Monthly So Cal Off-Road Run

yes you do. a tech license is easy to get and cheap.
2m and 70 cm is plenty for trail riding.

 

So I recently just purchased my first "book" in years and it was the best decision ever haha.

Had no idea this existed until I saw a comment from another TW member. It's a bit outdated "2002" but still has a lot of useful information on 150+ trails here in SoCal (Central Mountains, South Coast, Desert Regions) it even includes all the GPS coordinates etc.

I put the most common trail on here as reference (Cleghorn)

I've been riding the trails solo since I've moved back to SoCal but always down to meet new ppls!

 

I currently use a cab mounted CB Radio, but want to move to Ham at least as secondary. Can you get a tech license online or do you still have to go in person? Seems like a hassle with stuff still being shut down right now.

 

as far as I know you have to test in person.
the thing is though there are tests all over the place.
check here for a testing location.
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

with those BF radios, you can contact the entire country using repeaters, 4ish miles LOS.

 

A few places have started doing online proctored tests.
You will need a webcam.

https://hamradioprep.com/ham-radio-license-test-online/

 

Thanks oni06. I bought a baofoeng did lots of research, signed up for some online training and then COVID hit. I've been checking now and then for the online training to become available. Time to study and take the test.

 

I just use a simple two way Motorola hand held on my last run, worked perfectly fine

 

I used to have a pair of Garmin Rhino. Great for comm and finding the other guy.

 

sikTacos - I just bought one off eBay. Thanks. I like the idea of a simplified book/map to work in conjunction with GPS.

I'm wondering if my buddy's 2WD Silverado with locking differential can handle Cleghorn? He has a lot of driving experience, mostly desert.

 

I just did cleghorn and he might have a little bit of a tough time even just staying on the fire roads... but if he’s not by himself I think he’ll be fine

 

I did Oriflamme/Chariot Canyon this weekend. Fun trail! A little more difficult than I thought but a nice 1.5 hour journey from Anza Borrego to Banner. My transfer case skid took a massive hit and actually ended up loosening the bolts on one side! That’s why you always carry tools.

The trail is starts off winding through the desert then up through a beautiful canyon on a shelf road that’s fairly rocky with a few technical parts and a lot of leaning at times. Overall nice day out but it was hot around 100 degrees! Saw a first gen out there too and said hi. I would definitely recommend 4 lo for this trail.

 

Anybody doing anything this weekend?

 

Been looking for a new mount spot for my CB aunt.
After I got my ladder rack sanded and powdered I don't want to put back. I used a pipe clamp and one of my bed cleats for the moment.

 

I’m a no go for a few weekends but once I’m back in town I’ll definitely be looking to hit some trails

 

Definitely been a little quiet in here for trail runs! Haha

 

Summer is time for serious trips, no time to babysit the kooks

 

Compared to last summer, it has been quiet here. Im thinking of heading to Cleghorn since its one of the few thats open.
@eon_blue

 

I need to get my driveshaft fixed. I need dirt badly.

 

when r u planning on going? If you don’t mind people tagging along?