Just completed the Mojave Road.....

Rivertoys · Jan 21, 2014

It's been a bucket list item of mine since I became aware of it many years ago. Item checked! What a great adventure it was too. We were 54 hours even from the start on the bank of the Colorado River, do the end at Afton and 15, north of Barstow. We did 193 miles total (the Mojave Road proper is about 140 miles, but we took several side trips off the road to see points of interest). Two nights camping. The first night was spent at 5600' elevation. I will add some photos to this thread later today or tomorrow.

I plan to make the trip again!!!

pronstar · Jan 21, 2014

We've been on a chunk of it around the Afton Canyon area. One of my faves, will do the whole thing one of these days.

Dan Lorenze · Jan 21, 2014

Excellent, we've been seeing more and more jeepers out there. Good times, post some pics..

BajaMike · Jan 21, 2014

Rivertoys said:
It's been a bucket list item of mine since I became aware of it many years ago. Item checked! What a great adventure it was too. We were 54 hours even from the start on the bank of the Colorado River, do the end at Afton and 15, north of Barstow. We did 193 miles total (the Mojave Road proper is about 140 miles, but we took several side trips off the road to see points of interest). Two nights camping. The first night was spent at 5600' elevation. I will add some photos to this thread later today or tomorrow.

I plan to make the trip again!!!

Could I do it in a 2WD Chevy 2500 HD crew cab?

Rivertoys · Jan 21, 2014

BajaMike said:
Could I do it in a 2WD Chevy 2500 HD crew cab?

That's a tough call. I think you COULD. You need at least two vehicles, because it's so remote and mostly without cell service, so if the other truck was a decent 4x4, and you have good ground clearance, I'd saw you could do it....

My buddy and I had a talk around the campfire if we could do the whole thing in a 2WD. We only used 4WD when we thought it might be needed, in order to save fuel. I think the bigger problem with the crew cab is the length. If it's lifted, with good clearance, I think you could. It is REMOTE though, and some of the trail is very narrow. There was an H1 Hummer in another group saw each day, and he had some scary moments in some of the slots. You encounter all kinds of terrain, rocks, hard and soft pack sand, sand dunes, salt flat lake bed, water crossings (which can be deep)... it's an intersting run for sure....

BajaMike · Jan 21, 2014

I think you talked me out of it. Sounds like a good road for a jeep. I'm not into crawling over rocks with a big truck.

Thanks!

025 · Jan 21, 2014

It's fun and handful of hours on a dirt bike too

Rivertoys · Jan 21, 2014

025 said:
It's fun and handful of hours on a dirt bike too

A group of 5 bikes passed us going the other way in one of the very deep and narrow sections. We pulled over as far as possible, and they shot past, inches away, without much slowing. Not a biggie with me. BUT None gave the finger count of the size of their group (too busy trying to not take my mirror away I guess). The 4th one waved and gave a nod... I waited a few seconds and pulled out... when the 5th one comes! :eek Guess guy #4 was just being friendly, but I expected at least a finger to be put up by the second to last guy....I thought all you guys know that! lol....

Mrs.Racer277 · Jan 21, 2014

Fewer and fewer know that. It may also be he was trying not to collect your mirror.
Either way, thanks for watching out!

Rivertoys said:
A group of 5 bikes passed us going the other way in one of the very deep and narrow sections. We pulled over as far as possible, and they shot past, inches away, without much slowing. Not a biggie with me. BUT None gave the finger count of the size of their group (too busy trying to not take my mirror away I guess). The 4th one waved and gave a nod... I waited a few seconds and pulled out... when the 5th one comes! :eek Guess guy #4 was just being friendly, but I expected at least a finger to be put up by the second to last guy....I thought all you guys know that! lol....

phuggit · Jan 22, 2014

If you can find a copy of Dennis Casebiers (sp) book about the trail its a good read.

Rivertoys · Jan 22, 2014

phuggit said:
If you can find a copy of Dennis Casebiers (sp) book about the trail its a good read.

Great book, and a must have for the trip!!! Each group we came across had it.

We had two Jeeps, and each of us had a copy with us. My copy was a revision behind the current copy, which my friend had in the other Jeep. About 5 miles in, I asked to see his copy to compare to mine, sure enough the mileage was different in mine than his. Sometimes a mile or more, other times not that much.

