Kingston Peak 8/29

[TyTheJeepGuy]

First off, there is another planned run for Kingston Peak for 8/22 so don't confuse that with this one. I will also be joining for that one but a friend is unavailable, so I'm going to also go on 8/29 and wanted to post here in case some club members wanted to join.

Friend got a new GC Trailhawk with a little taste of trail at Fall River Reservoir but now he's ready for a "real" trail.

I planned out a route on Gaia but I will also attach the GPX for what I'm thinking of running. Its basically just standard Kingston Peak and I think it will be cool to go through the Tolland ghost town on the way to Rollinsville. So we'll be starting from the Alice Rd. entrance in St Marys.

Should be excellent views and fun driving; and if there are some new members (even newer than me) who are interested this a great beginners route in my opinion. Plus you will get an introduction to the area which has a great network of beginner to medium difficulty trails.

I'll see how the time and place for the meetup for the other Kingston Peak run on 8/22 goes and probably do the same for this trip.

Link if you have Gaia, otherwise GPX is attached:
https://www.gaiagps.com/public/VJK44Zkr6AiMJ5NamqXGDf7a

[derf]

I might could go on this one. I've done the trail several times over the years but I need a good trail to test out a few changes I made to the XJ. Still, it would be my first time as a club member.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Cool! My friend and I are XJ fans so we'd love to have one along.

[Tom]

South to North huh?

[TyTheJeepGuy]

South to North huh?

Is that against normal traffic?

[derf]

I've run it both ways. Each time, I've met oncoming traffic.

[open_circuit]

I've always encountered people going both directions on trail. I've just happened to only run from Blackhawk to Alice rather than the other way around.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Ok cool. I think the easy ride through Tolland and then nice scenic route home (at least for me) would be cool. Also I'm pretty familiar with the Fall River Road/Alice/St Marys side of things and not so much the Blackhawk side so a bit easier to plan meeting up on that side for me, though Trent has posted a good meetup spot on his planning thread.

[Tom]

Is that against normal traffic?
I too have seen and run it both ways. One just need to be a little aware of people coming up from just below Kingston peak and the shelfie section coming up to the overlook below Kingston peak. They have the right of way.

[open_circuit]

Following this thread since I'm not going to pursue a run on the 22nd.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Where would be the air-up spot after running this from the Blackhawk side? Could that work as a meetup spot? I have ran a lot from Alice (Lomond, Fall River Res, Yankee Hill) but it was usually just me so I didn't need a wide area for several rigs to rendezvous and air down. Maybe I'm having to force it too much and should just plan on running it that way; I just would like to pass through Tolland to Rollinsville for the scenic highway route home from the trail. If its easier to meet up on the other side that works too

[open_circuit]

It isn't easy to find a good air-up spot coming back. There aren't a lot of good places in Alice or St Mary's area since most of the parking is paid and the residents don't want you stopping elsewhere. We often just roll through and take Yankee Hill back over towards Blackhawk.

Where do you air down on the Alice/St Mary's side?

[Tom]

It isn't easy to find a good air-up spot coming back. There aren't a lot of good places in Alice or St Mary's area since most of the parking is paid and the residents don't want you stopping elsewhere. We often just roll through and take Yankee Hill back over towards Blackhawk.

Where do you air down on the Alice/St Mary's side?
I have aired up several times by the old lodge next to silver lake with no issues. There is a parking lot for the old lodge there.
39°49'48.2"N 105°38'23.3"W
https://goo.gl/maps/b2Y774MSVWcyuSJ4A

[TyTheJeepGuy]

I usually would air down along a first section of trail where it was plenty wide to pass me. Since it was just my rig it wasn't an issue but would be a bit annoying with multiple. There's a stretch of road just outside of the entrance to Lomond's trail that could work too, but I think meeting up at the lodge that Tom just posted is a good idea. Are we ok with a meeting time of 10am?

[glacierpaul]

It isn't easy to find a good air-up spot coming back. There aren't a lot of good places in Alice or St Mary's area since most of the parking is paid and the residents don't want you stopping elsewhere. We often just roll through and take Yankee Hill back over towards Blackhawk.

Where do you air down on the Alice/St Mary's side?

Technically, all the parking is paid, as parking on county roads is illegal in Clear Creek. Us residents only dislike the folks who disregard the signs and laws. Us Jeep's are simply airing up or down, and leaving. Not parking illegally and going on a hike. I know the big building at Mine Rd. Below the Yankee start in Alice, do not like anyone in their parking lot. But if you are on side of road, not blocking traffic, your good to go. And if anyone gives you ****, yell them you know me. May see you guys out and about, not sure I can commit to the run yet.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

I think we can meet at this section of Alice Rd, I often see groups meeting up there and even trucks unloading trailers about to take a toy up to Lomond: https://goo.gl/maps/4Q7VxgidVWHVVpBn6
We'll just head north after rendezvous/air down/prep and go up Kingston Peak. Like Paul said, we aren't parking there to go on a hike (which I've seen people who can't make it up to Lomond do). If we aren't blocking driveways and overstaying our welcome we should be fine.

