Condition of Martinez Loop?

[ShottsUZJ100]

I'm planning on running the Loop soon. I'd like to zip the 100 through there though I'm concerned about 2 spots:

1. The Boulder Field was very difficult in the 80's last January. The entry was quite tight with a huge rock wall on the left. How's this spot now? (Pic 1)

Then....brush I think is pretty light though I seem to remember one bad spot? It's above the mine climbing to the top of the hill with a MASSIVE washout on the right that can swallow our trucks. I think I had to put my 80 straight into some big bushes/brush on the left side of the road here to avoid the washout. Am I wrong about this spot? Is there more brush somewhere?

THANKS!

 

[Sean K.]

When ya planning on going?

Personally, I never go the way Joe's going in pic one. Depending on year, the way to the far right in the canyon can actually be easier.

I'm going out to the cabins Saturday.....doubt I'll make it in that far with the group I'm going with so I won't be able to tell ya.

Wanna tag along?

Sean

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

When ya planning on going?

Personally, I never go the way Joe's going in pic one. Depending on year, the way to the far right in the canyon can actually be easier.

I'm going out to the cabins Saturday.....doubt I'll make it in that far with the group I'm going with so I won't be able to tell ya.

Wanna tag along?

Sean

Hi Sean. We're stuck in town Saturday.

We're going soon though it's not my deal to say...in fact, now that I'm thinking about this....I should not have mentioned the other vehicle. I'll retract.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Personally, I never go the way Joe's going in pic one. Depending on year, the way to the far right in the canyon can actually be easier.

We checked that right path out last January. We decided it was too tight for the wagons. I'll bet we'd a made it though the Boulder Field looked like more fun!

 

[Sean K.]

Sorry you can't make it. Maybe next time.

Take care and hope to wheel with ya soon.

Sean

PS. Don't forget....you've got an Elvis run you've gotta plan soon.

 

[goodtimes]

John, I'm running Martinez on the 24th, if you are interested.

 

[Sean K.]

I'm interested.

Sean

 

[Sean K.]

Hey Brian, do you ever see Brian (aka Wolfsoul) down in Tucson anymore? Think he'd wanna come to Martinez? He's done the trail before (back in 02). I can get a hold of him if you want.

Sean

 

[goodtimes]

Actually, yes. I see Wolfie every couple weeks. He lives 3 or 4 miles from me (as the crow flies). In fact, I am going kayaking with him tomorrow. I'll run it by him, but he doesn't go 'wheeling much anymore. He tends to spend more time doing human-powered travel.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

John, I'm running Martinez on the 24th, if you are interested.

Thanks! I'll letcha know. J

 

[Sean K.]

Actually, yes. I see Wolfie every couple weeks. He lives 3 or 4 miles from me (as the crow flies). In fact, I am going kayaking with him tomorrow. I'll run it by him, but he doesn't go 'wheeling much anymore. He tends to spend more time doing human-powered travel.

Gotcha Tell him I said hi.

Sean

 

[RHINO]

hey shotts it should be fine with the 100, some friends and i ran it last saturday, one of them was a tacorunner with only a 3" lift and 33's, not even a scratch, and one of the others was my buddies suburban, it made it fine too.

 

[ChaseTruck]

hey shotts it should be fine with the 100, some friends and i ran it last saturday, one of them was a tacorunner with only a 3" lift and 33's, not even a scratch, and one of the others was my buddies suburban, it made it fine too.

Just curious since there was some talk on the CK5 board: was that the 'Coonasses' run?

 

[RHINO]

it was, unfortunately my buddy with the burban from lousiana (CBBR) didnt get to drive the loop due to some brake issues. but my best friend (burbicon) sure drove his.

 

[MaddBaggins]

I could be a maybe for the 24th. I'll let ya know Brian.

 

[goodtimes]

Let me know!

 

[Sean K.]

Just remembered that I may have a previous engagement for the 24th. I'll check my calander and work and let you know for sure. Also, I gotta get this pump thing worked out before my next trip. The full hydro is whining like a bitch.

Sean

 

[Sean K.]

I was wrong....the previous engagement is for the 18th (this Sunday). I may still be able to make it. It looks like the pump thing is fixed!

Sean

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Update on the Loop from Joe Chott:

John,
We had three vehicles that scraped up their rear sides, one vehicle that slid sideways into a ravine (with a 300' dropoff closeby), a flare torn off, an 80 Series bumper torn off, a flat tire, an 80 Series that needed about 250# of ballast to get its wheel back on the earth (on the verge of tipping), a few vehicles getting strapped, etc. Allen's 100 did remarkably well. Luckily, I wasn't a part of the carnage (but I came SOOO close, it makes me shiver!). I would rate Marinez as a 4+ right now, but shortly going to a dangerous 4+. Taking an 80 Series on it right now almost assuredly will get you body damage.

We also saw a crazy jeeper (Coors powered) that was trying to drive up the Luge Bypass, in 3 wheel drive. His front wheels came to rest on his best try on top of the hill at the start of the Luge Bypass (once the dust and rocks settled so you could see). It also started raining hard before a few of us could get down the Luge-slicking up the rocks quite nicely. Excitement, what excitement!

Joe

 

[goodtimes]

If it has really turned into a 4+ trail, it has gotton a lot worse than the last time I was up there. The worst I have seen it I would give it a 3.5, and that was only due to 2 very short washed out sections just below the lower of the mine shafts. Actually, I think you were on that run John......