Events/Trails LCDC 2019 - 5th Anniversary
- Thread starter codyaustin5
- Start date
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indycole
GOLD Star
Yep!
Room booked. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Markuson
SILVER Star
Maybe consider still hitting a trail on Saturday before heading out...?
Yea I talked to the wife about doing just that and then hit up moab on the way back to vegas. Given that we'll be there for 3 nights already, hopefully there will be plenty of time for drinks and food with everybody. I think one of the days, we were going to do a half day to telluride and explore that place for a bit and maybe do a hike as well.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Black Bear Pass trail leads right into Telluride in time for afternoon hangout over there.
TX GX460
Moderator
My family will be driving up from DFW. We are staying in a cabin north of Ouray. We are on the East side of DFW and would be happy to meet up when possible.
bloc
SILVER Star
....But is not for the faint of heart.
Even if someone’s rig will do it their spouse might not.
Markuson
SILVER Star
The frightened-passenger-commentary that accompanies this Black Bear video is absolutely hilarious, and worth watching/listening to at least once...
Driver calmly breath-whistling songs to himself...as she is freaking out....and continually telling him there’s more room on the non-edge side of the road.Favorite line (in thick accent) :
“My heart...is in da pants!!”
Haha
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This is the situation I may find myself in. The wife isn’t too keen on the idea of BBP.
Markuson
SILVER Star
About nervous passengers (or drivers)—
One of the greatest things about driving in groups of identical trucks thing is that it lets nervous passengers SEE other identical trucks doing these trails and picking lines....before finding themselves in the same spot without benefit of witnessing others over the same stuff. It is VERY reassuring and educational—especially for people who don’t Naturally have the best spacial relationships knack.
BB looks worse than it actually is...
-Follow the truck in front of you...
-Ask for spotter when you want one (the most spooky turns will have a spotter in these groups)
-avoid distractions...Just like any trail.
-When in doubt on tight switch-back turns...do not try to (literally) cut corners. Just do the three-point (or more) turn.
Highly recommended and easily the most incredible views.
Only “difficult” thing about it is remembering that spooky-looking heights don’t change the physics of what you actually drive on.
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This is the pitch I’ve been singing. If the same trucks with the same wide hips are not falling off the mountain in front of us, there’s no reason to believe ours will be an exception to the rule.
That, and the trail leaders are some of the most experienced with the 200s.
After pleading the case, I still get skeptical glares.
Maybe I'm just desensitized, but I didn't find Black Bear Pass particularly scary or technical. Granted I think it's a whole different proposition as the passenger, especially if you're not used to those types of trails. The way I look at is if you're truck is narrow enough to fit (and it is) and you're paying attention, there isn't too much to worry about especially if you have a spotter you're listening to.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Exactly.
It’s not difficult.
It’s just that the heights are distracting, and to passengers not accustomed to heights, or who have difficulty perceiving where tires are actually tracking...it makes it feel scary.
I mean, we witnessed a stock Ram 1500 complete the trek. Granted the driver was a wee bit jittery afterwards. And the truck might have been slightly worse for the wear, but who needs nerf bars anyway.
Totally! And a bone stock 25 year old Grand Cherokee! All that said, it is a lot of fun and I did enjoy it. Looking forward to the next round in a few months!
If you or you passenger are nervous about Black Bear, just work your way up. Don't do it first, do the Alpine Loop, Yankee Boy, CorkScrew, etc... then do Black Bear. It's not so bad once you are use to driving on shelf roads.
Having seen photos of you guys doing it I knew it was possible, but I have to say that leading the trail and doing the steps in the rain and hail was definitely harrowing for me. My mind knew I'd be fine, but every time the truck slipped a bit on the wet rock or rocked more than I expected it does kick the adrenaline up a notch.
Will I do it again this year? Sure. I have to agree that following a good trail lead is really reassuring for less adventurous passengers though.
