8 Essential Tips for Surviving the King of the Hammers

Jan 3, 2016

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.