http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67020.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67022.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67027.jpg
Musselman Arche
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67030.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67037.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67033.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67038.jpg
Dropping down into Lathrop Canyon
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67043.jpg
Lunch break on the Colorado
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67045.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67050.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67053.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67056.jpg
Starting up the switchbacks of Scafer Trail
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67060.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67064.jpg
Looking down on a few of the switchbacks from about half way up
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67065.jpg
Long Canyon
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67067.jpg
The trail passes through this huge fallen rock
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67070.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67071.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67073.jpg
Sundays drive home included a little side trip to Canyon de Chelly...highly recommended!
A view down into the Canyon from the south rim
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67078.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67085.jpg
There are a lot of ruins on and under the shear cliffs of the canyon
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67090.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67097.jpg
Spider Rock which also has ruins near the base
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67129.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67131.jpg
More ruins
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67159.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67179.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67183.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67200.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67201.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67217.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67226.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67230.jpg
And lastly sunset over the Salt River Canyon
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67232.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67233.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...abday67234.jpg
Got home yesterday, on the strength of a strong tailwind from Des Moines…did wonders for my gas mileage. :bwgr:
What a great trip! We had outstanding weather all week, probably the best I can remember for ZuZoo, and a larger group than last year. My Trooper did very well, running five trails, including three tough ones, without anything worse than a blown power steering hose (drove home sans power steering…not a big deal at all).
Saturday and Sunday I convoyed out to Moab with Greg from Minnesota and Gil & CeCe from Chicago, meeting in Des Moines. They were a good group to travel with, and we made good time to Denver. On Sunday we took our time, running Loveland Pass instead of the I-70 tunnel, stopping for a “Charcoalburger” in Glenwood Springs, and running scenic byway 128 into Moab.
Monday: Gil, CeCe, Tom and I hiked the Fisher Tower trail in gorgeous weather. It is a 2.2 mile hike to the overlook, over rough terrain. We enjoyed it very much, watching some rock climbers scaling the very top of one of the towers. We even enjoyed the wrong turn I took getting there, ending up on what turned out to be Onion Creek Road, as it took us across the creek numerous times through the canyon.
Tuesday: As few other Isuzus were in town yet, I tagged along with 20+ vehicles on the VX run to Dome Plateau. Although mostly a milk run, Todd Adams took us to various interesting points in the area, including caves, petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, overlooks, and one deceptively difficult hill climb “Again and Again Hill”, which was a series of ledges half buried in powdery dust. The dust made for difficult traction conditions, though everybody made a valiant effort to get up the stairs.
Wednesday: I led a mixed group of nine vehicles on Kane Creek Canyon trail. This is a fun trail mixing difficult ledge climbs with numerous stream crossings and sandy creek bottom runs. It had been 8 years since I had been on this trail, in fact the very first trail I ever ran in Moab. By all reports it was a lot more difficult now, and I cannot argue with that assessment. Several washout points along the road offered a real challenge to the open diff vehicles (Mike’s 89 Trooper and Justin’s VX), with no way to attack the rocks without lifting a tire on each obstacle, so some strapping was necessary. The LSD-equipped VXs were generally able to make it, however, and Jay’s FJ has a locker.
We had been hearing about the long ledge climb ¾ of the way through the trail all day from the UTV group that was also on the trail, they were dubious of our groups ability to make it up without a lot of strapping. It was a challenge, but I am proud to say everybody made it up without a strap. Shortly thereafter, the “local” VX (Cragar?) met us on the trail, and joined us for the trip out, playing on a few tough ledges. It had been a long day so most of us were content to watch. Jack let sister Diane drive his VX on the last major obstacle of the trail, spotting her down and up a series of ledges. She did well, certainly didn’t inflict any more damage than Jack would have…
Thursday: I ran Hells Revenge with Fernando & Emily, Reed, Jack, and Greg. Another beautiful day, despite hordes of UTVs everywhere. Highlight was Fernando & Emily running Hell’s Gate in his SAS Amigo with a crowd of 50 or so UTV folks watching. Among the comments heard “What is that?” “I think that’s a Suzuki.” and “Oh my God, there’s a dog in there! I would never run that with my dog!” (apparently bringing your girlfriend is OK, though).
Friday: I finally got to run Moab Rim for the first time, lead by Fernando & Emily along with Reed in his Amigo, Morgan in his Jeep, and Travis in his monster SAS Rodeo. Kammy rode shotgun with me. After all the build up I had heard I was a bit apprehensive about this run, but reality was not nearly so bad. It is rated about the same as Golden Spike, a trail I have run a couple of times successfully, and I was able to run this one too. The trail does feature some tippiness that is not pleasant, but I was never fearful of rolling into the Colorado River as some had made it sound. The trail featured several nice overlooks of Moab, and a sandhill climb that none of us could conquer. Travis made it the farthest on his 40” tires.
