Report - Forest Service run on the Rubicon...

[Glenn]

Good morning ya'll... :yawn:

I was so dead beat by the time I got home last night, I just crashed.

I was up at 4:30 on Thursday morning. Met up with Eric, Jack, Fred and Steph at Safeway in Pollock at 6:30. We all gassed up and drove on up to the spillway where we met up with Randii, Tony, Rob and John....

Forest service peeps were supposed to be there at 8am. 8am passed and we were a little concerned they had gotten lost or something but finally we saw the FS suv coming down the hill. Jason, Diane, Doug, Duane, and Pat were all there. So, we have 8 rigs, 5 FS peeps and Steph to take some pictures. They said they didn't think Amy was gonna make it but a few minutes later, she pulled up in her own truck. (nice Taco)... So we had plenty of seats...

Randii gave a nice detailed briefing at the kiosk and even handed out 'trail bags' to everyone. He went over the big map with them and we spent a little time getting to know everyone. We were all ready to go so I had them pick a ride and we paired up. After all the gear was stowed, we were off. I don't believe any of them have ever done any kind of wheeling like this. They all seemed a little nervous at first... But actually excited about doing it. Especially Diane. She was ready to rock...

We stopped at (what used to be) gatekeeper where Randii and John passed on some of their knowledge of the history of the area. We stopped again at the slabs for another briefing. Shortly after we topped the slabs, I decided to see if Jason was up to driving the rig. He was game but I could tell he was a little nervous. Kinda jerky at first cause I got really low gears and he kept taping the gas pedal but he soon settled down and got used to it. We did manage to get high centered on this huge rock so they all got to witness a winch actually getting used. Pat was driving Fred's rig so they drove around us and we were able to hook my winch onto Fred's rear bumper and pull the thing off that boulder. Jason took a little ribbing for getting stuck but he took it well...

We traveled on for a ways and stopped at Walker Hill for another chat. At that point, everyone switched rides to get a feel for the differences (and a chance to talk to someone else). Doug drove my rig from there on to Little Sluice. It took him a little while to get comfortable with my low gears too. And he had a little trouble determining how far the passenger side tires stuck out but he did great. He actually has an old Willys but he admitted he had never done any wheeling like that before. So it was a good experience for him. I do believe he liked it a lot. They all liked the A/C.

At the Sluice, Randii broke his gearshift lever off or pulled it out of the tranny somehow so while we waited for him to stuff that back in, we had lunch in the shade at the base of Little Sluice. We all had a good, light-hearted back and forth while sitting around on the rocks. Some people did think to bring a chair. I didn't. Oh well... Then we hiked up the middle of Little Sluice where Randii and John once again did a great job explaining all the details and history of that area. Damn guys, that was informative even to me. Nice job...

On a side note, I have never seen the area around Little Sluice so damn CLEAN. Aside from a few cig butts, there was virtually NOTHING. I don't know if someone went in ahead of us and cleaned it up but I'm gonna assume it just looks like that all the time because people take care of picking stuff up. FAWKIN NICE JOB EVERYONE. It looked great...

We hiked over to Spider for another little informative chat. The lake looked awesome. There was a cool breeze and some shade. Man, what a perfect day... We had only seen a couple people on the trail and there was nobody at the Sluice. Vacant, deserted. I'm thinking maybe everybody heard we were gonna be there and steered clear. But, then I heard rigs coming. They were coming from where they had camped at Buck, to run the box. Hot dawg, we get to see some action... I was a bit dismayed to see them taking the far out (and currently closed) bypass though. After them came through the two trees, I made it a point to explain to them that they had just driven through a closed area... There were 4 rigs from Socal. All really nice guys. They apologized profusely and explained that it was their first time up there and had no idea. There are no signs so they just assumed it was ok. So, we edumacated them and they proceeded to tackle the box... Well, they got their asses handed to them by the box . They did have some capable looking (although pretty beat up looking) rigs. We all watched for a while but decided we should really be heading back...

We really wanted to go all the way to Buck Island but there just wasn't time. it woulda been after dark getting back if we did that. So instead, we decided we would head back, drive out the Wentworth route so they could see that side and some of the FOTR work projects that were just completed over there. I had Amy for the ride back. She was a little tentative at first and also a little nervous. Didn't want to put a dent in my pretty rig. But she's a quick learner and soon we were humming along with no problems at all. She did a great job. I even put her through a couple of tough spots where I got out and spotted. That made her real nervous but we made it with no problems. She was stoked...

