Elherbinator
-
Posts
1,264 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
262
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Store
Posts posted by Elherbinator
-
-
I have decided to stick with the general plan to run the trail. It’s a fun trail that I can’t easily fit in at another time. Plus other options have the same issues for the most part.
The only change will be our camping plans. This will require a little improvisation as most campgrounds in the area are closed, and the open have no available reservations. So we will relying on the large number of “first come, first serve” sites available in the area. Here are the options in order:
1: Stumpy Meadows Campground off Wentworth Springs Road
2: Union Valley Reservoir, they have many campgrounds.
3: dispersed camping along the way. I know some for sure spots we can use in a pinch.
I don’t anticipate getting skunked on a campsite. But it will mean that an earlier start Friday will be preferred. I am planning on leaving the Bay Area around 10 and arriving at Stumpy’s around 2-3
Post up with your plans so we can coordinate potential caravans and also know to look out for you. More vehicles coming on Friday the better chance of us snagging enough camping sites to accommodate everybody comfortably.
Saturday folks can meet us at the trail’s staging area per the original plan. Any early birds who would like to stop by camp before heading to trail will have to hope we can post up where we are onto the forum Friday, catch us on the radio (146.460), or just get lucky and find us at Stumpy Meadows Campground on your way in.
please feel free to DM me or call/ text me (408)772-8534 with any specific questions. This new plan should work out fine. Don’t let a little uncertainty get you down, this sort of thing usually makes for a more interesting trip and sometimes forces you to find a new gem of a spot that you otherwise would never have known about. So I hope we don’t lose too many folks due to these circumstances
- Tyler Mattson, Mffoster, SDS and 1 other
-
4
-
Looks like the campsite will No be open for our trip. I’ll update th plan tonight
-
Golden Pines is near Bear Valley in Arnold. It’s the same place we had the 2019 Annual.
heres a link:- Jethro, Phil. and Mr.BlueSky
-
3
-
Finally out in some work on the Buggy Classic. Fixed the 3 transmission leaks it had. The dip stick and the plug were quick and easy. The shifter seal was a major pain. Getting out the old seal took hours due to the frame rail getting in the way and prevented me from using the special shifter seal removal tool. But after a while, it got done. Also got rid of the old shifter and installed a Sidewinder. The old shifter was stock, and it has a Turbo 350 transmission in it. The old shifter wasn’t the right throw and it wasn’t engaging in Park properly.
-
Watching the classic movie “Ronin” tonight. Spotted a classic. Didn’t get to participate in the car chases, but still…
- Mr.BlueSky and Jethro
-
2
-
30 minutes ago, Jethro said:
I think this topic came up on the recent Podcast, but got a warning about the camp ground not being open for Hell Hole...
Yeah, but no need to address it yet. We will see how it plays out
-
Pricey stuff, but I suppose that’s to be expected with the new defender. I do like the fact that they have a cut out in the front bumper to allow you to access the clutch on the winch. That is always such a huge hassle when dealing LR3’s and 4’s on snow runs.
-
On 5/7/2023 at 7:31 PM, lutz said:
If you have a hydro boost you need a hydro boost pump . You could try drilling out the high pressure fitting at the Hp hose on the pump a mm to get more flow. With a none Hydro pump if you pump the brakes and try to steer you will get no powersteering power.
So maybe the only real solution is going to be switch to a vacuum booster since I don’t see any alternative power steering pumps available.
-
8 hours ago, pilotgabe said:
I guess someone deleted my comment?
Does anyone else know why it is not transferable?
TIA!
We decided for many logistical reasons. What is your concern anyways? You have never registered before, you aren’t registered, you don’t have a vehicle that qualifies for registration… I am confused as to why you want us to explain to you why we came to the decision that registrations are not transferable.
please feel free to DM Or call me with any concerns you are having with how the event is run. Thanks -
8 hours ago, Valentin Solinap said:
I'm in the truck's drive train is all sorted-out witch caused me last year to bail out, just finishing the rear bumper and need to figure out how to secure cargo inside the vehicle. This is my first time any pointers what to bring extra parts? or what not to bring?
If you’re tight for space, don’t feel like you need to bring all the tools. Pretty much everybody brings the basic stuff, so you’ll be able to borrow a lot of stuff. No need to have 45 ratchet and socket sets. Spare axle shafts are the most common parts needed. Other than that fluids are always handy to have. Steering components tend to get abused on trail. When we get closer to the event, it’s a good idea for the like vehicles to coordinate and split up the duty of carrying rare spares like fuel pumps, alternators, driveshafts, etc. The easiest way to coordinate is to start a separate thread on the forum for Classic drivers for the Rovicon and figure it out that way. No need to have 10 driveshafts getting carried around. July would be a good time to start that conversation. Should have registration completed by then.
