OK, here it is...the first of many stupid newbie questions. What are the colored XTERRAS for under my name?

Any takers for the free starbucks?

I think it's a measure of coolness or something. Of course, you've posted twice and someone rated you a 5, and I've posted over 30, and some foolio rated me a 1. Sucks to be me.

And for the foolio:

OK, it looks like most of the interest is in a Saturday day-run. So here's the game plan:

Bay-area folks: meet by 7:00am at the McDonald's on Santa Rita Rd. in Pleasanton. We will leave there promptly at 7:00am, so if you're late, just catch up in Jackson.

Those of you who find Pleasanton to be out of your way, but don't want to drive Hwy88 solo can meet the bay area group at the McDonald's on the north side of Hwy88, a couple of blocks east of Hwy99. We'll swing by and pick you up, probably sometime around 8:00. If you're still alone by 8:15, head to Jackson; the bay area caravan has either passed by already or is very behind schedule.

The rest meet at the Safeway parking lot in Jackson at 9:00am. (Jackson is about 2 hours from Pleasanton.) There we will stock up on food and drink for the trail and remove step rails/mud flaps if necessary. If you're among the first to arrive, try to do any shopping before the rest of us get there to minimize delays.

If we leave by about 9:40, we should be able to reach the trailhead at Bear River Reservoir by 10:30am. We will probably spend a few minutes airing down and making sure we all know how to use the transfer case lever. :p

And then we'll be hittin' the dirt! Woohoo! (except it will be very dusty).

Depending on how much progress we make, we'll stop for lunch before or near the turnaround point. We should be off the trail by 6pm, which gives us enough time to go grab some dinner at Mtn. Mike's Pizza in Jackson (for those who are interested) before heading home.

Communication channels will be CB 16 and FRS 8 (no subcode).

$$-saving tip: Gas in Jackson and along Hwy88 is notoriously higher-priced than its neighboring communities. You will probably burn a good 1/2-tank of gas getting from Jackson to the trail and back, so if you want to save a few bucks, top off at the Beacon at the far east end of Lockeford (big orange sign) on your way up, then fill up there on the way home.

edit: As with all off-highway travel in undeveloped areas, this trip is pack-it-in, pack-it-out. Read that as "leave no solid matter behind". I will bring a portable toilet ( click here for more info ) for emergency use.

there you go buddy, a 5 for you

Someone offered the use of a CB radio for the day. If the offer still stands, I need one!

I am 99% sure I can make this trip.

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option
10. John - option C meeting you guys in Pleasanton.

John

Just curious...anyone else coming from Sacramento for this day run? Looks like I will have to catch your guys and gals caravan at the Jackson Safeway come 9:00am. Looking forward to seeing everyone....haven't been on a NCCX run since Forest Hill two year ago. Wow where has the time gone!

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C ..meet you in Jackson
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option
10. John - option C meeting you guys in Pleasanton.

A few questions:

KJ Dragon, you said you had an extra CB set. Can I borrow?

Also, I'd like to get some Shrockworks sliders and get 'em installed before Sat. Anyone know if there is a place in the Bay Area that carries them?

Thanks in advance.

You won't find a place in the Bay Area that carries or stocks sliders for the Xterra. You can give Shrockworks a call directly and see if they can ship out a set in time or contact 4Crawler and see if he can get a set of his to you.

4Crawler Talk to Roger, he's local, but will only build to order.

If you have no other mods...sliders at least would be a good idea for Pardoe's. It's a bit different than the last time the club ran it. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable running that trail without them. Here is the link (again) to photos if you need to know why I'm saying this... http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/naxc/vpost?id=258

I've already got the Calmini 3" suspension lift and the Calmini Steering. Also have some 265/75/R16 tires. Think I'll do ok without the sliders? Just noticed that 4x4Crawler is closed until mid-August (unless one of you knows something). Also heard back from Shrockworks. I'd have to place order tomorrow morning, but even then, it'l likely I'll get it Monday, not Friday before the trip.

