April MORG INFO

[astateofmike]

Ok, those going. Lets put our heads together.

Can we meet at the 4x4 obstacle course area as opposed to the main gate? If people get there early, they can do trail runs and meet w/o having to go out of the ranch.

CB Channel 7? HAM or FRS thoughts anyone?

What time to meet up. I plan on heading down early I think and then meeting up.

Looking forward to seeing everybody!:D

[codynt]

Sounds good, I've got CB and FRS so whatever works (and an extra FRS if we need it). I could probably get out there by 9-9:30 if I can get out of bed :)

[Disco2Guy]

I'll probably get there a little before 10, it only took me an hour and a half to get there last time. My only form of communication is cell phone right now so I'll just look for some other Rovers at the obstacle course I guess.

[astateofmike]

So I say between 945 and 1015 at the obstacle course? Sound good.

Disco2Guy, pm sent for communications.

[GriffSC]

my boys and i will see you guys at the course at roughly 9:45, at least that's the plan for now.

[esteban]

I'll be there at @9:30ish....
Should be muddy!
Steve

[stevenmd]

we'll be there! how many people do we have going?

[PCRover]

Looks like I am now available to join the group since my trip south is off. See you all around 10:00AM at the obstacle course.

[astateofmike]

Looks like 7 rovers, and maybe a chevy or two with me. Muddy? Did it rain that much in Hollister, cause here in Livenomore, nothing so far?

CB Channel 7, FRS channel anyone? Gary, a good HAM band for us?

Loving this informal monthly run....good to just relax and run out...

[PCRover]

No rain here yet. A spotting in San Carlos earlier.

HAM is 2 meter 146.460 Simplex.

[astateofmike]

Great...I'll dial in...and I gave out my number to Brendon, as he has no CB/HAM so he can try and call me....

I may stay up the hill and see if I can get reception.

[TigerDan]

I plan to be there as well...God willin' an' the crik don't rise...

I've never been there and have no idea how the place is laid out (or even where it is!) so directions would be nice, or else somebody to follow in. I'm flexible on time and plan to stay in the Bay Area somewhere on Friday night, probably either Petaluma or Oakland.

What time are we expecting it to be over and is anybody staying in the Hollister area Saturday night, or all heading back home? I have to be back in SF mid-morning on Sunday and need to plan...

[Disco2Guy]

Hey TigerDan, maybe the two of us could meet at the Ranger Station (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=&daddr=36.769611,-121.414542&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=36.769903,-121.413935&sspn=0.002931,0.004807&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=36.769847,-121.41459&spn=0.005861,0.009613&z=17) around 9:30. I'll be in a black D2. This will be my second time there so I'm not too familiar with the park yet, but I basically remember how to get to the obstacle course and I have a map of the park. When you pay your $5 to get in ask for the map, we'll be heading to the Upper Ranch.

Is anyone else planning on getting to the Ranger Station around that time?

My directions from Google Maps say it takes 2 hours, but leaving that early in the morning only took me 1.5 hours to get there from the Inner Sunset in S.F.

Last time we headed for the exit around 4:30 or so. Oh yeah, don't forget to bring a lunch and something to drink too.

[jhmover]

It probably did rain, I was in Morgan Hill Wednesday AM, it was raining pretty good as I was leaving.

[wineryrover]

I am in. 10 am at the course. Looks like it might be me and my two kids in the stock LR3. Can't understand why my wife passed on coming, something about an entire day to herself, not wanting to see the LR3 trashed, my driving skills......I duno, I just don't get it.

[astateofmike]

and fuel up if you need to...

[esteban]

Hey TigerDan, maybe the two of us could meet at the Ranger Station (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=&daddr=36.769611,-121.414542&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=36.769903,-121.413935&sspn=0.002931,0.004807&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=36.769847,-121.41459&spn=0.005861,0.009613&z=17) around 9:30. I'll be in a black D2. This will be my second time there so I'm not too familiar with the park yet, but I basically remember how to get to the obstacle course and I have a map of the park. When you pay your $5 to get in ask for the map, we'll be heading to the Upper Ranch.

