memorial run??

[Sleepy]

Checking to see if a time has been selected.

 

[jps8460]

You'll have to pardon me, I was drinking last night. I don't think there is any chance that jenny creek is passible (at least in my rig). We've gotten a whole lot of late snow. I would be open to a left-hand or switzerland run or open to other suggestions.

 

[Sleepy]

I'm up for about anything that doesn't have cliffs and ledges. Started to head to Longwater Gulch yesterday, but wasn't comfortable running alone.

 

[HoneyBadger]

I'm seriously considering Switzerland Trail this afternoon. Maybe meeting in boulder around 1:00?
I've got to get under the front of my truck this morning and try to figure out where this mysterious "clunk" sound is coming from.

I'm told a good meeting place in Boulder is The Starbucks at 3033 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO. This is also immediately next to a gas station, Moe's Bagels and King Soopers.

Any takers?

 

[Fishy]

Just to throw a few suggestions out to you guys since it looks like you're looking for something a little more mild. Trying to follow Uncle Ben might prove more than you bargained for!

Metberry Gulch (better than Longwater and open all the way to the river)
You won't be alone. Mild trail with the only obstacles being Chicken Scratch Hill and Metberry Rock. There is an illegal bypass around Metberry Rock, please don't use it. You can also drive around on FS360 which is fun and scenic.

Slaughterhouse Gulch Not as scenic as Metberry but still fun.

Most trails below 9k feet should be open

 

[jps8460]

shotshell, I noticed that you have a quote that says "i'd rather walk than drive 2wd stuff (something to that effect)" you do know that Switzerland trail is just a scenic joyride right? Don't get me wrong it's beautiful, but I've done it in my camry (a little rough though).

I'm trying to contact my wife to see when she will be off work. I think we could meet up at left-hand around 3:00 it might be a little crowded though.

shotshell do you need a hand with your rig? shoot me a PM with addy if you need some help. I'm decent with a wrench and have some spare time
.

 

[Sleepy]

I'd do Metberry, Longwater, or Hacket Gulch (all 3 probably since it's the same range). Anyone up for that?

 

[Sleepy]

Left Hand could be interesting too. I snapped an axle on Fireman's Hill years ago However, that hill is closed now I understand.

 

[Fishy]

Remember, Longwater and Hackett are closed at the Teller/Park County lines. Hackett is hard to tell where the closure is (top of big hill where the trail splits) Longwater has a post and cable. Metberry is the only trail open all the way to the river. Doing all three is possible, but depending on how close you are to leaving, you'll do the last one in the dark.

Have fun and be safe!

 

[HoneyBadger]

shotshell, I noticed that you have a quote that says "i'd rather walk than drive 2wd stuff (something to that effect)" you do know that Switzerland trail is just a scenic joyride right? Don't get me wrong it's beautiful, but I've done it in my camry (a little rough though).

I'm trying to contact my wife to see when she will be off work. I think we could meet up at left-hand around 3:00 it might be a little crowded though.

shotshell do you need a hand with your rig? shoot me a PM with addy if you need some help. I'm decent with a wrench and have some spare time
.

My signature "I'd rather walk than drive anything that's 2WD." was born of excruciating frustration as a kid and adolescent when my family refused to purchase any kind of "useful and capable off-road vehicle". And in my trips to Colorado, I saw these guys driving kick a$$ off-road rigs, and I wanted to drive those trails so bad. SO my first vehicle I bought is the truck I have now. I made myself a promise, that I'd never be restrained to the pavement.
I know this might sound a little dramatic, but it's how I feel.

Now, right now I'm running on some worn out tires. So i'm a little hesitant to do anything too extreme. Just wait till I get a new set of tires on her, she's gonna tear Jenny creek a new one.

Anyways, I appreciate the offer for help. I'm gonna get under there and drop the skid plates and check every nut and bolt I can find.
I'm really hoping it's just something loose and not something wrong in the front dif. If I can't seem to figure it out, I'll let you know. I was thinking of taking her to Slee and having them look at her.


