3rd Annual Rock Hopper Roundup 2009 (Aug 14th-16th)

[jake62]

Well we are there once again.  

  It is time for the 3rd Annual RockHopper Roundup  

  We finally have the dates

August 14-16 2009 so mark your calendars

Bald Mountain Base Camp

  Stay tuned for more details as they become available

[firecat]

BLEH! I work fri/sat........
But I'll be there sunday!

[Robert]

We're going to be out of town. That sucks. We might make it on Sat or Sun.

[ZuperDave]

I hope I can make it,......My daughter may be holding her 18th Birthday Party that weekend,...

Looks like you guys are doing a great job planning this event again.

[ZuperDave]

 

[Kodiak Commando]

I can hardly wait!! We are so there!!!!

[DaveM]

I hope I can make it,......My daughter may be holding her 18th Birthday Party that weekend,...

Looks like you guys are doing a great job planning this event again.

You have more birthdays and anniversarys than anyone I've ever known, don't you know you're supposed to save them for winter.   

I hope you make it!

[yota pu/runner]

Hey guys I'm thinking about going but I was curious to know where everyone camps at? 

[Tinman]

Everyone usually camps at Bald Mountain Base Camp, or at least in the area.  There is plenty of camping in the area.

[yota pu/runner]

Sounds good and one more question I can think of right now, what is the fee for running the roundup?  I also noticed on the other thread we would need to bring a side dish I think, if that's correct is there someone to let know what we would be bringing so we don't all bring potatoe salad.

Ok that was two questions sorry but I just thought of it.

Thanks.

Sorry I said side dish when I meant dessert (not sure how to spell it I get it confused with the sand desert)

[Kodiak Commando]

Hey guys I'm thinking about going but I was curious to know where everyone camps at? 

At some point we will be posting a map to the camp area.  It's basically accessed either from Dinkey creek rd and Rock Creek Road or from Tamarak ridge.
No fees are involved.  If you want an event T shirt, you have to pre order by Monday.

[RockBottom]

...I know we'll be in the middle of a large ample forest...but...
Sitting around the campfire Saturday night will be terrific if we can get folks to collect/bring up firewood.

[Tinman]

I thought I should post up ahead of time that there will be a safety inspection for every vehicle that plans to go on any of the trails.  Just in case any of you need to fix anything on your rig, here is a list of the items that will be checked:

Seatbelts for ALL Occupants
Rollbar or Factory Hardtop
Lug Nuts Present and Tight
Tires with Reasonable Tread
Spare (within 3" of Regular Tires)
Battery Properly Secured (No Bungee Cords)
Service Brakes (These are the regular vehicle brakes)
Parking Brake
Recovery Points
Brake Lights
Reverse Lights
High Beams (required for Night Run)
Low Beams (required for Night Run)
Registration or Green Sticker

Fire Extinguisher (in the Green)
Tire Changing Tools
Jack (Capable of Lifting Vehicle)
Recovery/Tow Strap
First Aid Kit
Flashlight (required for Night Run)

[BirdDog]

At some point we will be posting a map to the camp area.  It's basically accessed either from Dinkey creek rd and Rock Creek Road or from Tamarak ridge.
No fees are involved.  If you want an event T shirt, you have to pre order by Monday.

Here is a good map. Just go to this link & scroll down to the last map. It has a big arrow that says Base Camp. That is where we will be.
http://www.4x4him.com/Map_Bald_Mountainmntn.htm

[Tinman]

I am working on a map with a little more detail.  It will be available in the next couple of days.

[Cherokee Blue]

I think I'm going to try and make this trip. It sounds like fun! Ready to do swamp!

[Welshdragon79]

  I have a little bit of work to do to my truck. E-brake cable broke and my shackle is still attached to Cherokee Blue's tow strap. I'm going to need that back bud 

[Cherokee Blue]

I have a little bit of work to do to my truck. E-brake cable broke and my shackle is still attached to Cherokee Blue's tow strap. I'm going to need that back bud 

You got it bud! Thank Jake62 for that one! Thanks Jake!

[Ironman]

You got it bud! Thank Jake62 for that one! Thanks Jake!

So you had to go and learn the hard way. 

