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 2004 report...
|
|
|
The Kingston Peak Trail map and descriptions from 4x4trails.net |
*Note: Some text may be similar then previous Hobo Runs...as the event is very similar.
*Thanks to the following for 41 photos used in this report:
Hobo Jeff Simmons (JS), Myself (BH), Bob A. (BA), Walter S. (WS), and Virve S. (VS).
On Saturday July 17th, 2004, the HoboJeepers hosted the 6th Annual Hobo Run 2004 for 26 "Hobos for a Day" (4 no-shows) 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 lolly pop). Along with the items, a card is chosen at the other 5 checkpoints to try to have the highest poker hand for extra points.
|
|
|
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, 30 "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 at St. Mary's Glacier. Each item was stored in a souvenir traveling bandana. At the lunch spot, all the points were totaled up and trophies, along with door prizes were handed out.
|
|
|
The Hobo Run 2004 dash plaque (photo shown last year's) handed out to each participant... |
|
|
|
Our annual Hobo Run Organizational Meeting at my house...(BH) |
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. Hobos Pete, Jed, Janet, and Jeff helped welcome everyone. The goodie bag contained a souvenir screened bandana, a magnetic dash plaque, a door prize ticket, a nut, and many 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 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.
|
|
|
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... Hobo's Pete, Jeff, Janet, and Jed taken care of check-in and the raffle.(JS) |
The "Hobos for a Day" included: TOD ALLEN (from Nebraska), MARK CALDWELL, ROBERT BEESON, FRANK EICHENLAUB (MHJC Patrol 14), DEBORAH LAMPSON (MHJC Patrol 14), AL LAMPSON (MHJC Patrol 14), BOB , DAVID ZIMMERMAN, RICK MCCOMB, SCOTT MCGREGOR, TONY ZAJECK, RUSS TRAMMELL, ERIC CARLSON, MIKE CARPENTER, TONY RAY, DAVID SANDOVAL, JOHN OVER (MHJC Patrol 14), BRENT HIGHLAND (MHJC Patrol 14), TROY TEEPEN, BRETT BUTTERFIELD, COREY JONES, TOM ALBARES, JIM KNIGHT, MIKE ARGERSINGER, MATT REAVIS, BOB ATTWOOD, & WALTER SNOWDEN.
|
|
|
The Trophies donated by AAA Transmission Warehouse (photo from 2002)...(BH) |
|
|
|
My jeepin sidekick Molly waits patiently AGAIN to go "JEEPIN"!! (photo from last year) (BH) |
|
|
|
Mini 'Nugget' Katlyn Gilbertson says 'I want a PINK Jeep!!'(JS) |
Along with the 'hobos for a day', were hosts HoboJeepers (MANY THANKS FOR A GREAT JOB!!): Patrol Leader Paul 'Weiszguy' Weisz and his brother Dave (CJ7) and son Brett 'Weiszdude', Scott 'Mad Max' & Janet 'Mrs. Mad Max' Maxell and sons Pete and Tom (TJ), Jeff Simmons and girlfriend Kim (TJ), Ken 'Toolman' Kordes (61 Ford), Marc 'Nugget' Gilbertson and wife Kristen and daughter Katlyn (CJ7), Jed 'Clampett' McClelland (CJ7), and myself (Bill Hallinan-CJ7), along with my jeepin-sidekick Molly.
|
|
|
Driver meeting at 8:45am...(JS) |
|
|
|
After some last minute instructions and swearing in, we were off! (VS) |
Now here's a nice sight! Picture 34 (26 Hobos for a day + 8 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 along the freeway. We chugged on by Idaho Springs in procession.
|
|
|
Seems we had the far right lane taken for miles with Jeeps with their headlights on (a rainbow of Jeeps)..(VS). |
|
|
|
Cruising I-70 'Hobo Style'..(JS). |
Once off I-70, we headed 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. Hobo Jeff 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. I believe none ended up broken, so I wonder what ideas people came up with this year to keep their egg from breaking?
