2013 BajaHID Excursion, Mojave Road — INFO THREAD —

[BajaF250]

All,

As we put info out on the planning thread, I've noticed that it's getting spread out throughout a series of pages. In order to consolidate pertinent info for the trip for everyone's convenience, I wanted to post it all in one place. I ask that we all use this as an info thread only so all the info is available without searching.

[BajaF250]

Welcome letter from the organizers!

[BajaF250]

Trip and Trail information

[BajaF250]

Trip and Trail information

[BajaF250]

Trip and Trail information

[BajaF250]

Trip and Trail information

[BajaF250]

Trip and Trail information

[BajaF250]

Liability Disclaimer

[BajaF250]

Maps

[BajaF250]

Laughlin Tropicana Hotel and Casino Information

Friendly reminder folks, cut off to book your room at discounted rate is September 21st:

Okay folks, sorry for the delay but here is the hotel information you'll need to make your reservations:

Tropicana Laughlin
2121 S. Casino Drive
Laughlin, NV 89029

Reservation Department: (800) 243-6846 available seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Cut off to use code is September 21st.
Use group code for discount: #18777

You have two room options:
Classic rooms are on floors 2 - 6 FYI haven't been updated for a few years and the rate is $51.99
Resort rooms are on floors 7 - 25 FYI were recently renovated within the last three years and the rate is $61.99

All rooms available in non-smoking, smoking, two beds or one.

Chris

[BajaF250]

PLEASE READ

All,

CAMPING INFO

Link to NPS camping guidelines and regulations: http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/camping-regs.htm
Camping: Guidelines & Regulations From the National Park Service

http://www.lnt.org
Backcountry travelers and campers should adhere to National Park Service regulations and are further encouraged to follow Leave No Trace guidelines to minimize their impact on the fragile desert environment. Additional regulations apply to roadside campers and those traveling with horses and/or other pack animals.
While pets are welcome as travel and camping companions in Mojave National Preserve, they must be leashed and never left unattended (including inside vehicles). Pet excrement must be collected and disposed of in garbage receptacles.

Leave No Trace (LNT) is rooted in scientific studies and common sense. The message is framed under seven Leave No Trace Principles presented below with accompanying regulations specific to Mojave National Preserve:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
• There is no permit or registration system for backcountry travel & camping at Mojave National Preserve; be sure to notify others of your travel itinerary.
• Few established trails exist; carry a good map and familiarize yourself with desert travel and survival skills before beginning your trip.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Reuse existing campsites (required for roadside camping).
• Do not make camp in a dry wash—flash floods develop quickly in the desert.
• Camping is limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit/stay and 30 total days per year.
• Campsites must be more than 200 yards from any water source.
• Camping is not permitted: within 1/4 mile of any paved road or the Zzyzx Road; within 1/2 mile of Fort Piute or Kelso Depot; within 1 mile north (i.e., the crest of the dunes) or 1/4 mile south of the Kelso Dunes access road.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
• Store all food and garbage in a manner that will prevent access by wildlife. Carry plastic bags and pack out all trash.
• Bury human waste in catholes 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Don't bury toilet paper or hygiene products - carry a plastic bag and pack it out.
• Pet excrement must be collected and disposed of in garbage receptacles.
4. Leave What You Find
• Disturbing, defacing, or collecting plants, animals, rocks, and historic or archeological objects is prohibited. As part of our national heritage, these resources should be left as they are found for all to enjoy. Metal detectors are not allowed.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Campfires are allowed in established fire rings only, or with use of a portable firepan (be sure to pack out ashes). Do not leave fires smoldering or unattended.
• Cutting or collecting any wood, including downed wood, is prohibited. All firewood must be brought into the preserve.
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information or materials, please visit http://www.LNT.org or call 303-442-8222.