Saturday: I ran Cliffhanger, again lead by Fernando & Emily, with a lot of spotting by Corbin (Fernando and Corbin are two of the best spotters ever, BTW), along with Reed, Travis, and Corbin’s monster Amigo (Deanna, kids, and dog in tow). Keith & Tia and their son Keiran (sp?) rode along. This is another trail that has gotten more difficult in recent years. I had run it once before, 4 years ago. Now I would have to say it is every bit as difficult as Moab Rim, albeit with somewhat different difficulty factors. The trail was very busy this Saturday, with lots of bicycles, UTVs, and other trucks on the trail. It was a hot day, and Tia handed out water to some grateful bikers at the far end of the trail who had used up their camelback water.
Highlight of the day was Deanna driving their Amigo up the exit stairs, when one of the front brake lines blew and she began to roll backwards down the steps, despite her foot to the floor on the brake. Calling to Corbin for help, he calmly instructed gave her steering instructions which she followed perfectly, keeping the Amigo straight and averting a possible flop before coming to a stop at the bottom.
My Trooper performed very well on these tough trails, with the only carnage being a serious power steering hose leak that fortunately did not develop until near the end of the trail. I am very happy with the setup I have, the relatively low lift and wide stance combined with ARB lockers and 35” tires making for a capable and relatively un-tippy Trooper. The outboard placement of the tires saved me significant body damage more than once, not that there isn’t enough of that already.
All in all, an outstanding trip! Apologies if I missed any names above, let me know and I will edit. I will be posting up pictures in the next few days, although I didn’t take as many after I broke the viewscreen on the camera. Mental note: take camera out of pocket before laying on gravel to look under a broken Trooper.
Which reminds me: I would like to pass on major kudos to Dave (Gizmo42) who not only drove Mike to Grand Junction to pick up a clutch kit for his 89 Trooper after breaking down on Fin’s ‘n Things, but also sacrificed a day or more of wheeling to help him install it while laying on the campground gravel. That was above and beyond the call of duty, sir!
Fantastic! Thank you sooooooooomuch, from one who really would love to have been there.
You know, I would say he's definitely more of a Chuck Norris look alike, but you know, my wife was watching the ANTM marathon last night while I was working on the Trooper and I popped in to get a drink and a commercial for Tori & Dean came on. I had to do a double take, because I noticed that if I Ldub was 10 years younger, he might just look exactly like Dean. :D :D :D
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famec...i_and_dean.jpg
:laughing: Ldub, you should post some old photos of yourself from your 'yout'.
:p Bart
Swede! Nice trip report! I can't wait to see your pics!
Bart
I have to say that you and your Trooper make me eat crow for some of the things I have had to say about putting that much rubber on an IFS Isuzu! It just goes to show that a good, experienced driver can maintain an over-equipped IFS setup on difficult trails. 35's, lockers, 5.38's all equate to a sheyet-ton of leverage on those stock parts but a calm, steady foot plays well with them!
Thanks again for the run up 'the Creek - it was a fantastic day with the perfect number of rigs! Hope to see you again next year, Steve!
Steve! Thanks again for letting me use your cool little compressor, and I’m still up for a trade my RS for yours. ;)
Well I have broken a couple of CVs in 2+ years, although one was entirely preventable, and the other probably was too if I had taken the time to get out and pick a new line. But I can get replacement CVs from a salvage yard for $40, and they pull them for me.
There are two schools of thought on lockers and CV breakage. Yes, lockers place more stress on axles, but IMHO more CVs are broken by shock loading than anything else. A front locker helps prevent the sort of scenario where a rapidly spinning tire suddenly contacts traction.
It was indeed a good day, if a bit long, but I think everybody pushed their respective envelopes some and learned in the process, that is when things get fun on the trail.Quote:
Thanks again for the run up 'the Creek - it was a fantastic day with the perfect number of rigs! Hope to see you again next year, Steve!
Todd has an ARB in the front and has never broke anything. Just depends on driving style.
Not unless he changed t-cases, no Teralows for the TOD case.
Loveland Pass
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...velandPass.jpg
Fisher Tower hiking trail
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...rTowerhike.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...rTowerhike.jpg
Can you spot the rock climbers?
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...rTowerhike.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...rTowerhike.jpg
I'm the one on the left
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...rTowerhike.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...rTowerhike.jpg
Hangin' at the Red Rock
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...theRedRock.jpg
Larry meets Menace
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...eetsMenace.jpg
Dome Plateau - overlook
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...omePlateau.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...omePlateau.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...omePlateau.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...omePlateau.jpg
Kane Creek - Greg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...aKaneCreek.jpg
Kane Creek - Can you spot the Proton?
