Bay Area Broncos

I just signed up for the Cal4Wheel High Sierras Poker Run for the Labor Day weekend (taking Friday off to drive out there). Would anyone care to join? We'll be heading down on Friday, and returning Sunday, with a day of rest at home on Monday.

https://cal4wheel.com/high-sierra-poker-run?mc_cid=399b2b2f77&mc_eid=4f94abeefc

I've selected the Bald Mountain Extreme Run for Saturday, and Coyote Lake Run for Sunday. I've done Bald Mtn. before, but it was a tamer path that we took - I'm curious as to what "extreme" entails (there are bypasses if the Bronco can't handle it - sacrilege!)

The cost is $70 (non-members) per vehicle, including one run and one dinner for one adult. Additional runs cost $20, and additional dinners $xx - check webpage. My total cost for 3 adults and 2 runs (one per day) was $120. Lodging is disbursed camping, so no fee.

Here's a video of the Bald Mtn. run:

I'm thinking about it.

Regarding the "extreme run":
I did the Moonlight Madness extreme run which is supposedly the same in June with my standard badlands but I decided to take one bypass and didn't attempt "posi hill". However, I went back out last weekend and managed to get up a slightly less demanding line to the left of it. It's doable on 33s but you're going to need some underbody/rocker protection. There are a couple spots where you'll very likely need at least a rear locker if not both.

@_jeff

@_jeff Do you have a 2D or 4D? I'm okay putting the sliders and underbody armor to use, and as a Badlands my Bronco comes with both lockers; I'm not sure if ALL Broncos come with at least a rear locker?

@WheelMe

@WheelMe Not all come with lockers but yeah the Badlands is good to go. And I have a 4 door.

The trip's coming up in less than a week. It's not too late to join; there are trails that are stock SUV-friendly, for those of you with new rigs who just want to test the waters.

I really want to be there but have a family trip planned that weekend. Have fun!

Just got back from the trip, and it was a blast. Here's a link to photos and videos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R8yf6RWpmq4wkN6AA

Learned a few things as well during our "extreme" run up Bald Mountain (with great view of Shaver Lake at the Lookout Tower). The route we took up/down the mountain was not the regular one found in trail books, so the Bronco got to fully stretch its "legs" (and then some), with the sliders/skids performing admirably (some battle scars); unfortunately, the two supports that reinforce (weld) the side rails to the front subframe took a beating when I came off a tall ledge, now with their protruding edges curled up/mangled; these supports are still 100% functional, but will need some grinder work to take out the sharp edges and some quickie spray paint to prevent rust where the black paint came off. In any case, other than the above, the truck did great. Many "Jeepers" were impressed with the Bronco, and expressed that they'd been eyeing one, while hoping to see how one would do on the trail - they got their wish, and it was all positive.

There were two classic Broncos at the event, as well as two other new 4D Broncos - a black and a Velocity Blue, both Badlands/SAS, like mine.

Some TAKE-AWAYS:

I need a lift (1.5 to 2.0 inches would be nice), so as to go on the other "red" trails in the area.

The Rock Crawl mode was excellent, coupled with the One Pedal Drive feature.

Did you know that one can't do Mud & Ruts mode in 4L? The system kept asking me to exit 4L before it'd let me switch to M&R, which surprised me (I need to confirm this in the manual).

The Bronco's approach and departure angles truly impressed me - coming off a semi-tall ledge, I expected the front to scrape some, and the rear to drag - neither of which happened! I simply landed softly on the fat tires, said, "Oh." Lol. It helped that I don't have winch protruding out front, or a hitch shackle installed. This proves my point of keeping a future winch installed high on the Mod bumper, and possible upgrading to a lower-profiled rear bumper for even-better departure angle.

The Rokblokz front mud flaps did great, without breaking/getting torn off throughout the rock-crawling - I may get some rears installed as well.

The Trailgater (drop-down table and cutting board on tailgate) was highly useful (and no rattles!), along with the Ford Accessories cargo drawer; these made cooking easy, so that we really needn't have brought a separate camping table. The table flips down, and a bamboo cutting board pulls out for added work/chopping space. The cargo drawer easily swallowed all of my recovery gear, plus our dehydrated food packs, as well as all cooking tools/utensils/containers. These two accessories were probably the best money that I've spent on the rig so far.

The Bronco is simply "luxury in the wilderness" - the AC kept us cool in the 95-degree weather, and the Badlands/Sasquatch plus aired-down-to-18-psi Territory's kept us going without rattling our teeth off. Great tires, by the way - the grip on rocks was tenacious, surefooted in med.-speed graveled road curves, and ultra quiet on the highway - I've never driven on K02s, but the Territorys may have those beat.

Lastly, I need a lift.

I'm planning on a day-trip to Corral Hollow in the coming weeks (9/17 or 9/24) - if anyone's interested in coming along, let me know.

Great write up. I've been eyeing both the drawer and trailgator table, it's good to hear they perform well.

I guess I'm typically in rock crawl or baja mode with 2H for the fun sections (not on Bald Mountain) but I feel like I remember that being the case for M&R regarding no 4L. Schedule permitting I'm basically always down to get off-road. I haven't had a chance to check out Corral Hollow but it sounds interesting.

@_jeff

@_jeff I'll post again when ready to hit Corral Hollow so that you can plan, and hopefully join.

Bay Area Broncos

WheelMe

Bay Area Broncos

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