Trail Run Planning Obsessing

[LandCruiserPhil]

Robs learning to wheel post reminded me of the first secret run (10.9.2004)
Rob and Kevins first run on FR160
Rob mades Claudia levitation in the 4runner look like childs play - ALL 4 WHEELS IN THE AIR
Kevin starts the ARB damage process
LCP blow a birf 37's in '04
Great day

 

[azrider]

Cook- I definately want to do a snow run. I just have no idea where to go. Im from CO, but never had a 4 wheel drive till I moved to AZ and got the cruiser. Always wondered how it would be to wheel in the snow. I did take the kids up to Flagstaff one year to go tubing. All these cars and trucks were parked on the plowed shoulder of the road and they walked in. I simply went right in and parked next to the entrance gate in the deep snow. It was awesome!!

 

[Blues Dawg]

I am interested in getting my son out. He's 4-1/2 and I have hime every other weekend. He's been on a few runs/clean-ups, but would really enjoy more play time as opposed to seat time and other kids around.

 

[Chuy]

If you are not interested in most of the runs, why do you care about how they are planned? Skill doesn't happen from web wheeling, etc, it only comes from doing, seat time.http://www.tlca.org/clubs/chapter_startup.shtml

If you think I am at all serious about any of the mentioned subjects or offended in some way, I am not. Maybe its because I left the sarcasm font out but I have zero issues with anything about CSC or the way it operates.

To me CSC is a great if not the best place to share and learn local information about cruisers, cool places to visit, BLM issues etc. The rock crawling, and organized runs are all of little importance to me. I am more into camping, and learning about new places to see or camp at. I prefer to hike difficult terrain instead of driving through it.

I had a very good idea from the first meet along with reading the hundreds and hundreds of CSC threads how the club operated. I like and prefer the open atmosphere. I was actually very surprised how organized the first club run I went on was. That is something I had never seen in other clubs before.

The only reason I added to this thread is because it seemed like it was getting too serious in the first place

 

[Living in the Past]

My best memory of driving in the snow was in the early eighties (83?) and driving up Interstate 17 to Flagstaff. It wa snowing so heavy I had to pull off at Woods Canyon exit (now Fox Ranch road exit) to clean the snow that was packed above the wipers. Locked the hubs and drove in 4WD going slow. Very little traffic on the higway but what was there was passing me like I was standing still. Got to the Kachina Village exit and a semi had jacked knifed across the road. All those vehicles that had passed me were all off in the bank on either side because they weren't able to stop. Popped it into low range and drove thru the medium past the whole mess. Got onto Interstate 40 east and traffic was backed up. Drove across the medium and got off on the 17 interchange and took the back way across Flag. I didn't had a winch at the time but I believe I had chains just in case. I remember my ex wasn't to happy until we arrived at her folks house without waiting for hours for things to get rolling on the highways.

Snowing wheeling isn't what it used to be in the seventies and eighties. Back then the forest service didn't close down the roads after elk season if there was snow on the ground. I know on highway 87 everything from Clint's Well south gets closed pretty quick. From there north not as fast. If you know where to find them some roads don't get closed at all. Last winter never got really a good snow while I was there. This year doesn't appear to be much better. Heading up this weekend with the kids and grandkids to cut Christmas Trees. Last weekend I cut my final load of firewood wearing a Tee Shirt.

 

[Tools R Us]

Robs learning to wheel post reminded me of the first secret run (10.9.2004)
Rob and Kevins first run on FR160
Rob mades Claudia levitation in the 4runner look like childs play - ALL 4 WHEELS IN THE AIR
Kevin starts the ARB damage process
LCP blow a birf 37's in '04
Great day

Yep, good times. How many times were we lost that day, or was lost all day?

