Has anyone been to Hollister Hills, CA? It's a state-run park for motorcycles and 4wheelers, about 40 minutes from San Jose, CA.

Kvo.

kvo,
I go there, and it is alot of fun, however to this date, I am the only Explorer out there. In August they do the Top Truck Challenge, so there are some pretty gnarly sections. Being mostly stock, I can't go on all the trails, but there are enough trails to go on to spend the day there. The price of admission is $4.00 a day and $6.00 a day to camp.They have a website for you to check out before you go because sometimes it is closed for special events.
www.hollisterhills.com/ (http://www.hollisterhills.com/)

It would be nice to see another Explorer out there.

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
95 XLT 4X4



[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 04-04-99).]

Ray -

We should get together there someday with some other bay area explorer owners, stock or modified. Spring/summer would be good, after all this rain and hail in the bay area lately, it should be interesting.

May be there are others in the bay area who would consider a day down in Hollister.

kvo.

Kvo,
I would be game for a run to Hollister.
Anyone else?

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
95 XLT 4X4

Ray & Kvo,
A day at Hollister Hills sounds like fun. Email us or post a message here to let us know when you want to go.
Ji

Ray and I have been trying to hook up there for about a year now. I am definitely game if you come up with a date where I am not traveling for work!

How does May 16 or May 23 (both are Sundays) work with everyone's schedule?

kvo.

Kvo,
May 16th.
That sounds good to me http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif LET'S DO IT!!
Meet at the ranger station around 10:00 am.

Pete, Ji, Can you guys make it?

http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
95 XLT 4X4

Sorry Ray!

The 23rd works for us, but not the 16th. We already commited(& purchased tickets) to an A's game with the ankle biters(2) & their Little Leage teams. Hope we can work something out... If you can't do 23rd, please go on without us & we'll catch you another time!

Ji

Hello fellow Bay Area drivers! I would like to join all of you as well, but I could only do so on the 23rd, not the 16th. Keep us posted as to when you are all thinking of going. It sounds like a lot of fun, especially if the weather stays nice! If it's the 23rd, I would like to join you all, otherwise, please let me know when you are heading out again! Thanks.

Kvo,

I sent some email off to Pete T and Garrett, since they live in the Bay Area also to see if we can get some other people to come. If I get some responces from them for either one of the dates you mentioned, I'll post it and then I could go with either date. Ji already said that the 16th was out, but he could do it on the 23rd. If others pick the 23rd, I will also be Ok with that date.
What do you think? If we get enough people to go to Hollister Hills, it would be a nice warmup for the August run in San Diego. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
Why should Rick J., paul G. and Paul S. and Trace have all the fun. (You can tell I'm jeoulous. They got to go and I DIDN'T!) http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif



------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
95 XLT 4X4

Hey!
I think We have something going Here.
GOOD!!!!
I will be glad to change to the 23rd.
Garrett,
Welcome, You make 4.
It will be nice to go out there and not be the only Explorer.
so far it's kvo,Ji,Garrett, and Myself.
We can call it the "Hollister Hills Run for Fun"

http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

OH!
Don't forget the Cameras, so we can send Rick some pictures


------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
95 XLT 4X4



[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 04-21-99).]

Hey guys,

May 23rd is good for me also. I'm gonna try to get my wife to come. She is curious to see what all the brou-ha-ha is all about and why I spent so much time and money on the Explorer. She saw the Bay Area Backroads show on Hollister and thought it was fun. May be she will see the need for the ARB lockers afterall!!!

See ya'll on Sunday 10:00 AM, May 23rd at the Hollister Hills Ranger Station. Can't wait. May be we can take some pictures and send to Rick for posting.

I am definitely going to rearrange my work schedule to go on the August run in San Diego. The power that be (the mrs.) has ok'd the trip.

Kvo,

Please do bring your wife, I'm comming and we may bring our 2 boys(if we can't pawn them off on grandma & grandpa!) See ya there...

