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Miller Jeep Trail - Trail Report from June 13, 2010

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by HBMurphy, Jun 14, 2010.

  1. Jun 14, 2010 at 3:16 PM
    #1
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    So mpleitez and myself decided to blow off the off road show in Ontario and go wheeling in the south end of Kern County... Miller Jeep Trail

    It was a good test of the ATRAC system and although I was very impressed how well it works, I would say it is not for continual use - I was very surprised that I found it's limits. For a while I was thinking my locker might not get another work out after this run.

    I was doing a "point and shoot" attack on one of the most challenging climbs in the large rocks and the ATRAC system was just a bit overwhelmed - If it makes any of you die-hard ATRAC users feel better, I spun a couple of my tires on that run and need to go re-balance them. I was running 18 psi on all wheels. It would be interesting how this would work running beadlocks! ;)

    While I am at it... Next time you mount or balance your wheels, place the 'I' in the Max PSI (if it is on the tire) in the middle of where the valve stem is. I've used this indexing on my mountain bikes for years to make sure I can fix a flat (know where the thorn is). On our trucks if we spin a tire on a rim and we have to ride back from a long distance, all you need to do is break the bead with your high lift jack, re-clock the tire to the right position, seat the bead and be on your merry way. :)

    Overall it was a marginal company ;), good weather (75 and no wind until up on top but that felt nice!) and a great little wheeling challenge. Being that we didn't know where the hell we were going since it was very last minute, I called Ebradda and he was cool enough to email me directions to my Droid - the same Droid that took all of these pictures and video.

    Traveling Up the 5 to Frazier Park Exit
    At this point we are aimlessly wondering as we don't know if we missed our exit!
    [​IMG]

    On the Trial Not Knowing If It's the Right One - This wasn't it
    [​IMG]

    May the Hills Begin...
    [​IMG]

    We found the Lockwood Creek Trail!
    [​IMG]

    Still Very Burned out on This Part of the Trail!
    [​IMG]

    Another Part of that Trail We Weren't Looking For
    [​IMG]

    That's what we like to see!
    [​IMG]

    And even better - Miller Jeep Trail!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfSOU2MlTy8

    Just if I could shake this guy from my ass!
    [​IMG]

    Good thing I washed it the night before...
    [​IMG]

    End of the Lockwood Trail
    [​IMG]

    Riding the ridge
    [​IMG]

    Another view of the Burn
    [​IMG]

    And more
    [​IMG]

    Mario Testing his Diff Breather Mod...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPAB8R0xqE8

    [​IMG]

    Rocky Road...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w88XkoRXF8I

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    My Denny License Plate Holder
    [​IMG]

    Might be a good place to camp... good firewood supply!
    [​IMG]

    A view from the top
    [​IMG]

    A view from the bottom
    [​IMG]

    Trip in to the back side of Hungry Valley OHV in Gorman
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym2Zmmt-otc

    Hmmm... allows firearms, fires and camping - sounds like my kind of place!
    [​IMG]

    Custom and Original
    [​IMG]

    Mario? Where is that picture of you behind the sushi bar! He knows a great place we hit up for all you can eat sushi!!! Plus he's a regular celebrity and we get the red carpet treatment! :)

    All-in-all - great trip and found the limits to ATRAC system.
     
  2. Jun 14, 2010 at 4:49 PM
    #2
    DDD

    DDD Shine bright like a hymen

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    I have wanted to try this trail. I went there a few months ago and it was closed.

    What type of ground clearance is required? Can a stock 4x4 make it? 3 inch lift without armor? 3 inch lift with sliders & off-road bumpers? Can someone without ATRAC and without lockers make it?
     
  3. Jun 14, 2010 at 4:55 PM
    #3
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    Nice pics Paul. I too have been wanted to try that trail? Can I make it? I almost tried last time I was at HV. Looks fun.
     
  4. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:05 PM
    #4
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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  5. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:15 PM
    #5
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    Properly placed wheels could get you through - Although I would really suggest that if you have a truck that has ATRAC, sliders and skids are very inexpensive insurance for taking a new rig off road.

    Back to your question... Yes, many stock guys that I know have done it.

    Stock - Yes but it may be a gamble!

    3" w/o Armor - Yes, but I wouldn't do it - may have some carnage depending upon your skill level and your luck!

    3" with Sliders - Yes and they will be used!

    Without ATRAC - You could almost always find a line and hopefully someone is ahead of you (to give you a tug) on 1 or 2 spots.

    Bottomline, if you are cautious (I sometimes have a hard time with that), take your time, have good wheel placement and use a spotter from time-to-time, you should be able to make it.

    I hate to take this to the gutter but... consider this trail a whore house and armor as a condom... just sayin' :)
     
  6. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:17 PM
    #6
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    Let's do it sometime - I be your puller! I know Manny may get jealous but I'm okay with that! :)
     
  7. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:18 PM
    #7
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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  8. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:19 PM
    #8
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    Ha. Manny? Who is that? I forgot abou him a long time ago.
     
  9. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:20 PM
    #9
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    This is a long trail but I think you'd like it and I would bet you might need a tug maybe 1 or 2 times max!
     
  10. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:23 PM
    #10
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    Sweet. I'm down. Don't forget about me next time. And are you almost ready for pilot rock?
     
  11. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:26 PM
    #11
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    Do you have time this week? I have a bunch of work but I am sure I'll need a break!
     
  12. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:30 PM
    #12
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    Let me see. I might have a day off. I'll check right now. But I may not know until the day before if I do. If I do work everyday I am normally done around 3. If your ok with an evening run we can do that. But let me check first to see if I got a day off.
     
  13. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:31 PM
    #13
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    I'm okay with a 3pm pilot rock run.
     
  14. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:32 PM
    #14
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    Ok. So who you wanna invite? Up to you.

    Any word on the goods?
     
  15. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:33 PM
    #15
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    I'm open! Who can get time off? - I think Manny's rig needs some trail stripes!
     
  16. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:35 PM
    #16
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    You can start a thread if you want. But I don't think it's smart to have 15 people.
     
  17. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:37 PM
    #17
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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    I would agree. I'll pm you.
     
  18. Jun 14, 2010 at 5:37 PM
    #18
    moto932

    moto932 What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? CHICKEN?

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    looks like a good time! sweet pics and vids
     
  19. Jun 14, 2010 at 6:00 PM
    #19
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy [OP] Ban Pending

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  20. Jun 14, 2010 at 6:08 PM
    #20
    nelson18matt

    nelson18matt Well-Known Member

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    i'd like to check this out too. i go back to lockwood valley alot. i'll ride shotgun w/ somebody or try to make it in my truck, only prob is i dont have good tow points right now...
     

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