Randii had a problem with a diff plug so Eric stopped to help him with that. After getting it patched, they decided to go back and out to Loon instead of following us all down Wentworth. We all met back up at the spillway and had another good little chat before they all headed for home. I could tell from the smiles that they had a fun time and of course they all told us they had a blast. But I could tell they were also tired and of course dirty from all the trail dust. But a good time nevertheless...

We tried to get everyone to stop at Robb's for a drink and a bite but most everyone was so done, they just wanted to get home. John, Randii, Tony, Steph and myself did stop and spend some time at the bar. Had a cold beer, then a coke and Shannon (MyBlueCruiser) gave us a pizza (on the house). So we had a nice visit with her. She was very interested in how things went with the FS peeps... Man, has anyone seen her art work??? She's got some mad skilllzzz. Next time you're in there, ask her to show you some of her work, which she has on her laptop....

So that's it in a nutshell. I'll let others chime in with their comments now. We left Robb's after dark. I got home around 10pm so it was a long day. But a good day...

I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the guys who volunteered, came up and made this whole thing work. And to Steph for taking the day off to come take pictures. What a great bunch of people. I so enjoyed wheeling with you all... Thank you again... Oh and I also wanted to add that the guys from Socal were NOT drinking so that was a good thing... Whew, I'm done for now... Next..

[Kurtuleas]

Thank you so much for doing that Glenn.

You DA MAN!

I now completely forgive you for refusing to take a "route dez" flyer from me at WE Rock.

Actually, I want to thank EVERYONE who went.....

It is about time we did something like this.

[jtraver]

was definately a fun trip. Good info for the forest service peeps. I should apologize to Jason for almost flopping 3 times heading out Wentworth. One of them I had my rear tire 6' in the air, at least that what Rob said. It was a little schetchy as Jason pointed out and asked me if I could keep all 4 wheels on the ground, I told him I would try. Did someone get a picture of this? I also did the old 2 wheel nose stand. I think he actually enjoyed it. It was a very long day but well worth it.

[ibrocun]

Damn I was beat too when I got home last night about midnight. I'd gotten to Loon at 2 am Wednesday night.

We all learned a lot. The Forest Service peeps fully understand now that not all trails are the same. I don't think that they had previously appreciated the fact that the trails that us wheelers use may not be appropriate for the enduro crowd, or the quad riders. The ones I talked to agreed that the assumptions that went into the plan about trail and user compatiblity were worth challenging.

When you write your letters to advocate for a particular trail or route, also add two bullet points:

• You think the science behind the assumptions in chapter three is flawed because it does not take into consideration the impact a different type of use will have on the remaining trails. For example, it does not consider what an increase of motorcycle traffic on Barrett will have relative to an increase in 4wd traffic.

• Chapter three does not address the impact of user conflict on the trails. The plan does not address the probability that forcing motorcycles and four wheelers onto the same trails will result in more accidents between the two requiring medical and LEO resources to sort them out. My first-hand story about getting hit by a quad rider on Cadillac Hill was convincing.

I appreciate their challenges. I spent a lot of time with Duane Nelson, the District Ranger for Placerville. He told me about all the trouble caused by all different kinds of users, not just the OHV crowd. Abandoned cars. Illegal dumping. Even in the campgrounds, people who arrive for a weekend of camping bring their stuff neatly packaged, but they generate a bunch of garbage and they don't want to put the smelly wet bags into their sedans and minivans, so they just leave it. Of course they are in the same situation everybody is in, no room in the budget to hire more LEOs to enforce the laws and regs that we have.
But what bothered me the most about what he told me is that he knows that no matter what decision is made, the Forest Service is going to get sued by whomever feels that they did not get what they wanted. Hell, they might get sued by both the OHV community AND the environmentalists. In that case, a judge will decide what trails we get to use.

Based on past judicial rulings, we will be screwed.

On a lighter note, it had been a few years since I stopped at Robbs. Wow. What a change. Future Rubicon trips will find me partaking in their excellent food and beverages and the wheeler-oriented atmosphere.

[FAM]

I had a great time too. It was good to meet many of the people behind the screen names.

