Black Diamond++ Trail Today!

[Buckeye Hummer]

My now good friend Steve and I as well as Steve's good friend (The Humvee owner) and my other good friend (My FedEx) rep took off on a pretty sick trail today. Pictures never do this stuff justice but I can tell you a couple things. First, the trail was so nasty/dangerous in some areas (Steve will play this down because he's the resident tough guy) that we couldn't have and shouldn't have gotten out to take pics. This would have stopped our forward motion, which would have been disastrous on some of these super rocky inclines (only the 2 of us were there so we were very limited with watching each others back). There were also drop offs that we simply didn't want to drop off (H1 will struggle on this, it's not wide enough). Second, the trail was black diamond and rated "most difficult". We still ventured off of this rated trail to more difficult stuff to really push the H2. I admit that Steve is a better driver. He is very good with his lines and managed to traverse a very nasty, rocky slope with ease. I managed to dig myself in a hole (very loose stuff) so Steve was nice enough to winch me out from the top (moved me 1') then I tried it again and made it no problem. Let's get it straight. There is no stock machine better than an H2. We only saw 1 ATV on the trail. Clearly on the more difficult runs there were no signs of truck 4x4 passage only ATV. My pics suck because I couldn't get out until the trail got lighter (off the inclines). Steve may have more. This pic is at the top after the hard work was over. It has lightened up enough that I could stop, grab my camera and take a pic.

[Buckeye Hummer]

My now good friend Steve and I as well as Steve's good friend (The Humvee owner) and my other good friend (My FedEx) rep took off on a pretty sick trail today. Pictures never do this stuff justice but I can tell you a couple things. First, the trail was so nasty/dangerous in some areas (Steve will play this down because he's the resident tough guy) that we couldn't have and shouldn't have gotten out to take pics. This would have stopped our forward motion, which would have been disastrous on some of these super rocky inclines (only the 2 of us were there so we were very limited with watching each others back). There were also drop offs that we simply didn't want to drop off (H1 will struggle on this, it's not wide enough). Second, the trail was black diamond and rated "most difficult". We still ventured off of this rated trail to more difficult stuff to really push the H2. I admit that Steve is a better driver. He is very good with his lines and managed to traverse a very nasty, rocky slope with ease. I managed to dig myself in a hole (very loose stuff) so Steve was nice enough to winch me out from the top (moved me 1') then I tried it again and made it no problem. Let's get it straight. There is no stock machine better than an H2. We only saw 1 ATV on the trail. Clearly on the more difficult runs there were no signs of truck 4x4 passage only ATV. My pics suck because I couldn't get out until the trail got lighter (off the inclines). Steve may have more. This pic is at the top after the hard work was over. It has lightened up enough that I could stop, grab my camera and take a pic.

[Buckeye Hummer]

Yes, the H2 is the go anywhere vehicle. Stop and think about the size of these rocks, the apparent incline, loose decomposed granite underneath and the traction control that so effectively kicked in when we needed it.

[Buckeye Hummer]

We reached a clearing in this shot where we had a little lunch, beverages and enjoyed the view. I forgot to check our elevation but we were well above 7000 at this point and had a great view of the valley.

[Buckeye Hummer]

This is a shot of Steve blazing his own trail. The clearing below is where I am pointed toward the valley to give you an idea of the severity of the incline. Much of the trail needed a vehicle with a good wheel base. We were quite confident after heading up some of our inclines that a smaller wheelbase vehicle would have flipped trying to maintain momentum while slamming rocks the size we were hitting. I am sure it can be done but would be a much different path/ride.

[Steve R]

Dude...was that some good offroading or what???? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I didn't want to tell you this....but that nasty hill is called "Suicide Hill". The book describes it as such:

Suicide Hill- This section of the White Mountain Trail is one of the toughest. The story goes that a father-son team was attempting this hill when the rig rolled killing one of them. This hill is not just steep; it is loose and offers a side-slope component. Don't attempt this without a considerable support group.

Way to cheat death....huh?!

I was laughing my ass off. Everytime we came to a nasty hill/section I would turn to Billy and say...."what do you think????". Billy would respond with "I don't know...looks pretty darn nasty...might be smart to go around it".

Not being known for doing the 'smart' thing...I of course immediately turned the Hummer into the hill and proceeded to chop that nasty bitch into pieces. My greatest satisfaction was not derived from reaching the top....but rather from seeing the look on your face when you came around the corner to see what lay ahead of you!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My favorite part was when you said "How'd you get up that???". Oh yeah...good stuff!

But what a great day...forest, hills, mountains...can't wait to take the whole group through it in a few weeks. I've got some pics...but none of the nasty stuff: too busy watching our butts from loosin' it!

[Steve R]

cute hill...too bad the pic doesn't show that you can barely even walk up this thing!

[Steve R]

Here's the Buckster moving along.....this area burned some years ago....but nice trail!

