3:13 pm
Hi,
My name is Richard, I belong to a group up here in Calgary, Alberta called The Four Wheel Stampeders.
http://www.fourwheelstampeders.ca/
I had read your "about us" page and found that your club has very similar policies to our club. Which is cool to see...
I am taking a really long road trip to the states in August and will be in your area about August 12th. I just thought I might ask if there was any chance a person could hook up with someone or two in your club for some sort of mild scenic run? I'm a bit of a shutter bug and would love to take some cool pictures.
I drive a mild 08 JK Rubicon - which I need to get me home 😀
The thing is too new to have to many mods at this point - I'm hoping to pick up a winch while I'm in the States.
Here's me:
https://webdisk.ucalgary.ca/~rgalambo/p ... 062008.jpg
Looking forward to hearing from you... 8)
Richard
3:48 pm
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline Nice rig...and welcome to the site. We have several mild trails around us that are fun, beautiful, and won't cause damage. Strawberry, Deer Valley, Barney Riley, and Pardoes come to mind quickly. If we know exactly a date that you want to run something, let us know and we can get a few people together to show you around.
I used to wheel a lot. . .
4:07 pm
May 4, 2004
Offline Hi Richard, Welcome to our site. Nice looking JK you've got. Like John said, let us know what your plans are.
Fred
5:15 pm
Thanks for the welcome, and the complements... I used to drive an 89 Fullsize Blazer. This rig is much nicer to handle. I quite enjoy the Jeep.
There is a big vacant spot on the front there - 🙁 I was going to pick up a winch in the States there some place. I was looking at the Smitty Built 10000lbs. It's in my price range. But even if I do buy it, not sure it'll be installed until I get home... but we'll see. If you have a suggestion about a local seller, I'd be interested.
As for trails, I did suggest mild, but I don't mind a bit of challenge. I have a bit of body damage already.... as long as I can keep my drive train intact. LOL - I'm planning to stop by the Rubicon Trail on my way through as well... just to see what's there.
My trip begins in Seattle then south down 101 to San Fransisco. My path from San Fran is to head your way, then up to Reno - NE on 80 and then northward to home.
If all goes according to the plan 🙄 I will be there August 12th. I'll just double check my schedule and let you know, but I should be there that day - barring any problems. I know that's a work day so thank you so much for helping me out with a little run... I much appreciate your time.
I will check things out and confirm that date tonight. I look forward to meet you.
-Richard
6:08 pm
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline I'd say Deer Valley sounds right up your alley. A little challenging but nothing that's going to tear things up (not a guarantee). It's a pretty trail too with fishing if you're into that.
You could do the Rubicon in your Jeep easily, but the risk of damage becomes greater. Sometimes you cruise through without any difficulty and other times it will reach out and take a bit out of you (right Justin?)
I used to wheel a lot. . .
3:32 am
"JohnDF" wrote: I'd say Deer Valley sounds right up your alley. A little challenging but nothing that's going to tear things up (not a guarantee). It's a pretty trail too with fishing if you're into that.
You could do the Rubicon in your Jeep easily, but the risk of damage becomes greater. Sometimes you cruise through without any difficulty and other times it will reach out and take a bit out of you (right Justin?)
Sounds really cool, I know what you mean though... some trails just like to snap at you sometimes. 😀 There are a few like that out here. There is a lot of mud that tends to pool around here, not something I'm overly thrilled with.... If you point your browser to the Stampeders website... Photos... you'll see what I mean...
I think I'll just go take a peak at the Rubicon... I'll have to come back one day with an RV and a trailer....
So back to the 'ol schedule.... If all is according to plan I will arrive in San Fran late afternoon on the 11th. Find a hotel or what not - then on the 12th hook up with you guys. If I'm a bit of an inconvenience for that day... just let on.
I also have some flexibility... I can hang around for a day or two... if the 12th is no good... the 13th will work too - just have to find a place to put up for the night... what is good for you guys? Give me a time and a date... I'll be there.... Thanks again.