Is anyone else planning on getting to the Ranger Station around that time?

My directions from Google Maps say it takes 2 hours, but leaving that early in the morning only took me 1.5 hours to get there from the Inner Sunset in S.F.

Last time we headed for the exit around 4:30 or so. Oh yeah, don't forget to bring a lunch and something to drink too.
I can meet you at the ranger station. I'll be there at 9:30 in a green D2.
my # 408-438-3136
Steve

[Disco2Guy]

Thanks Steve, I sent you a pm with my info.

[TigerDan]

Okay, it looks like I'll be staying in Petaluma Friday night so I'll be coming right through The City and down the Peninsula. Anybody wanna caravan from SF?

[Disco2Guy]

I will. I live right on 19th Ave at Moraga. There's a Safeway about 10 blocks down Noriega where I'm getting breakfast and a sandwich for lunch. I'll PM you my info and we can decide on a time and place to meet.

[TigerDan]

Works for me. Reply to PM sent...

[RON CT110]

I am going this Sat also!

Dan, here's Hollister SVRA address if you need to look it up on Mapquest:

Hollister Hills
State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 637-3874

And TiganDan/Disco2guy, let me know your ETA in the town of Hollister (I normally gas up in town before entering Hollister SVRA Park).

After taking Hwy 25 exit from 101, go 8.6 miles on Hwy 25, and then turn right on San Benito Road (you are now in the town of Hollister).

There is a Union 76 gas station/mini-mart (on the right side) of San Benito Rd. We can meet there, gas up and even grap food for lunch later.

Let me know if interested. If you guys don't need to gas up, I can meet you guys @ the Ranger Station; we can air down and then head to the obstacle course.

PM me your cell phone number! I will be on CB7 (yes Dan; I now have a better working CB:D)!

C yah!




I've never been there and have no idea how the place is laid out (or even where it is!) so directions would be nice, or else somebody to follow in. I'm flexible on time and plan to stay in the Bay Area somewhere on Friday night, probably either Petaluma or Oakland.

What time are we expecting it to be over and is anybody staying in the Hollister area Saturday night, or all heading back home? I have to be back in SF mid-morning on Sunday and need to plan...

[TigerDan]

Hey Ron, glad you can make it! Are you bringing Baloot for lunch...?:D

Brenton and I will meet up in SF around 7:45 and I guess we should be in Hollister by 9:30.

PM with phone number on the way...

And now I'm the one with the crappy hand-held CB. My old one didn't survive the Shaver Lake trip, if you'll remember, I was having problems changing channels and it was stuck on whatever I last had it on. I've been looking at the Cobra unit you just installed as I like having everything in the handset. Next paycheck...

See ya there!

[astateofmike]

Spoke to the Hollister Ranger Station. Park will open (the office opens) at 7 am for the 4x4 park. Since I need to head out by 3 or so, we will most likely be there around that time and checking trails out. I'll be on the CB and HAM, so if you are early. If not, we will be at the Obstacle course around 10.

[Disco2Guy]

Heh, I can't even say that I have a crappy hand held cb, just a cp (cell phone). Anyways, meeting at the 76 station might be a good idea since Dan is coming from further up north. I'd guess we should be at the 76 station a little after 9. One or both of us will get in contact with you Ron as we approach Hollister and then head to the Ranger Station. PM with my phone number is on the way.

[PCRover]

Ron, Glad to see you will be there, looks like it will be quite a turnout. I still need to go for a ride in your 110, or maybe you are bringing the DII? In that case I'll catch a ride another time.

[RON CT110]

Hey Gary, glad to see you're coming to the MORG also. Maybe it's good that you didn't go to RR8; looks like folks are having problems already e.g. Chuck.

