Winter Fun Fest 2001 - Glacier Assault

Grass Valley, CA - January in the Sierra Nevada again signals the time for California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs' (CA4WDC) Winter Fun Fest (WFF). Each year the event grows and this year was no different. The 19th running of Winter Fun Fest utilized 9 trails and was attended by almost 600 people. All of the trail runs, held over the 3-day period, were sold out well before the event. With Mother Nature dropping 1-3 feet of fresh powder on the Sierra Nevada Mountains the week preceding Winter Fun Fest, I knew the Glacier Assault run would provide plenty of enjoyment and challenge.

In the time leading up to WFF I judiciously prepared my rig and related supplies for the winter snow run. A winter run in the rugged Sierra, even with an organized group, should not be attempted without careful preparation. I double-checked the standard maintenance items on my 1999 Jeep TJ - the oil, fluids, tires, belts, u-joints and such. I already had my standard complement of recovery gear packed - the usual straps, chain, shackles, jack, gloves, etc. But this winter run would require a few items not normally taken on a typical summer wheeling outing. I added extra clothing, shoes, food, water, snow shovel, 2 sets of chains, and an extra tarp. I also double checked my on board air system since the recent deep snowfall would require that we run at very low tire pressure once on the trail. Of course, I would need the air system in case I lost a bead on a tire and to air back up to street pressure after the run.

It was about 9:00 a.m. on the day of the run when I pulled into the Nyack parking lot off of I-80, which was the designated staging area for the Glacier Assault run, and found 20 or so rigs already gathered. I found a place in the group and hooked up with the trail leader, Nick Gemignani. Nick informed me that the trail that we would be using today was close to the staging area and we could go ahead and air down the tires now. I pulled the cores and dropped all four 35x12.50s to 9 psi in anticipation of deep, soft snow.

After everyone made it to the staging area we held the obligatory drivers safety meeting where Nick and his crew (Paul Socholoff, Will Barker, and Rich Witt) introduced themselves and explained the rules and guidelines for the run. Soon afterwards, we all headed out to the designated trail. We had about 30 or 35 rigs in attendance, which was quite a sight!! Just as soon as the plowed pavement ended and the snow began - we encountered our first obstacle. There was late model Chevy 4x4 pickup stuck on the side of the road about 100 feet off the pavement - and blocking our access road. They had headed down the road and quickly found that they were in over their heads. They weren't part of the run or even prepared with ANY recovery gear - not even a shovel or strap!! Anyway, Nick and I hooked up a couple straps and got him back up to the pavement where he belonged. As our diverse group of 4x4s made its way up the snow-covered roads I marveled at the Sierra's natural beauty. The recent storm had dumped 1-3 feet of powder on this area and much of it was still hanging in the trees.

As the group made its way a couple miles into this winter wonderland, we continued to increase in elevation and thus the snow depths increased as well. Soon, there were radio reports of vehicles needing assistance. The off-camber roads and slick snow sometimes sucked an unsuspecting driver into the adjacent ditch. The straps got quite a workout getting rigs back on the trail.


Donnie Langdale's CJ gets the strap after slipping off the side of the trail	It looked like a hoard of paparazzi whenever anyone got stuck !!!

The group stuck together and provided assistance where needed. Sometimes it took 2 or more rigs strapped together to free the stuck vehicle due to the deep snow and lack of traction. After a while, we crossed the North Fork of the North Fork of the American River (yup, that's what it is really called!). The snow clinging to all the boulders of the streambed was truly picturesque.

Whenever the groups forward progress stopped to assist a stuck vehicle or wait for the rear of the pack I took the opportunity to check out the wide variety of rigs on this run. There was everything from fully built (and topless!) Jeeps to bone stock Dodge pickups and nearly every make and model in between. There were also lots of kids present on this run (including mine!) and they all seemed to engage in a friendly snowball fight or a bit of sledding whenever they got the chance.

We made our way up to an open area 4 or 5 miles from the trailhead. This would be the lunch and play break as well as the turn-around for the group. From here untracked powder roads set off in several directions to explore. I ate my lunch and mingled with others a bit before heading out in search of fresh trails and deep snow. I followed a couple nice Sami's as our group of 6 or so rigs headed up an untracked road covered with 1-2 feet of snow. After a while, I found myself breaking trail and punching through drifts up to 2 feet deep. Not wanting to steal all the fresh powder, I pulled off and let another break trail. At this time we had 4 capable rigs and the going was not easy but we were making steady progress. At times we would have to "punch" our way through the deeper drifts or steep sections. I might get 10 feet of forward progress before bogging down and having to back up and take another run at it. Wooo Hoooo !!! THIS is what Winter Fun Fest is all about!!

We were still making progress (albeit slow) when the call came over the CB to re-join the rest of the group for the return trip. We made our way down the hill without incident, making sure that we all stayed together and that no one got left on the hill. As we got back to the lunch area, we found that the trail crew was still awaiting the return of one rig. Using the CB radios and a couple of recon vehicles, the missing truck was quickly located. It seems that they set out by themselves and had gotten stuck. All was in control now and they were on their way.


Eric Lillund's CJ is well prepared for the outing. If you look close, you'll see straps, shackles, snatch block and spare fluids.	There's also extra fuel, a CO2 air supply, and recovery strap.	Eric's Jeep is well prepared -but errrrr.... what about the TOP !?!?

The group made it's way down the now snow packed and SLICK roads back towards the trailhead. It was a beautiful day in the Sierra and now snow was beginning to lightly fall. Nick and his crew did an excellent job leading the Glacier Assault run. Not only did they pick and excellent trail with challenges for a variety of vehicle/driver capabilities but also they kept the group organized and moving along. I think everyone had a great time on this run, as evidenced by the smiles on their faces as they came off the trail. Once back on the pavement, we aired up the tires and reflected on another great day 4-wheelin' in the Sierra.

A few of the rigs pause to air up tires before the trek back to the Fairgrounds

Contacts	Related Links
California Association of 4wheel Drive Clubs	Photo Gallery


Nick's "My Blue Heaven" CJ-5 leads the pack on the Glacier Assault run	Ty & Susan Cole's Y2K TJ leads the crew across the N. Fork of the N. Fork of the American River	The fresh snow on the boulders of this American River fork made it almost sureal


Anthony Maffi gets his Sami a bit slideways at the lunch break	These gals had a great time helping Paul Socholoff crew the run	Diane Hasemeyer's 80 CJ-7 is one of the cleanest you'll find


The snow depths increased as the group made it's way up the mountain	Mike Schalinski finds some untracked snow in his '74ish FJ-40	The author finds some deep stuff that finally halts forward progress