Preparation is a big part of a successful Shasta weekend. Have the right stuff, and being able to get to it when you need it is important. Note: This list is still under construction but should be more complete as the trip draws near.
Must Have Items: If you show up without these items and find you need them there will be no sympathy. You will be left as a sacrifice for Big Foot.
- A running bus
- The ability to drive your bus
- A sense of adventure
- A copy of the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer for Northern California
- Spare gas and oil (at least 2 gallons and 4 quarts, more if your bus needs it)
- Warm clothes
- A friendly disposition
- Water
- Working CB (preferably with a remote speaker for best results)
- Tire chains that fit your tires and the knowledge of how to install them (practice at home since when you need them Murphy's Law states that it will be cold, dark, snowy, and muddy)
- Basic tools and spare parts (Fan belts, points and condenser, fuel line, gasket kit,
accelerator cable, clutch cable, etc.)
- Good spare tire (flats are a common occurrence and it is a long walk back to civilization)
- Working Jack (floor jack is best but whatever works for you)
- Blankets or sleeping bag to keep you warm and alive in the event you/we get stranded in the elements due to accident or other unforeseen occurrence
- Gas, food, and lodging money
- Two flash lights with batteries and spare bulbs
- Matches or a lighter
Highly Recommended Items: Most of the trip veterans will have this stuff, and you probably will want to as well.
- Warm gloves
- An extra spare tire for when your spare hits that sharp rock
- Additional parts and tools as needed (Spare coil, cap and rotor, carb or at least a kit, axle boots, axle
seals)
- Food and snacks
- First Aid Kit
Optional Items: These things might make the trip more comfortable or fun but aren't required.
- Tunes
- Recreational Snow Equipment: Snow board, snow shoes, fishing supplies, etc.
- Camera and/or video camera
- Film or memory cards for camera
- Batteries - for cameras, CD players, flashlights, etc. Remember, batteries don't last as well in the cold
- Propane heater
- Paper towels
- Rope
- Tow strap or chain so we can pull you out when you get stuck
- An extra pair of warm, dry socks
- An extra pair of warm, dry shoes/boots
- Lantern and associated accessories
- Chapstick
- Duct Tape
- A comfy pillow
- Carrot for the snow man's nose
- Purina Bigfoot Chow
- A small squeegee to keep your windows clear of fog while you drive
Parts of your bus to have in good working order: These are some things that might be good to work on before the trip to make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible.
- Shifter: Make sure your shifter works well, as well as your transmission. There is a lot of driving in low gears and downshifting on the fly is often needed, so make sure you don't bring a bus that pops out of second or can't be downshifted when you get halfway up the hill and realize you need a lower gear.
- Pedal Pan: If part of you is going to get cold while driving it will be your toes. Putting the stock pedal pan on (and those little grommets that go on the pedals) will keep the cold air from blowing through the pedal holes and freezing your toes.
- Engine: Make sure your engine is tuned up and running well. Your bus won't make it if it doesn't run.
- Seat Belts: These are recommended both to keep you safer in an accident, but also to keep you in your seat when you hit a big bump or land that jump you just took.
- Remove loose items: If you are like most of us, you have a package tray full of stuff. REMOVE THE STUFF! Anything on your package tray, or anywhere that isn't contained will be on the floor very early in the trip. Just put it somewhere before we start and you won't have to fish those CDs and church key out from under your brake pedal while driving. I use big plastic bins to put all of my smaller items, blankets, backpacks, and other stuff in. They keep stuff together and keep it safe from the elements.
- Window Seals: Good window seals, or duct tape, are recommended to keep the rain out. A dry you is a warm and happy you.
- Tires: Make sure your tires are in decent shape and you have spares. Don't bring any tires you are sentimentally attached to.
- Wipers and/or Rain-X: Rain-X is highly recommended. Put it on before you leave home because you can't put it on once your windows are wet, and generally they are wet the whole trip. Working wipers are good too, but Rain-X is going to be your friend.
- Squeeks and rattles: If you have an annoying squeek or rattle you might want to fix it. After 18 hours of listening to it, and the 100 other new noises, it might drive you nuts.
