Just to cover a few things.....most of this info can be found on the first post, but I'm expecting this thread to be 30+ pages long by the time we hit registration. Please refer back to the first post for most of the important info.
COST: It's going to be $75-$125 per vehicle. Last year we went to a flat rate and it worked out fine. As long as Chris and I don't have to come out of pocket again, that's all we're concerned with. There is a heap of logistics and we usually front the money to cover all the costs. We're trying to keep this as intimate as possible, but make it enjoyable for everyone. I'm still trying to secure a new location. Ironton is great, but it's also fully open to the public. We fill that entire space pretty quickly. The USFS has beenvery happy with us. We're clean and respectful.
If you weren't with us last year, we even assisted in a
rollover accident on Black Bear Pass. That has given our event a nice boost. It also gave me the opportunity to descend the switchbacks and the steps, turn around at the bottom and drive all the way back up unassisted..... in the rain. It's a testament to the ability of the 100 Series Land Cruiser.
REGISTRATION: Registration will open in late spring. We will give AMPLE notice as to the time and date. Although we do fill up every year, we build in a cushion to backfill from the waiting lists. I expect everyone who wants to register will have the opportunity to do so. We don't want folks making plans and then not being able to register.
Some local pronunciations:
Ouray - "you-RAY" or "yer-RAY" however, some locals still use "OO-ray"
Poughkeepsie - "poh-KIP-see" (oddly enough, Poughkeepsie is a town near where I grew up in NY)
Ophir - "OH-fur"
Imogene - "EM-uh-jean"
Uncompaghre - "UN-come-pa-gray"
Things to bring: Besides your basic camp needs that you'd always bring on a trip
Water - Do not drink untreated water. There are a lot of contaminants in the water around the area from all the years of mining activity. Some streams look clean, but they're not. You can obviously filter water, but it's safer to just get bottled water from town.
Camera - This is one of the most scenic areas of the United States.
Swim gear - The hot springs are close by and the hot springs pool is great.
Shower gear - You can rent showers in town for $3-5 and you'll be glad you did.
Baby wipes - When you can't take a shower, it's nice to at least take a wipe-down bath.
Tarp - Just in case you want to keep an area dry, a tarp is nice to have.
Fishing gear - There are a few lakes and rivers in the area that hold trout. You will need a Colorado fishing license in order to fish. Most of the waters will be catch and release, artificial flies and lures only. Some of you know that I am an avid fly fisherman. Please respect our waters. Do not bring bait of any kind from out of state. Please make sure your gear is clean to avoid transporting unwanted invasive species into Colorado. I will have a few extra fly rods with me and would be happy to teach someone the basics.
You do not need to carry extra fuel. We will pass a gas station every day. You do not need to carry external air unless you like to have it for emergencies or to run air tools. You can air down and back up everyday, but I never do. (most don't) I air down when I get to camp, and stay that way until I leave on Monday. Air is available for free all over the area. I stay between 20-25psi all weekend (35.1" tire). You can go down as low as you'd like, but anything lower than 18psi will make the highway a little sketchy. I've seen 33's walk right off the bead at 18psi on a 100. (off camber and under power)
More than anything else, bring a great attitude and a desire to have fun. There are no egos. Unlike what can sometimes happen on threads, no one will flame you for asking a question. We will have folks who will be going offroad for the first time in their 100. Your trail leader will be happy to help you learn the basics. I have helped folks shift into 4lo each year. Do not be nervous to ask for help. That's exactly why we're here and why we do this.
Please pay attention to the road or trail. If you lose focus, terrible things can happen. Highway 550 (Million Dollar Highway) does not have guardrails in many places. The ride to the bottom would be VERY fast and feature an abrupt stop. Every trail we run will have dangerous, exposed sections. LISTEN to your spotter! The Black Bear Pass runs are usually led by Chris, Jonathan or I. We have been down that trail many, many times in a 100 and I promise you a safe and fun experience. The views are going to take your breath away, but staying focused is important. The guy in this Jeep got distracted by the view of Bridal Veil Falls, and this is actually a tricky spot. (This guy just plain lost focus for a second. Thankfully, this is one of the very few places where you can roll twice without dropping to the bottom. A third roll would have ended much worse)
The line here is actually near the edge and counter-intuitive to where your gut tells you to be. When you hug this inside wall, it throws you back out towards the edge and it's enough to require a baby wipe.
@ntsaint took a nice hop towards the edge a few years ago. Someone has it on video. It's a butt clincher. Mrs. Martin promptly ejected out the passenger side and walked.
That's not meant to scare anyone, just an example of what can happen. EVERYONE should experience Black Bear Pass. However, if you or your passengers are truly afraid of heights or exposure, this isn't the trail for you. It's not fun if you're so stressed that you can't concentrate. Ask
@Bloomer's wife. I was genuinely scared that she'd choke him out and then punch me in the face.....until we got to the bottom, then she relished in the new experience.
You do not need to be built or experienced to enjoy any of these trails. I guarantee that you'll leave HIH6 with a new respect for your 100, better trail knowledge and improved driving skills.