Tami(Ji's wife)

Tami, Kvo,
I am bringing my wife also, and maybe the kids.
The kids like it more than my wife, but she does indulge and support me on these things.
Seems to think that it's a guy thing. I'm trying to convince her that it's for everyone. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
95 XLT 4X4



[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 04-22-99).]

Kvo,Ji
Do either of you have CB radios? I know Garrett and I have them. It beats yelling out the window. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif Is there anyone else in the Bay Area or maybe the Central Valley interested in going to Hollister Hills SVRA for a fun day of 4wheeling with other Explorers? http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

Date: May 23 1999 That's a Sunday.

Place: Hollister Hills SVRA www.hollisterhills.com/ (http://www.hollisterhills.com/)

Meet: At Ranger Station. You have to stop there to pay your entrance fee and get the combination to the locks to get into the area. Park by the air fill station.

Time: Around 10:00am
Garrett, just in case you didn't know, the truckers channel is 17 around here. that's what I monitor most of the time. I'll give a holler when I get close by. We can pick a more unpopulated channel once we all hook up at the ranger station.

Looking forward to meeting and riding with all of you. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERAS so we can send Rick some pictures

http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif


------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC




[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 05-07-99).]

Sounds good Ray and yes, I have a portable 40 channel CB.

Looking forward to hooking up with everyone on Sunday May 23.

I am trying to get another friend with an Explorer to come also.

Hey, guy's it sounds like where going to do it! The only problem-I'm having a bad A4ld DAY!! $900.00 later and I'm still not done. Just a few more days and I'll have it together,I hope!
Oh-yeah , I don't have a radio. I will try to get one before I leave sacramento.

JI
jitami@qiknet.com

We're still on for Sunday at 10:00AM at the Ranger Station. Ji and Tami cannot make it due to a transmission problem.

Kvo,Garrett
I'm still going. See you guys there! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
Ji, Tami, Sorry you won't be able to make it. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/frown.gif There's always next time. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
Hope you get your truck fixed soon.

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

Kristi and I, and the truck, are ready for action! We'll see you guys at the ranger station at 10am. We'll be listening to channel 17 on the way down there from SF. Until Sunday!

Just wanted to tell everyone that I had a real good time Sunday at Hollister Hills. Met some real nice people (Garrett,Kristi, and Khoa). Guess who forgets their camera http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/redface.gif Not to worry Rick, Khoa and Garrett brought theirs, so you should be getting some pictures soon. We ran all over Hollister Hills SVRA. This was the first chance to try out my 97XLT. It performed quite well. My 31X10.5 R15 BFG A/T's didn't rub once, and Khoa and Garrett can testify to that. I'll tell you I sure wish I had some lockers. There were a couple of hills I just couldn't get up, but I tried, and that was half the fun. Sure hope we can do this again. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC




[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 05-24-99).]

It was great running around Hollister Hills with the others (Ray's Explorer and Garrett&Kristi's Navajo). Extremely nice people, we had a great time. I should be getting the pictures back today and can e-mail them to you guys or ask Rick to post them here.

The 31's on Ray's '97 performed very well and did not rub at all, even under full turn and full compression.

Garrett - Did the video come out ok? I'd like to see how I looked on the steps? Garrett has a pretty cool license plate on his vehicle "2TH SVR". Both Garrett and Kristi are in dental school in SF so he told me his license plate stands for "Tooth Saver". I asked what about a plate that says "Tooth Fairy", Garrett said NOT IN SAN FRANCISCO!!!

May be we can together again towards the end of this summer???

Ray - Did Jordan enjoy it also? Have you buffed out the scratches yet? I still have not wash my truck yet, kind of keeping it dirty as a memento.

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 05-25-99).]