[Kodiak Commando]

For the Swamp Lake day trip during Rockhopper roundup, there are some special requirements for vehicles.  This is primarily due to the length and difficulty of the trail along with the time we have available.  Nobody wants to miss out on the Saturday night festivities in camp.  I know people can do the trail with less, it?s just that the potential for problems goes up significantly.  So base requirements are as follows:
35 inch tires minimum.
At least one locker, preferably two.
4:10 or lower gearing (numerically higher) or a 4:1 or deeper transfer case.
A willingness to keep up with the group.
A departure time of 7AM
Completed the safety inspection prior to 7AM

Swamp Lake trail is an amazingly beautiful run that takes you through a WWII Tungsten mining district.   It does have a propensity to damage vehicles when you least expect it.  Even the best built rigs can have unexpected issues on this route.  The last trip through that I made had a bent tie rod, roll onto a side by an FJ40 and someone ran out of gas.  I wrote a how to article here on the tie rod. http://www.ipendia.com/ArticleRead.aspx?ID=2045

If a breakdown occurs, the trail boss will decide on a course of action.  For instance, if time is short, the main group will likely continue while a repair crew handles the breakdown.  This way, fewer people will miss the main events of the evening.

[MattG]

For the Swamp Lake day trip during Rockhopper roundup, there are some special requirements for vehicles.  This is primarily due to the length and difficulty of the trail along with the time we have available.  Nobody wants to miss out on the Saturday night festivities in camp.  I know people can do the trail with less, it?s just that the potential for problems goes up significantly.  So base requirements are as follows:

35 inch tires minimum.

I'm out!

But....Randy (Timber) did well with 33's last year.
It was a guy with 37's that was holding everyone up due to a fragile passenger. 
I guess we need a stipulation regarding passengers too.

[b2driver]

Well, I will be there at Rock Hopper but no Swamp Lake for my little 33's.   

[Ironman]

I'm out!

But....Randy (Timber) did well with 33's last year.
It was a guy with 37's that was holding everyone up due to a fragile passenger. 
I guess we need a stipulation regarding passengers too.

I don't think the driver was all that tough either.  Matt, Come and play with us. Even though Randy did fine last year on Swamp with his 33's he wants to run Red this year.

[BirdDog]

Wade sign me up for Brewer Lake trail boss. If its still open

[Ironman]

For the Swamp Lake day trip during Rockhopper roundup, there are some special requirements for vehicles.  This is primarily due to the length and difficulty of the trail along with the time we have available.  Nobody wants to miss out on the Saturday night festivities in camp.  I know people can do the trail with less, it?s just that the potential for problems goes up significantly.  So base requirements are as follows:
35 inch tires minimum.
At least one locker, preferably two.
4:10 or lower gearing (numerically higher) or a 4:1 or deeper transfer case.
A willingness to keep up with the group.

So Fred, If a built Sami on 33's shows up, you're not going to let him run this trail with you guys.

[Tinman]

Man you guys are rough. 

Remember that this is the choice of the Trail Boss.  Swamp is a long trail, in order to get it done in time, the pace has to be quick.  The limitations put in place are what he felt was necessary to ensure the trail could be completed in a timely manner, with a reduced possibility of a breakdown.  A line had to be drawn somewhere, Fred drew it.

[Ironman]

I was just curious. I know it's going to come up. I have seen and wheeled with some nicely built rigs that run on 33's that are more than capable of doing this trail.

[RCKRUNR]

Hows the run for bald looking? I offered to help out but if its covered ok this swamp run sounds fun. Ive never done swamp. But if help is needed on Bald ill be glad to help out there.

[Tinman]

Hows the run for bald looking? I offered to help out but if its covered ok this swamp run sounds fun. Ive never done swamp. But if help is needed on Bald ill be glad to help out there.

On the list we have you as a backup trail boss for Bald.  I am sure we can cover the run if you want to do Swamp.  Bald should be one of the shortest runs of the day, so that is a good one for the camp helpers to go on.

[Kodiak Commando]

We can have more than one run through or to Swamp.  Or have one that does the whole trail and one that comes in from the north end to the lake and back.  I stand by my original statement. Please reread it and hopefully all will understand.  If someone wants to lead a group Sunday accross the trail, there will be no time limitation.  Ask Dhondagod about his 20 hour oddessy leading a handfull of way built rigs across that trail last weekend.  I want to avoid that so that we can all enjoy Saturday night.  My record on that trail is 16 hours when Levasser broke his steering box off his frame (didn't have a welder).  Even with the limits that I have stated, there is a chance that we could be out on the trail waaaaay late.   Hopefully not!

So, thats the dealio!

[daguy]

Hi my name is Guy! I am new to wheeling and was wondering
how hard a run this is? Do we stay on paved roads our do we
have to get dirt on the tires? Also is there bugs up there? Idont like
to get bit! How mush are the Hotel rooms andhow big? I will need
a king size bed.

