New Year's Day - Bunce School Road

[cfr]

Pinched brake line on my JK so I'm the first one back. Was able to work around it on the trail and make it home. No pics of the trail. Will post in the "Carnage" forum later.

[a_brick_short]

I'm uploading a few...OK, like 40. That'll take a bit, but they're uploading now.

[Max]

Bunce and Ironclads were short and fun!

Here is the full album, lots more pictures in there! imgur.com/a/AK4tI (http://imgur.com/a/AK4tI)

http://i.imgur.com/cMgkcnEl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zBeuUyIl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BZSfqJ0l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8Q9jyNhl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EZ8wqUEl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Gh2dAQ9l.jpg

[flashboiler]

Good times!

[Max]

The second hard part. Left turn uphill in deeper snow.

http://i.imgur.com/0oBwN5Rl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Qr2mg4ql.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Vw6VUuOl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zl8d1tzl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/T5FBtoRl.jpg

[Max]

http://youtu.be/qYDpu_aq0PU



http://youtu.be/Tg1gJyJc2vM

[dr350jja]

Pinched brake line on my JK so I'm the first one back. Was able to work around it on the trail and make it home. No pics of the trail. Will post in the "Carnage" forum later.

Sorry to hear that Charles. Hope it's not too tough to replace. We finally made it up and around the Ironclads loop. Took a LOT of effort. :D

[a_brick_short]

Took a LOT of effort

And lots of skinny pedal. In some cases, too much...

[GaryG]

Huge turnout for this run, 13 vehicles in all, really too big a group for this trail, us guys at the back sat around for a couple hours listening to the others slowly making it up the hill. Clint and I finally bailed to at least go run the school road. There wasn't a whole lot of snow, but we hit a couple spots. Got to the first gate and it was closed so we headed back and went up ironclads to see how things were going. The group was just meeting up after making the loop.
Here's a few photos...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--hzomOK2SvY/UsSpdURlFNI/AAAAAAAAbfE/WycpSuwf-VU/w1597-h564-no/IMG_0483-PANO.jpg
Snow compliments of Google :D
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FpoljjG8T6I/UsSpgiKPO8I/AAAAAAAAbfM/Y9WpmXzixnE/w800-h600-no/IMG_0487-SNOW.gif

Traffic jam
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y74zYd7KqpQ/UsSpQyxMLTI/AAAAAAAAbe4/-s-ZiQZAVzk/w1152-h864-no/IMG_0488.JPG

"Deep" snow on Bunce
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FMFfpKh7L6M/UsSplgHPIWI/AAAAAAAAbfg/Fzvy7i3yrDI/w1152-h864-no/IMG_0491.JPG


Thanks for coming out everybody!:bowdown:

[teamhypoxia]

Short run but I was really glad to validate my recovery stuff (finally got to use my winch) and my compressor setup.

Also a cool way to kick off the new year.

Thanks to Rob for backing me down the hill and keeping me out of trouble:thumb:

[a_brick_short]

Here's the album of photos Lia and I took. Sorry for the delay, but the photos are huge and uploading took FOR. EVER. If anyone cares to nab each URL and BBCode them into the post, feel free. We're all napped up an headed to dinner with the folks. Thanks for your hospitality, all!

http://imgur.com/a/6MuUf (http://imgur.com/a/6MuUf)

[dr350jja]

Short run but I was really glad to validate my recovery stuff (finally got to use my winch) and my compressor setup.

Yeah, I was glad I put a winch on Li'l Blue. Came in very handy today. :thumb:

[dr350jja]

Here's the album of photos Lia and I took.

Awesome pics! Thanks.

[Rick]

[quote=a_brick_short;250744]And lots of skinny pedal. In some cases, too much...[/quote Not sure what I broke yet but will look on a warmer day in my driveway(suspecting hub or axle) but anyhow without that "skinny pedal" you go nowhere as we saw today:steer::steer::steer:

[javaman34]

Sounds like you guys had fun. Sorry I missed it, but family comes first. Besides, I need some new tires for the old girl and I think until I have those on, it is a pavement princess.

[Rob]

Fun day. I came close to flopping the 40 only once. :D Sorry to all those in the back who waited while those in the front wrassled with the ledge on the loop.

Only got a few pics today.

[Rob]

And a couple more.

