August already??-Well it has been a long hot and dry summer!! Mr. Monsoon has been dishing us lately, and enough with the high 90's already-phew! Kinda makes you just want to get away to above timberline doesn't it?!? As this is August, congrats to everyone for another fun All-4-Fun in
Leadville! Great to see everyone work together as a club.
On
Saturday July 19th, 2003, the HoboJeepers hosted the
5th Annual Hobo Run 2003 for 27 "Hobos for a Day" over the Kingston Peak Loop Trail. "As real hobos ride the rails, we too ride the trails in that same traveling spirit". A hobo needs to muster up needed supplies in order to survive on the trail. Each checkpoint offered the hobo a chance to collect different point values from the items (fresh egg, matchstick, toilet paper square, Q-Tip, stick of gum, and a hersey kiss). Along with the items, a card is chosen at the other 5 checkpoints to try to have the highest poker hand for extra points.
Eugene the Jeep (our little mascot), was also on hand in the area. At the second checkpoint, "Where's Eugene?" clues were handed out to each hobo and read out loud over the CB as to his possible whereabouts in the area. A hobo could receive 200 extra bonus points with the right answer. This year he was in Georgetown. Each item was stored in souvenir traveling bandanas, and at the lunch spot, all the points were totaled up and trophies, along with door prizes were handed out.
The trail actually started at IHOP at 6th and Simms in Lakewood, Colorado at 7:20-8:40am with registration for the run. Since everyone had already pre-paid, registration consisted of only signing in and picking up you're goodie bag. The goodie bag contained a souvenir silk screened bandana, a magnetic dash plaque, a door prize ticket, a nut, and sponsor brochures. Everyone was excited for a fun day, and a 'different' day of jeepin'. After a quick driver meeting at 8:45am, and an "official" hobo swearing in ceremony, we were off parade style up Hwy 6, and west on I-70. Hobos were given an instruction sheet which covered the rules to read on the way up to the trailhead. Thanks to all of you ("Hobos for a Day") who supported us in this year's run, including our corporate sponsors.
The "Hobos for a Day" included Tim S., John O. (MHJC Patrol 14), Fred C., Bruce
O. (MHJC Patrol 14), William B., Frank E. (MHJC Patrol 14), Eric L. (MHJC Patrol 14), Guy
B., Tim P./Chris C. (High Crane Clearance), Mark G., Jim W., Tim J., Bill D. (MHJC Patrol 14), Tom
A., Robert B. (Pete's friend), Neil & Jill M. (MHJC Patrol 14), Kevin M., Todd
F. (MHJC Patrol 11), Cristi B., Dave M., John M., John R., Deborah L. (MHJC Patrol 14), Alex
L. (MHJC Patrol14), Albert L. (MHJC Patrol 14), Zimmerman, and Paul S..
Along with the 'hobos for a day', were hosts HoboJeepers (MANY THANKS FOR A GREAT JOB!!): Patrol Leader Paul 'Weiszguy' Weisz (Borrowed CJ5-from Toolman) and son Brett 'Weiszdude', Scott 'Mad Max' & Janet 'Mrs. Mad Max' Maxell
(TJ), Mark 'Fife' Fisher (TJ), Ken 'Toolman' Kordes (61 Ford), Pete 'Jeepdog' Ramirez (TJ), Marc 'Nugget' Gilbertson (CJ7), Jason 'Milkdude' Brew (XJ), Jed 'Clampett' McClelland (CJ7), and myself (Bill Hallinan-CJ7) & Mardi B., along with my jeepin-sidekick Molly.
Now here's a nice sight! Picture 36 (27 Hobos for a day + 9 HoboJeepers) good-lookin' 4x4's running up I-70 all with their lights on in line, it looked cool from the front were I was! We managed to stay within about a 2-mile stretch of each other too, and nobody broke down! Yea! I think it took about 10 minutes for the CB introductions. We chugged on by Idaho Springs, along side another large group of Harleys, they made more noise then we did.
Once off I-70 and up the more peaceful & cool Fall River Road. We worked our way up to the summer town of Alice at about 10,500' in elevation to the air-down spot. Mardi B. helped me with the dispersion of the fresh eggs as the hobos air-downed for the trail. You didn't get points for your egg if it was broken by lunchtime, so many tried sneaky methods not to break it! All items though needed to be in their traveling bandanas on a stick. Some, like John Over devised contraptions to keep the egg from breaking, it worked!
All Aboard! One by one the train of hobos chugged/jeeped up the hill (with some pretty rocky stuff), as each hobo followed the trail to places unknown and a fun day. Each of the HoboJeepers in Patrol 1 were at 5 other checkpoints, as the 'train' of Hobos passed by to provide items for each hobo to survive. We all climbed the hill out of Alice to the Maxwell's and Jason's scenic checkpoint at the base of Yankee Hill. Hobos then received their 1st Hobo Survival item (a matchstick-with point values, and the 1st poker card). Each Hobo then received a 'Where's Eugene' clue, and read it over the CB. Most everyone figured out where he was after the 30th clue (he was down in Georgetown), and we all headed into the tight-tree lined trail along the east-side of Kingston Peak.
