Hollister Annual Gathering Trail Runs Sign-Up

[RON CT110]

Hi Folks,

Our Annual Gathering @ Hollister Oct 3-5 is just around the corner; after you register for this event, please visit here and sign-up/post comments/Q&A for the trail run(s) (multiple sign ups ok) that you are interested in running (also trail leaders can sign-up also to be attendees on other trail runs - you can have fun also (smile)). I'd like to get the polling/sign-up completed before the end of the weekend Sept 28.

Polling is setup (there is no option to expand beyond 4 to incude times/dates) so the options are: 1) Easy to Difficult, 2) More/Most Difficult, 3) Extremely Difficult (see trail descriptions below), and 4) I am not running a trail run this year.

With the limited question on the poll, after your make the pick(s), post on this thread the dates/times you'd want to do related to your trail run choise(s) (see schedule below) otherwise if you don't mind, I will contact you directly to get the detail(s).

For example, I will pick 2) More/Most Difficult Trail Run on this post, and post here that I'd like do this run Saturday 2pm trail# 5, and Sunday 9:30am morning trail# 7. I might also be interested in the generation run Saturday 2pm trail# 6 vs # 5 if there is enough interest - I have a D110. Something like this would be helpful! Thanks!

By signing-up ahead of the event, it will help us manage the number of trail leaders needed for each particular trail run. We want to run groups of 5-9 attendees including the trail leader and tail gunner (picked by the trail leader in the beggining of the run); anything larger is harder to manager and takes longer to get thru the trail. If we get 10 or more in a run, we split the group in smaller size and have two trail leaders running the same run 15-30 mins apart.

At the end of the day, we aim to get better each year and to have fun. This year we have excellent volunteer trail leaders who have gone thru trail leader orientation (thanks Will), and even before the orientation are familair with Hollister OHV and can lead you with the following trail run options (see detail below). We will be using Hollister's OHV trail rating color coding: http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1189

With the two improvements from last year, smaller number of attendees in each trail runs, and trail leader preparation/orientation, don't miss this year's trail runs - we aim to have a blast this year again.

And as a reminder, it's important to have front and rear recovery points, recovery strap, CB channel 7/FRS 7 ok, supply of water and snacks, vehicle in good mechanical condition, insurance, registered vehicle, map of the trails, and the driver has read the “Hollister Hills OHV Rules of the Road” (available at check-in).

Trail Descriptions

Link to the NCLR Map to Hollister OHV Trails: http://nclrclub.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1139&d=1219357005
Area 5 (Our Campground) is located (GPS): 36.762803, Lat -121.405169 (top left of the map/above FootHill Road)

1) Easy to Difficult

Add'l Requirements: Open to all stock LR vehicles

Ideal for someone who has never been off-road or very lil experience or just wants to take a tour of Hollister and not expect any carnage. It has a lil bit challenge on the Fremontia Trail

Start @ Area 5 (our camp group during the annual gathering). The Easy to Difficult trail entains taking Foothill Road (Easier) from Area 5, then head South on Garner Flat (Easier), head West on McCray Road (More Difficult) or Fremontia (Most Difficult) all the way to the top of Hector Heights aka Top of the World (GPS coordinates: 36.744576, -121.407444). Then return to Area 5 for lunch via back track down on McCray. If time permits head to the the Rock Quarry and then back to Area 5 for lunch!

2) More Difficult and Most Difficult Trail Run

Add'l Requirements: need update

Trail leaders Luis, Steve, Brenton, and others have a mapped a route for folks looking for more challenging runs vs the Easy to Difficult. This trail run will include "More difficult and most difficult" trail routes which can include Five Fingers (if open) and going down Truck Hill.

3) Extremely Difficult

Add'l Requirements: modifications such as larger tires and taller lift are must, lockers are helpful, sliders/steering/diff guards must, and at least one or two vehicles equipped with a winch.

Expect vehicle damage

Our Extremely Difficult trail are "Tripple Black Diamond" which include Tank Trap and that special gully near Sycamore camp!