Pat Trimble (sp?) the ranger from the Georgetown district rode with me for the day. She had never four wheeled before and seemed to have a great time. After we got through the slabs, I talked her into driving. A short time after that she told me the people that really know her would never believe she was doing it. She drove from there to the bottom of Walker Hill, then again after Walker to the bottom of Little Sluice. I think that was enough for her as she had me drive all the way back.

Randy, John and Glenn did a great job talking about the history of the trail and route designation issues throughout the day. So I didn't harp on the Route Dez stuff too much while we were in the Jeep other than some historical stuff I've read about Rubicon Springs, Wentworth Springs, Little Sluice and other trivia.

One funny comment Pat made was "don't tell the motorcycle guys we're out here with you". The Rock Creek area is in her district and I guess the motorcycle groups have been soliciting for her to do a similar tour. She didn't seem to be up for riding a dirt bike.

Thanks Glenn for organizing this. Thanks to all the people here on PBB for helping out. And thanks to the Forest Service people for taking the time to do this.

[FAM]

Something else I just remembered, I asked about differences in the fire conditions in TNF and ENF and was told there really isn't any difference in conditions between the two forests. Some people at ENF would like to impose tighter restrictions similar to TNF, but because of Route Designation don't think its a good time to do it.

Fred

[ibrocun]

Originally Posted by FAM

Something else I just remembered, I asked about differences in the fire conditions in TNF and ENF and was told there really isn't any difference in conditions between the two forests. Some people at ENF would like to impose tighter restrictions similar to TNF, but because of Route Designation don't think its a good time to do it.

Fred

I heard exactly the same thing.

[randii]

Great report, Glenn -- thanks again for conceiving AND executing this. Either is simple separately, but we needed someone to think of it, pick a date, and make it happen. With all four district rangers along, the positive impact of your actions will reverbrate for years. EXCELLENT!

I have a couple of comments/points to add to your excellent writeup, Glenn.
* I was sporting Trail Patrol tags, and had the kiosk open before and after
* Little Sluice area and the trail in general has been exceptionally clean these last few years. We didn't need to pre-clean for the VIPs -- the users have been doing a GREAT job of it, with a few exceptions that quickly get fixed by other resposible users.
* I spun out another diff plug (grumble) but whipped out absorbent pads and executed a quick fix. Doug from the Forest Service was incredibly helpful, as were Stephanie and Eric from the 'wheeler side. We lost maybe a half-quart of oil (most all into absorbent pads), but captured all the rest in bottles, and poured what we caught back into the diff -- I was impressed at how much Doug got into the repair, and I think we impressed him with how quickly we fixed the problem and cleaned up after ourselves.
* I left home at 2:30 am on Thursday, and got home just before midnight, the same day. With commute, and minus a 1.5-hour nap at the spillway Thursday AM, I figure that's 20 volunteer hours for Rubicon.
* I need a better-working CB so that I can talk about FOTR more while in motion.

Thanks again to all that attended -- both from the forest and also motorized. It was a GREAT day and I was happy to meet the District Rangers in a less structured setting. They have a tough job to do, but they all seem to be decent people, and now they have more information about how we recreate, as well as some seat-time on the world-famous Rubicon Trail.

Few of them understood what the Rubicon 4x4 experiences is all about going in -- now all have a good picture of it going out, and they'll take that back to their new posts. They certainly knew the OHV issues from the perspective of dirtbikes and ATVs -- now they have our viewpoint, as well. WHAT A GREAT DAY - well worth a vacation day for me.

Plus, I tallied up the hours for the volunteers -- 160 hours strong, after I throw in three hours on the top for Glenn's planning!
* Glenn - yellow TJ (diamond springs) - 1.5+13.5+1.5 = 16.5 hours
* Eric - yellow TJ (motherlode) - 2.5+12.5+2.5 = 17.5 hours
* Jack - grey CJ (sacto) - 2+12.5+2 = 16.5 hours
* Fred - silver TJ (folsom) - 2+12.5+2 = 16.5 hours
* Steph - black Nikon (sacto) - 2+13.5+2 = 17.5 hours
* Randii - black Canon (sacto) - 3+14+3 = 20 hours
* Tony - yellow TJ (concord) - 3+14+3 = 20 hours
* Rob - white TJ (newcastle) - 2.5+12.5+2.5 = 17.5 hours
* John - Barb's green ABCDEFG-J (pollack) 1+13+1 = 15 hours
Represented at this shin-dig: BRC, Cal4, Gold Hills Posse, Motherlode Rock Crawlers, Sierra Treasure Hunters, United Four Wheel Drive Association -- and of course, the USDA Forest Service!

