CA4WDC High Desert Roundup

Hi Desert Round-Up
May 24-27, 2013

Attendees:
Sully, Ric and Lisa, Rich and Corkey, Mike and Laura, John C., Will S., Keith L., Bill C., Jeff S.
Guests - Chad and Joanna O.

It was a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in Lucerne Valley for HDR. Rich & Corkey, John C. and Mike arrived on Thursday evening, most others during the day and night on Friday. Our camp was located in a great location away from the dust on Anderson Dry Lake. Great job Rich!
On Friday, Rich and Corkey, Mike and John headed out to do Riffle Canyon Trail. We tried to do this trail last year but ran out of daylight and had to back track out in the dark...not fun. All was great for the first 100 yards! then we noticed a broken front leaf spring shackle mount on John's YJ. So much for doing Riffle Canyon. Using Rich's on-board welder, John was able to do a temporary fix to get us back to camp. He called Keith and asked him to bring out a new GenRight spring hanger. When we returned to camp, John broke out the grinder and prepared for the new parts while the rest of us relaxed with a beer and munchies. By then Ric, Lisa and Sully had arrived. Will, Keith, and guests Chad and Joanna arrived later Friday night.
On Saturday, On The Rocks led 23 vehicles on Hammer Down Trail. Last year was total carnage through the gate keeper; this year much better. We only had two breakdowns, both with broken rear axles and or differentials. Unfortunately, one of these was Chad, our guest with his Toyota FJ40. Thankfully, Chad broke while entering the gate keeper and was able to extract himself with minimal effort. The other guy had a IH Scout II. His took a bit more effort but no big deal. He actually jumped in with someone else and finished the run with us. We then went back for the extraction. In no time at all we had him out and he was also able to make it back to camp under front wheel drive. All in all, we had a great day. That many vehicles and with the exception of two minor incidents, we all made it through without incident. For Saturday night, Ric brought out the margaritas and everybody pitched in with the munchies. Fantastic and a beautiful evening! John also welded on his new spring hanger and got his Jeep running again.
Sunday was games day and OTR again staffed the Teeter Totter. I need to mention here that Jerome B. picked up the Teeter Totter from Quartz Hill (near Palmdale) the week before and dropped it off at Rich's home in Apple Valley the week before the event. Rich and Corkey hauled it out to HDR. Mike and Laura took it back to Quartz Hill on the way home. As always, the OTR crew who attended the event pitched in and we had a lot of help running the Teeter Totter. Bill C and Jeff S. came out for the day to help out. Thanks for making the special trip out guys! We made over $113.00 for Cal4Wheel! As a club, I think OTR most likely contributed at least $30.00 all by ourselves! Chad and Joanna O., Laura, Lisa and Keith all placed with best times; either first, second or third.
After we tore down the Teeter-Totter we headed out for Keith's Trail. The group included Rich and Corkey, Ric and Lisa, John C, and Chad rode with Mike. About half way up the canyon and John broke again! This time a rear u-joint and driveshaft yoke at the differential. After trying to figure out a repair, it was decided to turn around and head down the trail on front wheel drive only. Then in a tight spot, John broke a front axle shaft u-joint!!!! This just wasn't John's weekend! My guess is that he is going to own the breakdown trophy at the next meeting.
We made it back just in time for the raffle. The only winner was Mike (who never wins anything). I got a Sears Craftsman tool roll (no tools...bummer), a super siphon (Christmas gift for the club party!) and the frosting on the cake; a turtle wax deluxe car was kit. Hoot!
Monday morning found everyone packing up and heading for home.
Thanks to everybody for all your help. We had a great time for a great cause. Can't wait for next year. Maybe we will finally make Riffle Canyon.