|
|
|
The 'train' turns off I-70 on to Fall River Road...(VS) |
|
|
|
The Hobos get their 1st survival item, as I and Jeff hand out a fresh egg...(VS) |
|
|
|
Everyone airs down and gets ready for a fun day...(VS). |
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 in the spirit of the 'Hobo' 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 Jeff'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 over at St. Mary's Glacier), and we all headed into the tight-tree lined trail along the east-side of Kingston Peak to the next checkpoint.
|
|
| I lead the train East above Alice to the 2nd checkpoint...(JS). |
|
|
|
Looking back West, with the 2nd checkpoint in the foreground, The 'Hobos' wait for their 2nd survival item, their 1st card, and a Eugene clue...(JS) |
|
|
| Mad Maxwell's Tom and Pete hand out a matchstick, while Jeff hands out the Eugene clues...(JS) |
Then the 'Hobo Train' passed Paul Weisz and his brother Dave to receive the next item and card, then on to Jed (& Brett Weisz), and then on to Pete and his checkpoint. 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.
|
|
|
Hobo Paul and his brother Dave (from Seattle) manned the 3rd checkpoint as Hobos collected a TP Square...(JS) |
|
|
|
4th Checkpoint: Hobo Jed and Hobo Paul's son Brett hand out a Q-Tip and the 3rd card...(VS) |
|
|
|
5th Checkpoint: Hobo Pete and Arnold work their way down the line with a stick of gum and the 4th card...(JS) |
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 (3 9's was the best hand!). Marc & his wife Kristen had the last checkpoint, and handed out a lolly pop to every Hobo and the last poker hand card.
|
|
|
The Eastern side of Kingston Peak affords a nice tight tree-lined trail..(JS). |
|
|
|
6th Checkpoint: Hobo Marc and wife Kristen (with 'Pink Jeeper' Katlyn) with a lolly pop and the 5th & final card..(JS). |
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), they 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. Each door prize had a value more then the 'fun fee' (that's part of the fun).
|
|
| The lunch spot with some 35 Hobo Jeeps at tree line...(VS) |
The list is long from the flyer (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), AAA Transmission Warehouse (John), Crane High Clearance (Chris), Bestop (Ann), Swagman Publishing (Jeanne), Funtreks (Charles), 4Wheel Parts (Jeremey), and Off-Road Technology (Bruce).
|
|
|
Thanks to the many sponsors who donated the many great door prizes, Everyone relaxed and had lunch while they listened for their number...(VS) |
Each hobo then 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 Mark Caldwell 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 5th year), and for Tod Allen, who drove all they way from Omaha, Neb for the run!!
|
|
|
The "Biggest Nut" award winner, Mark. Every Hobo was given in their goody sacks a nut on a string that they had to wear around their necks and one was bigger than the rest...(JS) |
|
|
| Pete, Tom, and Nancy helped me out during lunch...(VS) |
This year we had a raffle which included about $1100 worth of nice items. Thanks to all who bought tickets. Thanks also to our corporate sponsors for the raffle and door prizes (please support them). Without their support, we could not make this a successful event year after year...
With the points tallied, the last place 'winner' was Rick McComb (290 pts), and won a Delorme Colorado Gazateer Map Book. 3rd Place trophy winner was John Over (670pts) of MHJC Patrol 14, and won a $25 certificate to 4Wheel Parts, and the 2nd Place Trophy winner was CJ Jones (700pts), and won a $50 certificate to 4Wheel Parts. The "Top Hobo" of the 6th Annual Hobo Run 2004 went to JIM KNIGHT with a total of 730 pts! He 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.
|
|
|
We even recognize even the lowest scores, as Rick won a Delorme Colorado Gazetteer. (JS) |
|
|
|
2003 "Top Hobo" Jim Williams hands out this year's 'Top Hobo' Trophy to Jim Knight!! (JS) |
|
|
|
Congrats from the HoboJeepers--to all the winners! From left to right: Bill Hallinan-Hobo Run 'Trip Leader', Jim Williams-Top Hobo 2003, John Over-3rd Place, Jim Knight-Top Hobo 2004, CJ Jones-2nd place, & HoboJeepers Patrol Leader Paul Wiesz (JS) |
The weather down in Denver had been rainy the day before, so I figured it may rain on us. Well, I was was wrong. At least the rain and fog held out till the lunch ceremonies were complete. Just as were were wrapping up lunch a huge cloudbank engulfed the valley. We headed up above timberline and into the fog (pea soup). The great views of the Front Range were not present this year, as the trail was all you could see (100 yards or less). We all headed along the 1st switchback with just a few in view. I added some photos of from last year's run, to show the views we missed.