Other ideas?

Did I say CB? I have extra FRS units - not CB units.

If I go - you are welcome to borrow one for the day. I'll bring extra's in case anyone else needs it.

I have a Stock 2001 XE with 31" BFG AT's. No other mods (unless you count removed step rails)... should I be worried about Pardoes without sliders?

I've been meaning to give Roger at 4crawler a call - but have been spending my $$$ on other toys not for the Xterra....

If the plan is to turn around at the 1st rock garden you don't need rock sliders, I wouldn't even worry about taking off the stock step rails.
After that though, I would say rocker protection is a must.

KJ... I think tabitha asked to borrow an FRS before Ig...thinking that you're talking about CB as well. It looks like FRS is going to be a main communication media for this trip, though... :rolleyes:

I have about 5-6 FRS units. I'll bring them all. (If I go)

I have a long Road Trip the very next weekend (Going to Moab)... so I am still debating whether or not I can make it to this one. Sorry for my indesisiveness. (sp?)

KJ: If you go , I'd like to speak for one of the FRS units. Thanks for offering them.

CCX: Thanks for the info. I'll keep the step rails on, but will bring tools just in case.

Also, what's the benefit to removing the step rails when going on a trail like this? If my vehicle is going to take a beating, wouldn't I want the stock steprails to take it before the rocker panels? Is it for clearance? Sometimes it's tough to gauge that. I've already scratched/dented my stock steprails slightly, and by the time I could gauge clearance, I couldn't back out.

IG

The stock step rails would just bend (they are pretty weak) into your rocker panels.

I actually wrecked my original step rails while driving on 880.

Pictures:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/33569671/32111542UcXQjtCEIO

http://community.webshots.com/photo/33569671/32111671bbePvXPaHU

It pushed my step rail up and back. It was about 1 inch from touching my Rear tire.

The factory step rails are not designed to support the weight of the truck, and are not strong enough to withstand lateral forces. On a trip to Pardoes several years ago, one member took a bad line and accidentally dragged a slider over a rock, pushing it rearward into the back tire. Although it didn't bend upward into the rocker panel, he could not progress forward because the tire was rubbing the step rail. Had the step rail not been there, his truck would never have hit the rock in the first place. Removal of the step rail on the trail was required, which was a lot messier than doing it in the parking lot.

BTW, If anyone else needs radios, I also have 3 FRS radios that can be loaned out during the run (if KJ ends up not coming).

I just got some family news that is gonna require me to go down to San Diego for a couple days. It's likely I will be back before the weekend and could still go on the trip, but maybe not. Just fyi. I'll know by Thursday or so.

Even having rock sliders is no guarantee. I nailed mine (4crawler) hard enough to bend them up and into the rocker panel (4' ledge in Bronco Canyon). I have a tendency to take the "wrong line" all them time, which is why I suggested them. If you are patient, can follow instructions and drive--you won't have near the problems that I run into

what about brush guards....is it safe to have those on this trip?

Yes, they're OK. Hopefully your brush guard doesn't decrease front ground clearance (i.e. approach angle) too much. (I've seen some poor brush guard designs that stick down below the bumper by as much as 4 inches.) As long as you place your tires carefully on some of the larger obstacles, you should be fine.

I have the Waag sportster (they don't make it anymore) and does decrease my front angle. I have it in the works to replace it by next Summer but I have to deal with it for now. Of course if I do hit it this weekend it could justify a Calmini bumper to my wife?

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option
10. John - option C meeting you guys in Pleasanton.
11. Jay - Option C sounds great since I am still a rookie. I will meet you in Jackson.

Anyone up for casino hopping on Friday?

Hi guys!

This rookie will need help removing the step rails on Saturday. Your experience on maneuvering the trail will also be helpful.

All of your replies about this trail are making me question whether or not my stock xterra will make it! But I'm still going!

I will need that FRS on Saturday, but can anyone recommend a set of good ones I can purchase. I've had my eye on them for some time.

See you in Jackson!

Tab