After Hogsback we took the bypass around Rocky Uphill, which in turn is a trail itself as some found out. At that point we should have headed back for lunch, but I really wanted to get to Waterfall to end the second section of the route.
Pretty good steep hill climb on Archers Firebreak.
WashoualXJ making the climb.
Iceman took the lead for a bit on the following few sections of Archers. I came around the corner near the back of the pack to find the group stopped, and surround Dellstopjeep's rig. Needless to say that's when he discovered his y-link had removed itself from the frame.
Big thanks to those who stepped in and were throwing off ideas for a fix. Ryan (Iceman) donated a muffler clamp strap, I tossed in a u-bolt from my steering box brace, and Eric (Dellstopjeep) took off a clamp from his exhaust. With two u-bolts tight around the tube they were enough to hold the y-link in place (and probably stronger than before as some pointed out
). Eric got it on the road, and our group took it slow driving back to Lyda for lunch.
Back at lunch we found the other groups had been there for a few hours (sorry guys!). Lunch went good, lots of food available, and storys to share. Some took off for the day, and others set out for more trails.
My group set off under a rain shower for Cedar Tree. That was a first for me running the trail during a thunderstorm. Here's Joey (FiveNDime) making the corner on the second section.
Cedar Tree was ran with no real issues, and we had a pretty decent pace going. After Cedar Tree we decided to take a look at Firebreak 5 and the "Rock of Doom". Due to the rain storm we had some mud present and traction became a whole lot more fun. I chose to take the right line, and pivot around the rock. Iceman's pictures tel the story well of our runs.
John (Bronzewyrm) gave every line possible a go, but clearance wasn't on his side. Excellent throttle control and tire placement though (all day).
Joey (FiveNDime) was detained for a bit from being hung up on the rear diff. A few of us were able to shake him loose and he was able to make it under his own power.
At that point is was around 7:00, and we called it a day. Like clockwork we pulled into Rogers right behind the other group.
Muddy, tired, but lots of fun and memories for all of us.
Thanks for a fun day everyone! I didn't get to wheel with everyone, but I hope everyone had a great time and will be back on the trails soon.
Quick shoutouts:
Ken: Thanks for the route plans and group leading
Dave/Keith: Thanks for leading the other group and showing them around.
Ryan: Thanks for
always being there ready to help, it made the day much eaiser.
Joey: Thanks to you and the copilot for stepping in and helping with the trail repair.
Mr.Fister: It was good to wheel with you and your copilot, awesome attitudes the whole day.
Shermellow: Thanks for making the trip out, feel free to join in on the next run and we'll show you around some more (also PM if you need any help with the alignment).
Evan: Making the trek down from for Noobfest was compliment in itself, let us know if you want to check out the area again.
Jimmy & Steve: Nice wheeling with you guys, and I hope to see the both of you on the trail soon (in your own rig).
Eric: Catastrophic failure on a noob run... I'm literally still speechless.
