North meets South in the Blue Ridge Mtns October 24-26 - Page 6

little_joe · 10-20-08, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfz80

Also id like to get an idea of how many folks are sleeping in trucks vs. tents to check on the space our group will require friday night. Id like to get us up the upper rough butt trail to a lil cabin in the woods but as i count 16 trucks im concerned about enough space being available. I feel confident 10 trucks would fit in a sleepable manner.

I'm sleeping in my truck both nights.

fourtrax · 10-20-08, 11:45 AM

I will most likely be leaving RTP around 3:30pm

Can i get directions or something of how to get to the Friday night camp site.

Mtbcoach · 10-20-08, 11:50 AM

I'll be in my tent in most any event...

BMThiker · 10-20-08, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMThiker

Taking a poll now. What time are the Friday PM folks arriving? I know Mtbcoach said he couldn't get to Sylva until 7:30pm or 8pm. Included in the FRIDAY PM GROUP: fourtrax, sigep0359, 1972FJ40, rutbeer, proinv and ROLDS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourtrax

I will most likely be leaving RTP around 3:30pm

Can i get directions or something of how to get to the Friday night camp site.

Chances are we'll have someone lead you in. If you can give us a clearer time frame on when you'll get to Sylva, then Jason and I can make plans to have someone come back and get you, or come up with an alternate plan. Until we know when all five of you are arriving, making plans is difficult. The most remote possibility is to send you maps. This will be difficult if you have never been here and 4x harder if it is dark.

Mtbcoach has already stated his arrival time of 7:30-8pm. How about the rest of you?

rutbeer · 10-20-08, 09:05 PM

I'm sure I won't get out of Winston until at least noon, maybe later. I have been there before, but only once. In the dark will not be fun, but I'm sure I can figure it out. I would just need to know where to go to the camp spot. We camped at two different places last year, one lower and not as nice as the second.

B

BMThiker · 10-21-08, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rutbeer

I'm sure I won't get out of Winston until at least noon, maybe later. I have been there before, but only once. In the dark will not be fun, but I'm sure I can figure it out. I would just need to know where to go to the camp spot. We camped at two different places last year, one lower and not as nice as the second.

B

So, that's what 3.5 hours of driving? You'll be there in time to meet up with JP at the park. He should be there around 4:30 to lead the afternoon group up to the Sugar Creek Camp.

Since Jason is concerned about overcrowding at Rough Butt Saturday night, we'll just guide all the latecomers up to Sugar Creek. It's easier to get to via gravel road and we should have more room for tents.

jfz80 · 10-21-08, 08:31 AM

AH i see your plan

If Barry goes to sugar ck gap, then our dinner is going to sugar ck gap.

SOOOO..... looks like w/ all those arriving in the evening, and the #s we have attending, and group plans it may just be best that we(ONSC) plan to camp at the old bald location two nights in a row.

Down side is those that havent attended before will only get to see one camp spot and it limits the trails we will be able to do.

Plus side is it allows late arrivers an easy route up after dark to a plenty large enough spot.
-the mobile kitchen and dinner will be able to roll in no problems
-if someone wanted to stay behind, we could leave some gear and reserve the spot for sat
-it makes things easier

we can find a trail sys to accomodate us either way we chose. Im just a little concerned about space as well as Barry totin the trailer up upper rough butt.

Saturday will be a long day on the trail, so be prepared to get up and break camp relatively promptly.

38 hrs left

BMThiker · 10-21-08, 08:46 AM

OK, didn't realize you guys had the group meal thing planned until after I posted that. Taking Moses Crk would be easiest for those arriving late from the ONSC group. I guess the only UC late arrivals are proinv and TRfWJ. The rest are ONSC'ers.