CAMP SPOT: Our primary camp spot will be at the northern base of the Beale Mountains alongside the Mojave Trail. It’s about 54 miles from the Afton Road exit and the start of our trek. The campsite is an existing roadside camp with three fire rings. The fire rings are spread out enough to allow sufficient room for us to split up into separate groups and share the camp space. Location Lat/Long coordinates:
35° 10' 56.01" N
115° 36' 49.96" W

October 12th is opening day of deer season in the park and we may see hunters in the area… most importantly, they will vie for our primary camp spot. The camp spots are first come, first served… and we may not be able to use the camp spot we’ve scouted out. Thus we have two viable options to exercise. First, our secondary camp spot will be along Aiken Mine road, which is the access road to the Lava tubes we plan to visit earlier in the day. So, we may have to back track a few miles to get to the camp spot. There are no roadside camp spots that are close enough further down the trail for Friday evening. Second, we may want to designate a “rabbit group” to blast ahead of the group to arrive camp side earlier in the day and secure the space for the rest of the groups’ later arrival.

FIREWOOD: Firewood must be brought in, per park regulations, “Cutting or collecting any wood, including downed wood, is prohibited. All firewood must be brought into the preserve.” So, I think the best approach is to have everyone bring a small quantity of firewood and collectively, we should have enough wood for three fires. Please plan accordingly.

If you want your own separate fire spot, you can bring a fire pan or portable fire ring but they would like you to pack out your ashes.

Recommended items for camp:
1. Firewood
2. Sleeping bag and mat (or cot)
3. Camp chairs (folding chairs)
4. Folding table
5. Tent if you’d like deluxe accommodations (there should be plenty of tent space)
6. Enough food for dinner and breakfast
7. Plenty of water for drinking, cleaning and enough for an emergency supply for the unexpected (don’t be surprised if Tony brings water to wash PB that evening!)
8. Flashlight and batteries
9. TP
10. Shovel
11. Trash bags to pack out what you bring in
12. First aid kit
13. Cups, bowls, plates, flatware, etc. Cooking gear.
14. Paper towels
15. RC cars!!

[BajaF250]

Just a few suggested things to review prior to departure day to ensure you have a trouble-free trip and your truck is fully prepared for the riggers we expect to experience over the weekend.

Pre-departure Maintenance Checklist

o Fluids
o engine oil
o transmission oil
o brake fluid
o radiator coolant
o power steering
o windshield wiper fluid
o gear oils: transfer case/differentials, replace if necessary

o General
o seat belts
o tire air pressure (ck spares)
o tire wear or damage
o loose bolts or nuts throughout vehicle
o headlights
o driving/off-road lights

o Engine
o fan belts
o hoses
o air cleaner

o Chassis
o frame cracks
o drive shaft u-bolts
o lug nuts, 110-140 ft-lbs
o brake pads & shoes (adequate braking pad material, in good condition and without contamination)
o Grease all fittings (u-joints, steering)
o shock condition
o Charge shocks, N2
o Charge bumps, N2
o Ball joints
o Steering linkage

[BajaF250]

Schedule of Events

[BajaF250]

All,
Let's use Weatherman as our primary frequency (151.625) and BFG Pits (153.395) as our secondary frequency.

[Broncodawg]

There is a ritual on the Mojave Road of adding a rock to the Traveler's Monument rock pile near ZZyZx on day one.
Some bring unique rocks from home while others grab one along the way.

[BajaF250]

Greg is correct... bring a rock![/color]

I M P O R T A N T

EVERYONE — Don't forget to bring some firewood.

[BajaF250]

Darn, no edit!

[Double A Ron]

Just a few suggested things to review prior to departure day to ensure you have a trouble-free trip and your truck is fully prepared for the riggers we expect to experience over the weekend.

Pre-departure Maintenance Checklist

o Fluids
o engine oil
o transmission oil
o brake fluid
o radiator coolant
o power steering
o windshield wiper fluid
o gear oils: transfer case/differentials, replace if necessary

o General
o seat belts
o tire air pressure (ck spares)
o tire wear or damage
o loose bolts or nuts throughout vehicle
o headlights
o driving/off-road lights

o Engine
o fan belts
o hoses
o air cleaner

o Chassis
o frame cracks
o drive shaft u-bolts
o lug nuts, 110-140 ft-lbs
o brake pads & shoes (adequate braking pad material, in good condition and without contamination)
o Grease all fittings (u-joints, steering)
o shock condition
o Charge shocks, N2
o Charge bumps, N2
o Ball joints
o Steering linkage

How many frame cracks should we have? I have atleast two, is that enough?

[CB95XLT]

Damn I missed this! Ugh