I ordered mine in about 2010, and got an email TWO WEEKS LATER telling me the new version was out, and included GSP points.. Argh.. LOL....

Due to side trips, our mileage didn't end up matching after a little ways anyway....

YoPengo · Jan 22, 2014

Sounds like a ton of fun.

Definitely want to do it one day. :thumbsup

025 · Jan 23, 2014

Rivertoys said:
A group of 5 bikes passed us going the other way in one of the very deep and narrow sections. We pulled over as far as possible, and they shot past, inches away, without much slowing. Not a biggie with me. BUT None gave the finger count of the size of their group (too busy trying to not take my mirror away I guess). The 4th one waved and gave a nod... I waited a few seconds and pulled out... when the 5th one comes! :eek Guess guy #4 was just being friendly, but I expected at least a finger to be put up by the second to last guy....I thought all you guys know that! lol....

It's amazing how many riders don't know that. Just putting their buddies at risk. Thanks for being one of those guys that stops and pulls to the side.

Froggystyle · Jan 23, 2014

Rivertoys said:
I ordered mine in about 2010, and got an email TWO WEEKS LATER telling me the new version was out, and included GSP points.. Argh.. LOL....

Probably no big deal... What could a French-Canadian UFC Champion possibly know about off-road adventures in California?

Rivertoys · Jan 23, 2014

In this photo you can see the Mojave Road in the distance, that is the way we came...

Rivertoys · Jan 23, 2014

LHC30 · Jan 23, 2014

Congrats! The MR is on my bucket list too...just need to get folks together for a three dayer...what were the "scenic" side trips you took??

Meaney77 · Jan 23, 2014

Looks like you guys had a good time. I have dis the ride on my XR a few years back and it was awesome. We rode from Baker to Laughlin- had a down day in Laughlin to drink and gamble and the rode back.

Looking forward to doing the trail in our buggies in the next few months before it gets to hot.

Rivertoys · Jan 23, 2014

LHC30 said:
Congrats! The MR is on my bucket list too...just need to get folks together for a three dayer...what were the "scenic" side trips you took??

At sundown the first day we couldn't find a decent place to set up camp, so we look a side road to Mid Hills Campground. That was a 10 mile round trip, but was worth it. It's a nice forest service campground in the pine trees at 5600'.

The best side trip, and one that's not mentioned in the guidebook is to the Lava Tubes. They are in the CIma Cinder Cone area, and the forest service has a ladder that takes you down into one. It's VERY cool and worth a trip alone IMO.

We took Rasor Road out to the gas station there, just as a precaution. It's only about 5 miles out of the way, but having full fuel again meant we didn't worry about going into 4wd. We had only been using 4wd when we thought it might be needed.

We went to the Desert Megaphone also. That's about 14 miles out of the way, round trip. I've been there many times, but the other guy hadn't.

Mid Hills Campground:

Lava Tubes:

Desert Megaphone:

A child's grave from 1931:

Sun burners · Jan 23, 2014

Nice. Will have to get the book and read up!

Rivertoys · Jan 23, 2014

I would do it again for sure. Next season maybe we can get a group together for it. I think if we have more than 6 vehicles we need to file for a permit. ... but if we have two groups of say 4 and 6, we should be fine.

phuggit · Jan 24, 2014

Were planning on doing it in the Jeeps around the end of March. How deep was the Afton Canyon water crossing?

Rivertoys · Jan 24, 2014

phuggit said:
How deep was the Afton Canyon water crossing?

This was the deepest it got:

That's the first crossing, going west. Never touched the doors on my JK.

It was lower than when I went through it once before, a few years ago. That time I wasn't lifted and was on 32s. So with the 35s, I didn't really think twice about it, plus I knew there were a couple of groups ahead of us that had to of gone through. I did run both of them in 4-low, in case I needed the power. BUT.... the second crossing (or first if you're going east) caused this on my buddy's CJ7...

He went into that crossing fine, came out on three good tires! I went through first, no issue, he followed and something cut that tire. That doesn't appear to be rock damage, that's steel if I had to guess. There were two Razor 1000s that went through after us, and they were fine also.... so who knows. but luck I guess.... Just glad of two things, in this order: 1) I didn't cut a tire, 2) he didn't cut both tires on that side.

