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The Kingston Peak Trail map and descriptions from 4x4trails.net |
On Saturday July 13th, 2002, the HoboJeepers hosted the 4th Annual Hobo Run 2002 for 28 "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, plastic spoon, 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 Idaho Springs. 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 handed out.
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The Hobo Run 2002 dash plaque handed out to each participant... |
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, 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 years run including our corporate sponsors.
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| As early as 7:30am, 'Hobos for a day' arrive to register... |
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Registration of 'Hobos' (from last year's run) who receive a goodie bag with their travel bag (a stick on a souvenir bandana) dash plaque, a nut to wear around their neck, and other sponsor material... |
The "Hobos for a Day" included Dennis and Marci E (MHJC Patrol 11), Todd F (MHJC Patrol 11), Tony V (MHJC Patrol 11), Zane and Dale Z (MHJC Patrol 14), Brent H (MHJC Patrol 14), Eric L (MHJC Patrol 14), Frank E(MHJC Patrol 14), Robert S (MHJC Patrol 12), Neil & Jill M (MHJC Patrol 14), Debrah L, Alex L, Sever K (MHJC) Scott K (MHJC), Jeff D, Mark F, Chuck B, Amanda H, Paul S, Alex C, Rick L, Tim S, Guy B, Bob A, Larry N, , Don D, and finally Jonathan G.
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The trophies and prizes are much bigger this year! |
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Driver meeting and swear in at 8:45am... |
Now here's a neat sight! Picture 35 (27+8 HoboJeepers) good-lookin' jeeps 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 had a slowdown at the bottom of Floyd Hill where a semi had layed down and dumped it's load of fruit all over the opposite lane.
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| Seems we had the far right lane taken for miles with Jeeps with their headlights on (a rainbow of Jeeps)... |
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Here is the semi that was going to fast around the corner... |
Once off I-70 and up the more peaceful 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. Drew Middleton 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.
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| Here (last year), everyone airs down and disconnects for a fun day.... |
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 were at 5 other checkpoints as the 'train' of Hobos passed by to provide items for each hobo. We all made the turn at Jed and Jason's scenic checkpoint at the base of Yankee Hill, and headed into the tight-tree lined trail along the east-side of Kingston Peak.
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| Heading out of Alice towards Yank Hill (2000)... |
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| Looking back West from the 1st checkpoint (2001)... |
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| The 'Hobos' wait for their 2nd survival item, their 1st card, and a Eugene clue... |
Each Hobo received a 'Where's Eugene' clue at the 2nd checkpoint, and read it over the CB. Most everyone figured out where he was after the 30th clue (he was down in Idaho Springs). Then we passed the next checkpoint to receive the next item and card, and so on. We stopped for a 10-100 on the east side of Kingston Peak in the trees, and Drew had a stick of gum for the Hobos. It took about 10 minutes for the end of the line to catch up. I know 2 guys on motorcycles came up on me on the trail at the front, and when I told them I had 34 Jeeps behind me with nowhere to pass they turned around and peeled away.
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We manned the checkpoint as Hobos collected survival items... |
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| The Eastern side of Kingston Peak affords a nice tight tree-lined trail... |
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 (Amanda H had high hand with a Queen high straight!). Marc & Sam had the last checkpoint, and handed out a kiss to every Hobo (Hersey Kiss that is!) and the last poker hand card.
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Tim Scully and his buds having a good time! (That's what it's all about)... |
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Hobo "Drewby" is having each 'Hobo' reach in his travel bag for their item and then thy pick a card for their poker hand (2001)... |
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 Drew for the totals) tallied the points, each hobo received a really cool door prize based on the ticket in their goodie bags at registration.
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| The lunch spot with some 35 Hobo Jeeps at tree line... |
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Lunchtime! |
At about 11,400' the views and the cool weather was great!... |
The list is long, 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 (Al), and Exhaust Pros of NorthGlenn (Rick). The 'black nut' award went to Dennis E (who had the black nut around his neck), and won a fishing pole from Eagle Claw. 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 Scott K 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.
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| Thanks to the many sponsors who donated the many great door prizes... |
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| Everyone relaxed and had lunch while they listened for their number... |
This year we had a raffle which included about $1300 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 Don D (310 pts), and won a Delorme Colorado Gazateer Map Book. 3rd Place trophy winner was Scott K (630pts), and won a $25 certificate to High Country 4x4, and the 2nd Place Trophy winner was Brent H (650pts) of MHJC Patrol 14, and won a $25 certificate to High Country 4x4. The "Top Hobo" of the 4th Annual Hobo Run 2002 went to AMANDA H with a total of 750pts! She also won a $100 certificate to 4Wheel Parts! Congrats to the trophy winners, and to ALL the hobos, cause we all had fun--which is a winning feeling in my book.