Then the 'Hobo Train' passed Paul Weisz and his son Brett to receive the next item and card, then Jed (& son's), and on to Pete. We stopped for a 10-100 on the east side of Kingston Peak in the trees, and Pete had a stick of gum for the 'Hobos for a day'. It took about 10 minutes for the end of the line to catch up. We had many motorcycles on the trail, we tried to accommodate them as best as possible. With a tight tree-lined trail, it was hard to get by, some just waited.
At one point we were strung out over I'd guess over a mile on the trail. All the while, I rarely got out of 2nd low and kept a slow 5mph speed up front. The HoboJeepers did a great job in moving everyone along. Everyone stopped at all 5 checkpoints and collected a survival item (worth points), and a card to make a high poker hand (Deborah Lampson had high hand!). Marc & Jim & friend) had the last checkpoint, and handed out a kiss to every Hobo (Hersey Kiss that is!) and the last poker hand card.
Once up at the tree-line lunch spot (treeline--about 11,400'), each Hobo brought up their "Where's Eugene?" guess, and the fresh unbroken egg (for points), then settled down with their lunch after being on the trail (train) all morning. As the "official" HoboJeeper judges (Many thanks to Janet for the totals) tallied the points, each hobo received a really cool door prize based on the ticket in their goodie bags at registration.
The list is long (see below too), as I handed out some really cool stuff, thanks to the many sponsors, including the local Denver 4x4 shops: Mile-Hi Jeep Rebuilders (Jim Dozal), High Country 4x4 (Aaron), AAA Transmission Warehouse (John), KWS Metal (Kyle), Crane High Clearance (Chris), Bestop (Ann), Swagman Publishing (Jeanne), Funtreks (Charles), Bear Frame & Axle (Bruce), 4Wheel Parts (Jeremey), and Off-Road Technology (Bruce).
The 'black nut' award went to Albert Lampson (who had the black nut around his neck), and won a TruckNutz prize. Each hobo also compared the size of their nut to the person next to them to see who had the largest one. OK, footnote needed here: The nut in reference is a 5/16th inch steel nut on a string around their neck. OK?--, so Tom Albares had the largest nut (3/8th inch to be exact), and received an extra 100 points to his point total (did that make a difference??). He also received a plaque and a Leatherman as a prize for having the largest 'nut' on the run. Special recognition went out to Deborah Lampson for supporting the Hobo Run (her 4th year)!!
This year we had a raffle which included about $1500 worth of nice items. We also raffled off the unclaimed door prizes. Thanks to all who bought tickets. Thanks also to our corporate sponsors for the raffle and door prizes.
With the points tallied, the last place 'winner' was Jon Reberry (250 pts), and won a Delorme Colorado Gazateer Map Book. 3rd Place trophy winner was Tom Albares (640pts), and won a $25 certificate to High Country 4x4, and the 2nd Place Trophy winner was Bruce Over (670pts) of MHJC Patrol 14, and won a $50 certificate to High Country 4x4. The "Top Hobo" of the 5th Annual Hobo Run 2003 went to JIM WILLIAMS with a total of 680 pts! He also won a $100 certificate to High Country 4x4! Congrats to the trophy winners, and to ALL the hobos, cause we all had fun--which is a winning feeling in my book.
The weather down in Denver has been hot, hot, and dry. We did get some cool air at 11,400', but no rain this year. Great views of the Front Range could be had in all directions as we trekked along the tundra west from the timberline lunch spot. We all headed along the 1st switchback with everyone in view (a nice sight!).
As we rounded the corner (in the tundra), the trail only has a few pullouts to get by. Some motorcyclists who were coming down the hill near the switchback, decided to take it upon themselves to traverse across the steep tundra above us to avoid us. The CB radio lit up like fireworks with comments typical of people who have no regard for the 'Tread Lightly' motto. We asked them nicely to stop, and they waited a few minutes for us to pass. Tim's new red TJ got a flat, and everyone pitched in to change it.
Everyone made it up both steep hills, as the second hill must of been graded for SUV's as it was not difficult at all. The views of the Front Range were beautiful as ever! We reached the summit of Hobo Pass at 12,020', and stayed on the main trail down to the last steep hill before the rock house.
We all stopped at the rock house to stack a rock, sign the guestbook, and get a nice group shot. The winds were ever-present as they always are, so we headed down into to the trees (which were old Bristlecone Pines straight out of the Wizard of Oz forest). Views off to the south offered up Georgetown and I-70 to Loch Lomand Lake to the west.
Once down off the switchbacks at the air-up spot, some aired up, while others headed down to Idaho Springs for some air. Yea!! A great day for all, and everyone was a winner. The spirit of the Hobo lives on to the next trail...
Thanks again to the "Hobos for a Day" for your support (you know who you are), hope you had as much fun as we did, and we look forward to seeing you next year in mid-July for the 6th Annual Hobo Run 2004!!
