Enthusiast III
Dan it Jesse I might be off work this week please add me to the maybe list !
Mojave Road trip - March 2017
- Thread starter VCeXpedition
- Start date
Traveler III
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Caravan down and back with me, and I'll cover your gas. I see it as insurance. Bring your tow strap ;-)
Influencer II
So, I've been nerding out on the Mojave Road Guide and Google Earth today. Based on just that, having never been on the Mojave road before.... It looks like Watson Wash might be able to accommodate our group the 1st night. It's about 43 miles in... Maybe Green Rock Mill the 2nd? Not sure if 40+ miles per day is a big push or not... I just don't see any other established camp sites that might fit us all... I also don't know how much leg stretching and potty breaks a group this big will need. Are we going to stop and see stuff like Picture canyon, or the lava tubes?
Off-Road Ranger I
- 2,932
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- Dan
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- Rich
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0582
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Here's installment #2 for the trip preparations.
Fuel and Water:
The trail is 3 days long, about 140 miles of dirt road. What mileage do you typically get in that scenario? Don't know? Then plan ahead. Do you know how much idling you'll be doing? Probably not, but more than normal. A typical rig can do this trail on a full tank. Problem is, if you've done some side trips, idled more than you thought you would, started the car to shower or to get warm, a full tank just might not be enough. I suggest you bring extra.
Camp etiquette with a large group:
1. We will be observing a 10PM sound curfew each night.
2. Be aware and considerate of others if you play music at your campsite. Please contain your music as much as possible.
3. Drinking/Drug use on the trail will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the group.
4. Excessive drinking and drug use while camped overnight will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the group.
5. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Motorized enthusiasts, including overlanders are under severe scrutiny by some that would like to close all public land to vehicles, all they need is ammunition. We need to be good stewards of this land, Mojave is special. Let's take care of it.
An additional word about Campfires and firewood - Let's keep new fire rings from being created. If you have a portable fire pit, bring it so we don't have to start a new ring
There are a lot of other tips and comments available, here on this forum and other places on the web, please take a minute and look some up and raise your outdoor game and become a positive impact.
Trail etiquette to ensure safety and enjoyment while hitting the trail:
Available here in this forum and other places on the interwebs are good reads about how to behave on the trail. For the sake of simplicity (and brevity), can I just mention the one I think is the most important for a trail ride like this?
If you are bringing either, common sense dictates that they need to be closely watched. That is your job, and one of your most important jobs. Kids and dogs running around moving cars can end in disaster or at least hurt feelings. Keep track of your precious cargo at all times, be aware of where they are and what they're doing
Trail COMMS:
Communications on the trail is one key to creating a safe and also fun environment. There are many choices available. I'd like to create just a little direction to make things simple for whatever you choose.
For effective communication between the various trail leaders, I'd like to request the frequencies 146.460 and 146.520 be kept clear. 146.460 can be used for quick and concise comms on the trail. 146.520 is officially the national simplex channel, but also used by Friends of the Mojave. If you would like to try and reach them, go to high power and give it a shot.
Here's an example of what I would suggest for frequencies for the teams:
(not sure how many teams there will be, just used 7 for now)
Suggested Simplex Comms for licensed Ham Operators
*also monitored by the NPS, use high power when trying to reach them (>5watts)
There are repeaters accessible in that area, I will do more research and find out which ones we can use if needed.
Suggested Comms using CB Radio
--> Looking for feedback on the frequencies and channels above, let me know if you spot any issues.
For FRS/GMRS
Please choose among each team which channel plus privacy PL to use for close-quarter comms in the team
HAM radio is my choice because of the availability of the frequencies as well as power output options. HAM requires a license to operate, but there are many available radios from Baofeng and it's cousins on the low-cost end, and brands like Yaesu, ICOM and Kenwood on the high-end.
Get what works for you, but CB and FRS/GMRS will not get the distance and clarity of Amateur Radio.
These are suggested channels and frequencies to simplify comms in a large group. If you all agree to use something else, as long as it doesn't overlap another team, that's great.
Here are a couple references for HAM radio information on these forums:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/a-basic-overlanders-guide-to-mobile-radio-equipment-u-s-version.1918/
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/so-you-want-to-be-a-ham-us-edition.834/
Next up will be some information about how to help pay for the permits we need.
Trail plan including exit plans and interim Rendezvous Points.
Pretty soon we'll be looking for people to make a commitment so we can get a good count of how many of you will go.
...and finally, if you haven't filled out the SURVEY, please do so. Go to @Micheals post #331
Dan.