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Don D takes last place (& some goodies)... |
Last year's Hobo hands out this year's 'Top Hobo' Trophy to Amanda... |
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| Amanda with 2nd place winner Brett H (right)... |
Other final Hobo Run 2002 scores:
ROBERT S(610)
TIM V (610)
CHUCK B (600)
NEIL & JILL M (590)
JEFF DL (590)
DALE & ZANE Z (570)
MARK F (570)
ALEX C (560)
RICK L (560)
GUY B(520)
BOB A510)
SEVER K (500)
DEBORAH L (490)
ERIC L (490)
ALEX L (480)
LARRY N (460)
PAUL S (460)
FRANK E (450)
TODD F (420)
DENNIS & MARCI E (390)
TIM S(390
& JONATHAN G(380)
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!).
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13,294' James Peak serves as a backdrop as the 'train' makes the switchback... |
The 'Hobo Train' stretched around the corner... |
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| This section is an easy part, but very scenic (2000)... |
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| Looking South, 360 degree views above timberline... |
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| This last hill climb was pretty easy, but was just a little loose... |
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We can look over the valley and see where we started in the morning (the farthest intersection was the 1st checkpoint below Yankee Hill, photo from 2001)... |
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. It was nice to see some clear air for a change as this summer's fires has not been good for Colorado's blue sky.
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Everyone fits off the tundra, now time to... |
stack a rock, sign the guest book, get some fresh air, and take in some views! |
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Loch Lomand Lake from the 'Rock House'... |
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Looking west, the 2002 'Hobo Train'... |
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Everyone stacked a rock at the house for 'good luck', then photo time, 'wait--just one more!'... |
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.
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| Very old Brislecone Pines dot this section above Alice... |
Once down off the switchbacks at the air-up spot, some aired up, while others headed down to Idaho Springs for some air, and some even went up for more jeeping at Yankee Hill. Alex C's CJ frame busted at the right rear front shackle point, and it was unsafe to drive home. He waited in Alice for AAA with Robert Schlegal (Thanks Robert!). Seems Dennis E and Drew were found safe and sound, they took a wrong turn at the switchbacks. Yea!! A great day for all, and everyone was a winner. The spirit of the Hobo lives on to the next trail...
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| "Jeep, Jeep" Hobos for a day 2002!! |
CONGRATS from the HoboJeepers to
AMANDA H
the 4th Annual Hobo Run
'Top Hobo'
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 5th Annual Hobo Run 2003!!
Bill 'Hobo Willy' Hallinan HoboJeepers
*Here are some other Hobo Run 2002 photos:
Neil McMorrison's: http://whitejeep.com/trip.mv?hoborun2002
Rick Lukowicz's: http://www.coloradocj7.com/hobo2002/index.htm
*Post-Run Comments from participants:
Emails:
*Hello Bill! I want to say many many thanks for this awesome time! I really enjoyed it
a lot. I will be looking forward to go again next year with my white 82 CJ-7 Jeep this time. I rated this Top 10!!! 5 star. Thanks again and hope to see you around again.
Tim 82 CJ-7
*Great run! Rick www.ColoradoCJ7.com
*It was a great day. Those door prizes were great. I took a couple panoramas at our rock pile stop. They're at
http://whitejeep.com/trip.mv?hoborun2002
Thanks again Hobos. Neil
*My
family and I had a great day Saturday. Thanks to all for the effort that
went into organizing this event. -See you on the trails! Chuck
The Hobo Cafe:
*Thanks for a very fun and exciting day Hobos'. Rolled over semi and furniture on the highway getting to Alice. Closure of West bound I70 due to an accident and one lane closure of East bound due to a broken truck, seems as we spend just as much time sitting in traffic as we did on the
trails. Oh what fun we had on the trails though See ya all for the 5th Hobo Run.
Kazman
*More Photos of the 2002 Run, courtesy of ColoradoCJ7: http://www.coloradocj7.com/hobo2002/
*Here are some other Kingston Peak/Hobo Run Trip Reports:
3rd Annual Hobo Run-HoboJeepers
2nd Annual Hobo Run-HoboJeepers
1st Annual Hobo Run-HoboJeepers
Kingston Peak Loop Trail 99'-HoboJeepers
Kingston Peak Loop Trail 00'-HoboJeepers
Kingston Peak by mountain bike
Kingston Peak Map & Trail Descriptions by 4x4trails.net
Kingston Peak Trail Report by TrailRidge Runners 4x4 Club
*A special "Thanks" and please support
all of this years Hobo Run 2002 Sponsors:
*MILE-HI
JEEP REBUILDERS...Jim@303-629-0378:
4th Annual Hobo Run
Traveling Bandanas
-Established 1962 in Denver, CO--We carry a full line of new and rebuilt JEEP
replacement parts, & aftermarket accessories.
