Calzona Overland Expedition 2011

[adventureduo]

From the Desert to the Sea

This trip has been in my head for 2 years now and im finally getting around to doing it. We are doing an overland trip next year where we will start from the Southern border of Arizona/Mexico below Ajo and end in Pismo Beach California via dirt.

This southwest journey will combine many overland routes/trails linked together such as:

East to West

El Camino Del Diablo
Picacho Rd./Indian Pass
Bradshaw Overland Route
Joshua Tree
Old Dale Rd.
Mojave Road
Calico/Yermo Area
High Desert Barstow
Black Mtn Wilderness
Carrizo Plains
Pozo Rd.
Hi-Mountain Rd.
Oceano Dunes
Pismo

Ends on the sand at the Pacific Ocean.

The route is just over 1,000 miles and will take 20+ days. We will be doing a donation setup for each mile going to a well known foundation / organization announced at a later date. We won't be blazing through each section but rather taking our time, documenting with still photos and video. We plan on making a DVD upon completion of the trek.

Right now we are in the early stages of planning this trip, but i figured i'd start in on announcing it and get the ball rolling. I'll have more details later as to a timeline, when we'll be doing it and whom will be joining us.

Companies/Sponsors involved in our trip thus far:


Yotamasters
Northwest Overland
Trasharoo
California Tape Products
Badlands4x4 Training
Sierra Expeditions
HeiserOil
AJIK Overland Exchange
Fox Shocks
Cruiserheads.com
Daystar
Viking Overland
So-Cal Teardrops
Northwest Overland
Hannibal USA
Maxtrax
Overland Gourmet
Expedition Ops
Kilby Off Road
V.I.O. POV HD Cameras
COOPER Tire
Expeditioneers


In the coming weeks i'll get www.calzonaexpedition.com up and running as well. I will also edit this post whenever i get a chance regarding updates.

The hardest part is getting away from our business for that many consecutive days. But if all goes well, should be a blast. :26_7_2:

[KSJeep]

Sounds like it'll be a great trip.

[JChatary]

I'm looking forward to the whole event. The trip, the DVD, everything. I also managed to get the green light from a musician named Paul Speer to use music from a CD he made with the drummer of the multi-platinum rock band Queensrÿche. It's a very melodic and upbeat CD (nothing to mellow and nothing too rock-heavy) and one we've found to be very appropriate for this type of expedition. Once the DVD is on post-production, Paul will issue me license for whatever song we want to use from the disc! :wings: :victory:

[Mr. Leary]

Go get 'em, Adventureduo! :wings:

[TACODOC]

:lurk:

[1leglance]

Sounds like a great adventure...
Very interested to hear WHEN you plan on going as that could make it even more interesting with spring rain or fall monsoons.

[JChatary]

I'm looking forward to the whole event. The trip, the DVD, everything. I also managed to get the green light from a musician named Paul Speer to use music from a CD he made with the drummer of the multi-platinum rock band Queensrÿche. It's a very melodic and upbeat CD (nothing to mellow and nothing too rock-heavy) and one we've found to be very appropriate for this type of expedition. Once the DVD is on post-production, Paul will issue me license for whatever song we want to use from the disc! :wings: :victory:

If anyone is interested in hearing the CD (I highly recommend it) it's Hells Canyon by Rockenfield/Speer - samples are available for preview on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Hells-Canyon-Scott-Rockenfield/dp/B00004Z006/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1282947410&sr=1-1

[weezerbot]

Rock on, should be fun!

[adventureduo]

We have unfortunately had to cancel this trip for 2011 as of now. Hoping to reschedule for 2012 or 13. I have just become too busy to leave our company for such a consecutive number of days and there's no way im going rush it. My idea is "Do it right, or don't do it at all" I want to film it and make a small documentary on the overland routes. It's also a good thing that we're too busy to shove off. Either way im not complaining. Our regular monthly trips will still continue.

Anyhow, thanks for watching and big thanks to Adventure Trailers, Northwest Overland (MHiscox), HeiserOil, Yotamasters and Sierra Expeditions for standing behind us while we worked on it. We'll let everyone know when this happens in the future. I know whenever we accomplish it, it will still be an amazing adventure.

[adventureduo]

Ok, this is back on track.. but a much tighter schedule. Looks like we'll be running it in 10 days due to our work schedule. Most likely December 23rd through the New Year. We'll be able to run the busiest part of the year for Trasharoo (gift giving) and see that our other companies get the attention too before we shove off. We'll also be towing our SoCal Teardrop now instead of the Horizon we had. Looking forward to this trip as like i said earlier, its been in my head for a long time. With the time constraints i don't think we'll be making a full fledged DVD as we won't has as much time as we'd liked. But there will be a trip report with video shots along the way. Also, instead of creating a website specifically for it, we'll just run it on our adventureduo site instead. Word is still out on donating per mile for a cause.

I'll update this thread as i know more.

[weezerbot]

Glad to hear its still on track, in one way or another! :smiley_drive:

[cbradley]

Sounds like a incredible trip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BigJimCruising]

Hi Dave and Yoshi! I'm subscribing just in case everything in my life goes well and I can make this trip! lol! It sounds like it sure would be fun!

Jim.

[cbradley]

Maybe I'll have to call in sick for 10 days :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[adventureduo]

We'd love to have company and understand it's hard to get away from family on Christmas. We're fortunate that our families understand that we only get so much time off and we usually either miss Thanksgiving or Christmas. Now, if we missed both we'd be in big TROUBLE :D

We want to keep the vehicle count low as it will take a month to run this with too many rigs.. but that being said If anyone wants to share legs of the trip let us know. Specifically it would be great if someone wanted to join us for the El Camino Del Diablo portion of Christmas weekend.

[adventureduo]

So the preparation has started.

On the truck we'll be obviously doing our normal maintenance as well as changing out all heating and radiator hoses along with a flush. We just did the head cover gasket, rebuilt the power steering pump with all new lines and replaced the dizzy o-ring on our truck as well. Small lines have been replaced for vacuum and smog (while we were there). Along with this we're doing the heater by pass kit by AJIK overland exchange.

Along with normal maintenance items, full tranny fluid change, t-case change and the motor oil change all going to happen with the help of HeiserOil. Amsoil like always.

Toyotamasters will go ahead and check every big nut and bolt on the truck when they get it as well as grease all zerks on the driveline. We might even do a diff fluid change while its there.

We also installed a new Landtank Blue fan clutch from AJIK overland exchange. Although this trip takes place in the winter, it's nice to not have to worry later in the year when summer arrives.

The trailer bearings were just serviced by So-Cal Teardrops and repacked/tightened to spec as well. They also added under floor storage for us so we can carry even more gear than we already have (winter clothing and such) and Hannibal USA added an awning with changing room enclosure for those nights or days on the trail where we may encounter some rain storms.

Also along for a swap was the Lock N Roll coupler hitch. Chris at Kilby was kind enough to send us out the newest and strongest version of his famous Max Coupler for use on the trip. Our lock N roll was getting pretty ragged as it was at least 5 years old and had seen plenty of use.

Permits are coming along for El Camino Del Diablo. I prefer to get mine early and have them mailed to us so as we don't have to worry once we arrive at stopping, nor missing the time they close and waste a day.

We'll be pre-running a section first or second week in November from the end of Mojave Rd.. near Afton Cyn to the Grape Vine (Interstate 5). This is one of the congested areas and we need to make sure there's a designated route set in stone for this stage. We'll be pre-running it with 2 dual sports and i'll follow with our 80 series and no trailer. The pre-run will be approx 200 miles off road and we'll do it in two days.

We still need to order some CF cards, SD cards and a GoPro or two. Along with the mounts for the cameras.

All in all, everything is going well for departure come December 23rd. Looks like there should be a 2) 80 series w/overland type trailers and one 100 series with us for the entire trip. Others will drop in and drop out.

Thanks for reading guys and we look forward to sharing this journey with you guys come December!


To follow us with faster updates visit our facebook page at : www.facebook.com/adventureduo

[92BurbanAZ]

sounds like an awesome trip id love to do something like this

[clcoyle]

Looking forward to following your Expedition.

[adventureduo]

Saturday we leave to Pre-Run the last leg of the trip. It will be leg 4 from Mojave Road/Afton Cyn to the I-5 Grapevine/Tejon Pass.

Here's a screen shot of the proposed route.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3843/calzonabarstowsection4.jpg

[adventureduo]

Well, yesterday's leg was a huge success. Except for the few little 'work-arounds' we had to make, the route was 99% good. Also, out of 180 miles, we drove only about 1/2 mile of that on pavement. The route took all day to cover with a few under hood burrito stops here and there. We ran the last quarter of it in the dark which proved to be a small challenge when the trails started to disappear because no one had driven over the section in 30+ years. That and our 5 year old mapping showed roads that were easily traveled now covered by windmill farms. It was epic.

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/5251/barstowleg2.jpg

Here's the SPOT tracking.. http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0uugCalqZ8HJVKYD3kOT1cN7SKQPCRO J9

The SPOT delayed transmitting at the first section from Afton Cyn but you get the idea.

Amongst the great scenery we ran through and the remote areas, we also came with feet of China Lake, found a Memorial, an airplane hull, the top secret vehicle test track and much more! It's going to be a great trip in December!

I will post photos tomorrow.

[adventureduo]

Photos of this pre-run are located here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2587541608479.142198.1252714261&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.1867323461645.74579.1797826558&type=3

[ExpoMike]

I could definitely be interested in this trip, at least the first half of it.

You guys have room for another tag along?

[Smksignals]

Well, yesterday's leg was a huge success. Except for the few little 'work-arounds' we had to make, the route was 99% good. Also, out of 180 miles, we drove only about 1/2 mile of that on pavement. The route took all day to cover with a few under hood burrito stops here and there. We ran the last quarter of it in the dark which proved to be a small challenge when the trails started to disappear because no one had driven over the section in 30+ years. That and our 5 year old mapping showed roads that were easily traveled now covered by windmill farms. It was epic. Here's the SPOT tracking.. http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0uugCalqZ8HJVKYD3kOT1cN7SKQPCRO J9

The SPOT delayed transmitting at the first section from Afton Cyn but you get the idea.

Amongst the great scenery we ran through and the remote areas, we also came with feet of China Lake, found a Memorial, an airplane hull, the top secret vehicle test track and much more! It's going to be a great trip in December!

I will post photos tomorrow.

Dave, do you have a gpx file of this route? Thanks.

[adventureduo]

No .gpx file, but i have a .kml or .urs and you can use GPSbabel to convert it. I'll see if i can get it your way. It's on another computer.

EDIT: I can output a GPX from the SPOT... but its not too detailed since it only sends every 10 minutes, OR whenever it feels like it. :D

Mike, we'd love to have you.. im putting together a Calender of proposed areas as to where we think we might be. Toughest part is telling someone to meet up and then we aren't there yet, or we're already passed that point.

[Smksignals]

No .gpx file, but i have a .kml or .urs and you can use GPSbabel to convert it. I'll see if i can get it your way. It's on another computer.


That would be perfect !! Thank ya kindly !!

[ExpoMike]

Mike, we'd love to have you.. im putting together a Calender of proposed areas as to where we think we might be. Toughest part is telling someone to meet up and then we aren't there yet, or we're already passed that point.

Cool deal.

I am assuming you are driving over to the start of ECDD, unless you are planning to already be over in that area. If you are driving over, I likely would be able to drive over at the same time.

Let me know how plans develop and if need be, we can take things to email to plan.

[adventureduo]

Mike, i'll contact you back channel.

[adventureduo]

Since not everyone can get on Facebook or has an account... i'll post up some photos of the pre-run here.. http://community.webshots.com/album/581791414YLldmG?vhost=community

[1leglance]

great pics...
thanks for getting us posted on the progress.
I would also like to throw my hat in the ring for joining you on any of it, please let me know as soon as you have any sort of dates finalized...I see the info about starting on the 23rd..still the goal?

[nwoods]

Since not everyone can get on Facebook or has an account... i'll post up some photos of the pre-run here..

Thank you. I am not on FB

[BorregoWrangler]

Looking forward to seeing the trip schedule. I'll be hanging out around the Bradshaw Trail and Picacho towards the end of December.

[adventureduo]

TENTATIVE Dates and Locations: Subject to Change!

DECEMBER 22 - ANAHEIM TO AJO HOTEL
DECEMBER 23 - MEXICAN BORDER TO ECDD/TINAJAS ALTAS TANKS
DECEMBER 24 - ECDD TO PICACHO SRA 4-S CAMP
DECEMBER 25 - 4-S CAMP TO BRADSHAW WILEY WELL
DECEMBER 26 - BRADSHAW TO OLD DALE MINING DISTRICT
DECEMBER 27 - OLD DALE TO MOJAVE ROAD
DECEMBER 28 - MOJAVE ROAD TO MOJAVE ROAD
DECEMBER 29 - MOJAVE ROAD TO BLACK MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
DECEMBER 30 - BLACK MOUNTAIN WILDNERNESS TO CARRIZO PLAINS NM
DECEMBER 31 - CARRIZO PLAINS NM TO HI MOUNTAIN CAMP/POZO
JANUARY 1, 2012 - HI MOUNTAIN CAMP/POZO TO PISMO BEACH

[ExpoMike]

Cool route. I will likely be able to make the drive out on the 22nd and likely peal off on the 27th.

[adventureduo]

Awesome, we'll talk back channel soon.. about permits and hotel reservation. Juggling so many things right now.

[BorregoWrangler]

Looking good!

I'll be traveling the Bradshaw Trail to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona from the 23rd to the 26th in December. Looks like we might run into each other around Picacho.

[adventureduo]

Today, i finally finished mapping out the trip. It's taken months and im really tired of starring at maps now :D

The route is approx 1,000 miles and is about 95-98% dirt.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5600/calzonamapfinal.jpg

[ExpoMike]

That's awesome. I am excited about this trip but wow, 10 day, 1,000 miles, that's averaging 100 miles per day. That is definitely moving right along. :D

[1leglance]

I agree that you will be scooting right along.
I know on the Camino del Diablo I have talked with Border Patrol guys who run it in 1 day vs the 2.5 that I usually take.
Also some of the Mojave Trail can be motored on pretty quickly.
I am trying to tweak my work schedule to join you on as much as possible...might have to miss out on the first day and catch you at the end of the Camino.

[adventureduo]

Yes, unfortunately its all the time we've got. Averaging 100 miles a day isn't too bad. We ran 180 in one day last weekend. Although, originally i wanted to take 20+ to do it because that way we could enjoy the areas more. Maybe we'll consider this trip a pre-run for a later date where we can take longer and more rigs.

Looking forward to meeting up with you guys.

[Joaquin Suave]

I heard from Linda last night and told her that we would be more than happy to accommodate. Don't worry about us having a rowdy party or anything. We'll be doing the final prep for our month in Baja and prefer to stay home & quiet on "amatuer nights" like New Years eve & 4th July.

Oh and no problem about having other members of your team. I have PLENTY of room.

[adventureduo]

Joaquin, thank you so much for offering up your coast ranch for us to lay low and spend our final night. At this time, it looks like only one other couple joining us for that night, but you never know who might tag-along. We'll be in touch and again thank you!

[adventureduo]

Maintenance on the Landcruiser is finally getting close to the end.

All new OEM Toyota cooling system hoses have been replaced along with new clamps.

The rear heater has been deleted as to not have to worry about more to go wrong. In the process we've replaced all the hoses with AJIK Overland Exchange Green Stripe hose kits. This includes, removing the down pipe and using the work around kit instead for the PHH area.

While we were on the fire wall we replaced the heater control valve and all hoses are use the constant torque hose clamps.

The power steering pump was rebuilt last month and has started leaking already again. So its' going back in. At that time we'll also replace the stock alternator with a Mean Green alternator from Sierra Expeditions. We found that it would be nice to have more power for the big 24 volt 150 watt FyrLyts and our overhead Lightforce 170's.

Permits are in hand for ECDD, we just need to mail them off.

Almost ready to take-off. It's going to be quite the adventure :D

[Joaquin Suave]

It's going to be quite the adventure


Hopefully you guys can re-charge and rally for my birthday party down at the baja ranch. 411 Linda!

[ExpoMike]

Maintenance on the Landcruiser is finally getting close to the end.

All new OEM Toyota cooling system hoses have been replaced along with new clamps.

The rear heater has been deleted as to not have to worry about more to go wrong. In the process we've replaced all the hoses with AJIK Overland Exchange Green Stripe hose kits. This includes, removing the down pipe and using the work around kit instead for the PHH area.

While we were on the fire wall we replaced the heater control valve and all hoses are use the constant torque hose clamps.

The power steering pump was rebuilt last month and has started leaking already again. So its' going back in. At that time we'll also replace the stock alternator with a Mean Green alternator from Sierra Expeditions. We found that it would be nice to have more power for the big 24 volt 150 watt FyrLyts and our overhead Lightforce 170's.

Permits are in hand for ECDD, we just need to mail them off.

Almost ready to take-off. It's going to be quite the adventure :D

Cool deal. Sounds like the Cruiser is gettin' some lovin'. :D

As for ECDD permits, do I need to get mine or will the ones you are sending in cover the group?

[adventureduo]

Mike, i have an email to send you with everything... i'll PM you right now.

[adventureduo]

The huge CalZona wall map is finally complete in the shop. The red pushpins are for fuel (F1,F2 etc) and the yellow pushpins are campsites along the way (N1, N2 etc). Yellow route was our first consideration and black is final. Big thanks to Justin Majich for the maps that he kindly removed from two large books.
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5623/calzonawallmap.jpg

The longest stretch without fuel will be from F3 to F4 with nearly 400-500 miles of off highway travel.

[Natlightphoto]

Are you going to share the details of the route when you are done? That looks like an amazing adventure.

[nwoods]

Wow that's a long haul between Night 7 and Night 8!

[ExpoMike]

If you make a slight detour at Baker or even at Razor Road (There is a Shell there IIRC), you could split your F3-F4 gas stops in the middle.

Can't wait for this trip!!!!

[adventureduo]

Nathan, yeah that route is somewhat long, but we should arrive to camp before dark. Just barely. If not, its ok too.. no rules. And if need be, we can always camp another night before crossing over the I-5.

Yeah, i know exactly where that Shell is Mike... but i prefer not to deviate. Stick to the dirt :D The good thing is, yes there's plenty of places if you 'had too" you could bail off for emergencies, fuel or what have you. I like to make it as much as an adventure as possible. Shoot, you should of heard me talking a few months ago, about running this entire trip without re-stocking or re-fueling and carrying everything we need for one straight shot. That would have been cool.

Originally i wanted to set a leg aside for an all night run. Just to mix things up. This still may happen.

Natlightphoto, yes i'll post up tracks and files when we complete the journey and post up the report. Also, look for a trip report here on Expo and a post for our adventure in process.

[xpdishn]

Dave,
Great, great run planned. Amazing how much pre planning is required for something like this. The run is the icing on the cake. Enjoy.

How many signed up for the ECDD portion? Have always wanted to do it and if you're not full and want more company, I would like to tentatively throw in my sombero.

Will totally understand if you're full up.

Gary

[ExpoMike]

Thought I would "fix" the map. :ylsmoke:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=76382&d=1322002731

[adventureduo]

Mike, you're attachment isn't showing up for some reason and if i click on it.. it doesn't load and says i don't have permission to view?

Gary, yes, plenty of planning.. but im kind of like that usually anyhow.

You're more than welcome to join us, email me back channel and i'll get you the permit & hotel info.

[clcoyle]

Sounds like a great trip, wished we were able tag along. Really looking forward to reading the report and seeing all the photos. Not a better way to spend the Christmas holiday.

[adventureduo]

Little update..

Well, now that Toys 4 Tots is over we can spend time prepping for the final days before departure. With only 10 days left we'll have plenty of "doing".

SD cards were ordered today.

Some new NATO cans will arrive tomorrow for extra fuel.

The Mean Green alternator hopefully came in today at Sierra Expeditions. That means we'll get the truck off to Yotamasters finally to get it buttoned up and its last check come end of week.

Then we'll take a week packing to where we don't rush nor forget anything.

Last but not least, V.I.O. sponsored us and sent out their super mil-spec HD camera for use. We're excited to capture footage with it.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3246/img4385u.jpg

Getting closer!

[ExpoMike]

I know that "last minute rush" to get things done. Wish I had a garage that I could put the rig into, to do work at night. Dark, cold and wet doesn't motivate to get things done in the evenings.

[suntinez]

Can't believe you're still moving after all the work on T4T! I know you've been planning this one for a long time, all the best friend :)

[targa88]

I know that "last minute rush" to get things done. Wish I had a garage that I could put the rig into, to do work at night. Dark, cold and wet doesn't motivate to get things done in the evenings.

You should try adding "snow" to the equation.....watching weather conditions....

[adventureduo]

Can't believe you're still moving after all the work on T4T! I know you've been planning this one for a long time, all the best friend :)

Don't i know it. Full blast up till we leave as usual.

