Gauging Interest: Rubicon Preparation and Rock Clinic @ Hollister 2009

[RON CT110]

Hi Folk,

Despite the gloomy economy, let's make 2009 an exciting if not educational one for 4x4 training.

As some of you read the post, Gary, David and I are attending the Tread Lightly Trainer Clinic on Jan 3 offered by Badlands Offroad Adventures.

While I was arranging for this Tread Lightly trainer clinic, I got to thinking (you know me 6am in the morning) and reached out to Badlands. Now, I am waiting for Tom from Badlands to get back to me re: details, cost/group discount, and possible holding a Rubicon Preparation and Rock Clinic @ Hollister SVRA (home of our Monthly Off-Road Gathering or MORG).

Even if you are "not" ready to hit the famous Rubicon trail, you can benefit from the Rock Clinic (I think we have the winch covered by Will and repair - well who know better the LR than us).

I have not seen the full NCLR 2009 trip schedule;figured this would be a good filler (Sat and Sunday @ Hollister - time it with the MORG) in the spring or summer, and an actually trip in the early to late fall when the Rubicon is not as busy. I think we have (of course these trips are not official yet) trip ideas thus far:

- Shaver Lake Snow Trip March 6-8
- Pismo Surf N Turf in March 27-28
- NVTR Volunteer April 17-19
- Oregon (TBD David Bregman - usually falls June, July or Aug)
- I'd like to do another Return to Shaver Lake in July
- And I like to do another Ellis Peak/S. Lake Tahoe in Oct
- Chuck's Gold Lake
- Stevenmd's Blue Lakes
- There other trips I am sure to be announced...

Badlands: http://www.4x4training.com/

Rubicon Preparation Clinic

If your ultimate goal is to drive the famous Rubicon Trail, you need to prepare your self and your vehicle. The Rubicon Trail has a way of finding all the weaknesses in your vehicle and your driving skill. You need to concentrate on improving your driving skills and experience on rocks and you need to test and assess your capabilities on the rock. We have plenty of opportunities (hopefully we can get Badlands to Hollister) for practice and for more practice. The objective of the Rubicon Ready Series of Clinic is to get you ready over a period of time so that you can assimilate the experience and skills. The more times you engage rocks, the more comfortable you will be. There is no substitute for practice. The local rock trails will give you plenty of feedback on how modifications you made work and what other modifications you might still need to make to your vehicle. Even if you can't drive the famous Rubicon trail this year, you can benefit from the Rubicon Ready Series of Clinics. Sign up for the Preparation Clinic and then sign up for several Rock Clinics, the Field Repair Clinic, and the Winch Clinic. Feel free to pick and chose the ones you want to attend. The more Rock Clinic you do the better!

Just gauging interested for now so I have some numbers/interest to share with Badlands. Post up if any interested - not making any commitments right now since we don't have cost, logistics/specific dates - just need show of hands. :)

[RON CT110]

Just heard from Tom Severin, President of Badlands OffRoad Adventures, he just need min of 5 vehicles to make it worth the drive to Hollister. Bet we can get more. :) More details to come! Just need show of hands.

[Disco2Guy]

:D!!! I'm really interested in the Field Repair Clinic.

[RON CT110]

:D!!! I'm really interested in the Field Repair Clinic.

I knew you'd be interested Brenton! Ok, Big B you are on the interest list.

Remember Badlands charges per vehicle (1 or 2 people per vehicle) so two people can split the cost.

Anyone else! Cool thus far!:)

[esteban]

Sounds fun, I plan on doing the rubicon in late springish.....

[RGonzalez]

Ron,

I am interested!

Bob

[astateofmike]

two large per vehicle.....hmph

[BEAR]

im interested but due to my lack of experience and not to sure how my LR3 would handle it i think ill leave my vehicle out of it. Brenton, I wouldn't mind splitting it with you if you wanted.

[RON CT110]

im interested but due to my lack of experience and not to sure how my LR3 would handle it i think ill leave my vehicle out of it. Brenton, I wouldn't mind splitting it with you if you wanted.

Sounds good!

I am planning to ride shot gun for this clinic also and perhaps on the actual Rubicon trail; my D2 and CT110 will not see trail (atleast not thru the whole thing) but planning to build a RRC for it in the future. :)

[RON CT110]

two large per vehicle.....hmph

Yes, two! :)

[GriffSC]

i might be interested, depending on the cost and the timing. definitely plan to do the rubicon, although am considering getting more lift prior to an attempt.

