncro Kombi

[ranchero]

Any of you going to Syncro Solstice need a working stock (1990) fridge? I could bring with for the price of a few 6 packs of microbrew. Just don't buy the brew in Utah!
Steve
_________________
'90 Westy Syncro EJ25 (money pit #1)
'95 Audi S6 Avant (money pit #2)
'96 FZJ80 (cheap by comparison^^)

[hans j]

[Classicvibe]

I am unable to edit the original post, so here is an update on registration. Please check to see that your name is on the correct list.

Unpaid people with Asterisk* have already made arrangements for payment. The other unpaid folks I would like to hear from, and I am sending an email now to ensure you are indeed coming.

Unpaid
45 Crake *
46 jarnecke *
47 Lyons *
48 Maw *
49 Rousseau *
50 Santillan
51 Teerlink *

Paid
1 Bews
2 Borrego
3 Clement
4 Corkins
5 Donaldson
6 Dorr
7 Drillock
8 Fowers
9 gamble
10 Good
11 Hamm
12 Harr
13 Harris
14 Hines
15 Ice
16 Jones
17 Jorgensen
18 Keller
19 Langan
20 Morby
21 Morris
22 Nelson
23 Pacheco
24 Payne
25 Pearson
26 Peters
27 Sewalson
28 Sherman
29 Slade
30 Solomon
31 Stevens
32 Stewart
33 Stone
34 supanich
35 trussell
36 turpin
37 Verry
38 Vickery
39 Walker
40 White
41 Wolfson
42 Smith
43 Knoll
44 seuferer


What? Your name is not listed? Did you register at Syncrosolstice.com? If so, PM me, otherwise, please get those registrations in with the quickness! Ordering shirts in 45 minutes.
_________________
Peace, Johnny

...on a mission
The destination is just an excuse.

My van is going to kick ass for the next Solstice...I'm just sayin'

1986-n-a-half Pop-top Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition Weekender Syncro Kombi

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

Just signed up. Sorry the Splitzgauer is not going to make it. It will be at the VW on the Greens show. I am headed out to Relaxxxx
_________________
Rocky Mountain Westy Inc.
www.rockymountainwesty.com
970-310-3441
[email protected]

[Farfrumwork]

My arrival is looking bleak

Tranny is still with Rancho, and there are only 6 days 'till departure.

If I get there it'll be a miracle, brought to life through no-issues UPS delivery and a marathon garage session.

Bummer
_________________
'85 Wolfsburg, EJ22/ syncro tranny - Full Syncro conversion in process (+ 2.5L upgrade!)
'07 Legacy spec.B, stgII

NOTICE: Insanity has replaced reason in the design and construction of this vehicle.

[cseuferer]

Steve,
Yes I could use this. Its got to be better than mine.
Takes forever to light and doesn't always stay lit, has no gas lit indicator.
If it is not spoken for I'll take it.
Jack

[davevickery]

[Classicvibe]

Chad, that is totally unacceptable. Your crew was central to last years fun, and we all have very high expectations for you and your awesome family. You know there is a ton more going on then just driving trails, so don't think for one second that one way or another you are not coming.

I offer this to you, that it may provide a glimpse of hope-my parting view in the early morning hours from last night's session:



As you can see, my van's attendance is questionable as well, but I will be there either way. I have had all this stuff for like 6 months, but of course started a matter of days ago. Late night sessions mean I fall asleep every time I sit down. The good thing Chad, is that Mike @ Rancho will have a look at this thread, and be magically inclined to do everything in his power to get you to the event under your own power. Your hurdles will be significant, and that is what you get for swallowing the blue pill my friend. See you in 7 days.
_________________
Peace, Johnny

...on a mission
The destination is just an excuse.

