FJ ROCKS ARIZONA (FJ Cruiser Team Run) Saturday, June 10th

[ShottsUZJ100]

Brady Clarke of Toyota's FJ Cruiser Trail Team will be visiting Arizona, and I've planned a trail run for his team for Saturday June 10th.

This run will be posted on Toyota America's FJ Cruiser "Trail Teams" website at: www.toyota.com/fjtrailteams

This event will be open to ALL VEHICLES with 2-speed transfer cases. Come on out, see the FJ Cruiser go, and show off your brand's rig.

Our plan is to run a cooler trail (for obvious reasons). In case of Prescott National Forest closures due to fire danger, we'll have backup plans in place (both other forest, and non-forest areas).

The main supporters of this event are the Arizona Land Cruiser Association and Arizona Copperstate Cruiser Club with additional support from Expedition Portal members.

I will also be writing a story for this event for submission into a popular Toyota-brand magazine. You never know who's rig will make the mag!

TRIP DETAILS:

Event name: FJ ROCKS ARIZONA

Event date: Saturday, June 10th

Event trail: DeSoto Mine

Trail leader: Steve Schaefer (3rd Gen 4Runner w'SAS)

Meeting place: Circle K in the Town of Mayer (7 miles NW of Cordes Jct. on AZ69 toward Prescott)

Meeting time: 9:00 AM, with a pullout of 9:30 SHARP

Event duration: 4-5 hours (for trail and play time)

Trail difficulty: 3.0+ (with 3.5+ options)

Should all of the nearby-to-Phoenix forests close due to fire danger, the non-forest backup will be RAW DEAL (in the same area of AZ) which will be more difficult, in the arena of a 3.5+.

Check back to this original post for more details. COME ON OUT AND SEE THE FJ CRUISER TEAM DURING THEIR ONLY PLANNED STOP TO ARIZONA!

[ShottsUZJ100]

Brady Clarke of the FJ Team has asked that we opt for the Crown King Backroad Trail due to all the added "options" that it offers. I've updated the first post along with meeting place and times.

Other options we're considering (in case of closures):

Coronado NF:
Chiva Falls
Charouleau Gap

Tonto NF:
Powerline/Hackberry
Upper Sycamore

Non NF:
Raw Deal
Florence area

[ShottsUZJ100]

LATEST INFORMATION:

Prescott NF: Is in Stage 1 restrictions. They said today that their "gut" says (no promises) that the NF roads will be open on June 10th, though more restrictions could go into effect.

Coronado NF: Exactly the same information.

Stats: Usually the Coronado closes AFTER the Prescott so to finalize a run, a trail in the Coronado might be the best choice.

Note: If the forests close, then the Florence Area or Raw Deal are the 2 best bets IMO. Raw Deal was a planned run by Randy Drwinga. It will offer geat challenge for the FJ just like Florence. Both will be hot.

I'd like US from the AzLCA who are planning to attent to make the final choice. I'll then post to the other 2 sites and report back with group numbers.

So, please post (or email me) YOUR choice. Pick ONE trail from each land type:

Forests land:

Prescott...Crown King or Desoto Mine
Coronado...Chiva Falls (would afford a lot of FJ play time at "Three Feathers")

Non-forest land:

Raw Deal
Florence area (Coke Ovens, Martinez Cabin, White Canyon, Superior Powerline)

Example:

Crown King and Raw Deal
or
DeSoto Mine and Raw Deal
or
Chiva Falls and Raw Deal
or
Chiva Falls and Florence (then...if Florence...do you have a preference?...Ovens, Poweline, etc?)

I'll report the results in a few days.

THANKS!

[gabacho]

I'm interested, just got my '74 fj40 out of the shop and would like to become (read need to join) a part of the group.
We are looking into getting an FJ as soon as the overpayers quiet down. I'm here in Tucson, and think it would be nice to show off the areas around here if it works out. Chiva or Charouleau would both be good, Three Feathers can get quite crowded on the weekend, Charouleau has some pretty interesting scenery, and usually less folks.

[inkpot]

Howdy! I would vote for Crown King or Florence. John

[ShottsUZJ100]

Due to further communications with the FJ Team, the National Forest Service and comments/recommendations from interested antendees, we've finalized the trip plans and updated the first post.

