2009 Shasta Snow Trip January 30 - February 1

[bad dog racing]

Sunny and warm? Not the typical weather pattern one expects when preparing for the Shasta Snow Trip. The 9th annual running of this intense and epic trip took place on “Super Bowl” weekend, January 29 through February 3, 2009. Trailmasters Brian Piercey, Gene Cornelius, and Richard Kimbrough collectively used their knowledge of Northern California backroads to give the hearty teams another challenging adventure. Route maps (brainchild of Gene Cornelius) with complete and extensive directions included route options, references to the Delorme Gazetteer, recommendations, and even some humor.
At last count, 21 teams with well-equipped and properly-outfitted vintage Type 2s arrived at the starting point above Clearlake for the 4am Friday start. Some of the teams began their trek to participate in the SST from points many hundreds and even thousands of miles away. They came from New Mexico, Washington, Idaho, Missouri, Oregon, and Arizona. Dry roads and drought-like conditions made for a dusty first leg of this intense event. The cloud raised by this off-road parade hung in the air and made for a blinding and choking atmosphere.
As the pack cut through the dirty haze, it wasn’t long before some teams began to experience mechanical failures. Barely an hour into the event some teams were sidelined with fuel delivery problems, broken heater boxes, and even a failed transaxle. We all strive for self-sufficiency, but with the assistance of other teams, repairs on the fly kept all vehicles on the move. Most repairs were not much more than a brief inconvenience. Collectively the SST fellowship worked together sharing parts, tools, and manpower. One team from Oregon hauled along a spare motor, while another team from California had a backup transaxle.
Lou Verrilli, Team Dog Catcher, was at the front of the pack when he was summoned over the CB. The call was inquiring about a need for his Type 2 tow bar. He did not hesitate to turn around to help out good pal Damon. Joined by several other teams, they rallied back to the location of the stranded bus. After a quick brainstorming session, the decision was made to replace the transaxle rather than tow the bus for several hundred miles.
Dark, cold, and working along a hillside on a dirt road in primitive conditions, the task to replace the failed transaxle began in the 5am hour. A pod of 12 teams rendezvoused to affect needed repairs; a task challenging even for a skilled technician in the best equipped shop. Led by Justin Campbell (from Kombi Haus in Sacramento), the group systematically began repairs on the disabled bus. Everyone chipped in; holding flashlights, handing over tools, supplying gear oil, and even offering up energy snacks. It was nothing less than a brief exercise in teamwork. Like a well choreographed ballet, the crew made quick work of the repairs. The group even came up with a new method of reassembling the reduction boxes! With one side complete, they stood the entire assembly up on one end using a brake drum and mounted tire as a base. It gets the second side off the dirt and at a more forgiving assembly height. Genius! Barely 2 hours had passed before the group was back on the road again, quite an amazing accomplishment that can only be realized by a determined and hardcore group of Type 2 enthusiasts. The bonding effort had the 12 teams running together for the balance of the trip.
As the adventure pressed on, teams broke off into pods of various sizes. Clear skies, dry roads, and low flow river crossings made for one of the fastest paces ever experienced as the teams charged ahead to Mount Shasta. While some teams got lost going hundreds of miles in the wrong direction, other teams made quick work of some of the most picturesque backroads California has to offer. All along the way, majestic Mount Shasta loomed off in the distance. Many took the opportunity to do some additional sightseeing and exploring. Collectively, hundreds of pictures and video were taken at various photo opportunities.
Regardless of the conditions, the road to Shasta includes plenty of peril. Any miscalculation or unseen hazard in the road ahead can lead to disaster. Tragically, Team 343, consisting of Jahnai and Gary, rolled their 1960 Double Door Panel. The bus apparently rolled twice, ending up back on its wheels. Although both occupants appeared to be visibly unharmed, Gary was airlifted to a nearby medical center due to concern of internal injuries. Jahnai insisted on staying with the bus, refusing further medical treatment. Ultimately the bus was recovered from the accident site and transported to a safe location. The news of the scary accident was shared by concerned parties over the CB radio. Relieved that no one was seriously hurt, but saddened by the limited information, the teams pressed on with thoughts of Team 343 heavy in their hearts.
With teams divided into smaller pods and some separated by many miles, each group encountered unique situations for whichever route they found themselves following. Creek crossings, road closures, snow and ice covered roads, and many gated private properties were just some of the obstacles along the way.
A perfect sunset greeted most of the teams as they rolled into Mount Shasta City. The Spring-like conditions and lack of snow made for a pace much faster than previous years. The last team to arrive checked in shortly after 11pm on Friday.
