Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at 7:49 a.m. (PT), we received a request for help with an offroad recovery in California. The requester, Sean Vallely, submitted the following information: “I am in the Mojave desert northwest of Parker on the Eastern Mojave Heritage Trail. I have a 2002 Tacoma and the driver’s side leaf spring pack snapped in half at the axle bracket (all three leaves). Text messages work but the signal is weak here. Any help or advice welcome. Thanks in advance. / I’m with the vehicle”
Our administrator, Al Fontan, contacted the requester and verified the contact information provided, GPS location, and current situation before sending the request to local volunteers. In this particular recovery, we contacted volunteers within a 45-mile radius.
This request was quite unusual. Sean was asking for a volunteer to collect the part he had ordered from the store and bring the necessary tools to install it on-site.
From the group of volunteers contacted, we had Jim Wooddell, who marked himself as engaging and was happy to help the following day. He patiently coordinated with Sean and, two days later, was able to pick up the parts and took care of Sean’s vehicle. He also later sent us a note and some photos we share below.
From Jim
It was really a trail repair on a level 4 trail. About 10 miles in. Driver side rear leaf spring broke off. He had no bump stops. Replaced spring.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Jim for his exceptional work. While we understand that recovering from such situations can be challenging and not particularly enjoyable, we genuinely appreciate his unwavering efforts and dedication.
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