I can't believe all the support that has come forward for this trip. A last minute surprise this morning, we just heard that COOPER Tire is sending us tires to use for the trip. Absolutely a fantastic sponsor and we'll be running their Discoverer ST/Maxx's! They're E Loaded and come in the perfect size for our rig. We can't wait to test them out in the years to come.

http://www.chevysilverado1500.com/images/cooper-discoverer-st-maxx.jpg

[mhiscox]

A last minute surprise this morning, we just heard that COOPER Tire is sending us tires to use for the trip. Absolutely a fantastic sponsor and we'll be running their Discoverer ST/Maxx's! They're E Loaded and come in the perfect size for our rig. We can't wait to test them out in the years to come.
So if you put your Hankook DynaPros up for sale, count on me to write about how great I thought they were on your 80 when I had it, and that's what got me to put them on the Tacoma. Here's hoping the Coopers are even sweeter. Good luck getting everything ready to go.

[adventureduo]

Thanks Mike, and you're absolutely correct with the Hankooks. They were great tires and never let us down. However, they've been on the truck since 2007 so they're getting up there in age and having some fresh rubber will be nice. We're excited for the new E rated, 10 ply Coopers. I'll have complete feedback when we return.

[Jeff Wanamog]

Just wanted to subscribe. :lurk:
Jeff

[adventureduo]

Thank you Jeff, much appreciated. We'll be posting live updates hopefully via tapatalk along the way. We depart in 5 days! Can't wait!

[teotwaki]

subscribing :lurk:

[ExpoMike]

Well, the rig is basically as ready as it's going to get. Need to buy food, load up that and clothes and I'm ready to hit the road!

Even though I am only doing the first half of the trip, it should be epic. :)

[poriggity]

Ready to watch! Dave.. Get with me if you need spare fluids.. I am thinking you probably have enough, but if not, lemme know.
Scott

[adventureduo]

Thanks Scott, plenty of spare fluids.. but if we need you we know where you live :D

Thanks for following along Jim.

Mike, glad you're ready. We're still swapping tires around, installing the alternator, filling propane, fuel and water tanks and getting food stuff ready. I've been prepping with plenty of time.. but for some reason we're still running down to the wire!

Excited to get out of here and drive!

[poriggity]

Figured as much brother. You know I can get you taken care of if you need it ;) Have a BLAST on the trip bro! PICS please!

[ExpoMike]

Yeah, I can relate. There were a couple other things I had wanted to have done but no quick, easy and cheap ways of doing them so I just dropped them from the list.

[suntinez]

Figured as much brother. You know I can get you taken care of if you need it ;) Have a BLAST on the trip bro! PICS please!

Ha! You just made me laugh. Did you really ask Dave to take pics? This is a man who will drive hours out of his way to get the pic! :D

Have a ball Duo! Oh the stories ...

[poriggity]

I know Linda, I never have to ask Dave to take pics! Hahaha

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

[ExpoMike]

Well, about 15 minutes of loading left for the morning and then time to hit the road. See ya guys tomorrow afternoon!

[xpdishn]

Yep, all packed, fueled and ready for the morn. See you Ajo.

[JChatary]

Have a safe trip everyone! Dave it was good seeing you last night and hearing how amped up you are about finally hitting the road! Hope all of you have a very safe, but very fun trip...and bring back tons of pics & video! I'll be here daydreaming about being out on the trail with you guys!

[Lead Dog]

Going to keep an eye on this trip! :ylsmoke:

[Mauka2Makai]

Subscribed. I will live vicariously through this trip. Be safe out there Adventure Duo.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

:lurk: Subscribed...good luck on what should be a fantastic trip!

[womacje]

Where's the first pic of all the rigs lined up and ready to start out of Yuma???

Live the dream for us!

[mhiscox]

Where's the first pic of all the rigs lined up and ready to start out of Yuma???
I've seen where they are from the SPOT fixes and I'm guessing they've got way more pictures than available bandwidth to send them out. I'll be surprised if we don't have to wait until they're back to get much of a report. :(

[racemedic]

I've seen where they are from the SPOT fixes and I'm guessing they've got way more pictures than available bandwidth to send them out. I'll be surprised if we don't have to wait until they're back to get much of a report. :(

I followed the SPOT link from their web page and I get feed not found :(

[ExpoMike]

Well, I just got back from doing 3 of the legs of the 10 this trip is taking. First off, these first three day were epic! Weather was perfect, if cold at night. The people on the trip (though one had to leave the morning we were setting out due to his wife being very sick) were great to hang out with and the route was awesome and covered many areas I have never been before. I will post up my trip report in the next day or two as I recover. As it was, I had to leave a day early due to my bad knee swelling with fluid and being painful. My plan was to only do the first 4.5 legs of the trip.

Cell service was nil for much of the last 3 days and with the amount of driving (about 100 miles per day), Dave hasn't been trying to post much up.