[Disco12]

wow I'm interested in the rock clinic:D:eek:

[RON CT110]

Guys,

I just got back from a Tread Lightly Trainer's Course offered by Badlands Offroad Adventure. Great class by the way and I am officially a Tread Lightly Trainer.

Anyways, after class, Tom and I talked about this proposed hands on Rubicon Preparation and Rock Clinic.

5 vehicles @ $200 per vehicle is what we need. Time/date to be determined by who is interested and Tom's schedule. We can have 2 people per vehicle allow split cost ($100 per person). Just wanted to show hands if folks are still interested!

Thus far I have the following people:
- RonCT110 (me)
- Ron's Guest
- Discoguy (Brenton)
- Estaban (Steve)
- RGonzalez (Bob)
- Bear (Thommy)
- Jarell (Disco12)
- Mark (GriffSC)
- Need 1 more
- Need 1 more

Anyone interested, let me know and if you have any qustions, feel free to PM me or post.

Cheers!

[PCRover]

If you end up needing one more rig to make it a go, I will take the spot to fill it out Ron. So put me down a tentative for now.

[sasquatch]

Sounds cool! No LR3 though...I'd love to be a passenger for someone. Griff??

[GriffSC]

Thanks for the leg work, Ron. No pressure, but as soon as you know potential dates, please let us know because I at least am trying to plan my '09 travel schedule with more precision than i usually do.

as for a navigator/shotgunner, my wallet's open to the highest bidder! :D

[esteban]

I'll take a passenger, or I'll be one to split the cost. Anyone?
Dates would be nice so I can lock it in with work.....

[sasquatch]

C'mon Griff. The closest thing to a G4 are my poser G4 stickers slapped on the sides. Lemme ride. Lemme ride!! 20 bucks and a sixer is my opening bid!!


Thanks for the leg work, Ron. No pressure, but as soon as you know potential dates, please let us know because I at least am trying to plan my '09 travel schedule with more precision than i usually do.

as for a navigator/shotgunner, my wallet's open to the highest bidder! :D

[stevenmd]

I'll take a passenger, or I'll be one to split the cost. Anyone?
Dates would be nice so I can lock it in with work.....

i just might be interested in that.

[RON CT110]

i just might be interested in that.

Steve, I'll add your name on the interest list; might open it up to LRRF to get a few good names.

Thus far I have the following people 01/06/09:
- RonCT110 (me) Passenger
- Discoguy (Brenton) Vehicle?
- Estaban (Steve) Vehicle
- RGonzalez (Bob) Passenger
- Bear (Thommy) Passenger
- Jarell (Disco12)
- Mark (GriffSC) Vehicle
- Steven (Stevemd) Pasenger?
- Gary (PCRover) Vehicle?
- Need 1 more Vehicle?

We also should be willing to take turns (driver & passenger if vehicle owner is willing); if we end up going on the Rnubicon - need to trust each other and help out including taking turns driving and spotting!

[RON CT110]

First I want to introduce Tom, President and Owner of Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc; he will be our instructor: http://www.4x4training.com/aboutus.html

Tom's credentials:

- Badlands Off-Road Adventures offers 4WD training and 4WD tour service specializing in Four Wheel Drive vehicles.
- The company has trained hundreds of students, including the Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department, the Gas Company, the National Park Service, and the US Marine Corps.
- Badlands Off-Road strives to provide instruction in a friendly, casual, non-judgmental environment. Non-lethal mistakes are encouraged as a way to learn under the watchful eyes of the instructor.

- Tom himself is a certified professional 4WD Trainer by the International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association©
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Member of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), United Four Wheel Drive Associations and the BlueRibbon Coalition.
- Certified CA4WDC 4WD instructor
- Former Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer for the State of Pennsylvania, his duties included law enforcement activities, game stocking; public relations and speaking; hunter education; landowner relations
- Extensive background (forty plus years experience) with four-wheel drive vehicles, on and off road, in various conditions and countries. He imported a 4x4 vehicle while living in England and used it on vacation in France.
- And Graduate of Purdue University

[RON CT110]

Wanted you all to get a feel for the curriculum:

Rocks Agenda (Day 1)

9am = Meet at…
- Safety Check
- Disconnect Anti Sway (if applicable)
- Review Waiver
- Air Down
- CB Check
- Safety Talk
- Road Rules
- While some will breeze through the trail, others may have problems, and part of the learning is coming up and getting involved, watching and helping get the driver through the trouble.
- Our goal is training not making it from point A to point B (take our time thru the rocks)
- Do bubble exercise
- Picking Lines - Tool Kit