Draft Schedules (start of each trail Area 5)

Friday Activities
1:00 pm Add'l Trail Leader Orientation/Pre-Run Make-Up

Saturday Activities
7:00 am Optional warm-up: Hollister Hills Old 4x4 Obstacle Course or New Obstacle Course
8:30 Trail# 1 Easy to Difficult
9:00 Trail# 2 More/Most Difficult
9:30 Trail# 3 Extremely Difficult
12noon-2 pm Back to Area 5 for Lunch
2:00 pm Trail# 4 Extremely Difficult
2:15 Trail #5 Most/Most Difficult
2:30 Trail #6 Free form or generation runs grouped by LR3/RRS/MKIII; Classics/Defenders; or /D1&D2s/P38

Sunday Activities
9:30 Trail# 7 More or Most Difficult (note: start whenever b-fast is finshed)
10:00 Trail# 8 Extremely Difficult
12noon-1pm Back to Area 5/Pack & Get Ready to Go Home

[stevenmd]

I probably won't make it to HH until 8:30/9:00am Saturday morning. I want to set up camp before I head out. I will meet up with people out on the trails. I marked the first box since it covers so many different types of trails. I not looking to push the limits of my truck, just have a fun time with my boys. ...oh, and the socializing too...:D

[stevenmd]

Hey Ron - is the new addition going to be open for us to tour?

[RON CT110]

Thanks for taking the poll and posting details.

Good question Steven. I have a call to Bob Rice, the guy in charge of Hollister OHV trail maint, the week before the event.

I need to find out if Five Fingers will be open; while at it, I will ask him about the new addition and will it be open by our even and if not, might as well ask when. I know the new obstacle course (pretty cool by the way) is open, but will check on the new additiona when I call Bob Rice.

Thanks Steven!


Hey Ron - is the new addition going to be open for us to tour?

[stevenmd]

Thanks for taking the poll and posting details.

Good question Steven. I have a call to Bob Rice, the guy in charge of Hollister OHV trail maint, the week before the event.

I need to find out if Five Fingers will be open; while at it, I will ask him about the new addition and will it be open by our even and if not, might as well ask when. I know the new obstacle course (pretty cool by the way) is open, but will check on the new additiona when I call Bob Rice.

Thanks Steven!

This might be a prime opportunity to work towards our goal of being a trail sponsor for that specific section. Maybe you can convince him to open it for us for a "tour" of what we will be responsible for?

[Disco2Guy]

I'd like to be signed up as a Trail Leader for #2 at 9am Saturday morning, and would like to ride with someone (if they have room for me) on a Most Difficult trail anytime that afternoon or Sunday morning. Maybe even a ride in Ron's 110 for a little bit (hint, hint).

I don't see anything in the schedule for the tip over avoidance and winching technique training sessions, both of which I'd really like to attend.

[esteban]

I'll sign up as leader for #5, also Brenton, I can be your tailgunner in the a.m.

Steve

[Disco2Guy]

Cool, thanks Steve.

[HMBRover]

Sign me up for the Easy to Difficult on Saturday AM. Then I'll probably be a spectator at the Sycamore Camp gully and take a few pictures. I saw a guy really damage an FJ Cruiser there a year ago so it should be interesting.

Would also be interested in seeing the new obstacle course. :)

[Phil.]

steven - we're planning on doing the same. we could head out together to try to find everyone after setting up camp. the girls don't like me getting too nuts. it took a second run at the new obstacle course for them to warm up to the rocks. i'll be more of a spectator/camera guy on the more difficult runs.

[Disco12]

Well unfortunately for me I won't be running the trails this year.

I have been ordered to run my department at OSH for the buy get one free event the weekend of the Hollister Annual Gathering. It hurts:( as I really wanted to be at this but those are the things that happen in life. :mad:

I wish you all a good time and happy trail riding.:)

[stevenmd]

Well unfortunately for me I won't be running the trails this year.

I have been ordered to run my department at OSH for the buy get one free event the weekend of the Hollister Annual Gathering. It hurts:( as I really wanted to be at this but those are the things that happen in life. :mad:

I wish you all a good time and happy trail riding.:)

Can you come by after work for the socializing?

[wineryrover]

steven - we're planning on doing the same. we could head out together to try to find everyone after setting up camp. the girls don't like me getting too nuts. it took a second run at the new obstacle course for them to warm up to the rocks. i'll be more of a spectator/camera guy on the more difficult runs.

