Member III
Look forward to meeting you and your wife too. See you on August 14th. We have a special SAR speaker this meeting who will present on Wilderness Survival. See you then.
US West Reno Overlanding Recurring Meetings and Trail Runs Thread
- Thread starter HappyOurOverlanding
- Start date
Look forward to meeting you and your wife too. See you on August 14th. We have a special SAR speaker this meeting who will present on Wilderness Survival. See you then.
Member III
Berlin Ichthyosaur Trail Run and OvernighterOn Friday July 26th, 9 rigs, 13 adults, 3 dogs met in Silver Springs before 7:30 PM since the departure time to hit the road was 7:30pm. We won’t mention who pulled up at 7:28 just in the nick of time. The adventurers were Marc B (the trail run lead), Lance & Denise, Scott, Ken, Dave D, Charles & Erin, Mark & Julie, Aaron, Bill & Connie.
Once Marc B did a pre-run brief and sorted out the comms and who was positioned where, we headed down Hwy 50 E for 1-1/2 hrs. The sun was fully set as we turned onto the entrance of the Old Overland Road and it was definitely dark and the night run was officially beginning.
A bit up the road we stopped so everyone could air-down.
A few minutes later, we set off down the Old Overland Road in the darkness using our headlights and auxiliary lighting - being mindful that we didn’t want to blind the vehicle ahead of us. For some in the group, this was the first time utilizing their auxiliary lights.
Since it rained during the day, there was little to no dust but we did encounter some mud and a few minor water crossings.
The road itself was an easy trail but there were plenty of ruts, holes and rocky parts as well as a couple of uphill climbs to keep things interesting. There were also spots where the trail became quite narrow with overgrown brush on the side and tree branches hanging low. I’m sure a few of us gained more pin stripping...
Since this was the first night time run for a few of us, traveling a fairly easy road was a good introduction to nighttime 4wheeling.
2-ish hours down the trail we came to our first campground by 11:30pm. Everyone found a spot to park & quickly set up camp. The clouds that were present earlier had disappeared and it was a moonless night so we all got to take in an unspoiled view of the Milky Way. It had been a long day so several of us went to bed while others stayed up to chat for a while.
The next morning was a leisurely start and really the first time to see how everyone positioned their Rigs the night before. Since our first stop at the Ghost Town of Berlin was not too far down the trail, everyone had breakfast and eventually we all broke camp and headed towards Berlin and the Ichthyosaur State Park.
The trail from camp to the town was a well graded but extremely dusty road. We all kept our distance from each other in order to see as the dust was as thick as London fog in spots.
The town of Berlin had several well-preserved buildings and artifacts. We stopped to take some photos before continuing to the Ichthyosaur Museum just up the road.
At the Ichthyosaur museum, we got a quick informative tour of the fossils by the park ranger.
From the museum to our next camp spot was a short drive with another minor water crossing. Just before camp one of the rigs got a flat. A quick change of tire with help from a few folks and we were on our way again.
We passed another ghost town (I think it was Grantsville) and soon arrived on a bluff with a wonderful view of the valley. It was midafternoon and quite warm. Shade was definately the priority.
As the sun set, we all gravitated to Lance and Denise’s 12x12 awning to take in the views and watch the sun set. Additionally, Scott and Bill presented Marc B. And Aaron with OB challenge coins for putting together several trips this year. Thank you for leading us on fun adventures.
After dinner we all gathered around the fire of banter. (refer to the Bear Valley Overnighter post for an explanation of the fire of Banter) This time it was a propane fire pit since wood fires were not allowed. We soon were enjoying some adult beverages and conversation. You’ll all have to ask Charlie about the Snuggle Bag at the next meeting.
As it got darker we all marveled at the dark sky and the number of stars including the Milky Way that we could see again. I can’t say it enough…Oh the Views…
The next morning after breakfast it was time to break camp & head towards home. We left in 2 groups about an hour apart. We kept in radio contact to see how far our Ham radios worked (probably 10 miles).
From camp it was a short drive down a dirt road before we met up with pavement at Hwy 844 towards Gabbs & Hwy 361 to Middlegate. Middlegate Station is worth a quick stop just check out the old roadhouse & gas up if needed. From there it was a straight shot down 50W back to Reno
This is a definite route we should plan on taking again beginning at the start of the Old Overland Road off Hwy 50. This time during daylight hours to see what we couldn’t see during our nighttime drive through the Desatoya Mountains.
