Jeep Jamboree
August 2010
As told by SuperCJ:
It was exciting to run the Rubicon Trail on the 32nd Annual Jeep Jamboree in July/August, 2010. Tom & Jason trailered me behind the Champagne Train for the long trek up 395 with Jeff & Randy in close pursuit. I decided to strip down to full trail trim this year by removing my windshield and mirrors. This, combined with my new rear coilover springs and PSC steering ram, left me feeling ready for anything the Rubicon had to offer.
I thought about asking for a ride on Jeff’s new Featherlite aluminum car hauler, but ol’ Carson and I have traveled a lot of roads together, so we decided to stick together this trip. When we arrived in Georgetown to register, I said “Hey” to many of my annual Rubicon buddies: Don & Donny’s TJ Unlimited, Larry & Mac’s CJ7, and Jeff & Randy’s YJ. I also made some new friends curbside while all the drivers “fueled up” in the Georgetown Saloon.
On Friday morning, we hit the trail after I aired down, locked up, and placed my twin sticks forward. I heard that only @70 rigs were on the trip this year so I kept moving most of the day. The only breaks in the action were stops so that Jason, Tom, Jeff, and Randy could continue to “fuel up”. At one point Randy took a bad step and I heard his leg was really sore, but we pressed on past the lakes, down the Big Sluice, and into camp. My new steering ram made the trip especially easy this year, although the trail seemed really chewed up.
Shortly after arriving in camp, Randy had the Jamboree doctor check out his leg and they flew him out in the helicopter for a hospital visit. I guess that’s like when I go to Tri County Gear or Rebel Off Road, but maybe not as much fun. Anyway, Randy missed the rest of the trip except for the drive home.
Saturday’s camp weather was perfect and all the attendees enjoyed hiking, swimming, and the constant “fueling” process. Mark Smith came to the event in one of the CJs that ran the Panamerican Highway trip through the Darien Gap. Talking to Mark and seeing these two legends together was the high point of Tom’s trip. I could hear the band playing in the main camp area after dinner and they were really good. Jason even won a JE Reel gift certificate in the raffle. Looks like Party Barge will get something new soon.
Sunday’s trip up Cadillac Hill was great. Lots of water made the rocks slippery but we made it out in good time and finished the trail shortly before noon. On my drive back to South Lake Tahoe, I was stopped by the Highway Patrol and got a fix-it ticket for rear mudflaps. I can’t imagine being a grown man, going to cop school, carrying a gun, and hassling Jeeps for mudflaps. Can’t be very rewarding…
Anyway, we picked up Randy at the hospital and headed for Georgetown and the tow rigs. We headed down Interstate 5 and stayed at a marina/yacht club/RV park on Sunday night in Stockton. Our waterfront spot was the perfect ending to a great trip. Hope to see everyone next year! OllllO