Fuel and Water:
The trail is 3 days long, about 140 miles of dirt road. What mileage do you typically get in that scenario? Don't know? Then plan ahead. Do you know how much idling you'll be doing? Probably not, but more than normal. A typical rig can do this trail on a full tank. Problem is, if you've done some side trips, idled more than you thought you would, started the car to shower or to get warm, a full tank just might not be enough. I suggest you bring extra.
Camp etiquette with a large group:
1. We will be observing a 10PM sound curfew each night.
2. Be aware and considerate of others if you play music at your campsite. Please contain your music as much as possible.
3. Drinking/Drug use on the trail will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the group.
4. Excessive drinking and drug use while camped overnight will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the group.
5. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Motorized enthusiasts, including overlanders are under severe scrutiny by some that would like to close all public land to vehicles, all they need is ammunition. We need to be good stewards of this land, Mojave is special. Let's take care of it.
An additional word about Campfires and firewood - Let's keep new fire rings from being created. If you have a portable fire pit, bring it so we don't have to start a new ring
There are a lot of other tips and comments available, here on this forum and other places on the web, please take a minute and look some up and raise your outdoor game and become a positive impact.
Trail etiquette to ensure safety and enjoyment while hitting the trail:
Available here in this forum and other places on the interwebs are good reads about how to behave on the trail. For the sake of simplicity (and brevity), can I just mention the one I think is the most important for a trail ride like this?
- Keep the guy behind you in your mirror. That way, the group moves along and everyone is keeping an eye on everyone.
- I will add more ideas and recommendations in the future to this topic!
If you are bringing either, common sense dictates that they need to be closely watched. That is your job, and one of your most important jobs. Kids and dogs running around moving cars can end in disaster or at least hurt feelings. Keep track of your precious cargo at all times, be aware of where they are and what they're doing
Trail COMMS:
Communications on the trail is one key to creating a safe and also fun environment. There are many choices available. I'd like to create just a little direction to make things simple for whatever you choose.
For effective communication between the various trail leaders, I'd like to request the frequencies 146.460 and 146.520 be kept clear. 146.460 can be used for quick and concise comms on the trail. 146.520 is officially the national simplex channel, but also used by Friends of the Mojave. If you would like to try and reach them, go to high power and give it a shot.
Here's an example of what I would suggest for frequencies for the teams:
(not sure how many teams there will be, just used 7 for now)
Suggested Simplex Comms for licensed Ham Operators
*also monitored by the NPS, use high power when trying to reach them (>5watts)
There are repeaters accessible in that area, I will do more research and find out which ones we can use if needed.
Suggested Comms using CB Radio
--> Looking for feedback on the frequencies and channels above, let me know if you spot any issues.
For FRS/GMRS
Please choose among each team which channel plus privacy PL to use for close-quarter comms in the team
HAM radio is my choice because of the availability of the frequencies as well as power output options. HAM requires a license to operate, but there are many available radios from Baofeng and it's cousins on the low-cost end, and brands like Yaesu, ICOM and Kenwood on the high-end.
Get what works for you, but CB and FRS/GMRS will not get the distance and clarity of Amateur Radio.
These are suggested channels and frequencies to simplify comms in a large group. If you all agree to use something else, as long as it doesn't overlap another team, that's great.
Here are a couple references for HAM radio information on these forums:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/a-basic-overlanders-guide-to-mobile-radio-equipment-u-s-version.1918/
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/so-you-want-to-be-a-ham-us-edition.834/
Next up will be some information about how to help pay for the permits we need.
Trail plan including exit plans and interim Rendezvous Points.
Pretty soon we'll be looking for people to make a commitment so we can get a good count of how many of you will go.
...and finally, if you haven't filled out the SURVEY, please do so. Go to @Micheals post #331
Dan.
Off-Road Ranger I
- 2,932
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- Dan
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- Rich
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- K6DHR
Yep, I do the same thing. I was there in the middle of January though, I'm not sure if Watson Wash is not too far to go on the first day. There is a detour around Fort Piute that will add some time if that road is still closed. Check out the corral on the other side of the mountain from Fort Piute.
There are a lot of options for a lot of rigs around there, but near the corral they might be a little dispersed, good or bad.
And potty breaks are something folks need to get dialed in too.
Green Rock Mill is a good place for the last night if we can make it that far on day 2, plenty of room for a lot of rigs, but pretty barren. It's the last place to camp before heading across Soda Dry Lake and a good place to make a decision whether or not to make the crossing or do a go-a-round plan.
Dan.
@fj80toyman / @HMBxplore
40 miles a day is a big push unless you dont want to explore. Camp sites for this large of a group are tough to come by. Watson Wash my not be allowed - at least a section of and it's 50 miles in plus the detour... so 60 miles. A small group could make more miles in a day but you are driving
Based on the Mojave Road Guide mile markers:
41 miles Day 1
Night 1 - mile Marker 31.4 / Piute Corral you can get 40 there and along the road with some careful placement. The corral itself has two rock fire rings. This is a long haul due to the closed section detour or 14 miles. I'm assuming that you will visit Fort Piute in the mileage calculation.
