Georgia Traverse - Feb 2-4

[Bryanseye]

It's almost here!

5 day forecast for Helen still holding good. Prepare for cold and wet (wool socks are a good idea) and we should be great. Worst chance of rain is 24% Saturday night.

My vehicle prep time is on hold while it undergoes surgery. Fingers crossed we get done in time! Sorry for the rust @IcutYourCruiser , I hit what I could with PB blaster yesterday but don't think it does much good.

Be sure to have your ICE form in the glovebox: ICE ICE Baby

Have a good week everyone. See you Friday.

 

[Twinair]

Is there room on the roster for another 80? I'd love to get this truck and me out where we belong.

 

[Bryanseye]

Is there room on the roster for another 80? I'd love to get this truck and me out where we belong.

Added

Got good news from the Cruiser Doc this afternoon too. I may even be able to do this trip without the CEL.

 

[Bryanseye]

One week away! Weather looks great for most of the weekend. Friday's chances of rain are mainly for the morning and should clear out by late afternoon, if we get anything at all. This means some puddles to splash in and no dust!
View attachment 1619563

Friday at noon, depart Burrell's Ford Campground parking area. A few campsite options depending on how much time we make. Top of GA Hostel is $40/night with breakfast, everything else is a couple bucks or we find a free spot. We will figure it out as we go.

I will be running 2M radio on 146.460. CB and/or FRS users can link up prior to departure. We have one chainsaw commitment, and everyone is encouraged to bring some firewood just in case.

Pot luck Friday night dinner, pack to be self sufficient otherwise. There are fuel stops along the route.

I have 2 stickers reserved for each attendee. No obligation to purchase, and any surplus will be made available to anyone wanting more. $3ea or 2/$5. One is being sent to the guy that put the route together along with a donation, and I encourage anyone that benefits from his site to throw a few bucks his way too. Let him know you are with Upstate Cruisers. Donate to Georgia Overland

I know I am forgetting something else and will update as needed. Looking forward to it!

Looks like a great group (let me know if I left you out):
@AJR
@forrest5000
@Izzyandsue maybe connect on Saturday
@FrackMacker
@IcutYourCruiser
@Salty Dog
@ceby
@Trollhole
@aquatech3
@Twinair

Lookers:
@pondjumpr
@BillWright
@CharlestonG8R
@BMThiker

I wanted to try and answer a few questions:

Fuel - Who woulda thunk that range anxiety would be a thing?! There are several fuel options along the way. Be sure to have a full tank at the meetup before the noon departure. I plan to fill up in Tomassee.

Difficulty - I dont know. This is our scouting trip to get an idea of how long it takes to travel the route. Everything I have seen and read says that anything considered a Land Cruiser is more than adequate for anything we will meet. Hopefully even my LX450 too. If you are in something nice and are concerned about damage, I cant guarantee there wont be a wayward tree limb or tree in a blindspot backing up, but I think the roads are fine.

2 more work days.

 

[pondjumpr]

I can't make the trip this weekend but have been doing some research on the trail over the past few weeks. It appears that most roads are nice (gravel) and don't even require 4WD. With that said, what I have gathered is that an area called Tray Mountain, near Helen, Ga. has some areas that are a bit more difficult. One guy had a stock height small SUV and had to turn around. He did mention that it was not far back to a road and they decided to by-pass that area. I am sure a few washed out area will be present but I don't think it will be too difficult. With that said, it appears that most guys in this group should have no issues at all other than rattles and jarred teeth from washboard roads.

As mentioned, downed trees may be the biggest obstacle but I think someone mentioned a chainsaw so no worries there.

I hope you guys have a blast and I look forward to a good report next week. I plan on doing the Georgia Traverse in the Spring so I am very interested in feedback. Stay safe and have fun.

 

[abuck99]

Fyi- nothing on Tray mountain that would impede a stock cruiser. There are some slow sections on Tray, there may be some wash outs, or rough spots, one in particular thats got some exposed rock if wet that might pose some small challenge, but its all pretty tame forest road.

 

[BMThiker]

yeah, what @abuck says is true, nothing different than what you've seen at Black Balsam, except less pinstriping.

 

[Trollhole]

I’m 90% in. Assuming I can fix my exhaust leak tomorrow I’ll be down. I’ll bring the big stove and grill if everyone wants to bring less crap. I just can’t go if I can’t fix the leak.

 

[AJR]

yeah, what @abuck says is true, nothing different than what you've seen at Black Balsam, except less pinstriping.

Well that’s not good for me

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I’m 90% in. Assuming I can fix my exhaust leak tomorrow I’ll be down. I’ll bring the big stove and grill if everyone wants to bring less crap. I just can’t go if I can’t fix the leak.

We'll get you going one way or another. The stove will be there either way, the Sherpa is on the job.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Well that’s not good for me

Choose your line wisely

 

[Bryanseye]

I’m 90% in. Assuming I can fix my exhaust leak tomorrow I’ll be down. I’ll bring the big stove and grill if everyone wants to bring less crap. I just can’t go if I can’t fix the leak.

Navagator seat is open.

 

[BillWright]

I was wavering because I still don't know why she won't start sometimes and I didn't want to cause a crisis among the trekkers by becoming a strandee some frosty morning in the woods.

But if Rpbb IcutyourCruiser and Marshall Trollhole will be there I'm in. They'll get me home whatever.
If she starts I will head for Burrell's Ford with the dawn Friday morning.
If I'm not there don't wait.

We'll get you going one way or another. The stove will be there either way, the Sherpa is on the job.

 

[Bryanseye]

Weather prediction is about as accurate as it can be now. No surprise, pack warm. Looks like we won’t have to worry about rain until we are wrapping up though. Maybe make it home in time to catch Friday’s episode of The Grand Tour since there is nothing else worth watching this Sunday.

If you have never camped in the cold, bring more than you think you need. Something to eat just before getting in the bag will give your body something to burn and keep warmer. Throw some hand warmers or a bottle of hot water in the bag can help a lot if you are not torching fossil fuels in your heater. A sleeping pad is also as much about insulation as it is about comfort.

Don’t forget a plate/bowl and utensils for pot luck. Cash for campsites and stickers if you want them.

I will have the Keureg so bring your favorite kcups if you want. I only have a small kettle though. PM me if you need my phone number. As of now I don’t have anyone coming from Charlotte or Charleston way that wants to convoy from I26/11, so I won’t be there unless you let me know.

I know I am forgetting something....

 

[pondjumpr]

A low of 21 in Helen likely means teens in the mountains.... Burr... You guys stay safe and warm. Have fun!

 

[80Kiter]

My wife made some bison/turkey chili that I’ll be bringing for Friday

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Myself, @BillWright, and possibly Marshall will be meeting and leaving from trollholes in the morning. Around 9-10AM. Anyone else??

 

[forrest5000]

I'm crashing at Marshall 's ,So I'll see you in the morning.

 

[Trollhole]

A low of 21 in Helen likely means teens in the mountains.... Burr... You guys stay safe and warm. Have fun!

We had a 12degree night a few years ago. 21 is down right summer. Lol.

 

[Bryanseye]

Rise and shine campers!