I will bring the D2 this time; it has not seen any trail since I bought it about a month ago (missed the Mojave)

You are more than welcome to ride and drive the CT110. The CT110 is in Modesto right now. Figured makes it easier to traverse on the CT110 to the East (planning a trip to Yosemite this summer with the family) or South e.g. Shaver Lake/Bald Mtn @ Sierra National Forest from Modesto.

As a side note; I have excellent news on the CT110; I finally received an official letter from Land Rover North America last week certifying the vin # on my CT110 as a 1990 Defender 110. Months in the making, and finally took the letter to the DMV CA and had the year on the title changed to its proper year (labor of love I tell you).

Import papers said so, but the DMV in CA used US Vin coder to read its UK Vin (resulting the wrong year).

This is the reason why I still had the temp registration all this time (since Aug 07) since I brought it from WA to CA.

The previous owner in WA fought the same battle with the DMV in WA and got it changed. But DMV WA and DMV CA do not share the same database, and DMW wouldn't change it till I have proof from Land Rover. I was determined!

And the original owner who had imported it here had just battled with DOT/EPA and my guess didn't want to battle more with the DMV CA.

DMV was pretty good to me come to think about (despite req the letter) and also want to thank Land Rover North America; DMV CA giving me extensions after extension till Land Rover completed their research!

I now have the revised title, and it says 1990 Land Rover Defender 110 and diesel! Helps with the value (not that I will sell it) and proper year it deserves! I wasn't going to give up!

Yippie!


Ron, Glad to see you will be there, looks like it will be quite a turnout. I still need to go for a ride in your 110, or maybe you are bringing the DII? In that case I'll catch a ride another time.

[PCRover]

Wow. I did not know about the registration problems. Good to hear it came to a happy conclusion. See you Saturday!

[GriffSC]

Spoke to the Hollister Ranger Station. Park will open (the office opens) at 7 am for the 4x4 park. Since I need to head out by 3 or so, we will most likely be there around that time and checking trails out. I'll be on the CB and HAM, so if you are early. If not, we will be at the Obstacle course around 10.

is this true, mike? if that's the case, i'm gonna leave earlier, if possible, because i've now got to leave between 12:30 and 1:00.

[PCRover]

There at 07:00? How do you guys get up that early? Oh..I forgot, the little ones might have something to do with it...

[RON CT110]

I could have just accepted the wrong year (as it was prev registed in CA) and be done with the DMV back in Aug 07.

It's 1990 in my mind; all it matters.

But just was not right having the incorrect year on the DMV CA title. Glad it came to a happy conclusion also!

C yah tomorrow!


Wow. I did not know about the registration problems. Good to hear it came to a happy conclusion. See you Saturday!

[dcproven]

I actually wonder why you had the temp sticker on your window... but never asked.

[astateofmike]

is this true, mike? if that's the case, i'm gonna leave earlier, if possible, because i've now got to leave between 12:30 and 1:00.

Yes, I am planning on getting there between 730-8 I hope....

Wayne is riding with me now, and we both have commitments back in Liv. at 5, so we will only be out till about 2 or so.

[RON CT110]

Ready for the MORG tomorrow!

I am going to experimenting with the SPOT Satellite Messenger tomorrow.

When I get into town (Hollister) @ 9:30am, I'll active it (press the "OK" button on the SPOT), it will send a msg "I am here at our meeting spot". See how long it takes for Dan/Brento (my volenteers) to receive my msg and gps coordinates.

And David (DCProven), if you are up for it, like to test the "HELP" button (mock stress signal by pressing HELP on the SPOT).

PM your cell # and cell provider for this one time experiment!

At about 10:30am tomorrow somewhere on the Hollister trails, I'll activate HELP on the SPOT; it will send a msg and GPS coordinates via text message to your cell/cell phone provider.

Post back here; letting us know what time you received the text message, and GPS coordinates. Let me know if interested in this lil experiment of mine. Thanks!
I will not mess with the "911" button; :eek: Figured it works if I can get the "OK" and "Help" buttons to work on the SPOT. :)

Cheers!

