NAC does the Mohawk Valley

[BrokenXJ]

I'm posting on behave of Earl Duperron from RI. Here's the scoop.

There will be an all day ride Saturday June 29. Old Florida Road, Ice Cream Trail and possibly some trails in Vermont(20 minutes). Sunday morning there will be a short ride.

Camp Sites.
1.) [b:208f6e3571]Mohawk Trail State Forest [/b:208f6e3571](Base Camp) 65 camp sites.
2.) [b:208f6e3571]Savoy Mt. State Park [/b:208f6e3571](This camp ground is located at the end of Old Florida Road)
3.) [b:208f6e3571]Mt Greylock[/b:208f6e3571]

The number to book all of these campgrounds is 1-877-422-6762.

I booked the Mohawk and it was $10/site/night.

We need a count of how many people may show. We also need to know how many stockers, for a possible alternate trail ride on Saturday. The Old Florida Trail can be done with a slightly lifted XJ, w/ open differentials.

For people day tripping, or not staying at the base camp, we will meet for the Saturday ride at "The Big Y" supermarket on route 2, in North Adams Ma. at 9:00 - 10:00AM.

[MattBlackXJ]

I'm planning on coming up on Friday.

[Eagle]

1) Earle will be arriving early to mid-afternoon on Friday. If enough people can make it Friday, a short trail run is possible that day.

2) Meeting place both Saturday and Sunday mornings will be the Big Y supermarket on Route 2 in North Adams. BUT -- meeting time will be from 8:30 to 9:00. There will be a short drivers' meeting promptly at 9:00 and we hope to be rolling by 9:15 or 9:20 at the latest.

3) This will be a NAXJA-NAC event. NAXJA safety and equipment rules will apply. The rules say CB radios are recommended but not mandatory so we can't require them, but I do strongly recommend that everyone have a working CB. (Look who's talking -- mine doed on the way to Mohawk last time.) If you have an FSR and want to bring it for around the campground, fine -- forget about using it on the trail. Ditto GMRS radios. I've been on two trail rides where people tried to use them instead of "real" CBs, and they didn't do the job. If you want to use them in camp, fine -- they're useless on the trail.

4) This is a members and invited guests only run. Each member may invite one guest.

5) Old Florida Road is probably not passable for an XJ with a "slight" lift. The smallest one that made it through two weeks ago had a 3-inch lift and 31s, and I believe he had rock rails -- and he had some problems. I'd say that's an absolute minimum, and if you want a reasonable shot at making it without damage you should have 4-inches of lift, skids and rock rails, at least one locker, and a minimum of 31-inch tires but preferably 32-inch.

Earle is considering Mohawk Trail State Forest the "headquarters" camp ground. It's 45 minutes outside of North Adams. Savoy Mountain is smaller, but only 15 to 20 minutes outside of town. Both are Massachusetts state forests -- NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED. This rule is strictly enforced, so please don't even think of trying to get away with something -- you'll just give NAXJA a bad name.

There are several trail selection possibilities so Earle would like some idea of who is coming and what mods (if any) are on the Jeeps so he can plan routes. There is no entry fee or anything, we're just looking for an approximate head count so he can know what to expect and plan for.

[Eagle]

Further correction -- and apologies to GMRS radio in general.

In the post above I labeled them "junk" because I saw people using them and they couldn't talk to each other. The following article explains why not:

http://www.provide.net/~prsg/wi-gmrs.htm#Frequencies

First, "Channel 4" on one person's GMRS radio may or may not be the same frequency as "Channel 4" on someone else's GMRS radio. That would explain why just telling everyone to "Use Channel 4" as if we were on CB didn't work.

Similarly, people were using GMRS Channel 4 trying to talk to CB radios on Channel 4. Apples and oranges -- CB is AM technology, GMRS is FM technology.

All of which means that I still would like to see everyone with a working CB radio on the trail so we can actually communicate, but the reason for leaving the GMRS units in camp isn't that they're "junk," just that they're the wrong tool for interfacing and communicating with CB radios.

[Joe R.]

who are you riding with on the trail ride? If I show up I prolly wont bring my Jeep through since I have the bare minimums :oops: .... and no rock rails.. who can i ride with!??
~Joe~

[OverlandXJ]

Matt,

What time you heading outta town friday evening? Maybe we can arrange to meet up for the ride North.

[MattBlackXJ]

Not sure yet, I may not be going an ideal route, because I might pick up a friend in CT.

[MattBlackXJ]

Ahh nevermind. Can't come.

