Rubithon 2008 June 18th- 22nd, 2008

[Pighead]

Originally Posted by TRT2

I am a bit concerned, I have not seen Manny's registration... we might have to cancel breakfast.

Not to worry, Tony...Mr. Manny is riding shotgun with Pighead. Breakfast is a go.

[CA Annie]

Originally Posted by landcrusher909

Cool ! This will be our first time so I have been showing my wife that there will be other wife's there

I'm a wife , but I'm driving this, too. I'd bet with 200 rigs there will be more than a few wives attending.

Can you believe it's only 20 Days till Rubithon!

We ran Fordyce Creek (near Truckee) last weekend with eight other FJ's, just to get in the mood. It was cold and rained on our a&&es the entire time, but it was a blast. It was the first run with the new Dynapros and bumper... I used that TARP everyone said I should have! With all that rain (drizzle) it was a real life saver.

[TRT2]

Originally Posted by Pighead

Not to worry, Tony...Mr. Manny is riding shotgun with Pighead. Breakfast is a go.

Woo Hoo! I was worried... many folks are simply regulars are Rubithon... and Manny is certainly one of them.

Get him in safely!


Dave Thomas, Raffle Chair extraordinaire, and I are packing goody bags this weekend, and inventorying raffle prizes for packing and delivery to the Springs. Picked up 10 rolls of raffle tickets today. Ordering plaques and awards on Friday too, and artwork submitted to shirt printer. We are taking our first shot at counts this weekend, and any applications received on Monday, June 2nd will need the $25 late fee added.

Late registrations have consistently been the bane of our planning efforts, and even attributed to some volunteers 'pursuing other options'. We are trying to stem this habit by pushing for regs on time, and including a late fee to help off set the tremendous hard-ache and hassle a late registration causes. If you are attending, please register by May 31st.

We will take registrations right up to and including at the event. Registrations at the event will not include any meals, shirts or ... anything except camping, and still costs the usual registration fee. The registration fees paid by all members really only cover the cost of hosting this event. TLCA makes its profit from the sale of raffle tickets (as most events do) and I strongly encourage everyone to bring some extra cash for the purchase of raffle tickets.

Credit cards... if you are a registered driver, I will accept your CC at the event. I will not accept credit cards from passengers or non registered participants. We got burned last year by presuming everyone was basically honest and good people... burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me.

Be prepared to haul your own trash out. Last year somehow we managed to accrue a ton of garbage in the springs. Your committee does not haul your trash out. Haul your own trash, and pick up any other trash found along the trail.

Safety! If I stress one thing the most, it must be safety. Your safety, the safety of your fellow TLCA members around you, the safety of your equipment, the safety of our trail, and the safety of our reputation as OHV enthusiasts. Wear your seatbelt! Be sure your spotters puts on their gloves right as they exit the truck to help spot or stack rocks. Ensure your children or anyone is behind your truck before backing up. Ensure you do not break anything and if you do, be ready to soak up any spilled fluids, or pickup any busted parts of your truck. Be patient to others on the trail. Say Hello, offer to help, reach out your hand and introduce yourself. No drinking on the trail, and be respectful of the environment.

The thing I want to stress 2nd, have fun. This should an enjoyable vacation, event or excursion. Have fun, be patient, be open to meeting others, lend a hand or advice when needed, know when to step back when needed. in spotting situations, ensure the driver is only listening to one spotter. Have fun!

Sorry to ramble, got a lot of things on my mind and they all revolve around our event, Rubithon!

[petescoffee]

[QUOTE=TRT2;3357595]

Safety! If I stress one thing the most, it must be safety. Your safety, the safety of your fellow TLCA members around you, the safety of your equipment, the safety of our trail, and the safety of our reputation as OHV enthusiasts. Wear your seatbelt! Be sure your spotters puts on their gloves right as they exit the truck to help spot or stack rocks. Ensure your children or anyone is NOT behind your truck before backing up. Ensure you do not break anything and if you do, be ready to soak up any spilled fluids, or pickup any busted parts of your truck. Be patient to others on the trail. Say Hello, offer to help, reach out your hand and introduce yourself. No drinking on the trail, and be respectful of the environment.

