Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA October 21 thru 25.
2009-07-09 01:26:54
Posts: 155 Oak Hills, California , USA
Come out and get "hammered"! The world famous 4X4 rock trails in Johnson Valley, CA will be gone very soon. They are becoming a part of the Marine base as a target range. These trails have been used for the last half century by every type of 4X4 and are known as the hammers because of the punishment you will take driving/riding them.
We are putting together a few days to ride this and other areas of Johnson Valley from October 21 thru 25.
For those brave enough (and those who want to take lots of pictures ), as well as those who would like to explore the other 88,000 acres of desert on much more tame trails, this is your weekend. Jeff and Dewey - bring your welders to keep those frames together! Zane, you may need to change out those skid plates after riding some of these trails.
We will be camping off of Bessemer Mine Road, just on the north side of Soggy Lake. This provides everyone a chance to go on any level of trail for miles and miles. Looking for a Saturday night potluck with a special guest. Bring plenty of firewood (no pallets though )
More info to follow. Here is Flyfisher riding one of the tame trails....
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"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there
quickly." - This person never rode with our group - we like getting lost, the faster the better!
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-07-09 19:48:51
Posts: 118 Prescott Valley, Arizona , USA
I just sent this out to our Central AZ group and hope we get some interest... Sounds like a great run, if it isn't to rough for an old duffer like me... BOB QUADZMOTO
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RETIRED.. Hobbies- Quadding, Dirt biking, Kayaking, 4 wheeling , Camping, and Ham radio
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-07-10 22:09:49
Posts: 355 Lehi, Utah , USA
They actually just had an endurance race at the hammers its call king of the hammers. They did a full episode of it on Extreme 4X4 (spike tv not sure if it will replay or not but you will be able to watch it on the spike web site some time soon) Here is a like of some of the racing it will give you a good idea of the type of riding available.
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06 King Quad twinair highlifter springs caster mod 07 Grizzly 700
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-07-11 00:40:36
Posts: 155 Oak Hills, California , USA
Great video! But they are all bundled up inside, safe and sound! Real MEN do it outside on a seat!
There are great trails all over the area that parallel the hammers and provide some less "technical" ways of getting from one point to another. But some of these trails are a blast. I have been out on a few this past May and they were challenging, but definitely doable. A MUST ride before they are gone forever.....
But keep in mind there are hundreds of miles of much less technical rides to be had. Scenery is the Mohave desert - lots of rock around each rocky bend, and just over the rocky hill, more ROCKS! But a barren type of beauty.
On the way to the hammers, we pass a large dune, so those wanting to ride sand have their chance also.
Temps should be in the low 50;s at night and about 75 to 80 during the day, sunny and dry...perfect riding weather!
I will head out soon and get some coordinates for the camp site and a couple of the hammers. Then you can google in.
We'll get a list of different trail distances and terrain also. I figure that one or two days max for those who want to do the hammers. Then the other days a 7 to 8 hour ride - maybe even up to I40.
Looking forward to it!
Oh yeah, Jeff, grilled food ain't to your liking.....
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"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there
quickly." - This person never rode with our group - we like getting lost, the faster the better!
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-07-11 00:51:09
Posts: 155 Oak Hills, California , USA
Pete:
Cougar Buttes is a great place! We have moved our "normal" campsite away from there however...getting really crowdedand rowdy. Too many guns going off at night! But the rocks and boulder piles over there are a site to see - wind has carved caves out of the rocks, piles and piles of boulders everywhere. Our kids always have a blast exploring over there.
Here is azgolfer sitting in front of a little trail that was a real blast. Even saw a rare desert tortoise on this trail. The trail probably wasn't for quads, but that never stopped us....
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"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there
quickly." - This person never rode with our group - we like getting lost, the faster the better!
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-07-12 18:16:24
Posts: 574 Chandler, Arizona , USA
Well, Zane & I installed the 3/16" one piece steel skid place on my black KQ. We also added gussets to the top frame. Both KQ's are now identical with skid plate protection!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am ready for what the Hammers throws at me!
Roy (dewey) has welded 16 cracks in his frame. (I think the rocks are winning) There is more weld than frame...he's ready also!
So far, It looks like 6-7 riders from the Phoenix area + Bob's group from Prescott,AZ, heading your way in October. Nevada is represented. How about the boys from Utah????
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Remember...You can't fix stupid, but you sure can vote them out of office in November!
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-07-14 03:17:01
Posts: 155 Oak Hills, California , USA
Jeff, sounds like you got a real battle wagon now! You're gonna give it a work out.
Went out and rode some trails this weekend. Went to the bottom of one of the hammers and rode up about half way. Thought a safety rope would be good after that. My son didn't have the "mass" to make me feel comfortable. So baled out about half way up. Luckily I know some friends who will have the "mass" necessary come October!
Went by the dune area. Had a blast playing it the sand.
There was a group of 10 to 12 campers on Means Dry Lake just down from the hammers. They were all loading up jeeps that looked like they had been used pretty hard. Had to have been hot camping on that lake in the middle of July! When we left at around 11:00, it was already above 100.
A lot of trails we rode look like they haven't been ridden in months...nothing but blown sand and animal tracks. Can't imagine why not!
I gotta pull the belts off both machines this week. Who says we are hard on equipment!
Here are the coordinates of the camp area
N34 28.723 W116 40.591
The location of the turn off from Hwy 247 to Bessemer Mine Road is
N34 24.705 W116 43.402
See ya in a few months!
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"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there
quickly." - This person never rode with our group - we like getting lost, the faster the better!
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-08-09 15:35:54
Posts: 155 Oak Hills, California , USA
I like the moniker Jim through out there - FRAME BREAKERS A perfect name for all you guys! Which one is going to be the first to change his nyroc handle?
It'll be great to have you come on out Jim! Bring your two wheeler - lots of trails that will challenge you.
I got a voicemail from Jeff about your ride....who had the welder with them? Sounds like a a blast. Sorry I missed that one - from the pics Don, just my type of ride!
I have had my two quad torn apart for the last two weekends...I hate it when work gets in the way! Still need to map some more trails.
I will be out to Johnson valley on Tuesday, October 20, so if anyone wants to show up early, we can get this party rolling (and rolling over) sooner!
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"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there
quickly." - This person never rode with our group - we like getting lost, the faster the better!
Subject: Last Chance to Ride the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley CA
2009-08-09 16:40:02
Posts: 155 Oak Hills, California , USA
Would be great to see you! A great bunch of guys that love to have fun! In all seriousness, even though we push the limits at times, we also take a lot of care in making it as safe as possible. Then of course, as with the media, only the really "good" shots get onto nyroc....
Let me know if there is a chance for you coming down. I can get some directions from the west posted.
But be prepared for good times, meeting what will probably be new great friends and some truly fun riding.
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"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there
quickly." - This person never rode with our group - we like getting lost, the faster the better!
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), as well as those who would like to explore the other 88,000 acres of desert on much more tame trails, this is your weekend. Jeff and Dewey - bring your welders to keep those frames together! Zane, you may need to change out those skid plates after riding some of these trails.
)
I've seen some crazy photos of the trucks going up those ravines. I also want to check out Cougar Buttes.
I am ready for what the Hammers throws at me! 
Still need to map some more trails.
Don't leave your profile blank, tell us what you ride!