AZ: Martinez Canyon 3-19-05

[goodtimes]

A few of us are getting together to run Martinez Canyon on the 19th (sat). There are rumors of washed out sections, and dramatically changed terrain below the mill, making it much more difficult that in the past few years.

If Martinez is impassible (some say it is, some say it isn't), then the back up plan is either upper and lower woodpecker, or elvis.

Anyone is invited, just be aware that these are not stocker friendly trails. 33's and one hard locker minimum. deep gears and 2 hard lockers recommended. I haven't seen the trail since the rains, so I don't really know what we are getting ourselves into.......

[PaulW]

Mmmmmm.......sounds fun. What's up Brian? Long time no talk! I'm going to have to drag the Jeep out and wheel with you guys soon!

[goodtimes]

Start draggin! It gets hot out here real soon. The 'wheeling season is almost over.

[DrewTJ]

I'm jealous. I did Martinez last spring, I bet it will be a lot more fun since the rains and the scenery is fantanstic out there have fun!

[PaulW]

Start draggin! It gets hot out here real soon. The 'wheeling season is almost over.

Well, I can't make it out there this weekend, I have the kids to take care of. So, as you can guess I have every other weekend free, let's make some plans to wheel!

[aston]

I did the Martinez Mine Loop about a week ago, and it was *great.* There's lots of new boulders and deep washouts all over the place.

I would join you but I have some friends going to Upper Ajax and Bad Medicine (if we can find it.) How come two great wheeling trips fall on the same day :mad: :confused:

Have fun.

[goodtimes]

How bad is Martinez now? Is the whole thing a tougher ride now, or is there still a *fairly* easy path through it? There is one IFS rig coming along with me (he has been through the Martinez loop several times, but not this year).

Paul, I have nothing on the calander for the first 4 weekends of April. Pick a weekend. How is your jeep set up now anyway????

[aston]

Hmm...The wash has some easier routes but the pile of rocks halfway between the cabin and the mill is hard, but not impossible.

Also, some of the lower switchbacks had big washouts. I would guess we were the first group through in a while so we smoothed it out for you

One of our group was an XJ with 31s and lockers. He made it with some bumping and grinding

[goodtimes]

OK. I guess we'll have to see if Brett can get his taco through there or not......

Paul, April 9/10 is no good.....

[PaulW]

Paul, I have nothing on the calander for the first 4 weekends of April. Pick a weekend. How is your jeep set up now anyway????

My Jeep is still kinda stock.
33" MTR's
4.88 gears in the diff's
4.1 gears in the t-case
Super 35 kit w/Detroit in rear axle
Aussie Locker in the front axle
PSC power steering (originally manual steering) ram unit yet to be installed

How is the weekend of April 23rd?

[goodtimes]

That works for me.

[PaulW]

That works for me.

How long would you say that it takes to drive out to your neighborhood? I was planning on driving out on Friday morning, wheel with you on Saturday and then maybe wheel a little bit on Sunday morning or just drive home? Your thoughts on this.

[goodtimes]

7 - 8 hours.