[dr350jja]

Thanks for coming out everybody

x2

[Max]

http://i.imgur.com/IQ30GXt.jpg

This is what you get when you're one of the first to go! Haha

[a_brick_short]

[quote=a_brick_short;250744]And lots of skinny pedal. In some cases, too much...[/quote Not sure what I broke yet but will look on a warmer day in my driveway(suspecting hub or axle) but anyhow without that "skinny pedal" you go nowhere as we saw today:steer::steer::steer:


Oh, I know. I just don't have the guts to do what you do, and my rig isn't NEAR as beefy as yours. I was impressed with yours today. You made it look easy!

[a_brick_short]

http://i.imgur.com/IQ30GXt.jpg

This is what you get when you're one of the first to go! Haha

Yep! That photo doesn't really even do it justice either...

[dr350jja]

Yep! That photo doesn't really even do it justice either...

x2
You're right about that!

[dr350jja]

Max and Derek have some awesome pics from today. Thanks a bunch :thumb:

[dr350jja]

And so it begins...the first run of the year brings in the NEW 2014 Wheeler Badges :steer:

[sunk]

Wow, big group. Looks like a fun time! I'm jealous, when is the next snow run!

[The StRanger]

Wished I could made it.. Oh well.
Thanks for the pics, Ill make next time..

[94ToyBear]

Had a good time ! Nice meeting everyone !

[Jim]

when is the next snow run!

Start a planning thread and get something rolling...

[Max]

The group was a bit big for this type of run. I didn't see the last few people in line pretty much the whole time, and I only got pictures of the rigs that I was close to.

What is the solution? Break into two groups and go on different trails? Have each group go different directions on the same trail (as long as there's room to pass going the opposite direction)? Limit the run to a certain number?

[Jim]

I could see, as a couple folks did, split into a Bunce/Ironclads group set (realizing other trails would not offer the flexibility).

I think I saw the "max vehicles" feature in the forum software - I'll take another look and may activate it, with a high default rigs number (15) and people could limit it down if need be.

[ExplorerTom]

I would guess you'd also need to have enough knowledge of the trail to know that it couldn't handle that many rigs ahead of time. There probably aren't that many trails that can handle that many.

[Jackie]

Max number has been discussed on here before... It's probably easiest for the planner to limit the number right from the first post saying "I'd like to limit this run to 5 rigs" (or whatever). A second group could always form and just plan a later start than the first group just to keep it simple... Could always meet up later...

[WW2AVG]

My two cents...

I like the idea of limiting it. We had a great turnout, but probably too great! If the organizer could set a hard limit, that might be handy. It seems reasonable that the organizer should be able to limit how many vehicles he/she is willing to deal with.

In hindsight, we probably should have broken into two groups: one started on Ironclads and one on Bunce. Then maybe "swap" after? Easy to say that now, but as it unfolded I don't think we had a good feel for how hard that first obstacle was going to be.

Another option/idea might be to break into several groups when we realize interest is high and stagger the starts as Jackie suggested. I don't see there being any way to make a hard and fast rule. It would seem that each organizer just needs to make a call and decide which way is best. I suspect that is a lot easier said than done though!

I had done Ironclads once when there was no snow. I didn't remember enough about it to know how hard it was. Since it was dry when I had done it before I wasn't terribly worried, but a lot depended on how much snow we had. I didn't have a good feel for what to expect there and how much more difficult it would make the trail. Early on I was "elected" to break the trail. (That was actually quite fun!) There were (IMHO) two difficult obstacles. Once we got past those I think it went pretty smooth. As the lead vehicle, I spent a lot of time parked waiting for people to catch up. I'm sure it was similar at the other end of the line! I didn't stay for all the winching at the first obstacle, but I was there for two uses of the winch plus watched 2 or 3 more go up on their own. With a large group, it might be worth borrowing an idea from "The Ultimate Adventure" and after a few tries out comes the winch? Again, no way to make a hard and fast rule, but maybe just some ideas to keep in mind if we have a large group on a difficult trail (Ironclads isn't "usually" difficult, but the snow bumped it up a few points!).

One last thought and then I'll be quiet! Limiting the number of vehicles is a start. IMHO, I think the organizer should be free to put any conditions on the run that he/she feels necessary. So, my question is: Should the organizer also be free to specify things like tow points, winch, lockers, radio, etc?

I had a good time just the same. I was the first one up the first obstacle. It took front and rear lockers, but I made it. However, I will mention that it was not totally easy and I actually backed/slid(?) into a tree on the first attempt. I seemed to touch very gently as my son told me I was on the tree (I didn't feel it). However, it was enough to push the tire carrier into the tailgate and crunch it a bit! I'll try to get a carnage photo later and post it!