Just thinking out loud... I was thinking of taking the UC group on the Caney Fork loop starting at the base of Rough Butt and working clockwise around to Sugar Creek Rd, then up to Sugar Creek Gap. Do you want to head straight up Rough Butt Friday noon or do you think you can do the Caney Fork loop too? My guess is that with the predicted rain and our size group, we don't want to plan too much for the first day. whatcha thinkin?

jfz80 · 10-21-08, 09:19 AM

drop me a pm describing the loop....i think trail nomenclature is getting confused. I believe your plan is to go up caney fork road and then turn right on to bear camp trailhead(trail w/ mudhole), take that over to sugar ck road and up to the gap. I sent you my current thoughts on trail travel for our side.

little_joe · 10-21-08, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfz80

AH i see your plan

If Barry goes to sugar ck gap, then our dinner is going to sugar ck gap.

SOOOO..... looks like w/ all those arriving in the evening, and the #s we have attending, and group plans it may just be best that we(ONSC) plan to camp at the old bald location two nights in a row.

Down side is those that havent attended before will only get to see one camp spot and it limits the trails we will be able to do.

I understand this is not a democracy, but if I had a vote I'd vote for not camping at the same site both nights, and for not limiting the trails we run.

I also understand we need to accomodate everyone and those of you organizing this have enough to think about, I just hope you all can come up with a plan that makes sure our Fri late arrivals are taken care of and we can maximize the trails we cover.

I will gladly volunteer to provide some of Friday's dinner - I can bring enough pasta for 10 people or so...............

jfz80 · 10-22-08, 05:52 AM

You could ask nicely to join the UC side

No i understand and believe me i have the same preference. Its one thing when you got 3 fast moving individuals that can care for themselves and are willing to suffer just a bit. But 16 trucks and twenty people make things a bit different. Im still looking at options; im sure it wont be settled till were at the park.

Main criteria are: Fitting everyone on somewhat level ground
Providing easy access to late comers

We can find trail loops to accomodate us. I have one in mind already but want to see what type of precip. we get before takin the stockers up shocksnapper.

fourtrax · 10-22-08, 06:07 AM

precip. let's just say i'm thinking about bringing an oar...

BMThiker · 10-22-08, 06:29 AM

You are welcome to join us at Sugar Creek Camp for Friday night, but we're not bringing a chuckwagon. It's every man for himself for food at our camp. We may pass a mason jar around though

Jason and I have discussed the trails at length and hope to cover as many as we can, given the rainy weather. It is our hope to have both groups cover the same trails, but at different times, giving you every opportunity to enjoy these trails.

Although unlikely with this weather coming, sometimes we have found other groups up on the upper bald where we hope to combine both groups on Saturday night. It may not be a bad thing to have ONSC up there on Friday night to "reserve" our spot for Saturday. Plus setting up camp 2X in the rain is no fun - the ONSC guys/gals may only have to set up camp once.

concretejungle · 10-22-08, 07:51 AM

it's looking like rain. And in my experience if they are calling for anything over 30% up there, it'll rain.

little_joe · 10-22-08, 09:07 AM

I trust you guys will do what is right for everyone! I really don't want to come across as a whiner or ask to make changes at the last minute. Regardless of what we end up doing, it will be an awesome weekend!

concretejungle · 10-22-08, 12:50 PM

just throwing my opinion out there....

this place is a blast. But, to truly enjoy it, i think you may need to be willing to try something you are not comfortable with or even risk a scratch or two. Why you may ask... well, because to me, part of the thrill of this area is wondering what is around the next corner? What will we run up on next, a stream crossing, a hill climb, a washed out rut, or a beautiful vista.... and to me that keeps this "expedition" exciting. Now i'm not saying i'm setting out to get body damage, try to get stuck or try to get in a sticky situation. Just saying.

it's really difficult to plan a trip like this for a large group because everyone has different agendas and expectations. I'm sure the guys responsible for planning this trip are trying to melt everyone's ideas into one good one!!

southerncruiser62 · 10-22-08, 01:48 PM

In addition I would like to thank Jason and Rick for taking the time to put all this together. They have done a great job thus far and I look forward to the weekend.