(oh and PS: I do love Lake Fishing - but I won't have my gear with me)
7:25 pm
Good day,
I had been doing a little research... that Deer Vally trail you spoke of, is it this one?
http://www.californiajeeper.co.....review.htm
If so, it looks pretty cool.... they suggest 3 hours or so (is that accurate?).
Also, i was wondering... does a person need an offroad permit in your state...? I have to pick one up in Oregon - for the Dunes.
Thanks,
-Rich
8:00 pm
"SmilinVamp" wrote: Good day,
I had been doing a little research... that Deer Vally trail you spoke of, is it this one?
http://www.californiajeeper.co.....review.htm
If so, it looks pretty cool.... they suggest 3 hours or so (is that accurate?).
Also, i was wondering... does a person need an offroad permit in your state...? I have to pick one up in Oregon - for the Dunes.
Thanks,
-Rich
Yep, that's the one!!! 3 hours seems a bit fast to me, but do-able.
No need for a permit in California, you can even pump your own gas here!!!!!
8:21 pm
The only thing you might need a permit for is using a propane stove (or a few other fire related things). If you want to do something like that, you'll need a campfire permit. They're free, you just have to stop by and pick one up.
10:23 pm
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline "SmilinVamp" wrote: Hi,
My name is Richard, I belong to a group up here in Calgary, Alberta called The Four Wheel Stampeders.
http://www.fourwheelstampeders.ca/
I had read your "about us" page and found that your club has very similar policies to our club. Which is cool to see...
I am taking a really long road trip to the states in August and will be in your area about August 12th. I just thought I might ask if there was any chance a person could hook up with someone or two in your club for some sort of mild scenic run? I'm a bit of a shutter bug and would love to take some cool pictures.
I drive a mild 08 JK Rubicon - which I need to get me home 😀
The thing is too new to have to many mods at this point - I'm hoping to pick up a winch while I'm in the States.Here's me:
https://webdisk.ucalgary.ca/~rgalambo/p ... 062008.jpgLooking forward to hearing from you... 8)
Richard
Welcome Richard. Do you have a tentative schedule for the time down here? I'd like to hook up for a day run or so. I can bring my 08 JK as well. It would be fun. Strawberry is an option for a basic run.
10:39 pm
May 4, 2004
Offline "gamfam" wrote: [quote="SmilinVamp"]Good day,
I had been doing a little research... that Deer Vally trail you spoke of, is it this one?
http://www.californiajeeper.com/deerval/review.htm
If so, it looks pretty cool.... they suggest 3 hours or so (is that accurate?).
Also, i was wondering... does a person need an offroad permit in your state...? I have to pick one up in Oregon - for the Dunes.
Thanks,
-Rich
Yep, that's the one!!! 3 hours seems a bit fast to me, but do-able.
Don't forget to tack on the travel time to and from the trail. It's a good distance from the Sacramento area.
5:36 pm
I fire permit? For a propane stove... <sigh> I guess though it must be necessary or they wouldn't have them. I'll keep that in mind, thanks!
I leave San Fran on the 12th, if I leave early morning I can get to your guys early enough.
Hmmm.. how about this, if you let me know where I can meet you, I can better estimate a time. Also, give me a preferred time and I'll see if I can meet it.
Thanks!
6:25 pm
... me again... LOL
... I was thinking... there is one other option. If making it out on the 12th is to much of a rush... As I had mentioned I will be driving from San Fransisco on the 12th early morning.
...Here may be the better option... I can take my time leaving San Fran on the 12th, meet up with you later that day (Or evening) - I can find a Hotel closer to you guys, and do a trail on the 13th instead....
...to me this sounds like a better option. Easier to plan for I think... what do you think??
