wheeling?

[DSRTRDR]

Hi,

anybody have time Friday February 11th to go out wheeling somewhere close to the east Valley? We are also available Saturday afternoon. Best regards, Claudia

 

[BMAN]

Unfortunately that weekend is totally shot for me with plans for landscapers to be at my house all weekend. Hopefully someone else here will be available.

 

[RHINO]

i am gearing up for the following w/e

 

[desertdude]

I'm in California working Raincheck on this one

 

[DSRTRDR]

This is how it went: got the permit from the Mesa Ranger Office for Bulldog Canyon, and it was raining on Friday. Woman ranger wasn't too thrilled by our idea to check it out, but we did it anyway. LO RDR and DSRTRDR went in from the South; given that I don't have that much experience with the FJ40, get apprehensive on steep descents and feel squeasy on leans, there came a point where the trail was quite washed out, plus it was constantly raining on this my first run of Bulldog Canyon, thus, we left the DSRTRDR alone and took the LO RDR down; two off-camber situations got us sweating, but otherwise it was a lovely run, even in the rain. When we found the turn-off to Usery Pass, we exited there and went back to get the 'Cruiser.

In my defense: went back Saturday to redeem the DSRTRDR - not raining any less than the day before; in fact, people were lined up on Bush Highway to see the waterfalls coming down at multiple places. We entered the Bulldog Canyon area from the North, passed the turn-off to Usery Pass, went further into the Canyon, and went through the wash. Then came up one of the lean situations, Michael drove both the LO RDR and the DSRTRDR up (someone's gotta spot - my excuse), and with the rain becoming real heavy, we decided to turn back. Down the washout looked even more impressive, so we built rocks into the lowest point, and even with chilly and damp weather, both Michael (driving) and I (spotting) worked up quite a sweat for those 30 yards. Big rigs have it easy - LO RDR just went through - the DSRTRDR managed to lifted a tire or so even on the smaller climbs out to Usery Pass. Rain never stopped - rather seemed to increase; nobody out there even on a Saturday afternoon, except for one ATV and a Jeep Cherokee entering when we came out.

Bottom line: there are some quite respectable washouts since all the rains; the North and Usery Pass portions are very driveable; and I am sure the canyon is spectacular scenery on a sunny day, can't wait to do it again and take the camera once all the wildflowers are out . Anybody know the schedule of FR10 maintenance?

If anybody wants more information, feel free e-mail me. See you all out there in the spring! Claudia

 

[RHINO]

sounds fun,,, you'll get the experience to calm the nerves on good trails.

 

[desertdude]

Great write up! You two are brave. Generally I stay out of washes during the rain Gonna be a big bloom this year. I just came through Needles and it has all ready started

 

[DSRTRDR]

To desertdude: The washes, except in Bulldog Canyon itself, actually had very little running water. We wouldn't have drives them if there was any hint of concern (like I wrote, we are not afraid to turn around). We got quite wet when spotting, that was the nuisance. Yes, indeed, everything is so green now, it will be an exceptional year for wildflowers.

To RHINO: Since there is always some time in-between wheeling occasions, the next off-camber situation still gets the pucker factor up. I agree, with time and experience in the DSRTRDR, I should become more confident. Best RX is to just get out more and see what the truck can do in various conditions. And, a good seat would also help. Right now, I am sitting on what looks to be OEM, feels like a spring mattress, bounces me up and down even with minor bumps in the road, and generally magnifies what lean there is. We are debating what type of seat to put in; need to find the right size and mounting hardware.

Claudia