OCMerrill · Jan 24, 2014

Rivertoys said:
A group of 5 bikes passed us going the other way in one of the very deep and narrow sections. We pulled over as far as possible, and they shot past, inches away, without much slowing. Not a biggie with me. BUT None gave the finger count of the size of their group (too busy trying to not take my mirror away I guess). The 4th one waved and gave a nod... I waited a few seconds and pulled out... when the 5th one comes! :eek Guess guy #4 was just being friendly, but I expected at least a finger to be put up by the second to last guy....I thought all you guys know that! lol....

Thanks for posting all the pics. Love it.

True offroaders do this but bike riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours.

Many, many trails and this is real experience. Going by you at 40 mph 6" away (has happened to me) speaks the truth.

Also I can say with experience that BFG tires are MEGA overrated.

Dan Lorenze · Jan 24, 2014

OCMerrill said:
True offroaders do this but bike riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours.

Many, many trails and this is real experience. Going by you at 40 mph 6" away (has happened to me) speaks the truth

I've been riding the Mojave trail on a bike for over 20 years and couldn't disagree with you more. Almost every time I give a number count to a truck,jeep or car they usually look at me like I'm crazy or just giving them a peace sign with little or no response, god forbid they have to put their beer down.

"riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours".. Lame

Rivertoys · Jan 24, 2014

Dan Lorenze said:
"riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours".. Lame

Well.... I don't know what it's like where you live, but in OC/LA/Riverside, that's the way it is on the frwy. I am pro-motorcycle for sure, but I have seen WAY too many riders on the 405, 91, 57, and 15 that ride WAY too fast, and WAY too aggressively... NOT ALL, but A LOT more than you'd think, I would even say a scary amount. It's at the point where even my wife (who is against me getting a harley until the kids are grown) has said many times it's the way these guys ride that puts them in the news when they get tagged by a car. I have to assume some of these same dudes are out on the trails, riding like they're on a PWC in front of the Casinos in Laughlin (probably same guys too)....

As for getting a reply to your fingers, it's hard to judge in the split second you give it, but it is appreciated!!!

As the person receiving, I would first have to confirm for myself that's what you were saying. Once that number has passed, and no more are in sight, I can say - OK, that matches what he showed, good job. :thumbup: ...at that point, you are well behind.

Rivertoys · Jan 24, 2014

When done on a motorcycle, are you riding street legal enduros, or green sticker?

The only bikes that passed me were plated. I've heard of people do it on green sticker and as long as you're not being an idiot, rangers let is slid.

Dan Lorenze · Jan 24, 2014

All bikes are plated except one. We see rangers all the time. It's crazy that in the middle of nowhere on dirt roads they want to see a plate.

thmterry · Jan 25, 2014

I run this story every couple years to remind people about it. It still amazes me how many people just wave at you when you are trying to tell them how many riders are with you.

http://www.toyhauleradventures.com/2012/01/know-the-trail-riding-rules/

Luvnlife · Jan 27, 2014

thmterry said:
I run this story every couple years to remind people about it. It still amazes me how many people just wave at you when you are trying to tell them how many riders are with you.

http://www.toyhauleradventures.com/2012/01/know-the-trail-riding-rules/

There was just a refresher article in Dirt Rider Mag as well:thumbsup

Hallett270act · Jan 27, 2014

This run is on my must do list! Thanks for posting up the pics.

OCMerrill · Feb 4, 2014

Dan Lorenze said:
I've been riding the Mojave trail on a bike for over 20 years and couldn't disagree with you more. Almost every time I give a number count to a truck,jeep or car they usually look at me like I'm crazy or just giving them a peace sign with little or no response, god forbid they have to put their beer down.

"riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours".. Lame

Rivertoys said:
Well.... I don't know what it's like where you live, but in OC/LA/Riverside, that's the way it is on the frwy. I am pro-motorcycle for sure, but I have seen WAY too many riders on the 405, 91, 57, and 15 that ride WAY too fast, and WAY too aggressively... NOT ALL, but A LOT more than you'd think, I would even say a scary amount. It's at the point where even my wife (who is against me getting a harley until the kids are grown) has said many times it's the way these guys ride that puts them in the news when they get tagged by a car. I have to assume some of these same dudes are out on the trails, riding like they're on a PWC in front of the Casinos in Laughlin (probably same guys too)....