|
|
| Just around the bend from lunch, we ventured into 'pea soup'...(VS) |
|
|
| No views, just fog...(JS) |
|
|
| Looking West, towards James Peak and James Lake...(photo from last year--what we didn't see)...(BH) |
|
|
| Quick breaks in the clouds afforded us a Kodak moment...(JS) |
|
|
| Here at the James Peak switchback, the rains picked up...(VS) |
|
|
|
Looking North up the last grade thru 'Hobo Pass', one word---'FOG'..(JS). |
|
|
|
Looking North up the last grade thru 'Hobo Pass' on a normal day...(from last year) (BH) |
As we crested Hobo Pass at 12,100', the clouds opened up on the lead group with pea-sized hail, lightning, and a rainy wind. My half doors allowed just about anything in (rain, wind & hail). Hey, it's the Jeep experience right!?! Just as we reached the second hill another bolt of lightning hit just a few hundred yards away as a small bush took the hit. Paul's son Brett was ring an ATV up ahead of us, and was too close for comfort.
|
|
|
Sunflowers all over Hobo Pass...(VS) |
|
|
|
Ever wonder why Jeep wiper blades never really work when you need them??...(BA) |
|
|
|
With pounding hail and rain above timberline, lightning was all around...(JS) |
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 rains and hail persisted all along the tundra, turning some portions white. Those encased in their cozy warm vehicles missed out on the cold rain and hail. One 'Hobo for a day' Mike A. and his open Willy's got the best experience.
|
|
|
Most everyone had a fun 'Jeep Experience' with only bikini tops, as the rain came in sideways...(WS) |
|
|
|
Everyone traverses the last hill climb...(WS) |
|
|
|
From the top of the hill looking back, the train is moving well. (VS) |
We all usually stop at the rock house to stack a rock, sign the guestbook, and get a nice group shot. But in 2004, the winds, rain and especially lighting didn't let us stop. It wasn't safe to have 80 people and 34 metallic vehicles all in one place with lightning all around. It was too bad we could not get a group photo, but our safety is more important. I added some photos of the rockhos are from last year's run. So we headed on down into to the trees (which were old Bristlecone Pines straight out of the Wizard of Oz forest). Everyone made it down off the mountain safe. Views off to the south thru the clouds offered up Georgetown and I-70 to Loch Lomand Lake to the west.
|
|
|
The 'Rock House'...
stack a rock, sign the
guest book, get some fresh air, and
take in some views! (if it's not lightning!) (VS)
|
|
|
|
Loch Lomand Lake from the 'Rock House'...(VS) |
|
|
|
Check out this cool collage of the 'Hobo Train' from 2003... (click on link for new window, click 'x' to return) |
Once down off the switchbacks at the air-up spot, some aired up, while others headed down to Idaho Springs in the rain 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...
|
|
|
We worked our way back down to Alice thru switchbacks..(VS). |
|
|
|
Some caught a glimpse of deer along the way down...(VS) |
|
|
| Airing back up after a fun trail and a fun day...(VS) |
CONGRATS from the HoboJeepers to
JIM KNIGHT
the 6th Annual Hobo Run 2004
'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 7th Annual Hobo Run 2005!!
'See ya on the trail!!'
MHJC Patrol 1 HoboJeepers
"JEEP, JEEP!!"
*Here are some other Hobo Run/Kingston Peak Trip Reports:
5th Annual Hobo Run-HoboJeepers
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 local Hobo Run 2004 Sponsors:
*AAA
TRANSMISSION WAREHOUSE-
of Englewood: John-303-789-2001: HOBO RUN
2004 Dash Plaques & Trophies
-We are the 'Baddest Boyz in the Tranz Bizness'! We offer a full service of Automatics to manual repair. 4x4 custom trannys always welcome.