[Lawn Cher']

I plan to come regardless of whether or not my fuel pump gets installed before my upcoming matrimonials. If my XJ is running, then I will bring that and the trailer w/ BBQ supplies, or tow it w/ the MJ... if not, then I will bring the MJ and ride with someone else on the trails. Since this is an official NAXJA event, do we have the budget to cover a box of burgers, etc.?

[Eagle]

Mark --

It's a NAC event. It is sanctioned by NAXJA as a chapter event, but we're not charging any fee so there's no budget. I'd suggest we ask those who plan to attend if they're interested in chipping in a few pesos to avoid cooking chores. I'd gladly chip in.

I suggest you discuss this with Earle, our fearless leader for the event. He's not on-line so I'll e-mail you his phone number. (It's unlisted and I don't have his permission to post it.)

[BrokenXJ]

The original meeting time has been changed to [b:11aba8d616]8:30-9:00 at the "Big Y"[/b:11aba8d616] in N. Adams. The new events web page is referencing the old time.

[JabaThaHut]

I plan on attending Saturday but am not sure if I'll be able to stay over this time.

Can someone clarify NAXJA's policy on bringing guests to an event. I understand that a member can bring one non-memeber as a guest. Does this apply only to someone you wish to bring who will have their own vehicle or to anyone you'd like to bring. For instance, could a few of my friends ride along in my XJ or can I only bring one? It would seem a little absurd if you're only allowed one rider, but if that's hoiw the rules are written, so be it.

[Eagle]

[quote:9485894550="JabaThaHut"]I plan on attending Saturday but am not sure if I'll be able to stay over this time.

Can someone clarify NAXJA's policy on bringing guests to an event. I understand that a member can bring one non-memeber as a guest. Does this apply only to someone you wish to bring who will have their own vehicle or to anyone you'd like to bring. For instance, could a few of my friends ride along in my XJ or can I only bring one? It would seem a little absurd if you're only allowed one rider, but if that's hoiw the rules are written, so be it.[/quote:9485894550]

I'm pretty sure that refers to one guest vehicle. The reason for the policy is that if a guest becomes too much of a problem on a trail, the trail master has the authority to boot them off the run but we don't want to abandon anyone so we require the host member to escort his/her guest off the trail (or at least away from the group).

You can put as many people in your XJ as you can comfortably and safely fit. Haven't checked the by-laws to confirm but I think I recall that seatbelts are mandatory, so don't try to fit seven people if you only have belts for five. That's about it.

[Mike in NJ]

Okay - my trip to Vermont just got postponed a couple of weeks, so I think I will be there on Saturday the 29th, coming down from Warren, VT early that morning - probably U.S 7 from Brandon. Heading back north that evening - no Sunday ride for me.

Mike in NJ

[Eagle]

Shortly after tying the knot Saturday evening, Lawn Cher' confirmed that he and Jen will be at the Mohawk event and that he will assemble a BBQ for Saturday night. This means we DO need a fairly accurate head count, so mark can plan the food requirements.

Whether or not you have previously indicated your attendance, if you are coming please post here NOW, and please include both the number of people in your party (for menu planning purposes) and also level of modification of your rig, and trail degree-of-difficulty preference (for Earle's use in deciding trails to run).

Thanks.

[Eagle]

How about it, folks -- is anyone planning on showing up for Earle's inaugural effort as trailmaster?

[JHKolb]

Hey Folks, I am heading up to Mass with East Coast 4x4 tomorrow to run Florida Rd and some other local trails. I should be back on sunday and will try to post a trail report before you guys/gals head up next weekend. I'll post a pic or two if I get anything good.

[Mike in NJ]

Eagle:

Doesn't look like you're getting many takers for this ride. In any event, I'll be in Vermont that weekend and will head down to N. Adams on Saturday, IF it's still on.

Mike in NJ

[OverlandXJ]

I still plan on attending...unless something tragic happens to stop me from heading up.

I'll be pulling my transfer case this weekend to fix a leak.

I'll run whatever level trail Earle decides on...

Eagle...still riding with me right?

[Eagle]

[quote:7e1a0cf125="John B"]Eagle...still riding with me right?[/quote:7e1a0cf125]

Si, Senor

[OverlandXJ]

OK, well i'm not able to fix the transfer leak this weekend. The front input seal differs from 88 which my 242 is and the 94 (year of XJ) which he had for me. I wont have the seal till monday.

In any case, i'll be installing a hitch,and new water pump today.

Eagle, i have to speak with you. There is a guy in CT who has a YJ frame for me that i'll probably pick up friday night. The front clip i found is now home.

[Lawn Cher']

I'm installing my fuel pump this week, so I'll be there Friday night with Pete as my co-pilot, as far as I know. Last I heard, he still had a broken Jeep as usual.

[Lawn Cher']

Fuel pump is in (cutting a hole in the floor was easier than I had anticipated... now all I have to do is make a plate to cover the hole!) After a jump from the ol' MJ, the XJ finally started. So, it looks like I will definitely be there. Pete & I are staying at Mt Graylock campsite #1, arriving between 9 & 10 pm on Friday. So unless anyone is staying there, we'll see you all at the meeting spot Saturday morning.

Although I haven't been able to get ahold of Earle to confirm logistics, the BBQ will go on as planned. Burgers & dogs Saturday night at the base camp, I figure $5 per head should cover it.

[Joe R.]

Someone inform me on what is going on... I have been on vacation all week... I need dates, times, directions.... I will prolly only make it for sat... if even that.
~Joe~

[BrokenXJ]

Joe R, pronounced Joe'er :)

There is about 3 maybe 4 from this forum going, and Earl has about 4 or 5 other XJ's going. Bring your XJ, the Old Florida Road is not as bad as Eagle made it out to be. There is like three obstacles and if you are "open" you can be winched over them. It’s a town road for God’s sake! It’s a Blue 2 at Paragon. You could do more damage in your back yard. :)

We are meeting at the "Big Y" on Route 2 in North Adams MA. at between 8:30-9:00. People are camping at the Mohawk Trail State Forest for $10 per night per site. 1-877-422-6762. If you get to the camp ground before 5, you can go on an evening ride.

Steve

[Joe R.]

Funny you said that backyard thing... I had to get a new hood and fender due to that incident with the tree in my backyard.... lol I am going to try to make it... if I'm not there exactly between those times, leave without me, I tend to be on time always... Um yea, I will see what happens... Will strive to get sat off..
~Joe~

[Joe R.]

I got Friday off and Saturday... looks like I am making it... I guess I'll meet you guys up there... is anyone staying at the mohawk sites on friday night?
~Joe~

[Joe R.]

How do I get to the Mohawk Trail Campground? thanx
~Joe~

[BrokenXJ]

Take Rte. 2 west in Charlemont,MA. Four miles west of Charlemont Center
If you need more go to Google and type "Mohawk Trail State Forest"

[Mike in NJ]

I think I'm the only one back from Old Florida Road today (the rest of the boys were still camping and wheeling tonite I think) and I have to say -

Good Job Earl.

Got off to a slow start this morning due to Lawn Cher taking the scenic route to the meeting place (where have we heard THAT before?), but Earl did a great job of getting all of the "locals" there on time and guiding over the 'town road' where eagles dare (not) fly!

Beautiful weather in the Berkshires, fun trail with just enough difficulty w/o getting too crazy. In fact, all of us had to be helped over the first obstacle - the wet and the rock were too much for a consistent good line. Of course, I would have done a better job if I had remembered to unhook the sway bars, but probably wouldn't have made it anyway. LawnCher took his normal, unholy line and ran out of room, and Broken XJ wishes his OX wasn't broke. But, we got by, which is more than could be said for the Mitsubishi's behind us

Joe R in particular did a good job running the trail and also succeeded in yanking Broken XJ out of the muddy pit he dug himself into. In Broken's defense, he was the only one brave enough to try the rightside line, "which nobody makes" -and it still holds true. (Middle line as well, especially for the yellow TJ that was following us - he has to thank Peterbuilt for almost going swimming to get the strap to him).

I had to cut out early to get back to my Mom's house in Vermont, but the guys probably hit another trail this evening, or Sunday morning. And hopefully someone else can follow up with some more stories.

Once again, Earl did a very good job of putting this together, so maybe the next time we can get more than the seven XJ's that were there. It really is an appealing part of New England, and the trails are there to be run!

Mike in NJ

I have one correction to make to your post. I was the only one to make it up the first obstacle of Old Florida Road without any assistance from the winch. I guess it was my BFG A/T's.... lmao... and yes, I DO have OPEN Diffs.... But yea anyways,

Earle, EXCELLENT Job!!!

I mean, this ride was definately the best trail ride I have ever been on... The people that happened to make the run were definately all cool people. But anyways, I am glad to have made the trip, and will be back up there in no time if the word arises. The Friday night ride was fun with some tougher spots because of the damp conditions. NAXJA seriously needs to get a yearly event up in Mass. The trails are endless, and the people in the area support wheeling. I hope more of you guys that didn't make it come next time.

~Joe~

[Eagle]

I'm sorry I missed it. I had to get up at 3:00 a.m. to be there by the appointed hour, and when I woke up after just 3-1/2 hours sleep I was so tired I could hardly stand. All I could think of was that bus driver who crashed the bus and killed 5 people trying to drive on 3-1/2 hours of sleep. It just didn't make sense to risk it. I hope there's a next time, and I'll make every effort to be part of it.

Meanwhile -- don't forget NAC is heading to Maine in October. Stay tuned for more details.

[BrokenXJ]

Thanks to everyone on the ride, we had a great time. Earl has done a great job mapping this place and connecting with locals/rangers to make sure everything is cool.

Earl, Joer, and I did a Friday evening ride on this trail called "Top of the World" which was awesome. We have to show you guys this next time.

The cast of characters:
1) Earl (Chicken Run) from R.I. - Our fearless trail guide. Earl talks with everybody and networks so well he doesn’t need an Internet.

2) Myself with 3 12-year old boys, and an OX locker that has never worked. I know if I didn't have 500 lbs of fat kids, I could have gotten another 6 feet in that mud pit :)

3) Anthony from Albany (non-NAXJA), who had a built 88' XJ with the shiniest 31x9.5 swampers you even saw. I didn't know Armorall could do that to a swamper?

4)Tim from Conn(non-NAXJA), 98XJ 3" lift, open, w/ 31's with donut for a spare :) and his reply was that he had two cans of fix-a-flat :) Good guy, but Joer humiliated him. I also beat him in the biggest wrench contest in the "Big Y" parking lot. He will be back.

5) Joe R. had a great week-end. His XJ defied its openness. Tim thinks he has a limited slip, and I was checking for a hidden ARB in the rear :). He did it all weekend, even on Friday the day before. He made it up the 1st ledge on the Old Florida Road, while everyone else took the winch cable. Including Earl (locked front and rear, w/ 33 TSL's). This is beauty of jeeping, and what makes it fun. Because there is no such thing as a perfectly setup Jeep. I think Joer should just retire now, and go out on top. :)

6) Mike from NJ, "It's just a 3" lift, with a junk-yard limited slip." This is a perfect case a wolf in sheep’s clothing :) Mike had no problem with the trail, and had a great pull to get me out of the mud hole at the end of the trail. I hope there is pictures posted.

7.) Lawn Cher, w/ PeterBuilt riding shotgun.
Mark wanted to show us that he had calculated the "Center of Gravity" on his XJ buy balancing it on the cross member and spinning it around on the first obstacle. I love the rock rash on the hood, don't change that!

I'll see you guys at Paragon on July 13,14.

Steve

[Eagle]

[quote:6796bc5bf4="BrokenXJ"]
Joe R. had a great week-end. His XJ defied its openness. Tim thinks he has a limited slip, and I was checking for a hidden ARB in the rear :). He did it all weekend, even on Friday the day before. He made it up the 1st ledge on the Old Florida Road, while everyone else took the winch cable. Including Earl (locked front and rear, w/ 33 TSL's). This is beauty of jeeping, and what makes it fun. Because there is no such thing as a perfectly setup Jeep. I think Joer should just retire now, and go out on top. :)[/quote:6796bc5bf4]

As someone recently noted in another post, this is what the late Granville King (a.k.a. the Desert Fox) called "driving elegant."

[Mike in NJ]

Joe R wrote:

[quote:938f1733ed]I have one correction to make to your post. I was the only one to make it up the first obstacle of Old Florida Road without any assistance from the winch.[/quote:938f1733ed]

I stand corrected.

You know, I THOUGHT you made it up unassisted, but I was distracted in the back airing down (the other thing I forgot to do) and wasn't quite sure. Sorry in assuming that you were as inept as the rest of us in our supposedly better equipped rigs.

But I am hurt :cry: that you said this was the best run you were ever on. I thought the job I did for you guys on the green run at NacFest was the top! I saw how big your eyes got on that off camber section on Foundations trail.:shock:

But, once again, you did an extremely good job on Old Florida - well done!

Yes, Mike, that is 100% true!!! I forgot!! lmao Yes, my eyes did get very big... You have no idea how scared I was!! hehe Thanks for the help through there... :)
~Joe~

[OverlandXJ]

I'm sorry i missed it too, i was looking fwd to the run.