November 2015 Meet and Trail Run

[BrianSD_42]

I was wondering the same thing. It's basically a fire road.

Yep. Suburu could do it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

sorry guys for the false alarm. I compare my gps against the route you guys plan. we got as far to Coxey Rd and we took that to Fawn skin. You guys should be fine. Not sure about 3N17 since I didn't go that route.

[MENTION=73078]ToyRunner4Me[/MENTION]

Just to be clear .... Was 3N16 shut down or did you mistake it for a different trail?

When I was out there months ago at least one trail was closed but it wasn't 3N16.

Sometimes side trails are closed for months due to a downed tree or other blockage.

Mud, snow or even two feet of water do not normally close these trails. Snow wheeling is half the fun of owning a truck.

 

[ToyRunner4Me]

looking at the pdf map on this thread and actually being on the trail are two different things. where we made it to was crap flats. According to the trail, I believe it show 3N16 but looking at the pdf, it has it as 3N34. We did the loop 2N31Y that's when I realize that the pdf and the trail sign were different. I compare the tracks on the gps against the pdf and that's when I realize we went on 3N16 all the way up to Big Pine Flats. I didn't mean to confuse everyone. I was just trying to be helpful.

 

[BrianSD_42]

All - here are my saved GPS Nav Points for Big Bear and other parts of Southern CA. This should help with anyone possibly getting lost in the future.

GPS and Mapping

Why is GPS mapping software when used with a phone or tablet useful?
* Allows you to see where the F#$K you are at, any time, anywhere and to see easily where you are going relative to your target destination.
* Don't see the trail anymore? Are you even on the trail? Using this data you can easily see.
* My Nexus 7 tablet has a GPS and with the map data already downloaded it does not need any WIFI or 3G/4G connection (no data) to fully operate on the trail.
* Shows a cursor of your truck location, layered over the high resolution maps, and it moves as you approach the waypoints you created.
* Includes built in search functionality so you can literally type "grapevine canyon" or 3N16 and the software will center the cursor over the targeted area based on name. You can then see your position relative to the target.
* Create a custom nav point by clicking the screen or manually typing in the location? Say you know XXXX,YYYY on paper but have no idea where that actually is. Well put it in the software and you can see it on the map relative to your location.

This has worked great for me in Big Bear, Death Valley, Canyon Lands, Moab, Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego, and Idylwild.

Here is my GPS .gpx file from the last death valley trip.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz...zhIQjVlZ3pWajM3Z1dzbVdZ/view?usp=docslist_api

I use BackCountry Navigator Pro (there is also a free version) for Android with the free CalTopo US 24K multi-layer map.

If any of you download the GPS I provided you can see the areas in the north where I visited and dropped waypoints. Everyone I created has a symbol of some kind. I usually mark either trail intersections (where I have gone, not all of them) and also I drop pins along the runs I have done. So if you see a bunch of blue flags in a row that is one trip I took. A bunch or red flags could be a different trip on a different day.


Steps:

1. Download the GPX file to your Android or Apple device

2. Download BackCountry Navigator Pro for Android or similar for IOS

3. Import the GPX file

4. While at home connected to WIFI load BackCountry Navigator Pro by CritterMap Software.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en

4A Zoom over the area of big bear, switch maps to the free CalTopo US 24K Map or the US Forest Service Map (which has trail names) then zoom out so that a few miles of trail are visible.

4B. Choose "select areas for download" and select the area, then download the map data over WIFI. If you don't do this before leaving your house you will have a bad day.

4C. Switch to your 2nd backup map (I listed 2 good options above) and then also download a wide area for that map.

The download may take an hour or more and can range from 100MB to 1GB depending on the map data size. These are 16 layer (free) maps.

Now once everything is downloaded you can switch your tablet into AirPlane mode to simulate being on the trail and the maps should fully work.

If you do not download the map data then it will only work in your home, not the trail.

My GPS nav points mark the beginning, intersection and end of popular trails. Once you get used to the mapping software you can create your own.
​

Demo - Youtube - Backcountry Navigator Pro - The Best GPS for Off Trail?
https://youtu.be/kQXBGJZeaV4?t=2m7s

 

[Drunner97]

Going to have to grab some of those apps for my Nexus 7 and start using it for this kind of stuff. Right now it's just collecting dust anyhow.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

What's up guys, don't worry about your reservations there's plenty of alternative routes if for some reason any trails are closed. I'll go check it out, but I'm going to wait until Wed to run down there so whatever was closing it has had a bit on longer clear up. We can always take 2N13 (the way we planned to come back to GVL) to get out to the Big Pine Flats area if needed. I'll also give the rangers at the Discovery Center a call to see what's up as well.

