Trip Report - 3rd Annual 100s in the Hills (1 Viewer)

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jonharis

Adventure Imports
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No Words.

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That is my initial thought as I sit here trying to think of how to describe this years' 100s in the Hills. If I had to choose one, it would be the all to over stated EPIC! i am known to say that about most of my trips but this one actually was.

Based once again in Ouray, Colorado, the gathering of 100 series enthusiasts has grown far beyond any of it's founders expectations. It all started three years ago with a couple of guys PMing about doing a trip in the mountains. We were mostly from Colorado and we just happened to all drive 100s. The First Year brought a handful of trucks and it was immediately realized that we were on to something. The red headed step child of the Land Cruiser marque was consistently under represented at other events, usually only appearing with one or two examples. The founders wanted an event that could showcase the platform and allow others to compare and contrast upgrades and modifications. Our original supporter, Slee Off-Road saw this as well as was immediately on board for the Second Annual event. The second annual event was a success and plans immediately began to grow things while still keeping the grass roots feel. Supporters were approached and selected based on their support for the IH8MUD community as well as responsible off-roading and outdoor recreation in general.

From day one, we knew we wanted to provide a safe, environmentally friendly and fun atmosphere for families and individuals alike. Plans began in a thread that, as of this writing, has topped 30k page views. Along with a contingent of "Southern 100s", and carry over from previous years, page views are quickly approaching 100k! Among over 40 interested persons, 28 Individual drivers and 60-70 people ultimately attended the event from all over the USA for three solid days of wheeling, camp fires, great food and even better company! My hopes are that this thread will showcase their individual stories and experiences.

I'd like to make a few very important thank yous to some people who really stepped up. First the Directors. Founders bluecruiser and MtnAddict and newcommer paflytyer. Thank you guys for stepping up huge! Most people have no idea how much time, energy, heartache and time, and time, it takes to organize even a small event like this one. This never would have happened without these guys calling in on late night conference calls, group texting, contacting supporters and monitoring the thread. Thank You! "haha nice"

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Second, all those who lent a hand, from the smallest thing to leading trails at the last minute, you all were vastly important. The gunners, the cleaning crews, the spotters, the recovery specialists, the campfire entertainment and the chefs, you all were really what made this thing special.

Finally, the Supporters. Thank you for your monetary and product support. The Friday night giveaway was a big hit and nearly everyone went home with something. The mix of off-road and general outdoor industry professionals was exciting and we were excited to be able to share the products and services offered with the group. I'd like to encourage everyone to support the people who support this community.

Please visit the links below and let them know we sent you.

Camelback Toyota
Campfire in a Can
Cascadia Vehicle Tents
Cruiser Outfitters
Durango Mountain Resort
Eagles Nest Outfitters
Expedition Lighting Systems
FJ Summit
Fox Shocks
Gamivitti
IH8MUD
Jonsey's
Lab Rak
Mountain Khakis
Nitro Gear and Axle
Overland Journal
Restop
Right Channel Radios
Rising Sun
Safari-Ltd
Slee Off-Road
Sticky Vinyl Graphics
TJM USA

Also, big thanks to Terry Holben and Mike Davidson for their design work and shirt printing. The event shirts turned out great!

And finally, I'd like to thank the participants. The singles, couples, families and friends who made it happen. The people really were what made this event stand out. Thanks!

Until next year!
 
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I arrived to camp of Wednesday night to find one other 100, Brad and family had procured a great spot and I set up next to them. There were several other RVs in the area and we started making rounds to let them know that camp was about to be inundated with Toyota guys. One of the groups had several Jeep JKs with them and they told us not to worry, they would be happy to pull us out when we got stuck. We knew we would get along just fine. A quiet camp fire was in store for the evening.

Thursday was arrival day. Around 3pm the floodgates opened with trucks arriving every few minutes. It was melee for a bit but everyone seemed to be able to get settled in to a good location. It was great fun meeting everyone for the first time and finally being able to put names to avatars and screen names.

The Campfire-in-a-can provided a surprisingly warm and natural flame that drew people in.



Friday was the first trail day. We broke up into groups with half of the people driving to Clear lake for a fishing trip with paflytyer while the other half headed out to Mineral Creek, California Pass and Corkscrew Gulch. I lead the latter.