Me too. I am planning on taking it easy. Making it enjoyable for my wife and kids will determine what we do. It looks like we could have a pretty good Saturday morning convoy. Are you guys still planning on meeting up in Fremont?

[Disco12]

Can you come by after work for the socializing?

I go in from 12:30 to 9:30 both days:mad:

I tried to get someone to cover one day and nobody would!:eek:

[Mudy_Ovl]

I'm signing up for the easier trails since I may be taking my wife and our 13 month old daughter. I want to make the introduction to off-roading as easy as possible so we can do it again in the future. See you all Saturday morning. We will be setting up camp before we hit the trails so depending on our arrival time, we may be running just the afternoon trails. Looking forward to seeing/meeting everyone and enjoying the catered dinner. If anyone from the Tri-Valley area wants to caravan, drop me a line. We will be towing a trailer so we will be cruising.

[astateofmike]

Chris, I'd caravan but think I am leaving way to early for you....I'll see you when you all get there. Since my wife is expecting again, she is staying home with our kiddo...will be good to see you and the family again.

[Mudy_Ovl]

Mike, Sorry the rest of the family won't be there. Give our best to your wife. We were hoping you would all be there so Laura & Cara could hang out if she didn't want to run the trails. No worries though, I am sure there will be others at camp that she and Cara can chill with.

[Jantiz]

Update requested on the "More to Most difficult" trail run:

Additional equipment needed:

I ran the entire trail with my Stock Disco II with no problems at all, with the exception of going down "Truck Hill" which I chose not to attempt with street tires.

I would recommend All Terrain tires at a very minimum if you intend to do every obstacle planned for this trail run and front and rear recovery points. The trail has been designed so that every "Most difficult" obstacle has a bypass which is why I say that even stock vehicles can sign up for this run if you're looking for a more challenging run. I will take into consideration the level of modification and year and model of every vehicle registered on my run and will make all necessary adjustments to the run based on that so everyone has a challenging run matched to their experience level and vehicle capabilities.

By the way, I will be there mid day on Friday and all day Saturday but I wont be able to camp over night Saturday so don't count me in leading trails Sunday since I can't be there for that day. For those of you still thinking about it, sign up now. It will be incredibly fun!

[astateofmike]

Mike, Sorry the rest of the family won't be there. Give our best to your wife. We were hoping you would all be there so Laura & Cara could hang out if she didn't want to run the trails. No worries though, I am sure there will be others at camp that she and Cara can chill with.


Well, the weather, the daughter and the off roading just don't make the wife excited about the pregnant belly. I offered to bring the rug rat, but she said that it was okay and to take a weekend of Mike.....rovers, cigars and drinks! yeah!

[Mudy_Ovl]

Mike, You're a lucky man to have a wife, a pregnant one no less, who is willing to give you a "free" weekend.

[astateofmike]

and I jealously protect that woman......cant let her get away....meat eating, gun shooting, camping, beer drinking, loves the smell of a good cigar and lets me be a guy.....yeah, I lucked out. Fortunate for me, she came from a family that liked MG's, so as long as my british car runs, she is happy as a anything.....now the day it breaks, I'll be forced into the garage until it is repaired.

[stevenmd]

Mike, You're a lucky man to have a wife, a pregnant one no less, who is willing to give you a "free" weekend.

Mine too, although I have to smoke cigars when she is not around...:)

[RON CT110]

Thanks Luis.

I like the new nick names: Snow White and Darth Vader! :)


Update requested on the "More to Most difficult" trail run:

Additional equipment needed:

I ran the entire trail with my Stock Disco II with no problems at all, with the exception of going down "Truck Hill" which I chose not to attempt with street tires.

I would recommend All Terrain tires at a very minimum if you intend to do every obstacle planned for this trail run and front and rear recovery points. The trail has been designed so that every "Most difficult" obstacle has a bypass which is why I say that even stock vehicles can sign up for this run if you're looking for a more challenging run. I will take into consideration the level of modification and year and model of every vehicle registered on my run and will make all necessary adjustments to the run based on that so everyone has a challenging run matched to their experience level and vehicle capabilities.

By the way, I will be there mid day on Friday and all day Saturday but I wont be able to camp over night Saturday so don't count me in leading trails Sunday since I can't be there for that day. For those of you still thinking about it, sign up now. It will be incredibly fun!

[RON CT110]

"All Things Considered" based on this poll, feedback and last year's experience - almost equal interest between Easy to Diff and More/Most Diff with Easy to Diff leading slightly; not many interested in Extreme Difficult but enough interest is there to schedule it this year)!

Hope folks will be happy with the final draft schedule -see below.

Minor adjustments: some folks are not coming in (especial folks interested in the Easy to Difficult runs) till 9am so I moved the Easy to Diffucult runs from 8:30 to 9:30am.

Warm-ups @ the Obstacle Course (new or old course (you pick) as long as you are back @ Area 5 for the start of the Trail runs) between 7am-8:30am for the early birds/folks who do not want to sit around camp are still avail.

Trail Leaders identified - see below. Let me know if any changes

Trail leaders will need to select their trail gunner e.g. for trail #1a Brenton selected Steve aka Esteban.

Sunday is going to be interesting: there might be an opp to hit the new area (thanks to Tony); I think folks will be more interested (both trail leader and attendees) to hit the new area vs schedule Easy to Difficult, etc... but I noted it also as Free Form (in case we can't do the new area) that can be converted to an Easy to Difficult, More/Most Difficult or Extreme Difficult depending on interest.

FINAL DRAFT - Let me know if we need to make changes.

Friday Activities

1:00 pm Add'l Trail Leader Orientation/Pre-Run Make-Up

Saturday Activities

7:00-8:30 am Optional warm-up: Hollister Hills Old or New 4x4 Obstacle Course

9:00 Trail# 1a More/Most Difficult (trail leader: Bentron aka Disco2guy (DII))
9:15 Trail# 1b More/Most Difficult (trail leader: Luis aka Jantiz (LR3))
9:30 Trail# 2a Easy to Difficult (trail leader: Mike aka Astateofmind (RRC))
9:45: Trail# 2b Easy to Difficult (trail leader: Enrique aka Discochef (DI))
10:00 Trail 2c Easy to Difficult (trail leader: Phil aka phil. (RRS))
9:30 Trail# 3 Extremely Difficult (trail leader: Chuck aka DesertCrawler (DII))

12noon-2 pm Back to Area 5 for Lunch

2:00 pm Trail# 4a Most/Most Difficult (trail leader: Steve aka Esteban))
2:15 pm Trail# 4b Most/Most Difficult (trail leader: Luis aka Jantiz(LR3))
2:30 pm Trail# 5a Extremely Difficult (trail leader: Chuck aka DesertCrawler (DII))
2:30 pm Trail# 5b Free Form e.g. Generation Run, Extremely Difficult (trail leader: Will aka (DI aka Shrek))

Sunday Activities

After Breakfast in Area 5

9:30 Trail# 6 Free Form or hit the “New Area” pending avail (Lead: Gary)
10:00 Trail 7 Free Form or hit the “New Area” pending avail (Lead: Will)

[Disco2Guy]

Looks like a good plan you have there Ron. Thanks for all the coordinating you have done with everybody. I really hope we get to run the new area and Sunday morning seems like a great time to do it. Having something new for everyone is always a real treat.

Do Trail Leaders also have to be Tail Gunners on other runs? Or can someone volunteer to be a Tail Gunner if they feel comfortable with it?

[RON CT110]

Looks like a good plan you have there Ron. Thanks for all the coordinating you have done with everybody. I really hope we get to run the new area and Sunday morning seems like a great time to do it. Having something new for everyone is always a real treat.

Do Trail Leaders also have to be Tail Gunners on other runs? Or can someone volunteer to be a Tail Gunner if they feel comfortable with it?

Hey thanks Brenton!

Trail leaders do not have to be tail gunners (you guys can enjoy since being a trail leader can be demanding; nice to be an attendee also).

Only req for tail gunners are: 1) the designated trail leaders pick his tail gunner, 2) must have CB 7 or same comm device as the with the trail leader, and 3) communicate back to trail leader when asked e.g. when the last person made the turn, or any delay or problems. Basically the eyes and ears of the trail leader at the tail.

