FEB 10th Trail ride VA, MD, DC,WVA

[donkey boy]

Bummer you can't make it, Matt. See you hopefully in March.

BTW: Good luck selling your house. In my neighborhood here in Richmond, most houses were sold within one or two weeks. At one house, they were putting the "for sale" sign up in the morning, and the same evening comming home from work, the sign already was changed to "sold". I hope it goes that easy for you.

 

[MtnDog]

Thanks Michael,

I too was a little depressed when I remembered that this weekend was the first run of the season. And when we figured out we weren't able to make it I almost wanted to push it back a few days. But in order to scoop up or tap into the market, now is time.

Has anyone committed to taking any pictures on this run? Would really like to see all the flexing, "uh-ohs", and pucker factors..not to mention all the explorers.

We'll be thinking of everyone...

p.s. hope your family is getting better. Mine has also been under the weather with either a throat thing, a stomach thing, or just plain don't feel good. Man are we looking forward to spring!!!

 

[SteveVB]

Fri Update

Ok looks like we may have 4 vehicles, I may have another coming with me. Havent heard from Paul so hes prob still out of town- maybe he can get free in March. I will see everyone at 9:30am at Mc Dormans Store. If you have any questions about where or YOU CANT MAKE IT LET ME KNOW E-mail me svanbronk@aol.com, Unfortunately my cell had a run in with my 4yr old and is no longer with me -RIP(Motorola 0, Alec 2), so e-mail or the CB near Harrisonburg. I will check my mail in the AM before 6. After 6 Ill be gone. Ill see you guys at 9:32am

Looks like it will be muddy,warm, and prob. raining - should be fun.

I have a camera- which I will bring, but its low tech so if you guys have a digital and can bring it that may be better.

 

[donkey boy]

A loving family shares everything, even the flu. I'm feeling terrible right now but I think some doping and a good night sleep should do the trick. If you don't hear from me until 6am, then I will be there. Let's hope, and sleep... Good night!

 

[Paul N.]

Hope you all had a great run today - wish I could have been there, too. Make sure you let us know how it went. See some of you on March 17....

 

[RU MAN]

I think anything want good. I will be posting some pics later. By the way I got back to school ok, and hope everyone else got home ok. lata

 

[SteveVB]

Good Day

Glad you got back Brian- I trust the Party was worth getting back for!!

I think everyone had a good day. We had some stucks, some downed trees, some damage, some "pucker", and a bunch of FUN.

We all met at the designated 9:30a Total of 4.
Brian and Suzanne (RU MAN)
Michael and Stephan (Donkey Boy)
Kieth Holman ( from OCC driving a blazer)
ME

We had a long day, we ran All of Old Long run, we went to scout a trail I had marked on a map but no one knew about down gauley ridge road,found its location(closed by the Forest service unfortunately) back up to second mountain rd and past our turn for Dictum. After reversing and getting on the correct trail we stopped for lunch atop Dictum ridge. After a break and some lunch we continued down Dictum to the first of Two mud holes that gave us some problems. Nothing that a little tug on a strap couldnt fix.

And as we continued down dictum we came to the up hill side of a few stair stepped rocks each about 2-3feet with little way to bypass. With some expert spotting from Keith and a whole lot of patience from the drivers everyone made it down unscathed. It was a bit more than anyone(including myself- I thought the bypass was easier) was expecting, but everyone decided to try and it worked out well. Down the hill and Brian tapped a rock causing some rocker panel damage-the first of the day.

(Cont)

 

[SteveVB]

prelim pics

Keith just sent me the few dig. pics he took, Brian in the Mud, Michael with the strap, and the Rocks on Dictum after we got down- Keith was too busy to take pics, I think Michael and Suzanne may have some.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=100201&a=11503500

 

[SteveVB]

cont.

Once down dictum, I still wanted to check out Kephart run, so everyone went to Kephart. I didnt expect to run all of Kephart but everyone was up for so we went. Kephart is a tight trail through the woods that ends at a rock faced waterfall. Its not difficult except at a few stream crossings, and the rock falls at the very end. We went and checked out the rock first by foot and then I tried to climb it in my vehicle. Not paying attention to anyone and using too much right foot, managed to bust up my passenger side rocker pretty good. I got up, and back down, and Michael decided to try it and got high centered on a single stubborn rock, which wasnt going to let him through. Michael will be back in March for another try. Brian was the smartest and decided he would try another day. It was getting towards 6pm when we pulled back onto the pavement and headed down 33 into Harrisonburg. We all stopped at Wendys for some food and to say good bye until March- Everyone was planning to come back. So I assume everyone had fun.