[codynt]

Hey folks, unfortunately I won't be able to make it tomorrow(today?) - work calls. Hopefully the next one...

[stevenmd]

Just made it back, great to see everyone. Special thanks to astateofmike and el wayno for their assistance in re-seating my springs multiple times.:)

[astateofmike]

Home and ready for dinner...Steven, thats what family if for!

Hope someone writes something up, I have to run out.

Also, Mexxi's next week!

[esteban]

I had a great time, hopefully I won't have to leave early next time. Actually the wife (no joke) brought up maybe camping there, the next MORG, on Saturday night....

Steve

[PCRover]

It was a great group and a good time today. Thanks to all who attended and to Mike and Wayne for leading our pack.

I am interested in how the other group did? Any incidents to report?

[RON CT110]

I had a great time, hopefully I won't have to leave early next time. Actually the wife (no joke) brought up maybe camping there, the next MORG, on Saturday night....

Steve

Funny, you mentioned; we were talking about it on the trail. Especially folks coming a long long way, let's look @ camping option after wheeling! Good way to shake up the tent!

[RON CT110]

Ditto! Thanks Mike for leading the trail, and Wayne on the CB today!

Also thanks to Gary and Dan (Tigerdan) for helping me get back on the road!

C yah guys next time; will try to be at Mexxi's next Sat, but have a Search and Rescue event to do that morning and early afternoon! Will try to get out early!


It was a great group and a good time today. Thanks to all who attended and to Mike and Wayne for leading our pack.

I am interested in how the other group did? Any incidents to report?

[Disco2Guy]

Today was a great second MORG at Hollister. The turn out was impressive and I hope it keeps up for future visits. I traveled with the smaller group that hit up some of the more challenging sections like Jarell(sp?) Curve and Five Fingers Hill. It was a lot of fun for everyone and I'm already looking forward to May's MORG! Here are some pics from the day. Gary, I just sent you a .rar file with all of my photos from today. Just as we were getting ready to leave the gate on our way back to the Ranger Station I got the dreaded 3 amigos and they won't go away after restarting the engine. Will need to look into this or more than likely have Cerrone's look at it. I bet it's from the mud pit and water hole, made two runs through each at the end of the day.

BTW, is there a way we can upload videos here or LRRForums? I'm planning to get the ones from today on YouTube and post links, but a video section would be cool too. Just a thought.

Thanks again everyone!!!

[Disco2Guy]

A couple more pics...

[RON CT110]

Hey Brenton, good meeting you finally!

Agreed; it was a great turn out!

Hey my 18s look great powder coated in dirt on one of the pic you posted! :D

After seeing the sliders on your D2, I am going to add sliders next. First, need to replace the 18" rims with 16s and some AT tires.

C yah!


Today was a great second MORG at Hollister. The turn out was impressive and I hope it keeps up for future visits. I traveled with the smaller group that hit up some of the more challenging sections like Jarell(sp?) Curve and Five Fingers Hill. It was a lot of fun for everyone and I'm already looking forward to May's MORG! Here are some pics from the day. Gary, I just sent you a .rar file with all of my photos from today.

BTW, is there a way we can upload videos here or LRRForums? I'm planning to get the ones from today on YouTube and post links, but a video section would be cool too. Just a thought.

Thanks again everyone!!!

[Disco2Guy]

Thanks Ron, it was good meeting you and everyone else today. Here's the info from your SPOT communication.

Email received @ 12:05 pm, This is a "test" HELP message.
Lat: 36.7492
Lon: -121.4029

I think a cb is going to be next on my list. I'll start another thread with some questions in a day or two.

[RON CT110]

Thanks Brenton! I sent that msg from the SPOT @ noon; looks like it took 5 mins.

I also sent a copy to my wife's email address; the SPOT provided link to Google map. Here are terrain (helps to see elev level) and satellite pic of Hollister SVRA. Red Circle = Obstacle Course area; Blue Circle = Entrance. Arrow is where I sent the msg (+ / - several feet accuracy).

