High Desert Round-up 2006 Report

[Russ Chung]

If we can't rig up a stake for the signs when I get there, I'll drive into town and get some.

We found another use for a Hi-Lift jack!!!!

[Russ Chung]

Some of the MJR members who are here include:
Erik (Nailer341)
George (TDS SD)
Matt (Matt2001TJ)
Drew (Drewminator)
Andrew Weber
and myself (Russ Chung)

This morning, I saw a parked Jeep with a MyJeepRocks.com decal, but the driver wasn't at the vehicle, and I didn't recognize the Jeep, so there must be other MJR members out here.

On Friday night, we did the night run:



There were at least 43 vehicles on the night run.



Tip #1: Line up early so you get near the head of the line
Tip #2: Try not to line up behind any Toyotas

[blackZZR]

We found another use for a Hi-Lift jack!!!!

I knew we were white trash, but this takes the cake

[blkTJ]

Tip #1: Line up early so you get near the head of the line
Tip #2: Try not to line up behind any Toyotas

good advice, I might switch the order but good advice nonetheless. :yay:

[Russ Chung]

Gatekeeper at Doran Canyon

On Sunday morning, Drew (Drewminator) and Erik (Nailer341) decided to run the Gatekeeper at Doran Canyon on their own instead of with the HDR led run through the Calico area. This is the BEFORE picture:



Since it is Sunday morning, it is appropriate that Reverend Jason leads the traditional blessing of the Jeeps prior to the run up the Gatekeeper:



The Jeeps as they approach the obstacle:



I will write up a full report when I get home, but in the meantime, the rest of the photos, and the results of the run can be found here

[Drewminator]

Thank you for taking the pictures Russ, they are awesome!

[blkTJ]

some of the worst spotting I've ever seen, twice!:cactus:

[Drewminator]

some of the worst spotting I've ever seen, twice!:cactus:

The Gatekeeper just wasn’t going to let anybody through that day with out a warning. She just kept slapping away and didn’t want anybody on her rocks, witch totally kicked our butts. She was very stingy that day and we finally got the message! Oh well, hope she’s in a better mood next year, LOL!

[NAILER341]

we sure got our asses kicked in that hole.
wound up breaking a warn inner, and maybe more.. i'll have to open it up and see what is in there. the rest of the axle shaft is still in the locker.

pumpkin eater was a great time. i made it up the waterfall without a winch this time. the section above the waterfall was brutle. it was like 2x2 marbles. it claimed 2 axles in the short time i was in that section on other vehicles.

the wind finally let up on sundey night..
it was a great time out there over all.

[92 Green YJ]

Eric, how did the Super 88 kit hold up?

[mrblaine]

Eric, how did the Super 88 kit hold up?

It held up perfectly and the one tiny little worry I had over insufficient bearing lubrication proved to be without merit. If he can tow the twinky out there, run a couple of hard trails and tow it back home, I'm confident the bearing is going to live just fine.

[NAILER341]

yes, i had no problems at all with the 8.8 mods.
it held up great, and i tried to break it.:yay:

[Matt2001TJ]

some days are better than others

yes, i had no problems at all with the 8.8 mods.
it held up great, and i tried to break it.:yay:

could have been worse, at least you didnt rip off the drivers side mirror

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...GATEKEEPER.jpg

[stegmst]

What happened with the Toyota?

[Russ Chung]

Saturday's runs

On Saturday, participants could choose one of five runs on Saturday: Blue Moon, Devil’s Loop, Achy Breaky, Pumpkin Eater, or The Empire Strikes Back. I took pictures of the Devil’s Loop, and Matt (Matt2001TJ) gave me the pictures he took of Achy Breaky.

Here is a picture of the HDR camp at Stoddard Valley:



The Devil’s Loop trail was a “moderate” trail open to all vehicles. The trail features rocky sections, a few tight squeezes, some off-camber and loose hill climbs.



Five factory sponsored Toyota FJ Cruisers were on hand at HDR; participants were welcome to sign up for test drives. Two of them joined the fun on Devils Loop:











This was a VERY tight squeeze for the FJ Cruisers: