What's new
By:
So Cal Broncos Community Forums

Welcome, Guest! Register a free account today to become a member and participate in the discussion.

BBBB XXIV - Thursday Easy Run - Holcomb Valley Rd. Historic Run

BadSquatch said:
Folks,

For those of you new of the off-road game, or want a reminder, I though I would post some basic trail etiquette. I'll go over some of this in the drivers meeting as well, and since this is an easy run, you won't have to worry much about a lot of it. But it's a "good to know" kinda thing for those who are new to the "off-road game".

TRAIL COMMUNICATION IS A SAFETY ISSUE:
Trail communication between vehicles is not just a convenience but a safety requirement, IMHO. The ability to communicate with others that an obstacle is still blocked or has been cleared, or that a hazard is present, can save a lot of grief. Knowing others are on the trail, such as hikers, horses, or ATVs, can be important for the safety of everyone on the trail. Whatever your group uses for communication, be it CB, HAM, GMRS, or something else, I suggest you get one and learn to use it. For those that don't have one yet, there are a number of threads here on the forums talking about radio, what to get, etc. Note that "officially" SCB uses 2-meter HAM but I know that a lot of you have GRMS only radios, so that's fine, we will make a final decision, and frequency/channel choice at the drivers meeting.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RIG BEHIND YOU:
You are responsible for the vehicle behind you when traveling the trail or in the convoy to or from the trail. You should try to keep that vehicle in your rear-view mirrors as much as possible. If they move slower than the group and fall behind, you should slow down or stop as needed for them to catch up. The driver in front of you should see that you slowed down or stopped and do the same. Nobody will get left far behind if everyone does this. When you come to a fork or turn in the road, you should wait at the intersection until you know the driver behind you sees the turn. They will make sure the same happens for the rig behind them. If someone needs a little privacy, you can't always keep them in view, but you can keep them in radio distance or sit just out of sight and wait for them to rejoin the ride.

GIVE PLENTY OF SPACE BETWEEN RIGS:
A little bit of space between rigs is a good thing. This is especially true of you have a gen-6 Bronco with the Goodyear rock throwers, err, I mean tires. Whether the rig in front of you is moving or stopped, you should typically not run up close behind them. Among other things, a little distance allows you to see the trail more clearly so you may see and choose the better line. When going uphill, staying back may keep you from being hit by rocks that are tossed or rolled down by the vehicle ahead of you. They may need extra room to back or deal with obstacles. That will be much more difficult if you are right on their bumper. On really rough spots, wait at the bottom or top, as the case may be, until the leading vehicle clears the hill completely. If you cannot see them clear the hill/obstacle, call on the radio and ask if they have. Make sure you let others know when you clear a blind obstacle too.

THE UPHILL DRIVER HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY:
The general rule is a rig going up a hill has the right of way over those going down. In many cases, a rig going uphill must maintain momentum to clear the obstacle. If stopped mid-hill, they may have to back down and start again. It is "best practice" to move over, wait for them to clear the hill, and then proceed. The exception to this rule, like most exceptions, requires a little common sense and some common courtesy. If someone is sliding down a slick or icy hill or is on an obstacle they cannot stop on or back up on, give them the right of way, regardless of their direction.

DRINKING IS FOR AFTER THE DRIVING IS DONE:
Just don't do it. Drinking puts everyone on the trail in danger. Drinking and driving is not just dumb, it is illegal. The laws are the same when driving a trail, in town, or on the interstate. Having an open container in a vehicle is illegal in all states west of the Mississippi River. This does not change because you are in the forest. Off-roading is challenging enough without being drunk or high on the trail.

ONLY FRIENDLY PETS, PLEASE:
It is simple. If your dog is dangerous to people or other pets, leave Fido at home. I have seen a few people quickly wear out their welcome due to an aggressive pup.

BE KIND TO OTHERS YOU MEET ON THE TRAIL:
Share the trail. Move over when you can and give motorcycles, ATVers, and faster-moving folks, the right of way. Move past hikers slowly, don't kick up any more dust than you must, and be friendly. Some horses are pretty skittish, so ask the rider how best to proceed if needed. If you have to pass horses, go slow and keep the engine as quiet as possible. It should go without saying, but no revving engines and no horns, please.

