Marin 4x4 Club
Take the road less traveled!
10.14.08
Baja Grande 3 TRIP:
November 22-29, 2008
Meeting Time/Place: 9 a.m. Instant Mexico Insurance - 223 Via de San Ysidro, San Ysidro, CA 92173 US
::Mexican Driving Insurance is mandatory::
::Birth Certificate & U.S. IDentification or PASSPORT required for each participant - no documents, no Baja Grande::
Run Leader - El Señor Kenneth Cooke - cell (951) 255-1589
Run Difficulty - 3 [for Mission Impossible]
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Run Update Items:
1. Our group will be meeting in San Ysidro, CA (instead of Tecate, CA) at the Instant Mexico parking lot. There is a Chevron station across the street, and a Denny's Restaurant just down the street.
2. We will be meeting at 9 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. This way, we can get into San Felipe before sundown since we will have more distance to cover. Our objective in Tijuana will be to obtain our tourist visas (30 day) because we will stop briefly in the state of BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR in the city of GUERRERO NEGRO (Black Warrior) to restock our supplies after our campout in the bay of San Franscisquito.
3. BAJA GRANDE 2008 will meet head to head with THE SCORE INTERNATIONAL 2008 BAJA 1000 in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico this year - as the race will travel from south to north. Our group will be treated to a real celebratory crowd spend on night number 1 in San Felipe on November 22, 2008. This town will be LOCO with fireworks, trophy trucks, and rows and rows of fireworks going off. This will be a night to remember/it will go down in BAJA GRANDE history!
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Baja Grande 2 was everything that everyone had expected. Leaving the cold for the sun, the sand and the rocks for 1 straight week - combine the warmth of Baja with enough fresh fish caught in Gonzaga Bay for 4 nights worth of fresh Ceviche, lots of Coronas in camp around the campfire, new friends, and a proper send off from Mama Esponosas in El Rosario.
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[11/22] Night 1:
Our group will travel to San Felipe - Dinner at the amazing Restaurante El Colorado -- camp out at Campo Del Sol campground for 1 night. Reservations will be made very soon. The Baja 1000 will wind through San Felipe on 11/22, making this our noisiest of nights in Baja. Bring your earplugs and mosquito repellant!
[11/23] Night 2:
Drive the Malecon (Boardwalk) in our (still clean) Jeeps and Toyotas for some brief sightseeing in San Felipe, head to Pemex for some $2.50/gallon gasoline, and drive straight to Gonzaga Bay - either along the rocky shoreline or the washboarded Baja 1000 route - your choice. There might be chase trucks and broken trophy trucks along the route, so plenty of photography opportunities! Camp out at Rancho Grande's beachfront campground.
[11/24] Night 3:
Travel the route south past Coco's Corner. Coco is in Ensenada recuperating after having his 2nd leg amputation - he is now a double amputee. Drop off medical supplies, gifts for Coco - he will most likely be at Coco's Corner for the Baja 1000 - so, we will hopefully see some race stragglers too! Arrive in Bahia De Los Angeles prior to dusk. Grab a campsite at Daggets.
[11/25] Night 4:
Rise early, follow Russ' TJ down the coast to Bahia San Francisquito. Russ will be in charge of Logistics for Day/Night 4. Russ is on a mission to see this beautiful bay, so we're handing him the 'wheel, and I can't wait to see those turquoise waters! Fish Tacos??
[11/26 - 11/27] Night 5 & 6:
Rise extra early, head into Guerrero Negro (Black Warrior) in the state of BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR along 65 miles of densely Cactii-forested dirt roads. After gassing up, filling our gerry cans and grabbing some brunch, we'll make the northbound trek into Cataviña. Lunch across the street from the La Pinta (time permitting), and from there, we hit the 16 mi. trail that bears the name 'Mission Impossible'. Basically, this is a rock and boulder-fest. Solid 4 'wheeling. Last year, a stock 4Runner with LOTS OF HELP AND ATTENTION made the drive in, but with visible damage to the low-hanging valance and factory painted steps. It wasn't pretty, it took all afternoon, but everyone made it. Even a brand-new '07 JK Unlimited Rubicon was in need of emergency surgery to its stock steering componentry. Mission Impossible earned its reputation all in just 1 afternoon.
[11/28] Night 7:
Return to civilization for a shower and a shave and a...Lobster dinner. For right around $40, you cannot beat the luxurious Baja Cactus Motel - situated in El Rosario, next door to that towns only Pemex station. Owner Antonio did us well by reserving THE ENTIRE PARKING LOT along with THE ENTIRE MOTEL last year. It doesn't get much better than that. Please RSVP as soon as possible. Lets book up the Baja Cactus again this year. Next door is the highly respected Mama Espinozas Restaurant. Last year, our bar tab was in the low hundreds - and that was just in El Rosario!
[11/29] Day 8 - Lets try and travel in tandem back to the US border. Last year, some unfortunate circumstances took place involving some SCORE racers and their families. My condolences for the situations they encountered. Baja Grande did not have any bad situations in which to deal with, except for a broken-down electricity situation at the L.A. Bay Pemex station. By driving prudently, observing all posted signs (en Español), we will avoid being pulled over by Baja's finest. Saludos a todos que quieren a viajar a Baja en Noviembre - Baja Grande!!
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Baja Grande 3 Merchandise - t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.
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T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts will be available in early November and at the morning meeting location. If you order a t-shirt/sweatshirt, I will have them available for you the morning of the event.
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Jeep Rubicon Tech and Baja 4WD : http://www.thedesertoutlaw.20megsfree.com/
Baja Jeepin' on the web: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/BajaJeepin/
05.16.08
Hi Off Roaders,
We have many new members and many great ideas. Now that the sun is out and the weather is nice the trails are open and the dirt is waiting.
Our members are working on a trip down to the desert as well as to the lost coast trail 31-May. For more details and to join the trips contact: Brendan Daly you can reach him in our community page: http://www.universeye.com/communities/viewgroup/32/
Let us know if you need help.
10.28.07
- Jeeps are great, good price and good options. great after market. Some jeeps, like the rubicon ans other "off road ready" come with good wheels and transmission and will take you almost anywhere.
- Toyota has some great trucks, good value and the FJ is a great choice as well.Toyota has a lot of after market modifications you can get for it for a good price.
- Hummer h3 is becoming very popular, the adventure package has amazing crawl ratio, great approach and departure angels, 33 inch tires 9.1 ground clearance, 24 water fording ability and over 20 miles per gallon, it also has a big after market, but it is pricey.
- The nissan Xterra is a good choice as well, great value, comes with a good start of options and will take you almost anywhere.
- The land rovers are also a good choice, good after market, a bit pricey as well and the trucks can get high price with different models.
I found that 4x4 trucks share the same MPG which is around 20 (most are under that). We live in modern days and modern trucks all share great safety features, with safety, as you will find in off roading, you can never have enough, so the more safety features you get the better, especially if this is the family's fun truck.
10.25.07
Hollister Hills Trip Saturday November 10th. - RSVP
Trip has been posted on several forums. It seems to be morphing into a gathering of newer
capable 4x4's. FJ's, 2nd Gen Xterras, H3's ect. Would love to get some
of the Marin4x4 crowd out.
Details:
Leaving from Pittsburg/Antioch at 0730am
5.00 to get in, bring a lunch and picnic supplies.
FRS radios a must. work channel 07. If you have a set bring the
matching one to let someone else use this will make things a lot
smoother. Pull into the park, have a meet/greet and breakfast, get to driving.
Stop for lunch, be Back in the bay by 5:30/6:00pm.
Driver Brief at 0900
Family event, not too serious, just getting the trucks muddy.
Brush is well cleared. No paint damage expected.
