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WF So Cal Calico Meet N Greet (Turdfest 14)

49K views 777 replies 82 participants last post by  psm 
#1 ·
Hey Gang, I know I have not been active on the Forum much lately and have lagged on the next big Meet N Greet, and I apologize for that. I am lucky enough to have a job that keeps me extremely busy and takes most of my time. But the good news is that I am in the process of checking dates for the annual Calico event. Confirmed dates will be posted this afternoon or early evening.

Date of event is March 18-20.

Many members arrive either Thursday evening or Friday throughout the day. The main runs are on Saturday with the biggest groups, with normally a night run on Friday for those interested. After the Saturday runs, there will be a potluck dinner near the cabins with plenty of delicious items. If you have a favorite family recipe you want to share, please post up what you will bring and we will get a list of items posted.

Of course we welcome members from all skill and vehicle build levels, from factory stock to full build status. We will also have the after wheeling favorite pot luck dinner/cocktail hour and chat around the fire. So start checking your calendars for availability.

Standard Rules For Turdfest Events.

Rules as follows.

1: NO DRINKING ON THE TRAILS
2: Have a fire extinguisher within reach of yourself or others.
3: First aid kit in your rig, within easy access.
4: Spare tire within 2" of tires on rig.
5: CB radio on board.
6: Recovery points front and rear of vehicle.

As we get closer to the event and trails are chosen, the trail leaders will have the option for minimum requirements for Jeeps doing those runs, as in tire size, locker(s), winch etc.

If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me here or PM me. Many of you also have my facebook contact.

I would also like to get on top of things and see if anyone is interested in being trail leaders or volunteer as co organizers. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

While we are all here to have a good time and meet fellow like minded enthusiasts, there is always the potential for vehicular or personal damage. Please keep in mind that this is a 100% voluntary event with no money charged or made. Everyone here accepts that if something should happen, they are responsible for their own vehicles and person. But don't get me wrong, if someone needs assistance, there will be an abundance of help from our members and volunteers who make these events the great things they are.

For those who don't want to camp or are unable to find a site, the Oak Tree Inn in Yermo is about 10 minutes away and are offering a discount for rooms if you mention TFest when booking the room.

Attending:

1) turdhurdler - Site Cabin 6
2) Jerry Bransford - Site Cabin 1
3) DTM - Oak Tree Inn
4) BillG.OTD - Site B4
5) Gunner - Hotel
6) Dusty Dave - Hotel
7) Brian (twins/PBR) - site O-58
8) hockeyfamily - Oak Tree Inn
9) Dooz85 - Site Cabin 2
10) Dooz85'S Dad (in separate Jeep)
11) Rrampley - Site Cabin 3
12) NotaRubicon Site B7
13) xRubicon Johnx - Site B7
14) Bsc - Site O-07
15) Lab Lover - Site A15
16) OscarMike951
17) yomondo - Cabin 5
18) alonzov - Site A16
19) eyeball - Site O19
20) JeepHerz - Oak Tree Inn
21) psm - Oak Tree Inn
22) CY99TJ
23) JKScofield - sites B20-22
24) ThatKingsFan - Oak Tree Inn
25) JeffC - Oak Tree Inn
26) Oreo58 - site O-58
27) dean4537
28) Din - Site Cabin 4
29) SierraJk - Oak Tree Inn
30) Cwilson005
31) sdhobbs Oak Tree Inn
32) riptideMBP
33) PTMeadCFP Oak Tree Inn
34) sjchoueiry - Oak Tree Inn
35) Roverick
36) Lomita0311
37) tkfx
38) tkfx's dad
39) AirSickOstrich (no runs, may drive up for the Pot luck though)
40) teamhirev
41) JPi1 - Site O27
42) kyle3792 - Site O53
43) GoBig19
44) JKJP - Oak Tree Inn
45) brightsidememe
46) rtdanly - Oak Tree Inn
47) ChileRick - Site B09
48) rysmithjr - Oak Tree Inn
49) White_Boy_1991 - Site O40
50) Kota7x - day run
51) htkrph
52) YJeff
53) proride - Not sure yet if Sat day run or whole weekend
54) Marti (Gunners Daughter) Oak Tree Inn
55) Smokinjoe - Site Mini Bunkhouse
56) JKBulldog - Site Mini Bunkhouse
57) LJorange
58) JReese - Site A13
59) nicholassturm - Site A04
60) Martin L - Site 0-41 (Jeepless friends in 0-42)
61) Gsquared Oak Tree Inn
62) tom h (Tom Hernandez) - Oak Tree Inn
63) sjdavis5761 - Oak Tree Inn
64) kathytj - RV
65) Travis (hockeyfamily guest) - Oak Tree Inn
66) Jeeper325 - Oak Tree Inn

Friday Shooting outing, led by yomondo
Meeting Time: Ready to roll at 1:00pm
Meeting Place: Ghost Town Road, just outside of the campground, north side of road, facing west.