MEN TO THE LEFT BECAUSE WOMEN ARE ALWAYS RIGHT:
This is not meant to offend anyone. It is just an easy way to remember the rule. When the group stops in a spot without facilities, this is a good rule of thumb to prevent conflicts in the bushes. Please remember to bury anything left behind at least 6" deep or, better yet, pack it out.

TREAD LIGHTLY:
Stay on the trail, drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail. Cross streams only at designated fording points, where the road crosses the stream. Comply with all signs and respect barriers. And last but not least pack out what you pack in. In other words "cool your ash, and pack your trash".

EXCEPTIONS:
Trail etiquette is a good thing, but sometimes safety dictates an exception. These rules are not set in stone for a reason. An experienced off-roader will know this and adjust as needed. As Captain Jack Sparrow's pirate crew might remind us, "These rules are really more like guidelines, anyway." Knowing trail etiquette is important, but learning when to use a little common sense and adjust those "rules" to the situation is a sign of experience. Remember, there is just one unalterable, never-changing rule in off-roading. That is SAFETY FIRST! No other "rule" is more important than that one.
Of course, there are always more "rules" one can add. However, this is a good start. Ultimately, it all boils down to one simple phrase: BE FRIENDLY, BE HELPFUL & BE SAFE.
WHEEL SAFE!!
Click to expand...
Great post!
Learn it! Love it! Live it! (Brad Hamilton)🤠
 
BadSquatch said:
I'll be leading a run on Thursday of Big Bear Bronco Bash, and invite anyone who's interested to join me.
  • DATE : Thursday, June 5
  • TIME: 10:00 AM
  • TRAIL RATING: Easy
  • TRAILS: Holcomb Valley Road with Side Trips
  • STAGING LOCATION: South Trailhead for 3N16 ( Google Maps Link)
  • MAX VEHICLES: 15
  • COMMS: TBD depending on what most of the participants have, but I suspect it will be GMRS
View attachment 2776

Holcomb Valley Rd. (3N16) provides a scenic, enjoyable drive for all off-road enthusiasts. Note that this run welcomes any and all Bronco's regardless of trim, etc. including Sports as well.

At roughly 26 miles, this overland trail will take you through the backwoods of the San Bernardino National Forest. Along with some great views, Holcomb Valley Rd (3N16) is also a historic route that takes you through the history of Holcomb Valley's gold rush. During this trip, you will see abandoned mines, dig sites, grave sites, pygmy cabins, and much more. Holcomb Valley Rd (3N16) is the main connector between most of the trails in Holcomb Valley, including Holcomb Creek, Dishpan Springs, John Bull, White Mountain, Gold Mountain, and many more

Here's a link to the run on OnX, if you need/want the .gpx file hit me up and I'll sent it to you.

What you need to bring:
  • HAM/GRMS Radio (we will decide what freqency/channel we will use at the drivers meeting)
  • GPS Reader of some type (we'll communicate files in GPX) (optional)
  • 1 full size spare
  • Lunch, water & snacks (we will be stopping for lunch as soon as I figure out the best spots)
  • Basic tools and recovery gear (if you don't have these, there are some good threads on this forum talking about what you get. Since this is an easy trail, you SHOULDN'T need them)

I'd like to limit the number of vehicles to 15. If you'd like to join me please post below with your name, the model of bronco, trim level, and year. Then I'll add you to the list below. I doubt that we will get 15 since it's early, but you never know.

PARTICIPANTS:
  1. Joerg Hallbauer ('22 Velocity Blue BadSquatch)
  2. Matthew (1990 Bronco 5.8 liter Green and black)
  3. Eric (22 Cyber Orange BadSquatch)
  4. Derric Taylor and Langston ('24 HLE Robin's Egg Blue)
  5. Nick Psomas ('21 Bronco FE)
  6. Dave Ness (2021 Badlands Sasquatch)
  7. Jeff McCabe (23 Bronco Area51 Badlands)
  8. Gary H. (2023 Black BaseSquatch)
  9. Robert E. (2024 WildTrak)
  10. Johnny Zamora ( Biggg Bennnd




Click to expand...
 
