For thos not going to SNT but want to wheel this weekend.

Bluetribal · 11-03-09, 08:43 AM

VCCruzr and I are planning to do a little trip up to Juilan this Saturday and you are welcome to join us.
The plan is to do Chariot and Rodriguez Canyon and down Mason Truck Trail to the 79. Basically it's the trip I wanted to do for my B-Day back in April but my Birff Job took longer than expected.
Although Brent and Scott did it without me: LINK trip report starts at post #31

The tentative plan is to meet at the gas station in Santa Ysabel at 9:00 and then head-up through Julian and down to the trail head at Banner. Here is a GOOGLE MAP of the area

VCCruzr · 11-03-09, 01:00 PM

Since I will be coming up the 76 to 79 south, I will meet you at the gas station in Santa Ysabel about 9:15. Mark, I read that the gate at the top of Mason Valley TT is closed (locked) so it will be an out and back.

sdnative · 11-03-09, 05:35 PM

The locked gate is on a side spur off of Chariot Canyon that heads up to Sunrise Hwy. This side spur would be an out and back, but Chariot and Oriflamme go all the way through from Banner to the S2 (or back to Banner if you take Rodriguez Canyon and form a loop).

sdnative · 11-03-09, 05:42 PM

The map shows you turning left and going down Rodriguez. I would recommend going straight up Chariot Canyon, down the Oriflamme switchbacks and back up Rodriguez and back out by the Banner store. The eastern part of Rodriguez can be a little rough if you are stock so be careful.

Or you can go out to the S2 and see Blair valley, or go out Pinyon Mtn road to see the squeeze. Lots to do in that area.

e9999 · 11-03-09, 07:24 PM

not going to SnT?

oh, the heresy!

Vistataco · 11-03-09, 09:21 PM

My wife and I were just talking about the possibility of a little light wheeling this Saturday. Maybe this will be a good opportunity for us to meet a few of you. Keep us posted if plans change.

Bluetribal · 11-03-09, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCCruzr

Since I will be coming up the 76 to 79 south, I will meet you at the gas station in Santa Ysabel about 9:15. Mark, I read that the gate at the top of Mason Valley TT is closed (locked) so it will be an out and back.

OK, lets just meet at that gas station then no worries.

Quote:

The map shows you turning left and going down Rodriguez. I would recommend going straight up Chariot Canyon, down the Oriflamme switchbacks and back up Rodriguez and back out by the Banner store. The eastern part of Rodriguez can be a little rough if you are stock so be careful.

For some reason Google Maps only recognizes Rodriguez Truck Trail and Mason Truck Trail, I didn't create those lines. Bummer that the gate is locked because that would have been a huge time saver for VC.
As long as Rodriguez is not any tougher than Sidewinder I should be fine.

Bluetribal · 11-03-09, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vistataco

My wife and I were just talking about the possibility of a little light wheeling this Saturday. Maybe this will be a good opportunity for us to meet a few of you. Keep us posted if plans change.

Come on out!

Bluetribal · 11-04-09, 05:04 PM

It looks like it will be a little on the cool side, Julian's forecast is 60 deg. and cloudy.

Vistataco · 11-04-09, 09:12 PM

OK...looks like we are in. Mother-in-law is watching the 8 week old so it will be me, wife and almost 3 yr old daughter. Better pull the thing out of the garage and make sure the battery is charged.

Bluetribal · 11-04-09, 10:56 PM

Right on, it will be good to finally meet you and see your kick arse cruza.
Notice the first post has been edited for meeting location.

VCCruzr · 11-05-09, 07:14 AM

Hey Vistataco, glad you are coming along, it'll be nice to meet you. I'll be bringing one of my boys with me for the ride. Looking forward to it.

Bluetribal · 11-05-09, 09:52 AM

No kids here but Maria & I might be bringing my Aunt or Cousin, going to swing by their house in Ramona on the way up.

Vistataco · 11-06-09, 08:16 AM

OK so, Santa Ysabel at 9AM and look for a couple of other cruisers. I will be coming up the 78 out of Escondido.

I have done a lot of wheeling in So Cal but I am not familiar with these trails. What terrain can we expect?

Bluetribal · 11-06-09, 08:33 AM

Check out Brents trip report and Scots photos of Charriot Canyon I linked in the first post. They didn't do Rodriguez Canyon but it is suposed to be a little tougher. I too would like a better description since I am not locked or have sliders. But I will push my rig and have already dinged my rockers.

blupaddler · 11-06-09, 06:05 PM

I will see you guys @ Santa Ysabel gas station 0900.

Also, any idea how long you think we'll be out?

Bluetribal · 11-06-09, 06:38 PM

OK, so we have a fourth. I will PM all of you my cell # just incase you are running late. I don't see us being out much later than the afternoon. I am packing cold cuts and sodas for a light and quick lunch.

sdnative · 11-06-09, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluetribal

They didn't do Rodriguez Canyon but it is suposed to be a little tougher. I too would like a better description since I am not locked or have sliders. But I will push my rig and have already dinged my rockers.

You wont have any trouble. A couple of rough spots, so just take it slow. There is a short rock garden if you want to play in the rocks, but it has a bypass.

There is a nice grove of trees at the bottom of the Oriflamme switchbacks that would be ideal for a lunch break.

Bluetribal · 11-06-09, 09:00 PM

Nice, thanks for the detailed description it's better knowing what's in store.

Bluetribal · 11-07-09, 07:18 PM

What a great trip today and really nice meeting some good guys, with great rigs and nice family & friends.

Photos are Up. LINK Not too shabby for iPhone pics.

blupaddler · 11-07-09, 07:41 PM

Mark, thanks for putting this together!

It was just what the 80 ordered!!!

Bluetribal · 11-07-09, 08:09 PM

Yeah it was, the trail fixed your rear locker!!! Now if only the trail would give me a rear locker!

SOCALFJ · 11-08-09, 10:30 AM

Right on guys, cool pics... those import cars were sweet!

VCCruzr · 11-08-09, 02:56 PM

Mark,
Thanks for pulling this together. I had a really fun time as well as my son. He can't wait for the next one. It was great to finally get to wheel with other 80's. I have a few photos I'd like to share.