1) Yomondo (Certified Range Safety Officer)
2) Gunner (hopefully) (Range Safety helper)
3) Dusty Dave
4) Dooz85 (Range Safety helper)
5) hockeyfamily (if after 2pm or so)
6) BillG.OTD (maybe)
7) teamhirev
8) OscarMike951 (as long as it's not before noon)
9) brightsidememe
10) Martin L
11) kathytj
12) tom h
13) Gsquared
14) SierraJK (probable)

Friday Night Run, led by DTM

I have three routes planned out. I will choose which route based on the jeeps/drivers level that show up for the run.
Run choices:
1. Up Duran, down Odessa (awesome night run)
2. Up Tortoise, down Odessa (cool canyon run)
3. Up mud hills, and Philips loop (fun for all run)

No need to call out which run you want to do. Just show up and I will pick the hardest one EVERYONE it comfortable with.

What's required?
Drivers:
If this is your first trail run, stay at camp and wait for a day time run. If you get scared on the trails, stay at camp, you will not have fun at night. If you are drunk, stay at camp and enjoy a camp fire.
If you are comfortable on the trail during the day, you we be fine at night. If you are on the fence come talk to me. I can put you behind an experience driver to help you if needed. This is a great time to meet experienced drivers and learn some new skills.
Jeep:
I'm going to require a min of 33" tires on a short wheelbase 4x4 (4 door JK are fine). No full size trucks.
You do NOT need a 50" light bar. In fact, unless you are leading, any light over 4" should be turned off so you don't blind the person if front of you or a spotter. Flood lights work good on the trail, keep the spot lights off.

We will meet in the Calico parking lot for a drivers meeting at sunset. I will post a time later when I figure out what time that is.

1) DTM
2) JeepHerz
3) Lab Lover
4) tkfx
5) tkfx's dad
6) teamhirev
7) NotARubicon! (formerly Salton Sea Walker) (maybe, depending on what/where it is)
8) xRubicon Johnx (maybe, depending on what/where it is)
9) hockeyfamily (maybe)
10) JReese
11) Gsquared
12) tom h (Tom Hernandez)
13) kathytj

Saturday Run 1 - Doran-Odessa Canyon, led by Jerry Bransford
THIS RUN IS CAPPED.

Meeting time: 9am.
Meeting Location: Corner of Calico Road and Doran Scenic Drive. This is about a mile north of the Ghost Town. Turn up Doran Scenic Drive, we'll meet about 200 yards up.

We'll air-down there and have our driver's meet & greet there.
This run can be described as moderately difficult in parts. Don't let that scare you too much, we get people through this run who don't have lockers though a locker is recommended. At the most you may need a tug with a strap or winch in spots.

Front and rear tow hooks are absolutely mandatory. Air your tires down! They need to be aired down to no higher than 13 or so psi depending on your tire size. You will be doing no one favors by not airing down sufficiently.

33" or larger tires in good condition are recommended, though we have gotten Jeeps through on slightly smaller tires. The smaller the tire, the more challenge you'll encounter.

Bring lunch and plenty of water or other hydrating drinks.
BEER/ALCOHOL WILL NOT BE TOLERATED at any point on this run, not even during our lunch break. Those seen with beer, even "just one" will be asked to leave the group. Please don't attend this run if you can't make it without beer.