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...aKaneCreek.jpg
Hell's Revenge
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...llsRevenge.jpg
Fernando approaching Hell's Gate
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...aHellsGate.jpg
Fernando amazes UTV crowd
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...aHellsGate.jpg
Greg runs Bodysnatcher
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...llsRevenge.jpg
Moab Rim
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...27aMoabRim.jpg
Lunch at the overlook
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...29aMoabRim.jpg
Morgan tries the sand hill
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...37aMoabRim.jpg
My only pic from Cliffhanger - lunch at the overlook
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...liffhanger.jpg
Dang this thread came to a screeching halt...c'mon guys, I know there are more pics out there!
Hopefully Brandon will post up some of his 1000's of pics he took on the trail with Cris!:bwgr:
I am working on the pics. Slowly making my way across country still. I am in Dayton, Oh right now, no trailer problems...
My uncle in law is looking into making me an aluminum flatbed car hauler, that would save quite a bit in gas, so next year is a possibility.
I have all of Brandon's pics on my laptop, just gotta have a chance to upload them and get them posted.
I would like to give a shout out to a few of the great people I met out there, as a NUB, it was a very eye opening experience:
Thanks to Billy, an amazing spotter, Tom, for being awesome, Steve and Todd, for being great trail leaders, Rodeo Dave, for being entertaining, Jack for making sure that I was not the youngest VXer there...:), Trooper Mike, for not quitting and making the run up to Top of the World with me. I know there were others, and it was great meeting all of you. I will post up pics and stories in a few days when I finally make it to Charleston...
Oh, I almost forgot Ldub...need I say more?(Don't tell him I said this, but that guy is crazy!!!)
Chris,
Even though your politcal views are a little off mine, you and Brandon are super cool dudes. I enjoyed hanging and wheeling with yall.
Peace.
Tom
Okay folks, sorry for the delay in photos. We just got home last night and we are pooped! I have been uploading photos all day and trying to pick which ones to post. I will post a link to the full gallery of photos on photobucket later. If you want any specific high res ones, let me know. I will email them to you. Well here is my photo documentaion of our trip one post at a time...
Greg made me miss my Proton the entire road trip.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_011.jpg
Our detour through the Loveland Pass
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_033.jpg
Kahlua's first water encounter (She loved it!)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_050.jpg
Steve's (BigSwede) awesome ride.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_056.jpg
We made it! Ahhh HOME...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_073.jpg
Meeting up at Hwy 128
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_099.jpg
LDub and my Jailbait sister
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_103.jpg
Todd giving us "The Talk"...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_109.jpg
Linda's beast!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_110.jpg
Rowhard on Again and Again...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_115.jpg
Gill 3-wheelin' up Again and Again
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_132.jpg
What a view!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_146.jpg
Dave's sweet Rodeo
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_163.jpg
VX, Trooper, Rodeo... Where's the Axiom? (teehee)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_164.jpg
I missed my Proton...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_177.jpg
Kenny and Marlin
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_179.jpg
Now that's more like it! :clap:
The obstacle that started the snowball effect.
Whoops, there goes Gill's exhaust!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_199.jpg
He couldn't get much farther out the window...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_205.jpg
The boulder that claimed Gill's door...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_209.jpg
That same bittersweet boulder also kept Gill shiny side up...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_224.jpg
Jack showing off his sweet skid plate.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_230.jpg
Time for lunch
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_240.jpg
Wait Jack, back up and do it again,
my camera is malfunctioning (user error).
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_242.jpg
Jay parting the creek in his FJ
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_249.jpg
Tom going up!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_255.jpg
Jay attempting to climb the now impossible... guess you need to go back to an Ironman??? teehee :p
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_274.jpg
The majestic Menace
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_276.jpg
Nothing beats wheeling in Moab!!!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_283.jpg
Steve we gotta teach you how to part the creek like the Red Sea...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_296.jpg
See... like this!!! No wait... not like that... we need to teach Justin too.
For some reason every water crossing we came to Justin was hiding
behind a wall of water...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_300.jpg
This is better...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_302.jpg
LIKE THIS!!! Show 'em how it's done Darrin!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_299.jpg
My turn, my turn....