Brenton, you are more than welcome to ride in my CT110. If you know how to drive a stick, let's meet at the obstacle course and let you take it for a spin.

[Disco2Guy]

Brenton driving stick = Ron not getting home

I've had very limited experience driving stick :mad: and that was about 8 years ago. Maybe sometime Friday after we're kinda setup we can troll around for a bit? Thanks for the generous offer Ron!

[PCRover]

How's this Ron?

[Jantiz]

Gary, That's a sweet PDF. Nice job everyone! I'm going to wait to see who signs up for my runs to pick my tail gunner. More than likely will do it on site.

[Disco2Guy]

Cool thanks Gary. I'll print and keep that with the HH map.

[PCRover]

The sheet will be included in the welcome packet all attendee's will receive when arriving.

[RON CT110]

How's this Ron?

Just minor corrections (in red below) otherwise awesome Gary. If we all can agree, let's follow thru with these trail runs Sat, and then check out the new area Sunday (we don't need a trail schedule for that - just get up Sunday a.m. after b-fast and follow the leaders to the new area. Cool!

I am picking up the placards for the trail leaders; 8 1/2 x 11; laminated in plastic to go on the back of the trial leaders vehicles! Will have trail #, trail leader's name info on it, etc....

9:30 am Trail# 2a Easy to Difficult - Trail leader: Mike aka (astateofmike) RRC
9:45 am Trail# 2b Easy to Difficult - Trail leader: Enrique (DiscoChef) DI
10:00 am Trail 2c Easy to Difficult - Trail leader: Phil (phil) RRS

[Gotrovr]

Gary,

now that we have the keys to the new section, do we want to include a time slot or Run say in the afternoon for those wanting to explore the new area???

reading Ron's post we could do that Sunday just as well

[PCRover]

I am thinking we need to add a run Sat morning and afternoon and maybe even Sunday AM. I bet most everyone will want to check it out and I don't think we want 30 rigs all going at once. I would like to see groups of 10ish at a time so all can enjoy what ever we find.

[sasquatch]

Good idea Gary. My personal plan was to get there early enough to set up camp Saturday morning and hit a trail or two before lunch. Chow down and roll out for an afternoon run. THEN...grow roots from my chair right next to the keg!!!

[stevenmd]

...that's just a sick picture there, Dave...

[esteban]

I can lead a morning run in the new section, my run group doesn't leave till 2pm. I can scout things out on Friday seeing as how I'll be there in the a.m.. :D

[stevenmd]

I can lead a morning run in the new section, my run group doesn't leave till 2pm. I can scout things out on Friday seeing as how I'll be there in the a.m.. :D
9:30am would be a good time...;)

[PCRover]

We are deciding the best way to handle the new Ranch "Tours" and will have the details in the Welcome Packet you receive at the gate. Everyone will get a chance to see the area if they choose to. We do not want this to be a distraction from the main event, we want this to be an added bonus for all.

[RON CT110]

Ditto!


We are deciding the best way to handle the new Ranch "Tours" and will have the details in the Welcome Packet you receive at the gate. Everyone will get a chance to see the area if they choose to. We do not want this to be a distraction from the main event, we want this to be an added bonus for all.

[DiscoChef]

I have a few extra handheld radios that I will bring with me, for those without CBs or Ham radios. (with new batteries)

Do I hear a volunteer "tail gunner"?

BTW- Carlos (brother) Just bought a pristine Unimog. Can I use it to lead my run?

[RON CT110]

I have a few extra handheld radios that I will bring with me, for those without CBs or Ham radios. (with new batteries)

Do I hear a volunteer "tail gunner"?

BTW- Carlos (brother) Just bought a pristine Unimog. Can I use it to lead my run?

Only if you let me drive it! :D

I will make sure to have a blast this year like last year - most likely I will not be here (CA) next year october 2009 to help with the trail runs and attend the NCLR event (due to the Peru/Chile trip).

How's the bike trailer Enrique? See you @ the HH event. :)

[SFDiscoII]

I am happy to volunteer as tail gunner on a trail or two. I would prefer the more difficult runs.

