The long-wheelbase trail is meant to be run through moderately deep snow, with high-clearance 4WDs with oversize tires recommended. The predominant rigs seen on this trail are fullsize Jeeps and CJs. The group started out just a little after 9 a.m., heading into the high country. Within a couple of hundred yards of the start, the trail was completely covered with 1 to 2 feet of snow. At the halfway point, the group broke for lunch, and the rest of the trail was a very exciting cross between packed snow and patches of fresh powder, with depths reaching 2 to 3 feet in some spots.
The toughest runs at this event offered unlimited snow depths for high-clearance 4WDs. Winching was expected and special equipment required. This run started out on a trail a few miles north of the long-wheelbase trail and proceeded straight up and into deep snow country. The snow depth ranged from 6 to 8 feet or deeper, and winches were used quite heavily. We didn't make it to the end, due to time constraints.
After all the runs were over on Saturday, everyone reunited back at the Nevada County Fairgrounds for the evening activities, which included a great dinner, a silent auction, and the famed raffle. With the support of national companies such as Warn and local companies such as J&W Auto Wreckers, more than 200 items were given away. Prizes ranged from Hi-Lift jacks to full winch systems. After the raffle and dancing ended, it was time to call it a night and get some sleep before the Sunday morning snow run or trip home. Everyone who attended went home with memories of a great weekend spent playing in the snow.
For more information on this event, contact: California Four Wheel Drive Association, (800) 494-3866, www.cal 4wheel.com.