And when you are ready to install your CB, let me know and I have some left over grommets you can have.


Thanks Ron, it was good meeting you and everyone else today. Here's the info from your SPOT communication.

Email received @ 12:05 pm, This is a "test" HELP message.
Lat: 36.7492
Lon: -121.4029

I think a cb is going to be next on my list. I'll start another thread with some questions in a day or two.

[PCRover]

Brenton, email me the video or post a link to it and I can post it on the club site for viewing.

You pictures are posted for viewing here (http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_rsgallery2&Itemid=138&catid=53).

Videos will be posted here (http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=51&Itemid=165) for viewing.

[TigerDan]

I'm not home yet, just checking in and catching up from a buddy's computer in Oakland. Got a rehearsal this afternoon and then I'll head home this evening. Drove around SF last night, went down to the Wharf for dinner. Got a lot of strange looks and dissapproving stares from people on seeing my mud-encrusted Rover. I love it! I guess the city folks are used to seeing prissy shiny-clean Rovers that never see trails and are merely purchased as status symbols. Too bad, at least our Rovers get used for what they were built for!

Ron, I checked my phone as we were leaving the park and saw that I had an email message and thought "WTF is that...never seen that before!" I didn't think of it again till I saw Brenton's post so I just checked it and my info was identical to his, same Lat/Long. and time.

I had a blast yesterday, now have a little better idea of what my Rangie is capable of and what I still need to do to it. I definitely have to get the dropping cylinder(s) problem sorted out, going to check fuel pressure as a new symptom popped up on this trip. I really don't want this problem to follow me with the new engine when I get it in! Also, sliders, diff guards and front skid plate seem to be in order. Time to fire up the welder and torches...now where did I leave that hunk of 1/2-inch plate...?:eek:

Met a lot of new folks yesterday, hope I can remember everyone's name. Mike and Wayne, thanks for the excellent directions and instructions, you guys made it easy!

See ya next weekend at Mexxi's!

[RON CT110]

You should have parked next to one (brand new LR); :D Watch the reaction! :)

Next time; there was talk about camping @ Hollister especially for folks driving in from a long ways. If you needed to stay over night, you can camp instead vs motel.

And thanks Dan for helping me out with the front tire problem yesterday; it held air and got me home. There is still a very small leak (as I was washing it yesterday, I can see tiny bubbles). I'll take it to a tire shop, and get all the dirt/debris cleaned up between the tire and rim!

The previous owner installed 255s Nitto Grappler tires on stock 18s I have on right now.

It wouldn't be too bad if the tires were a size or two bigger (more tire side walls to work with while wheeling), and keep them.

But after yesterday's wheeling, decided the 255s and 18s need to go, just doesn't have much tire sidewall for medium to diff trails.

Next moves for me are to sell these Nittos/18s (someone not looking to do much wheeling), and get 16s rims/AT tires.

And the cell text message was from my new SPOT Satellite Messenger (I now carry it around in the truck in case of emergencies while camping, hiking or wheeling). I had tested the "OK" button when I first got it, but have not had the chance to test the "HELP" button. Yesterday was a test - thanks for being the guninea pig. :D


I'm not home yet, just checking in and catching up from a buddy's computer in Oakland. Got a rehearsal this afternoon and then I'll head home this evening. Drove around SF last night, went down to the Wharf for dinner. Got a lot of strange looks and dissapproving stares from people on seeing my mud-encrusted Rover. I love it! I guess the city folks are used to seeing prissy shiny-clean Rovers that never see trails and are merely purchased as status symbols. Too bad, at least our Rover get used for what they were built for!

Ron, I checked my phone as we were leaving the park and saw that I had an email message and thought "WTF is that...never seen that before!" I didn't think of it again till I saw Brenton's post so I just checked it and my info was identical to his, same Lat/Long. and time.