Saturday’s agenda started with the obligatory trip to Castle Lake, elevation 5200 feet. Formed by glaciers 10,000 years ago, it covers 47 acres and is 120 feet deep. The lake is surrounded by the beautiful and lofty spires of Castle Crags State Park Wilderness Area. During a normal weather pattern, just getting to the lake is a test in itself. The biggest challenge this year was making your way from the parking lot to the frozen lake without slipping on the ice. The sunlight was blinding as it reflected off the ice. Sunglasses and UV protection are not a typical necessity. While a few tried their luck at ice fishing , some decided to find their way back to terra firma when they heard the ice beneath their feet shift and crack.
Back in the parking lot, the teams put together a plan for a group shot and a flyby video. The perfect photo spot was found along Castle Lake Road with Mt. Shasta towering in the background. As the buses arrived, they parked in formation and the filming began. The CB radios were very handy in communicating between the units as the group paraded by for the video shoot.
Next up on the agenda was the quest to rampage. The group headed west along a road that led to areas less traveled. Soon the paved road was covered with snow and ice. Where the snow plows stop, the fun begins.
The road led to Gumboot Lake, elevation 6050 feet. There is usually no winter access due to impassable road conditions. Ice on the lake can still be found as late as June. Our pace was slowed as the snow deepened and the road began a steep ascent. Many had to resort to chains to continue the trek. As the sun began to fall, many turned back to town to regroup and prepare for the activities of the evening. The heartiest of souls plowed ahead determined to make it to Gumboot Lake. After all, this is what the Shasta Snow Trip is all about: taking on the most challenging conditions in a 50 year old Type 2. Teams Kombi Haus, Dog Catcher, Mango, Pepto, Joe Cool, Green Truck, and New Mexico all completed the mission. The unstoppable vehicles carried their crews ahead, churning through the snow with the fortitude of a Panzer. Rampaging in the snow is one of the biggest thrills one can experience in an old Type 2. Sliding through corners, sending up rooster tails, and crossing a river that fed the lake with a half dozen other teams is an experience not soon forgotten. Team Mango did the entire trip not once resorting to the aid of chains.
The rampaging continued well after sunset. Once warmed by a small campfire, the teams made the perilous decent off the frozen summit with the assistance of off road lights collectively producing a few million candle power.
The teams regrouped and circled the wagons for a potluck feast where the road ends at the base of Mt. Shasta. The campfire glow from an old dryer drum kept the group warm and provided a nice ambience. Tasty dishes were shared and enjoyed. One of the crowd favorites was the fresh fish pulled just hours ago from the frozen depths of Castle Lake. The atmosphere was festive as stories were shared about each teams’ own unique adventures.
Soon the music began. Who would have thought there were so many talented souls that participated in the SST? Libations flowed as the harmonious sounds filled the brisk night air. The performers played for many hours to a most appreciative crowd. Many partied well into the evening. It was definitely good times at the base of Mt Shasta.
Sunday morning found the teams packing up and preparing for the long and scenic routes home. Some of the goodbyes were tough. For many, this is a once-a-year meeting to share a common passion. It had been quite a trip. Some teams opted to continue the trek on the backroads leading out of Shasta. One route was a challenging road dubbed “Scarface”. For some, this was the highlight of the trip. Known for steep drop-offs and long stretches of ice, it gave the drivers an advanced lesson in “turn right to go left” as they slid along with a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel.
New friendships and shared adventures had the many crews heading back to their daily grind with smiles on their faces and a warm feeling inside. The rides home are usually filled with conversation reliving the magic moments of this event.
In this tale, we tried to share with you the spirit and adventure that is the Shasta Snow Trip. We are quite convinced we fell short. In fact, the SST is a personal and unique adventure to each participant. Everyone takes home something different, but everyone takes home a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
2010 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the SST. Hard to believe it’s been 10 years of an adventure derived from one man’s vision. Founder Brian Piercey pioneered the trip that started it all when he refused to accept the idea that it was impossible to get through Hwy 162 and Northern California’s Mendocino Pass after a good storm in the dead of winter. Alone, on the unplowed back roads in a 6 volt VW Single Cab, he took on everything Mother Nature could throw at him and a new tradition was born.
It has been proved many times over: the nay-sayers were wrong.
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[yeahithasahemi]

quote "The bus apparently rolled twice, ending up back on its wheels. "

I dunno, did someone see it roll twice,? I closed my eyes.

Happy to be alive!

I can't tell you how many times it rolled but it definitely landed right side up.
I guess once, or twice to this day I still wonder.