My van is going to kick ass for the next Solstice...I'm just sayin'

1986-n-a-half Pop-top Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition Weekender Syncro Kombi

[Classicvibe]

Solstice General Update

Greetings. As a quick reminder, the location and pretty much everything else is the same as last year. You can follow the 2011 thread on page 1 of this thread to find exact directions. Sorry for being shy on info there. If I get a moment I will rustle up those directions to post here. Basically, you are taking the 191 that goes into Moab, hitting the 313 which is about 12 miles north of Moab. You drive up to Lone Mesa Campground, which is sunk off to the right of the road around 9 miles up on the way to Island in the Sky/Dead Horse Point. We will place the first broken down van out there as a cairn of sorts.

As edits are made, you can refer here to see if you have the latest info from this post:
Release: 2.1
Updated: Monday May 7th 4:00 pm MTN

- Hiking added (Cable Arch on Chicken/Hurrah, Star Wars Canyon, Millcreek)
- Camp site: We have the first 3 camp sites on the right, A, B and C.

A is for family with kids, or folks that get tired at 8pm.
B is for those who are not sure
C is for those who are willing to talk shop to the wee hours.
Generally, B and C probably run about the same, and anyone can go anywhere of course, but keep in mind we will put the fire pit in camp C, and prefer to keep kids on the most safe environment we can.

- As a reminder, there will be a trailer in the center of camp where people will list the adventures they are leading, and sign ups. If you have an idea or wish, you can list it as well.
- Dino Hunting Afternoon Delight
- Daily River play Afternoon Delight
- Mtn Bike Afternoon Delight planned for Friday (although it may be a morning adventure, not sure yet)
- Updated Trails and Trail Masters
- Hell's revenge added to Death Cookies
- Reminder: Firewood is welcome at this event, although it is more for ambiance than heat, but you never know...the desert is a funny place
- FYI: Afternoon Delights and Mingle & Mods listed shortly


In the meantime, here is the tentative trail schedule based on the setups of the vans attending, driver ability, number of people and acute trail conditions. These variables are of course constantly shifting, and are meant to help with a general selection to get you out for the day.

Generally speaking, we have worked in two trips for each group per day, unless there were not enough people. Keep in mind, rogue trips will be going out all the time. We will have a central sign up in the middle of camp where you can find a trip to sign on to. Trail leaders are scarce this year, because of the amount of trails we are covering.

As a guideline, trails and size are grouped as follow:

Scenic Back Roads
These trips are geared for touring, scenery, and site seeing. These trips cover some ground, and are geared toward taking in a lot of the land in the short time you are here. You can expect 90% pavement and 10% gravel/dirt.
- Clearance requirement: All
- Drive Requirement: All
- Group Limit: All
- Driver Exp: All

Thursday:
- Arches Self guided - Remember Park fees (you can get the annual pass for around $80. If you hit Arches and Canyonlands, and plan a few more during the year, this is a decent deal. I think both are $10/car for 7 days).

Friday:
- La Sal Loop, Onion Creek/Fisher Towers, winery - Tom Ice Trail Master (this group is splits, then meets up, then splits again, so there is likely a secondary Trail Master)

Saturday:
- Island in the Sky to Upheaval Dome (Race Day on 313) - Self guided - Remember Park fees (you can get the annual pass for around $80. If you hit Arches and Canyonlands, and plan a few more during the year, this is a decent deal. I think both are $10/car for 7 days).

Sunday:
- Do an off-road expedition!

Offroad Expeditions
These trails are geared to get you into some more remote places, sticking with some great scenery, still covering some miles on the route less traveled.
- Clearance requirement: More helps, but driving experience is just as useful.
- Drive Requirement: All
- Group Limit: 15(ish)
- Driver Exp: Willing to navigate small changes in terrain.