On a bright sunny morning the day after a successful Hobo Run, the HoboJeepers met for our
2nd cleanup of our adopted highway 391 section. Since acquiring this section in April 2003, the signs were put up already, as we started. We all met at the Jeffco Stadium parking lot about 8:15am. After some instructions, we set out with handmade pick-up sticks and bags in hand. Hobos in attendance (Thanks Guys!) were: Marc 'Nugget' Gilbertson along with Kristen ('Mrs Nugget', and Katlyn 'Mini Nugget'), myself Bill 'Hobo Willy' Hallinan, Ken 'Toolman' Kordes, & our newest Hobo-Mark 'Barney Fife' Fisher.
The section was quite clean for such a busy highway. We picked up the usual visual trash. Everyone was in tune with everything picked up except the small cigarette butts. I had the best find, I found a set of small files (tools to smooth bolts etc...).
We were finished in about 1.5 hours, with trash bags piled up along Kipling for CDOT to pick up. After a job well done, most of us headed our seperate ways. We encourage other 4x4 groups/patrols to adopt a CDOT highway somewhere. It's a great way to contribute to the community as 4Wheelers, while showing the general public we don't just go up in the mountains and tear them up. Our next cleanup is planned for Saturday, October 18th.
On Sunday July 27th, Hobos Jed 'Clampett' McClelland-Trip Leader-(CJ7) and his daughter Ashley & friend, Mark 'Fife' Fisher (TJ) and his niece,
and myself-Bill Hallinan (CJ7) with my jeeping sidekick Molly along with Mardi B. with her Golden Retriever Charlie were ready for a fun day! We hit the pavement early from our homes, and met up at 7:30am at the Fort. This loop trip would include
Red Cone, Radical Hill, Swan Fork, S.O.B. Hill, Glacier Ridge, and the Georgia Pass
Trails.
We meandered along highway 285 west past Bailey, and on to the Webster gravel turnoff. As the road got rougher (to be aired up), it was time to stop to air down and do the 'disco. The turn to the 1st trail Red Cone was ahead, so we started up the trail. The trail winded up thru the aspens, with some nice fun rocky sections and beautiful scenery.
Jed (being the trip leader), reached the tricky section that includes a large rock in the middle to climb over. He went 1st, as we readied our cameras. With the front tires up and the rears to follow, somehow the rear drive shaft u-joint busted along the way. With the proper tools, and makeshift parts, Jed was ready to wheel in no time.
We headed up thru Sawhill Gulch, past the tight tree turn, and on up to treeline as the Red Cone summit awaits! We stopped along the ridgeline (above timberline), and took a break with 360 views. It was a bit hazy from the fires, but it was still a 'Sound of Music' moment. From Kenosha Pass & South Park, to Mt. Evans the views were great!
On to the summit, we traversed along the ridge (staying well within the trail) until the last mogul climb to the top. Photo opps and more scenery were taken in. The iron-rich Red Cone peak seemed to bleed with shades of red and orange.
One by one we headed off the summit, down the steep west side. Though with some moguls, this section seems to get easier every time. Maybe, it's because more rocks are sliding down filling in the deep spots. Red Cone Trail is also only a one-way trail down (East to West). Climbing the hill only increases the moguls. There are also not many pullouts to pass an oncoming vehicle either.
After some photo shots coming down the hill, we headed down to Webster Pass, fixed some fallen gates (if you see these down, please erect them again), and lunch in the meadow below, before heading up the Radical Hill Trail.
The weather started to churn up the clouds as we finished our lunch about 1pm. We still had some trail above timberline to traverse before the predicted storms, so we started the climb up Radical Hill. On thru some lower rocky sections, we pasted the switchbacks, and by the tight ('Jeep- width'), to the last climb to reach the high plateau and views of Summit County to the West.
Heading south now, we worked our way down the North Fork of the Swan and the N. Swan Trail. The trail along the tundra, is one of the longest in the area, and closest to Denver. This is Colorado! The trail is steep heading down into the Swan drainage, and a little off-camber in this section. Special care should be given to tread lightly to avoid further erosion. An optional rocky obstacle awaits going down.
Jed and Mark opted for the S.O.B. Hill and Glacier Ridge Trails to Georgia Pass, while I played it safe (with All-4-Fun in 6 days) and took the easier Georgia Pass route to meet them. They enjoyed the short but steep S.O.B. Hill, as it provided some nice steep boulder climbs. Glacier Ridge Trail has some hairy off camber sections to enjoy also.
Finally, the rain showers came and went, cooling off the temps a bit more, and keeping the dust away. We met up at Georgia Pass, and made our way down a washboarded Park County road to Jefferson for some air. We caravanned back to Denver via highway 285 together, and departed our ways home. Another fun scenic Colorado Jeep trip with great friends! Another reason why we live here!
See Ya on the trails..."Jeep,Jeep"
Bill Hallinan HoboJeepers