10:00 = Drivers Meeting trail head
- Each obstacle explain line

12-1:00 = Lunch

1-5pm = Back on the trail for some more training

5:00 = Ask for Feedback Form
- Air up

Learnings:
How to pick line
Spotting
Not riding brake or clutch
Vehicle capability
Modifications required


Rubicon Ready Agenda (Day 2)

9am = Welcome

Overview of the Rubicon Ready Series
- Make arrangements for your trip Guides

Hand-Outs

Agenda <rest of the day>
- The Trail
- Tread Lightly
- Vehicle
- Driving Skills
- What to take

The Rubicon Trail
- Show the Video
- Where & how to get there
- Trail Rules & regulation

Vehicle Preparation
- Complete Rubicon Vehicle Check
- Min Requirements
- Lift it, Lock it, rack it, winch it
- Vehicle Inspection
- Spare Parts

Driving Skills
- Picking lines
- Spotting
- Winching
- Strap recovery

What to Take to the Rubicon Trail
- Camping
- Toilet
- Clothing
- Sleeping gear
- Food
- Cooking gear
- Water
- Fire Wood
- Hygiene/ Swim suit/ inflatable boat
- Misc

Packing Your Vehicle

Of course, you can be taller (lift), built-up especially for the actually Rubicon Trail; for the training, the min reqs are:

- 31" Tire or bigger
- Recovery points front and back
- Rock Rails
- Not everyone needs a winch
- We will be on the rocks for about 6 hours during training - need to allow possibility for breakage and recovery!

[esteban]

Steven, let me know, I have an empty seat......
I'll do it regardless.

[RON CT110]

Let's get some prelim dates: July or Aug. Figured potential after the Oregon Trip and before the Annual Gathering. Also us an opp to put a trip to the Rubicon in September (least crowded) - hmmm!

Which Month/wknd is better for folks (give me a couple of pick) or which wknd doen't work for you? Pls chime in!

July 4/5 (4th of July concern - most likely Hollister will be very busy)
July 11/12
July 18/19
July 25/26

Aug 1/2
Aug 8/9
Aug 15/16
Aug 22/23
Aug 29/30

Tom is suggesting to schedule this class two months prior if one is actually going to the Rubicon Trail (hmmm Sept); gap allows to obsorb what we learned, upgrades, go back to the rocks for more practice, fix what's broken, vehicle prep, etc... and be ready for the Rubicon!

[Disco2Guy]

Any weekend but the fourth of July sounds good to me.

[esteban]

Mid-July seems best for me. The first week of August is my anniversary and that involves a non rover related vacation.

[MrVideo]

I'm very interested in participating in this event. So, I looked at both the Giants & A's schedules, then I looked at the club trip schedule and figured there are only 2 options for me. July 11-12 & 25-26.
Hope one of these weekends will work.

[RGonzalez]

Ron,

My vehicle is not yet "rock ready", so I would need to be a "ride along"...........

July - August would be fine for me.

Thank you for all you do,

Bob

[GriffSC]

July 11/12 through Aug 8/9 would probably work for me. what about the last weekend in July?

dave, you and steven can vie for the navigation/shotgunner position. your early bid sounds lovely; however, with your immense body habitus, you may be a bit snug... the DII is no match for the LR3's cabin room.

[stevenmd]

Steven, let me know, I have an empty seat......
I'll do it regardless.

Consider it a yes, pending the dates.

[Gotrovr]

Ron, you're welcome to borrow Shrek for the clinic

either way place me on the standby or fill-in list

[sasquatch]

Yeowch!! Did it leave a mark? Not here. Not so much here. But, here...


July 11/12 through Aug 8/9 would probably work for me. what about the last weekend in July?

dave, you and steven can vie for the navigation/shotgunner position. your early bid sounds lovely; however, with your immense body habitus, you may be a bit snug... the DII is no match for the LR3's cabin room.

[RON CT110]

Ron, you're welcome to borrow Shrek for the clinic

either way place me on the standby or fill-in list

Very generous offer Mr Presidente!

Would be great to see you join us on this class!

I will add you name on the interest list in the meantime!

[DiscoChef]

Ron, sounds like a great learning experience. Put me down as a may be (depending on final date), and if thre's room left.

[RON CT110]

Ron, sounds like a great learning experience. Put me down as a may be (depending on final date), and if thre's room left.

Hope you can join Enrique; it's would be a great learning experience; will put you on the interest list; thanks!

[GriffSC]

Yeowch!! Did it leave a mark? Not here. Not so much here. But, here...

seriously, you are more than welcome to ride with me for the clinic.