I had a blast yesterday, now have a little better idea of what my Rangie is capable of and what I still need to do to it. I definitely have to get the dropping cylinder(s) problem sorted out, going to check fuel pressure as a new symptom popped up on this trip. I really don't want this problem to follow me with the new engine when I get it in! Also, sliders, diff guards and front skid plate seem to be in order. Time to fire up the welder and torches...now where did I leave that hunk of 1/2-inch plate...?:eek:

Met a lot of new folks yesterday, hope I can remember everyone's name. Mike and Wayne, thanks for the excellent directions and instructions, you guys made it easy!

See ya next weekend at Mexxi's!

[Disco2Guy]

Here's a link to my YouTube (http://http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=RovrFlo) page, Gary I tried emailing you the link at the webmaster address, but they are getting bounced back to me.

[PCRover]

I will post up more of those videos tonight. There is one already loaded on the NCLRclub home page.

webadmin@nclrclub.org is the correct email address.


Here's a link to my YouTube (http://http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=RovrFlo) page, Gary I tried emailing you the link at the webmaster address, but they are getting bounced back to me.

[Tony DII]

Sorry I missed you guys this weekend. Looks like another good "MORG" event! :cool:

[wineryrover]

It was a good day out and nice to put more faces to names. I was happy with what the stock LR3 could do, but see some new tires in it's future. I'll post the pics I took soon, got some nice shots of the green D90 sideways on 5 fingers.

[GriffSC]

i really was great to see such a good turnout saturday. was a pleasure meeting new folk - Brenton, Jim, Dan, etc. - and really enjoyed the wheeling with Esteban, Ben and Brenton. good stuff, despite the damage (i WILL send you the bill, Steve :D).

btw, ben, where the hell did you go?!? i tackled the "ditch" after you and by the time i finished, you were gone. did you head home? anyway, thanks for leading.

my boys enjoyed the ride, although they were a bit bored at times. i scared the shinola out of my dad on 5 fingers. funny, but was a little concerned he was going to have a coronary.

steven, your green monster is quite the beast.

robb, cute kids. glad they look nothing like their father.

ron, love the "new" DII. almost as handsome as its owner.

big mike, thanks a million for taking the pics and vid of me frosting the underside of my truck with mud. thanks for the technology lesson, too. it was also a pleasure meeting el wayno. have a feeling i'd like to swill a few with him sometime.

hopefully, i'll have the truck fixed by May's MORG. if not, guess i could bring the series truck and putt around a little.

[astateofmike]

it was also a pleasure meeting el wayno. have a feeling i'd like to swill a few with him sometime..

At least buy him that drink BEFORE you show him the Sasquatch suit.....he may dig it, but who doesn't want a free drink?

Great meeting your troup also. Had you been stuck with our group, El Wayno riding shotgun did an excellent job of relaying my info, adding his own navigation/driver directions and did some spotting too.

Next time, I'll make him bring the Defender 127...

[Disco2Guy]

All 23 vids I took are now on my YouTube page, though for whatever reason some of them lost the audio in the divx conversion:mad: Anyways, enjoy!!

[PCRover]

I have a couple of them showing here (http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=13&Itemid=173) on the club site.

[Disco2Guy]

Gary, hope I didn't mess up too many of your links. I just went through and fixed the audio in all the files and consolidated each person's run into one video. I also have a link to my YouTube page in my sig now.

[PCRover]

No problem, I just linked a couple and will check them later.

[Disco2Guy]

Last night I uploaded vids of DesertCrawler from our first MORG in March (stair steps and getting through that ravine) as well as the pics.

[Desertcrawler]

Thats where I broke my rear trailing arm. So now Frank and Tony can do a better job of telling me what I did wrong...

[TigerDan]

I'm on YouTube! I'm famous!:D Nice vids, Brenton. Thanks for posting them!

I'm looking forward to the next one that's for sure. Maybe I can get some sliders and diff guards built and installed before then...after I get the brakes working again. (ABS went out Monday morning.)