2nd Annual TW X-Mas Tree Run

UPDATE: 2016 Xmas Tree Run Cancelled.


Okay, well I guess it's time for me to make an announcement here.

Here's the deal...

The TW Xmas tree run for 2016 is cancelled.

I have been going to the MNF to cut Christmas trees with my family and friends for years. Two years ago I decided it'd be fun to expand it to TW. The first run we had 10 or so trucks, and it was a great time. Last year unfortunately it blew up. Over 30+ vehicles! Anyone who attended knows what a shit show it was, especially those of you who came on the first run, and know how smooth it CAN run.

I take full responsibility for last year's event being a joke. I should have known that it was too big a group to lead up there. I'm glad no one got hurt or trucks damaged. But here's the scoop. I WILL NOT lead another group of that size on that trail and nor should anyone else.

As I said before I have been coming to these mountains for years, since I was a little kid, camping, wheeling, riding dirt bikes, cutting Xmas trees, and harvesting firewood, and I owe it to the local families that do the same to NOT bring a massive group of trucks, many of which were unprepared for the elements, some of which were unwilling to abide by trail etiquette.

I just won't do it.

Please don't think that I came to this decision lightly, I have been thinking it over basically since we got home from last years trip. I have thought of limiting the group size, making a first come-first served list, a lottery, changing the venue, breaking up into smaller groups, etc etc etc.

My reasoning for canceling the trip on TW is this. It's popular, and many people want to go, too many to safely have on the trip. Therefore, if the trip were to happen, it'd have to be a limited group. And if there's one thing I hate it's excluding people. That's not my game. I feel like if something is on TW, a public forum, it should be available to everyone. I don't like the idea of the "cool kids" group, and I won't be a part of something like that.

I apologize to all of you who had planned to go on this run this year, and I wish there was a better, more viable option. But I truly feel that this type of run is not viable for the size of group that it attracts. At least not at that location. (1 truck width trail, snowed and iced over, on the edge of a cliff...)

That being said, it's a free country, and I can't stop anyone from going somewhere they want to go, but please take into account my reasoning for canceling the trip.

#1 safety
#2 respect for the locals
#3 preservation of the trail system

And lastly, the commitment to my own family and friends. As I have said before I've been doing this for years, and last year was the first time ever that I had to cut a tree in the dark. My 2y/o daughter didn't even get to help pick out the tree. That's not what this trip is about for me.

I know this will not be a popular decision, and again I apologize for allowing this trip to turn into such a disaster last year.

My advice to those of you who wanted to attend, look into a different trip, the run up to Uncle Tom's Cabin on the MET? Search out a location nearby you to cut trees, get a small group of friends together and make a run of your own somewhere.

I will continue to work on a way to make a fun and viable option, maybe a trail that is wider and more easily accessible for a big group, or maybe a huge group trip to the Xmas Tree farm in town followed by kegs of beer in the
Park!









What's UP NorCal TW HOMIES! Welcome to the official thread for the 2nd Annual NorCal TW Xmas tree run.

WHAT: Wheeling trip to Mendocino National Forest to go harvest Xmas trees, wheel a bit, bs, drink hot chocolate (or whatever your drink of choice is)

WHEN: Saturday Dec 5th.

WHERE: Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake District. Also known as Middlecreek and Penny Pines. Heading into Lake Pillsbury, Hull Mt trails.

DETAILS: A fun day trip for the whole fam. Head up to the MNF for some wheeling, some good ol fashioned bs, and some Clark Griswold inspired Xmas tree hunting! Xmas tree permits can be purchased at the Upper Lake Ranger district for $10. There's plenty of trees up there, some silver tip firs up top and overall it's just a good time to be had. Even better if there's some snow to mess around in.

Last year was a ton of fun! I've been getting lots of requests for this event to happen again, so I'm STOKED! The goal is to do a bit more off roading this year, and to score some better trees! Just remember to get your permits early!

Link to MNF site:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mendocino/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=25154&actid=32
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/mendocino/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=FSBDEV3_004473&width=full

WHO:
1-FFDawson and the Fam.
2.-stroM and Mrs stroM.
3. Mademan925 and MrsMademan925
4. BudMan +the fam
5. JAndyMendo
7. TeeArrrrrrrrghDee
8. Gply
9. Dylansbase
10. Rsxftw
11. Tac0maSteve
12. EDDO + the fam
13. SIZZLE + the fam
14. Jlee + the fam
15. Elevated+ the fam
16. Tacomgee
17. PattyP
18. LTDSC & the Midget
19. Nirvana
20. Fernando
21. Pcyc
22. CalTacoma09
23. Ya.bro.90
24. Rob1208
25. Jay quin
26. Snowhite
27. Kalieaire
28. Basikbiker
29. Sawjai526
30. Yeerunner + kids
31. LandBruiser
32. Raceline08+ fam+ friend
33. .45JHP
34. daPitbull
MEET-UP INFO:

Santa Rosa meeting place (for anyone coming up 101 from Bay Area or Sonoma county folks)
Badass Coffee
90 Mark W Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

0800 meetup. Turning wheels at 0820

It's worth noting that the badass coffee parking lot will in no way handle our 30+ rigs. But I'm not changing it last minute. Get there early. Or park across the street at the gas station.