[Steve R]

kickin' it atop a hill

[DocH2]

Wow, talk about pucker factor!

I'm rather novice and have been putzing around offroad with my H2. IN NORTHERN CA it seems like trails are surounded with paint scraping brush.

Question: Where do I learn to drive this thing (ie: the safe side of its limits) without rolling it?

[RockYoda]

You guys did White Mountain in Big Bear? That is a good trail. I really don't like to do it in my yoda, a bit too steep in loose rock. What other trails did you guys hit? Holcome(sp?) Creek and Deep Creek are some nice trails. Also if you really want a challenge try John Bull. As a matter of fact if you guys want to go again tomorrow let me know...

[Buckeye Hummer]

RockYoda, I am sure Steve will respond to your question on the trails. He mapped all of them out and should know the names. I would love to go again but I must go to work tomorrow to catch up on what I missed today. We missed almost all of the good photos since there was only 2 of us. Steve would forge up the inclines, I would hold back so he couldn't spray me with rocks and then head up so I was always a little behind and quite frankly, didn't feel the need to hike this thing by foot. I'm in great shape but there was no air up there!

[Buckeye Hummer]

Doc,

H2 is not the easiest truck to roll.

1. Try a Hummer Adventure to get your feet wet.
2. Develop some good relationships on this board.
3. Head out with the SoCal Hummer group. We mapped out this trail and yes, there are some alternative routes for newbies and yes we were all newbies at one time and yes there is always someone who knows more but I have found that the SoCal group is a great/knowledgeable network of off-road folk that are willing to help you along.

Hope to see you soon!

[RockYoda]

If that is White Mountain in Big Bear, yes that trail is very steep. I much rather go down than up. Out of all the trails that i have been on, White Mountain is the steepest and has the most loose rock. Well we will have to meet up one day and go wheeling,let me know...

[Steve R]

more pics

[Steve R]

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p6

[Steve R]

Rockyoda,

We came in through Luna Mountain and traversed our way towards White Mountain...that's about all we had time for.

Can't wait to run the group through it....great fun, great challenges!

[argonaut]

You guys are awesome. That place looks horrible. I wanna try it...

'03 H2 Sunset Orange No mods
'03 BMW M3 Convertible
'02 BMW M5

[89vette]

Cool. I love the look of the SoCal landscape. Looks like a blast. I wanna come out and drive it!

03 Sunset H2!
89 Vette
02 Escalade

[SJ]

Buckeye & Steve:

Nice pictures, but damn if you didn't go wheeling on a Thursday [your post is dated 9/11 and then references TODAY]! I'm getting sick and tired of you jokers posting pix of wheeling on a week day. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I'm stuck in an office and you guys are out stirring the dust; enjoying God's green earth? Isn't that just the sh*ts (for me)!
http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I'm just jealous as all heck, don't mind me.

[Albie]

Do you So Cal guys work????????//LOL

[Steve R]

Albie....you candy-ass wimp, if you don't come on this run I swear to Hummer heaven that I'm gonna drag ya out myself and make you run this trail!!!!

Yeah...it was thursday and Buck & I are out in the mountains WORKING to bring you guys an awesome trail. Yeah...we work!

Both Jason & I have something in common; we've both built our own businesses and can finally escape now and then to have some fun. But rest assured when we return back to the office, we've got all sorts of baby-sitting issues to resolve.

It's like I tell my wife: somebody is going to have to get out there and sweat, labor and work hard to make us a living....and it sure as heck ain't gonna be me!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So Albie...what's your excuse for not making the event??????

[Albie]

Pismo and the late night run the H2 was in the shop. on your scouting events, I have the 9 to 5 job. Don;t worry I like this trail looks meaty!!!!!

[Steve R]

Just bring it! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[hummer17]

Looks like tons of fun...Envy from those of us in flat states....

[Kevin B]

Hey, in the second picture are you backing down the hill? It looks like a tire track right by the wild flowers (driver side) about three feet higer than the vehicle.

Is it cool to wheel anywhere you want out there http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif?

[Steve R]

I figure you are referring to the pic of my rig parked upwards on that hill?

That was sort of a hill where you basically go up as far as you can. It's a rock formation that progresses to vertical...with a few weeds & plants in between.

There is a huge clearing up there with no designated trail. No harm was done, it fell into the category of Tread Lightly and Tread Vertically. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Seriously...we stay on trails and leave the landscape as we find it. You wouldn't be able to tell I was there.

[RockYoda]

N2ITNSD,

To answer your question is NO! It is not cool to wheel anywhere. I know that area well and they were on the designated(sp?) trail. I have worked with the San Bernardino National Forest OHV program and we try very hard to keep everybody on the right trails and not to blaze new ones. We try very hard to keep the few wheeling areas open and clean. Thanks Steve for Treading Lightly!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif