Black Hills SD in July

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4rnr

4rnr

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Location
Homer Glen, IL
After posting this feeler thread.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/il-windy-city-land-cruisers/563686-lets-see-where-goes.html

It seems like this is going to happen, so here is the actual planning thread.

There is a lot I don't know, but...

When: it seems the dates are July 13-24 ish.

Who: Me, Gumby, Joez, Mr.Bryan, jimkyser, maybe booty, Jeremy9A....

Where (camp): This is a little tricky. There seem to be 3 recommended camps. They all seem to be located in the same area.

-Wild Bills Campground:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...3Nn7Dw&usg=AFQjCNHIdiLgDfG4WQa__LgGnj1Kv64rSQ

Generally regarded as the "best" and Most offroad friendly. I spoke with Keith on the phone and he seems great. It has a restaurant and bar, and has a creek for playing/fishing. However, if we stay there we must join the Black Hills Cruiser Classic event (7-18 to 7-22). The campground becomes a private campground for those dates, also I'm told that no one in Wild Bills can hit the trails outside a BHCC trail group (not sure how that is enforced, but I'm not interested in pissing off the locals).

DTC - Black Hills Cruiser Classic

-Mystic Hills Campground:

MysticHillsCampground, Travel, Trips, Vacations, Touring, Mountain, Cabin, Rental, Crazy Horse, Sturgis Bike, Kool Nites, ATV, RV, Corvette, Mount Rushmore, Hunting, Snowmobiling, 4x4, Deadwood, Custer, Devils Tower, Parties, Occasions

Probably our second choice. I dont know much about it, but it seems to be similar minus the Creek...???

-Fish n Fry Campground:

Fish N'Fry Campground

I know very little about this one. It has a pool....but is close to the highway....

Where (trails): This is even more complicated than camping. I haven't been able to view any of the trail maps, or download the gps maps (cause I'm at work). The trails seem like they could be difficult to find and follow. Also the trails that I have heard buzz about are supposed to be 10-40 miles from camp. Again I haven't seen the maps so I don't know what is close to camp. Those trails I saw buzz about seemed to be 5 or 5+ (hardest) rated trails. I have no idea what to expect from those ratings, but the locals say they are for buggies. If that's true then maybe we should be looking at 3's and 4's. We will have a VERY diverse group of rigs and even the more built among us aren't looking to go nuts. I think the goal of this trip is great scenery, atmosphere, and good, fun, technical trails.


What do you guys think?
 
nuclearlemon said:
july 18-22 is black hills cruiser challenge. they book wild bills campground for the event.
Click to expand...

Yup...got it.

That is my big challenge.
 
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I like the idea of the group tent area at Mystic Hills, though the other tent sites are a little better separated from the rest of the patrons.

The Fish N'Fry place implies they may be able to help plan outings. They specifically talk about renting and directing ATVs, but they may have good knowledge for 4WD trucks, too.

I also noticed that there is going to be a J**p Jamboree in the area in September. They are advertizing trails rated from 3-9. I found someone who used their GPS to record their trail runs from previous Jamborees:

Black Hills Jamboree Day One - Driving trip | EveryTrail
 
jimkyser said:
I like the idea of the group tent area at Mystic Hills, though the other tent sites are a little better separated from the rest of the patrons.

The Fish N'Fry place implies they may be able to help plan outings. They specifically talk about renting and directing ATVs, but they may have good knowledge for 4WD trucks, too.

I also noticed that there is going to be a J**p Jamboree in the area in September. They are advertizing trails rated from 3-9. I found someone who used their GPS to record their trail runs from previous Jamborees:

Black Hills Jamboree Day One - Driving trip | EveryTrail
Click to expand...

Nice find!

I agree about the mystic camp. The group spot looks nice. But may be too busy. The divided camps may be quieter. It would be nice to have a camp that can point us in the right direction though.... im going to have to call both camps. I bet mystic can help as well. Fish n fry being close to a highway could be an issue.
 
That is a badass little gps/picture thingy!!! Those trails are waaaaay too easy but it might give me reference.
 
Yeah, there were only about 10 pictures from the second day where they were even crawling over rocks and had to worry about ground clearance. But it is a very cool way to document your trail run.
 
Postpone this until next year so I can go!!
 
Captain Crunch is currently the hardest open trail there...highly recommended...bring a trailer :)

http://gallery.ih8mud.com/thumbnails.php?album=95

Weather can have a MAJOR effect on wheeling...BHCC was cancelled entirely one year due to wildfires...
 
woody said:
Captain Crunch is currently the hardest open trail there...highly recommended...bring a trailer :)

Black Hills Cruiser Classic - IH8MUD Photo Gallery

Weather can have a MAJOR effect on wheeling...BHCC was cancelled entirely one year due to wildfires...
Click to expand...

I was hoping you would chime in.

I was watching some youtube videos on some of the 5/5+ trails (Hals John, Capt. Crunch). They look like fun, but by the looks of it, only a couple of us could attempt it, and even then I'm not sure how successful we would be. Plus all but one of us have to drive 1000 miles back home in our wheelers, not that I'm usually smart enough to keep that in mind on the trail though. 4's look like our style.

I will think of a plan B in case the Black Hills are on fire. If we are prepared for Black Hills we should be ready for most anything East of the front range, even at the last minute. It just may not be as mild of a July as SD...

I know you have been out there a few times before, any advice you can give, or mistakes we are making....let us know.
 
Hal John's has a road next to it...specater friendly, and easy exit.

Calamity Canyon is a nice 4...Kong shoots off and would be a nice play run for a few rigs.

My trips there have been with the FJ40 on 38's and 39's...I don't have a lotta knowledge on the 4-under trails.

It will be hot. 100. All day.

I'll be in Ouray CO from the 18th to the 22nd for the FJ Summit...not challenging, but beautiful wheeling.

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Wild Bills is a great campground...bar/restaurant, decent facilities, and it's a gravel road to many of the trails. RZRable even.

I would encourage a week other than BHCC.
 
woody said:
I'll be in Ouray CO from the 18th to the 22nd for the FJ Summit...not challenging, but beautiful wheeling.


I would encourage a week other than BHCC.
Click to expand...



I think you need a FJC. Feel free to drop off the Dodge and pick up mine. The Dodge may have a few more miles on it when you pick it up.
 
Gumby said:
I think you need a FJC. Feel free to drop off the Dodge and pick up mine. The Dodge may have a few more miles on it when you pick it up.
Click to expand...

Toyota wants the FJ Summit to expand well beyond FJC's. None of the event coordinators own one anymore.

Rumor has it a new Tacoma will be there that should rival the Raptor.
 
woody said:
----
Wild Bills is a great campground...bar/restaurant, decent facilities, and it's a gravel road to many of the trails. RZRable even.

I would encourage a week other than BHCC.
Click to expand...

Sigh.... yeah, but i know these are the only dates for joe. F'n joe...
 
lots of the trails are fairly short timewise, but definitely fun. the rocks will move, so don't bother picking out your line until you're almost there. can't remember all the trails i ran, i do remember iceman, jake and raspberry ridge. all well worth the trip, especially having once been one you trail poor illinoisans ;) you may never go home
 
4rnr said:
Sigh.... yeah, but i know these are the only dates for joe. F'n joe...
Click to expand...

I can do anything between July 13th and labor day.
 
Can't do early august due to sturgis. Cant do late august due to schools.
 
Is that St. Maarten?
 
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