I agree with Alex that this is part of the expedition type wheeling all will encounter over the weekend but yet again we are there to assist and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves and that they are not commiting to doing something they would prefer not to nor put them in a sticky situation to damage themselves or their truck.

With Jason's experience of this area I feel he has taken those in attendance into consideration and made the trail decisions based on those considerations.

Again thanks for putting all this together

jfz80 · 10-22-08, 01:51 PM

Good points above, and with inclement weather comes a more challenging trail. Just be ready and stay sharp!!!. I was looking at the trail arrangement and consider swapping sat route for fri if the rain gets too bad. Spence and Andrew are our only true stockers looking at the list, and andrews has the sweet black grill and 285s so its all good

. That being said we may just give the harder run a shot on friday afterall

1969cruzer · 10-22-08, 04:23 PM

You got that right, stock sucks!! but the wife wont let me do it. She says repeatedly get the 40 up and running and you do whatever you want to it!! I am looking forward to this trip even with the bad weather. Now that I have better tires, I will be in much better shape with anything and the cruiser has the rear locker and the Atrac option.

Mtbcoach · 10-22-08, 05:34 PM

With all due respect to all the "weatherheads" out there, from what I've seen on the channels, the bulk of the rain is supposed to hit on Friday and overnight, with Sat drying. Now, that doesn't mean that the trails will be dry but at least we won't have to worry too much about getting rained on Sat, if the experts are any good.

But, that last prediction I watched said that 4+" were expected in the area. I can only imagine that much water on the trail will definitely make thing a bit more challenging than being dry.

Bottom line is that I'm looking forward to spending some time in this part of the state that I haven't explored yet. No matter how things turn out, I'm sure it will be a good time and we will have plenty of trails to play on...

jfz80 · 10-22-08, 05:40 PM

Y'all have fun, looks like i cant make it :(

kidding.....sort of. Came home to a leaking gas tank again this evening. Im draining it now(fine time for all four cars and gas cans to be full) Tommorow will drop and try and get it welded up depending on the crack. I still have the old one which was just a pinhole i may try to fix first thing then swap em out. blech. last time only took three weeks

jfz80 · 10-22-08, 05:41 PM

spence..... what tires did you get? that alleviates most my concern right there.

BillWright · 10-22-08, 06:01 PM

So I guess I need to put my Swampers back on? Darn, I was hoping to get by with leaving the road tires on for this one.

Jason: Chewing gum?
b

fourtrax · 10-22-08, 06:27 PM

i put on 2 new bfg km's in the front just for this weekend.. i will slap a good coating of wd-40 on the fender wells and i'm ready. just got to get there, that is where ever there is..

looking forward to a fun time..

concretejungle · 10-22-08, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillWright

So I guess I need to put my Swampers back on? Darn, I was hoping to get by with leaving the road tires on for this one.

Jason: Chewing gum?
b

Bill, i know how you drive. Keep the mudder's on for this one

Oh, and my vote is for super putty!! As seen on tv

teerexfzj80 · 10-22-08, 07:22 PM

Guys sorry to bail, but work stuck a fork in me.
George

1969cruzer · 10-22-08, 07:38 PM

Nitto terra grapplers stock size but some nice all terrains

addicted56 · 10-22-08, 09:07 PM

Stock 4-runner with some 33x10.5 muds. As Joe can attest....Just lay it heavy on the skinny pedeal and I can make it

Mud is fun. I think it will make the trip all that much more exciting. With the cold snaps and some condesnation on the ground it should make for some great shots when the sun does come out. Of course if the rain is not so hard it knocks the leaves off.

BMThiker · 10-23-08, 07:14 AM

Swampers need love too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillWright

So I guess I need to put my Swampers back on? Darn, I was hoping to get by with leaving the road tires on for this one.

b

jfz80 · 10-23-08, 07:36 AM

ok..... whomever it is, would you please put the voodoo doll down.

Seems the starter is going out now too as i just got stranded in the Lowes parking lot :(, at least concrete has an old one to throw in the back. I thought the 40's were supposed to be the problem child