Folks,

I'm trying something new, and deciding ahead of time about radios/frequencies, etc. So, can you all let me know what kind of radio you have? Ham, GRMS, both? Or if yo udon't have one at all? That will help me figure this out so we don't have to spend a lot of time at the drivers meeting dealing with radio stuff.
 
After some more research, I noticed that 17 was the output for the Mesa Crest repeater, who could definitely interfere with us. So, I poked around some more, and decided on:
COMMS: GMRS/FRS Channel Primary: 16 Secondary:18 (for those of you with HAM radios that's Primary: 462.5750, Secondary: 462.6250)

Those are still 50 watt wide band channels, but I can't find any local repeaters that use those as their output channel. I've updated the post at the top to select the change.
 
May I join this party?

I am a total newbie, so I don't have tools, and would not much know what to do with them, I expect. I have a handheld CB radio, but I don't think that is GRMS. Again I don't know...

Clearly, I have much to learn...

I have a green 2024 WildTrack.

Do I need to also "sign up" for the bigger BBBB if this is all I expect to do this time around?

Kate Proctor
 
SoCalBonanza said:
May I join this party?

I am a total newbie, so I don't have tools, and would not much know what to do with them, I expect. I have a handheld CB radio, but I don't think that is GRMS. Again I don't know...

Clearly, I have much to learn...

I have a green 2024 WildTrack.

Do I need to also "sign up" for the bigger BBBB if this is all I expect to do this time around?

Kate Proctor
Click to expand...
This run is super simple, you won’t need any of that stuff. Except a radio. There are all kinds of threads on this site talking about it. But in the end I would suggest an inexpensive hand held that you can get from Amazon. For example: https://a.co/d/7vpw3RG

You are all set for the run, see you there!
 
Last edited:
SoCalBonanza said:
Do I need to also "sign up" for the bigger BBBB if this is all I expect to do this time around?

Kate Proctor
Click to expand...
There's nothing to sign up for, except for individual runs where the run leader has asked for it, like this one. But for BBBB in general there is nothing to sign up to. Just heed the information about it that's available online and don't expect concierge service :)
 
Dusty said:
There's nothing to sign up for, except for individual runs where the run leader has asked for it, like this one. But for BBBB in general there is nothing to sign up to. Just heed the information about it that's available online and don't expect concierge service :)
Click to expand...
Kate,

Here's a little help. Take a look at https://socalbroncos.net/bbbb/ which will give you more information about BBBB, as well as the schedule of events, etc. Then you can jump on the forum, and take a look at https://socalbroncos.com/forum/forums/big-bear-bronco-bash.33/ where you will see the list of runs that leaders have published, as well as some other good information.

Here's the current schedule of events for BBBB 2025:

Thursday | June 5, 2025​

ALL DAY​

Trail Runs​

Enjoy our local trails throughout the day. Please note that runs are DIY or volunteer-organized.

5:00 PM​

Happy Hour​

Early arrivals join us for cocktails in the common area at the Majestic Moose. Bring your own, plus something to share!

Friday | June 6, 2025​

ALL DAY​

Trail Runs​

Enjoy our local trails throughout the day. Please note that runs are DIY or volunteer-organized.

5:00 PM​

Bronco Parts Swap Meet​

Got some unused Bronco parts laying around taking up space? Bring ‘em to the SCB Bronco Parts Swap Meet at BBBB! Likewise if you’re looking for that hard-to-find part, check out the offerings. The Swap Meet will take place in the common area at the Majestic Moose (among the trees to the left of the stage and BBQ area). Please set your parts out in an orderly fashion, but do not use the dinner tables for display. If you can’t stay close to your items, leave a note attached to them with your name, price and phone/text number so buyers can find you to make the purchase. Please have any leftover items removed from the area by 9:00 PM or so.