46 Miles Day 2
Night 2 - Mojave Camp near mile marker 67.5. Multiple established fire rings. You'll get 40 in but it may be tight and its popular.
30 Miles Day 3
Night 3 - not a lot of choices for the size.... Green Rock Mill itself could take 40, its not very level... the lower section could but it's not established. Just before mile marker 95.6 there is a trail into Little Cowhole Mountain that could work as it's off the beaten path but I haven't been up there so cant say.
25 Miles Day 4 if exiting at Afton Canyon
If you are staggering groups you should get an early start each day to account for speed differences. Sunset will be 7.20p this time of year. I would recommend an hour by hour sheet. I use them to great effect on my trips - it keeps people happy.
Here is a blog post regarding Ham radio newbies. Most folks are getting the license call sign in 4-7 days post test. http://tlcfaq.com/main/2016/12/why-ham-radio/
40 miles a day is a big push unless you dont want to explore. Camp sites for this large of a group are tough to come by. Watson Wash my not be allowed - at least a section of and it's 50 miles in plus the detour... so 60 miles. A small group could make more miles in a day but you are driving
Based on the Mojave Road Guide mile markers:
41 miles Day 1
Night 1 - mile Marker 31.4 / Piute Corral you can get 40 there and along the road with some careful placement. The corral itself has two rock fire rings. This is a long haul due to the closed section detour or 14 miles. I'm assuming that you will visit Fort Piute in the mileage calculation.
46 Miles Day 2
Night 2 - Mojave Camp near mile marker 67.5. Multiple established fire rings. You'll get 40 in but it may be tight and its popular.
30 Miles Day 3
Night 3 - not a lot of choices for the size.... Green Rock Mill itself could take 40, its not very level... the lower section could but it's not established. Just before mile marker 95.6 there is a trail into Little Cowhole Mountain that could work as it's off the beaten path but I haven't been up there so cant say.
25 Miles Day 4 if exiting at Afton Canyon
If you are staggering groups you should get an early start each day to account for speed differences. Sunset will be 7.20p this time of year. I would recommend an hour by hour sheet. I use them to great effect on my trips - it keeps people happy.
Here is a blog post regarding Ham radio newbies. Most folks are getting the license call sign in 4-7 days post test. http://tlcfaq.com/main/2016/12/why-ham-radio/
Last edited:
It just hit me that you are doing 3 days 2 nights so my camping suggestion above won't work for you.
Edit++++
If you dont do the detour you could make it to lower Carruthers which is north of mile maker 45.9 There is a couple of areas that are capable of taking the 40 just a mile up the road.
Edit++++
If you dont do the detour you could make it to lower Carruthers which is north of mile maker 45.9 There is a couple of areas that are capable of taking the 40 just a mile up the road.
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Influencer II
Influencer II
I'm taking an extra day off on each end. If I need to camp/get a room the last night I will, But It's looking like we need to do roughly 50 miles per day... I'm just a nOOb that tends to obsess over things of this nature. I'm just along for the adventure.
With the staggered departure times, we might end up with staggered camp sites. If we can all get together each night, it would make for some epic video shots from the drones, and I think @Michael videos everything lol
Influencer II
If i'm looking at the right spot.. that's a half mile long crescent. Looks like it could fit us all....
I'm sure you will have great time.
I've led about a dozen large trips (up to 20) ... I'm not even on this trip though i may be in that area, just wanted to share some knowledge to help.
Enthusiast I
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Influencer II
I'm just cruising to soak it all up since this is one of my bucket list trips.. Plus going fast across the desert probably isn't good for two small children I will have with me.
Im in if there is still room. this will be my first trip with the group
Off-Road Ranger I
- 2,932
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- Dan
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- Rich
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0582
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I listed both of you guys on the Tentative list as this is sort of the waitlist.
There probably won't be any issue, just showing the date you opted in, no worries.
Dan.
Put me on the waitlist please. This would be my first overland adventure!
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Off-Road Ranger I
You can move me up to committed if/when there's space. I'm going to install a diff breather this weekend and I'm working on the other stuff like a chemtoilet and spare fuel. Also have been studying my HAM questions.
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Influencer II
I also am going to be probably falling into the CB crowd. I wanted to get my HAM License before the trip, but I just don't have the time by the looks of things. Is there any reason why we shouldn't be using MUR's frequencies? Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you don't need any license to transmit, and you should get all the benefits of HAM.