Couple of shots from the Ice Cream Social
Jack (pbkid) puttin on his protection.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...cial_09_05.JPG
The Fam on The Stoop at the Ice Cream Social
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...cial_09_08.JPG
Some shots from the VX Only Run
Rowhard on Again and Again Hill
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._Run_09_15.JPG
Rowhard getting a leg up
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._Run_09_21.JPG
Taking a break on Again and Again Hill
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._Run_09_52.JPG
Tone was with us all day long
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._Run_09_54.JPG
The United Colors of Isuzu
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._Run_09_63.JPG
It's like a parking lot out here
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._Run_09_71.JPG
The Stoop Garage
Jack "modding" his VX
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rage_09_01.JPG
Jack STILL "modding" his VX
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rage_09_03.JPG
A day on Poison Spider Mesa
Vxers and mountain bikers living together...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_09.JPG
Marlin taking the "alternate route"...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_13.JPG
Marlin peeking over
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_17.JPG
Triathlete peeking over
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_31.JPG
Dub on (the) crack
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_34.JPG
Dub coming up out of the crack
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_37.JPG
Tom (tomdietrying) on the crack
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_41.JPG
Tom preparing for take off
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_62.JPG
Tom coming in for a landing
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_73.JPG
Craig (our trail leader) pausing for a photo op
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Mesa_09_74.JPG
I'll upload everything I have to Photobucket and post the link later.
Dinner at Miguel's...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...b_2009_306.jpg
If you would like to see more photos, I have them here...
http://photobucket.com/Zuzoo2009
In addition to all I have already posted...
Thank you so much to everyone. I had an awesome time out in Moab, as I do every year.
Steve- Great idea going on that hike in Fischer's tower. Thanks for inviting us. And thank you for leading us on Kane Creek. It was great convoying with you. Hope to see you in Gilbert.
Biju- I was so glad that you decided to come out this year. We missed you last year. Next time... Bring the Axiom
Crager34- It was an awesome surprise having you meet up with us on Kane Creek.
Jay- I have FJ envy. We will have to make it down to Texas soon.
Kenny- Thanks for fixing Gill's exhaust flange, he was a happier camper after that.
Donna- It is always a pleasure talking with you. I hope you and Kenny make it to the Gilbert run. And yes you do say "eh" a lot... :p
Kodiak- Way to make Again and Again look easy in street performance tires!
Ldub- Thanks for showing my sister the ropes on Dome Plateau. Sorry we missed you on the last day. We will see you soon...
Marlin- You did good noob! :bgwo:
mn840sc- You impressed me taking your ride on Kane Creek! Major kudos for you!
Scott and Laura- I love you!!! You are such a great pair and it is such a great pleasure to hang out with the both of you. If only I lived closer...
Mark- Your VX gets beefier(sp?) by the year. Lockers are next? Hmmmm...
Greg- Thanks for showing my Mom around Dome Plateau. Glad you decided to ride out to moab a day early with us. See you next year...
Jack- It's always fun to wheel with you. You got to make it out to Chicago again soon. We'll buy you the best Chicago pizza, I happen to know someone... LOL
Rowhard- Though we didn't get to do much talking, watching your Dragon go up Again and Again was mesmerizing. It was the first time I had seen a Dragon in person. She truly is beautiful.
Scott Harness- Sorry you couldn't wheel with us. I am glad you decided to join us at Miguel's for dinner. It's always fun hanging out on the stoop with you.
Todd and Linda- Thanks for leading our trails and for tailgunning (not easy to do without a windshield). See you in a few weeks!
Tom- Glad we found you before heading out on our hike to Fischer's Tower. Thanks for letting my sister ride shotgun with you on Kane Creek. She had a blast!
Billy- I did not think you would be able to get up the right side of Again and Again, but you proved me wrong. And it made for some pretty cool shots. It was great wheeling with you.
Lisa- Next time, we will bring the Jager!!! I don't care if you say you are only drinking beer. It's MOAB! And we are doing Jager shots!
Sue- Sorry you missed out on the VX Run. Too many Chunky Monkees???? LOL It was so fun meeting you and seeing your enthusiasm for the VX. Glad you caught the addiction. Hope to see you next year.
Justin- Say it isn't so! We are going to miss seeing you in your Ebony! You better still make it to Moab. Regardless of what you are driving.
and more pics...
on our way....
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...on_our_way.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...watches_us.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rail_day_1.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3/vx_run_3.jpg
The motley bunch...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...spectators.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rail_day_2.jpg
Now who's this???
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...o_-_vrooom.jpg
Oh, you... should have known.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3/say_what.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3233/ldub_1.jpg
The lunch crowd.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...lunch_time.jpg
Hells Revenge.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._revenge_1.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3233/billy_2.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3/moncha_1.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3/moncha_3.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3/moncha_2.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3233/hr_1.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3233/hr_2.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3233/gizmo.jpg
Cheers to everyone!
I'm in serious Moab withdrawal at this moment, can't wait until next year.