As for getting a reply to your fingers, it's hard to judge in the split second you give it, but it is appreciated!!! As the person receiving, I would first have to confirm for myself that's what you were saying. Once that number has passed, and no more are in sight, I can say - OK, that matches what he showed, good job. :thumbup: ...at that point, you are well behind.

I don't want to beat up a great thread but just wanted to add my comments are based on the last several trail runs in the big bear system. It was not a random cut down at dirt riders. I have ridden and raced for 30 of my 47 years of living. The latest Monster Energy entitled generation leaves little to be desired in the thoughtful dept. Its just an opinion. Over Thanksgiving in Johnson Valley I never saw so much trash left. I am perplexed as to how much longer this can continue. Calling it Lame is your choice ( I dont really offend easily) or you can Jeep with me on Dishpan on a Saturday and judge for yourself. It's ugly.

That said Jason if you run this trail again let me know. Something I have always wanted to do. Maybe by Summer I'll be ready.

Dan Lorenze · Feb 5, 2014

I just don't think you can lump everyone together and say that riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours.. That's a pretty broad statement. I think the deal is that bikes typically travel at a much higher rate of speed than jeeps or trucks on dirt roads (non-race situations). Are there reckless motorcycle riders off-road? Absolutely. But I've seen just as many careless drivers too, vehicles that don't stay on their side of the road too. Let's not forget side by sides and quad riders. I believe you that you've had some close calls, I have too. But I pride myself on being a smart and considerate rider, and all my riding buddies are the same way. I'm not making excuses for the knuckleheads that fly by you without regard, but not every rider is like that. It's not so much the vehicle but the idiot behind the wheel or bars.

I like you OCM, I've always enjoyed reading your posts. I guess we have a little different opinion on things. That's cool by me..

The last time I rode in Big Bear I rode 200 miles on my bike in one day, It was a long day, riding In your Jeep sounds way more pleasant and relaxing.

Meaney77 · Feb 5, 2014

thmterry said:
I run this story every couple years to remind people about it. It still amazes me how many people just wave at you when you are trying to tell them how many riders are with you.

http://www.toyhauleradventures.com/2012/01/know-the-trail-riding-rules/

There are a lot of dip shits out there....just 2 weeks ago I was out at Dove for the weekend and we were headed to the cabin in our buggies. We were passes by 3 separate groups of quads coming down the mountain. I held my hand up with the number if people behind me and they looked at me like I was flashing gang signs. One group of guys (Latino's helmets with no visors)coming down the mountain started to talk smack because they couldn't get down as we were heading up. The rule is that the guy coming up the hill has the right of way. Most people these days just don't get it and could careless. I have been riding since I was 8 years old and communicating the number of riders behind you is one of the first things you learn.

OCMerrill · Feb 5, 2014

Dan Lorenze said:
I just don't think you can lump everyone together and say that riders rarely give two shits about their own safety let alone yours.. That's a pretty broad statement. I think the deal is that bikes typically travel at a much higher rate of speed than jeeps or trucks on dirt roads (non-race situations). Are there reckless motorcycle riders off-road? Absolutely. But I've seen just as many careless drivers too, vehicles that don't stay on their side of the road too. Let's not forget side by sides and quad riders. I believe you that you've had some close calls, I have too. But I pride myself on being a smart and considerate rider, and all my riding buddies are the same way. I'm not making excuses for the knuckleheads that fly by you without regard, but not every rider is like that. It's not so much the vehicle but the idiot behind the wheel or bars.

I like you OCM, I've always enjoyed reading your posts. I guess we have a little different opinion on things. That's cool by me..

The last time I rode in Big Bear I rode 200 miles on my bike in one day, It was a long day, riding In your Jeep sounds way more pleasant and relaxing.

The Jeep I sold to make payroll was a bitchen Jeep. I currently own a gigantic pile of crap with no frame now but the AC works.

200 miles in a day is a bunch of riding. I know you are very serious about it. My kids ride as you have seem in my posts but the desert is a different place than a Saturday in Big Bear.

