i vote for keeping it a HUNDYS event.....i guess the the 4Runner guy could crash the G-Wagon event in Ouray...bring the tire shine!!!!!
There's a G-Wagen event at the same time?! I'm out.
3rd Annual "100s in the Hills" - Ouray, Colorado: August 2-4
- Thread starter jonharis
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
There's a G-Wagen event at the same time?! I'm out.
i vote for keeping it a HUNDYS event.....i guess the the 4Runner guy could crash the G-Wagon event in Ouray...bring the tire shine!!!!!
I agree.
Klaus, you should revive the tradition of excellence.
bluecruiser
SILVER Star
maybe we could drive out together depending on when you go....? you will need to follow me though in case junk falls off my truck...
One more thing...have everyone bring their garage sale items...last year we had a pretty impressive impromptu sale at the camp....
Bloomer
SILVER Star
One step closer...worked cleared me to take time off during this time.
Since it's looking more like I'll get to attend than not, I'd appreciate a reality check on a couple to things:
1. I know its already been posted a stock land cruiser is fine, which is what I have. But, I have 0 experience running trails, and particularly trails in the mountains. Any additional protection that would just make sense, for someone who normally does not do trail runs, to prevent damage to the vehicle? Should I remove the running boards and install sliders? Would a lift be a good idea? I'm holding out for a slee rear bumper, which are not currently available, but should I consider installing a front bumper. Any underside protection a good idea?
2. I am from the flat lands. Every couple years we visit Durango, Ouray, Telluride during the winter so I am familiar with the paved roads. Have to admit it takes me a few days to acclimate to driving on the paved roads in that area. Yes, for those in Colorado, I am one of those annoying Texans you have to pass on the Million Dollar Highay because he is driving way to slow. I see the Warn pic of the Jeep on Blackbear Pass and know I would just freeze up if I drove up on something like that. Just trying to be realistic about my abilities and don't want to hold anyone up, but also don't want to be the poor soul trailing miles behind everyone else. So what can I expect from the trails (narrow roads with long drop offs)? Other than the obvious, how different are the unpaved roads compared to the paved roads?
Since it's looking more like I'll get to attend than not, I'd appreciate a reality check on a couple to things:
1. I know its already been posted a stock land cruiser is fine, which is what I have. But, I have 0 experience running trails, and particularly trails in the mountains. Any additional protection that would just make sense, for someone who normally does not do trail runs, to prevent damage to the vehicle? Should I remove the running boards and install sliders? Would a lift be a good idea? I'm holding out for a slee rear bumper, which are not currently available, but should I consider installing a front bumper. Any underside protection a good idea?
2. I am from the flat lands. Every couple years we visit Durango, Ouray, Telluride during the winter so I am familiar with the paved roads. Have to admit it takes me a few days to acclimate to driving on the paved roads in that area. Yes, for those in Colorado, I am one of those annoying Texans you have to pass on the Million Dollar Highay because he is driving way to slow. I see the Warn pic of the Jeep on Blackbear Pass and know I would just freeze up if I drove up on something like that. Just trying to be realistic about my abilities and don't want to hold anyone up, but also don't want to be the poor soul trailing miles behind everyone else. So what can I expect from the trails (narrow roads with long drop offs)? Other than the obvious, how different are the unpaved roads compared to the paved roads?
One other option that hasn't been mentioned is the KOA campground cabins north of Ouray. They are clean, 2 shower facilities and it is a nice, quiet campground. The owners are nice folks and very accommodating.
The cabins are a nice cross between roughing it and staying in a motel.
Bring sleeping bags.
First, there is no such thing as being miles behind. As with all trail runs being led by quality folks, we travel as a group. There will be a trail leader and a tail gunner. Both who are familiar with the trail (or area) and have good communication with each other and the rest of the group.
That photo on Black Bear is not representative of that trail any longer, but it is pretty intimidating when you look at it from far away. Although many of the trails are along shelf roads with big drop-offs, they are wide enough to fit your 100. If you have a genuine fear of heights or drop offs, than some of these trails may not be for you. That's totally ok, there are a ton of trails with mild exposure and mild obstacles. Maybe you work your way up and run a few easy ones one day one and see how you feel. Ophir, Yankee Boy, Owl Creek Pass are all very doable in a stock 100.
However, sliders are always a bonus. Even mild trails could have a spot where your running board could take a hit. Good tires are important. Both for getting you over things and to avoid spinning your wheels and tearing up the trail.
