2009 Hammer Time

Medusa · 10-26-2009, 04:36 PM

I thought some of you Web Jockeys who can’t find the time to actually go wheeling might enjoy a brief report of our recent week at the Hammers. I have been going down to Johnson Valley for a week of autumn wheeling for the past eight years. This year was among the very best trips. We started out with five rigs: Tony Twiddy in his Marlin Mini truck, Jeeper Ron in his Desert Camo Assault Vehicle, Phil Pasciak in the Voodoo Buggy, Phil’s friend, Trav, in his Marlin Mini truck and my old farm truck. We met a long-time goal of running all of the named trails at the Hammers (that is, all those that are at least doable). I burned almost 50 gallons of gas in my pile. By mid-week only Phil, Tony and I were still wheeling, but Ron and Trav helped greatly with spotting.

Our schedule went something like this (the days ran on in my mind, so Tony and/or Phil can correct mistakes in the details):

Friday (10-9-09): I arrive mid-day, establish camp and run Sledge Hammer with a group from San Diego.

Saturday (10-10-09): I drive up to the Blue Ribbon Mine and hike the full length of the Spooner’s Canyon Trail. The rest of the crew arrives in the late afternoon and after setting up camp, we make a night run up Sledge. Compared to past years, Sledge has gotten much more difficult and is now a very fun trail.

Sunday (10-11-09): We drive over to the east side and run Sun Bonnet Pass, Highway 20 and Aftershock.

Monday (10-12-09): Spooner’s Canyon. This trail is the Full-Meal Deal

http://www.jeepaholics.com/support/t...TOPIC_ID=59033. A fellow by the name of Chris asked to join us in his newly completed FJ40 project. He broke a shaft in his brand new Diamond Axle housing on the first obstacle. We spent a total of 9 hours on the trail. I had a blast

. On the way back to camp, Jeeper Ron hit a boulder going about 30 mph, tearing off his hydraulic ram, seriously bending his front axle housing and ending his week of wheeling.

Tuesday (10-13-09): Claw Hammer, Big Johnson, Gate Keeper, Tack Hammer and Chocolate Thunder. Trav breaks a motor mount, but we chain it down.

Wednesday (10-14-09): Jack Hammer, Wrecking Ball, Back Door and Resolution. Trav broke a rear ring and pinion on the waterfall at the top of Wrecking Ball, so he was finished.

Thursday (10-15-09): Outer Limits and Bender Alley. Phil breaks a motor mount, but with a bit of welding at the mailbox he gets the mighty torque of the propane injected 22RE strapped down again. In the evening we are joined by Jason Scherer and Jason Berger who came down to work on tuning Scherer’s KOH Championship car. The rest of us liberally irrigate Means Dry Lake with drool

Friday (10-16-09): Full of Hate, Sledge Hammer, Upper Sledge Hammer and Full of Love. I was a major ball licker on FOH

FOH was definitely the hardest trail this year! After spanking the last obstacle on FOL, Phil proclaims it is time to go home

So............ one wadded front axle, one trashed ring and pinion, two broken motor mounts, countless dents, dings and scrapes, and one week at the Hammers with great weather, great food and NO WIND – Priceless.

Here is a small video collage of our week.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Medusast.../0/nmshnHA5dEw

dog walker · 10-26-2009, 04:50 PM

Looks like goodtimes!

wngrog · 10-26-2009, 06:16 PM

No wind........

Hmmmm.....no Justin......he gets married and is not at the Hammers.....Hmmmmmmm....

Jack, one day we will get back out there with you guys.

Rat70FJ · 10-26-2009, 08:10 PM

What did the fireworks display at the end consist of Jack?

soljahca · 10-26-2009, 08:25 PM

nice jack! Took mine out for the first time this weekend! Everything worked great!

ChevotaSS · 10-26-2009, 09:22 PM

looks like a most excellent time

rockthedog · 10-26-2009, 10:11 PM

Awesome!

Jack what is the wheelbase of you rig?

RustyNailJustin · 10-27-2009, 08:21 AM

Ahhh man

What a great trip it looks from this end. Life has been full speed for me as of late but I will be back on the fall schedule next year.
Sorry I missed it guys

FOH is pretty darn hard how was FOL?

