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- #81
Release point at Tom's Brook.
Gsmtr
- Thread starter TRFCSUX
- Start date
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sounds like everyone made it home.....looks like a great, rainy, muddy weekend....
Sounds like a smooth trip so far comng home. Looks like you guys had a blast, even with the weather.
The winch and I made it home safe. Another great time with the CLCC crew. Patrick rocked his first time wheeling in the 80. There is a video that we will procure. Stay tuned for a potential sale of an Ironman Monster 9500# wireless winch.
SAS
Seeking higher vistas
Welcome to Windrock/Coal Creek OHV Area.
Day 1 we went out and found trail conditions highly favorable to a good time (dry). We piddled on Trail 2 and encountered this nice rock outcropping, so decided to play a little.
We continued on Trail 2, then Trail 16, and then Trail 17. I have some good video that I'll ask someone with a Tube account to host so we can direct link it here.
Here's a picture of our camp area.
The next day we went adventuring and found some additional trails on the East side.
This was enroute to Trail 23, a "double diamond" rated trail. This one was a wicked erosion ravine in the trail; you had a choice of going left which is a narrow ridge with the ravine on your right, and the mountainside drop-off on your left, or going right and risking a steep off=camber 90* turn at the top which would dump you on your side into the ravine. We chose to go left (except Matt, who just straddled the thing and came straight up it!).
Bart flinched and his tail slipped into the ravine. I have a video of the winch/recovery orchestrated by Chris. Fine job, Chris!
The trail continued up and ran parallel to a 20-30 ft cliff for about a mile. This portion of trail was filled with fallen timber, making irritating obstacles to climb. The trail then went up sharply around a hair-pin turn, and had two sluices off the left side, straight up the mountain! Ah, so this is why it is a Double Diamond! We cotemplated returning on Saturday to take it as an all-day activity, as it would have required stacking rocks and winching multiple times...and that was only the 750 feet that we hiked ahead to scout.
Here's two pictures of the downhill/return trip. We all took the "center line" through the ravine...it was only slightly less difficult going down.
On Friday we endured a ton of rain overnight and throughout the day. Matt, Steve and Stump attempted the "gatekeeper" on Trail 15; it was extremely slick...very little traction. Matt and Stump made it through the gate and continued on. The next section was long climb off camber with an eroded ravine on the left side. Stump came up it leaning at what appeared to be 45* !!! His slider was cutting the berm like a Ginsu knife! I didn't get a picture because I was too busy getting the hell out of the way!
Matt powered through it all and over the ledges at the top. Stump gave it a few good attempts but decided to take the winch for the final climb.
Taking a break for lunch, we met up with Lance, Rich, and Dan. They took us to see "Rattle Rock" which is a boulder field that climbs the mountainside, similar to a obstacle at Rousch Creek. We passed it and continued on Trail 21, to a bitchin' rock ledge at a stream crossing.
Rich took Raze-N up the ledge, but the FZJ40 and Dan's 4Runner took the bypass after a few attempts.
Matt conquered the ledge in a few tries, and then Steve came up. It took a few turns, but he succeeded as well. We wonder if perhaps it was this impact that fatigued the shackle hangar which broke on Saturday.
Fast forward to Saturday...more rain overnight and constant rain in the morning. About 10am we headed out for Trail 22, 42, and 43. We got up past the top of Trail 21 (it was gorgeously scenic up there with the creeks flowing high). Steve noted a noise, so we decided to stop and check for what we suspected was a busted shock tab or maybe even a driveshaft starting to fail.
Whoa! it was a busted front/left shackle hangar!
Fortunately, there was a 4Runner guy there with a Redi-Welder, and in the pouring rain, Steve, Stump, Bart, Chris, and Matt combined tool kits to use an air grinder, jack, etc. to get prepared to weld. Using Stump's dual batteries, Chris and Matt laid some unsightly, although effective weld on the metal to repair sufficient to come off the mountain and hit the gravel road, and limp the 62 back to camp.
Back at camp, we used the covered pavilion and Chris' generator, welder, and other tools to redress the repair with more permanent welds. More kudos to Chris!
Day 1 we went out and found trail conditions highly favorable to a good time (dry). We piddled on Trail 2 and encountered this nice rock outcropping, so decided to play a little.
We continued on Trail 2, then Trail 16, and then Trail 17. I have some good video that I'll ask someone with a Tube account to host so we can direct link it here.
Here's a picture of our camp area.
The next day we went adventuring and found some additional trails on the East side.
This was enroute to Trail 23, a "double diamond" rated trail. This one was a wicked erosion ravine in the trail; you had a choice of going left which is a narrow ridge with the ravine on your right, and the mountainside drop-off on your left, or going right and risking a steep off=camber 90* turn at the top which would dump you on your side into the ravine. We chose to go left (except Matt, who just straddled the thing and came straight up it!).
Bart flinched and his tail slipped into the ravine. I have a video of the winch/recovery orchestrated by Chris. Fine job, Chris!