1) Jerry Bransford
2) Dooz85
3) Dooz85'S Dad (in separate Jeep)
4) Turdhurdler
5) OsarMike951
6) Gunner
7) Dusty Dave
8) SierraJK
9) hockeyfamily
10) Rrampley
11) NotARubicon! (formerly Salton Sea Walker)
12) xRubicon Johnx
13) JKJP
14) rtdanly
15) eyeball
16) Travis (hockeyfamily guest)

Saturday Run 2 - advanced run, led by DTM
This year the advanced run is going to take place at Johnson Valley. It’s around an hour drive from Calico. As of now the plan is to do Lower Big Johnson, Upper Big Johnson, and Aftershock. The route may be adjusted according to our progress. These trails are described as Extremely Difficult and remote. I strongly advise everyone who wants to participate on this run to do a proper prep of your jeep. It is a good idea to pack spare parts and tools just in case.
We will depart from Calico at 7am, caravanning to JV. Along the way we will stop for gas in Barstow. Pack a lunch as we will be eating on the trail. Minimum requirements are 35” tires, front and rear lockers, winch, and a CB. You MUST be an experienced driver comfortable in the rocks. Contact DTM if you have any questions...
LEGAL NOTE: this is not an organized event. There is NO assumed liability of any kind. This is a trail run put together by fellow jeepers. You are responsible for yourself. We will help you out on the trail as much as we can, but do not mistake our good intentions as any type of responsibility/liabilities for you or your equipment. The requirements are meant as a guide to help maintain the flow of the run to promote a fun experience for all.
1) DTM
2) LabLover
3) sjchoueiry
4) tkfx
5) tkfx's dad
6) JReese

Saturday Run 3 - Moderate/Beginner Run (optional Run N Gun at end), led by yomondo
Meeting Time: Ready to roll at 9:00am
Meeting Place: Ghost Town Road, just outside of the campground, south side of road, facing east.
We'll air down at the trailhead 2 miles away, or you may opt to air down before meeting up.

1) yomondo (Run N Gun)
2) alonzov
3) sdhobbs
4) riptideMBP
5) PSM
6) JeffC
7) PTMeadCFP
8) JKScofield
9) GoBig19
10) ChileRick
11) ThatKingsFan
12) rysmithjr (Run N Gun)
13) proride
14) Martin L (Run N Gun)
15) Marti (Gunner Daughter)
16) sjdavis5761 (Run N Gun)
17) dean4537
18) Jeeper325

Saturday Run 4 - Doran/Odessa, led by BillG.OTD
Run Capped at 15

1) BillG.OTD
2) White_Boy_1991
3) kyle3792
4) Kota7x
5) YJeff
6) Smokinjoe
7) JKBulldog
8) JPi1
9) LJorange
10) nicholassturm
11) htkrph
12) Lomita0311
13) BeepNJeep
14) JeepHerz
15) tom h
16) Gsquared

Saturday Potluck Dinner (in the cabins area)

1) AirSickOstrich (maybe) - Goat curry with Hot sauce
2) ChileRick - ChileRicks ChickenWings
3) rysmithjr - smoked duck (home raised/butchered/smoked)
4) Dooz85 - pulled BBQ chicken
5) yomondo - ice cream
6) YJeff - 5 gallon keg of homebrew beer
7) Turdhudler - Jambalya
8) kathytj - Sausage and Peppers
9) Martin L - BBQ'd pulled pork and buns for sandwiches
10) Lab Lover - macaroni salad
11) Rrampley - Most likely gonna do BBQ pulled chicken w rolls

Libation Station (in the cabins area)

1) yomondo - The usual Tennessee honey and shot glasses, and probably also Tennessee Fire and original Jack Daniels
2) Dooz85 - some old family recipe pomegranate tequila
3) Jerry - Bransford Apple Pie Moonshine
4) LabLover - Apple Pie Moonshine
5) Jeepherz - More apple Pie Moonshine
6) Martin L - bottle of MacAllan

Jeff
 
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#666 ·
Friday Shooting outing, led by yomondo
Meeting Time: Ready to roll at 1:00pm
Meeting Place: Ghost Town Road, just outside of the campground, north side of road, facing west.

Saturday Run 3 - Moderate/Beginner Run (optional Run N Gun at end), led by yomondo
Meeting Time: Ready to roll at 9:00am
Meeting Place: Ghost Town Road, just outside of the campground, south side of road, facing east.
We'll air down at the trailhead 2 miles away, or you may opt to air down before meeting up.
We'll be on CB channel 12 for both the Friday Shooting Outing and the Saturday Run 3 Moderate/Beginner Run.
 
#669 ·
Will be heading out in an hour. See you guys there!
 
#673 ·
Life and responsibility has just backed up too far this weekend and I am going to have to back out. Next one for sure!
 
#679 ·
Thank you to brightsidememe and kathytj/Steve for your help tailgunning and midgunning the Run 3 Moderate/Beginner/Run 'N Gun run, and for everyone who was on that run for being great participants. We had a really good group of folks, and I think everyone had a good time. I hope to run with y'all again sometime.
 