*MILE-HI
JEEP REBUILDERS-
of Denver: Jim-303-629-0378:
6th Annual HOBO RUN Traveling Bandanas
-Established 1962 in Denver, CO--We carry a full line of new and rebuilt JEEP
replacement parts, & aftermarket accessories.
*BESTOP- of Westminster:
-Replacement tops and accessories for Jeep Wrangler, Jeep CJ, Jeep TJ and Jeep YJ.
*4WHEEL PARTS- of Aurora:--Jeremy-303-347-5337
-Wholesaler supplies aftermarket parts and accessories for Jeep and other four-wheel drive vehicles.
*CRANE HIGH CLEARANCE- of Littleton: Tim/Chris-303-651-7757
-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!
*OFF-ROAD TECHNOLOGY- of Colorado Springs:--Bruce-719-633-1111 ext 34
-Bumpers, roof racks and accessories for off-road/4x4 enthusiasts.
*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.
*ELITE AUTO GLASS- Metro Denver-
- Windshield and Auto Glass installed nationwide.
and other industry sponsors of the HOBO RUN 2004:
*LEATHERMAN TOOLS- From modest beginnings, the popularity of Leatherman tools has grown rapidly.
*REDNECK CONCEPTS- Get in and out of your Jeep easily with the Redneck Concepts The removable Cowboy StirrUP Step.
*SOLAR COSMETIC LABS- manufactures of NO-AD sunscreen.
*FIBERLINK WEBBING PRODUCTS- Provides all your webbing products from industrial strength tie downs through tow straps and tie downs for your recreational vehicles.
*4WHEEL DRIVE HARDWARE- Specializes in Jeep parts and accessories.
*SHELL VALLEY- Manufacturers of Fiberglass Jeep Replacement Parts, and stainless parts.
*QUADRATEC- Jeep
accessories & parts.
*KLUNE INDUSTRIES- KLUNE-V Planetary Crawler Underdrive for extreme four-wheel-drive applications.
*RADIATOR SPECIALTY PRODUCTS- Quality automotive, hardware, plumbing, and traffic safety products to the world, including GUNK.
*FOURXDOCTOR- Jeep body protection, fuel tank protection, diff guards and more.
*HI MOUNTAIN JERKY- With several blends to choose from you can't go wrong with Hi Mountain's Jerky Cure and Seasonings.
*GARMIN- is a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and an innovator in consumer electronics.
*PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES- Off-Road Products - 2WD & 4x4 Truck Parts and Accessories for street trucks, SUVs, and more.
*CLEANTOOLS, INC.- Home of the famous Absorber towels, and Glosser detailing towel.
*OH BOY OBERTO! BEEF JERKEY- For over 85 years, "Have Fun" has been more than the company motto!
*OASIS MANUFACTURING- Safety Seal Tire Repair Kits. Air compressors and air down kits.
*LECARRA STEERING WHEELS- Lecarra Steering Wheels are designed and made to provide maximum comfort and driving satisfaction
*SKID ROW AUTOMOTIVE- Makes skid plates and accessories for offroad vehicles.
*FIRESTIK ANTENNAS- Firestik antennas, mounting accessories and coaxial cables for CB and Amateur Radio communications and technical support information.
*OASIS
MANUFACTURING- Safety Seal Tire Repair Kits. Air compressors and air down kits.
*DELORME
Colorado Gazateer
MAPS- Provides mapping programs for handheld computers,
Gazeteer Maps, and more...
*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.
*DURANGO
4x4- Welcome To
Durango4x4.com. Warn Winches - Lowest prices and FREE Shipping on orders over
$500!. Jeep accessories & parts out of Durango, Colorado.
"JEEP, JEEP!!"
*To HOBOJEEPERS HOMEPAGE w/frames*
To HOBOJEEPERS HOMEPAGE without frames
(c) Copyright 1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004 MHJC Patrol One
Jeep is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler Corporation
Hobo Articles Photo Album Hobo Cafe Jeep Links Hobo Run 2K4 Site Map