We been asked to improve:

Trail Difficulty (more difficult)
Shorten Trail Run (a bit)
Go to higher altitude (for cooler temps)

The trail run has been changed to "DeSoto Mine". DeSoto Mine Trail is well known for it's various challenges. Grades, off-camber, rocks...can all be had on DeSoto. It will be the best "test" for the FJ Team in the area.

Running this trail should make for a much nicer day, weather and dust-wise. FJ40's without tops will appreciate this change a lot. No excuses not to show now!

These plans are final. If the Prescott NF closes then Raw Deal will be the backup and it's in a similar area starting along I-17 closer to Phoenix.

[ShottsUZJ100]

[rzpapp]

Gotta question Shotts: I don't want to run my shiny 100 through DeSoto, but would like to meeting up and run to the start of the trail. So which way are you guys headed. From Mayer back down the I17 to CK Road or will you be starting off the enterance at the Senator Highway ... and if you do how is the team going to exit back. So basically which way are you thinking they will run the trail?

[ShottsUZJ100]

Originally Posted by rzpapp

Gotta question Shotts: I don't want to run my shiny 100 through DeSoto, but would like to meeting up and run to the start of the trail. So which way are you guys headed. From Mayer back down the I17 to CK Road or will you be starting off the enterance at the Senator Highway ... and if you do how is the team going to exit back. So basically which way are you thinking they will run the trail?

Good question. I'll find out. The trail was trimmed recently.

[rzpapp]

"The trail was trimmed recently" ... nice try, I am still of a bit of a girly-man running 100 on trails meant for FJ40 sized trucks ... are you taking the limo or lx

[ShottsUZJ100]

Originally Posted by rzpapp

"The trail was trimmed recently" ... nice try, I am still of a bit of a girly-man running 100 on trails meant for FJ40 sized trucks ... are you taking the limo or lx

The plan all along was to bring the 100. BUT! The LX finally gets worked on Thursday and IF the vibes are gone...the LX goes instead.

Now, if a trail full of N74L doubters came along....the 100'd go no matter what...just to see their faces!

[ShottsUZJ100]

Looking at our trip leader's email, we've running it from Mayer to Cleator. Oh ya...we're meeting in Mayer.

If you bring the 100 we can run together if you like and trim accordingly. If I bring the LX we can still stay together for the "spotting factor".

[ShottsUZJ100]

Originally Posted by inkpot

Howdy! I would vote for Crown King or Florence. John

HOPE WE SEE YOU ON THIS RUN MR. BRICKER!

[rzpapp]

Running Mayer to Cleater? So Can I assume you will entering the trial off the Sentor Hwy and exiting of the CK Road.

[ShottsUZJ100]

Originally Posted by rzpapp

Running Mayer to Cleater? So Can I assume you will entering the trial off the Sentor Hwy and exiting of the CK Road.

Yepper. Yer coming! Gotta represent the 100's!

[crawler#976]

I will be attending this event in my slightly used '87 Toy P/U.

This trail is a local favorite of mine, and certainly offers some good challenges for stock or slightly modified rigs. The trail has been de-brushed recently, so other than some soft salt cedar in the creek bottom it's pretty paint freindly for an Arizona trail...

Mark

[ShottsUZJ100]

Hi all. Here's the latest:

Looks like the trip is shaping up to be more fun than ever!

Besides having the FJ Team riding with us, we also can expect to see the "Off-Road Magazine" featured folks from the July 2006 issue. What do I mean?

Scott Brady of Expeditions West will be there. Scott wrote the two articles in the current issue of Off-Road Magazine. One was a feature on my 100-Series, and the other was on a trail run that Scott lead in AZ. Scott also just returned from running the Morocco Outback Challenge where he finished in FIRST PLACE. Way to go Scott (and Nathan)!
Info on that is here:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=920

You'll also see Chris "Baja Taco" who's been featured in numerous magazines. He drives a very cool expo-type Tacoma with an on board bumper-mounted camera.
http://www.bajataco.com/

Figure in our own Steve "Sonoran Steel" leading the run and me writing a story on the trip, and that makes for a must-come run. We'll be there in our newly-completed '97 Lexus. (Yes, the vibes are corrected so the 100 stays at home) DeSoto Mine is a favorite AZ trail for a lot of folks. I can't wait!

