I wanted to start a thread that is specific to the Rubithon 2013 Friday 0700 run.
This run is unique in that we, and Marlins sweep run right behind us are requested to be in Main Camp by 1530. That is a pretty tight schedule, but with teamwork and coordination it can be done.
I have not been a leader on Rubithon before, so most folks will not know me. But I have been running this trail as a member of the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s for over 25 years.
This group will be made up of a mixed density of seasoned wheelers who don’t need no stinking leader, wheelers who have been on this trail and probably don’t need no stinking leader, and wheelers who have never been on this trail and are glad for even stinking leaders. Happy to oblige!
This run is not the best choice for newbies. There are runs that take two days to get to Rubicon Springs, and imho that is the best way to enjoy the trail. It is a beautiful trail and to really savor it the slower pace of the two day run is the best choice. But some folks can't get that much time off. I am uncomfortable telling people not to join the Friday run but it is not appropriate for stock, or barely modded Yotas. We just don't have the luxury of time to stack rock, strap and winch the stockers through the entire trail. We will not have a platoon of spotters to guide novices. In fact, the only spotting you can count on is watching the rig in front of you and deciding if you want to choose a different line. If you have rarely used 4low this is not the run for you.
Minimum equip for this run, and if you just have the minimum you may not be having all that much fun. It will be more of a survival day than anything else. This is by no means a complete list. Spend an hour googling rubicon trail breakdowns to get a feel for how hard on equipment this trail can be.
33" tires with good tread and at least one locker.
Crawl ratio (manual trans) of at least 60:1 for straight six, you gotta 4cyl you should have at least 80-90:1.
Wagons, please only well equipped and experienced wagon drivers who are way past caring about body damage.
Make sure your steering box is not loose, and check for frame cracks in this area.
Sprung over with Toy rear axle (40 series)? You should address the axle wrap this set-up is famous for and the broken pinion shaft (fairly common carnage) that renders the truck virtually un-moveable. Yes, the truck has to be drug out of the way with the rear tires locked up and unable to turn. Totally fubar.
Tighten all the leaf spring u-bolts, and if you havn't flipped them (threaded ends pointing up out of harms way) then think about putting those u-bolt skidplates on and by all means cut off the excess bolt so it doesn't try to rip itself off on every rock.
Make life easier on yourself and skidplate low hanging components, and put sliders on the rocker panels. Then you can use the sliders as a pivot point on tight turns and not sphincter about crushing your rocker panels.
This is a minimal list of equip, I wanted to get something quick posted for the folks who are wondering if the Friday 0700 is appropriate for them.
Experienced trail hands wanted! Low pay, wait, no pay, long hours, dusty conditions and hot sun. I don't have a crew so am hoping that the experienced hands will help out with those requiring assistance. Email me at jonb96150@yahoo.com if you want to be part of the crew.
I will post again when I have an idea of how many rigs are registered for this run.
Jon Bachelder (Friday 0700 Loon(y) leader)
This run is unique in that we, and Marlins sweep run right behind us are requested to be in Main Camp by 1530. That is a pretty tight schedule, but with teamwork and coordination it can be done.
I have not been a leader on Rubithon before, so most folks will not know me. But I have been running this trail as a member of the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s for over 25 years.
This group will be made up of a mixed density of seasoned wheelers who don’t need no stinking leader, wheelers who have been on this trail and probably don’t need no stinking leader, and wheelers who have never been on this trail and are glad for even stinking leaders. Happy to oblige!
This run is not the best choice for newbies. There are runs that take two days to get to Rubicon Springs, and imho that is the best way to enjoy the trail. It is a beautiful trail and to really savor it the slower pace of the two day run is the best choice. But some folks can't get that much time off. I am uncomfortable telling people not to join the Friday run but it is not appropriate for stock, or barely modded Yotas. We just don't have the luxury of time to stack rock, strap and winch the stockers through the entire trail. We will not have a platoon of spotters to guide novices. In fact, the only spotting you can count on is watching the rig in front of you and deciding if you want to choose a different line. If you have rarely used 4low this is not the run for you.
Minimum equip for this run, and if you just have the minimum you may not be having all that much fun. It will be more of a survival day than anything else. This is by no means a complete list. Spend an hour googling rubicon trail breakdowns to get a feel for how hard on equipment this trail can be.
33" tires with good tread and at least one locker.
Crawl ratio (manual trans) of at least 60:1 for straight six, you gotta 4cyl you should have at least 80-90:1.
Wagons, please only well equipped and experienced wagon drivers who are way past caring about body damage.
Make sure your steering box is not loose, and check for frame cracks in this area.
Sprung over with Toy rear axle (40 series)? You should address the axle wrap this set-up is famous for and the broken pinion shaft (fairly common carnage) that renders the truck virtually un-moveable. Yes, the truck has to be drug out of the way with the rear tires locked up and unable to turn. Totally fubar.
Tighten all the leaf spring u-bolts, and if you havn't flipped them (threaded ends pointing up out of harms way) then think about putting those u-bolt skidplates on and by all means cut off the excess bolt so it doesn't try to rip itself off on every rock.
Make life easier on yourself and skidplate low hanging components, and put sliders on the rocker panels. Then you can use the sliders as a pivot point on tight turns and not sphincter about crushing your rocker panels.
This is a minimal list of equip, I wanted to get something quick posted for the folks who are wondering if the Friday 0700 is appropriate for them.
Experienced trail hands wanted! Low pay, wait, no pay, long hours, dusty conditions and hot sun. I don't have a crew so am hoping that the experienced hands will help out with those requiring assistance. Email me at jonb96150@yahoo.com if you want to be part of the crew.
I will post again when I have an idea of how many rigs are registered for this run.
Jon Bachelder (Friday 0700 Loon(y) leader)
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