Planning on hitting Hammertown to catch the King of The
Hammers this year? Whether you are
intending to stick it out for the whole week of events or aim to drop in only for the main race on Friday, February 5, (see the event lineup here) the
difference between a great time or a miserable experience comes down to being
prepared. Here are 8 ways to tip the scales in your favor…
Plan Shelter – First and foremost you need to have a plan
worked out for habitation. If you expect
to reside in Hammertown you are going to need access to a camper or RV. Tents simply will not cut it in the desert
environment in the middle of winter.
Beyond the below-freezing temperatures at night, howling winds and the
real potential for flooding could whisk your tent away. An alternative would be to lock down a hotel
now in nearby Yucca Valley and commute 40
minutes in and out, keeping in mind that the last 4 miles into Hammertown are
not paved.
Stock Up – There is no Wal-Mart in the middle of the desert,
so arrive with all the essentials you could possibly need. Food, water, clothes, sunglasses/goggles,
wipes, jumper cables, flashlights, batteries, a toothbrush all become commodities
when the nearest town is 25 miles away.
Be Portable – You will likely be on foot all day away from
your camp or vehicle and may not return until after dark. Set out in the morning with everything you
will need on your back. This will save
you finding yourself short of something essential and blowing an hour trekking
back to get it.
Think About Your Feet – Since you will be hoofing it all day
you had better be wearing shoes (or better, boots) and socks that are up for
the terrain and temperature challenges you will likely face while still
providing a degree of comfort
Be Weatherproof – Wind, sun, rain, and dust are all
potential companions during your stay in Hammertown. Be prepared with sunscreen, hats, thermals, rain
gear, lip balm, scarves – whatever it takes to battle back against the
elements.
Say Goodbye – Mobile phone service is spotty at best in
Johnson Valley and prone to being overwhelmed when Hammertown’s population swells
later in the week. Let friends, family,
and co-workers back in civilization know that you will likely be out of touch
for all or part of your time on location.
Also consider carrying walkie-talkies so you can communicate with your
buddies within Hammertown. It’s easier
than you might think to get separated in the crowd. If all else fails, make sure to have a set
meeting place in case you lose track of each other.
Cash Up – The corollary to the lack of mobile phone service
is that many of the vendors on site can’t process credit cards. Arrive with enough monetary support to last
your entire visit to Johnson Valley or risk finding yourself out of luck.
Be Safe – Help can be a long way off. Make sure you don’t
wander onto the track (look for stakes marking the course), climb anywhere that
is beyond your skill level for a better view, or undertake any questionable
activity that could lead to even a minor injury to you or others. At all costs, do not wonder off into the
desert by yourself
Take these tips to heart and you will have the best chance
of having the most fun at this incredible event. Pretty soon you will find yourself proudly
wearing a “I survived Hammertown” sweatshirt too.
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GenRight Off Road is an official King of the Hammers sponsor. Visit www.GenRight.com for all your Jeep Wrangler and Ultra4 off road needs