Heading up mineral creek, challenging terrain and views galore abound.


BFM!












Lunch at Animas Forks. An incredibly well preserved 100 year old mining town.


The drive up California pass is surreal. It feels like you are entering New Zealand, with the Mines of Moria just around the corner.














The evening's pot-luck was a highlight for me. So many people brought so much great food that reflected their home town's regional fare. There was red chili, gumbo, pulled pork, beer from all over the country and even an uncooked pie! More pics of the pot-luck later.



Later, the giveaway started with items ranging from hats and tshirts all the way up to roof racks and LED light bars. everyone had a great time and just about no one left empty handed. The kids were occupied with glow sticks and other goodies and the group camp fire kept us warm.
 
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Saturday brought a fresh day with settled bellies. Once again, we split into groups. There was a brave contingent who took on Poughkeepsie, a group that did Ophir Pass to Imogene Pass and my group, which did Imogene to Ophir.



Proof that a bone stock truck is perfectly capable in the San Juans.












Imogene Pass




Obligatory sticker on the mailbox






Stop for lunch and a little jazz in Telluride.


Heading back over Ophir


Another scene from Middle Earth










 
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Sunday only had one trail on the Agenda. Black Bear Pass! We held off this favorite for the last day for several reasons. For one, it can be terrifying. I still get nervous (a good thing) every time i begin the descent of the steps. We attempted to split the group in two and i lead the second. My group ended up being only 5 trucks so we had a little more time to stop for pics and views while the other group made their way down. All in all the drive went without incident and I believe everyone was happy they committed.

My small group consisted of the three vehicles with the shortest drive (Colorado) and two with the longest (Virginia)!








Looking into Telluride. Perfectly aligned for a landing on runway 27








Bridal Veil Falls is captivating.


The girls taking a nap in the Eno Double Nest.


After we said our goodbyes in Telluride, the four directors just happened to be at the same place at teh same time. It was time for the officially unofficial directors run. We headed up last dollar road for a quick jaunt back to Ouray. Cowboy59 happened to be with us and provided some awesome photography support!






I have many more photos to share that I'll post periodically here and in the Photo Thread. I imagine that the collective whole will be sorting through tens of thousands of images over the coming weeks. Some great videos, time-lapses and stories will also be coming down the line. Be sure to subscribe and post up.

I think I speak for all those who helped make this happen. Thanks You! I'll leave you with a little Toyota Jump from the Directors. See ya next year!

 
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Hello friendly SuperMods, kindly leave this thread in the 100 Forum for now to get it started, I'll move it to Events in a little bit. Thanks.


This looked like a super event. the pics I already saw are stunning and can't wait for more. Sure wish I had been there and sure will try to make it next year!
 
For my part all I can do is echo the sentiments of the Co-Directors I've had the pleasure of being involved with over the last few months. We've shared laughs, stories, hard work, texts, calls, emails and time. In the end, it was worth every minute.

I can't tell you how many times I stood back at camp and just looked around, amazed at what this had become. I had a blast leading the group up to Clear Lake on Friday and then Tail Gunning Poughkeepsie on Saturday and Black Bear on Sunday.

Friday was a blast that started with our group heading south on 550 to the Clear Lake trailhead. This is a great introduction into the San Juan's with just enough shelf road to keep your attention and views that are out of this world. The clouds held off for us just long enough to enjoy a day on the trail and fish in one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen. We were also treated to a rare sighting of a "fire rainbow" or "rainbow cloud". First time in my life I've ever seen one and it seemed apropos to happen during this event.

Returning to camp and the aforementioned Pot Luck Dinner was icing on the cake of a fantastic day. The food was spread out over 6 or 7 tables and there was enough for 100 people. Aside from one unbaked pie that someone snuck in there, the food was gourmet quality. Pulled pork, smoked meats, green chile, stews, dips, salads, beans, cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, ice cream....... and the beer table. Beer from all over the world, just take your pick. Ales, lagers, wheats..... anything you can imagine. I've got some great pics and some video to post. Thanks to all who came! Remember, this is OUR event, all of us. It is whatever we make it. If you have feedback, please send it. Feel free to PM or email us with anything positive, or more importantly, anything negative. We will be back at the planning table in a few short months to start preparing for next year! If you missed it this year, do yourself a favor and make it next year. I don't have the words to describe how much fun we had.

