Miller Jeep Trail NIGHT Run

Trip Report for Miller jeep Trail NIGHT Run, 7/9/11
By: Jeremy Carpenter

Attendees:
Jeremy C.
Bill C. & Mike W.
John C. & Spencer (Son)
Mike B. & Will S. (Guest)

This was the first club “Night Run” up Miller for quite some time. Most of us met as planned, with only one member arriving late…….(posted as requested). Will Smyth, a neighbor of Eric’s and a several time meeting attendee, met us at the P.R. Park n’ Ride and was able to ride with Mike B. Driving through Santa Clarita was hot, dry and miserable for those without AC, but we still made it to the Flying J on time despite leaving late.

As this was a night run we planned to eat dinner at John’s diner, which was highly recommended on internet reviews. Unfortunately they were closed……permanently. So, we headed up the road to the Lockwood Valley turnoff and had pizza at Mike’s. With one final no-show guest and our bellies full of good pizza, we pulled out of Mikes and headed for the Lockwood Valley Trail.

The sun was low in the sky as we pulled off to air-down and adjust our rigs for the trail. John pulled into point position, followed by Jeremy, Bill & Mike W. with Mike B. bringing up the rear. As we started to climb up the Lockwood Trail the sun began to set. We made it to the top of the first hill in time to take a few group shots before the sun was completely gone. John gave us all a quick lesson in foliage re-growth after a fire. Dusk settled on us as we sank into the first valley.

The mountain air was cool and thick with moisture, keeping the dust low. We all made it through the big bowl with no issues. Recent rains had rutted the second hill severely and compacted the thick dusty layer. Night was finally on us as we started up Kabob hill. As promised, the rocks got bigger with nothing but headlights to guide us.

A couple of lights were seen in the valley floor as we came off the back side of Kabob. We arrived at the picnic area to find a small group of jeepers camping. We got out for a stretch and introduced ourselves. They had come in early that day and had not seen many other jeeps on the trail. After the short visit and some star gazing we re-grouped and started our way up Miller. The trail was full of larger than normal rocks and deeper than normal ruts. We all made it out unscathed.

We all got out to enjoy the summit and take in the vast night sky. There was one small group of campers there but the site was dark so we quietly got back in our Jeeps and headed for Hungry Valley. At our next stop, where the dirt road gives way to asphalt, Mike B. had a bit of an issue. A pungent odder was coming from his front end. After a short while it was determined that his front left caliper was not releasing, heating his rotor and pads enough to smell like they were burning. With no spare caliper, Mike had to limp the rest of the way off the mountain without the use of his brakes.

We all pulled off the side of Smokey Bear Rd to air-up. As we reflected on the nights run, the weather was considered one of the best reasons for the night run. We pulled onto the I-5 at about 12:30 and headed for home. A good time was had by all.