As far as paved/unpaved. It's still just driving, and the best way to learn and become comfortable is to get out with others. Watch the lines they take, watch their speed, ask questions, speak up when you're uncomfortable and relax and enjoy yourself.
Or, ride along with someone with more experience and get a feel for what they're doing. I may have an open shotgun seat and so will others. C'mon along, you'll be glad you did!
Waiting on the Slee bumper is a great choice, you'll be really happy you did!
Last edited:
jonharis
Adventure Imports
- Thread starter
- #89
Well said Stan. I honestly can't imagine a better place time to take your 100 off road for the first real time. Being with identical vehicles will really show you what you and your truck can and can't do. I'd recommend staying towards the front of the group. I'm 100% confident that you can do all of the trails except Poughkeepsie. I'd take the running boards off prior to the trip, they can act as crash multipliers. As Stan said, a good set of sliders will get you going nicely. If you can add some 285 all terrain tires you will be good to go. I'd put a front bumper, then a rear bumper then skids on the list in that order for armor.
Hope you make it down! I can't wait.
Hope you make it down! I can't wait.
Bloomer I'm with you on the shelf roads! Have driven all over the mountains but never on a road like that. Still nervous about how I will react when I actually get there!
Making progress with the wife. She's now a 'maybe'
Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD
Sounds good. If I drag the trailer it might be difficult to keep up, but I'll have lots of room for the junk I find.
maybe we could drive out together depending on when you go....? you will need to follow me though in case junk falls off my truck...
One more thing...have everyone bring their garage sale items...last year we had a pretty impressive impromptu sale at the camp....
Well I've only been out there one time, but I can give you a little bit of a flatlander's view of it. Well, we have hills and curves and some trails with decently quick elevation change here in AR, but it's definitely a completely different experience out there. I actually found sections of Hwy 550 to be just as intimidating as the trails just based on speed, sheer drop and lack of a shoulder. Of course the fact I was driving a Jeep XJ with aired down tires probably didn't help.
But, like the guys have said, this sounds like a perfect opportunity to gain experience with what appears to be a good group of folks to help look out for you. If you can't tell, I want so badly to come back out there it's not even funny.
Also, as other have said, that black and white pic is not representative of today's black bear pass. Some on the 'net have argued based on the flatness of the road and scenery that it never was Black Bear. That's not to say that there aren't steep drops, narrow sections of trail and other "pucker-factor" areas. But being within the confines of a group allows you to see where to go, how to approach certain area, and give you the confidence that your vehicle is capable of cruising right through.
Anyway, if you want to watch a quick video(and don't mind Jeeps), here is one of the JK Experience from a couple years ago that shows off the different sections of the backside of Black Bear pretty well. Also just a well put together fun to watch video series. Warning if you watch all of them you might find yourself with an irrational desire for solid front axles and 40" tires...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HxTUz1j-weE#t=322s
Bloomer
SILVER Star
Very much appreciate the vote of support, advice, and offer to ride shotgun. Agree with all that was said and may take someone up on riding shotgun to feel things out before driving in on my own. Looking forward to actually meeting yall in person.
Guys, sorry I posted that really old blackbear pass picture in another thread. Thats a really old picture and it doesnt look like that.
I have done this trail many times and a stock cruiser could do it. Nothing reall that hard going back over Imogene either.
This one is on my radar screen, have to see ow things are as it gets closer. My club does a run everyyear over labor day so it's likely just deciding what one I am going to do based on availability.
Never campes out though, always stayed at the Flying J campground. That makes this more interesting
I have done this trail many times and a stock cruiser could do it. Nothing reall that hard going back over Imogene either.
This one is on my radar screen, have to see ow things are as it gets closer. My club does a run everyyear over labor day so it's likely just deciding what one I am going to do based on availability.
Never campes out though, always stayed at the Flying J campground. That makes this more interesting
Nothing wrong with going out twice. Between this run, our club run and a family trip planned for Oct 1-4, that will be 3 times this year. You work too much.
Will try hard to make to this one! Sounds like a awesome trip!
Moved to Colorado last june for a new job and had not taken the 40 to the mountains yet!
We have kid #3 on the way so this past week we went and traded my little truck for a roomier and more capable 100 series!
Stock truck but will definitely need some better rubber!
Moved to Colorado last june for a new job and had not taken the 40 to the mountains yet!
We have kid #3 on the way so this past week we went and traded my little truck for a roomier and more capable 100 series!
Stock truck but will definitely need some better rubber!
I don't think there is anything "clean" about the way I drive.
You don't have to convince me, it's my wife that needs convincing
. I was in AZ before MI.
