2020 March Anniversary Run...

[FINOCJ]

Its getting close to that time of year again when the March anniversary run occurs. March will mark another year of FR4X4 and we usually have an 'anniversary' run to commemorate. We will still hold the official anniversary run of China Wall in June when it opens for the season - but this run commemorates the founding month of the first run (which originally was held on China Wall before seasonal closures). As we are commemorating the March anniversary month (as opposed to the specific trail) we are open to discussion on what trail to run.

As its March the snow is starting build - we have limited options and want to choose a trail that provides a range of vehicle and driver abilities and challenge . Illinois Gulch/Lil Moab is always good as its basically pretty mellow dirt roads in the rampart range (unless covered with snow) with one or two interesting obstacles with lots of park-n-play and good for spectating/socializing and the generally large group we had. The 3 gulches are also nearby, can be reasonably good for easier (Metberry) to more challenging (Hackett and Longwater), and could also accommodate a large group if we split up in 3 (1 for each gulch). How much snow is on the trails will also affect the conditions and challenge significantly. Other options that come to mind could possibly include Miller Rock?....other suggestions? Post up if you have a trail suggestion that would be open and feasible in March (minimal snow), is reasonable access for our front range members, and could potentially accommodate a large group.

Here are some run report threads from the past few years:
http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?27365-2019-03-16-Anniversary-Run-Little-Moab-amp-MORE!!
http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/...nniversary-run (http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?26555-3-17-2018-Lil-Moab-quasi-anniversary-run)

In terms of potential dates - March has 4 saturdays/sundays this year: 3/7-8, 3/14-15, 3/21-22, 3/28-29.
I will put up a poll of the individual day - please post for any and all that you would commit to going. Our hope would be to put this on the calendar a few weeks in advance. In the past, noting the start of DST has been helpful, as I think many find it preferable to go after DST has started - DST starts on Sun March 8.

Thanks!

[The StRanger]

Watching.

[Coonburger]

As for trail kinda depends how much snow we have lol. I am down for whatever though.

[RockyMtRebel]

Miller rock will not be passable, can’t even get in to the first switchback!

I like the idea of one of the Gulches

[FINOCJ]

bump...Poll closes 2/26....

[The StRanger]

Never ran The Gutches. It’s just when and weather.
not really into freezing my keaster off in a topless.
and I work the 21st.

[Jim]

Once the date poll closes will you be putt'n up a trail poll?

Like Sam, I don't think I've ever been to the gulches (and could!).

[FINOCJ]

Once the date poll closes will you be putt'n up a trail poll?

I could....based on the likely preferred date (3/28), I will not be able to attend, so others will have to decide, but I can post the poll. Was also thinking we could just have the discussion of trail options (kind of sounding like either the gulches or Lil Moab) and then just post up the run? But, sure, we can put up a poll - do we want a 3rd (or 4th) trail option? the Gulches can be fun, but it may really depend on snow? Gulches would be the priority, but if a big snow comes in, then maybe an alternate plan might need to be in place?

[FINOCJ]

Poll closes in an hour....
Do we have any other trail suggestions: Lil Moab, Gulches....????....
The good news is that by the end of march, there might be some melting....or maybe just a big spring easterly dump of snow....I would guess some of the trails in the 4mile area would be runnable in March (if they are open), but no challenging 4wd obstacles....Chinaman's is a possibility, but might be a bit too challenging (especially with snow)....there is some trails down my Mt Rose near C-Springs?

[Brian]

Eagle Rock is open year round close to C-Springs. Definitely has some challenging parts.

[FINOCJ]

Eagle Rock is open year round close to C-Springs. Definitely has some challenging parts.

Thats the one I was thinking of...I think there is a bit of a network there, and you can run part or all of eagle rock as you like....I am definitely interested in doing that one at some point (won't be able to on 3/28).

[FINOCJ]

ok - looks like it will be March 28! With 11 votes - hopefully that means some good turnout. I will post up a new thread and poll asking about which trail selection. Right now, I would put 3 options:
1) Rainbow Falls/Lil Moab area
2) Gulches (Longwater, Metberry, Hackett) area
3) Eagle Rock area - this includes Bull Park and Saran Wrap area as well (I think).
any other suggestions?

[goSlo]

Eagle Rock area does include Bull Park and Saran Wrap, also Mt. Baldy. Combined it's around 23 miles.
My next run up that way I had planned on starting at Saran Wrap (west) to Eagle Rock to Bull Park (turn around) then Eagle Rock to Mt. Baldy and out. Looking at recent descriptions of Saran Wrap though, it sounds like it has eroded quite a bit, I wouldn't want to take a stock vehicle on it.

The gulches are usually always good to go, on Longwater gulch if there's any snow, the large hill in front of 'the slab' can definitely be sketchy with no real area to turn around. I love the end of Longwater though because there's a very large area to gather right next to the South Platte river. Definitely my favorite of the three gulch trails.

For something real mild, we could consider Mt. Herman Rd to Rampart Range Rd and possibly Schubarth trail. With the amount of snow we've had this year even something rated 1 'easy' will still have some challenging spots I'm certain.

Rainbow Falls seems to be the ol' standby ( less snow though, I get it ), I would love to try something different. Just my two cents.

[JandDGreens]

Hi Aron how are you all?

I'm not sure if I can make the anniversary run this year. Really busy that week and might not be in town anyhow. Wish I could.

[goSlo]

Hi Aron how are you all?

I'm not sure if I can make the anniversary run this year. Really busy that week and might not be in town anyhow. Wish I could.

David, good to hear from ya! We are doing good out this way, a little bummed to see the snow just keeps coming. Seems like it's going to be September before trails like Mosquito pass are 100% open.

Hate to hear you won't be out for this run, but we have plenty of year left, let's definitely get a run in.

98 days until my week in Moab, (June 8), I've run every trail at least 4 times via Youtube, I'm so ready to do it for real.

[JandDGreens]

That's funny, one of my favorite videos is the one of the woman that went on a trail with a guide as she drove her rental with the co-pilot (another guide) coaching her as she navigates the trail. Kind of like the Black bear video with the hysterical lady. She gives you an entertaining feel of what trails in Moab are like.

Hope you have the time of your life, tune-up your AC your going to need it!

[Jackie]

98 days until my week in Moab, (June 8), I've run every trail at least 4 times via Youtube, I'm so ready to do it for real.

June... you're a brave one! Hit the trails before the sun rises, bring more water than ever before, find a place to stay that has A/C and a swimming pool, and you will have no regrets!

[goSlo]

with the hysterical lady... To da left, to da left! haha!

Yes we originally planned it for March but my sis wanted warmer temps overall. AC is ready, plan on running early mornings and the heat should make the river boat trip feel pretty good!

[Chris]

I want to come! :lmao:

[FINOCJ]

I want to come! :lmao:

I am sure Jim will let you drive his Honda....

[Jim]

Lemmme work on getting the 20 foot elevation pressurization system working again...