For those who need a fix right now, here's a link to my gallery for this trip. I'll put pics in my trip post when I write that. Enjoy!

http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/calzona

[mhiscox]

For those who need a fix right now, here's a link to my gallery for this trip. I'll put pics in my trip post when I write that. Enjoy!

http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/calzona
THANK YOU!! I very much appreciated the pictures. Thanks for going to the effort. Hope all becomes well soon.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Looks like a great start. The window of good weather seems to be holding right on through the weekend. Thanks for the sneak preview. :sombrero:

[Lead Dog]

I've been on that trail that drops down to the Colorado River ...Pretty neat beach for sure! great pics thanx for sharing!

[poriggity]

Great pics Mike!! Good stuff so far! Wishing for a safe trip for all my buddies out there!

[Borrego60]

Hey guys great pictures so far, If I was not back to work and still rehabbing from my hip I'd be there for a few days. Have a save trip and may God Speed.

[pismo62]

Hey Dave, what a surprise running into you at Soda Lake. When I heard you on 146.460 I was thinking it was a portal member. We finished up the Mojave Rd. on sat. and had a great time. 5 vehicles, 5 Dads, and 12 Kids, nothing like getting the kids out and training them for the future. Good Luck on the Quest--looks like your almost there. Guy

[adventureduo]

Hey everyone, we made it through safe and sound! Just two minor hiccups with proper backups and replacement parts we were back up and running. Sorry, we haven't had more updates to the thread as we traveled but limited cell coverage and long mileage driving days kept us off the computer. We did however update our facebook page along the way as we had time.

Look for our full report and DVD in the coming weeks/months!

[racemedic]

Good to see you all made it home safe. I passed you guys as you were heading out on the 60 between Moreno Valley and Banning, I was on my way to our Riverside shop for a meeting and had thoughts of camping and exploring trails for the rest of the day...thanks:sombrero:

[suntinez]

Nice way to end the year! Someone looks really tired here ... maybe two or three someones :)

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/suntinez/Jan%202012/end.jpg

Congrats Dave, looking forward to your pics.

[ExpoMike]

Glad you guys made it to the end. Happy New Year to ya!

[adventureduo]

Thanks for coming along with us for a bit Mike! It was great to have you. And yeah, i look really TIRED!!!!! Thank you for the nice warm welcome back to civilization Linda!

[nwoods]

Look for our full report and DVD in the coming hours!

Fixed it for ya :-)

[BorregoWrangler]

Glad you guys made it to the end. Happy New Year to ya!

X2!

It was good meeting you out there Mike.

[ExpoMike]

X2!

It was good meeting you out there Mike.

Nice meeting you too. It was kind of weird at first. I thought you might be a ranger pulling up then you started talking about the Calzona trip and I had a moment of pause until my brain kicked in. LOL

[adventureduo]

Good seeing you and yeah i know you tripped everyone out John, when you mentioned CalZona. They were wondering .... "who is this guy!?"

[Gooseberry]

Just some teaser pics that I took.

I hooked up with them just after Afton canyon.



After going past the mail truck and heading down the powerline road crossed a dry lakebed. Now I'm really thinking to my self what route is he taking and why. Well it took us through a few areas that I will need to take the dualsport back and explore whilr camping.


Dave warned us about being on video.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC300173.jpg

This is a streight strech for something like 58 miles. It did have its up and downs.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC300196.jpg

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC300198.jpg

Desert pinstriping is always better with the dust.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC310213.jpg

It was a nice change to be in the trees. heading to POZO Good beer with olives want a glass as I type. Beer martini.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC310220.jpg

Ok we all had 1 beer thats it but I havea feeling I was a little talkative on the radio.

This is the last section after Pozo

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC310227.jpg


They made it and what a good trip with more places for me to go back to and explore.


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae113/goosetheberry/PC310228.jpg

[SoCal_80]

We need some photos Dave!!

[4runnin']

Ya I was really really really looking forward to write up! pppp ppleaase!!!

[adventureduo]

Great photos Kelly!

Sorry for the delay everyone! Right now i'm sorting through gigs and gigs of photos and hd content. We're also working with a music artist to attain rights to use their music. In the middle of all this is upgrades left and right to handle the report/video editing.

[CA-RJ]

Great preview video! Looking forward to more.

[nwoods]

Not iphone friendly. bummer:
http://vimeo.com/35901359