Thoughts from those interested in this run?

[tirefoamcan]

I'm interested in going on a run. Would my F150 be able to do this run? I changed my wheels over to a set of AT's. Other than that, it's stock. I don't have all of the things I'd like to have to go on runs, but should be getting some stuff in before this run.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Hi Andy, I'm not familiar with F150s but I am planning this to be joinable by beginners. Do you know what size your tires are? What trim is your F150?

[tirefoamcan]

I have Goodyear Wrangler AT 275/65R18. My F150 is a STX Super Crew with a 5.5' bed. I have 4x4 high/low with rear e-lock.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Cool, I'll let others chime in since I'm still learning myself, but you have 32" tires and a rear locker, with low range 4x4. I think you'll be fine on this trail. I'm sure you're already aware but just a reminder that no matter how built up your rig is there is always a chance of something going wrong, so there's some amount of risk you accept every time you do a trail. Something like getting some cosmetic damage to your rims could happen here but otherwise I have seen videos of less-capable vehicles doing this trail. I and others in the club bring recovery gear along as well which is one of the advantages of going with a club.

[tirefoamcan]

Perfect, thanks! I'm OK with the risk of something going wrong. Much better to go with a club for sure in case, I agree. Someone gave me a towing strap long ago, but no D Rings. I'll plan to meet up with the group!

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Ok cool. Andy, if you have a two-way radio my friend in the GC and I will have one. CB Radio even cooler but the GC doesn't have one.

Once we settle on a rendezvous/air down spot I'll add this run to planned runs and put it on the calendar.

[derf]

I have run Kingston Peak on 235/75R15 tires (28-29" tall) on my Cherokee with open differenitals before I upgraded. Aside from a few spots for careful tire placement to avoid touching the skid plate, I had zero problems making the whole run.

I also have a spare handheld CB if anyone needs to borrow it for the day.

[tirefoamcan]

Great! I have my HAM license and a mobile 2m. Is there a specific 2-way radio I can pick up before hand?

[Tom]

Lockers are definitely NOT needed on Kingston. I first ran it in a 79 chevy luv 4x4 and have run it in a stock JK. It hasn’t changed much at all since 79.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Right, I wouldn't think lockers would be needed but was mostly just listing it out as nice that he has one. We'll just get out and spot through the bigger rocks if needed, no shame in asking for a spot as always.

Andy I'm working on my ham license but can't transmit yet. I bring my handheld along just to listen in and have a potential way of getting help in an emergency.

[derf]

Great! I have my HAM license and a mobile 2m. Is there a specific 2-way radio I can pick up before hand?

I'll have my 2m rig in my Cherokee. I'm W0JPR. I'll probably hang out on 146.520 until we get together and maybe pick another frequency for the run.

I have a Midland 75 CB radio. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000K2YR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It comes with a battery pack converter that lets you run off vehicle power and plug into a vehicle antenna. I mostly use it as my backup handheld now.

[tirefoamcan]

I dug out my Wouxon 2m HT, but the battery isn't the greatest. And it can only transmit 144-148 and 420-450. I think I'm going to pick up a Tenway dual band that can transmit from 136-174 and 400-520. I'm KC8JUH

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SCSQFBK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A12LSB7OPT9DF4&psc=1

This is my first time on a real trail. I came from SE Michigan where the potholes are considered off road. I'm excited to get out and find some more challenging trips.

[Jim]

This is my first time on a real trail.

You'll enjoy the above timberline views!

[derf]

I dug out my Wouxon 2m HT, but the battery isn't the greatest. And it can only transmit 144-148 and 420-450. I think I'm going to pick up a Tenway dual band that can transmit from 136-174 and 400-520. I'm KC8JUH

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SCSQFBK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A12LSB7OPT9DF4&psc=1

This is my first time on a real trail. I came from SE Michigan where the potholes are considered off road. I'm excited to get out and find some more challenging trips.

While ham is a better overall technology, 90%+ of people off road use CBs because they're easier and don't require a license. I run both in my Jeep. CB lets me talk with most everyone. Ham lets me get through on repeaters if I need it. Check out Colorado Connection (https://www.colcon.org/) for a good state wide repeater network that has some coverage in the area.

Kingston Peak will be a good first trail. It's not a really hard trail but you'll have fun and learn a bit if its your first time off road.

[Tom]

I dug out my Wouxon 2m HT, but the battery isn't the greatest. And it can only transmit 144-148 and 420-450. I think I'm going to pick up a Tenway dual band that can transmit from 136-174 and 400-520. I'm KC8JUH

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SCSQFBK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A12LSB7OPT9DF4&psc=1

This is my first time on a real trail. I came from SE Michigan where the potholes are considered off road. I'm excited to get out and find some more challenging trips.
I believe only myself, Max, derf, and you are the only hams in the club. KE0WTC here amateur extra.