Not going to do the Extreme runs as the DII is serving as Daily driver and it will need to until at least the new year.

See you all late afternoon on Friday.:D

[DiscoChef]

Thanks for volunteering Leigh, would you be able to lead the run I was supposed to lead? I'm not going to be able to arrive on Friday now, but will be there Sat. morning, just not sure if i'll be there on time to lead my run and I don't want people to be waiting around.

Thanks in advance,

Enrique

[SFDiscoII]

Thanks for volunteering Leigh, would you be able to lead the run I was supposed to lead? I'm not going to be able to arrive on Friday now, but will be there Sat. morning, just not sure if i'll be there on time to lead my run and I don't want people to be waiting around.

Thanks in advance,

Enrique

Sure, If you do not make it in time I will lead you group.

[astateofmike]

Looks like a slop fest for Sat......ran Friday night till midday/all day Sat from what the reports are saying.....

[RON CT110]

Fri: Cloudy
High: 71°
Low: 52°

Sat: Chance of Rain
High: 62°
Low: 42°

Sun: Sunny
High: 74°
Low: 46°

Putting away my tent code and bring the water tight REI tent w/rain fly! :eek:

[Phil.]

i've been watching that. i think we'll pack to camp, but might bail after dinner if it's wet. and to think mars doesn't want to wheel because it'll be muddy. whaaaa? that's when the fun begins. something about not wanting to get stuck. bah!

[wineryrover]

The weather service I use at work shows clearing by Saturday afternoon, and sun/light wind for Sunday. A little mud is fun....

[PCRover]

Hollister is pretty far south and doesn't the rain we get up here in the immediate bay area. I would be surprised if we get any serious rain.

[GriffSC]

i agree, gary. but since you said it first, i think we'll hold you responsible if we're all huddled under a tarp Sat. night.

[esteban]

Hollister is pretty far south and doesn't the rain we get up here in the immediate bay area. I would be surprised if we get any serious rain.

X2. I'd be surprised if it got that far south....

[HMBRover]

NOAA point forecast for Hollister:

Friday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 54. West southwest wind between 7 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. West southwest wind between 10 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. West wind between 7 and 13 mph.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.

Come prepared for rain and for playing in the MUD!!

[PCRover]

Bummer...I hate mud...:(

I'll just stay in camp and drink....:D

[NCLR101]

Trail leaders, I would be happy to serve as tail gunner on any runs. I am in the easy to difficult group. So anyone looking to fill the bill on the "hind end" Thommy will do it.

Thommy

[RON CT110]

Want to say special thanks to the trail leaders who lead the runs Sat and Sunday. They were committed, made sure nobody was left behind and also made sure everyone had a good time.

Again thanks to trail leaders this wknd: Enrique, Mike (astateofmike), Steve (esteban), Brenton, Luis, Chuck (am I missing anyone else?). and Will and other who lead the tour of the new area.

First class trail leading - big improvement from last year including pre-running the trails, mapping, taking trail leadership session prior, etc...!

We can keep the same formula next year (wont' be in Cali October 2009 time frame next year (due to Peru trip) so glad to pass the stick to the next person); let's continue to take any new members' input to get better and better at this (yah National Rally org eat your heart out :D).

One last observation; I think one of the enjoyable moments for me was seeing Chris or ChrisJB who drove all the way from Carson City, Nevada for our event, thru rain and snow he tells me, and during the first Easy to Difficult run Saturday was asking how to shift the Differential Lock (don't worry Chris, we were all there with you when we first started).

Chris came back after the trail run with a big smile, and loving his Land Rover 04 DII even more (which he was comtemplating selling awhile back but couldn't do it - good choice BTW).

There are lot to talk about e.g. folks like Lutz who drove up from Pisco, good to see more LRs on the trail like phil's RRS, classic ones like Mark's 109 and Robb's Series, and old faces we have not seen like David Bregman....

Ok, my 5 min recording is up! :D

[NCLR101]

Ron and all the Trail leaders, Will, Chuck and everyone who made this a very cool and fun outing. My RRS got a workout and made itthrough with some new striping but otherwise in great shape. I hated to leave and look forward to videos and pictures.

Thanks again to all
Thommy