The trail continued up and ran parallel to a 20-30 ft cliff for about a mile. This portion of trail was filled with fallen timber, making irritating obstacles to climb. The trail then went up sharply around a hair-pin turn, and had two sluices off the left side, straight up the mountain! Ah, so this is why it is a Double Diamond! We cotemplated returning on Saturday to take it as an all-day activity, as it would have required stacking rocks and winching multiple times...and that was only the 750 feet that we hiked ahead to scout.
Here's two pictures of the downhill/return trip. We all took the "center line" through the ravine...it was only slightly less difficult going down.
On Friday we endured a ton of rain overnight and throughout the day. Matt, Steve and Stump attempted the "gatekeeper" on Trail 15; it was extremely slick...very little traction. Matt and Stump made it through the gate and continued on. The next section was long climb off camber with an eroded ravine on the left side. Stump came up it leaning at what appeared to be 45* !!! His slider was cutting the berm like a Ginsu knife! I didn't get a picture because I was too busy getting the hell out of the way!
Matt powered through it all and over the ledges at the top. Stump gave it a few good attempts but decided to take the winch for the final climb.
Taking a break for lunch, we met up with Lance, Rich, and Dan. They took us to see "Rattle Rock" which is a boulder field that climbs the mountainside, similar to a obstacle at Rousch Creek. We passed it and continued on Trail 21, to a bitchin' rock ledge at a stream crossing.
Rich took Raze-N up the ledge, but the FZJ40 and Dan's 4Runner took the bypass after a few attempts.
Matt conquered the ledge in a few tries, and then Steve came up. It took a few turns, but he succeeded as well. We wonder if perhaps it was this impact that fatigued the shackle hangar which broke on Saturday.
Fast forward to Saturday...more rain overnight and constant rain in the morning. About 10am we headed out for Trail 22, 42, and 43. We got up past the top of Trail 21 (it was gorgeously scenic up there with the creeks flowing high). Steve noted a noise, so we decided to stop and check for what we suspected was a busted shock tab or maybe even a driveshaft starting to fail.
Whoa! it was a busted front/left shackle hangar!
Fortunately, there was a 4Runner guy there with a Redi-Welder, and in the pouring rain, Steve, Stump, Bart, Chris, and Matt combined tool kits to use an air grinder, jack, etc. to get prepared to weld. Using Stump's dual batteries, Chris and Matt laid some unsightly, although effective weld on the metal to repair sufficient to come off the mountain and hit the gravel road, and limp the 62 back to camp.
Back at camp, we used the covered pavilion and Chris' generator, welder, and other tools to redress the repair with more permanent welds. More kudos to Chris!
iptman
SILVER Star
Made it home in 10 hours. Heard about the Lexington backup on channel 19 (15 miles by the time I hit it) and detoured around it on Rt 11. Glad everyone made it back safely. Here's a few pics out of my collection. Thanks to everyone for the directions, tips and guidance that helped me make it though the weekend with nothing more than some fresh pin striping. I hope I didn't slow everyone down too much.
Here's a few pics from my camera.
Matt showing me the best time and place to lock manual hubs.
Pictures don't do this justice. Stump made it look easy.
Mini lineup.
Bart easily making it across, I got stuck and needed a spot to get out.
These streams are probably nothing more than a trickle...usually.
Bryce fell asleep at the trail head and didn't wake up until Steve broke.
Steve's first look at the damage.
One of my three co-drivers showing concern for Steve's predicament.
Why is this jackass smiling??
A few shots on the way down the mountain after finishing 22.
...
After an hour and a half of this at my father in-laws I was glad I didn't waste $2 for 4 minutes of power washing at the camp site.
Here's a few pics from my camera.
Matt showing me the best time and place to lock manual hubs.
Pictures don't do this justice. Stump made it look easy.
Mini lineup.
Bart easily making it across, I got stuck and needed a spot to get out.
These streams are probably nothing more than a trickle...usually.
Bryce fell asleep at the trail head and didn't wake up until Steve broke.
Steve's first look at the damage.
One of my three co-drivers showing concern for Steve's predicament.
Why is this jackass smiling??
A few shots on the way down the mountain after finishing 22.
...
After an hour and a half of this at my father in-laws I was glad I didn't waste $2 for 4 minutes of power washing at the camp site.
For such a miserable weekend, it was a great time spent with a special bunch of guys! Thanks for making it a memorable trip.
I think Matt proved that the rig he has built is the one to beat, so I would like to make a motion that at the next event, we make a special effort to find an obstacle that forces Matt to pull winchline...and no, sabotage is not an acceptable alternative. We have to find a way to get him stuck, fair and square.
I am also very sorry to note that this was the last trip that Tracy will be taking with the CLCC because of his imminent change of duty station. Tracy, your friendship and contributions to the club, your "Git'r Done" attitude and your sense of humor will be missed. Happy trails to you and the family....we hope to see you in 2014 for the MOAB trip.
Again, thanks guys!
I think Matt proved that the rig he has built is the one to beat, so I would like to make a motion that at the next event, we make a special effort to find an obstacle that forces Matt to pull winchline...and no, sabotage is not an acceptable alternative. We have to find a way to get him stuck, fair and square.