7:00 PM​

Mexican Potluck Dinner​

Friday Night Mexican Potluck is a tradition that goes back to the very first Big Bear Bronco Bash! Held in the common area at the Majestic Moose. Please bring your favorite Mexican main course, side dish or dessert to share. Note that there is NO signup sheet, so please don’t ask anyone “what’s needed?” Simply bring any dish you’re proud to share, and make sure there’s enough for a few people. Typically the chefs of So Cal Broncos bring their A-game and there is always plenty of everything to go around. Make sure to bring serving utensils for your dish. Please claim your dish after the potluck. Even if you set it out in a disposable dish, it’s up to you to make sure it gets disposed.
IMPORTANT: Bring your own beverage, plates, napkins and eating utensils. And PLEASE pick up after yourself.

Saturday | June 7, 2025​

ALL DAY​

Trail Runs​

Enjoy our local trails throughout the day. Please note that runs are DIY or volunteer-organized. See THIS THREAD on our Forum for more information.

8:00 PM​

SCB Grilllmasters BBQ Dinner​

Once again our elite team of SCB Grillmasters will be serving up a delicious BBQ meal on Saturday night! Those who have attended BBBB before know that the Grillmaster BBQ is one of the highlights of the weekend.

A tip jar will be available so please tip the Grillmasters generously for their hard work!

Donations Accepted to Help Cover BBQ Costs!​

As usual, attendance at the BBBB BBQ is free but the Grillmasters are accepting donations to help defray costs. We encourage everyone who can, to donate enough to pay for your meal and reward our Grillmasters for a job well done. If times are tough come on out anyway and enjoy a great meal with the SCB broterhood. Nobody goes away hungry!

To donate via Paypal go to: https://www.paypal.me/kirkaguer (Please check the box for “Friends & Family so they don’t confiscaate part of it). If you prefer to use Venmo please send it to @KirkAguer. The Grillmasters have asked that donations be made by May 31 so they can plan and prepare.

9:00 PM​

The Bash​

Immediately following the BBQ dinner, we put the “Bash” in Big Bear Bronco Bash with a full night of live music, adult beverages and tons of fun! This year we welcome Deer Lick Jam Co who will be slingin’ the tunes, thanks to our music sponsor James Duff Enterprises! Bring your own adult beverages or try some of those brought by others to share. Try your hand at the Flabongo while you’re at it!

Sunday | June 8, 2025​

Morning​

Trail Runs​

Enjoy our local trails throughout the day. Please note that runs are DIY or volunteer-organized.

2:00 PM​

Late Stayers Pool Party​

If you’re staying an extra day to unwind after the Bash, join us at the pool for some fun and sun, and a few more adult beverages!
 
SoCalBonanza said:
May I join this party?

I am a total newbie, so I don't have tools, and would not much know what to do with them, I expect. I have a handheld CB radio, but I don't think that is GRMS. Again I don't know...

Clearly, I have much to learn...

I have a green 2024 WildTrack.

Do I need to also "sign up" for the bigger BBBB if this is all I expect to do this time around?

Kate Proctor
Click to expand...
I have an extra radio you can borrow for the trail run, if you don't get one beforehand.
 
Folks,

I have added a Google Drive folder where I'm uploading information, and it has a subfolder where you can upload your pictures and videos that you would like to share. See the original posting for the run on page 1 for the link.
 
Thanks for leading a run, Be heading up from Fullerton. Larry Barnes. Green 22 SAS, Hopefully see you at the S.trail head.@10:00. I don't mind tail gunning. using gmrs.
 
Barnes said:
Thanks for leading a run, Be heading up from Fullerton. Larry Barnes. Green 22 SAS, Hopefully see you at the S.trail head.@10:00. I don't mind tail gunning. using gmrs.
Click to expand...
Boy, Thurs. morning from Fullerton, tha should be a fun drive :cool: hopefully it's not too bad!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Please support the businesses that support So Cal Broncos!

Latest posts

Latest resources

Back
Top