Feel Free to post on your respective manufacture forums. H3. FJ, Xterra ect.
Club rules:
1. Muck Truck Rule is in full effect. Clean your truck in the first week,
buy beer for the next run.
2. Stuck Truck Rule is in full effect. Get stuck first, buy beer the next run.
3. Invite friend who have not hit the "4x4" button in their trucks
before. Plenty of people to coach and provide guidance.
Questions? Concerns? Contact Big Tom
bigtom726@gmail.com
2005 Nissan Xterra
10.25.07
Welcome to our newest members:
Paul Luhmann: Dodge Ram 1500 P/U
Larry Bosworth: 2004 Jeep Liberty
Justin: 4runner
Jonesy: unknown
Andy Ramm: Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 2001
Valintino: Unknown
Joe Pivarnik: 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Crosby: '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jac: pathfinder
Rudy Kalandros: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 liter
Greg harlan: 88 jeep yj
9.2.07
Best Labor day trip to Fort Brag forest: Redwoods, waterfalls and lots of fun on the dirt roads.
05.27.07
Fort Bragg Sherwood Road:
"Perhaps the most adventuresome motor route between the coast and inland areas."
2.17.07
Mendocino Trip Great Success:
Hummer, Nissan PathFinder, Jeep embarked on an expedition to discover the hidden trails of the Mendocino Forest and the results are viewable in our picture gallery and movie page. Enjoy and if you still didn't join...What are you waiting for?
2.3.07
We have it!
The complete Off Road Map for California.
Now we have access to every one of the off road parks and trails in California and we intend to hit each and every one of them...
If you are still not a member, join now!
2.3.07
Mendocino Forest trip:
Coming up on the 17th...
A day trip to the dirt roads of the Mendocino county Forest, water fording, hot springs and lots of fun outdoors.
Get in to it!
1.28.07
Holister trip was a success!
Report by Brendan and Thomas gives it a great rating...No pics though.....
A new member from the trip:
Ron - 07 FJ...
Next trip is coming soon...
1.23.07
More info about the Holister Hills OHV park.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hollister Hills
State Vehicular Recreation Area
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 637-3874
Daily Details for
Hollister, CA (95023) - Sat 27th
 Few Showers |
High 59°F Precip 30% |
| Wind: | SSE 7 mph |
| Max. Humidity: | 63% |
| UV Index: | 2 Low |
| Sunrise: | 7:12 AM PT |
| Avg. High: | 62°F |
| Record High: | 79°F (1976) |
1.10.07
The 14th trip is HOT! 15 people and 7 4x4's
New confirmations:
Jonsey + Spotter- FJ40
Tom Urquhart + Wife - Xterra
Bill - Jeep
Paula her hubby and their Xterra.
Berndan his friend and his Xterra.
Cola her Hubby, their kid and their Toyota 4x4.
Or, Daniela and their H3.
1.9.07
1. Paula her hubby and their Xterra.
2. Berndan his friend and his Xterra.
3. Cola her Hubby, their kid and their Toyota 4x4.
4. Or Daniela and their H3.
Those are 4/5 cars and 11 people, not bad for the first run.
1. A lot of good mood.
P.S. In our next trip we will organize the food thing better.
4. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and that you don't mind getting dirty with mud. Not that we plan on too much hiking but the occasional step out of the car can get you...
5. Something warm to wear for the morning and evening. During the day we expect a sunny weather.
6. Good music for the ride... to get inspired. (Pixies-Where-Is-My-Mind)
1.7.07
Homework for the Trip:
Read it in case you'll need it:
Hand Position
When driving off road, it is important not to place your thumbs on the inside of the steering wheel. When driving over any large ruts or potholes, the wheel could suddenly turn. This may result in the thumb being bruised or even dislocated if it is left inside the rim. Remembering to leave your thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel is a very easy skill to acquire and should become second nature to you. With power steering fitted to most 4Wdrives these days, this technique is not as critical as the power steering unit dampens out sudden steering wheel movements as well as steering stabilizers. Owners of non-power steering vehicles will have undoubtedly experienced at some time the force at which the steering wheel turns when hitting an obstruction.