QUOTE]

Fixed it for you

[NocalFJ60]

Tony,

There any room on the Friday Run or Marlin's Run left? I might be able to make it on a Friday run. Trying to figure out so I can register before the deadline. Thanks

[TRT2]

yes... as a matter of fact, I need some committee support for Friday run in case anyone is interested...

if you decide to run with Marlin, you need to confirm with him and realize what you are getting into.

[woooody]

Originally Posted by knoll0351

This may be a stupid question but what firearms restrictions does California have that may be important for us to know? ie AR15's Pistols...

TLCA used to have a ban on firearms at TLCA events, but darned if I can find that mentioned in the rules, SOP's or bylaws...

[woooody]

Originally Posted by peesalot

What time is Sat breakfast ? and do we need to bring our own utensils at that time as well as at dinner ?

Sat breakfast 9 AM -- breakfast burritos, so utensils are optional

Sat dinner - 5PM - bring utensils. Or not. Up to you.

[TRT2]

no firearms please... there is simply no need.

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Originally Posted by TRT2

no firearms please... there is simply no need.

X2, Tony will protect us!

[NocalFJ60]

Originally Posted by TRT2

yes... as a matter of fact, I need some committee support for Friday run in case anyone is interested...

if you decide to run with Marlin, you need to confirm with him and realize what you are getting into.

Who is leading the run that leaves at 6AM? Does Marlin take a harder route? What will the run with Marlin be like?

[Uncle Ben]

[QUOTE=petescoffee;3357783]

Originally Posted by TRT2

Safety! If I stress one thing the most, it must be safety. Your safety, the safety of your fellow TLCA members around you, the safety of your equipment, the safety of our trail, and the safety of our reputation as OHV enthusiasts. Wear your seatbelt! Be sure your spotters puts on their gloves right as they exit the truck to help spot or stack rocks. Ensure your children or anyone is NOT behind your truck before backing up. Ensure you do not break anything and if you do, be ready to soak up any spilled fluids, or pickup any busted parts of your truck. Be patient to others on the trail. Say Hello, offer to help, reach out your hand and introduce yourself. No drinking on the trail, and be respectful of the environment.

QUOTE]

Fixed it for you

Is there a master list of who brought what spare parts? We (Rising Sun) are working on our list right now and I'll see that Tony gets a copy when it's compiled. We started doing this at CM a couple years back in addition to donating parts to the club trailer and it has really helped in times of need! I'm guessing you guys have something similar happening? BTW we are stocked with spill kits too and know how to use 'em! I commend you guys on the requirement of gloves, thats an awesome idea and I have no doubt it will become a standard! It's impossible to control the outlaws of an event but the more safety standards we all accept as part of a TLCA event the better (safer) equipt everyone becomes!

[TRT2]

no master list per say... usually a plethora of parts available, and we can always make a run out if in dire need.

Marlin is our sweep crew and we are fortunate to have him. If committee cannot get you going, you will be left for Sweep. If Marlin cannot get you going, we hook you to the mog and drag you out, unforegivingly. We have other options and key TLCA figures available to help including the amazing Mudrak.

Two years ago we suffered a pretty severe finger injury, along with many minor finger and hand injuries. Since intiating the Spotter Has Gloves rule (informally known as Sam's Rule), our finger injuries almost disappeared. While I will not argue whether or not gloves stop injuries, it does help remind us we are about to stick our fingers in some very dangerous locations... helps keep everyone aware and alert to their surroundings.

Right now, Leon Daniels is leading the Friday run... but I'm going to make some calls and try to rustle up some more help. (Hey John!)