Khoa,
My son had a very good time. He said the best part was lunch and the jelly beans, but the ride was good too. As far as the pictures, can you do both? http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
she got cleaned as soon as I got home.
I'll tell you, a good coat of wax will sure help keep the scratches away. I didn't get one scratch on my baby! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
I just got my rear tow hook today and the part number for the bigger GM front tow hooks. I won't have to worry so much about getting stuck and not being able to be pulled out, because I have no place to hook up to. I would have tried a few more places Sunday if I had tow hooks, like that short cut.
I got email from Ji and Tami, they live out towards Sacremento, and they were saying that there are some good places to go 4wheeling out that way. Maybe we could all get together and go up there next time. If you don't want to go that far, Hollister is still fine with me. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

Oh-man, I'm so jealous !!!! I wanted to go so bad.... I just sat and looked at my truck and pouted. All month I was getting ready . A new Ramsey Platinum and a few other mod's, BUT..... my A4ld said NO WAY !!!! Well, this will give me some time to finsh the mod's and paint it. Please let me now if you guy's go out again !

Khoa, will you please post the pictures, or email me a few? I'd love to wallow in my own misery just a little longer!

Glad you guys had a good time!!



[This message has been edited by Ji (edited 05-25-99).]

Sacramento sounds great, I'd love to go try out other areas. May be we can get together this summer sometimes with Ji and Tami as our guides???

I have the pictures but I don't have as many as I thought, almost all of them are static and I didn't have any when we were on the trails! But I'll send what I can.

Ji/Tami - Sorry you guys couldn't make it, sounds like you have the transmission under control now.

Khoa, thanks for the pictures. Would someone like to do a write up to go along with the photos?

Photos are now online www.4x4central.com/hollister.html (http://www.4x4central.com/hollister.html)
------------------
Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)




[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 05-26-99).]

Hi guys! I had a great time last weekend, and Kristi did too. I've never been dirtier, and neither has the interior of my truck! I guess that's what happens with the sunroof off and pulling up the rear! But, getting a little sun was worth it.

My truck was filthy, and I have some nice new scratches on the front differential, the skid plates, and even my under-car spare tire! After getting high-centered in that one rut, I am inspired to add some clearance, somehow. That will have to come later - my student budget won't cover that http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

Khoa and Ray, I have some good video clips of the bumpy rock climb part, and also that large pit you both went through successfully. Also, there are some good clips of our little (3 truck) group as we're climbing up the trails. If Rick can put video clips (in .avi format perhaps) on the website, I'd gladly send them off to him. They are kinda big (kilobytes, that is), though.

Anyhow, thanks for a great time - a great break from school that Kristi and I both needed. We'd love to join you guys for any other trips up here in Northern Cal. - whether H. Hills again, or up in Sacramento. Don't forget to call us up!!

Khoa,
Thank you for the pictures. You got a real decient pic of my truck. For you guys out there who want to see a 95+ Explorer with 31" tires, you'll get to see one soon.
Rick, My truck is the green 97 with the 31X10.5 R15 BFG A/T's. I hope you will post the picture soon. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

Ray -

Since you're more familiar with Hollister Hills than us, would you mind doing a little write up for us?

Rick - Thanks for posting the pictures.

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 05-27-99).]

Khoa,
I'll see what I can do, after I get back from Vegas. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif Common 7 Daddy needs a new Cat-back system! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

Good luck Ray, didn't you say you needed the ARBs also?

Hollister Hills video clips are now online. www.4x4central.com/hollister.html (http://www.4x4central.com/hollister.html)

I still need a write up for the trip. There is no text up at all. I at least need to know who's vehicle is who's.



------------------
Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

I going to checking out Hollister hills in the next couple of weeks. Any thing I should avoid in a stock 94 XLT?

------------------
Stop Saying Hella, Cartman!