I am also very sorry to note that this was the last trip that Tracy will be taking with the CLCC because of his imminent change of duty station. Tracy, your friendship and contributions to the club, your "Git'r Done" attitude and your sense of humor will be missed. Happy trails to you and the family....we hope to see you in 2014 for the MOAB trip.
Again, thanks guys!
- Thread starter
- #88
We need to to give a huge Thank You to ACC for the donation to the raffle truck. Lots of very needed parts. They also have great t shirts
I went up the center of the ravine as well. After Bart's slide into it from the left I figured I had a better chance of not flopping going up that way.
How did you guys like the park & camp ground overall? Looks like there was some very challenging terrain.
I liked the park. It is absolutely huge. Even with 150+ rigs there, we rarely ran into anyone else. And it is spectacularly beautiful. It is just a nice place to spend an afternoon in the woods, even if you are not wheeling.
The drawbacks are that with 300 miles of trails, surprisingly little of it is extremely challenging. If you look at the map online, http://windrockpark.com/wp-content/themes/twentyeleven/images/WP_Web_TrailMap.pdf, any green trail beginning with a "G" is a gravel road. Most of the blue trails would be marked green at Rausch Creek. My truck was the weak link in the group and I did most of it. Not that there are not some very challenging trails, there are just few given how many miles of trails there are.
The event area isn't bad. It is out in the open, so you have to provide your own shade. But it is isolated so the event can get raucus without bothering anyone else. If you wanted to you camp at a designated site and they are nice, and you could also stay in a cabin which appear to be very nice.
There was access to a bath house which is a plus. The hot water never went cold.
Here are the videos I took.
http://youtu.be/JcyhhvmYLDI
http://youtu.be/QPf2GYr81Gg
http://youtu.be/uzFWf0R33Wg
LIFE • HEALTH • PROSPERITY
http://youtu.be/JcyhhvmYLDI
http://youtu.be/QPf2GYr81Gg
http://youtu.be/uzFWf0R33Wg
LIFE • HEALTH • PROSPERITY
Thanks Chris.
It was good to met you guys and I personally am indebted to your resident EE for helping to save my arse on 16. If I am ever up that way I think I owe you a beer or two.
Glad everyone made it back safely and glad you all had a good time.
Matt
Glad everyone made it back safely and glad you all had a good time.
Matt
iptman
SILVER Star
Hey Stump - Was the guy recording 22 a STLCA member? I'm dying to get my hands on that video to quiet all the naysayers at my office.
Photos from GSMTR
On the way down, Matt's trailer blew a tire. Jon and Ed went out and bought five brand new tires, and had two mounted.
A couple hours down the road, the alternator pulley came off on Chris' tow rig, snapping the serpentine belt. Ed and Jon ran out again to get a new serpentine belt, and they mounted two more tires for Matt's trailer.
When we got on the trail the next morning, Chris' 40 blew it's water pump. He didn't event make it to the trail head and his truck was done for the weekend.
We finally got to use 4WD!
Windrock Park is pretty scenic and would be a nice place to spend time even if you were not wheeling.
On the way down, Matt's trailer blew a tire. Jon and Ed went out and bought five brand new tires, and had two mounted.
A couple hours down the road, the alternator pulley came off on Chris' tow rig, snapping the serpentine belt. Ed and Jon ran out again to get a new serpentine belt, and they mounted two more tires for Matt's trailer.
When we got on the trail the next morning, Chris' 40 blew it's water pump. He didn't event make it to the trail head and his truck was done for the weekend.
We finally got to use 4WD!
Windrock Park is pretty scenic and would be a nice place to spend time even if you were not wheeling.
Photos from GSMTR
Trail 15 was pretty tough. I didn't even attempt it.
This is what trail 15 looks like from the passenger seat of Matt's 4Runner.
Stump on 15.
After trail 15, we ran into Lance, Richard, and Dan and we followed them to a pretty decent ledge.
Trail 15 was pretty tough. I didn't even attempt it.
This is what trail 15 looks like from the passenger seat of Matt's 4Runner.
Stump on 15.
After trail 15, we ran into Lance, Richard, and Dan and we followed them to a pretty decent ledge.
Wagons!
On the last day of wheeling, Steve's 62 had a shackle mount break from the frame. Luckily, we had just met up with Andrew and he had a Ready Welder with him. Not so luckily, this could not have happened at a muddier spot in the park.
Morgan, Bryce, and Patrick taking in the field repair.
On the last day of wheeling, Steve's 62 had a shackle mount break from the frame. Luckily, we had just met up with Andrew and he had a Ready Welder with him. Not so luckily, this could not have happened at a muddier spot in the park.
Morgan, Bryce, and Patrick taking in the field repair.
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Photos from GSMTR
After we got Steve's truck back to the event area, permanent repairs were made using the generator and welder that Chris had brought.
After the repair was complete, the CLCC crew was able to celebrate a long and wet but fun weekend of wheeling at the Saturday night raffle.
After we got Steve's truck back to the event area, permanent repairs were made using the generator and welder that Chris had brought.
After the repair was complete, the CLCC crew was able to celebrate a long and wet but fun weekend of wheeling at the Saturday night raffle.
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