8:59 pm
July 15, 2005
Offline Have you ever done the Rubicon? I would be willing to take you through in my Jeep and you could park yours. Since you are driving over a 1000 plus miles to come down here, I wouldn't waste my time on the Strawberry trail. Not much of a wheeling trail and there really isn't much to see on it. You would be better off running Deer Valley or riding through the Rubicon with one of us...Just a thought.
__________________
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."- Ronald Reagan
9:47 pm
... I'd love to see the Rubicon, but would enjoy it more if I actually drove it. It's part of my reasoning for the path I taking on my road trip.
I'm sooo tempted just to go for it, you have no Idea... I have to say I'm not to keen on the passenger idea. 😕
Why does this not look too bad to me?? (famous last words)
Wasn't the JK tested on the Rubicon???
... but alas - common sense must prevail.... I do have to drive 1000 miles home again. Your Deer Valley trail sounded a lot like the trails I drive up here... only thing is you have more rock... we have more mud. I'd like to try rock, sounds fun.
I should probably let you know my skill level:
Basically I'd consider myself an amature driver... I have been wheelin' 2 and a half years. I drove an 89 Fullsize Blazer for two seasons... with 31" tires, not that fun. I am more of a slow driver, those big rigs you have to power through everything. I much prefer my JK which pretty much crawls over everything... I've had it since February. Wheelin it all summer...
...I will rely on your expert opinions as to what trail to do, but as was mentioned, I hope for something a little interesting... if I break... well that's my fault - I wouldn't lay blame.... but I'm not the kind of person that would go asking for it... 8)
11:01 pm
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline Strawberry is mostly dirt with a few rocks thrown in. It's a pretty trail but pretty tame.
Deer Valley is a step up from Strawberry. It has more rocks, even if they aren't too difficult. Plus it has some hill climbs and fun water crossings. Sounds like more of what you are looking for.
You could do the Rubicon. A trip from Loon to Spider and back out to Loon would be a fairly easy run. Not really any harder than Strawberry or Deer Valley (with the exception of Walker Hill). There's a few more chances of scratches/dents but breakage is going to be similar on all three trails. The Rubicon doesn't get challenging until after Spider Lake.
For a real challenge, there is always Fordyce. It's the most challenging trail we have in the area. But the risk of breakage is higher and there are no by-passes.
If you wanted to drive the Rubicon, I'd say a trip into Spider/LittleSluice is your best bet. We'd be happy to escort you. Otherwise, I'd stick to Deer Valley.
I used to wheel a lot. . .
11:41 pm
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline I think we need to know specifically what mods you have done to your JK.
1. Have you protected/relocated your evap cannister? If you not done anything to that one item, I wouldn't run run anything with large boulders or ledges.
2. Is your exhaust still stock? If so, you will mash it on the Rubicon ledges, but may be ok on Deer Valley and more than fine on Strawberry.
Since you have a rubicon, you are running the front swaybar disconnect and dual lockers to go with your 32" tires (and sliders). You have a good set up. Did you post a pic of your JK in this thread? I didn't see it.
It sounds like you want to wheel your JK, but not damage it. Choose wisely...
A passenger on the rubicon would be fun, but driving easier stuff can be just as rewarding since it's your vehicle.
If Rob offered the Rubicon, take a pass and ask him to take you on Fordyce. I'm sorry, but that trail is WAY better and alot shorter. It is an easy one day trip all the way across. The rubicon would be a long day, if not an overnighter.
3:24 pm
Hmmm... choices choices.... 😛
I thought I did post a pic in the first post. 
Here it is again:
https://webdisk.ucalgary.ca/~rgalambo/p ... 062008.jpg
To answer your questions: Yes, the rig is mostly stock... the only "mods" would be steel rims, the front winch bumper, and a CB really. Other than that - it have the stock lockers (front and rear), sway bar disconnect, the Dana 44 - 4.10 gears, the 4:1 Tcase, and 32" BFG M/T's.