Diff Position
It is important to know the position of your front and rear differentials as they are usually the lowest ground clearance point of your vehicle. Similarly, any other low ground clearance points should be noted e.g. exhaust, spare tyre etc. When a large rock or other obstacle is on a track that you must drive over, you should ensure you avoid driving directly over it with the lowest ground clearance point of your vehicle.
Braking
When using the vehicle’s brakes hard, your vehicle’s front suspension compresses and you 'use up' most of its suspension travel, When braking sharply to avoid an obstacle e.g. pot hole or rut, and you cannot stop in time, release the brake pedal just prior to hitting the obstacle. This will allow the front suspension to return to its normal height and give more suspension travel when hitting the obstacle.
Vehicle Limitations
A four wheel drive vehicle cannot be treated like a normal car when cornering. The 4WD will roll over much easier than a car while cornering if they are taken too fast, due to the higher center of gravity. This applies to gravel and paved roads equally. Although a four wheel drive vehicle generally has better traction on gravel than a car, when safe cornering speeds are exceeded the four wheel drive will tend to roll earlier than a car.
Watercrossing Summary
Vehicle Preparation
· Walk the crossing to check its depth.
· Don't cross fast flowing water.
· Place markers at hidden obstacles.
· Place a tarp across the front of the vehicle.
· Disconnect the fan belt if a viscous coupling fan is not fitted.
· Spray water repellent on distributor and ignition wires.
· Pack recovery gear on top, ready for use.
Driving Technique
· Take off seat belt and wind down window.
· Use low range 2nd gear (in most situations).
· Drive at a steady speed to create a bow wave.
· Avoid using the clutch.
· Do not over-rev engine if you lose traction.
· If engine stalls, place in neutral without using clutch to restart. Takeoff in 1st low.
Post Watercrossing maintenance
· Check diffs etc for water if depth above axles.
· Check winches if fitted.
Mud Driving Techniques
Unlike some other types of terrain, mud-driving techniques vary on the type of mud. Reducing tire pressures can help in 'bottomless' mud whereas it can make things worse when a hard surface is below the mud. Mud usually tends to hide obstacles such as tree roots and sticks just waiting to slash your sidewalls, so its best to avoid reducing tire pressures if you can avoid it.
Driving on the peaks between tire tracks can provide firmer ground, as water tends to collect in the wheel tracks. Though sometimes the existing wheel tracks have cut through to the firmer surface underneath and provide the best traction.
Moving the steering wheel left to right about 90° from the center can help the front wheels bite into the mud in search of traction. Do not turn the wheel too for as you can end up making things worse.
As you have probably gathered by now, mud driving is unpredictable and you need to have a knowledge of different driving techniques to know which one to apply in each situation. What doesn't change is the need to have good mud tires with big self-cleaning lugs and good recovery equipment.
Summary-Sand Driving
- lower tire pressures to greatly improve traction and reduce track erosion
- drive smoothly with gear changes at high revs
- ensure wheels are pointing straight ahead when taking off
- avoid the soft sand at the base of dunes and gullies
- make turns as wide as possible
- ONLY travel straight up or down dunes
- follow in others tire tracks to drive on compressed ground
- avoid braking by coasting to a stop
- do not floor the accelerator if you are bogging down
- when bogged, try to reverse on your own tracks
thoroughly hose down your vehicle after a beach trip
1.7.07
- marin4x4: Confirmed a trip on the 14th. It's going to be beginner's trip and only to get to know your club friends and your vehicle kind of trip.
- We have 4 cars going as of now, an Xterra, 2 Toyota pick ups and an H3. Probably more coming. It's a great opportunity to meet cool people, drink coffee in the outdoors, explore new roads and use your car for what it was made to do!