The link you posted is for a uv5r. Theses are only 5 watts regardless of the ad stating 8 watts. Good little radios though. I have two. One I use for APRS with a 40 watt amplifier.

I have three radios in my rig: uv-5r, ft-8900r, and a cb.

I might join in this run so bring along your ham radio.

[derf]

I believe only myself, Max and you are the only hams in the club. KE0WTC here amateur extra.

Count me in as well. New to the club but I've been a ham for several years. W0JPR here

I'll be running a Kenwood TM-D710GA with APRS running.

[Tom]

Count me in as well. New to the club but I've been a ham for several years. W0JPR here

I'll be running a Kenwood TM-D710GA with APRS running.
Modified my post to include you.

[Tom]

Sounds to me like there is enough interest for to a planned run thread and a calendar event.

[tirefoamcan]

I'll pick up the UV-5R, and look for a portable CB to add in. I have an iCOM IC-229H that I'll eventually install. Debating on using a stake mount for the antenna or drilling a hole in the roof. With a 1/4 wave I have for it, I'll probably drill a hole.

Looking forward to the run.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Cool I'll set it up. Also I made it a "quarantine" goal to get licensed but it took too long for the book to come in, I only got halfway through. But the goal is still there :)

[derf]

I'll pick up the UV-5R, and look for a portable CB to add in. I have an iCOM IC-229H that I'll eventually install. Debating on using a stake mount for the antenna or drilling a hole in the roof. With a 1/4 wave I have for it, I'll probably drill a hole.

Looking forward to the run.

I have a spare UV-5R if you want to borrow it for the run.

I run a 1/4 wave antenna in the middle of my roof. Works pretty well and still fits in the garage without too much issue.

[Tom]

Cool I'll set it up. Also I made it a "quarantine" goal to get licensed but it took too long for the book to come in, I only got halfway through. But the goal is still there :)
I never used a book for my licenses. Used online sites. My fav is https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/study.jsp, but hamstudy.org is also good.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Thanks Tom, I'll give those a try too. I like having books to reference later as well.

Also, the trail run has been posted and is available for RSVP.

[Tom]

I'll pick up the UV-5R, and look for a portable CB to add in. I have an iCOM IC-229H that I'll eventually install. Debating on using a stake mount for the antenna or drilling a hole in the roof. With a 1/4 wave I have for it, I'll probably drill a hole.

Looking forward to the run.
If you buy a uv-5r I would suggest a programming cable. (https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-PC03-Genuine-Programming-Cable/dp/B00HUB0ONK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=IPPDETGY50HP&dchild=1&keywords=uv-5r+programming+cable&qid=1597958228&sprefix=Uv-5r+%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-2)

And download free programming software Chirp from https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

It is way easier to computer program the frequencies then trying to set them manually.

[tirefoamcan]

I have a cable from my Wouxun. I'll see if it would work with the uv-5r.

Would this trip be kid friendly? I have a 5 and 7 year old. They want to come as well as my wife.

[Tom]

I have a cable from my Wouxun. I'll see if it would work with the uv-5r.

Would this trip be kid friendly? I have a 5 and 7 year old. They want to come as well as my wife.
Yes it is. I took my grandkids 6 and 11 last time around. They will love the mailbox at the top.

Wouxun cable would work I believe if it would work with a kenwood.

[Jim]

They will love the mailbox at the top.

Have the kids bring a rock that they can leave at the mailbox. If they paint a saying (or their name/s) on the rock - all the better.

Rock pile around the mailbox (palm/fist (small) size recommended)

https://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50615&stc=1&d=1595995377

[glacierpaul]

I

Would this trip be kid friendly? I have a 5 and 7 year old. They want to come as well as my wife.

While I haven't been on an official club run in awhile, my boy grew up going on all our runs, and Colorado mountains are kid friendly, both mine have been raised in the mountains. Wheeling the whole time, pregnant to now. Just make sure to spend as much time with them as possible. My boy is ready to start wheeling, I just have to get out of the drivers seat :lmao:

[Tom]

Might I suggest 146.400 simplex for a 2 meter frequency on this run?
Channel 4 cb

[derf]

Works for me.

[tirefoamcan]

Works for me. Installed my radio today. Haven't had it in a vehicle for 8 years now! Feels good.

[derf]

So I have some friends that want to join me. Total of 3 additional vehicles. Being my first "official" run with the group, I wanted to ask if there is any problem bringing along a few extra people that aren't on the forum. I'm guessing that the informality of the "not a club" approach will be good with it but I just wanted to double check.

[Jim]

Not a problem / the more the merrier. After all - they're public trails.

About the only concern that could arise if there was someone that detracted from the "family friendly" atmosphere.

[derf]

Not a problem / the more the merrier. After all - they're public trails.

About the only concern that could arise if there was someone that detracted from the "family friendly" atmosphere.

There shouldn't be any problem with family friendly.

Thanks, I'll let them know.