-I do not have the Evap Skid yet - I know a guy in Edmonton that is going to make me a full belly skid. But I don't have time to have that done until I get back from my trip.
I'll have a lot of gear with me, camping equipment and luggage. Space is limited, I'll have some tools, my tow strap, and shackles.
I may or may not have a winch by the time I get down there. I plan on buying one on the way... but I may not have an opportunity to install it.
As far a damage... cosmetic damage doesn't bother me too much. It's mechanical breakage that would really be a pain. But I understand that this type of thing could occur anywhere.
*** Anyway, so far I like the idea of Deer Vally or the Rubicon to the lake (if that is a comparable difficulty to Deer Vally) - as were your suggestions. 😀 I'd consider those...
...I might consider a ride along - if I could find a secure place to park my Jeep. It will be full of stuff - attractive to those that enjoy breaking into cars... 🙁
5:33 pm
... alright, after much flip flopping on this topic - much thinking - and such....
... I have decided, if the offer is still open, to do a ride along. I just hope I can find a safe place to store my Jeep as I had mentioned.
I just thought of the valve stem issue as well... due to "legal" issues I had to transfer the Air pressure sensors over to the new wheels. I've already almost ripped one off on a tree stump. So I'll have to "insist" on rubber stems in the future... jerks! I figure rocks will probably do worse on these things....
...riding along does present more opportunity to take video and photos - and save the "worry" of getting home on time should the bad luck bug hit... my hope is to make some good friends and come back in the future...
So yah, a ride along is fine, thanks! I just hope I can secure my Jeep away somewhere. 8)
Lets confirm our plans - and make this for the 13th of August. No need to waffle further....
9:24 pm
July 15, 2005
Offline The only decision now is, do you want to do the Rubicon or the Fordyce Creek trail. Fordyce can be done in about 6 or 7 hours and that is with many stops to swim, eat, take photos. The Rubicon would take about 8 to 10 hours with stops to eat, swim, and take in the views...
John, is this day going to work for you..Is anyone else going to be able to make it that day?
__________________
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."- Ronald Reagan
9:41 pm
Ouch that's a whole day... I figured people had to work that day... tis why I was aiming for a 3-4 hour type a thing. I don't want anyone to pull in favors just for me... 
at any rate, whatever is to be decided - I will show up on the 12th and we can decide from there...
I know I said the 13th... I will arrive on the 12th - go for a trail ride on the 13th... I just need to know who to call and where to meet. I would suggest we meet for a good meal on 12th (evening) and plan for a run on the 13th.
If this is okay with everyone that is... I thank you for your efforts.
Just lemmy know...
5:49 am
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline I'm free all day...teachers have Summers off 8)
If we are doing a ride along, I'd say to park your rig at one of our houses.
Also, if it's a ride along, it would be a tough choice between Fordyce and Rubicon.
Fordyce is a better trail but the Rubicon has the "name."
I'll PM you my number and Rob can do the same.
I used to wheel a lot. . .
1:08 pm
I'm out. This darn work thing is always ruining my fun. 😀 Have fun. The Rubicon will probably give you more bragging rights back home, but Rob and John will probably make it look easy and you'll wonder what all the hype is about.
On a side note, it's always impressive to me how willing folks in this club are to help people out. Whether it's people stuck in the snow/mud, kayakers, or Canadians, the Posse is there! 😀
1:26 pm
May 4, 2004
Offline "RobD" wrote: Is anyone else going to be able to make it that day?
I was hoping to go but with this project I'm on right now it doesn't look like I'll be able to take the day off.
1:47 pm
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline Another option...just throwing it out there...
We could let him Drive Strawberry, to V-Rock and back down. Then we could find a safe place to park his rig, maybe Brad's cabin? Then he could ride with us on the Rubicon to Spider and back out.
Then it's a short drive to pick up the Jeep.
This could be the best of both worlds.
Brad could drive his JK on Strawberry and then ride with me to Spider.
I used to wheel a lot. . .
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