Trip report: The "easy" Strawberry Pass

[amaurer]

7/10/2010 - I hit Strawberry Pass with Kelly in the BJ73 and myself in the BJ42. I'll admit readily that our truck are "lightly" equipped (stock with 31's, though the 42 has an elocker and 2.5" lift) but this trail was a lot more difficult than I expected. For whats its worth, we did meet some locals who said this was the worst they'd seen it in 10 years... but I'm man enough to admit they could have been full of s***, or trying to make me feel good. It took 7 hours, but we made it through.

It wasn't really the named obstacles that gave us trouble (Pinch Rock isn't even worth getting out of the truck) but there is still snow on the trail up high and there are 5 or 10 sections where a stream has formed in the trail itself and is making things really tough. Even LOTS of rock stacking didn't get us through unscathed:

BJ42 - crushed rocker/running board, dented rear quater

BJ73 - crushed rocker, cracked exhaust, PTO pin broken, PS belt done

The ladies:

The then-mint BJ73:

With open diffs and no lift there was a lot of spotting being done for the 70:

The 42 has less trouble, I'm posting this pic in memory of my once-pristine rockers:

The OME's flex out pretty nicely... though, in fact, I am stuck in this picture:

And this is the rock that claimed the 73's rocker:

Just applying some touch-up paint, that'll buff right out:

Still fun, but seriously either this trail is harder than people make it out to be, or I just straight up suck at this hobby. or maybe I need bigger toys... and sliders.

 

[Wayneraintree]

very cool pics thanks for sharing... did that 73 ever live in Indiana by chance?

 

[amaurer]

very cool pics thanks for sharing... did that 73 ever live in Indiana by chance?

Yep, it spent 3 or 4 months bouncing between Lawrenceburg and Florence. It's my girlfriend's truck; after we imported it she had it at her parents house until she moved to CA with me.

 

[Wayneraintree]

Ha! I drooled over it at the Boone county library parking lot one day : )

 

[Ratpuke]

Well, there comes a time in every Cruiser's life when it needs to grow up a little. He just needs a little armour. Regardless, I'm glad to see the 73 enjoying being off the pavement again! Looks like a fun trail.

P.S. Ih8rocks.

 

[Fast Eddy]

I broke in my once-pristine body in exactly the same spot. Cool pics. Good company too.

 

[VETTE60]

Ha. I am not sure "easy" was in any of the descriptions, but sounds like you had fun at least. I immagine there could have been a few better lines chosen. I have never had really any carnage to speak of with SWB rigs there but it may be a bit harder this year with all of the run off. i see sliders in your future. i take it you did not get to the overlook on rubicon...

 

[amaurer]

Ha. I am not sure "easy" was in any of the descriptions, but sounds like you had fun at least. I immagine there could have been a few better lines chosen. I have never had really any carnage to speak of with SWB rigs there but it may be a bit harder this year with all of the run off. i see sliders in your future. i take it you did not get to the overlook on rubicon...

Yeah, some experience would probably have gone a long way, I'm pretty green. And you're right, thinking on it "easy" wasn't really mentioned. Live and learn. YES sliders now, very next thing... for both trucks.

Nope, didn't make it to the rubicon. I drove by at about 7 oclock and kept on drivin...

 

[VETTE60]

Yeah, some experience would probably have gone a long way, I'm pretty green. And you're right, thinking on it "easy" wasn't really mentioned. Live and learn. YES sliders now, very next thing... for both trucks.

Nope, didn't make it to the rubicon. I drove by at about 7 oclock and kept on drivin...

well, chalk that up to gathering experience. the "Build it bigger" addiction will soon set in. rubicon overlook next time! hope you had fun anyway. looks like a cool crew.

 

[kllyjansen]

Hey guys... I"m the "girlfriend"

Ha! I drooled over it at the Boone county library parking lot one day : )

Ha! I had a note on my truck from you! I enjoyed the hell out of that Especially since the truck was still so new!

Well, there comes a time in every Cruiser's life when it needs to grow up a little. He just needs a little armour. Regardless, I'm glad to see the 73 enjoying being off the pavement again! Looks like a fun trail.

P.S. Ih8rocks.

Sorry Charla! It was my first trail! I love my Moose though and we'll get him fixed up really nice! I must confess I had a ton of fun despite the "oops!".

well, chalk that up to gathering experience. the "Build it bigger" addiction will soon set in. rubicon overlook next time! hope you had fun anyway. looks like a cool crew.

After this trip I've made it a priority for the lift at least. I'd love to do the Rubicon but we'll need to protect my poor truck first :-/



I had a great time on this trail! I can't wait for the next one! Boyfriend, fix my truck!

 

[spressomon]

Chicks that wheel...kewl

Getting through the pinch rock was easy for you to say (it was easy). My pig of a rig took a few stacking sessions

 

[Wayneraintree]

Hey guys... I"m the "girlfriend"



Ha! I had a note on my truck from you! I enjoyed the hell out of that Especially since the truck was still so new!

Well I didn't leave a note but one of my buddy's did.... I knew a note would be an exercise in futility, anyone importing a 73 would not be likely to sell it

Nice rig! loved seeing it first hand...

Let the build commence!

 

[Dr Gonzo]

Are there areas to camp along the trail?

 

[yoter100]

Are there areas to camp along the trail?

yes. not great ones. you could find a spot here or there.


strawberry is a very short trail though. wouldnt really need to camp unless you hit that trail after one or two others

 

[Cruiserdrew]

There are great places to camp up on the ridge just before you start the descent into the Kirkwood area. You camp at 8500 feet, with expansive views across the valley and can see Kirkwood in the distance.

Running that trail from Hwy 88 to 50 is significantly easier. That way the rock pile near the bottom is down hill.

We normally do that trail as part of a 3some. Slickrock, Deer Valley, Strawberry. Makes for a nice 3 day weekend.

Time for a spring over or at least some solid rocker protection.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Running that trail from Hwy 88 to 50 is significantly easier. That way the rock pile near the bottom is down hill.

We normally do that trail as part of a 3some. Slickrock, Deer Valley, Strawberry. Makes for a nice 3 day weekend.

Yea, but deer valley is easier the other direction. The south end at the parking lot is where I got bit, going "the easy way".

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Yea, but deer valley is easier the other direction. The south end at the parking lot is where I got bit, going "the easy way".

That's right. That's why there is no reason to go that way!

Deer valley does have it's hardest bit just out of the parking lot. Very convenient!

 

[Tapage]

no matter how nice it's to see a Cruiser with the factory bumper and winch .. it really does not help in a rock tail . there is no approach angle on it ..

thanks for da pics ..

 

[amaurer]

no matter how nice it's to see a Cruiser with the factory bumper and winch .. it really does not help in a rock tail . there is no approach angle on it ..

thanks for da pics ..

The approach angle is certainly not good with the OEM winch bumper, but it didn't get in the way too much. And the PTO winch was great to have. Until the pin broke.

 

[84cruzer]

More pics of the HOTTIES! ......................... please