Hi-Desert Round-Up
May 25-28, 2012
Report prepared by: Mike Whittington and Bill Cavan
Attendees:
Bill Cavan, Ric Freeman and Lisa, John and Wendy Cary, Mike and Laura Whittington, Robb and Shirley Miller, Tony, Debbie and Jordan Pellegrino, DuWayne and Tina Larson, Richard Hunt, Norm and Pat Taylor, Keith and Theresa Lyon, Rick Fisher, Will Smyth, Steve and Judy Santa, Jeff Sanders, Scott and Sara Evans, and Lyndol James and family.
Most of the group arrived throughout the day on Friday, some of us early enough to make a final pre-run trip up Hammer Down Trail in preparation for leading the trail on Saturday as a designated run for HDR. Pre-runners included John C, Robb M., Ric F. and Mike W. All went well until Mike flopped on an off camber left hand drop. No big deal and surprisingly very little damage. We had it righted in no time, dropped in a couple of quarts of ATF+4 and finished out the run. Since it was very windy, dusty and cold most folks either called it a night when we got back or drifted between motor homes visiting with friends.
Saturday morning arrived as another cold and windy day. No big deal, we're goin' wheelin'. On The Rocks led Hammer Down Trail this year. As planned, we met the group at 8:45 for the drivers meeting. Hammer Down Trail, located in Cougar Buttes is short but challenging. We called it Hammer Down Plus because due to the short length of the trail, we added a fun challenging canyon onto it plus followed the canyon with a bit of cow trailing through Cake Walk and Bullfrog Trails. The run is a solid 7 on a 1-10 scale for difficulty. We required at least 35" tires with lockers front and rear. 24 vehicles including Jeeps, a few Scouts (the Scouts West guys are great folks and good wheelers), an FToy (Dwayne and Tina) and a Zuk Sammy started the run promptly at 9:00.
Thanks to the pre-run we offered an “Optional” Obstacle Zero before the official trail gatekeeper section of Hammer Down. Let the carnage begin! Anyone who thinks Cougar Buttes trails are not challenging....”Hey it’s 10:30 and half of the vehicles left [i.e., those that didn’t decide to play somewhere else right off the bat (6)] are still waiting to try Obstacle Zero!” By the time all was said and done, we had one broken leaf spring on Dwayne's FToy, three rear axles, 1 front axle, a driveshaft u-joint and a flop on the V-Notch (Mr. Richard Hunt). 15 finished the complete trail. The broke vehicles thankfully were either able to return to the trail head with assistance (most broke in the first 50 yards of the trail!) or made it all the way through under their own power. Many who ran the trail with us told us they had a great time, even the folks who broke. Thanks to all the club members who helped the group get through the trail, including Jeff Sanders who came out for a day run specifically to help as a spotter; we had fantastic support. Can't wait until next year!
As planned we got back to camp at 4:00 in the afternoon. It was still windy but not near as bad as Friday so out came the munchies and Ric's Margaritas which are always fantastic. Thanks again Ric and Lisa; always great!!! The wind gradually died down as it got dark and we could finally have a fire where we sat around telling lies reliving the day which by the way, was lots of fun.
Sunday is games day at HDR. The weather was perfect! As always, OTR managed the Teeter Totter. I think we had the best set up we have ever had this year. Again, everyone pitched in to help by either acting as the sign up person, timer, spotter, or just to offer support and hang with the group. We even had a few folks come out for the day to help out including scotta and Sara Evans and a prospective new member, Lyndol James. Participation at this event qualifies Lyndol to become a member of OTR. Congratulations Lyndol!
Our club even had some winners at the games.
Laura Whittington drove while Wendy Cary acted as the monkey to win the Teeter Totter best time for Female/ Automatic. Richard Hunt won for best time Male/ Automatic. Keith Lyon and Will Smyth got first on the Wet Lap Race. Good job all!
After the group finished tearing down and stowing the Teeter Totter it was time for another run. Keith Lyon, Mike and John, Will, Ric, and Robb all headed out East to look for new canyons to explore. With Keith leading, we found a new one that hasn't had a lot of traffic. Mike marked it as a waypoint for next time we are in the area.
While we were running Keith's Trail (as it will now be called), the GenRight crew headed back over to Crowbar Trail (they did this trail on Saturday too). While there, Dave Watts flopped his Jeep over backwards!
On Sunday night after we all ate dinner many of us wandered over to the awards presentation and raffle.
Monday, going home day, broke as beautiful as the day before. With a light breeze and warm temperature we packed up and headed for home.
Thanks again to everyone for your help with the event run up Hammer Down Plus on Saturday and assistance with the Teeter Totter on Sunday. A great weekend all in all!