AT THIS TIME I'D LIKE TO GET A HEAD COUNT AS TO WHO IS PLANNING TO COME! THIS WAY WE CAN FINALIZE PLANS/STRATEGIES BASED ON THE VEHICLE COUNT. When I have an idea on the amount, I'll update everyone. THANKS!

http://www.off-roadweb.com/

[inkpot]

Originally Posted by ShottsUZJ100

HOPE WE SEE YOU ON THIS RUN MR. BRICKER!

Howdy! I'm penciled in. No, make that INKED IN!! So, anybody spending Friday night at the Mayer Hilton?

[gabacho]

I'm going. We want to get a feel for what the FJ will do as we're looking for a new something to replace the jeeeep. I also need to join this band of misfits (anyone who thinks the FJ is cute has a defect that can only be cured by Toyota.
If there is room at the inn, I'm interested in staying at the Hilton?, is the number handy?
It seems, since I haven't formally joined that I cannot post pictures of my 74 fj40 SOA with ps and a 4x4 labs crossover,detroit rear, ARB front and 37's. This FJ40 is the "chase truck" for our 04 taco TRD 4 door that loves to trick jeeps into difficult lines, and will eventually need to get winched out someday.

What are the dues anyway?

[ShottsUZJ100]

Gabacho: Thanks for the interest. The AzLCA dues are $40/year right now, though there's discussion about reducing that. You also become a member of the State 4WD agency. At meetings and events there's even been some club-provided treats.

The AzLCA is made up of a really sweet group of folks. They were the first club I ever joined. I'm in for life (or until I buy a Rubicon NOT!)

Join-up bro!

[DonCrayton]

Count us in! We have an '02 Wrangler but are curious about the new Toyota FJ. Are we still meeting at Cirkle K in Mayer? Looking forward to the trip.

[ShottsUZJ100]

Originally Posted by DonCrayton

Count us in! We have an '02 Wrangler but are curious about the new Toyota FJ. Are we still meeting at Cirkle K in Mayer? Looking forward to the trip.

Awesome. And yes...Mayer is it!

[ShottsUZJ100]

TRIP UPDATE AND COMMENTS:

From our Trip Leader Steve:

"For this run I'd recommend rock sliders due to the rocky wash area (1/3 mile). A rear locker will also aid in the challenging spots."

From the Prescott National Forest:

"More Fire Restrictions will go into effect on June 10th. We really do not expect them to be forest "closures". We'll know the details on Monday."

(I'll be re-calling them on Monday)

From Mark Longfield (our co-leader):

"Weather should be nicer than expected. About 82 in Prescott so figure on about 87-90 on DeSoto." (For a June run, that's great news!)

From me:

"Looks like we'll have a great variety of rigs for this run. With the responses I've got we should plan on one of the best trail runs ever. It might take us out to 4:00 PM (or so) to complete the run, though it'll be well worth it!

Bring extra water and sunscreen (something we always forget)!

[Blues Dawg]

I have a month old FJ Cruiser that has seen dirt and is earning its "stripes". A friend passed your site/event on to me after seeing my new Toy and I will try to join the crew out of Mayer on Saturday - I'm coming from Phoenix. The new FJ is awesome. I previously have owned an FJ40, SR5 PU and 4Runner, all of which saw duty in Mexico, SoCal, and AZ.

[crawler#976]

I'd like to suggest a couple of thing for the trail ride.

1. No smoking - not even in vehicles. The current restrictions permit smoking in private vehicles, but lets take it to the next level on our own. The situation up here is really bad. You'll see some pretty severe drought conditions - the Manzanita and Scrub Oak are dead or dieing, and there are virtually no Pines (Ponderosa or Pinion) left alive on the south facing slopes.

2. No parking off the trail. We don't need to take any chances of causing a fire from grass or brush on a hot catalytic converter. We can all park in a large wash for lunch below the Tuscumbia Mine Summit.

3. Bring plenty of water!!! I'd recommend a gallon per person at a minimum. Two gallons would be better yet. Remember the desert travellers rule: If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

4. Bring a lunch - we'll be on the trail all day.

5. Bring a buck for a cold BPR draft at the Cleator Bar! It's a piece of AZ history. I met Tommy Cleator back in the 80's - what great stories!