[landcrusher909]

Sorry for all the questions but on the Wagon Run I could not find anything as far as a schedule I know we leave at 8am on Weds. from what I have seen We will be camping that night somewhere right ? I guess what I need to know is on the Wagon Run we need enough food for Weds thru Friday ( breakfast, luch, and dinner ) Right If we leave Weds we get to Rubithon Springs sometime thursday ? Again sorry I just need to plan to bring enough food and water Thanks everyone !

[619TOY]

Originally Posted by Uncle Ben

Is there a master list of who brought what spare parts?

Originally Posted by TRT2

no master list per say... usually a plethora of parts available, and we can always make a run out if in dire need.

Would this be too much of a logistical nightmare? I for one, would be happy to bring a few spare 80 drivetrain parts. Unfortunately, the idea of donating my spare parts unnecessarily to a stockpile, would be out of the question. I wheel in too many places to give up all of my spare parts. However, if there were a log for parts made available and then returned, I would totally be in.

Don't misunderstand, if I have any spare parts that are needed I would happily supply them to anyone in need. I would just want them back sometime or if unneeded.

It seems as if this could be done pretty simply with some of those paint markers they use at junkyards and a log, no?

[619TOY]

landcrusher909, I may be going out on a limb here but from what I've seen, it looks like impromptu potluck seems too be the theme. Bring about 10% more food than you plan on eating but it doesn't necessarily have to be in the form of square meals. This is how it works almost all the time I go wheeling/camping. Every meal a few people chip in a little and cook up a little feast.

Or, you could just bring what you want and just enough for you for all of your meals.........what fun would that be? Lets be social creatures

When are you plannin' on heading up? PKP80 and I are planning on leaving the LA area around 8:00 AM Tue. Me about 6:00 from SD

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I think the spare parts log would be more of a "Who has what, and where are they" kind of thing. If they were all in one place it wouldn't help much on a through run like the Rubi.

[619TOY]

Originally Posted by 2ndGenToyotaFan

I think the spare parts log would be more of a "Who has what, and where are they" kind of thing. If they were all in one place it wouldn't help much on a through run like the Rubi.

I think that would be perfect too. Anything would be better than radioing around asking if something was out there. It would be a pretty simple spreadsheet to create.

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Originally Posted by 619TOY

I think that would be perfect too. Anything would be better than radioing around asking if something was out there. It would be a pretty simple spreadsheet to create.

Sounds like we have a volunteer! Start a Rubithon Spare parts thread here, and ask people to post up what they are bringing and what run they are on. Maybe email a copy to every Trail Leader before they head out...

Just spitballin'...

[chappysfj40]

i am not bringing to much in the form of spare parts, but will bring a bunch of tools, welding rods, mask and misc. to Macgyver a rig if need be. Ive just got the rig and have not had the time to get too much spare parts, sorry i dont have much parts to offer, but will be willing to lead a hand or any tool i have in my truck. cheers all, also i am on the wagon run.
cheers chappy

[peesalot]

That radio is your friend. Find the channels that we will be running on, usually the date. Your best bet for trail parts is the radio and the committee people in your run. The committee people will know radio channels, who is where generaly and the best plan of attack in a fix it situation if parts are needed from off the trail. It is all good, just get there, relax and enjoy the trail. It is really only as hard as your mind makes it. A seasoned veteran once said " those noises you hear are in your head ".

[TOY350]

If a parts sheet is being made then put me down for:

80 series birfield (out of my 95)
40/60 series birfield
2 sets of wheel bearings inner & outer for 80 series front or rear with some seals

Could possibly bring stock 80 series front driveshaft if desired

[woooody]

Originally Posted by landcrusher909

Sorry for all the questions but on the Wagon Run I could not find anything as far as a schedule I know we leave at 8am on Weds. from what I have seen We will be camping that night somewhere right ? I guess what I need to know is on the Wagon Run we need enough food for Weds thru Friday ( breakfast, luch, and dinner ) Right If we leave Weds we get to Rubithon Springs sometime thursday ? Again sorry I just need to plan to bring enough food and water Thanks everyone !

The only provided meals are Saturday Breakfast and dinner. You will need to have enough food for all of the other meals, regardless of your point on the trail.

