Words of Wisdom, Jeepers Jamboree Rubicon Mechanic Corey.

Corey grew up in South Lake Tahoe. The Rubicon Trail has been part of his life since he learn to drive. He wasn’t aware of the Jamboree until Mr. Jimmy Martin introduced him to it. I asked him how he met Mr. Martin, who is a Jeepers Jamboree Director. He’s in charge of the Mechanics yard in Rubicon Springs. Corey stated Mr. Martin happened to be a neighbor of his family in South Lake Tahoe. He said one day he just went over to Jimmy’s house and started talking to him about cars. Jimmy introduced him to Jeeps and after a couple years gave him two (2) tickets to the Jeep Jamboree he was immediately hooked. That was 11 years ago.

After his third time participating and helping out on the Jamboree, Jimmy asked him for his resume which included working in an automotive shop in South Lake Tahoe in his younger years. Jimmy submitted it to the Board of Directors after four- or five-years of helping Corey was awarded a Red Jacket. Mind you the volunteer mechanics is just that there is no financial reward.

You see Mr. Jimmy Martin has a eye for talent, he brought many of the Red Jackets on board.

When asked what the most important tool is to bring in your jeep on the Rubicon, Corey stated, your brain, common sense and maintain yourself, save the drinking until you get to camp. He said to also bring basic hand tools, Jack, ½” Impact Driver.

When asked what the most important camping gear is, his answers were bug spray, no one is happy being bitten up by high Sierra mosquitoes. They lay dormant in the snow all winter and come out after defrosting with a vengeance for blood, yours.

What was the most important tool, Patience with yourself as well as with others. You will push yourself to physical and emotional exhaustion at times. Stop, breathe, eat something. Take ten or twenty minutes to recuperate and relax.

Driving over and through one obstacle after another on the Rubicon is different than other trails as it is relentless there are no easy casual driving areas, you must keep your eyes on the trail at all times. Keep in mind, there is no rush to get to camp. Bring a pocket knife is a handy tool for a variety of purposes including opening plastic containers, cutting rope and twine, and stripping electrical wires to reattach automotive connections.

Corey stated this is the most beautiful trail, the scenic mountain views are incredible. The Rubicon experience is like no other. It is a special place with a lot of history. Have a good time, take pictures.

If you should break down on the trail the mechanics will fix you. If you happen to have to wait for parts and camp on the trail. Enjoy the landscape around you, there is no bad place to camp overnight. Just stay off the trail. Some folks do come through at night, your safety is the most important concern.

Corey is right on, as a participant myself for twenty-three (23) years I’ve spent times broke down doing what I was capable of while I waited for help and help always came. It became an opportunity to meet people. To get to know the mechanics. To make new friends, friends you could rely on, people like Corey and his wife April, who are very nice people. Corey's wife is an exceptional photographer. Her photography is featured on Jeep Famboree all the time.

We are very proud they are part of our Jeep Famboree family. Jeep enthusiasts helping other jeepers have an experience of a lifetime is what we are all about.

To join the Jeep Famboree family all you need to do is have participated in the Jeepers Jamboree on the Rubicon Trail which is no easy feat or be making plans to do so in the future. Just click follow.

Jeep Famboree is an independent organization. Although we whole heartly support the Jeepers and Jeep Jamboree we are not part of that fine organization. We also support the efforts of the Rubicon Trail Foundation and Friends of the Rubicon.

Written by Eric Lichtbach

Edited by Judy Kinkade