 

[msahr]

Robs learning to wheel post reminded me of the first secret run (10.9.2004)
Rob and Kevins first run on FR160
Rob mades Claudia levitation in the 4runner look like childs play - ALL 4 WHEELS IN THE AIR
Kevin starts the ARB damage process
LCP blow a birf 37's in '04
Great day

Oh no a 4Runner pic. Here we go!

Last weekend I cut my final load of firewood wearing a Tee Shirt.

You cut wood in women's clothes? Whatever floats your boat I guess.

 

[Tools R Us]

... On a serious note, I looked into doing more for the club last year but the ‘club’ wasn’t really interested in my vision of ‘doing more for the club.’ I’ve also come to appreciate that I’m more of an ‘adventure camper’ type than rock crawler, and now head out with Brit for the most part. The ‘runs’ are as much about the kids as wheeling. Actually, our wheeling is more about the kids than wheeling. Taking my kids to see all the wonderful parts of our beautiful state has been an opportunity for me to engage with my kid doing something we all love.
...

I’ve thought about starting a thread for the ‘family’ guys. Build up ideas for trail runs that will thrill the kids and get the spouse out their. ...

Highly encouraged, this part has been highly neglected. There are plenty of members with kids and little has been done to accommodate them. I can't do it, my interests are different and don't have kids, so would suck at it.

Recommend starting new threads for each trip, with the stated goal of catering to kids. All are welcome, but the priority is kid exploring, camping, etc.

In a group this size there are lots of differing interests, I don't see one as cooler, just different. There no reason not to have more than one run on a given day, with differing goals. Wouldn't see that competing, just allowing for choice, post them up!

 

[BrotherRob]

Robs learning to wheel post reminded me of the first secret run (10.9.2004)
Rob and Kevins first run on FR160
Rob mades Claudia levitation in the 4runner look like childs play - ALL 4 WHEELS IN THE AIR
Kevin starts the ARB damage process
LCP blow a birf 37's in '04
Great day

Don't forget the tools on the ceiling and nearly running Kyle over.

 

[fumann]

+1 On kid's camping trip. I have a 7 year old grandson, who would love to go on a 4WD camping trip.

 

[azTony]

When I bought the LC it was "for hunting only" then the interest set in with all the temptations!! When I hear of runs that I am not able to attend it hurts inside but work is first in this economy. In the end I am glad to see and hear everyone went out, had a great time and came home safe. Pics are always required!! See some of you this Saturday at the TRAL event!!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Don't forget the tools on the ceiling and nearly running Kyle over.

How would you know your eyes were closed FWIR

 

[Cee Fish]

I’d like to chime in on this if I may.

As a new(er) CSC member, I’ve sat on the sidelines for a little while gaining insight to the group.
I’m a lifelong 4x4 owner who, at this stage of his life prefers scenic runs over rock crawling.


One thing I think might help is posting the type of run e.g.
Rock crawling 3.0-3.5
Scenic 1.5-2.5, stock friendly
Lockers/lift and 35’s required…


One thing to remember is that the older members have wheeled together more frequently and their rigs have grown with them.
Someone like me (and others) who is new to the group doesn’t necessarily know who’s runs are going to fit my style until I see the after photos and report.


I’d have most likely joined a couple of the T-Day runs, but wasn’t comfortable showing up only to find out that I was going to be a liability to the run based on my wheeling preferences and vehicles ability.


For the record, I’m not a fan of rock crawling. My previous vehicle was set-up for that and I sold it off to get my FJ Cruiser. The Jeep was superb in the rocks but horrible on the road, got to the point where I didn’t even want to go out…The FJ allows me to get out (in comfort) and has the ability to go where I desire to go + it gets me home every time (knocks on wood).

 

[BrotherRob]

With the exception of Log Corral, you would have been fine on any of the trails. Unless a run is listed as a highly technical trail, no one should be concerned about being a liability. One of the reasons the the details are limited in the run announcement is that we often need to make adjustments based on the drivers and rigs that show up. It's never a problem to accommodate stockers and keep in sane.

