Sleeper

Let's get a thread started for this years Big Bear trip. We'll plan on the weekend of August 17 and since we're starting early we should have a good turn-out. No official YotaTech event 'cause what happened last year to TTORA.

I'm thinking Gold Mtn. / John Bull combo for Saturday and follow that up with Holcomb Creek on Sunday.

tc

What is BB? Big Bear? What happened to TTORA? (note that if you're referring to something that may involve legal liability, both TTORA and here have the stance that once you post it, it's an "Official" event)

slosurfer

Big Bear, last year the forest service shut down TTORA's Big Bear event because they didn't have the necessary permits. It officially became a "non event" and was just some friends out wheeling with no organization. Once you get past a certain number of people, you need some kind of special permit for an event from the forest service. Hence, the need to keep it unofficial in the eyes of the forest service.

tc

We (TTORA) run across that problem in Moab, too, and the way to handle it is exactly that - we're a bunch of friends out 'wheeling, keep the groups small enough to fly under the radar.

Or you could just get the permits LOL (IIRC they're free, you just have to file the paperwork)

slosurfer

They made TTORA post on the forum that the event was shut down and I had to argue with a ranger for 10 mins. before she would give me a permit for my stove and lantern. They also checked the camps constantly, made the bbq and raffle interesting to say the least. They also check the forums now.

Sleeper

Depending on the total amount of people, we can either camp together or split up into groups. Last year, as those running John Bull were staging another group went north at the split into a lower valley. I know that Ryan was one of them. I'm curious as to how the camping would be down there. I'd just as soon camp at a spot that the Rangers were less likely to roll-up on. This year I will be making a fire!!!! If you do it right there should be no trace anyway.

Marc P

I cant go the weekend of the 10th as my buddy is getting married, but the following weekend will work.

Sleeper

I changed the date above. I can't go any later than this as our family trip may conflict.

Marc P

You should probably chenge the name....people dont know what BB is

slosurfer

If I am not at June Lake that weekend, I will probably be there.

RobT2k

Well, it looks like you guys can't go the week before or after that weekend, so I'm probably out.
Marc-You sure you gotta go to this wedding?? That would probably be the best weekend.

4x4inluxury

So where is Holcomb creek with respect to Holcomb Valley Rd?


I went up there this weekend, and can only imagine how much fun it must be in rain / snow!

Sleeper

Holcomb Cr. originates on the western edge of Holcomb Valley, near 3N12. It then travels in a WSW direction, eventually crossing the confluence of 3N14/
3N08/3N93. It's at this point you would turn South on 3N93 to begin the Holcomb Cr. trail.

I have actually never wheeled either John Bull/Holcomb Cr. - just been a passenger but this is the year. I have most of my body armor ready but need a rear bumper before this trip.

4x4inluxury

do you think a stock pathfinder on 265/75/16 BFG AT can do the trail?

Sleeper

It would take some really good spotting and even then you probably would be looking at some body damage. It would be better to have some armor and a limited-slip

Midget96

I ran this in March. If you're interested in what the terrain is like:

Holcomb Creek:







These were the easier parts.

I didn't do John Bull because I was in the only vehicle out there, it was getting dark and it looked pretty intimidating when I got about 1/8 of the into it. I value my rocker panels too much...

If you get a Sidekick Offroad map, it'll show you two trails that are fun in lightly modded vehicle: 3N12 and 3N61.