Goinig to run Mojave Road: Any words of wisdom?

After nearly a decade of dreaming, I'm finally going to run the Mojave Road. I'm tagging along with the 4x4 Freelanders, a So Cal group a friend introduced me to (www.4x4freelanders.org). Great guys, very cool, and very patient.

Does anybody have any words of wisdom, lessons learned, tips, or must-see suggestions?

I'll post pics when I get home.

 

Don't hit your rear bumper.



Have fun out there! Be safe! Be careful!

 

I don't know the area, but is this your first time wheeling? You should hear the gospel:

1. Don't do anything you aren't comfortable with or don't think that's safe.
2. Set your own pace. Going slow is what it's all about. A good club won't care if you take all day.
3. If there is anything wrong, something you aren't comfortable with, or something you need help with, stop. Just stop. It's easier to get spotted THROUGH a mess than IN a mess.


You'd be amazed at what you can accomplish safely with these rules alone.

 

Preach it brother---
Praise, Praise
I'm a believer!

Thats the real gospel.

 

Three days, 150 miles of trails, and a hell of a lot of fun! Here are some pics!

Starting off just west of the Colorado River


Our first stop: the ruins of Ft. Piute


On the backside of Piute Canyon


Apparently, a short wheel base is preferred for this trail


Rock Springs


Stopping to log our names in the book




Visiting the Lava Tubes


Definitely pretty country


Crossing Soda Dry Lake


Crossing the dunes... don't stop!


Stopping for a quick break


And crossing the Mojave River

 

Wow that looks amazing!

 

nice!

 

great shots...

we have a trip through there on 4/16 weekend...

we do that trip twice a year since 2008 now...

its becoming one of our bi annual fave runs...

 

Looks amazing! Just an easy trail run then I see? I definitely have to do this one day.

 

ahem...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/southern-california/79010-barstow-stateline-2010-a.html

yah, i just called you out Derek...

 

I don't have the money to do it this time, but since you do it twice a year I'll definitely be at the next one!!

 

im holding you to that, D...

 

Yeah, this is a pretty easy run. From what I understand, the route we took is really intended as an SUV trail. There were a few moderate sections (wash outs), loose sand, and some seriously deep ruts crossing Soda Dry Lake (seriously, my front skid was skating along the soil). But my stock 4x4 did absolutely fine.

 

Great pics. Where are those lava tubes?

 

http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/MOJA/Lava_Tube/_Lava_Tube.htm

 

Thank you for sharing your photos. In the image above, my imagination tells me that it looks like you're all moving away from an atomic detonation.

I love the Mojave.