Medusa · 10-27-2009, 08:37 AM

Nolen, you are always welcome to wheel with us!!!!

Kent, campfire entertainment always includes Sobe bombs

We must have had at least 30 this year

Phil also always brings his oxy-acet tanks for balloon bombs, and this year entertained us with an 8' long potato gun.

My wheelbase is 110", Glen.

We really missed you, Justin

The big climbs on FOH were extremely dug out at the base and consequently nobody could make either of them. FOL was definitely easier than FOH, at least the way Phil ran it. Spooner's is technically not as hard as either, but it is so much longer and has so many more obstacles. It was definitely my favorite trail this year.

TRT2 · 10-27-2009, 09:42 AM

Thanks for posting Jack! Look forward to your CD.

No wind, no rain, cool temps thru Wednesday, almost hot on Thur and Friday.

Excellent food (everyone cooks one breakfast, one dinner and one desert).

This was Trav's first year with us and he noted it was Marathon Hammers.

The rock Jpr Ron hit was amazingly... huge. We all thought it was one specific rock until he showed us... you can see his tire tracks landing about 6' after the rock. Very lucky no one was hurt other than the truck. It looked pathetic the rest of the week in front of camp... it tires splayed out left and right.

Trav's rear ring and pinion went on the water fall at the end of Wrecking Ball. I let him drive my truck the next day when we ran outer limits to ensure he got to wheel all the classic Hammer Trails. Good times for sure.

DHONDAGOD · 10-28-2009, 08:53 AM

Good to hear you all had a great time! Thanks for sharing the pics Jack!

If you guys would have me Id love to join you next year. I promise not to puke on you

Chris

VooDoo · 10-29-2009, 04:33 AM

Good food- good company-good wheelin- good weather-no wind and minimal carnage.
??? Are we sure we were at the Hammers???

This was the best trip yet.

Thanks Jack for the report and vid. As always, we all appreciate all the extra time and effort you put forth documenting our trips on video.

Kula · 10-29-2009, 12:22 PM

Looks like good times Jack !!! Would love to join you guys. Be nice to spend my time wheel'n instead of hunting for the trails like last year.

OnTheSpot · 10-30-2009, 07:23 AM

Very nice. Now that I am not living 20+ hours away from the Hammers I feel I need to make a trip soon. I forsee a trip to 2010 KOH in my future.

ON THE RCKS · 10-30-2009, 05:11 PM

Great hanging with you guys and thanks again for the excellent food!

VooDoo · 10-31-2009, 02:15 AM

Anytime Jason,

Thanks for the ride in the most incredible machine I've ever been in.

That thing is BAD ASS

Tell Berger I'm sorry about the wet spot I left in his seat

mattyj · 11-21-2009, 10:27 AM

Cool vid guys!! You guys didnt mess around. What a busy week!!

wngrog · 11-22-2009, 08:14 PM

Jack, what is the wheeling schedule for 2010?