Thanks for coming along for the ride.
There will be a slide presentation with a whole bunch more pictures and video clips. Stay Tuned.
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Advocate III
Outstanding,
What a killer topic..
Super excited
See you and everyone soon
Advocate III
Member III
Reno Overlanding meeting Aug 14th.
Our guest speaker is a WCSO Level 2 SAR Technician, Backcountry Trail Crew Leader who will review Basic Wilderness survival Skill and Prep.
See you all there.
Our guest speaker is a WCSO Level 2 SAR Technician, Backcountry Trail Crew Leader who will review Basic Wilderness survival Skill and Prep.
See you all there.
Advocate III
Great meeting tonight
Really nice presentation a true SAR professional
Appreciated all the welcoming- as a new member
Looking forward to hitting the trails with RENO OVERLANDING
Really nice presentation a true SAR professional
Appreciated all the welcoming- as a new member
Looking forward to hitting the trails with RENO OVERLANDING
Member III
Enthusiast III
Sorry I wasn't able to make it, but, back to school night overlapped right on it. I am planning on being there next month though!
Advocate III
Thank you and looking forward to the trail comrade
Member III
Meeting Minutes August 14, 2018The Meeting opened at 6:PM. We were just shy of 40 folks in attendance representing 24 Rigs. To the several new folks who introduced themselves…Welcome…
Berlin Ichthyosaur Trail Run Learnings
A slide presentation was on loop prior to the opening of the meeting for everyone to see the adventure that Marc B. lead to Berlin, the Ichthyosaur Museum.
This was another unique experience adventure—a nighttime trail run. The trip participants were very grateful to Marc for leading the trail run and would love to do it again.
Learnings from the trip were
- Bring awnings or tarps with poles for sun protection at campsites
- Definitely extra Fuel…airing down and increase mud weight will reduce mileage
- Extra Water
- A propane fireplace for non-wood burning areas because of fire restrictions
Overnighters
- Ghost Towns – Bodie, etc. – We will meet at the same place in Silver Springs as we did for the Berlin Run. Any Questions, please contact Bill (me that is)
We received the Patches, Flags and Stickers. A huge Thanks goes to Carlos for sponsoring the Flags and Stickers.
The Nights Topic - Basic Survival Training Review
Another shout out goes to Dean for presenting a topic that usually takes 9 hours. He offered to come back and review any of the segments in detail at our meetings. Send me an email if there is an item you want a more in depth talk on.
Q&A and Suggestions
After a recap and the meeting was closed and everyone went outside to check out Rigs.
See ya at the next event
Bill, please send the details of your next trip when you get them, Thanks and looking forward to meeting up with you all again.
Member III
Here is the link for the upcoming Ghost town trip. Let me know need any other info.
US West - Ghost Town Run Labor Day Weekend
Pine Grove, Aurora, Bodie Ghost towns are on this overnighter trail run. There will be elevations that are cooler so bring appropriate clothing for nighttime. There is a secrete place we will be able to warm ourselves in... springs maybe. :-) We will meet at the same location as the...
Member III
Member III
Here's a sneak peek of some peaks we saw on two different overnighters to pique your interest. Stories coming soon.
Green Creek Overnighter lead by Aaron
Ghost Towns Overnighter lead by Marc B.
Green Creek Overnighter lead by Aaron
Ghost Towns Overnighter lead by Marc B.
Member III
Member III
Ghost Town Overnighter Review. Three ghost towns, a shooting star, and Hot Springs
Enthusiast II
Thanks for putting together a nice synopsis, Bill. Well done!
We had a great time hanging with you and the Reno Overlanders and will no doubt be back for future adventures.
Thank you also to Marc for all his work in planning this trip.
We had a great time hanging with you and the Reno Overlanders and will no doubt be back for future adventures.
Thank you also to Marc for all his work in planning this trip.
Member III
Meeting Minutes - September 11, 2019Scott and Bill opened the meeting at 6:PM and had the new participants introduce themselves…Welcome! There were 30 folks in attendance representing 18 Rigs.
Once the Agenda was reviewed, a suggestion was proposed for the December meeting—A catered holiday party by Famous Dave’s BBQ. This was overwhelmingly accepted. Scott and Bill will get back to everyone on the details and cost.
Ghost Towns Overnighter Learnings
A slide presentation was on loop prior at the opening of the meeting for everyone to see the adventure that Marc B. lead to three Ghost Towns and a Hot Spring.