Thursday:
- Picture Frame - Dave Rousseau Trail Master

Friday:
- La Sal Loop and Geyser Pass Via Sand Flats, Onion Creek/Fisher Towers, winery - Tom Ice Trail Master (this group is splits, then meets up, then splits again, so there is likely a secondary Trail Master)
- Canyon Rim Overlooks - Dave Rousseau Trail Master

Saturday:
- Spring Canyon to Hey Joe Canyon (Race Day on 313) (easy-harder, go until you get spooked) - Tom Ice Trail Master
- Tusher Tunnel (Race Day on 313) - David Fowers Trail Master

Sunday:
- Richard's Mineral-Julien Adventure - http://jones.colorado.edu/MoabApril09/six.html - Down mineral bottom road to an inscription from the French-Canadian traveler Julien from 1836. Richard Jones Trail Master
- Lockhart Canyon - Dave Rousseau Trail Master

Methodic Ascents
A slower moving group, covering less terrain, to more remote areas and conquering some of Moab's light obstacles. You will test van capabilities here on a basic level.
- Clearance requirement: More helps, but driving experience is just as useful.
- Drive Requirement: AWD or Locker
- Group Limit: 11(ish)
- Driver Exp: Obstacle navigation necessary.

Thursday:
- Spring Canyon Bottom

Friday:
- Fower's Catacomb Chicken Hurrah - This is a trip out to Chicken Corners via Hurrah Pass, with an integrated Afternoon Delight to Catacomb Rock wind caves. Also quick Cable/Funnel Arch Hike David Fowers Trail Master
- Bob's Island in the Sky Expedition - Fower's rolling Potash via Long Canyon (conditions willing) up to Lathrop and Schaffer Trail. Bob Stevens Trail Master

Saturday:
- Spring Canyon to Hey Joe Canyon (Race Day on 313) (easy-harder, go until you get spooked) - Tom Ice Trail Master
- Rainbow Terrace (Race Day on 313)
- Secret Spire - (Race Day on 313) - Chad Morris Trail Master

Sunday:
- Gemini Bridges (can be done on your way out from camp to the 191)
- Book Cliffs & Sego Canyon (can be done if you are leaving via I-70)



Obstacle Madness
Kind of like a dare you might say. These trails require constant evaluation, navigation, approaches and gearing and whatever tools you have. Expect scrapes and quite technical situations.
- Clearance requirement: 1"+ recommended and/or larger tire combo
- Drive Requirement: Granny, AWD+ whatever else you have in your quiver
- Group Limit: 8(ish)
- Driver Exp: You are advised to have some slick rock experience and feel quite comfortable in the offroad world. This is not accomplished in a single weekend if you are a highway man.

Thursday:
- Still trying to decide on this

Friday:
- Fins and things
- Fins and things (part 2)

Saturday:
- Elephant Hill (or at least up to the hill)
- Secret Spire - (Race Day on 313) Chad Morris Trail Master

Sunday:
- Bull Canyon - Tom Ice Trail Master

Death Cookies
This is just for the crazy folks. I mean, regular people say vanagon folks are crazy. This is for people that the crazy vanagon folks call crazy.
- Clearance requirement: 6 Feet
- Drive Requirement: Nothing Stock
- Group Limit: Probably just you
- Driver Exp: You will need to have connected with your vehicle in a metaphysical way, like in the movie Avatar.

Thursday:
- Kane Creek - Possibly led by Bryan Dorr

Friday:
- Gold Bar Rim (scratched behind the rocks, it is just too big) - Possibly led by Bryan Dorr

Saturday:
- Hell's Revenge (Thanks for the reminder Hans, that fell off my list somewhere along the way) - Bryan Trail Trail Master

Sunday:
- Poison Spider - Possibly led by Bryan Dorr

Afternoon Delights and other side adventures

Saturday Town Dinner via Long Canyon (Down) - Tom Ice and Fower's or Dorr or Bob pulling up the rear

Dinosaur Hunting - Kids 4-99 take off for a few hours of track and fossil hunting. To be fit in where we can!

Millcreek Canyon Hiking - Great place to cool off and see some lovely wall art. A little primer here: http://jamesmcgillis.com/default.asp?id=120

Playing on the River - Friday or Saturday - Grab whatever you have and come do the daily! You can also rent boats in town. Kayaks, Duckies, large paddle boats, all are welcome.