- We have 2/3 married couples, one kid, two or more singles and an Australian Sheppard.
- We will meet at the Larkspur Landing Parking Lot in front of the movie theatre at 6 AM on Sunday the 14th.
The weather is looking great and the driving is not long about a 1.5 hour from Marin.
We are heading to Cow mountain south, where the weather is clear, the view is breathtaking and the trails kick A...!
Join us by sending an email to orhaviv@gmail.com Its FREE
1.6.07
Details about our trip on the 14th:
South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area emphasizes off-highway vehicle use. Over 120 miles of vehicle trails interweave 23,000 acres, and offer challenges to motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts alike. Non-motorized recreation is also welcome. There are two developed campgrounds and two OHV staging areas to help make your visit enjoyable. From Ukiah, take State Highway 101 to the Talmage Road exit. Go east on Talmage Road about 1.5 miles. Turn right at Old River Road. and proceed 0.3 miles to Mill Creek Road. Turn left on Mill Creek Road and continue east 6 miles to entrance to South Cow Mountain. From Lakeport, take State Highway 29 to the 11th street exit. Go west on 11th street (which becomes Scotts Valley Road) 0.5 miles. Turn left on Riggs Road and continue west and south 0.75 miles to Scotts Creek Road. Turn right and proceed west on Scotts Creek Road 2 miles. The South Cow Mountain area is subject to closure during periods of wet weather. During the rainy season, call (707)468-4000 24 hours a day for current conditions before you come. Click Here for Wet Weather Vehicle Closure Policy Mayacmas Campground (north): In Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Mendo Rock Road, and follow to site, about 10 miles. This is a primitive recreation site. 6 units, barbecue grates, pit toilets. There is no potable water Goat Rock (north): In Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Mendo Rock Road, park at Mendo Rock Road. Take Glen Eden trail east about 4 miles: hiking or horseback access only. There are 2 units, picnic tables, fire grates/BBQ, and water for animals only. Red Mountain Campground (south): In Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Follow Mill Creek Road 5 miles to staging area, veer right where road forks (there is a directional sign) and continue 2.5 miles to Red Mountain Campground. 10 units, toilets, barbecue grates, and picnic tables. There is no potable water at this time. Buckhorn (south): In Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Follow Mill Creek Road 5 miles to staging area, veer right where road forks (there is a directional sign) and continue about 3.5 miles on turning at the trail #20. There are 4 units, picnic tables, fire grates/BBQs, and toilet facilities. There is no potable water. Sheldon Creek (detached): U.S. 101 to Hopland Road in Hopland, east 3 miles to Old Toll Road, 8 miles south on a gravel road. There are 6 units, toilet facilities, picnic tables, and fire grates/BBQs. This is a primitive recreation site. There is no potable water. Click here to view recreation regulations Bureau of Land Management Phone: (707) 468-4000
Ukiah Field Office
2550 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
1.4.07
COMING UP: Our First trip: a day trip Sunday the 14th to South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area.
We will meet in Larkspur landing in front of the movie cinema. in the parking lot, Sunday the 14th at 6 AM yes early early......
We will drive together to the place.
A day trip sunday the 14th to South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area.
South Cow Mountain is 1.5 hours drive from Marin and will be a day trip for us.
We will set out Very Early on Sunday the 14th and return later in the day.
Directions.
Weather info.
Please confirm your participation in this day trip!
- To check latest details go to the guestbook...
- To join email us now!
1.3.07
Welcome Cola,
I drive a toyota 4x4 pick-up. The engine was cammed out to sand run,
but now I have just been off roading it and playing in the mud some.
I don't have any pictures.
I would love to do a Mendocino trip. Let me know when you pick a date.
About me, I live in San Rafael as of one year (so letting people know
of the group will be a slight challenge). Before that I lived in Big
Bear and before that Northwest Oregon. My family is outdoor active:
surfing, mountain biking, kayaking, motorcycling, repelling, whatever
kicks the adrenaline into overdrive.