Click on Santana, Top Gun, Bob Marley, Rocky, AC/DC, Mission Impossible,
Beach Boys, Axle's Theme, James Bond, Van Halen, or the Eagles while you browse this Hobo Run 2003 report...
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The Kingston Peak Trail map and descriptions from 4x4trails.net |
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.
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Click above to enlarge the Interactive Photo Map |
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.
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The Hobo Run 2003 dash plaque handed out to each participant... |
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Our annual Hobo Run Organizational Meeting... |
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.
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Registration of 'Hobos' 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 Tim Stageberg, John Over (MHJC Patrol 14), Fred Cruz, Bruce Over (MHJC Patrol 14), William Boitano, Frank Eichenaub (MHJC Patrol 14), Eric Lister (MHJC Patrol 14), Guy Bellville, Tim Plamandon/Chris Crane (High Crane Clearance), Mark Grievie, Jim Williams, Tim Jones, Bill David (MHJC Patrol 14), Tom Albares, Robert Beeson (Pete's friend), Neil & Jill McCorrison (MHJC Patrol 14), Kevin McCorkell, Todd Frick (MHJC Patrol 11), Cristi Bauer, Dave Miller, John Malley, John Reberry, Deborah Lampson (MHJC Patrol 14), Alex Lampson (MHJC Patrol14), Albert Lampson (MHJC Patrol 14), Zimmerman, and Paul Sprauge.
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The Trophies donated by Crane High Clearance (photo from 2002)... |
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My jeepin sidekick Molly waits patiently to go "JEEPIN"!! |
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Driver meeting and swear in at 8:45am... |
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.
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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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Cruising I-70 'Hobo Style'... |
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!
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| Everyone aired down 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 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.
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| View South from the base of Yankee Hill... |
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| Looking back West, with the 1st checkpoint in the foreground... |
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| The 'Hobos' wait for their 2nd survival item, their 1st card, and a Eugene clue... |
Then the 'Hobo Train' passed a 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 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.
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Paul Weisz and son Brett manned their checkpoint as Hobos collected survival items (photo from 2002 Run)... |
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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 (Deborah Lampson had high hand!). Marc & 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.
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| The lunch spot with some 35 Hobo Jeeps at tree line... |
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| The lunch spot with some 35 Hobo Jeeps at tree line... |
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)!!
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Thanks to the many sponsors who donated the many great door prizes, Everyone relaxed and had lunch while they listened for their number... |
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| The anticipation builds as all await the "Top Hobo" 2003 announcement... |
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.
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2001 "Top Hobo" and current Hobo, Jed 'Clampett' McClelland hands out this year's 'Top Hobo' Trophy to Jim Williams!! |
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Congrats from the HoboJeepers--to all the winners! (Bill Hallinan-Hobo Run 'Trip Leader', Jim Williams-Top Hobo, Bruce Over-2nd, Tom Albares-3rd, HoboJeepers Patrol Leader Paul Wiesz) |
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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| Once above timberline, the views open up! |
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| All were soaking up the scenery! |
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| Looking West, towards James Peak and James Lake... |
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.
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| A quick tire change, and we were on our way... |
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| Cool scenery, great weather, & fun jeepin' with good friends---is what it's all about... |
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Looking North up the last grade thru 'Hobo Pass'... |
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.
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Everyone traverses the upper road, now time to... |
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stack a rock, sign the guest book, get some fresh air, and take in some views! |
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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Loch Lomand Lake from the 'Rock House'... |
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Looking SW (Georgetown is center left), the 2003 'Hobo Train'... |
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Check out this cool collage of the 'Hobo Train'... (click on link for new window, click 'x' to return) |
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| Very old Bristlecone Pines dot this section above Alice (photo from 2002)... |
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...
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| "Jeep, Jeep" Hobos for a day 2003!! |
CONGRATS from the HoboJeepers to
JIM WILLIAMS
the 5th 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 6th Annual Hobo Run 2004!!
Bill 'Hobo Willy' Hallinan HoboJeepers
*Thanks to Mardi B, Tom A, & Jon R, for the digital pictures used in this report.
*Here are some other Kingston Peak/Hobo Run Trip Reports:
4th Annual Hobo Run-HoboJeepers
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 2003 Sponsors:
*MILE-HI
JEEP REBUILDERS-
of Denver: Jim-303-629-0378:
5th Annual HOBO RUN Traveling Bandanas
-Established 1962 in Denver, CO--We carry a full line of new and rebuilt JEEP
replacement parts, & aftermarket accessories.
*AAA TRANSMISSION WAREHOUSE- of Englewood: John-303-789-2001: HOBO RUN 2003 Dash Plaques
-We are the 'Baddest Boyz in the Tranz Bizness'! We offer a full service of Automatics to manual repair. 4x4 custom trannys always welcome.
*CRANE HIGH CLEARANCE- of Littleton: Tim/Chris-303-651-7757: HOBO RUN 2003 "Top Hobo" and runner-up Trophies
-Crane High Clearance is all about strength, durability, and great looks. We strive to bring unique products to market that you can not only use but abuse!