Update:
Meeting location for Sac folks.
Safeway at I-5 and Del Paso Rd. in Natomas. 0830 meet up. Wheels turning by 0845

Update:
############
EAST BAY Caravan
----------------------
Meet Up Time: 6:30AM
Roll Out Time: ~6:45AM
Location:
Starbucks
1211 E Embarcadero Cove
Oakland, CA 94606

Update: New Meeting Location in Upper Lake:
We will be meeting at the Upper Lake Chevron gas station at the corner of Hwy 20 and Hwy 29. It's huge, with a big rv car wash and parking lot next to it. Can't miss it. Biggest thing in all of Upper Lake. Great spot to refuel and hit the restrooms. If you are coming from east hwy 20 drive through the town of Upper Lake to get here.

1100 meetup. Turning wheels at 11:20


Coms:

• CB Channel 16
• HAM 2M 146.520mhz Simplex

Changes from last year:
We will be meeting at the Chevron in Upper Lake hwy20/29 instead of Middlecreek Campground. Also heading straight over the M1 to Lake Pillsbury. We will be heading up the trails from the Pillsbury valley floor, reaching the lookout on top of Hull Mt. From there we will be hunting trees and goofing off etc. We will not be stopping at the Deer Valley campground like we did last year. We're in search of better trees! And some wheeling. Hopefully the trails aren't all trashed by the jeep guys...


Also!! Not looking to spend a ton of time waiting around, so we are going to be prompt with the meeting/ leaving times. If you are running behind, call or text someone you know, or post here in the thread. I'll be checking it. And no big deal if you miss the meeting spots, you will probably catch us on the road! Just look for the giant train of Yotas!

And for those of you who are coming west over hwy 20, let me know.






HEY!! IMPORTANT!!
In order to cut down a Xmas tree you will need a permit! the ranger station office is only open M-F. You will need to print and download this form, or stop by a ranger station prior to dec. 5th.


Double update: if you haven't purchased a permit yet Hi-Way Grocery in Upper Lake sells them for the ranger district. They are open at 8am on Saturday morning.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5439470.pdf

 

Link to last years thread...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-annual-nor-cal-xmas-tree-run.351744/

 

I might be down for this if I can convince the wife to camp in the snow.

 

I haz no truck, if it ends up being on a Sunday, Sara and I may be down to roll with someone who has enough room for the two of us!

 

Sub'd

 

We're in for sure (Wifey & I). Down to camp so my vote goes to December 5th. And before anyone gives me sh*t... Ill have LT and Mud Terrains this year.. So suck it

And to add to what @ffdawson said... You definitely need a tree permit. Get them in the mail early. There were more forest services folks than I have ever seen up there last year and they will cite you if you don't have a permit. One of the guys with us last year got pulled over because his permit wasn't visible. Plus $10 is probably the cheapest tree you'll ever buy!

 

Make sure to vote for Sunday then! I will be selecting the day based on votes. I have a holiday party Friday night, so I'm leaning towards Sunday myself, but I'll let the people decide.

And I'm sure we can find a spot for you two somewhere, If not, we'll take the Cruiser and you can drive my Tacoma!

 

Im in... either day. and ill camp too if others do.

 

@Tac0maSteve

 

In for either Sat or Sun! Can't wait... Thanks for putting this together Anthony!

 

Any rig requirements? Is my truck capable enough?

 

Last years vid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVCtm01w4Dg&feature=youtu.be

 

Not bringing your wife's jeep?

 

Yeah. maybe all play it safe and bring the jeep. Its probably more capable.

 

I'm in! And will camp, so either day even though I said saturday in the poll.

 

subd

 

Subd. Does this mean you cant go?

 

I gotta see wassup with our tree situation. Might be all bad with our 2 new dogs. One will probably eat the pines, the other will probably piss on it. If it was just my dog then it would be cool, but the other 2 might be an issue.

 

But really, are the trails intense or is it pretty mild?

 

I'd be down to do some camping if others are interested as well.