Is there mush danger cuz I'm kinda not willing to do anything
crazy! If we to off road will there be someone to check our
oil and what are the chances of scratching paint? My white paint
would not like that at All! As for food!? Who will be catering
this event and is it possiable to have fish for my dinner?
I have somany more??

Thx
Guy

[BirdDog]

Hi my name is Guy! I am new to wheeling and was wondering
how hard a run this is? Do we stay on paved roads our do we
have to get dirt on the tires? Also is there bugs up there? Idont like
to get bit! How mush are the Hotel rooms andhow big? I will need
a king size bed.

Is there mush danger cuz I'm kinda not willing to do anything
crazy! If we to off road will there be someone to check our
oil and what are the chances of scratching paint? My white paint
would not like that at All! As for food!? Who will be catering
this event and is it possiable to have fish for my dinner?
I have somany more??

Thx
Guy

So does this mean your coming or are you just teasing us ?

[Kodiak Commando]

Hi my name is Guy! I am new to wheeling and was wondering
how hard a run this is? Do we stay on paved roads our do we
have to get dirt on the tires? Also is there bugs up there? Idont like
to get bit! How mush are the Hotel rooms andhow big? I will need
a king size bed.

Is there mush danger cuz I'm kinda not willing to do anything
crazy! If we to off road will there be someone to check our
oil and what are the chances of scratching paint? My white paint
would not like that at All! As for food!? Who will be catering
this event and is it possiable to have fish for my dinner?
I have somany more??

Thx
Guy

 

[cruiserfj45]

I think there is a Hilton at swamp lake you may be interested in.

[yota pu/runner]

I thought I should post up ahead of time that there will be a safety inspection for every vehicle that plans to go on any of the trails.  Just in case any of you need to fix anything on your rig, here is a list of the items that will be checked:

Seatbelts for ALL Occupants
Rollbar or Factory Hardtop
Lug Nuts Present and Tight
Tires with Reasonable Tread
Spare (within 3" of Regular Tires)
Battery Properly Secured (No Bungee Cords)
Service Brakes (These are the regular vehicle brakes)
Parking Brake
Recovery Points
Brake Lights
Reverse Lights
High Beams (required for Night Run)
Low Beams (required for Night Run)
Registration or Green Sticker

Fire Extinguisher (in the Green)
Tire Changing Tools
Jack (Capable of Lifting Vehicle)
Recovery/Tow Strap
First Aid Kit
Flashlight (required for Night Run)

I have a question on the items needed to participate on this run.  I have everything on the list other than the fire extinguisher which to me looks like it could be waived?  Is that correct?  And a jack that is capable of lifting my rig.  If I do not have these two items would I not be able to do any of the runs? 

The decision is not for sure if I will be attending yet but I have a few things I must do to get ready for the run.  Thanks for the help.

[Buck]

I have a question on the items needed to participate on this run.  I have everything on the list other than the fire extinguisher which to me looks like it could be waived?  Is that correct?  And a jack that is capable of lifting my rig.  If I do not have these two items would I not be able to do any of the runs? 

The fire extinguisher is the most importing thing on your rig next to your brakes!
you can get a farm jack at harbor freight for $50 and it will work fine for a few years.




come to find out i have to work that weekend...but something tells me that i will be able to work something out     
I will be going on the bald run.

[Tinman]

We would love to have you come up and participate.  To answer your questions here goes:

The fire extinguisher is a must.  They aren't that expensive, it doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Like Buck said, it is the most important piece of equipment you can carry in any vehicle, but especially on a 4X4.  Think of it this way, if you had a minor fire start, wouldn't you want to be able to put it out fast.  If you had a major fire start, wouldn't you want to have a few extra moments to get you and your passengers out safely.

The jack is mostly for changing tires.  A bottle jack or scissor jack will do.  You can borrow one if you have to.  It doesn't have to be a Hi-Lift style jack.  It just has to be able to lift a tire (and yes the tire has to be attached to the axle, which has to be properly attached to the vehicle, I just thought I would get that out of the way for the smart-alleks).  That way you can rescue yourself if you have to change a tire or put rocks under it to get past an obstacle.

[yota pu/runner]

Buck & Tinman thank you for the responses that is what I was looking for.  Thank you very much.

[The General Lee]

If I'm running 38.5" boggers and have a 35" spare will that be ok? Since the bogger actually stands to about 37 anyway...

[Tinman]

Well, if we use whYJ-Brewer's tape measure you're golden.

The measurement that matters is the physical difference, not the spec on the tires.

