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TRIP
LEADER: Blaine Johnson and
Harry Lewellyn
 WHAT:
This weekend is devoted to taking 4WD to the final level.
There are few trails in the USA, if not the world, with as
much notoriety as the Johnson Valley, CA Hammers. They are the
ultimate test of man and machine, and create an incomparable
sense of exhilaration and achievement. This extremely
technical, black diamond skills seminar offers a supervised
opportunity to experience the Hammers with knowledgeable,
understanding guides. The intent of this seminar is to
improve your skills and generate increased interest in the art
of using 4WD off-highway.
 We
cannot overstress the difficulty of these level 5 trails, so
we will screen all applicants and 4Xs. This is required
for both safety and efficient trail movement. DETAILS
 You
must pass both a vehicle inspection and driving test to
participate. If you do not pass, or choose not to
participate in running Sledgehammer, you are still eligible to
run Aftershock or ride along with someone else (seat
availability unknown?). We understand your pride and
sensitivity about your rig, so vehicle inspection and your
Sledgehammer qualification will be performed privately.
You choose how you report the results to the group.
Also, you are expected to abide by our trail rules.
Our
base camp is only about 10 minutes off the highway and
accessible to most motor homes and trailers. Tent
camping is an option, too. Camp is just minutes from the
Hammers. Detail of all sorts are provided in the first
mailing, which is mailed after you make a deposit.
 REQUIREMENTS:
Our recommendations come from many, many successful and
unsuccessful runs. We want to see you participate, but
what's in the details is based on experience and not
intended to show any personal, vehicle or product
preference. DETAILS
RECOVERY:
Our primary commitment is to get you (not necessarily your 4X)
out to where you can get professional help. Now, on the
plus side, we have never left a vehicle stranded for more than
a day and have recovered some incredible field failures and
driver errors! DETAILS
COYOTE'S NOTE: Blaine Johnson's first Coyote 4WD adventure was the
Hot Springs Mountain trip in 1996 with a 1995 Rodeo. He
was so discouraged struggling to follow the jeep ahead, he
vowed to get one. In 1999, he got his first and in 2001,
his wife, Kathryn, insisted on having her own. They now
have two and are eternal "Jeep Buddies" (see page 11
of the 2001/2002
Bonus Issue newsletter).
I
selected Blaine to lead this trip because of his extensive,
conservative experience. He has made over 40 Hammer
runs, and the first 35 were without breaking his jeep.
That skill, along with his incredible repair resourcefulness
should speak for itself. DETAILS
Tour Area
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BACKCOUNTRY CLASS
SUMMARY