Hi Aaron,
There is a mudpit at the obstacle course.
Don't even try it! and five fingers hill climb is a real tuffy. I've haven't been able to make it. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/frown.gif Also over by 5 fingers hill climb there is a small trail that has a real bad off camber turn in some pretty loose dirt that I would stay away from.Other then that, most of the blue square trails you should be able to make. Hey give us a call when you decide to go up and maybe we can meet you there.The weekend of the 19th and the whole week after that I will be up in Sequoia National Park, so I won't be able to go then, but maybe kvo or Garrett can make it.Have fun! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

Aaron -

If we can't hook up and you're going by yourself, be careful which trails you're going. Even a couple of the blue trails were hard to navigate without a spotter.

How 'bout the 26th or 27th of June, I'd be up for another day. I'll remember to bring my lunch this time. I'll also try the 5 finger hills this time.

I swapped my auto hubs to manual hubs yesterday. It was pretty simple with all the right tools, it took about 1.5 hrs doing it leisurely. I'd like to try them out now.

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 06-10-1999).]

Rick -

Ray is finishing up the write up as I type. The dark green '97 Explorer in the video going up the bowl is Ray Lobato's. The Navajo is Garrett Guess', mine is the '91 with the Yakima box on the roof climbing the steps.

Hi guys! I am around on the 26th and 27th of June if you are heading to the Hills again. I would like to join up with anyone if they are heading out there that weekend. Kristi won't be in town, she's outta' here after finals, but I'm up for some more "sucking dirt"!!!

I will also be around on the 17th of July, as there has been mention that this could be another date. Let me know what's going on!!

Yeah, the 26th or 27th should be fine. Anything I should make sure to have with other than a camera and a lunch?

------------------
Stop Saying Hella, Cartman!

Aaron,
Do you have a CB radio? That is a big help in communicating between the trucks. I won't be able to make it on the 26th,27th, because I'll still be on vacation, so I hope you guys have fun. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gifGarrett mentioned the 17th of July. Would anyone be interested in going again, or maybe some place else. I would be able to go on that date.

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. :)
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

Thanks for the write up Ray. The page is now complete.

Everyone can view the complete page at www.4x4central.com/hollister.html (http://www.4x4central.com/hollister.html)

I've got a question for you guys. Is the park made up of man made obstacles or is it natural obstacles? The video of the stair steps almost look like it's made of concrete or something.

------------------
Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

Hi Rick,
The stairs are at the obstical course. The obstical course is a small man made area that everybody uses to meet and warm up. the rest are trails that go up and down the hills and valleys at the park. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC




[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 06-10-1999).]

I see pictures but no words

------------------
Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

Sounds good, looks like we can have another run down in Hollister Hills on June 26th or 27th. Let's go with June 26th, meet at the Ranger Station at 10:00AM again?

July 17th or 18th was the date we thought we could ask Tami and Ji to show us a couple of trails in their area up in Sacramento, if they are available.

Tami/Ji - Would that be ok with you guys and how about a run with us down in Hollister on the 26th of June?

I would like to meet up on the weekend of the 26th, and I would especially like to explore some new land up in Sacramento on the 17th of July. Let's get a run together up in the Sacramento area, I'd for sure be up for that! Keep me posted...

Hollister great !! I'll be there this time. I know that's what I said the last time. The 26th is ok with me.
Let's see ,trails in SAC. Well we have Praire City . Just like Hollister Hills or we can head for the real 4x4 trails . We could try the George Town to Loon Lake. That's a good start and not hard at all.
I've got some other ideas in mind to.
COME ON SUPERLIFT!! Still no lift it' only been 35 days !!!! Still waiting... Oh well i've gone this long without who needs it . Let's HAVE FUN !!!

Sorry !!! TO ANY ONE AND EVERY ONE WHO GOT EMAIL FROM MY WIFE ...THE GET PAID TO SURF THE WEB ...CRAP!! SORRY SORRY !!!
------------------


[This message has been edited by Ji (edited 06-12-1999).]

How right you are Paul...I got ahead of myself and forgot to upload the changes to the server. They are NOW online at www.4x4central.com/hollister.html (http://www.4x4central.com/hollister.html)



------------------
Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)