Beginner looking for wheeling buddies near SF bay area

[Costa]

Hi Overlanders,

I am new to overlanding and offroading, some time ago I bought a 1995 Isuzu trooper and fixed it up a bit, tested it on road for about 500 miles so far and I think I am ready to try it out offroad. I would like to find someone or a group to join for a few local day trips before I am confident enough (in the rig and myself) to take the family out for longer trips.

I live in Mountain House, CA (Near Tracy) and would like to go out in the next couple of weekends, the 6/16-17 or 6/23-24 (or both). I am open to suggestion for locations but I was thinking of Frank Raines, Corral Hollow, maybe Hollister. Preferably easy-moderate trails as I am inexperienced.

About my Rig:
1995 Isuzu trooper, 5 speed, 1.5"-2" lift, 32" MT tires, no underbody protection other than stock, LSD in rear, open front diff.
No CB radio yet but I do have GMRS.

 

[Mark2Mister2]

Hey! Welcome!

I’m based in the Bay Area (San Mateo) and am also looking for local wheeling buddies. I’ve done a few trips but very much consider myself a novice.

Unfortunately, I can’t make the weekends you listed, but a friend and I are going to Hollister on July 28th if you’d like to come along.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[SkweekyXJ]

Howdy!

I am located in Dublin and have been looking for learning wheeling buddies as well. So far I'm available the coming weekends, but also looking at maybe going to explore Mendo NF and do some camping. Currently building the interior storage for my xj.



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Costa]

Mark2Mister2, sounds good, at the moment I don't have any plans for 7/28, I'd like to join you guys if nothing changes.

SkweekyXJ, sounds good, Mendo NF sounds good but I would like to stay closer and be less lost for the first trip, you know, in case my wheels fall off or something :)
I've never been to Frank Raines or the other two but it's the closest and can probably fit the bill.

 

[2003DiscoII]

I live in tracy. It’s not much but I’m going to Carnegie this weekend. Welcome to tag along if you wanna test your rig out


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[LRDSII]

Lmk if you plan anything I will join as well if time allows


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SkweekyXJ]

My hope is to make a multi day run up to Mendo NF later this week/weekend. Wife wants to get away so it will be exploring with goal of campsite away from people. The coming weekends I'm game to go to Frank Reines though before they close for the season.

 

[Costa]

My hope is to make a multi day run up to Mendo NF later this week/weekend. Wife wants to get away so it will be exploring with goal of campsite away from people. The coming weekends I'm game to go to Frank Reines though before they close for the season.

Unfortunately, I'm busy this weekend.

Looks like we have some interest in going to Frank Raines the following weekend, so how about next Saturday? 6/16 a trip to Frank Raines? Who's interested?

 

[1486toyota]

Welcome! I am actually new to this group also and recently built a Toyota for a trip I’m going on at the end of June but I will be doing a test trial run at frank reigns this Saturday 6/9/18 I’m located in Tracy and have several of us going let me know if you want to tag along [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[Costa]

Welcome! I am actually new to this group also and recently built a Toyota for a trip I’m going on at the end of June but I will be doing a test trial run at frank reigns this Saturday 6/9/18 I’m located in Tracy and have several of us going let me know if you want to tag along [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

Thanks for the offer, unfortunately, I am not available this weekend.

 

[infennonlabs]

Thinking of heading out to Calaveras and doing Corral Hollow June 30th weekend I think. I'm out in San Mateo

Sent from my Nexus 9 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Mark2Mister2]

Mark2Mister2, sounds good, at the moment I don't have any plans for 7/28, I'd like to join you guys if nothing changes.

SkweekyXJ, sounds good, Mendo NF sounds good but I would like to stay closer and be less lost for the first trip, you know, in case my wheels fall off or something :)
I've never been to Frank Raines or the other two but it's the closest and can probably fit the bill.

Right on. I’ll keep you posted as we get closer to the day. Would be nice to have a group of us out there.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[Mark2Mister2]

Thinking of heading out to Calaveras and doing Corral Hollow June 30th weekend I think. I'm out in San Mateo

Sent from my Nexus 9 using OB Talk mobile app

That sounds like a nice trip. How long is the drive out to Corral hollow? I’d like to go there some time, just don’t know the area.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[SkweekyXJ]

Welcome! I am actually new to this group also and recently built a Toyota for a trip I’m going on at the end of June but I will be doing a test trial run at frank reigns this Saturday 6/9/18 I’m located in Tracy and have several of us going let me know if you want to tag along [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

Might end up coming along for the day trip, as my construction of interior storage is taking longer than I was hoping. What time were you thinking, and would we caravan or just meet up at the park?

 

[slomatt]

That sounds like a nice trip. How long is the drive out to Corral hollow? I’d like to go there some time, just don’t know the area.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

Here's a description and map of Corral Hollow so you know the location.
http://4x4trailmaps.com/4x4Trails.php?Trail_ID=77

 

[SkweekyXJ]

Any update to the timing for tomorrow's excursion to Frank Reines OHV Park?

 

[SkweekyXJ]

https://i.imgur.com/3mDGVX0.jpg
Fun Times were had!

 

[BayAreaTundra]

New to OB. Wifey and I go out to Frank Raines to camp all of the time (when we want to go camping with our RV and not need to book way in advance). I would love to join you guys next time.

 

[Costa]

https://i.imgur.com/3mDGVX0.jpg
Fun Times were had!

Nice!

So who is interested joining me this Saturday at Frank Raines?

 

[SkweekyXJ]

Then would be the time, as Frank Reines closes for the season on the 18th. If a number end up going I'm likely to be drawn along.