RECON G6 Challenge The Legend of Snowshoe Thompson aka L.O.S.T.

Event: RECON G6 Challenge The Legend of Snowshoe Thompson aka L.O.S.T.
Location: Blue Lakes, CA
Date: September 17, 2011
Words & Photos: Matthew Soileau

When John A. Thompson responded to an ad in the Sacramento Union: “People Lost to the World - Uncle Sam Needs a Mail Carrier,” he had no idea he was to become a living legend. A crowd formed in Placerville for his first mail run in January, 1856. Few had faith that he would make it over the 7,500 foot passes on his homemade 10 foot long, 25 pound oak skis, and a 100 pound sack of medicine, emergency supplies, clothing, books, tools, pots and pans, and letters containing much anticipated news. But one optimistic voice in the crowd called out: “Good luck, Snowshoe Thompson” and he set out to become a legendary postman and father of California skiing. Two to four times a month for twenty winters, regardless of weather, Snowshoe Thompson set out at the appointed hour. The Genoa postmaster S.A. Kinsey said: “Most remarkable man I ever knew, that Snowshoe Thompson. He must be made of iron. Besides, he never thinks of himself, but he’d give his last breath for anyone else – even a total stranger.” www.snowshoethompson.org

The lives of Parker and Thompson parallel in many ways. Both were born in the East and answered the call of the West, both have supplied waiting crowds with what they have been waiting for, and both men thought more of others than themselves.

Thanks to the spirit of Snowshoe Thompson, Brian Parker was inspired to hold a G6 Challenge in the backyard of the Sierra Legend at picturesque Blue Lakes, CA.
Parker must be doing something right with the G6 Challenge because over 40 drivers and their families made an over two hour drive just to come attempt to conquer the terrain. Upon arrival, drivers were greeted with some of the most beautiful and varying terrains I have ever witnessed. At 8,000 feet above sea level, there was sand, silt, rocks, mud, water, roots, bushes, and just about any terrain you could imagine. This was the perfect location for a G6 Scale Challenge.

Here’s what those drivers drove over two hours for, just some rocks of little to no value, but instead its ALL HONOR - all bragging rights, “yea, I was there – I survived it”!

These crazy G6ers decided to drive up with no windows or heater. At 8,000 feet above sea level, they were a little chilly by the time they arrived.

They dropped off their rigs and quickly warmed up by the campfire.

Stuart, Stewart, Stewie, Stuiey, doesn’t like his name misspelled or his picture taken.

At the driver’s meeting, participants were informed of some special challenges for this event. One challenge was the sling shot. After navigating a quick 50 trail markers, drivers had to stop and hit the target with some kibble. Another special challenge was the scavenger hunt. Drivers were encouraged to slow down and do a little sightseeing. Drivers that spotted any ‘critters’ on the trail could pick them up and carry them back to G-Central for a time bonus. The last special challenge was the ‘gold nugget gathering.’ Drivers that bought a scale bag could collect gold nuggets on course and also receive time bonuses. There was one challenge that was left a secret. You have to have the ‘Spirit of the Snowshoe Thompson’ to collect the bonus for this challenge.

Could you hit this target with a slingshot after G-jogging 50 trail markers?

Drivers that found the critters and gold had some interesting trial buddies at the end of the day.

After the usual driver’s meeting, rigs were impounded or lined up for the start.

These two boys picked their favorites to win.

This guy looks to be L.O.S.T in the desert section of the 195 trail marker course.

Zonkerd does work over in the ‘Swamp’

Is that a dinosaur on course? Better pick it up. That’s worth -3:00.

Size doesn’t matter in the G6. Even a little guy like this Samurai can complete the challenge as long as you are patient and drive smart.

Here, WAY OUT in the middle of nowhere, silly Camper Joe waits disheartened because his H3 has rolled into the water. Will a nice G6er help him out?

That’s the G6-spirit. If you had the right heart, you earned a time bonus. Look how happy Camper Joe looks.

Haha, you’re only on TM112, you still have 83 more to go. Hey, wait, did you steal Camper Joe’s dog?

Werty Jr. was really looking hard for the ‘creatures’ and found one in the lily pads.

Hope you broke down [opened your wallet] and bought yourself an onboard winch or this wall cost you 3 minutes for trail buddy assistance.

example of driver doin’ work!

Doin’ Work! Action:

You know Parker loves the water…





And there was plenty of water to go around.

99 more trail markers to go…..

The Family that Gs together, stays together. I’m not sure who drove the best out of these four, but they all put their heart into it.

I have no idea. I think it’s called the Smoking Lipo pose

Sharp Shooter Technical Section:


Thom K. told me it’s all in the tongue.

In true G6 fashion, many drivers brought finishing prizes. Thanks to PLE, Rock Armor, BPC, and Glen Samonte for unsolicited swag.



You brought big smiles to lots of faces!

DanW took 1st in the 2.2 class. It made his chilly ride up worth it.

Elio Dianda took 3rd.

Sam Trujillo took 2nd.

And Michael ‘StopWatch’ Pham took home 1st place.

If you have not checked out a RECON G6 Challenge, you owe it to yourself to do so. You will not be disappointed. All scale lovers who have attended have left after experiencing the time of their lives. So, shine up your SCX10 or Wraith and be on the lookout for the one nearest you.

Make sure to perform your monthly PM’s [Preventative Maintinace] and be ready for the next adventure: http://reconcrawlers.com