The only weather in the foreseeable future is supposed to be a dusting of snow tonight then a few degrees warmer as we approach the weekend. Right now it's bitter cold outside with some nasty winds that can chill ya to the bone - I love it! By Saturday the weather looks to be beautiful and perfect for a fall time drive.

NOTE: I still have both guest rooms at my place open if anyone wants to get an early start and come up on Friday.

Look for a trail update on Wed night or Thurs morning. Until then......

This is too good(and generous) of a deal to pass up. I'm off Friday anyway so this will work out perfect if still available?

 

[GVL]

You bet, come on up Friday and you can join a couple of us on a little scenic off-road sunset cruise on the local loop.

 

[TheWraith]

You bet, come on up Friday and you can join a couple of us on a little scenic off-road sunset cruise on the local loop.

Where will we meet up at ??? We can meet up at 4pm...

How about we meet up at the parking lot where we are suppose to meet up in saturday morning @GVL

 

[GVL]

You bet, come on up Friday and you can join a couple of us on a little scenic off-road sunset cruise on the local loop.

Perfect! I'll see you and anyone else that wants to join the Friday mini-run at 4pm. There's only one main parking area so it's not hard to miss.

 

[Drunner97]

I doubt I'll make it up by 4 unless there's absolutely no traffic, but I'd love to meet up with you guys for a beer shortly after. The cabin I'm staying in is on Dahlia road. I'm sure GVL knows the street well enough.

 

[masson74]

I wont be able to make the run as it's my sons 11th birthday, but I was up in Big Bear Lake today for work. There were a few snow flurries going on and just a light dusting of snow. I passed a lot of locked gates on trails off of Hwy 38 but didn't have time to go look at the trails you guys are doing. I hope all goes well for you guys.

 

[85straight]

@ GVL any reccomendations for a good breakfast restaraunt in the area? Ill be headed up the morning Planning to get up the hill by 7:00

 

[GVL]

@ GVL any reccomendations for a good breakfast restaraunt in the area? Ill be headed up the morning Planning to get up the hill by 7:00

Try Blondies in Arrowbear. Its less than a half mile past the Valero gas on the right side - usually a really good breakfast. Also, if you like good Mexican breakfast then the Deep Creek Drive-In in Arrowbear is darn good too.

There's also the Burger/Malt Shoppe right here in town that I figured we would hit after the ride.

 

[TK-422]

I thought I better get a little better protection for this run (just in case).

Now I gotta get to work.

 

[TheWraith]

I thought I better get a little better protection for this run (just in case).

Now I gotta get to work.

Who makes those ???

 

[BrianSD_42]

PowderCoat them

 

[LMR]

I thought I better get a little better protection for this run (just in case).

Now I gotta get to work.

I would take them to Rhino Liner to get coated. I did on mine and they warrantied them for life, which I used when they got scratched real bad.

Rhino Truck Bed Liners Santa Ana. Spray on Bed Liners Santa Ana and Bed Liner Applicators Santa Ana | Call (714) 795-2713 for a quote.

 

[Drunner97]

I thought I better get a little better protection for this run (just in case).

Now I gotta get to work

Me too :banana:

Just need to throw one more coat of paint on each then I'm mounting them tonight since I won't have time tomorrow.

I would take them to Rhino Liner to get coated. I did on mine and they warrantied them for life, which I used when they got scratched real bad.

Rhino Truck Bed Liners Santa Ana. Spray on Bed Liners Santa Ana and Bed Liner Applicators Santa Ana | Call (714) 795-2713 for a quote.

Ideally this is what I wanted to do, but I wasn't going to have time if I wanted them on for this weekend. I went with a textured paint instead. I like the way they came out although I'm on the fence about the metallic black.

 

[TK-422]

Like Drunner97 I didn't have time for powder coating. I got a couple cans of spray on bedliner. I will see how strong it is.

The texture is nice.

Who makes those ???

Bolt on Link

6. Demello Offroad
- fastening method: bolt on OR weld on
-Modification required? Per the website, On sr5 models and limited models you will have to trim the lower running board valance in order to fit the sliders or get the "Trail addtion" valances
-KDSS compatible? Yes, per their website
- based out of Riverside, CA
- two styles, Hybrid (bolt on or weld on) or X-wing
- Demello 2015 build
- base price: $399 to $699, depending on style

 

[4Running Daily]

Am I missing something? Why the hell do you guys want expensive ass coatings on your sliders? If you actually use them, you're gonna scrape it all off anyways. You're gonna want something that is easy to touch up