[The General Lee]

Sweet! Can't wait!

[whYJ-Brewer]

 

missed it by that much!

[JOshCushin]

wow this sounds like a blast! I've always wanted to go on this run. I just got my transfer case fixed. wish I could come, but my sammi would definitely fall short of the requirements right now... (I'm using a ratchet strap on my battery and I don't have any e-brake since I put on my yota axles) oh well maybe see you guys on another run someday

[Kodiak Commando]

wow this sounds like a blast! I've always wanted to go on this run. I just got my transfer case fixed. wish I could come, but my sammi would definitely fall short of the requirements right now... (I'm using a ratchet strap on my battery and I don't have any e-brake since I put on my yota axles) oh well maybe see you guys on another run someday

Josh, why don't you guys come up Saturday night just for the meal and fellowship?  It's an awesome time.  Camp over if you would like.  You can get to base camp in any vehicle.

[JerryRig]

Is there a basic schedule for the weekend?  (This is my first RHRU.)
I have Saturday pretty-much figured out -- there are runs to different places and a dinner in the evening -- but what happens on Friday and Sunday?
I'm sure people show up at different times on Friday, but for those who get there early in the day are there any runs happening?
Is Sunday just a day for breaking camp, or are there any planned activities?
I assume the only "provided" meal is the Saturday potluck.  Am I right?

[DaveM]

The only thing that is "Planned" is Saturday,

I'm 99.99% SURE there will be a NIGHT run on Friday (there allways has been) and Sunday there is usually a run or two.

Some people arrive as early as Thursday ( I was planning that, but too busy at work) and do a Friday run, I am bringing Horse Shoes, ( will be there Fri. am) probably will not do a Bald night run as I will be doin that on Sat.

And yes, the only meal provded is Sat. evening.

[Kodiak Commando]

Woo Hoo, Jerry's coming!  We're usually the last to leave late Sunday.  I'm thinking about going into Mirror Sunday to watch the Lock and Low guys come up the hill.  They are having their anniversarty club run.

[JerryRig]

Fred, my plans are to go to Swamp with you on Saturday.  I'll be there Friday am thru Sunday noon.

[Kodiak Commando]

Cool!

[Bronco75]

Is anyone going up on Thursday??

[Ironman]

Is anyone going up on Thursday??

Friday here Bro.

[Kodiak Commando]

Is anyone going up on Thursday??

LeVasser, Hyatt, and I are going up after work Thursday.

[RockWoRM]

Is there still room in this group for another vehicle? (Swamp run) If so, I'm 95% sure I like to tag along. Waiting for a buddy to say if he's going or not. May not be able to get up there until very late Fri night. Where is the staging point? Does the Jeep need to be inspected? As far as I know, I meet the requirements.
thanks

WRM  (Randy)

[DHONDAGOD]

Ask Dhondagod about his 20 hour oddessy leading a handfull of way built rigs across that trail last weekend.  I want to avoid that so that we can all enjoy Saturday night. 

Link to pics and more of this story here:  http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129836&page=7


Link to another thread on same board with more pics:  http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137379


This should give those who have never been on swamp an idea of what lays ahead. The trail is long and with good rigs/drivers takes most of the day. Leading 9 IFS rigs through took us 19 hours with a 3 hour nap at 3:30 am. This was with a group of decent guys with reasonably built rigs and seat time in them. Add some breakage and there's trouble. 

See you guys next weekend


Chris

[Ironman]

9 IFS rigs through Swamp?  No wonder it took 19 hours.

[Tinman]

Is anyone going up on Thursday??

We should be going up on Thursday before lunch.

[RockBottom]

Sitting around the campfire Saturday night will be terrific if we can get folks to collect/bring up firewood.

After tacking up the posters around Base Camp today, we noticed that there is still lots of firewood left over from Moonlight.  If anyone wants to bring an axe and some wedges, it will split up nicely and is sure to burn in our campfires at RHRU.

[Tony]

Wont be making it this year but we'll be there in spirit! We'll be praying for everyone there to play safe, have fun, and for good weather.

Please take lots of pics! Again, I'm living vicariously through you guys for now! 

[Buck]

After tacking up the posters around Base Camp today, we noticed that there is still lots of firewood left over from Moonlight.  If anyone wants to bring an axe and some wedges, it will split up nicely and is sure to burn in our campfires at RHRU.

you know i was up there yesterday and i saw a few trees that looked a lil shaky...i think we might have some more firewood 

you know how bossman is with his saw and those shaky trees 

[RCKRUNR]

Woo Hoo, Jerry's coming!  We're usually the last to leave late Sunday.  I'm thinking about going into Mirror Sunday to watch the Lock and Low guys come up the hill.  They are having their anniversarty club run.

