March 24th Run - Chinaman Gulch

[nensha]

Well, since the trip schedule is still not posted (and as of right now the club's website is down), I thought I'd mention the next run.

Where: Chinaman's Gulch by Buena Vista
Meeting place: The Western Gas Station just east of Woodland Park
Day: March 24th
Time: That's a good question. I don't think that anyone has set a time or a leader yet. Given the drive distance and the trail. I would imagine meeting a 8:00 a.m. and leave at 8:30 a.m. (maybe earlier)

[EricG]

Can you tell me a bit about the trail? Suitable for a stock, unlocked 80 that I'd really like to be able to drive to work on Monday?

[Man Jerk]

If you are careful and have decent tires you shouldn't have much of a problem. I think one of the guys last fall had a stockish 80. There are a few gnarly sections, but there really is only one that I think might give you trouble.

[Isotel]

chinamans will challenge a stock 80 a bit. so if thats what your after, this is a great trail for your truck! much of the harder stuff is optional except one or 2 spots that will get your attention!

last year's report http://forum.ih8mud.com/co-colorado-land-cruisers/116487-trip-report-chinamans-gultch-oct-22-a.html

Id say 8-8:30 is a good time.. Im not sure i will be able to make this one! i may have the truck in a bunch of pieces getting ready for Cruise Moab!

trail Damage writeup - http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=1

[Nay]

Would love to make this run and meet the club - keep us posted as details firm up

Nay

[minisrule]

I am hoping to get my truck running in time for this run.

Mark, I am trying to get Birfs from Trevor so I can replace yours!


Nay, would love have you along!


Eric, I have seen stock rigs go thru Chinamans, some with very little to no damage, others with a strap, I have to say it is Questionable.

[Nay]

Originally Posted by minisrule

Eric, I have seen stock rigs go thru Chinamans, some with very little to no damage, others with a strap, I have to say it is Questionable.

Visuals help, this is an 80 on OME medium and 33's with dual factory lockers on the initial rock garden "squeeze".

[Man Jerk]

Originally Posted by minisrule

I am hoping to get my truck running in time for this run.

Mark, I am trying to get Birfs from Trevor so I can replace yours!


Nay, would love have you along!


Eric, I have seen stock rigs go thru Chinamans, some with very little to no damage, others with a strap, I have to say it is Questionable.

I appreciate you getting it back to me so quickly. I may have another or 2 laying around if you still need one. I'd have to check.

[Hants]

Originally Posted by EricG

Can you tell me a bit about the trail? Suitable for a stock, unlocked 80 that I'd really like to be able to drive to work on Monday?

I did it last year on 33's and a 2.5" lift (with sliders and TC protection). Personally, I'd recommend this as the minimum (unless you don't mind adding "character" to your rig).

There's a pretty tight rock-garden at the beginning. Most of the difficult stuff in the middle has bypasses.

But then there's the slot toward the end with no bypass. Ended up winching a couple of rigs similar to mine through it. I made it, but put some pretty stripes on my rear drive shaft.

[EricG]

Thanks for the feedback guys - think I'm going to skip this one until my truck grows a little taller and sprouts some sliders at least. That and I don't think my shoulder has healed up enough from some recent surgery to manhandle the wheel through some of that stuff.

[Isotel]

an Update. Metting spot is the Western in Woodland park, 8:00 Leave at 8:30 David is the Trail Leader!

Trialhead at about 10 A.M.

If anyone from denver is going, post up.. i think only 2 people from the Meeting are planning on going,

[Nay]

I am not going to make this one due to the weather and 3 out of four kids sick in the couple of days, but look forward to a run soon (and definitely Old Chinaman's if it gets rescheduled).

[nensha]

Well I'm definately, postively maybe going. It depends on getting some stuff done tonight and tomorrow morning before having to leave.

My truck's got new shoes and I want to see how they do.

[dhayes80]

I'll see you there.

[Isotel]

anyone have a trip report? how was it?

[nensha]

Ummm....snowy, wet, cold, muddy.

It was just David Hayes and I. This was the first time I'd been on Chinaman's. Probably not the best day to do the trail for the first time. David broke trail all day (even when we retraced the trail to get out).

My new tires did quite well until................................... I caught the sidewall of the front right on a rock and punched a hole it. This was just before trying to go over/around a large rock in the trail. David noticed the tire problem as we were trying to figure out what to do about the large rock wedged under my truck. The only way out was straight up (a good thing that I carry a 60" hilift jack). I got the whole driver's side 9-12 inches off the ground and David stuck some rocks under the front tire. This being done we then attacked the de-beaded tire. Which is when we discovered all the air we were putting in was coming out the sidewall. Getting the spare tire out from under the truck was a chore.

I did discover that the Geolanders are a lot softer a tire than BFG Muds. Next time, I'm not going to air down as far. They do have a better ride on the street as well.