So, I guess I'm up for anything that Sleepy had just mentioned.
If you guys decide on one, or several, this afternoon, let me know. Sleepy has my number.

 

[Sleepy]

I'll go where others go. I'm not self sufficient as a rig yet. No winch, air, spare parts... So I like the safety in numbers

 

[HoneyBadger]

Remember, Longwater and Hackett are closed at the Teller/Park County lines. Hackett is hard to tell where the closure is (top of big hill where the trail splits) Longwater has a post and cable. Metberry is the only trail open all the way to the river. Doing all three is possible, but depending on how close you are to leaving, you'll do the last one in the dark.

Have fun and be safe!

Doing them in the dark? Sounds good. That's why I've got 10 lights on the truck.

 

[HoneyBadger]

I guess it sounds like Metberry is gonna be it than? I'm not really familiar with that area. Where could we all meet up at?

Also, I think it's worth noting that, if Google Earth is giving me the right place, it looks like Metberry is burned to a crisp. Yes?

 

[Sleepy]

Fishy, JPS - either of you up for Metberry Gulch?

 

[jps8460]

yep! when are we leaving/ meeting up. I would like to get back to denver by 6. wouldn't mind doing slaughterhouse if it's near metberry. I'm ready to go

 

[Fishy]

I'll go where others go. I'm not self sufficient as a rig yet. No winch, air, spare parts... So I like the safety in numbers

Doing them in the dark? Sounds good. That's why I've got 10 lights on the truck.

At the risk of sounding like a douche.....

You guys seem enthusiastic and eager to get out. That's awesome! I'm not sure how many runs you've been on with Rising Sun, but the club always promotes safe, smart wheeling. You and your truck should be in good working order. You should always carry the necessary gear plus be prepared for survival in case of an emergency. Always know the rules of the area (what's closed/open), stay the trail, be able to communicate with others (cb or ham) and most of all, have fun.

No winch is fine, as long as you don't put yourself in a dangerous position to need one. No air is fine as long as you have a place to fill up after airing down. I used a 12v compressor in a bag before I had a Powertank. Know your truck and know the trail. There is no need to even air down for Switzerland Trail.

Clunks and bad tires are never a good idea. Bald tires equal spinning tires. That tears up the trail and destroys the terrain. Clunks before you go equals breakdowns when things get rough.

Again, I don't want to sound like I'm preaching, but people die from going out unprepared. I picked up a guy lost in the woods off Barbour Fork this past fall. He spent the night wondering around looking for a way out after rolling his mini truck. It was snowing and he was wearing a tshirt and jeans. He would not have survived another night.

I have learned so much from being a part of this club. Being safe, smart and prepared will ensure many more fun trips. Sorry for soap boxing.

If you haven't been to a meeting, or aren't yet club members, come check out what Rising Sun is all about! Don't forget, TLCA would love to have you as members too! http://www.tlca.org/
You'll be glad you did!

 

[jps8460]

very good advise, thank you. I didn't think that sounded douchy at all.

 

[Sleepy]

So Fishy, is that a no "your not going"? :-D

I completely understand where you are coming from. My truck is pretty capable. The other vehicles and skillsets with me determine how hard I can play.

There are tons of things I'd like to add. A flatbed with roll cage for one (why I didn't go to Moab). A winch, air, both are on the list.

With regard to survival, hear ya. Ever heard of "prepping"

 

[HoneyBadger]

Being prepared is definitely important. I always go as prepared as I can.
I think I found the issue with my "clunk" and tightened everything up. Hopefully that won't be an issue any longer.
And my tires are ok, just not for anything like Jenny creek or Mosquito Pass, etc.

So, what's the word? Where are we meeting at?

 

[Sleepy]

I guess it sounds like Metberry is gonna be it than? I'm not really familiar with that area. Where could we all meet up at?

Also, I think it's worth noting that, if Google Earth is giving me the right place, it looks like Metberry is burned to a crisp. Yes?

Yes, it was part of the Hayman fire. It's still not very attractive at this point, but is growing back. There are more scenic places to go for sure. But the obstacles are pretty fun to not be hard to get through.