*NORTHGLENN EXHAUST PROS...Rick@303-451-5351: HOBO RUN 2002 Dash Plaques
-Welcome to Northglenn Exhaust Pros, a family owned and operated business specializing in the sales and installation of auto mufflers automobile pipes exhaust systems and catalytic converters for any make of car, truck, motorhome, or nearly any vehicle.
*HIGH COUNTRY 4x4...Al@303-367-9666: HOBO RUN 2002 "Top Hobo" and runner-up Trophies
-High Country Performance 4x4 in Englewood, CO specializes in the sales service, and custom 4 wheel drive equipment.
*ROCKY MOUNTAIN DRIVELINE SPECIALIST of Englewood--Scott@303-433-8683
*FRONT RANGE DRIVELINE of Sheridan--Jim@303-783-9954
*BEAR FRAME and AXLE of Englewood--Bruce@303-781-5575
*4WHEEL PARTS- Wholesaler supplies aftermarket parts and accessories for Jeep and other four-wheel drive vehicles.
*SUPERWINCH-
Electric and hydraulic winches, 4WD hubs, bumpers, plus
accessory products.
*FUNTREKS.COM- Guidebooks
by Charles Wells (out of Colo. Springs-personally signed) cover back roads & 4-wheel-drive
trails for SUV owners and serious 4-wheelers. Books include directions, a map
for each trail and hundreds of photographs for Colorado, Arizona and Moab, UT.
*BESTOP-
Replacement tops and accessories for Jeep Wrangler, Jeep CJ, Jeep TJ and Jeep YJ.
*DISCOUNT
TIRE- Tires.com is your online source for name brand tires
and wheels.
*EAGLE CLAW FISHING TACKLE- Quality Fishing Tackle Since 1925.
*GENUINE STEEL- Exclusive Tubular Sidebars, Complete Stainless Steel Line, Canyon Crawler Products (tow straps), and more...
*DELORME Colorado Gazateer MAPS- Provides mapping programs for handheld computers, Gazeteer Maps, and more...
*PETERSON MANUFACTURING- Showcases driving lights, trailer lights and running lights for cars, trucks and commercial vehicles.
*ZYMOL-
Manufactures and Distributes Hand-Crafted Car Washes, Waxes
and Finishes.
*ADVANCE ADAPTERS- Provides
numerous products such as transfer cases and conversion kits for transmission
and engine swapping.
*SWAGMAN PUBLISHING- We are from Castle Rock, CO and we research and provide four wheel drive trail maps and travel guides to America's backroads published by Swagman Publishing. For your next American 4WD adventure our travel and trail guides.
*KEMOPRO- Automotive, marine and industrial cleaners, fuel additives, protectants, synthetic engine lubricants, oil treatments, car wash products, carnauba polishes, & waxes.
*VALVOLINE- Leading supplier of motor oils and fluids
*MOUNTAIN
OFF-ROAD ENTERPRISES- We specialize in providing quality
parts for Jeep® vehicles
*TRUCKNUTZ- Truck Nutz,
The Ultimate Truck Accessory
*LEATHERMAN TOOLS- From
modest beginnings, the popularity of Leatherman tools has grown rapidly. Now,
millions of consumers all over the world become Leatherman owners each year, and
the LEATHERMAN® brand is recognized as the leader in sales, quality and
innovations within the compact multipurpose tool category
*KC HILITES- Produces
auxiliary lighting for cars and trucks, on road and off, recreational and
competition.
*TUFFY SECURITY PRODUCTS- Manufacturer
of heavy-duty lockable security boxes for jeeps, trucks and RVs. Products are
available to view and order online.
*TRAILQUEST.COM- Sells accessories and parts for Jeeps, 4x4 and off-road performance.
*BF GOODRICH- For all your tire needs...
*BUSHWACKER FENDER FLARES- We have fender flares for all makes and models.
*MEAN
GREEN ALTERNATORS AND STARTERS- Mean Green Starters and
Alternators are the ultimate alternative to stock.
*LECARRA
STEERING WHEELS- Lecarra Steering Wheels are designed and
made to provide maximum comfort and driving satisfaction
*FIRESTIK- Firestik CB
Antenna - Buy the Best...
*MEGUIAR'S- Complete
assortment of professional waxes, buffing compounds, and cleaners.
*SIDEKICK OFF ROAD MAPS & VIDEOS- Off road videos, off road maps and off highway guidebooks of trails in the US.
*To HOBOJEEPERS HOMEPAGE w/frames*
To HOBOJEEPERS HOMEPAGE without frames
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Jeep is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler Corporation
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