This was another unique experience adventure of which all participants were very appreciative. Big thanks to Marc for leading the overnighter and we look forward to another.
Learnings from the trip were
- Be prepared to alter your plan in the event of trail issues
- A propane fireplace because of fire restrictions and cool nights
- Extra Fuel (even though no one needed it, it was close for some)
- Do a group cookout one night like a potluck
Hunter Lake Trail Run – Sept 14th
- Meet in Cabela’s Parking Lot at 9:AM
- We will depart at 9:30AM
- Bring
- Water
- Snacks and/or Lunch
- Shade, Hat, Warm clothes
- A full tank of Gas in your rig
- There is a Chevron gas station at the meeting location
- Bug Repellent
- And Definitely your Camera
Note: There will be another group (Hills Angles) somewhere on the trail doing some survey work. After a conversation with Hills Angels, it was agreed that we will also assist on this since we are entering from the opposite side (Verdi).
We’d like the trail run participants to take notes on any areas that need clean-up or repair along with the Longitude/Latitude coordinates and what’s the issue found.
Peavine Trail Sunset Run – Targeted for Oct 18th
Stay tuned for more on this and the Rally Point
Patches, Stickers, and Flag
We are out of patches, flags and stickers. If anyone wants some, please let Scott or me know.Trail Sponsorship
Reno Overlanding has agreed to look after Peavine Trail in conjunction with the US National Forest Service – Carson City District. This area has been notorious for dumping and USNFS needs our help maintaining and cleaning up the trail areas.
It is incumbent on groups like ours to assist in trail maintenance, so trails do not get targeted for closures.
More to follow on this along with a survey run then a cleanup run. We will also post cleanups in the Overland Bound website as a trail guardian cleanup rally point. This will also help us pull more help from the surrounding groups. As a side note, the USNFS-Carson District is looking at a Fall clean up. Stay tuned…
Additionally, there is a Tread Lightly online review suggested by Kent R @Kent R (the OB National Director) that we will ask participants to take. Details on this will be sent out separately.
The Nights Topic – Packing Lists for Overlanding
– How many is too many? Or, Hey, Did I remember Everything?
In the past two years, the Reno Overlanding group has had many useful information sharing events. These were conducted in the field like the Tire Repair or getting unstuck, or at the meetings such as Wilderness Survival, Communications (verbal and nonverbal), CO2 vs Compressors, What to bring, Camp Cooking Prep, etc. However, even though lists/information was handed out, the question to be asked is…
Was the information
- Usable?
- Easily accessed?
- Alterable?
- Complete?
In some instances, yes. In others, almost complete. Bill shared two Check-lists he uses when going Camping or Scuba diving. Showing how many items are similar on the lists, and those items specific to an adventure.
The classifications on the those lists that deal with Overlanding break down as
Categories of Preparedness
- Food & Drink
- Cooking Stuff
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Shelter
- Communications
- Navigation
- Repair Kits
- Tools
- Recovery Gear
- Fuel
- Go Pack/Survival gear
- Fire Starter/wood/Propane fireplace
- Packing
- Vehicle Check Out
- Know before you go (i.e. weather, area…)
- Does everyone need to bring everything
Sooooo…. a proposition was offered to the group.
What if we produce our own Check List…
In pamphlet form
- Which can
- Be referenced
- Have note pages
- Come with a Check off sheet
- Be passed on
- Be available for new Overlanders
Overwhelmingly the group agreed this would be a great idea since this form of document can be easily accessed for reference and reused.
Bill volunteered to be the central point of collecting information and suggestions then compiling the info. Once the group has reviewed the info, the pamphlet build will start.
The two lists will be sent out in the minutes email so everyone can add suggestions and return their suggestions at the next meeting.
Meeting Adjourned
After a recap and the meeting was closed and everyone went outside to check out Rigs.
...See ya at the next event...
Looks great! Would like to join a trail run and meetup soon... what’s the best way to find out about and stay current with upcoming events?
Member III
Hey there Hunter. We'd love to have you join us. The best way is to watch this thread and of course get updates at the meetings. When we post new runs and/or overnighters, we create a Rally Point so the local folks can be notified. Also, an email is sent out to the Reno Overlanding members (for those who wish to be on the mailing list (hint hint
). BTW, we all looking at doing a Photo Run in the future and it looks like you'ld have some great input for this. Let me know if you have any other questions.