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2009 Jeepers Jamboree
It's Been 57 Years In The Running, With Over 100,000 Visitors To California's Rubicon Trail
February, 2010
By Robin Stover
Photography by Robin Stover
This immaculate '06 Jeep TJ... This immaculate '06 Jeep TJ Unlimited was built by Vince Products in Lodi, California. We were surprised to see it running the Rubicon Trail as its maiden voyage. Loaded with trail-proven amenities, this Jeep was among the nicest we witnessed during our four-day trek. It takes a lot of confidence to run this trail in an untested rig such as this. Fortunately, its owner experienced only minor difficulties during Jamboree-a testament to high build quality. The Rubicon Trail traverses some of the most ruggedly majestic backcountry in the western United States. Covering some 17 miles of California's scenic Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Rubicon is considered the "Granddaddy" of all established jeep trails. Jeepers Jamboree is a privately funded enterprise that organizes three annual trips over the 'Con per year. Each trip makes participation fun for everyone, whether you are an experienced jeeper or a nervous first-timer. Thanks to a whole assortment of conveniences that simply would not be possible without the 74 individuals who make up the Jamboree staff, every participant gets the royal treatment. Luxuries such as a standby mechanic crew, experienced trail spotters, three hot meals per day, live music, and a full bar provide a camp-out experience that is second to none. This year, we tagged along with a group of friends that made the trek for the very first time. Each vehicle in our group was well equipped for the many challenging obstacles the Rubicon had to offer, but nobody fully understood the level of hospitality that was in store for us once we arrived at Rubicon Springs. Once there, we were treated to 85-degree summer days, with plenty of space to stretch out and relax among friends in the many pools of the crystal-clear Rubicon River-truly the perfect venue to forget about the rest of the world. Each day our agenda remained stress-free, with ample opportunity for activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and even helicopter tours of the surrounding area. On Saturday morning, a sizable vendor show gave Jeepers the opportunity to see some of the aftermarket's latest offerings. Overall, the four-day trip was everything we expected and more. Check out some of the highlights we captured with our lenses.  The Jeepers Jamboree retail...  The Jeepers Jamboree retail store in Georgetown, California, served as the starting point for many on the trek. Here, the general public can purchase genuine Jeepers Jamboree apparel as well as obtain information about the various trips offered each year. |  Should any participant experience...  Should any participant experience difficulties traversing any number of the challenging sections of the Rubicon, experienced trail guides are always nearby, ready to offer suggestions, stack rocks, or even pull cable should the need arise. Here, Scott Becker of Orangevale, California, shares a bit of sarcasm with one of the many hard-working guides. |  New to four wheeling, Jason...  New to four wheeling, Jason Ponce of Ukiah, California, was observed near the trailhead as he got the feel of his recently built Jeep Wrangler. Sporting ARB Air Lockers, CTM U-joints, 37-inch Toyo M/Ts, a Rubicon Express long-arm suspension, and Hanson Off-Road bumpers, this rig was way more capable than Ponce expected. |
 Loon Lake was a flurry of...  Loon Lake was a flurry of activity during the Jamboree. A fully staffed helipad and trailer parking area gave event patrons a sense of security about leaving tow rigs behind. |  Trail fixes that might require...  Trail fixes that might require a special tool, such as a welder, are a non-issue during the Jamboree, thanks to a dedicated repair crew stationed at the Buck Island campground. If you break an essential part, chances are these guys will have you covered one way or another. It's not uncommon for the Jamboree supply helicopter to fly into Lake Tahoe or Reno to retrieve parts for participants. |  Each day, three hearty meals...  Each day, three hearty meals are provided to keep hunger at bay. The cook crew works around the clock so that participants need only fill coolers with cold beverages and ice-just one of the many luxuries afforded by the Jamboree volunteers' extensive efforts. |
 Each year the Jeepers Jamboree...  Each year the Jeepers Jamboree provides participants with a packet containing the official sticker, among other goodies. Old-timers show off their loyalty to the event by placing these stickers clearly where Jamboree officials will recognize them. |  Relaxing with friends in beautiful...  Relaxing with friends in beautiful Rubicon Springs is one of the favorite past times for Jamboree clientele. Poly Performance had one of the many granite beaches jumping with activity thanks to free mixed drinks and pumpin' tunes for all to enjoy. |  Russ Wagmont of Gonzales,...  Russ Wagmont of Gonzales, California, showed off the flexy suspension of his built YJ. Sporting a Ford 5.0L powerplant and ARB-equipped Dana 60s front and rear, this rig made even the toughest obstacles look like a cakewalk. |  Many of the Jeepers Jamboree...  Many of the Jeepers Jamboree officials pull small cargo trailers behind their rigs to help accommodate all the extra gear needed to make Jamboree what it is. Sometimes navigating obstacles with a trailer is quite amusing for onlookers. |  More often than not, you will...  More often than not, you will meet local legends from the professional rock racing circuit. Seen here is competition veteran Jeff Mello piloting his comp rig through the Jeepers Jamboree. With all the everyday essentials taken care of by event staff, the trip allows a level of comfort that guys like Mello rarely get to enjoy while wheeling in everyday life. Sometimes these "rock stars" even offer to give spent magazine editors a ride back to camp. (Thanks, Jeff.) | |
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