Thanks Michael and Brian I had a great time, there was no snow, but it still was a bit more moderate than I expected with the rocks on Dictum. But fun. Attention and patience are the "mods" I need most, but barring that maybe some rock rails will do.

I had a great time thanks again. Add anything I forgot- we did a lot of trail!

Hope you guys will post pics if you have them since I forgot the camera, Hey Michael was Stephan shooting video? Possible to get a copy?


[Edited by SteveVB on 02-11-2001 at 02:00 PM]

 

[donkey boy]

GREAT DAY

Originally posted by SteveVB
... We went and checked out the rock first by foot and then I tried to climb it in my vehicle. Not paying attention to anyone and using too much right foot, managed to bust up my passenger side rocker pretty good. I got up, and back down, and Michael decided to try it and got high centered on a single stubborn rock, which wasnt going to let him through. Michael will be back in March for another try...

Up, up and away!! Once the tires of Steve's Navajo got traction at the waterfall at Kephard, he was just unstoppable. Being half a foot too far right, Steve drove over a two and a half foot high bolder that he should have cleared with a such an astonishing ease, that he afterwards thougth he just drove over the little rocks as planned. Just a pitty that that bolder got a good bite of his rocker pannel...

... and you bet I will be back in March I just don't know yet if I should do the shakle-and-twist-thing for getting that inch more clearance I would have needed, or if I should bring a hammer and chisel to fight that stupid rock.

Also the other big obstacle at we encountered at Dictum was quite challanging. I think we were all a kind of nervous attempting it, and was impressed how Brian, being the youngest and probably having the least experience of us all and having the vehicle with the smallest tires, handeled everything. Congratulations, Brian!

With Keith as a truely excellent spotter (he would comment you what ever single wheel of your vehicle was up to so you exactly knew what the vehicle is going to do) driving the obstacle seamed to me easier than hanging on the rear bumper of the other vehicle to keep the upper body of the cars clear of that tree that was so "conveniently" (but reassuring, b/c there was quite a drop on the other side of the tree) standing there.

On a side note: once we were down this rocky obstacle, Steve said. "Actually, this trail is rated for vehicles with at least 33" tires, but I think that's just if you do it the other way round".

I had a great day, thanks to you all, and I'm really looking forward to March. (Hmm, twist or chisel )

BTW, Steve, I did not take any pictures (I have no camera anymore since mine got stolen) and yes, Stéphane took some video and he promised me to send me a copy. Just, his VCR is European system, so I will need to see how I can convert it.

[Edited by donkey boy on 02-12-2001 at 05:16 PM]

 

[RU MAN]

Here's a couple pics for ya.

[Edited by RU MAN on 02-12-2001 at 09:29 AM]

 

[RU MAN]

You some can fix the pics, or tell me what to do, it would help. But here's some pics.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1524033&a=11532223

[Edited by RU MAN on 02-12-2001 at 11:47 AM]

 

[donkey boy]

Brian,

When I click on your photopoint link, I get asked for a password. Either my computer is screwed, or there is something wrong with your link.

 

[RU MAN]

The pics are locked, i'm trying to fix it now. I just don't know how. sorry

 

[Frisckey1]

I can't see!!!

I wanna see!!! I can't because RU, you have a password set up on your album. Also, when I clicked on the thread, it promted me then for the user name and password and wouldn't let me see the thread until I clicked cancel like 5 times. Can't wait to see the rest of the pics. Looks like fun. Can't wait till March!

 

[RU MAN]

I think i fixed it.

 

[SteveVB]

cool pics brian.

Michael most of the video shops around here can copy the european standard tapes onto VHS. So it shouldnt be a problem.

 

[MtnDog]

Hey all,

Cool pics! Looks like everyone had a great time. Wish I was there rather than cleaning & packing etc. Can't wait for March's run.

Keep the pics coming < if there are any left >. Thought about it all day/weekend. Man do I need a break from all this house stuff...sounds like a great excuse to go 4wheeling.

See ya in March!