Moab 2023

[Paul]

Monday the large group ran “Hell’s Revenge”, as we had several first-timers in Moab. Always a fun trail, an fairly easy if you don’t run the optional obstacles…

Kurt in a hot tub:

GMan:

Several of the rigs ran Hell’s Gate without incident and we had lunch watching vehicles attempt the Escalator.

A fun day,

Paul

 

[traveler]

Since I'm terrible at remembering names of trails, obstacles, and people, I'm going to post random pics of vehicles, people, and obstacles, scenery, etc. and let those who were there, and can recognize these things identify them. That said, I had an absolute blast. It was great to finally meet so many other ExplorerForum people, and to get to see old friends as well. I finally got to drive on the Iconic trails and obstacles that till now were just names on here and YouTube. I was able to show off my rig and learn its strengths and also its shortcomings, but more than that I feel I am a better driver now than I was a week ago, and that is thanks to those who helped me, and spotted me.

 

[traveler]

Just a few more..... hehe

 

[Turdle]

Looks like a good time. Waiting for more

 

[Paul]

Tuesday was a long day - - a large group ran the “Trifecta” - Poison Spider, Gold Bar, and Golden Spike. Although it’s been 10 years since I last ran these trails, I opted out because 12+ rigs on that set of trails was more than I was willing to abide - - so yep, guess you might say I had a “Get off my lawn…” moment…

So four of us ran “Metal Masher” which should have a quick trail as 4-5 rigs is optimum for a trail run, and they were all pretty capable. . .

Brian on a ledge:

Jim picking a hard line:

In the end, the “quick run” was not to be…

Jim had cleared 90% of “Rock Chucker” the optional obstacle in the first third of the trail when both rear leaf springs snapped, and he spit out his rear drive shaft. If you’ve ever wondered why the top of the leaf spring plate has a slight radius - - well, now you know…. Repeated flex of the springs on that hard edge caused them to fail, and unfortunately, at precisely the most in opportune time. . .

Hard to see, but the carnage is real:

Luckily, Jim had a portable welder so he was able to execute a trail fix and weld up both rear springs. It took awhile as we had to secure the rig (anchored by three winches), and beat the leaves into submission. . . After about three hours, we were off - - for about twenty feet, when one of the welds broke. As we attempted another weld, we had a welder invoked battery explosion (mine), so opted for the “Kitchen Sink” method of securing the rear suspension. So, ratchet straps, plastic zip ties, and duct tape all were called into service - - and was just enough for us to limp off the trail back to the trailhead.

Once there, Dwight and I ran Jim back into town to grab his truck and trailer, while Brian stayed with the wounded rig.

So my “short trail day” was about 9 hours, and longer for Jim and Brian. Major props to Brian for staying with the wounded rig and guiding Jim’s truck and trailer the back route off Hwy 313 to the trailhead. Jim made good on a new battery for me, which was much appreciated.

All told, still and early day as the “Trifecta”
crew did not return until after 10:00 p.m.

Still a better day than a great day at work…

Paul

 

[traveler]

Wow, I had heard that Jim had broken both leaf springs but didn't have all the details till just now. Thats quite the experience, how often do BOTH leaf springs break simultaneously?!
Despite the long day, I still thoroughly enjoyed doing the Trifecta, though I do regret what happened to Gman on that trail. (I have a series of videos of it I need to get posted).

 

[gmanpaint]

Wow, I had heard that Jim had broken both leaf springs but didn't have all the details till just now. Thats quite the experience, how often do BOTH leaf springs break simultaneously?!
Despite the long day, I still thoroughly enjoyed doing the Trifecta, though I do regret what happened to Gman on that trail. (I have a series of videos of it I need to get posted).

Yeah, rather not see that.

 

[KurtECV]

Finally got a few videos uploaded

Did a time lapse from atop a rock at Sunset Grill, first time using that feature on my phone so its a pretty long video. I climbed on top of a rock formation and propped my phone up there for a while, hoping no one would find it and steal it lol


Gman going up hells gate, checkout that tire lift!
Edit: Apparently my new phone does not rotate the camera like my old one SORRY!!


A friend got a video of my hitting the optional line called Tip-Over Challange, i dont recall what trail we were on.


I have a few other videos i need to upload, I will get them on Youtube when i get a chance.

 

[410Fortune]

Oh man Both springs??????? Sob

Battery explosion! Sob

Glad nobody got hurt.
Good job what a team!

 

[joney]

Finally got a few videos uploaded

Did a time lapse from atop a rock at Sunset Grill, first time using that feature on my phone so its a pretty long video. I climbed on top of a rock formation and propped my phone up there for a while, hoping no one would find it and steal it lol


Gman going up hells gate, checkout that tire lift!
Edit: Apparently my new phone does not rotate the camera like my old one SORRY!!


A friend got a video of my hitting the optional line called Tip-Over Challange, i dont recall what trail we were on.


I have a few other videos i need to upload, I will get them on Youtube when i get a chance.

Nice video, Holy Crap Batman! Watching Gman going up looked like one tire on the ground! (The sideways view made it even scarier) I'd have needed a new seat, LOL. Nice job Gman, not to mention Kurt and more!

 

[410Fortune]

I just watched the gman video holey cow pucker moment

seems a little far to the left eh? That is one top heavy sploder. Once you are down in there no going back!!!
Wicked good video so glad he made it safely!!!

 

[Paul]

Wednesday a group of seven rigs ran “Steelbender” - - another great trail that I haven’t run in 10+ years.

Line Up:

The above-average snowfall this past winter was melting off and the Colorado River running through Moab was as high as I have ever seen it. . . Likewise, all the small creeks were also flowing.

So, what in the past was usually a few small semi-dry crossings on this trail were not.
Kenny Ray, U-Boat Commander:

Brian up to the headlights:

Lots of fun obstacles on this trail, but again, a group of capable rigs and drivers so more enjoyable than dramatic…

Climbs and ledges:

Dwight

Brian and Kenny Ray

Kevin (Diff Whack)‘s new Bronco

Brian
Me coming up “The Wall”

Kevin’s son taking his new Bronco up “The Wall”. . .

Dwight on ledge

A fun day,

Paul

 

[Paul]

Oh, and on “Steelbender”, saw the second snake of the trip - - two snakes on one trip to Moab!!!

My guess is another Gopher Snake…

Let him be as we had a trail to run…

Paul

 

[Blackout2017]

Any room for a street 'sploder, or is this strictly for the rock jocks?

You're more than welcome to join us - - there's plenty to do in the Moab area: Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Dead Horse State Park, rock climbing, mountain biking, adventure motorcycling, etc. There's a great guide to four-wheeling trails in Moab, and it lists (and rates) easy gravel or sandy roads to extreme off-camber trails, but most of the attendees that converge on Moab will be traveling on the moderate or harder trails. A UTV rental may be a good option if you want to get a flavor of what these earlier Explorers can do, but it's a slippery slope. . . a rental can lead to thousands of dollars spent to modify a first generation Explorer. . .

Paul

And my truck just got released from the shop last Wednesday. Perfect timing. Oh well, next year. Everyone's pictures and videos are amazing!

 

[gmanpaint]