Oliver Draffen

For sure me. Maybe a friend or 2 but unlikely. I'll be bringing the D2.

Hello all! I'm planning on staying in Merced for a while which allows me easier access to the mountains and subsequently adventure opportunities! I have 2 trips in mind but welcome to add and or change them in pretty much any way to fit whoever else wants to join. First is Pinecrest due to its close proximity to Merced (1-2hrs depending on traffic). The second being another Shaver Lake trip but without the snow. Pinecrest Trip Dates: Sometime between June 1st-June 17th. Can be a day trip or 1-2 day camping trip. Very flexible depending on interest and scheduling Plan: Exploring the area. Mainly forest road 04N34. This road runs through the backside of the resort and I've been dying to explore it by either walking or driving for a year now. But other activities include other forest roads, Pinecrest Lake, and summer activities at Dodge Ridge (They have scenic chair lift rides starting June 15th, Disc golf, and more). Again this can be heavily modified. Shaver Lake Trip Dates: No clue yet Plan: Run Bald Mountain trail without snow, and explore other trails in the area. I've only done Bald Mountain, which I love doing and want to show a friend or two if they come. I also want to explore other trails and forest roads around there too. Once again, can be heavily modified. This idea and post are a work in process and if anyone has ideas, comments, or questions feel free to interact! Last update: 5/7

I'm sorry that's quite unfortunate. Hoping you feel better and wishing the best for you!

Definitely interested in this!

Planning on being there! I'm hoping to go on the Rubicon so looking for more practice!

With the old D2 I had installed 2 rock lights on the hood shining down on the engine bay, 2 lights under the rear bumper, and 1 light on the rear door shining on the cargo area and ground. Finally getting around to installing the same mods and more to Wicked Witch! As cheesy as it is to add lights, it's extremely useful for nigh wrenching, finding your sleeping bag in the middle of the night that you forgot to set up, and to find out if your parked over an ant hill... The lights under the rear bumper are by far my favorite. It allows me to see the ground for insects, rocks/roots, and walking around the area without a headlamp or flashlight. Not finished with the project yet but thought I might as well share now. With a black interior and lots of crevices I'm adding lights to the inside of the cargo area to make finding items easier. The inside of the D2 has lots of magnetic surfaces which I utilized by gluing a magnet to a rock light to help plan out placement.

Welcome to the club!

Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to Mendo NF. Its about 4.5-5.5 hrs each way and 500 miles round trip. I'm taking my roommate and Cassidy, and they need to be back in Merced on the 21st. If the trail opens I will likely try and run it! My backup plan is to explore some forest roads around Pinecrest on the 18th. I've been dying to travel down 4N34 which runs through the backside of Dodge Ridge and gives you access to the bottom of chair 8 to explore but is closed until May 31st. When it opens I'm planning on exploring it and possibly camping there too!

UC Merced/my spring break is March 22nd-30th. If the dates don't line up could we do the same trip across 2 groups and times?

I'm definitely interested, just depends on timing with school.

Will try and be there this year!

Assuming I have the 18th off I'll be there! Update: I will be there! Will bring the D2 and hopefully drag a friend or too along with Cassidy. I'm planning on stay for the day. Its about 2 hours from where I am and actually made it to the meeting spot yesterday when I went skiing. There are a lot of fire roads in the area, one of which runs through the backside of the ski resort and is groomed. I'll likely explore those if there's extra time!

I'm definitely interested in a trip! I just need to get a trailer for some "spare" parts.

I unfortunately have to withdraw at this moment :(. I got a job on campus and they are requiring me to work graduation week which is the same week as the trip.

I'm interested in going, but seeing as I have less than 1 week from when I get out of school till when the trip starts. I likely won't be able to get myself, the truck, or supplies ready in time. I'll see what I can do and make a plan later. But if anyone has room for an extra person, I'm open to riding with someone!

I'm wondering if it would be worth the time to create a short video on how to deal with different air suspension faults and a blown airbag? I would love to help make it happen if I can get someone who's more knowledgeable on air suspension.

Midterm season has arrived for me so I won't have the time to prepare nor drive up :(. Hopefully this won't be the last snow wheeling trip opportunity for me this year.

A hot meal after a snowy day? Sounds perfect.

Mark and Amelia are set to join! In the LR3. I'll have my roommate and Cassidy in tow.

Heading out to Dodge Ridge on Sunday with a friend and the weather calls for 10 inches of snow that day. I'm not entirely new to driving in snow but I am by no means experienced. Its been about 2 years since I've lasted driven a D2 in the snow, so figured now would be a good time to get some pointers and advice. First off, I have KM3s and chains which I plan on putting on. Second, has anyone used snow mode on the D2? or have any tips with how to handle slides in it? I've had a few slips and fishtails in the LR3 all which have ended with a few gasps but stayed on the road and out of traffic. Third, the D2 does have a 3 inch suspension lift + 1" body lift, and currently without sway bars (hopefully will install them in time). Does this change driving characteristics in snow?

I've talked my roommates + Cassidy into coming this year! I believe my dad (Mark) and Amelia will join too. We plan on bringing the new D2 and the LR3!

Likewise for me. Back in 2021 I wanted to complete the trail before I turned 18 but never made it. Now I'm 20 and would like to before I'm 21 😆

Ack! I would be interested in a trip when they reopen.