Calzona Overland Expedition 2011

adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
So the preparation has started.

On the truck we'll be obviously doing our normal maintenance as well as changing out all heating and radiator hoses along with a flush. We just did the head cover gasket, rebuilt the power steering pump with all new lines and replaced the dizzy o-ring on our truck as well. Small lines have been replaced for vacuum and smog (while we were there). Along with this we're doing the heater by pass kit by AJIK overland exchange.

Along with normal maintenance items, full tranny fluid change, t-case change and the motor oil change all going to happen with the help of HeiserOil. Amsoil like always.

Toyotamasters will go ahead and check every big nut and bolt on the truck when they get it as well as grease all zerks on the driveline. We might even do a diff fluid change while its there.

We also installed a new Landtank Blue fan clutch from AJIK overland exchange. Although this trip takes place in the winter, it's nice to not have to worry later in the year when summer arrives.

The trailer bearings were just serviced by So-Cal Teardrops and repacked/tightened to spec as well. They also added under floor storage for us so we can carry even more gear than we already have (winter clothing and such) and Hannibal USA added an awning with changing room enclosure for those nights or days on the trail where we may encounter some rain storms.

Also along for a swap was the Lock N Roll coupler hitch. Chris at Kilby was kind enough to send us out the newest and strongest version of his famous Max Coupler for use on the trip. Our lock N roll was getting pretty ragged as it was at least 5 years old and had seen plenty of use.

Permits are coming along for El Camino Del Diablo. I prefer to get mine early and have them mailed to us so as we don't have to worry once we arrive at stopping, nor missing the time they close and waste a day.

We'll be pre-running a section first or second week in November from the end of Mojave Rd.. near Afton Cyn to the Grape Vine (Interstate 5). This is one of the congested areas and we need to make sure there's a designated route set in stone for this stage. We'll be pre-running it with 2 dual sports and i'll follow with our 80 series and no trailer. The pre-run will be approx 200 miles off road and we'll do it in two days.

We still need to order some CF cards, SD cards and a GoPro or two. Along with the mounts for the cameras.

All in all, everything is going well for departure come December 23rd. Looks like there should be a 2) 80 series w/overland type trailers and one 100 series with us for the entire trip. Others will drop in and drop out.

Thanks for reading guys and we look forward to sharing this journey with you guys come December!


To follow us with faster updates visit our facebook page at : www.facebook.com/adventureduo
 
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adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Saturday we leave to Pre-Run the last leg of the trip. It will be leg 4 from Mojave Road/Afton Cyn to the I-5 Grapevine/Tejon Pass.

Here's a screen shot of the proposed route.

calzonabarstowsection4.jpg
 

adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Well, yesterday's leg was a huge success. Except for the few little 'work-arounds' we had to make, the route was 99% good. Also, out of 180 miles, we drove only about 1/2 mile of that on pavement. The route took all day to cover with a few under hood burrito stops here and there. We ran the last quarter of it in the dark which proved to be a small challenge when the trails started to disappear because no one had driven over the section in 30+ years. That and our 5 year old mapping showed roads that were easily traveled now covered by windmill farms. It was epic.

barstowleg2.jpg


Here's the SPOT tracking.. http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0uugCalqZ8HJVKYD3kOT1cN7SKQPCROJ9

The SPOT delayed transmitting at the first section from Afton Cyn but you get the idea.

Amongst the great scenery we ran through and the remote areas, we also came with feet of China Lake, found a Memorial, an airplane hull, the top secret vehicle test track and much more! It's going to be a great trip in December!

I will post photos tomorrow.
 
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ExpoMike

Well-known member
I could definitely be interested in this trip, at least the first half of it.

You guys have room for another tag along?
 

Smksignals

Explorer
Well, yesterday's leg was a huge success. Except for the few little 'work-arounds' we had to make, the route was 99% good. Also, out of 180 miles, we drove only about 1/2 mile of that on pavement. The route took all day to cover with a few under hood burrito stops here and there. We ran the last quarter of it in the dark which proved to be a small challenge when the trails started to disappear because no one had driven over the section in 30+ years. That and our 5 year old mapping showed roads that were easily traveled now covered by windmill farms. It was epic. Here's the SPOT tracking.. http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0uugCalqZ8HJVKYD3kOT1cN7SKQPCROJ9

The SPOT delayed transmitting at the first section from Afton Cyn but you get the idea.

Amongst the great scenery we ran through and the remote areas, we also came with feet of China Lake, found a Memorial, an airplane hull, the top secret vehicle test track and much more! It's going to be a great trip in December!

I will post photos tomorrow.

Dave, do you have a gpx file of this route? Thanks.
 

adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
No .gpx file, but i have a .kml or .urs and you can use GPSbabel to convert it. I'll see if i can get it your way. It's on another computer.

EDIT: I can output a GPX from the SPOT... but its not too detailed since it only sends every 10 minutes, OR whenever it feels like it. :D

Mike, we'd love to have you.. im putting together a Calender of proposed areas as to where we think we might be. Toughest part is telling someone to meet up and then we aren't there yet, or we're already passed that point.
 

ExpoMike

Well-known member
Mike, we'd love to have you.. im putting together a Calender of proposed areas as to where we think we might be. Toughest part is telling someone to meet up and then we aren't there yet, or we're already passed that point.

Cool deal.

I am assuming you are driving over to the start of ECDD, unless you are planning to already be over in that area. If you are driving over, I likely would be able to drive over at the same time.

Let me know how plans develop and if need be, we can take things to email to plan.
 

adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]

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1leglance

2007 Expedition Trophy Champion, Overland Certifie
great pics...
thanks for getting us posted on the progress.
I would also like to throw my hat in the ring for joining you on any of it, please let me know as soon as you have any sort of dates finalized...I see the info about starting on the 23rd..still the goal?
 
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