 

[BrotherRob]

How would you know your eyes were closed FWIR

Nope, saw everything.

 

[Otter]

One thing I think might help is posting the type of run e.g.
Rock crawling 3.0-3.5
Scenic 1.5-2.5, stock friendly
Lockers/lift and 35’s required…

x2

I just moved to Arizona a year and a half ago, so I don't know the trails. Also not experienced enough to go out on my own. So I wait for rides to be posted that are somewhat "stocker-friendly". I don't want to show up and everyone have to change plans because of me.

It would be nice to have an idea of the type of trail that is expected to be run. I know last minute changes happen. I kept an eye on the planned runs for T-day weekend, but most seemed beyond my rig's capabilities, so I didn't come out.

I have no problem with that, wasn't upset at all. Gave me some time to work on the truck.

With that said, I've never been on a run where the experienced guys didn't step up to lead everyone through an obstacle safely.

 

[ChaseTruck]

...I’d have most likely joined a couple of the T-Day runs, but wasn’t comfortable showing up only to find out that I was going to be a liability to the run based on my wheeling preferences and vehicles ability.


For the record, I’m not a fan of rock crawling. My previous vehicle was set-up for that and I sold it off to get my FJ Cruiser. The Jeep was superb in the rocks but horrible on the road, got to the point where I didn’t even want to go out…The FJ allows me to get out (in comfort) and has the ability to go where I desire to go + it gets me home every time (knocks on wood).

We haven't turned anyone back, and we've pretty much always brought everyone home unbroken. IIRC, we've had 2 broken axles over the last 6 years, and one of those was forseeable, and IMHO avoidable. Although I have to admit that seeing a Cruiser fly through the air was neat...

The Log Corral run was a slight departure from that: one person in a stock Pig wanted to join that day, but was only 90% sure. Furthermore, I had extended an invite to friends from another board. Hence, we didn't change the run...

Methinks the Pig would have done fine on the Boulder Creek run on T-day, and depending on tires, probably also on the FR160 run on Saturday, maybe w/ a little tug here and there. Hard to say for me, don't know the rig/tires...

By the way: rock crawling in station wagons isn't really rockcrawling...

 

[Cee Fish]

Thanks for the responses...for clarification, I'm not upset that I didn't tag along, it was my choice to not attend. I'll join you on a future run...

 

[Seabeejon]

We haven't turned anyone back, and we've pretty much always brought everyone home unbroken. IIRC, we've had 2 broken axles over the last 6 years, and one of those was forseeable, and IMHO avoidable. Although I have to admit that seeing a Cruiser fly through the air was neat...

The Log Corral run was a slight departure from that: one person in a stock Pig wanted to join that day, but was only 90% sure. Furthermore, I had extended an invite to friends from another board. Hence, we didn't change the run...

Methinks the Pig would have done fine on the Boulder Creek run on T-day, and depending on tires, probably also on the FR160 run on Saturday, maybe w/ a little tug here and there. Hard to say for me, don't know the rig/tires...

By the way: rock crawling in station wagons isn't really rockcrawling...

After looking at the photos from the trips, I'm glad I asked before just showing up for the run on Friday. The piggy definitely would not have made the Log Corral run, and I had other commitments for Sat and Sun. I appreciate the insight of the experienced members to assess the trail conditions and the capabilities of a Stock truck .

 

[medtro]

I’ve thought about starting a thread for the ‘family’ guys. Build up ideas for trail runs that will thrill the kids and get the spouse out their. Truth be told, I’ve been more guilty than the cool kids because I’ve just been wheeling, not even posting up. (We wheeled off of Schnebly Hill on Saturday and around Gisela on Sunday). We are currently looking into a couple of runs to investigate our State’s historical places, including an extinct volcano, Indian ruins, and anyplace there is water for the kids and the dog to play in. Oh, and lets not forget a scary but entirely safe snow run!

Anyone interested?

Yes, I am interested.