#682 ·
Thank you Yomondo for leading us, we had a great time!
 

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#684 ·
In my consternation over not being able to make it out to this, I decided to take the Jeep over to Holy Jim's just to get outside and see some nature for a couple hours (no actual off roading, sad).. While we were there a guy tipped over his TJ just off the main road and we stopped to help. It wasn't fully rolled over, just leaning up on a birm over to the side. Not 10 feet from my Jeep I fell and felt a pop in my ankle. Son of a... It's not broken, but it may as well be.

Now, why am I telling you this story? Because I learned a valuable lesson. It's not worth it to skip TFest. Come hell or, ya know, a vomiting 3 year old. You GO to Calico. Let this be a warning to all.
 
#687 ·
We just pulled up to home after another great Turdfest weekend! Jeffs runs are the reason I like the jeep sport, hobby, pastime, or whatever word fits your Jeep lifestyle. Always a great time, good trails with fun people, and of coarse the camp time fun! Thanks to Jeff and all the others that helped with this event, and thanks to all the friends and customers that came by our camp down in the "low rent" corner! We had a fantastic run yesterday thanks to Bill and Tracey, and the ice cream after lunch was a nice touch! The mud hills were a blast to finish off the day. This morning we got a little shooting in to conclude the weekend. We've decided that next year will be a four day event for us, as there's too much to fit into two days! Now the countdown to Hanna Flats!
 
#688 ·
Great weekend! It was great seeing old friends and meeting new friends!

Just a remider IF YOU HAVE ANY GOOD VIDEO FROM THIS WEEKEND please send me a PM or send me an email at: Randy@NotARubicon.com and let me know. I will send you a link that you can use to upload the videos for inclusion in the video I am putting together.

I only need short video clips.. anything exciting on the trail, people having fun, something funny, fun around the campfire, etc..
 
#690 ·
I just got home, this was a blast. My first trip to Calico and my First Turdfest.
Seeing friends, meeting new friends, I don't have the words except AWESOME.

Thanks Jeff and everyone else who helped put this together. Thanks to all the trail leaders for leading the trails, what a work out. I got to do Odessa/Doran. OMG what a thrill, even with the owie. Yep, that first one hurts. LOL Thanks everyone for all your help and confidence. Look forward to seeing you all out on the trails again.
 
#693 ·
Since we're on a new page i'm posting this again so nobody misses it:

... IF YOU HAVE ANY GOOD VIDEO FROM THIS WEEKEND please send me a PM or send me an email at: Randy@NotARubicon.com and let me know. I will send you a link that you can use to upload the videos for inclusion in the video I am putting together.

I only need short video clips.. anything exciting on the trail, people having fun, something funny, fun around the campfire, etc..
 
#695 ·
Thank you turdhurdler and everyone else!

Thank you Jeff, for organizing another great event. Thanks to all the trail leaders and helpers (tail-gunners, mid-gunners, spotters, etc.) for your help on all the runs. Thanks to everyone else who attended, for all the other big and little things you did to help make this a great time for everyone. The potluck was fantastic! Thank you all who contributed and helped out!
 
#696 ·
It looks like the Meet & Greet had another successful event! It was nice to see some fellow jeepers that I have not wheeled with in a while and meet some new jeepers on Fridays night run.
Thanks to those who were brave enough to attend the advanced run this year. We managed to complete 3 trails, with each one getting progressively more difficult. We had a TJ on 40’s, two TJ’s on 37’s, a CJ on 38’s, and my LJ on 35’s. We only had to use the winch once, and deal with a fuel line that came disconnected. JV is a lot of work and pics become an afterthought. The below are pics of the first waterfall. Sorry we had to miss the potluck, but we needed to get home to our sick dog…

JV has some BIG rocks. The blue TJ is on 40’s:
Off-roading Vehicle Off-road vehicle Automotive tire Rock


Land vehicle Automotive tire Vehicle Jeep Tire


You have to climb the wall on the right so your diff will clear the giant rock in the center:
Off-roading Automotive tire Tire Vehicle Geological phenomenon


Mike your line is perfect!:
Off-roading Vehicle Rock Automotive tire Car


Can you spot the line going up Upper Big Johnson?
Rock Mountainous landforms Geological phenomenon Bedrock Outcrop
 
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