You should have enough water for all of your days on the trail. You should have enough food as well.

As for the pace, yes, you should make it to the springs Thursday evening. Wednesday night might be at Buck Island, or somewhere else. No one knows for sure, as the group may experience delays due to breakage or congestion, although being the first group, you should have the least number of worries.

With the newer 25 foot rule (parking within 25 feet of the road, on either side), it makes parking/camping more "challenging", but you should be able to get the choice Buck spots, and set up early enough to have a leisurely dinner.

Thursday you may leave early, to stay ahead of the runs behind you. Big Sluice will be a challenge for all of the wagons, but you should make it to camp early enough again for a decent dinner.

Lunch on the trail is usually as opportunity provides If there is traffic ahead, you may opt to stop where you are to eat.

Hope that explains it better?

Thursday, chances are

[Uncle Ben]

Originally Posted by 619TOY

Would this be too much of a logistical nightmare? I for one, would be happy to bring a few spare 80 drivetrain parts. Unfortunately, the idea of donating my spare parts unnecessarily to a stockpile, would be out of the question. I wheel in too many places to give up all of my spare parts. However, if there were a log for parts made available and then returned, I would totally be in.

Don't misunderstand, if I have any spare parts that are needed I would happily supply them to anyone in need. I would just want them back sometime or if unneeded.

It seems as if this could be done pretty simply with some of those paint markers they use at junkyards and a log, no?

Exactly! Basically you just make a list of who has what. In case of a breakdown beyond normal a quick scan of the list will find who might have it and then it's just a matter of communication and relays. Everyone hold onto their parts like normal the differance is a little pre-communication and data logging. At CM we do it at vehicle tech in....simply ask the person what extra parts they carry.

[woooody]

Originally Posted by 619TOY

Would this be too much of a logistical nightmare? I for one, would be happy to bring a few spare 80 drivetrain parts. Unfortunately, the idea of donating my spare parts unnecessarily to a stockpile, would be out of the question. I wheel in too many places to give up all of my spare parts. However, if there were a log for parts made available and then returned, I would totally be in.

Don't misunderstand, if I have any spare parts that are needed I would happily supply them to anyone in need. I would just want them back sometime or if unneeded.

It seems as if this could be done pretty simply with some of those paint markers they use at junkyards and a log, no?

There is no place to "store" spare parts. Spares are carried with your rig. Heavier items can be left at the trailhead.

Each run has a designated CB channel, and with the number of Ham's on the runs, communication is available all along the trail.

If you have something "unique" about your rig, you should bring spares. If it's "standard toyota", chances are someone may have it if you don't.

So, if you are running TBI, or HEI, or Heim joints, you may want to bring those.

There have been numerous instances of people borrowing parts, with the promise of return/replacement after getting home. There have also been cases of people buying the item, rather than dealing with shipping it back. The majority of the time, there is no issue. There have been a couple of instances of parts not getting returned promptly, but that was very rare. I think in the end, they all got returned/replaced.

Hope that helps...

[woooody]

Originally Posted by Uncle Ben

Exactly! Basically you just make a list of who has what. In case of a breakdown beyond normal a quick scan of the list will find who might have it and then it's just a matter of communication and relays. Everyone hold onto their parts like normal the differance is a little pre-communication and data logging. At CM we do it at vehicle tech in....simply ask the person what extra parts they carry.

The difference with Rubithon is that Tech inspection is done by the Trail leaders for your run. Check in is done in the Springs after you've done most of the trail.

For the Wagon Run, the hope is that most of the wagons would be on that run, and can be their own parts pool. For the Rising Sun guys, you'll already know what you guys have... It'll just be a matter of communicating with the other runs.

On the formal runs, if someone breaks down, a committee member stays with them, and can communicate with the other formal runs. For the "outlaws", the hope is that your rig is more prepared, and has a more experienced drivers that won't put themselves into "breakage" situations. Doesn't always work, but usually it does.