-
7 hours ago, Andrew Wood said:
If the trip is on the 20th to the 21st I don't think I can make it. I was planning on the 13th to 14th.
Bummer.
It is on the 20/21. Had to make the change due to Mothers Day
-
My 95 classic needs more power from the power steering pump. Maybe the pump is worn, maybe the hydroboost is stealing too much pressure? Either way it’s too weak at idle. Ideally I’d switch to a GM pump, but those kits seem to be unavailable at this point. I could replace the pump and cross my fingers, but that could be a total waste of money and time. Another option I was thinking about was to find a smaller pulley to put on the pump. Finding a pulley that would work might be tricky, might not. Finding a belt to work will be easy. May even be able to still use stock depending on the pulley. This solution would be beneficial as the pulley can be swapped quick and also utilized on a new pump if I were to replace it later. And if it worked well, it’s an easy solution for anybody to quickly and easily get more steering juice. Just an idea I’m thinking about, thoughts? Advice?
-
6 hours ago, pilotgabe said:
Why isn’t it transferable?
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkBecause it isnt
-
Throw back to Rovicon 1 to get you in the mood for rock crawling season. So many of vehicles from year 1 have turned into every year staples of the event.
- Mr.BlueSky and PaulD
-
2
-
-
The June MORG info is in the calendar and is the weekend of June 9-11 at Hell Hole Jeep Trail. There is also a more in depth description of the trip in the member forum. MORGs are open to non members on a one time basis as a way to check out the club and see if joining is something they would want to do. Sounds like you already have some familiarity with the club. I am leading the June MORG, so if you have any specific questions about the trip or trail, please feel free to DM. Keep in mind that it is a difficult rock crawling trail. Probably not suited for the late model Discovery you have. We may also run some more overland type build friendly trails in the adjacent areas if there is enough interest.
-
Sites 04, 05, and 06 are good options adjacent to our group and are still available
-
Since Hell Hole is on my mind…
Andrew from the 2020 run. This was in May, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it as wet for this years June trip.
- Mr.BlueSky, SDS and Jethro
-
3
-
Spots 004, 005, 006, and 009 are left and in close proximity to the group. Grab them quick or you might be SOL
-
19 minutes ago, CRYA said:
Eric I was being facetious about the cost and Diablo. Not everything needs to be labeled a radical left wing issue. I would HARDLY characterize PG&E as such.
But I also think that, as you know, CA does a pretty horrible job of maintaining infrastructure. And this is a utility we’re talking about. My point is that we should all recognize nothing lasts forever and that things change. And that’s ok. Everything is ok.
But also, I support the club. And I enjoy the trips. Simply because we may not agree on damn issues shouldn’t mean you are going to personally hope I don’t attend given my ambivalence about something you’re passionate about. We likely have many more things in common. 👍🏼
I am not claiming EVERYTHING is a left wing political issue, but many are in Ca and this one definitely is. The impending dam removal is not occurring in a vacuum. It is happening alongside many other dams over many decades and is being pushed by left wing environmental groups, more specifically the Friends of the Eel River. Like I said prior, zero dams have been built in my lifetime while well over 100 have been removed. All while we starve for water and power. If you want to comment on my concerns about this closure you should figure out what the hell you’re talking about first. If you enjoy these “articlficial” lakes you should also understand the precarious situation they are all in. IMO anyone supporting these closures by blindly giving the benefit of the doubt to public institutions closing them is not someone I have much in common with even if we drive the same brand of vehicle. The closing of public lands is an issue any off road enthusiast should care about. That includes our bodies of water too. If you don’t have a problem with the dam removal, then that’s your business. If you feel need to undermine my post regarding the issue, then that’s something else.
-
So I want announce the June MORG that I will be leading. It will be the second weekend 6/9-11) of June instead the traditional first weekend. This is an excellent trip and good warm up for the summer rock crawling season. I am announcing the plans early because it is imperative that you book your campsite well in advance because it will book up.
This MORG will be an overnight and a rock crawling trip. Non rock crawlers can still come and have some fun though. There are plenty of dirt roads and overlanding opportunities in the surround area, not to mention we will be camping at a really nice lake. I will be leading the run down Hell Hole Jeep Trail, but anybody is welcome to plan and lead a run on some of the surrounding trails and forest roads in the area.
The plan will be to camp at French Meadows Canpground next to French Meadows Reservoir. This is a popular campground and usually fills up. Reserve your asap if you plan to come. I already reserved spot 011 for Friday and Saturday nights. Here is a link to reserve a spot: (suggested sports to take would be #007-015)
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232047
It is a nice, developed campground that is walking distance to the lake. The campground requires a modest fee, but has bathrooms and garbage and running water. The lake also has excellent fishing opportunities and paddling. So even if you don’t want to drive the trail, it’s worth it to come hang out and enjoy a weekend camping at the lake.
