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Archived Newsletter |
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August 2004
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JAY'S TOUR OF BIG BEAR On Saturday, July 17th, 13 vehicles met at the Big Bear Discovery Center for Jay's Tour of Big Bear 2004! This year's theme was "Wild, Wild West!" Jay and Laurie Anderson Greeted those attending with "goodie bags," raffle tickets and a western antenna ball, sheriff badges, bandanas, goldmine bubble gun, and the official "Jay's Tour of Big Bear 2004" magnet for the vehicle. Jay Jimenez assisted Jay with the 50/50 Poker Run and most individuals purchased the $10 poker hand and received the first three cards. Tom Pastore had gotten a speeding ticket on the way up, and some tried to take a collection for him, but unfortunately it only amounted to $3 and change. So much for taking care of our own. At about 9:30, after a short drivers meeting, we headed toward the Gold Mountain Trail. When we reached the trail, we came upon the West Coast 4-Wheelers, who have adopted this trail and were doing some maintenance. They were happy to see us, and they hoped we would enjoy the run. They also encouraged us to attend their Toys for Tots run in December. This 3 mile plus trail is rated as "Most Difficult." As we started up the ridge, there were several great views of the valley below, Baldwin Lake, Big Bear Lake and the ski areas on the far side of the valley. The trail climbs from an elevation of 6,700 feet to over 8,200 feet at the summit. There was one obstacle that our trip leader got a little hung up on. Our guest, Dan Kersey, got around Jay and wanted to strap him! There was NO WAY that Jay was going to be on the receiving end of a strap, so he moved a couple of rocks and backed up and was soon on his way! We reached a portion of the trail that divided two ways. One way was "most difficult," the other "more difficult." The majority of us took the "most difficult" way. The others enjoyed a small rock garden on the "more difficult" trail. The trails came back together just before the decent down towards the Lucky Baldwin mine. At the mine, we took a short break and drew another poker card. We met a couple of people who were interested in our club, so Jay gave them some information and got their addresses. We continued a little further up the trail to 3N02 and stopped for lunch just off the trail. After eating, Jay and Laurie started the raffle drawing. Our guest, Dan Kersey had brought his son, Sam, who we had draw the tickets. There were a lot of great prizes for the kids of all ages! Finally, we drew our final poker card. Some people opted to buy an additional card for $5. The pot was $233! Dale once again had the winning hand, 3 Aces! Congratulations, Dale. That's enough for another tank of gas in their motorhome! Behind that very loving, trusting personality, Dale Rice is also a very cunning expert poker player (or very lucky), winning 2 out of 3 years now! After lunch we continued on 3N02 to 3N10, past the beginning of John Bull, towards Holcomb Valley. We passed through many large rock formations and the rock wedge. We came to an intersection and Jay wanted to turn left toward Fawnskin, looking for 2N13. Someone said we needed to turn right toward the YMCA Camp to go to Green Valley. The Jimenezs, the Courseys, and ther Trices wanted to go to Fawnskin so they went ahead and the rest of us turned around. We passed the YMCA Camp, Hanna Flats Campground, and we reached the beaver ponds (all familiar places) when it came over the radio that this is the LONG WAY to Green Valley. After getting the map out (still looking for 2N13), "Long Way Jay" asked Carol to lead us back to the "cutoff" to Green Valley. We stopped at 2S10X so that Jim Bays could air up, and the maps came out! Jay realized that, if he would have gone a little farther, he would have found 2N13 to Green Valley. So that's what we did. It was a nice, dusty, scenic road and we were able to drive pretty fast. A couple of times we had to watch for motorcycles! We reached Green Valley where all of us, except for Tom Pastore and our guest Dan Kersey, went to the Anderson's cabin in Arrowbear for a very nice BBQ and ice cream feast. Bob and Pat Matula were waiting for us when we got there, and brought their pictures of Egypt! The Jimenezs, Courseys, and Trices also made their way over. It was a great day! Thanks to everyone who donated the prizes, brought the food, and helped to clean up. Members present: Andersons, Bays, Lobaugh, Clevenger, Coursey, Frank Jimenez, Kelly, Pastore, Rice, Schaffer, Trice and a cameo from the Matulas. Guests: Dan and Sam Kersey.
MOAB 3 Last time we talked about Fins & Things. This month we'll focus on Hell's Revenge. Thursday morning dawned with clear skies and a warm sunny day ahead of us. We met the Andersons and over 50 other rigs for our day on Hell's Revenge. Trip leaders Jay and Dana Archibald held the appropriate drivers meeting and we were on our way. The first obstacle welcomes you right at the start. A long steep narrow uphill fin with several off-camber spots that get our attention. From there we could see the famous Lion's Back. This tail offers one challenge right after another. There are deep sandy spots and long steep hills to climb. At the top of each hill was another awesome view. Many of the ledges require careful tire placement. Lunch offered a place to play a little and a view of the Colorado River. A few more hills, and a few more ledges, and we found ourselves at the Car Wash. The Car Wash is a miniature Mickey's Hot Tub. So, I gave it a try. It's a rather steep drop down, through some water at the bottom and up a V notch. A little farther down the trail and we came to the real Mickey's Hot Tub. Just before arriving, a TJ (not with the Safari) rolled in the tub. NOT GOOD! Considerable damage, but luckily no one was hurt. Back down the dinosaur trail and out to Top Over Challenge. Now Tip Over doesn't look al that intimidating. However, the Colorado gang made mention of it, so I decided the bypass was just fine with me. Our leader's daughter wanted to try it for the first time. Part way, she stopped and just sat there. It seems her seat slipped backward and she couldn't reach the pedals. At the steep angle, she couldn't even pull the seat back up. Dad, help! Dad came down, pushed her seat back up and spotted her on up the hill. There is an off-camber notch half way up. If you don't get that front tire in the notch just right, guess what? Jay where are you going? No Jay, you're not really going too. Kevin, are you sure you want to ride up with your dad? He was sure. Well, you may have guessed, our hero went without any apparent effort. Way to go Jay! Here comes a new TJ with an apparently new driver behind the wheel. We had been told lift, lockers, and follow your spotter. Guess who didn't follow his spotter. Cameras ready? That notch, he didn't put the front tire where he was directed. As he started to top, people ran and grabbed the front bumper to hold him down. Someone put a strap on the high side and several people held him in place. The Red Rock 4 Wheelers brought in a rig with a winch and hooked on to the TJ. Slowly and carefully they winched him up. Lesson number one - trust your spotter! Lesson number two - if you don't follow your spotter, you should carry a change of underwear. Another 45 minutes of knurly trail and called it a day. Kevin once again got to spend a little time in the pool. It was amazing the organization and yet lack of pressure felt to get off the trail at a decent hour. Maybe Kevin wasn't the only one who wanted to go swimming. We met back up spend a little time at the vendor's show. There are over 100 vendors on hand displaying the latest and greatest in 4 wheel gear. The MOAB Brewery got the vote for dinner. Good food, good beer, and a chance to recount the events of the day. Now with the adrenalin back to normal levels, we can get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow's agenda, Poison Spider Mesa. To be continued……… next month.
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