There should be somewhere between 50 and 100 rigs behind you, so you may have to wait, but eventually someone will come by with what you need. Worst case, someone runs backwards at night, and gets what you need.

We've done some pretty impressive trail repairs over the years. Biggest delays have been for roll overs. Most everything else has been fixable enough to get them into camp, where better repairs can be made.

[Cruiserdrew]

The wagon run may leave a bit earlier than 8am. Tony, I think, advertised 7am. I'll shoot to be rolling at 7:30-meaning tech inspection done, driver's meeting over etc. Joe Somerville will be handling tech inspection, and he has a keen eye for defects. Come prepared. BTW_the requirement for an onboard portable toilet will be strictly enforced, so no cheating.

The wagon run communications will be Ham based. I'll have a CB I think, but 99% of the run coordination will be on either the Norcal1 or Norcal2 frequency. I think the Colorado guys are familiar with running on 146.460 (Norcal1). I encourage anyone on the wagon run to have a 2m radio in the truck. CB is not sufficient to reach from the front to the back of the run.

Food-bring what you want to eat, but it is a long standing tradition that meals on Norcal and the wagon run are communal. Cook what you have and share. No one has ever gonehungry on one of our runs.

Camping-I hope to be at Buck Island by midafternoon on Wednesday. To accomplish that, we'll keep a steady movement schedule. I think last year we were in Buck Island by 3:30 or 4.

Parts-no breakage last year except on the prerun. We thought one truck had a broken axle shaft only to pull it apart and find just the cable locker was not working. Pretty funny. We'll have a set of spare axles, a drag link and likely a driveshaft or 2. If someone want to bring a spare diff or steering box, that would be good, but hopefully not needed.

Bring your bug spray. It's been raining in the Sierras for a week.

[Pighead]

55guy and Splitpea (the Knorr Bros.) are taking a little trailer in to the springs early in the week. They're going to put some of the heavier items (I'm adding a 3rd and some mini-knuckles) in the trailer and just leave it there for a few days...
Pighead will be packing (on the Wagonrun, natch) some driveshafts, axles and little stuff.

[Uncle Ben]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

The wagon run may leave a bit earlier than 8am. Tony, I think, advertised 7am. I'll shoot to be rolling at 7:30-meaning tech inspection done, driver's meeting over etc. Joe Somerville will be handling tech inspection, and he has a keen eye for defects. Come prepared. BTW_the requirement for an onboard portable toilet will be strictly enforced, so no cheating.

The wagon run communications will be Ham based. I'll have a CB I think, but 99% of the run coordination will be on either the Norcal1 or Norcal2 frequency. I think the Colorado guys are familiar with running on 146.460 (Norcal1). I encourage anyone on the wagon run to have a 2m radio in the truck. CB is not sufficient to reach from the front to the back of the run.

Food-bring what you want to eat, but it is a long standing tradition that meals on Norcal and the wagon run are communal. Cook what you have and share. No one has ever gonehungry on one of our runs.

Camping-I hope to be at Buck Island by midafternoon on Wednesday. To accomplish that, we'll keep a steady movement schedule. I think last year we were in Buck Island by 3:30 or 4.

Parts-no breakage last year except on the prerun. We thought one truck had a broken axle shaft only to pull it apart and find just the cable locker was not working. Pretty funny. We'll have a set of spare axles, a drag link and likely a driveshaft or 2. If someone want to bring a spare diff or steering box, that would be good, but hopefully not needed.

Bring your bug spray. It's been raining in the Sierras for a week.

I will have a spare 80 steering box BTW F&R .120 wall spare driveshafts and othger schtuffins.

[CA Annie]

How much are the raffle tickets? I need to get an idea on cashola needed.

Will anyone be using FRS Radios? We keep showing up to events with our CB and either no one is using them, or the range is too large, and everyone is on FRS. We have both, but I dont want to bring any more stuff than is necessary.

Is the FJ run the smallest group? We may be able to get away with CB's. Thanks!