As I said I was as the first obstacle for maybe the first 5 or 6 folks up. Then it was time for me to press on. I will say that while shoveling, winching, and pushing people up there was no shortage of volunteers! Everyone was chipping in and doing what needed to be done! Everyone was helpful and pleasant. I really enjoyed the crowd!

[JAB]

Had a good time meeting everyone yesterday, looking forward to more of the same this year!

[94ToyBear]

Had a good time meeting everyone yesterday, looking forward to more of the same this year!

Nice to meet you Josh. If you need any help looking for an 8.8 yell at me.

[Jim]

threadjack...

Regarding limiting trucks:

With the questions of "how many trucks would x trail handle" and "what options are there for a large group" those questions would be best handled in the planning thread. If the organizer does not know the info, likely someone else will pipe up.

Should the organizer wish to limit trucks (and/or list options for splitting a group), that can simply be listed in the calendar info (and likely the planned run thread).

[Max]

A downside to limiting the amount of rigs on a trail is if someone backs out at the last minute, it may be too late for anyone else to go.

[jdawg33]

Looks like a great run, sorry I missed it. I really need to get my JKU out on some trails soon.

[Cr33p3r]

Good pics and videos thanks for sharing everyone.

[dr350jja]

In hindsight, we probably should have broken into two groups: one started on Ironclads and one on Bunce. Then maybe "swap" after? Easy to say that now, but as it unfolded I don't think we had a good feel for how hard that first obstacle was going to be.

Think you are right. I think the 'snow runs' need the careful planning consideration, because it can take a 'lot' longer to get through the trail, as opposed to a 'dry' trail. Probably would be good to find a trail where we can have groups start in different areas of the trail. We did this same trail last New Year's day with only 5 rigs and this wasn't an issue.

[Rick]

Not sure what I broke yet but will look on a warmer day in my driveway(suspecting hub or axle) but anyhow without that "skinny pedal" you go nowhere as we saw today Well,got it apart this morning and it is a broke axle.Sheared right at the splines going into the carrier(driver side)..next up, Chromoly...any good or bad on Yukons???Savin up to upgrade but do not want garbage...suggestions would be great...good or bad..Thanks in advance

[Rick]

just spoke for 45 minutes with Chris at Randys Ring and Pinion..got the whole package for 600 bucks.....be here on wed.....maybe get it done for the march run.............

[xaza]

:woot:

[flashboiler]

..suggestions would be great..

Stop driving like a maniac! :D

[xaza]

lol

[C-Bo]

Stop driving like a maniac! :D

Hes got chromoly now, time for bigger tires AND maniac driving!!

[Rick]

Stop driving like a maniac! :Dthat is a great suggestion which I believe I will adhere too:thumb:

[a_brick_short]

that is a great suggestion which I believe I will adhere too:thumb:

That won't be very fun to watch :(

[Rick]

That won't be very fun to watch :(probably wont last long:D

[a_brick_short]

Either way, I'm glad you got your parts on order and will be back in business soon. Sorry about your wallet though. $600 hurts...

[Rick]

thats for both sides and ujoints..was looking at RCV's and thats $2500 so for now the cheaper route didnt seem so bad...

[Rick]

I just gotta remember how much torque that thing has along with 40" tires something will break with enough throttle if not careful....

[a_brick_short]

Wow. I never really thought about the cost difference. I wonder if the RCVs are worth it.

[Rick]

I wonder if the RCVs are worth it.my Dad has them on his truck and swears by them but his pockets are much deeper than mine...

[a_brick_short]

I considered that route for my front end as well. Maybe Santa will being me a winning lottery ticket this year.

[Rick]

I considered that route for my front end as wellthey say you wont break them...They also have aircraft grade for bit more

[a_brick_short]

Yeah, I just read their guarantee. "Big power? Big tires? No problem. If you break or bend them, we'll by them back." It's $2,600 for all four shafts on my Rubicon...hmmmm....

[Rick]

t's $2,600 for all four shafts on my Rubicon...hmmmm....not bad

[Rick]

maybe get it done for the march run.............Chromos are in........:woot:

[a_brick_short]

I'd actually be interested in helping you put them in. I've never done anything like that before and I could use the experience. If you don't mind me being a pain in your garage, give me a shout

[Rick]

I'd actually be interested in helping you put them in. I've never done anything like that before and I could use the experience. If you don't mind me being a pain in your garage, give me a shoutI meant literally....Sorry, I would of had no problem with you helping....next time:D

[a_brick_short]

Oh. Bummer. Glad you're all fixed up though!