drafdog

Going to try and make this!
 
Update: Can't make it :(. Final week is right after this and need to spend the weekend prepping. 

Going to try and make this!
 
Update: Can't make it :(. Final week is right after this and need to spend the weekend prepping. 

IIRC the Forest Service maps do show seasonal closures, but they don't take into account things that close on a case-by-case basis like Dusy or Barrett.  They just show a general "normal" closure date range but of course local jurisdiction can change that.  
I run Gaia, but have been very tempted to go to OnX just because they support 4wd so much more.  I'm not sure if it's actually a better platform or not.  It seems like OnX may have some better 3D features and the land ownership feature if you get the right subscription is interesting but I think Gaia has more map variations.  Again - I "think" since I haven't done more than glance through OnX.
 

I have a bunch of National Geographic paper maps. I like to use them for planning routes in new areas. I prefer it over a scrolling through a screen. Also always a good idea to have a paper map handy in case your electronics fail you. I also recommend getting one of those giant map books. I’ll give include a link to the one I have below. These maps are good since they have forest roads and 4x4 trails in them. They won’t be useful for closures.
https://www.rei.com/product/200310/benchmark-maps-california-road-recreation-atlas-11th-edition?sku=2003100001&store=22&CAWELAID=120217890012091366&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=112274623393&CATCI=pla-904560427867&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|21700000001700551_2003100001|92700057788018066|NB|71700000074090487&gclid=CjwKCAjw-eKpBhAbEiwAqFL0mhyhF9P3CbwSyuIsDZJDOQr4nuwdblJGO0BHggRmFfSdnR8oyZFCTBoCEHYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Unfortunately I need to bow out of this one.  Eldest is getting married in OR on the 15th and I need to head up there to sort out food and drama....
Sigh.
Happy trails my friends.

Hm. I have the TR sliders, but not the gas tank skid. I had an idea to design one and send it to "send cut send" to have some protection. Haven't gotten around to actually cading it or even drawing on paper. 
 
https://app.sendcutsend.com/customer#/quote?action=builder 

Hm. I have the TR sliders, but not the gas tank skid. I had an idea to design one and send it to "send cut send" to have some protection. Haven't gotten around to actually cading it or even drawing on paper. 
 
https://app.sendcutsend.com/customer#/quote?action=builder 

Since it is taking forever for Rovers North to update their website. I scanned the article... 
Rover Magazine Fall 2023 - NCLR.pdf

Article is out in the Rovers Mag

Cassidy and I will leave Merced around 5-6pm, arriving at 7-8pm. Assuming everything goes well (knock on wood). We all know something has to happen last minute. I won't have any recovery gear as I couldn't fit all of it when I moved in. 

Appreciate the effort to help us despite their lack of care/help!

Planning on being there

oops 😳

oops 😳

The club has purchased out the tenting area at the back of the campground. No need to reserve a spot if you are tenting, rooftop tenting, etc. However, if you want a cabin or AirBNB you will need to book this on your own as per the first post.

We should have a detailed Annual Thread coming in a few days.

90% I can make it. MAYBE for once I could Amelia, Mark, AND Cassidy all to attend.

90% I can make it. MAYBE for once I could Amelia, Mark, AND Cassidy all to attend.

90% I can make it. MAYBE for once I could Amelia, Mark, AND Cassidy all to attend.

In the matching the L322 SC with 32: MT tires, I had no problems with the trail. Well, except for the sidewall. I attribute the puncture to a few factors:
1. Didn't air down enough. The trail up to that point was mostly hard pack dirt and gravel trails through forests. When we entered the rocky section, it was much hotter than when we started the first two days. This would have increased tire pressure. 
2. Fatigue from the difficulty of the trail and late in the very hot day. 
3. Too fast for the conditions. Again, late in the day, likely traveling too fast, and I think we all just wanted to get to camp and out of the rocks. 
4. The setting sun - mostly heading South and West on the trail and the amount of dust reduced visibility on the trail. Felt that you really needed to pay attention with your line for the smoothest path through the obstacles. 
Sum: I take the blame for mine. I was in control and should have made the necessary adjustments for the conditions. Learning moment, albeit an expensive one. The tire only had about 4K miles on it. 
The issues with Air Suspensions were the more severe problems that we encountered. I started a thread in Technical Talk about some trail fixes and potential modifications to the trucks to make those fixes a bit easier. Knowing what the GAPTool can do and how to use those features would have gotten us further along more quickly with potentially reducing the secondary damage and additional work required to get off the trail (clearing rocks off the trail to get the L405 on bump stops). 
I think we all learned a bunch, and I suspect that there will be more than one Air Suspension trail fix parts kit on the next adventure. 
Future mods for the L322 will include suspension spacers and possibly 33" Tires. Mods higher in the list will be a valve in the air system so that an external air compressor can inflate the system, laminated copy of the GAPTool Instructions on how to force the other 3 air bags in case of one failure, sliders, and underbody protection - replace the stock plastic skid plate with metal and extend back the to the transfer case/transmission and ideally, the fuel tank.
The L322 makes a great Overland Platform, but it needs a bit more protection. It was comfortable, handled well and with the SC, plenty of power. There was more than one discussion of Modern vs Old after those few days. Each with Pros and Cons. Older models without the fancy electronics are certainly easier to fix on the trail while the newer models will make getting to the trail much more pleasant. Barreling down smooth fire roads with the L322SC was no worse that 101 in the Bay Area... 

OHV's are motorcycles and ATV's.    This does not apply to Land Rovers
An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a motor vehicle capable of off-highway travel during winter or summer. OHV’s include all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), four-wheelers, threewheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles. 
 

I'm going to bring an extra flag in case anyone forgets or loses one. As for the dunes requirements, it states we need an out of state permit.. "A State of Oregon off-highway vehicle sticker is required to operate on all lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon. Stickers may be purchased at All Terrain Vehicle dealerships or by calling 1 (800) 551-6949". Has anyone gotten a sticker yet? As well as are we going to stop by a dealership to get them?

Auburn for us too. Unfortunately Cassidy had to drop out but we still have me, Mark, and Amelia. See y'all at 10:45 in Auburn. My phone # is 650-918-9823

We are just extra cautious. We won't let anything stop us!

I've got 10 gallons as well. might as well bring a tanker at this point

Nate from the Dirt Lifestyle YouTube channel is about to share his YT video from his recent Oregon BDR trail trip. This may or may not cover the trails that we will be running but might be interesting to watch for those that have never ventured into this part of the world. The video premieres at 12 noon on Father’s Day 6/18
 
https://youtu.be/BBj7i9cqy9g