10-26-2009, 04:36 PM	#1
Medusa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 915 Location: Central Orygun FrankenCruiser Lab Posts: 1,509	2009 Hammer Time I thought some of you Web Jockeys who can’t find the time to actually go wheeling might enjoy a brief report of our recent week at the Hammers. I have been going down to Johnson Valley for a week of autumn wheeling for the past eight years. This year was among the very best trips. We started out with five rigs: Tony Twiddy in his Marlin Mini truck, Jeeper Ron in his Desert Camo Assault Vehicle, Phil Pasciak in the Voodoo Buggy, Phil’s friend, Trav, in his Marlin Mini truck and my old farm truck. We met a long-time goal of running all of the named trails at the Hammers (that is, all those that are at least doable). I burned almost 50 gallons of gas in my pile. By mid-week only Phil, Tony and I were still wheeling, but Ron and Trav helped greatly with spotting. Our schedule went something like this (the days ran on in my mind, so Tony and/or Phil can correct mistakes in the details): Friday (10-9-09): I arrive mid-day, establish camp and run Sledge Hammer with a group from San Diego. Saturday (10-10-09): I drive up to the Blue Ribbon Mine and hike the full length of the Spooner’s Canyon Trail. The rest of the crew arrives in the late afternoon and after setting up camp, we make a night run up Sledge. Compared to past years, Sledge has gotten much more difficult and is now a very fun trail. Sunday (10-11-09): We drive over to the east side and run Sun Bonnet Pass, Highway 20 and Aftershock. Monday (10-12-09): Spooner’s Canyon. This trail is the Full-Meal Deal http://www.jeepaholics.com/support/t...TOPIC_ID=59033. A fellow by the name of Chris asked to join us in his newly completed FJ40 project. He broke a shaft in his brand new Diamond Axle housing on the first obstacle. We spent a total of 9 hours on the trail. I had a blast. On the way back to camp, Jeeper Ron hit a boulder going about 30 mph, tearing off his hydraulic ram, seriously bending his front axle housing and ending his week of wheeling. Tuesday (10-13-09): Claw Hammer, Big Johnson, Gate Keeper, Tack Hammer and Chocolate Thunder. Trav breaks a motor mount, but we chain it down. Wednesday (10-14-09): Jack Hammer, Wrecking Ball, Back Door and Resolution. Trav broke a rear ring and pinion on the waterfall at the top of Wrecking Ball, so he was finished. Thursday (10-15-09): Outer Limits and Bender Alley. Phil breaks a motor mount, but with a bit of welding at the mailbox he gets the mighty torque of the propane injected 22RE strapped down again. In the evening we are joined by Jason Scherer and Jason Berger who came down to work on tuning Scherer’s KOH Championship car. The rest of us liberally irrigate Means Dry Lake with drool Friday (10-16-09): Full of Hate, Sledge Hammer, Upper Sledge Hammer and Full of Love. I was a major ball licker on FOH FOH was definitely the hardest trail this year! After spanking the last obstacle on FOL, Phil proclaims it is time to go home So............ one wadded front axle, one trashed ring and pinion, two broken motor mounts, countless dents, dings and scrapes, and one week at the Hammers with great weather, great food and NO WIND – Priceless. Here is a small video collage of our week. http://www.youtube.com/user/Medusast.../0/nmshnHA5dEw __________________ Got Rice?

10-26-2009, 04:50 PM	#2
dog walker Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 156 Location: Orangevale, CA Posts: 6,422	Looks like goodtimes! __________________ Jeff Fretwell

10-26-2009, 06:16 PM	#3
wngrog Moderating Midget Join Date: Jun 2000 Member # 1154 Location: Canton, MS Posts: 19,101 Blog Entries: 2	No wind........ Hmmmm.....no Justin......he gets married and is not at the Hammers.....Hmmmmmmm.... Jack, one day we will get back out there with you guys. __________________ Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America

10-26-2009, 08:10 PM	#4
Rat70FJ Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 22408 Location: Rescue, CA Posts: 3,145	What did the fireworks display at the end consist of Jack? __________________ KI6ZGH

10-26-2009, 08:25 PM	#5
soljahca Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6818 Location: Tahoe City, Cali. Posts: 214	nice jack! Took mine out for the first time this weekend! Everything worked great! __________________ cruiser buggy FOH 60s soon let em eat

10-26-2009, 09:22 PM	#6
ChevotaSS Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Member # 12567 Location: Michigarbage Posts: 545	looks like a most excellent time __________________ everyone else is crying over what michigan has been dealing with for 6 years.

10-26-2009, 10:11 PM	#7
rockthedog Rock God Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19510 Location: vacaville ca Posts: 2,337	Awesome! Jack what is the wheelbase of you rig? __________________ 77fj40, 1 TON www.wfoconcepts.com 530-268-9494 tlca# 12281 semi_budget 1ton build http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=530636

10-27-2009, 08:21 AM	#8
RustyNailJustin TLCA #5305 Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8568 Location: Montrose CO,Delta CO,Fruita CO,K Falls OR Posts: 5,681	Ahhh man What a great trip it looks from this end. Life has been full speed for me as of late but I will be back on the fall schedule next year. Sorry I missed it guys FOH is pretty darn hard how was FOL? __________________ 2010 KOH Team CrossedUp Mike Klensin and Justin Reece. Starting 7th 2009 KOH Team 435 Finished 35th. THANKS Moab MS High Angle Crossroads Fitness Maxxis Tires

