Survival Guide

The celebration starting February 8 in the Johnson Valley OHV area, north of Landers, California is expected to be the largest competitive rocksports event in history. Fifteen to twenty thousand off-roaders will gather in a tent and RV community on Means Dry Lake Bed. “Hammertown” will host the fourth running of the fastest growing off-road race in the world. Touted as the toughest one day off-road race in the world, the Griffin King of the Hammers will offer a full week of excitement that culminates in the 135-mile race, which tackles terrain as varied as the teams themselves.

“Hammertown” is located on Means Dry Lake Bed. To get to Means, take Hwy 247 (Old Woman Springs Road) east to Boone Road. Boone Road is unimproved dirt road.

From rock crawling and racing icons Shannon Campbell, Brad Lovell, and Tracy Jordan, to desert racing heroes Rob MacCachren, BJ Baldwin, and Greg Adler, the field of one hundred will be extremely competitive. The race starts on Friday morning, February 12 but the action starts Monday the 8th with pre-running. The race map is kept secret until the Monday before the race, with all the top teams on hand to review the racecourse. The trails are kept open early in the week, making this a great time to hit some of the best rock crawling trails in the world. Tuesday the 9th kicks off early with the start of the 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier. For two days, 50 teams will compete for the chance to earn one of 20 main event qualifier spots. The six-mile course is easy to access by 4 wheel drive, and offers up close action of teams from across the country as they leave nothing on the table. Tech, contingency, and the vendor midway show will start on Thursday. Catch a seminar, meet the drivers, or just check out all the new off-road products.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• The Griffin King of the Hammers is free to spectators
• Camping is free.
• Johnson Valley OHV area is a BLM managed area and BLM rules apply.
• No firewood with nails, absolutely no pallets.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Help preserve this lifestyle and plan on taking out more than you take in.
• There are no services on Means Dry Lake.
• Vehicles must be licensed.
• Limited out of state OHV temporary licenses are available on site.
• Trails are open until Thursday, but be aware of pre-runners.
• For the best view of the race, plan on hiking.
• Helmets are required on all ATVs.
• Vehicles operated at night must have headlights and taillights.
• No shooting during the event week.
• Do not handle the desert tortoise.
• Bring plenty of water.
• Prepare for extreme weather; that is part of the challenge of KOH.
• For more information, see www.kingofthehammers.com.