I will narrow the statement next time. We've been in forums together for years and offending you was not my goal. I do like to offend but with that I am never serious.

Rivertoys · Feb 5, 2014

OCMerrill said:
That said Jason if you run this trail again let me know. Something I have always wanted to do. Maybe by Summer I'll be ready.

For sure! I didn't realize you sold the Jeep.

I'm thinking of making the MLK weekend an annual run.

It's probably not something anyone would want to do in summer. Just too hot to enjoy. Although I do have A/C, I still would rather run it with the windows down. :skull

Dan Lorenze · Feb 6, 2014

Question for you guys, have you been up White Mountain in the Big Bear area? That road is ridiculous.

Boschma · Feb 6, 2014

That looks like an awesome trip!

I was just watching an off road show on TV last night and it got me wanting to try new places! Might have to make a trip some day.

So the water wasn't too deep for Side By Sides? or they just had to bonsai the river and hope for the best?

Rivertoys · Feb 6, 2014

Boschma said:
So the water wasn't too deep for Side By Sides? or they just had to bonsai the river and hope for the best?

I did not see them cross, but two Razor 1K's came through behind us.

I'm working on a video of the clips I took, I hope it works. I'm new again to video....

Rivertoys · Feb 6, 2014

Dan Lorenze said:
Question for you guys, have you been up White Mountain in the Big Bear area? That road is ridiculous.

3N17 - NFS rated "Moderate", but I've also seen it rated at black diamond (though season to season that could change as place flood and rocks move. Rattlesnake Canyon used to be a terrible black diamond, but is now a moderate with only a couple of moderate spots at that).

I have not tried White Mountain. Now that I'm on 35's, I am more comfortable venturing onto black diamonds, but I have not done many of them. I still have not installed sliders or rocker protection, but plan to soon.

White Mountain Trail is on my short list, as it sounds like it's not as bad as many of the black diamonds up there, with their giant bounder fields.

Our Jeep group adopted 3N08, and we like to go up there a couple of times a year, and run the whole valley.

TPC · Feb 6, 2014

We read the BLM wants plated vehicles only on the MH but our CHP friends say and insist if the road is not maintained, then Calif law says you can take a green sticker vehicle on it.
This is another reason our CHP off-roading friends and the BLM rangers don't get along.

TPC · Feb 6, 2014

Dan Lorenze said:
Question for you guys, have you been up White Mountain in the Big Bear area? That road is ridiculous.

Yamaha just mapped the entire area and has cool maps available at their dealers.
STU has the maps for free too.

Rivertoys · Feb 6, 2014

TPC said:
We read the BLM wants plated vehicles only on the MH but our CHP friends say and insist if the road is not maintained, then Calif law says you can take a green sticker vehicle on it.
This is another reason our CHP off-roading friends and the BLM rangers don't get along.

There are sections of the Mojave Road that are graded and maintained though, and you must cross Needles Hwy, Nevada/CA Hwy 95, Kelbaker Road, and a couple of other roads. Not that it's a big deal... but technically it's not allowed on green sticker.

OCMerrill · Feb 7, 2014

White Mountain was our club trail at one point. The funding for Adopt A Trail was going to run out but I left the club before I found out what happened.

Wrong - http://www.cv4w.org/info/adoptedtrail.aspx

My old jeep is still far right in their banner. Brings tears...literally.

Hammer · Feb 7, 2014

Cool thread ! Looking forward to
The video :thumbup:

Rivertoys · Feb 8, 2014

Hammer said:
Cool thread ! Looking forward to
The video :thumbup:

And here it is....

Dan Lorenze · Feb 9, 2014

[video=vimeo;86169555]http://vimeo.com/86169555[/video]

wsuwrhr · Feb 9, 2014

It is wild to think of what WAS used to cross the trail.

Dan Lorenze · Feb 9, 2014

[video=vimeo;70529496]http://vimeo.com/70529496[/video]

Man, I'm ready to go again...

Hammer · Feb 9, 2014

Dan Lorenze said:
[video=vimeo;70529496]http://vimeo.com/70529496[/video]

Man, I'm ready to go again...

I just want go !

Just completed the Mojave Road.....

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