I know the Isuzu gathering that is typically within a week or two of CO4RJ leaves at 7am from the same campground when they go to Holy Cross. I tried that one year at CO4RJ and got a bunch of complaints, so it was moved later. I would try to leave as early as everyone can (IMO 7:30 at the latest for Holy Cross).

 

Still no website.

Hard trails are for sure, in this order: Holy Cross, Iron Chest, Chinamen's

Middle trails are for sure, in this order: Chinamen's with bypasses, Wheeler Lake and Holy Cross below the Creek

Scenic trails and additional moderate trails are in flux.

If it takes more than one locker, there will not be more than 10 trucks on the trail. This fact alone should let us get above the City. As for leaving earlier, that is part of the event problem. We could leave really early, but that cuts some of the night fun. I think leaving at 8 sounds doable for me and practical for others. I am also committed to staying on the trail later. We will wheel until everyone is done having fun.

 

How far is Iron Chest from the camp grounds? I only ask because, I know Chinaman's is like next door. So would Chinaman's be better for Saturday? Due to the BBQ.

Whatever it is...I will be happy wheeling all day/into the night is fine by me. This will be my first trip since Moab in October so I will NEED it.

 

I have nothing good to add other than I can't wait for this trip!

 

I may be in CO for this. The wife just received orders assigning her to Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs and she should be reporting there towards the end of August. If everything works out then I will be driving out with her for the move and possiby hit CO4RJ at the same time. More to follow.

 

Iron Chest is about 15 miles west of 285 & Nathrop just off 162. So that is pretty close. The entire trail is only 2.5 miles each way, or 5 miles round trip. My Wells trail guide rates it as difficult and says "most of the challenge comes within the first half mile as you pass through a large, tight boulder field. The balance of the trail is much easier... This trail is not for stock vehicles. Lifts, winches, and lockers are recommended. This is one of the best known and oldest hard-core trails in the state. The technical challenge is at the beginning while the upper portion is quite scenic."

 

Kewl Beans. I say we leave real early for Holy Cross, if drinking is more important, don't go on the run.

I want to be across that creek ASAP, let's skip the stupid little rock thing before the creek and just hit it hard and have everyone across the creek pronto.

If it truly is a 2 locker truck run lets get it on and move some booty.

If the combined team got me and cheese through Lower Terminator last Jan, this will be easy for us to do in a timely manner and onward to the real challenges.

I say 7:30 am pull out. Lay off the sauce, it won't kill you.

 

As long as someone with an alarm wakes me up, 7:00am is fine too.

 

Fate...How long does she have before retiring?

 

IIRC, we (the group that I imagine will hit the "biggest rocks") should be able to basically drive to the creek w/o stopping. The only optional obstacle is this.

If we don't mess around here we should get to the creek before noon. My goal is to cross it, and at least drive to the city.

Don't think I'll do Cleveland Rock, but want to be there for the action. I'm bringing the video camera!

 

She will extend her enlistment for another 3 years. Both of us are extremely happy about this whole thing especially since we finally get to move out to the area of the country we like the most. I think her favorite part is that we won't have any more enduro 3+ day road trips to wheel with all our west coast wheeling buddies. It's also easier for Schaefer to make a bumper for her Tacoma when we are only a day away. The down side is that I will stay in NC until I retire in Dec/Jan. We have been apart alot longer than that during deployments so no issue there.

What are the minimum requirements for the "Biggest Rocks" runs? I'm curious if I qualify...in case I do make it out there.

 

WHAT...no Fat Tire beer this time?

 

I was thinking that, too.

 

Iron Chest is close and short. There is nothing optional, it is all trail. That, to me, is a good fit for those shooting for a shorter day. I have done it and will do it again.

There need to be two Chinamen's runs and two Holy Cross runs to make people happy. The run above the Creek needs to be a non-weekend day. For those staying below, it is of little consequence. Chinamen's is a toss up, but if Holy Cross has to be Friday, then I think the big crack at it will be Sunday.

Requirements for the biggest rocks is no open diffs.

There should be a decent sized group of trucks to drive most trails non-stop. That alone should make Holy Cross fly.

I want everyone to have a chance at everything. Because of this, groups will be small and overgunned. We should be able to walk little things and spend time playing on real obstacles.

As for time, I hate pulling out before 8 unless absolutely necessary. I am not a drunk and not a party animal, but this is vacation. I just got back from Moab and we did what we wanted when we wanted. It was the most fun I have ever had there.

 

I've done all the trails (except Iron Chest) with ACTIVE TRAC without a problem. I don't think a locker is necessary. But for sure sliders are necessary on Chinaman's.

 

OK, How does this sound:

Fri:

Biggest Rocks
Holy Cross above French Creek.

Bigger Rocks
Wheeler Lake

(both can get busy on weekends so better to do on Fri)

Big Rocks (pebbles really)
Wearyman Gulch/Ptarmagin Pass/Resolution Road

Sat:

Biggest Rocks
Iron Chest

Bigger Rocks
Chinamans w/Bypasses

Big Rocks
Hancock/Tomichi Passes

All 3 would be short enough to get everyone back to BV in time for the BBQ.

SUN:

Biggest Rocks
Chinamans W/O Bypasses

Bigger Rocks
Holy Cross below French Creek.
(For any one staying over Sun night, How about Taylor/Pearl Pass? I've been assured by members of our club that this is doable, a long day but doable. We could stop at Cottonwood Hot Springs on our way back into BV!)

Big Rocks
Mosquito Pass/Mt. Bross
(For PPL heading back to the front range you could leave from Fair Play at trails end)


Drivers meetings will be held at 8:00 PM the night b/4 and the group will decide what time for departure.

 

I've done Pearl Pass, it was like being on another planet on the Aspen side. You are really driving through a wilderness area. It was about 18 miles one way if I remember right. The year I did it (1999 or 2000) on the Crested Butte side there was a big mud hole with about a 2 foot ledge to climb getting out of the mud. That was when I decided to buy a winch.

 

Our club does a run every summer called "The Triple Bypass", Taylor, Pearl and Schofield all in one day! Talking to members who have done it, they said Taylor and Pearl are doable from BV. I have done Taylor but not Pearl, but I think if we were over gunned (1 locker and had at least 1 winch in the group) we can get-er-done at a steady pace, and still enjoy ourselves. A stop at the hot springs, on the way back over Cottonwood Pass, sure would feel good after a long day on the trail.

So, are you up for it?

 

That's about 20% more than I would have hoped for

Sooo...Since Flygt is slacking, running off to CM05 and all (J/K, you know I still luv ya big guy ) Lets call it good and start looking for Leaders and Gunners!

 

As of right now we are heading back to Oklahoma sometime on Sun so a long trail wouldn't be good for us.