At noon on Friday, we start with a brief seminar  There, we address airing down, using and being a spotter, driving techniques, field repair and recovery.   All drivers must attend.  We know that most of you are reasonably knowledgeable regarding these subjects, but we must "normalize" this information.  This may make the difference between clearing an obstacle and breaking an axle.  The line is sometimes less than the width of your hand.  Not making the line can and often does result in a serious "stuck" or major breakage. The leaders then inspect all vehicles followed by a "graduation" run up the first quarter mile of Jack Hammer to the escape route just short of the first waterfall.  At our discretion, we may also test you on this.

The leaders reserve the right to pass or fail any applicant, as do you to decline to participate in any trail, but qualification is mandatory.

For dinner on Friday, you're on your own, but we will discuss the next day and make a TV available to play the day's videos (bring your adapters).  This will also be "lesson" time.

Saturday morning (8:00 a.m. sharp - we wait for no one!!), it’s off to Sledgehammer for the challenge of a lifetime!  For those desiring, we’ll offer Aftershock.  We expect to finish about 4:00 p.m.

That evening, we'll have a pot luck dinner, play videos and recap the day.

We may offer a short run on Sunday morning, then pack up for the trip home with "tales to tell!"

REQUIREMENTS: Read this entire section carefully.  Our recommendations come from many, many successful and unsuccessful runs.  We want to see you participate, but what follows is based on experience and not intended to show any personal, vehicle or product preference.

GENERAL: You should know your rig and what spares it usually needs. Don't depend on others to have what you may break, but we will contribute to repairs!  Minimal tire rub on bodywork, adequate steering components, well maintained cooling system, good running motor, good clutch, no known automatic transmission problems, no excessive leaks, no faulty components, a metal top or roll bar and working seatbelts for all passengers are all required.

WHEELBASE: Short wheelbase only.  These trails are built and maintained by the Victor Valley Four Wheelers. This club consists of mostly jeepers and they built the trails for jeep-sized vehicles.  This includes: CJs, TJs, YJs, WJs, Samurais, FJ-40s, Defender 90s, Cherokees, 4Runners, short wheelbase Toyota and other pickups, etc., if set up correctly.  No full-size rigs period, don't ask.

Here are a few known problems with certain vehicles.  TJs and YJs with Dana 35s break rear axles unless equipped with a Super 35 kit.  All Jeeps with stock front axle shafts, should bring a spare for each side.

GEARING: For sticks, you must have extra low gearing beyond the stock axles and transfer case.  Automatics are OK with just low geared axles.

TIRES: 35" or larger tires in good condition are required, with 33s" OK on Samurais. The Goodyear MT/R is an excellent choice for these trails.  Your rig must be set up to run your chosen tire size.  If you were running 31s and go out and buy 35s for this seminar, you need to recheck your suspension for full extension travel and turn capability. 

SUSPENSION: You suspension must accommodate your tires, that is, your tires must be able to reach the full extent of both travel and turn with minimal rubbing.

LOCKERS: Hard lockers only.  Limited slips in either end are unacceptable.

STEERING: Good quality steering components.  We will inspect for damaged components that have been or are bent and need replacing.

WINCH: A winch is not required, but if you have one, it will be inspected.  There is nothing worse than rigging to use it and discovering it doesn't work, or you forgot the controller.  You will not be disqualified if you have a winch that does not work.

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS: Adopt a minimalist attitude to run these trails.  Seriously look at everything with a different eye as to it's necessity.  These are serious trails and the lighter your rig, the more nimble it is on the rocks.  Excess baggage is simply that, excess baggage, and best left at camp or home.  It's only a one day trip, so go through your rig and empty out all excess weight.  Remove your trail rack, carry the smallest possible ice chest, leave the gas cans at camp, store your brother's spare parts elsewhere and so on.  You will however, be required to have a working CB radio and carry a first aid kit, adequate water, trail food and other personal comfort items.  If you have allergies or react to bee stings, bring what you need to counteract these reactions.

It is highly recommended you remove your hard tops and doors.  They can and do get damaged and the heavy hard top will to contribute to rolls.  They can be left at camp.

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!

TRAIL RULES: By now, we must sound pretty tough, and we now get tougher.  This is all in the interest of safety and everyone having the best time possible with minimum delays and damage.

You will be expected to follow the leaders instructions.  No alcohol is allowed on the trail.  Save it for camp!  In California, vehicle related alcohol laws are enforced the same, on or off highway.

COYOTE'S NOTE: Blaine'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.  Here's Blaine. 

TRIP LEADER ~ Blaine Johnson:  Like most of you, I bought a jeep with the intention of going wheeling and testing both it's capabilities and mine.  Very quickly, I found myself and my rig in need of more levels of difficulty than what the San Bernardino, CA Mountains, Los Coyotes Indian Reservation and the venerable Rubicon had to offer.  Out of necessity and desire, I was thoroughly bitten by the modification bug, too.  If this sounds like something you can relate to, then it's time to take it to the next level.  We are talking the extreme, technical, axle snapping, tie rod bending, body damaging, ultimate test of man and machine: the Hammers and their endless rocks!