Star Wars Canyon (Day Canyon) - Great for Shaffer folks, Poison Spider, Long Canyon, etc. Potash Road, mile marker 4 (12 miles from Highway 191), semi-hidden canyon opening on the right hand side of the road. Parandad willows, then right side of the canyon following old 4x4 trails. About 1 mile up hit canyon to the right, hike 1/4 mile to small spring.

Friday Mountain Biking - Jeremy has planned a "Magnificent 7" bike adventure using the Coyote Shuttle Stretch Vanagon. I think he has around 10 slots left.

[Syncronicity]

Just counted the dogs that will be participating Remember, that they will not be allowed in the National Parks while doing your trip planning. Bring lots of cool water for them. The extended forecast is calling for near 90 degrees next weekend.
_________________
Tom, Juanita and Iggy the Dirty Desert Dog
2.1 L 87 Syncro
KD0ALU
________oo_oo
/ /__/___[_____\
I I======[]IIIII[]
()_)------()_)----)_)

[hans j]

[Mundopacheco]

Looks like I'll be ready. I'm just about to stab in my German Transaxle rebuilt tranny. It developed a hairline crack in the case, while in Baja, last November. I would have had it in by now, but I had to recover from a fall on the ice, in December (four fractured vertebrae.)
So it looks like it's 'all systems go,' other than this and that....like a leaking steering rack and so on and so forth....as is common.
Will probably make the 'Zesty' Solstice a couple of weeks later, too.
Miguel
91 SVX Syncro AW

[ASIsyncro]

Here's our 2 cents, for what it is worth

Kane Creek- You can probably only go in so far (near the beginning) and then there is a nasty obstacle. It had a go around but was washed out last year, was trouble in a wrangler w/ 35s last Nov. That obstacle is definite body damage.

Hells Revenge- We can go as far as we dare but keep in mind we have to come back up what we went down because the end is not syncro friendly.

Gold Bar Rim- This one has a steep obstacle that you usually have to winch jeeps up, probably not good for syncros. That is the first obstacle you come to.

Fins-N-Things would be a fun place to play on certain obstacles but it wouldn't be a "trail ride", but you definitely could spend some time playing and it's a great place for pictures!

Secret Spire/Dellenbaugh Tunnel- This one looks really cool. It's rated as moderate in our jeep trail guide book. Has some cool water carved canyons. Never been there but looks good.

[ASIsyncro]

Oh and BTW- On Elephant Hill (down by Monticello, UT) you cannot have dogs with you because it is part of Canyonlands.

[carterzest]

[Love My Westy]

I'm going to head down to Moab from Salt Lake after lunch on Tuesday. That will give me a free day on Weds to do some mountain biking before Syncro Solstice on Thursday. Anybody else care to drive down to SS a couple of days early?

[mtbiker62]

A European couple, Rainer and Brigitte ([email protected]) have lost their diesel engine. Their plight has been forwarded to several groups/lists/members to try and muster a solution. I last called Allan Anderson (Utah Imports, Salt Lake City) then forwarded a file of information about this to his FB account. The UI owner, Jeff Keller, and a primary mechanic, Hans have been brought into the loop and they are planning on being at Syncro Solstice, so may be able to help.
This is the text of Karl Mullendore's FB posting to try and muster some assistance: "Stranded Syncro world travelers in Moab UT - need a '96-'99 TDI engine nearby and someone to install. Kind of a 'special case' - it's a Bernd Jaeger mTDI." It is also posted to the Syncro Westfalia FB wall.
Jesse, owner of Coyote Shuttle has told Rainer that he can take a "diagnostic" look at the van, but because this is such a heavy shuttle season beginning, he won't be able to do significant work to instigate a repair/engine replacement. I'm hoping we can assist in developing a solution to help Rainer just by spreading the word about what is happening. I know of no hands-on assessment work that may have been done, or is in the process of diagnosis, but will forward anything I get from Rainer.

[mtbiker62]

Good news; just got a call-back from Lloyd Shafer in Moab, who has seen Rainer's van parked, and is going to go over there and see if he can help with the problem, or help develop a solution. He called from 435-259-7535