We will be running the trail on Saturday with the plan being to leave camp at 9am SHARP. The trail isn’t long, but you’d be surprised and how quickly we always seem to lose daylight. Getting back to camp at night is not uncommon.
Hell Hole Jeep Trail (it’s called a Jeep Trail, otherwise I would not include Jeep in anything) is an out and back rock crawling trail.
It’s only about 4 miles long, but it very narrow and steep. The first half of the trail will be dropping down to Hell Hole Reservoir and the second half will be coming back up. Depending on our group, I would anticipate it taking 2-3 hours each way with about an hour long break at the bottom. This is a very rewarding trail that will definitely leave you with a sense of accomplishment when you finish the trail. Body damage is a risk as the trail is narrow, but avoidable especially if you have something short like a D90 or something. The trail involves climbing and dropping down ledges and staircase sections. Minimum vehicle will be rock sliders, a lift, 33” tires, and a rear locker. Independent suspension vehicles can come, but they will need to be built and have a winch. Winching is likely for vehicles that just meet the minimum. I have yet to see an independent suspension vehicle do the trail. It would be an impressive challenge to any driver. Maybe we can convince Don to leave the ROKROVR at home 😉 😂
This is one of my favorite trails to run. This will be my 4th or 5th time leading a run on the trail for the club. I am excited to introduce the trail to folks who haven’t had a chance to run it yet. It is always a challenge for even the most built vehicles and also a good test for the spotters. Please feel free to DM if you have any questions on the trail or trip in general. This is a trip you don’t want to miss and also a great opportunity to test your skills if you’re looking to do other trails like the Rubicon. If you can handle this trail without issue, you’ll be fine for the Rubicon. If you have a lot of issues, it’s a short trail so we can manage any issue and it won’t be the end of the world.
- RobertDingli, Andrew Wood and Hudd130
-
3
-
1 hour ago, CRYA said:
Flame away but it was an artificial lake to begin with. The infrastructure is ancient and PG&E is probably doing the math and realizing there’s no ROI. After all, they need to save their pennies to keep Diablo Canyon operating. 🫣
And just for reference, it cost 5-10 million per year to operate Scott Dam. It is estimated to cost up to 500 million to remove it. Don’t think it’s a cost issue
-
55 minutes ago, CRYA said:
Flame away but it was an artificial lake to begin with. The infrastructure is ancient and PG&E is probably doing the math and realizing there’s no ROI. After all, they need to save their pennies to keep Diablo Canyon operating. 🫣
Nearly all lakes in CA are artificial besides a rare few. All are old. We haven’t built a new dam since 1980. This is left wing radical environmentalism. Over 100 dams have been removed in Ca in the last 30 years yet we have nearly constant drought and power issues. PG&E has endless monies. If they run out due to lawsuits, they just charge more or file for bankruptcy like they did a few years ago. PG&E doesn’t follow a normal business model. You can flame away, but this lake has been around for 100 years. An entire ecosystem and economy has evolved around this lake. So if I see you at Shaver or Hell Hole or Loon or any of the other man made lakes we frequent as a club, I hope you do avoid those trips if you don’t care for some of us “flaming away” about how we would like to keep these areas.
-
I just found out yesterday that PG&E is planning on getting rid of Scott’s Dam which would also get rid of Lake Pillsbury. Besides excellent camping and lake recreation, the lake/ dam also provides:
-
Transfers 62,500 acre-feet of water each year from the Eel River to the Russian River – less than 2% of the total Eel River Watershed.
-
Provides water to help sustain the lives and livelihoods of more than a half-million people downstream in Mendocino, Sonoma and North Marin Counties.
-
Supports groundwater and aquifer replenishment
-
Creates wildlife ecosystems and habitats.
-
Produces enough clean energy to power about 2000 homes.
you can learn more about it here :
https://www.savelakepillsbury.org/
I donated and signed a petition. Not sure if it’s beyond saving or not, but I think it would be tragedy to see this lake go away. They already are keeping the flood gates open for the foreseeable future and keeping the water at drought levels. This is something happening to many dams in CA for varied reasons. Water and power management certainly is a complicated matter, but I don’t think the state utility leaders have earned the right not to be questioned.
Some pics from a trip Andrew and I took there a few years ago. May never see the water like this again.
- SDS and Mr.BlueSky
-
2
-
June 9-11 MORG at Hell Hole
in NCLR Scheduled Trips and Event Information
Posted
They’re no dispersed camping near the trail we can count on or fit more a couple trucks at. The reality is that Stumpy Meadows is not really much farther drive time wise than our usual campsite at Lewis Campground. If it was a small group arriving in the area at the same time, then finding something closer may be an option, but we need something we can pin down and have a couple handful of vehicles arrive at at various times. Stumpy Meadows is the best option as I see it.