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/cleator.html

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/desoto.html

oh yeah - don't forget sunscreen

[crawler#976]

UPDATE:

THERE IS A FIRE BURNING ON OUR INGRESS ROUTE

WE CAN STILL ACCESS THE TRAIL VIA THE SENATOR HWY IF THINGS DON'T GET WORSE

---------------------

Prescott National Forest
Battle Fire
June 7, 2006 8:00 am
Time/Date Started:
12:31 am Wednesday June 7, 2006
Location:
Township 11 N, Range 1 West, Section 3
Approximately 1 1/2 miles south of the community of Pine Flat
8 miles southwest of the town of Mayer
Cause:
Lightening
Fuels:
Chaparral and Oak
Size:
125 acres
% Contained:
No Containment
Resources Committed:
3 – Type 2 IA Crews, 4 – Engines, 1 – Water Tenders
2 – Type 1 Air tankers 1 – Type 3 Helicopter, 1 – Fixed Wing Tactical Aircraft
Additional resources have been ordered along with Dan Oltrogge’s Type 1 Incident Management Team.
Structures:
No structures threatened
Concerns:
Yavapai County Sheriffs Department has evacuated the community of Pine Flat.
Restrictions:
The entire Prescott NF is in Stage II Fire Restrictions:
• Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands, roads, and
trails. An exception will be to allow campfires in developed recreation sites where grills and
campfire rings are provided.
• Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
• Smoking is prohibited except within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed recreations sites
where the area is cleared of all flammable material.
• Campfires at the designated dispersed sites within the Prescott Basin are prohibited. Metal posts
identify designated dispersed sites with a number.
• Welding or operating of acetylene or other torches and blasting are prohibited.
• Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine are
prohibited.
• Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.
• Use of explosives is prohibited.
For more information contact Debbie Maneely at (928) 443-8130.

[ShottsUZJ100]

PNF just told me on my bi-daily update:

The forests will not be closed.

New cycle and quad/ATV restrictions go into effect Friday, though it doesn't effect the typical motor vehicle. We're fine.

Senator Highway is open despite the Battle Fire. Access to Senator from Mayer MIGHT become an issue if the fire spreads.

Since some will be leaving for the area BEFORE Saturday and not have web access, we will keep the meeting spot as MAYER, even if we need to access the trailhead from another route.

[crawler#976]

WOOHOO!

Evacuations to end tonight as fire crews stop flames cold

Associated Press
Jun. 7, 2006 05:01 PM


MAYER - Residents of a central Arizona rural community evacuated Wednesday morning will be allowed to return to their homes Wednesday evening after fire crews, retardant drops from air tankers and rain combined to stop a roaring blaze in its tracks.

All residents of the Pine Flats area south of Mayer were ordered to leave by the U.S. Forest Service as the fire grew quickly after being reported early Wednesday, said Debbie Maneely, a spokeswoman for Prescott National Forest.

"It was raining but there were still 40 foot flames and the fire was burning towards Pine Flats," Maneely said.

Shortly after the mandatory evacuation was called at 7:30 a.m., three heavy air tankers started making retardant drops and were able to stop the fire's advance, Maneely said.

"Those air tankers were just a savior," Maneely said.

Crews had a perimeter around the fire as of 4 p.m., she said, and residents will be allowed to return at 8 p.m. Two county roads closed because of the flames also will reopen.

Pine Flats is located about seven miles south of State Route 69 about 75 miles north of Phoenix.

The Battle Fire burned about 125 acres and came within 1 1/2 miles of Pine Flat. The Forest Service had ordered a Type 1 fire team, used in the most difficult fires, but canceled the response.

[ShottsUZJ100]

Just got off the phone with Jeremy of the FJ Cruiser Team.

He says that thier mission on this run is for the attendees to drive the FJs. They'll spot and explain the rigs to whomever if asked. He said they also have some "goodies" for us too! (And I know what they are )

You want to come on this trip!

[crawler#976]

FYI:

The Circle K in Mayer doesn't have enough parking for a large group. Please don't clog up the store lot.

There is a Dollar store across the street - the road in front of it should provide enough space for a group to park.

Thanks

Mark