I'm looking forward to the pictures. I'll be happy to make donations to Cantina for the Con in your name if you omit the ones of me wrenching on my rig!

Randii

[MochaMike]

Awesome job guys!

[Rubicrawler]

Wow! Sounds like a very successful & wonderful trip. Thanks to all that participated!

[atvobsession]

VERY cool write up. I was actually going to ride along on a Quad, as I had a rare Thursday at home....but I broke it on Monday and ended up going to San Francisco for a meeting...so poof went my plans.


Now we'll let 'em drive it on an ATV They'll be wishing they spent more time in the gym.

As for the trash....on a Quad..it's amazing how much stuff we can pick up, due to better visibility. This is my 3rd season on Trail Patrol, and the level of trash that I pick up has decreased dramatically.....so that's because of YOU all on the trail doing your share (and more)...so I thank you. The first year, it wasn't uncommon for me to pick no less than 10 beer cans between the spillway and gatekeeper! That doesn't happen anymore.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Pics pics pics! This is awsome thank you guys so much for doing this!!!!!

[ibrocun]

Originally Posted by Ford4x4Chik27

Pics pics pics! This is awsome thank you guys so much for doing this!!!!!

ChevyGal was the official photographer of the trip. I'm sure she'll post them when she gets a chance.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Originally Posted by ibrocun

ChevyGal was the official photographer of the trip. I'm sure she'll post them when she gets a chance.

Thank you, I wasn't able to connect the SN with the name I'm looking forward to seeing them

[Jeepndel]

Wow, awesome job folks. Very well done. Congrats on a very successful day for sure. Making friends and informing those who manage OUR public lands -- what better job could there be?

Great work, Glenn, and everyone who helped -- even those with wounded rigs.
Sorry I could not be there.
Del

[LadyRed]

Great job everybody!

[fullsped]

Way to go! Thank you very much for all of your efforts. I am looking forward to the rally in Placerville this Sunday and hope to see you all there!

Eli

[64YellowTux]

Glen I am sorry that I missed this trip but from the reports and talking with Randy YOU GUYS AND GALS ROCK!

The eye surgery went perfect but I would of preferred being there with all of you and experiencing it persoanlly.

Thanks to all,

Dennis Mayer

[JW]

I am really happy to hear how well it went, I was very pessimistic at first and the last thing I was going to do is offer to help these people because of the way I feel about them "just doing their job". It does seem like it was a success and I appreciate all your efforts. It still amazes me that the Rubicon is SO popular and that these people that "just work there" had never been before until some that is not getting paid invites then and volunteers their time & MONEY to take them.

Thanks to all THE WHEELERS that really stepped up AGAIN. Someone has to run this country and we certainly can't count on the officials to always get it done.

JW

[FAM]

I didn't have a camera with me so don't have any pictures of my own, but here's one that was sent to me. This is Pat Trimble from the Georgetown district driving my TJ.

[ChevyGal]

I have to resize everything to upload them, so please bear with me as I will slowly get them put up. My stupid job got in the way today.

I have to add into something Glenn said, when Randii was heading out and the drain plug took a crap, Doug was helping him with the fix. He got to see the oil spill clean up in action. They work really well. I think too he got an appreciation for what goes on if you do break. Yes it was minor, but it was a huge pain in the butt. For him to realize that trucks break, all be it minor and watch a on trail fix, was good for him .

[FORYOURRIDE]

great job

[jtraver]

[Glenn]

Those were taken right at the 'Postpile' on the way down Wentworth. One of the 'waterbars' that were erected by the FOTR workcrew the week before. Man, those guys (and gals) moved a boatload of rock... Nice job...

Seems it turned out to be a Jeep run, mostly TJ's with one CJ and one CJ/TJ/YJ/?... I was hoping to get some Toyota's and maybe a buggy or two for variety but mostly I'm very tickled we had just the right amount of people step forward and help out, regardless or what kind of rig you have. You guys ROCK...

EDIT: Dangit, I forgot that Randii drove his Isuzu Amigo, which was very cool cause you just don't see those on the trails very often...

[MochaMike]

Originally Posted by ChevyGal

I have to resize everything to upload them, so please bear with me as I will slowly get them put up.

If you load them onto a Photobucket account, it will resize them for you.