Ill join ya Sunday to mirror Fred

[suzuh]

  looks like its going to be a good time to fellowship and good whelling maybe next year i will attend  my sami dont meet the list for the runs  but have i good time

[yota pu/runner]

Alright I am having one small issue with my rig to meet full inspection and that is a recovery point.  I have a recovery point for the rear but I am having a hard time finding a recovery point for the front.  I haven't tried all my sources yet so I might be able to pick one up.

My question is if i show up and only have one recovery point for the rear will I pass inspection?

Thanks

[Tinman]

That would depend on how much you slip the inspector.


As long as we have a secure place to attach a tow strap, I think that qualifies.

[BirdDog]

I am working on a map with a little more detail.  It will be available in the next couple of days.

Wade what ever happened with this ? Were you able to do any better ?

[Tinman]

Here is what I have.

[DaveM]

Go to the main website, maps, Bald, it will need the base camp "High lighted" and I'm too computer illiterate to do that,

[DaveM]

That would depend on how much you slip the inspector.


As long as we have a secure place to attach a tow strap, I think that qualifies.

For $10, I'll look the other way, for $20, I'll close my eyes. 

[Wubicon]

Well how do all.

I was planing on coming, but just for Saturday since I've been involved in an extended family reunion for the last week. BUT..... now that i see the SAFETY check, I'm not sure i qualify. See, my spare tires on both my jeeps were stolen a couple weeks ago, and i havent replaced them yet, AND i dont have my battery locked down......never have btw after all the runs ive done, heh heh. AND I dont have anytime to make adjustments or get new tires. Guess I'll leave it up to L'inspector. My plans were just to play around Bald with some family members onboard.

See you Saturday

Wubicon

[Kodiak Commando]

Hey Wu!  You can borrow the spare off our Rubicon.  We'll be using the Commando Saturday.  I also have a hold down.  You have to give them back at the end of the day though!  Our Blue Jeep will be staying in camp.

Well how do all.

I was planing on coming, but just for Saturday since I've been involved in an extended family reunion for the last week. BUT..... now that i see the SAFETY check, I'm not sure i qualify. See, my spare tires on both my jeeps were stolen a couple weeks ago, and i havent replaced them yet, AND i dont have my battery locked down......never have btw after all the runs ive done, heh heh. AND I dont have anytime to make adjustments or get new tires. Guess I'll leave it up to L'inspector. My plans were just to play around Bald with some family members onboard.

See you Saturday

Wubicon

[Mufasa]

Go get the battery tie downs at napa.  

What size tire are you needing, maybe somebody has a spare you can borrow....oh yeah, what size rim and bolt pattern?

[Mufasa]

   haha, see, we're such a nice group of people!!   

[Wubicon]

Sounds great Fred, thanks.  Guess I'll try to get there Fri nite to pick those up. Might be later since we're spending all day at Mono Hot Springs/Bear Diversion, and you're leaving early Sat morning.

See you soon.

Wu

[Ironman]

Hey Wubicon. I have a spare rim and tire that will work for you. You can have them if you want. Are you working today. If so I'll bring them by to you.

[Kodiak Commando]

For those of you less familiar with the area, here is a simplified map that has the road numbers on it.  Also take a look at the map that Wade posted below for scale.  I would recommend coming in from the Tamarak Snow Park.  That is the top of the hill between Shaver and Huntington Lakes.  It will be on the right side of the road right at the crest.  There is a large parking area and restrooms at the back of the lot.  That is the start of 9S09, the road that we are camped just off of.  We will have banners visible from the road and it is marked as "Base Camp" on the map.  The first major intersection is with 9S02.  Stay left on 9S09.  If you make it to the intersection of 9S10, you went 1/2 mile too far.  That is a Y intersection.  Ignore the Blue as that shows the main Bald Mountain route, not camp.  See you all there!

[Tinman]

Man, what a wonderful weekend.  Good company, good music, good food, good wheeling, and the blessings of God all around.  Thank you all for coming and helping make this a huge success.  I had a ton of fun, and I am already looking forward to next years event.

[BirdDog]

Did anybody lose keys at the event ?

Mark & Julie found a set . They have a Jeep key & a Ford key on the ring.

[Tinman]

Speaking of lost items.  I ended up with an extra chair.  It's a USA flag one.  If anyone lost this please let me know and we will work out getting it to ya.