*HIGH COUNTRY 4x4- of Englewood:--Aaron-303-761-7379
-Specializes in the sales service, and custom 4 wheel drive equipment.
*KWS METAL- of Brighton:--Kyle-303-288-6452
-KWS is a full service metal fabrication company. If you can think it, Kyle can make it. KWS offers quality work at reasonable prices. No job too big or small for the home, for the business, or for your hobby.
*ROCKY MOUNTAIN DRIVELINE SPECIALIST- of Englewood:--Scott-303-433-8683
*BEAR FRAME and AXLE- of Englewood:--Bruce-303-781-5575
*4WHEEL PARTS- of Aurora:--Jeremy-303-347-5337
-Wholesaler supplies aftermarket parts and accessories for Jeep and other four-wheel drive vehicles.
*BESTOP- of Westminster:
-Replacement tops and accessories for Jeep Wrangler, Jeep CJ, Jeep TJ and Jeep YJ.
*SWAGMAN PUBLISHING- of Castle Rock:--Jeanne-303-660-3307
-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.
*FUNTREKS.COM- of Colorado Springs:--Joan-toll free-1-877-222-7623
-Guidebooks by Charles Wells cover back roads & 4-wheel-drive trails for SUV owners and serious 4-wheelers. Books include Colorado, California, Arizona and Moab, UT.
*OFF-ROAD TECHNOLOGY- of Colorado Springs:--Bruce-719-633-1111 ext 34
-Bumpers, roof racks and accessories for off-road/4x4 enthusiasts.
and other industry sponsors:
*BITESTOP.COM- Bite Stop products are a natural alternative to DEET based repellents.
*FIBERLINK WEBBING PRODUCTS- Provides all your webbing products from industrial strength tie downs through tow straps and tie downs for your recreational vehicles.
*MOUNTAIN OFF-ROAD ENTERPRISES- We specialize in providing quality parts for Jeep® vehicles.
*OFF YOUR ROCKER- Need
protection for the Jeep?...get off your rocker!!
*COLLINS BROS. JEEP-
Your source for CJ5,7,& 8 jeeps, for sale, decal kits,
body tubs, and parts for jeeps.
*SHELL VALLEY- Manufacturers of Fiberglass Jeep Replacement Parts, and stainless parts.
*TRUCKNUTZ- Truck Nutz, The Ultimate Truck Accessory.
*TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKERS- Fresh Smoked Meats from Tillamook Country Smoker with roots reach back 50 years, when a man named Art Crossley started making his own unique brand of beef jerky. Buy online and save!
*TUFF COUNTRY SUSPENSIONS- Tuff Country suspension lift kits & leveling kits for 4wd vehicles.
*PETERSON MANUFACTURING- Showcases driving lights, trailer lights and running lights for cars& trucks.
*JERKY HUT BEEF JERKY- Jerky Hut Beef Jerky and smoked meats are usually only found at special events, because its a premium quality gourmet line of Jerky.
*BUSHWACKER FENDER FLARES- We have fender flares for all makes and models.
*LECARRA STEERING WHEELS- Lecarra Steering Wheels are designed and made to provide maximum comfort and driving satisfaction
*QUADRATEC- Jeep
accessories & parts.
*HI MOUNTAIN JERKY- With several blends to choose from you can't go wrong with Hi Mountain's Jerky Cure and Seasonings.
*DELORME Colorado Gazateer MAPS- Provides mapping programs for handheld computers, Gazeteer Maps, and more...
*LEATHERMAN TOOLS- From modest beginnings, the popularity of Leatherman tools has grown rapidly.
*KLUNE INDUSTRIES- KLUNE-V Planetary Crawler Underdrive for extreme four-wheel-drive applications.
*CURRIE ENTERPRISES- Rearends, Axles, 9 Inch Components, Bumpers And Parts For 4x4s.
*CLEANTOOLS, INC.- Home of the famous Absorber towels, and Glosser detailing towel.
*CENTRAL 4WHEEL DRIVE- 4x4 Truck Accessory and Part Headquarters! Four Wheel Drive Truck and Jeep Accessories and Parts.
*VALVOLINE- Leading supplier of motor oils and fluids.
*4WHEEL DRIVE HARDWARE- Specializes in Jeep parts and accessories.
*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.
*K&N PERFORMANCE FILTERS- K&N filtercharger replacement air filters, intake kits, air filter cleaning accessories, & oil filters
*SKID ROW AUTOMOTIVE- Makes skid plates and accessories for offroad vehicles.
*HELLA LIGHTS- Hella has a wide range of performance auxiliary lights that look good and are good!
*FIRESTIK ANTENNAS- Firestik antennas, mounting accessories and coaxial cables for CB and Amateur Radio communications and technical support information.
*MEGUIRES- Carries fine car wash and waxes.
*TUFFY SECURITY PRODUCTS- Manufacturer of heavy-duty lockable security boxes for jeeps, trucks and RVs.
*TERAFLEX- TERAFLEX SUSPENSION SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS.
*STEELHORSE AUTOMOTIVE- Full line of SteelHorse accessories.
*To HOBOJEEPERS HOMEPAGE w/frames*
To HOBOJEEPERS HOMEPAGE without frames
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