100s in the Hills - Southern 100s Trip Recap

[ntsaint]

Thought I would post up a quick summary of my trip to the 100s in the Hills ride in Ouray, CO, this past weekend.

There were 28 different drivers/trucks...great turnout. But what was even cooler is that fully 1/3 of those were from the South. Couple guys that post here some were among the attendees...BamaBrock (Brandon) and 2000UZJ (Nick).

Campsite was great, but 100% primitive. Showers at the Ouray hot springs park each day were definitely a plus. Weather was so-so, with rain each day. BUT, with highs in the low 70s and down to the high 30s each night, no way I was complaining. Driving back into 102 degree heat yesterday was brutal.

Everyone we met up there was great, and the guys that put the ride on did a great job. Really hope to go back next year.

So, enough of that, on to the good stuff.

 

[ntsaint]

DAY ONE

Day one, Friday, took us up to California Pass, then down through Corkscrew Gulch.

Scenery here was ridiculous...great visibility, great height, etc. And lots of historical mining sites to boot. My favorite part though was a huge meadow up high on the mountain. Have never seen anything like that.

No technical driving or shelf roads on this ride, was mostly about scenery. That being said, the top of California pass was very intimidating. It was, as DNP said...HIGH.

Pics...

 

[ntsaint]

more day one

 

[ntsaint]

and more day one

 

[ntsaint]

and even more day one

 

[ntsaint]

DAY TWO

Morning of day two was Imogene Pass, which was my favorite ride of the trip. It combined some good wheeling, great scenery, and awesome heights.

And, if you look close, you might see Shush's old truck in a few of these pics.

The view from the top of Imogene was unreal. It was a rainy morning though, so the pics are pretty muted.

 

[ntsaint]

day two more

 

[ntsaint]

and more day two

 

[ntsaint]

day two morning

 

[ntsaint]

DAY TWO - Afternoon

Afternoon run that day was Ophir Pass. Some great scenery, but tons of loose rock...felt like I was about to slide off the side of the mountain.

 

[ntsaint]

DAY THREE

Sunday morning was Black Bear, and the trail lived up to its reputation.

The ascent is easy, but very scenic. We even ran across a herd of sheep on the way up.

Once we headed down the hill though, it got...hairy. I can honestly say I was a scared a bit when we first started down the switchbacks. The initial switchback is barely a foot wider than the truck, and 100% rock...no road to speak of. I actually rubbed the sliders several times making sure I was hugging the safe side of the road!

Once past that though, everything seemed easy. All of the switchbacks from there down were steep, muddy, and reuired 2/3 point turns. But after that first one, they all seemed simple and safe.

To top it off, you finish the ride underneath Bridal Vale falls, which is something else...

 

[ntsaint]

more day three

 

[ntsaint]

and more day three

 

[ntsaint]

and then...

 

[ntsaint]

And finally

 

[Bomar]

awesome trip

 

[wct49]

great pictures.
First time I felt the desire for a 100.

damn it...

 

[Bomar]

I think this would be a great CLC trip for '14 or '15

CT it is crazy how nice a lifted 100 rides and drives.

 

[ntsaint]

The trip was definitely one of the better ones I've ever taken. The pictures do not do the scenery or the trails justice. Be great if you guys with 100s join in next year.

Was also very pleased with my truck. It took a lot of punishment without blinking. Rolled 114k on the way back. Total of 2500 miles or so round trip.

The main trip report thread can be found below. Lots of pictures, and all of them better quality than mine:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/759228-trip-report-3rd-annual-100s-hills.html

 

[ntsaint]

Just looked through my video clips, have about 250gb worth of stuff, all pretty solid.

The video from Black Bear was by far the best (sunny day), and it turned out great. Once I get it edited I'll put it up on youtube.