10-27-2009, 08:37 AM	#9
Medusa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 915 Location: Central Orygun FrankenCruiser Lab Posts: 1,509	Nolen, you are always welcome to wheel with us!!!! Kent, campfire entertainment always includes Sobe bombs We must have had at least 30 this year Phil also always brings his oxy-acet tanks for balloon bombs, and this year entertained us with an 8' long potato gun. My wheelbase is 110", Glen. We really missed you, Justin The big climbs on FOH were extremely dug out at the base and consequently nobody could make either of them. FOL was definitely easier than FOH, at least the way Phil ran it. Spooner's is technically not as hard as either, but it is so much longer and has so many more obstacles. It was definitely my favorite trail this year. __________________ Got Rice?

10-27-2009, 09:42 AM	#10
TRT2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5488 Location: Auburn Posts: 1,015	Thanks for posting Jack! Look forward to your CD. No wind, no rain, cool temps thru Wednesday, almost hot on Thur and Friday. Excellent food (everyone cooks one breakfast, one dinner and one desert). This was Trav's first year with us and he noted it was Marathon Hammers. The rock Jpr Ron hit was amazingly... huge. We all thought it was one specific rock until he showed us... you can see his tire tracks landing about 6' after the rock. Very lucky no one was hurt other than the truck. It looked pathetic the rest of the week in front of camp... it tires splayed out left and right. Trav's rear ring and pinion went on the water fall at the end of Wrecking Ball. I let him drive my truck the next day when we ran outer limits to ensure he got to wheel all the classic Hammer Trails. Good times for sure. __________________ Tony TLCA #5049 Thieves suck.

10-29-2009, 04:33 AM	#12
VooDoo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 78 Location: Minden, NV Posts: 495	Good food- good company-good wheelin- good weather-no wind and minimal carnage. ??? Are we sure we were at the Hammers??? This was the best trip yet. Thanks Jack for the report and vid. As always, we all appreciate all the extra time and effort you put forth documenting our trips on video. __________________ I spent most my money on booze, broads, and 4x4's; the rest I wasted!

10-29-2009, 12:22 PM	#13
Kula Trail Plug Join Date: Mar 2002 Member # 10940 Location: Arvada Co. Posts: 900	Looks like good times Jack !!! Would love to join you guys. Be nice to spend my time wheel'n instead of hunting for the trails like last year. __________________ Mark Kulachkosky TLCA no. 2612

10-30-2009, 07:23 AM	#14
OnTheSpot Got gangsta lean? Join Date: Aug 2004 Member # 34900 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,377	Very nice. Now that I am not living 20+ hours away from the Hammers I feel I need to make a trip soon. I forsee a trip to 2010 KOH in my future. __________________ Kickin' it old school carb'd 1F style

10-30-2009, 05:11 PM	#15
ON THE RCKS Wheeler Join Date: Oct 2003 Member # 23617 Location: Alamo, CA Posts: 498	Great hanging with you guys and thanks again for the excellent food! __________________ Jason Scherer Rage 4th - "I just want to go fast"

10-31-2009, 02:15 AM	#16
VooDoo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 78 Location: Minden, NV Posts: 495	Anytime Jason, Thanks for the ride in the most incredible machine I've ever been in. That thing is BAD ASS Tell Berger I'm sorry about the wet spot I left in his seat __________________ I spent most my money on booze, broads, and 4x4's; the rest I wasted!

11-21-2009, 10:27 AM	#17
mattyj one ton pusher.... Join Date: Apr 2007 Member # 89901 Location: Corona CA Posts: 402	Cool vid guys!! You guys didnt mess around. What a busy week!! __________________ JV Rally post 1141 It's you with the funny accent, not me!

11-22-2009, 08:14 PM	#18
wngrog Moderating Midget Join Date: Jun 2000 Member # 1154 Location: Canton, MS Posts: 19,101 Blog Entries: 2	Jack, what is the wheeling schedule for 2010? __________________ Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America

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