I'll post more in the coming days! A Poughkeepsie Gulch story with Christo Slee conquering The Wall, a near rollover from bluecruiser and an even closer rollover of a RZR that I have on video. Thanks to Christo for standing in the rain for over an hour and spotting/directing as we winched up one by one. Amazing to have our primary sponsor also participating on full day runs with us! We also were treated to fantastic scenery and wildlife. Black Bear, Elk, Deer, Marmots.....

More to come....

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Reserved for everything else.. It's been a long weekend. We'll have it up and running very soon.
 
Can't wait to see the pics, hear the stories etc. Hoping to make it out from Cali for the next 100's in the Hills!
 
Thank you guys, Sarah is all excited about outfitting the truck now after checking out your trucks, tents and gear! Yeah!

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It was her first time wheeling and a great trip to break in our truck! We had it for 2 months.

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YOLO

"Wow"....that is the word for me that best describes this years 100s in the Hills event. I can vividly remember the PM's three and half years ago or so that got the first annual "event" together. We hardly knew each other but were all excited about getting together and talking about our trucks and enjoying the San Juans. It was awesome for me this year to just walk around Ironton and see all of the different trucks, the awesome families, and the never ending views in all directions. I met so many awesome people and had a lot of great conversations from early morning to late at night around the campfire. The crew of the Jonfather, Stan, Josh, and myself have all become great friends and we are all completely stoked by all of the excellent feedback we have been getting from this years participants. Thanks for coming everyone, that was awesome. I will add my pictures to the thread later on.
 
It really was an awesome event. Jonathan, Chris and Stan are the best co-directors anyone could work with. Most of all you guys that showed up to the event are really who made it happen. I still can't believe the crazy distances some of you drove. That's Epic. I met some really good people/families and had a great time. Can't wait for next year.

It is really cool to see the evolution from the 1st year with a few trucks and guys sitting around a fire (CawwwwCawwww) to what we had this year. Thanks to everyone who attended and our sponsors who made it what it was.
 
First four posts updated!

Here are a couple of images from the unofficial directors night run. Great times in the Ironton Mining district.



 
AWESOME photos! Very nice!
 
That is an area of CO that I never grow tired of seeing / spending time in. Looks like an incredible trip.

Color me jealous :cheers:
 
Jonathan and crew, congratulations on an excellent event. Be assured of our continued support. The wife and I loved it and was really nice to wheel with some of you. I will post more pics once I am caught up at the shop, but here is a teaser.

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Best. Weekend. Ever.

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HUGE thanks to our organizers and sponsors for an incredibly smooth, positive, and thoroughly enjoyable event.

100's are so great; Sunday we woke up atop the truck (kids in the truck) in the comfort of our RTT, wheeled the spectacular Black Bear pass, aired up with Christo and Team Virginia in Telluride and then put the hammer down (only got passed by an M5 all the way) and got back home late at night with kids sound asleep in the back. I can't imagine a more versatile rig or a better use for it!

I'll add some more pics and hopefully some YouTube links soon.

Thanks again to all!
 
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Finally made it home. Been on the road since July 19 and it was the best vacation I ever had. Great to meet all of you. We have literally thousands of photos to go through. I will figure a way to post up a lot of them at once as I am sure some of you may want to snag a few. I never use the word epic because not many things measure up to the word but John hit it right on the head. This trip was epic.
 
I added a small post to my report at the beginning of this thread. But I'd like to also acknowledge how much of a team effort this was all the way around. Nick had some CV trouble and a few of us helped him make quick work of an axle swap.

Team Virginia ran Black Bear like they've been driving at altitude all their lives. The Steps in the rain will get your attention and they never flinched. They took all the harder lines with Jon, Andy and I and lost a shock in the process.

And aaronrules, (aka Big Country) who admitted his nerves were rattled on Poughkeepsie Gulch with his limited wheeling time.... He and his son Elijah attempted every obstacle in the rain. Poughkeepsie is a pretty good beat down and there are some difficult sections where rolling over or body damage are very possible. Especially when it's wet.
 

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