Wheeler Lake

[Chris]

It was nice to finally do Wheeler lake though the weather could have been better. :lol: Great turnout (8 trucks) considering how crappy it was, nice meeting folks I hadn't before and seeing others that I hadn't for a while.

I hope everyone made it home w/o incident, visibility couldn't have been much worse.

One pic at the lake.

[Brody]

Great meeting some new folks and seeing friends! Impressive turnout, especially with the weather. Looked like the only other rig that had been up there recently was a buggy on Boggers.

And I love seeing Jeeps with those killer long arm suspensions just strut their stuff! Too bad Dave Pritchett wasn't here, too.

Here are some pictures and the photobucket link for the rest:
http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/WheelerLakeOct08127.jpg
http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/WheelerLakeOct08139.jpg
http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/WheelerLakeOct08146.jpg
http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/WheelerLakeOct08150.jpg
http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/WheelerLakeOct08151.jpg
http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/WheelerLakeOct08157.jpg
http://s537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/ladawn_12/Wheeler%20Oct%2008/


Late August or early September is really the time to do this trail as the wild flowers are in bloom then. I think that the last time that I ran it was during this time and I hiked around the lake while my buddy fished. The flowers were beautiful, and, of course, I didn't have my camera with me...

When we did the late China Wall run last year and everyone except me and LaDawn and Tye and Stella went back home via Tarryall to Hwy24, we hit a white out snow storm about 2 miles off the trailheal. It lasted until Conifer before it opened up a little. Took over 3 1/2 hours to get back home and we were using the reflective markers on the road side to locate the road.

[FourLo]

Had a great time! I look forward to future runs with you folks.

[Chris]

I didn't get many pics but here's a few...

[Pathrat]

Great pictures! Thanks for the link Brody!

I will run mine through and post up too.

[Pathrat]

Great run, the weather definitely added some interest. I enjoyed the early taste of winter, no doubt this trail would be spectacular in September.

Next stop OCG :D

Pathrat, you are definitely ready :thunb:

Good to meet you Nay! and thank you for the vote of confidence for OCG. Great shots of you on the really big rock piles.

I may be ready but the undercarriage might not be! Wow, lots of smash marks under there after Wheeler. However, after my new suspension set up I hope I can minimize that.

[4Runninfun]

... lots of smash marks under there after Wheeler...

just beauty marks!


...However, after my new suspension set up I hope I can minimize that.

sounds like a perfectly justified reason to get a lift to me :lol:

looks like fun!

[SCRubicon]

Damn, and I was awake @ 6:30 and everything... :D Looked out the window, rolled over, then went back to sleep. Great pics!

[Funrover]

Great pics, looks like a great run! I was thinking about you guys when Jess and I headed up to Lake George last night

[ShutUpHippie]

That place looks like a lot of fun, great pictures! Where is Wheeler Lake located?

[Funrover]

That place looks like a lot of fun, great pictures! Where is Wheeler Lake located?

Just off Hoosier Pass. It's a few miles up from Alma, CO. County Road 4 is your turn off. Basically it's a mile or so from the summit of Hoosier Pass on the Alma side.
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=40

[Tye]

Great pics folks, thanks for posting and making me jealous.

[Chris]

You had as much fun at the wedding, right? ;)

[4Runner3Wheeler]

http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f366/4runner3wheeler/

Here are more pics

[Funrover]

Man I miss that trail, I won't get to it this year!

[Pathrat]

just beauty marks!

Then my rig is super-pretty after this season, like she had plastic surgery!

sounds like a perfectly justified reason to get a lift to me :lol:

looks like fun!

I am already signed up for the buy. :smokin:

AND, I am working on my pictures. The ones already posted and the video are better. I was relying a lot on Hugh to get the good shots, and he did.

[Pathrat]

http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f366/4runner3wheeler/

Here are more pics

Andy, GREAT PICTURES! You were able to snap a ton, get everyone doing something, and make it look like we were really doing some cool trail obstacles! Thanks!:thunb:

[Brody]

Andy

Great pictures, man! You sure managed to get around outside while a lot of us (including me) were hiding from the weather. Good to meet and wheel with you.

Got any questions on ice climbing places, books or gear, feel free to give me a call or e-mail. I know some areas that are pretty cool, that freeze over in certain conditions and aren't mentioned anywhere at all.

303-507-3066 or peterbrody4@brody4.cnc.net

Hey Shutuphippie

On the vehicles suspension:

I don't think that anyone on this site has ever knowingly or willingly altered their suspension on their vehicles. I, for one, would never consider it, and I bet nobody else would either. Am I right or what?

Speaking of which...

Hey Pathrat

Who is going to do your suspension lift and what kind is it? Send me an e-mail or call

Pete

[Telly]

Wheeler Lake was fun! Good mix of scenery, obstacles and company. Thanks. Doug

[Tye]

You had as much fun at the wedding, right? ;)

O SUUUUUURE:rant:

[Chris]

I don't think that anyone on this site has ever knowingly or willingly altered their suspension on their vehicles. I, for one, would never consider it, and I bet nobody else would either. Am I right or what?


You're right Pete! :lol:

[Chris]

Wheeler Lake was fun! Good mix of scenery, obstacles and company. Thanks. Doug

And thank you Doug for showing us how to take an obstacle with style. :thunb:

[Jeepin Chef]

Yep ...Had a great time""""""" Glad to meet more of the Front Range Crew..:)

[4Runner3Wheeler]

No problem. I was enjoying the inclement weather. Glad the you all like the photos. It was good to meet more of the group.

Pete, I'll definitely be hitting you up for more excursion info. Thanks!

I'm hoping Shutuphippie is being facetious. I think any one on this site without suspension upgrades is saving for them. I know that was the first mod I made. The Runner drives better because of it, not to mention the lift.




Andy

Great pictures, man! You sure managed to get around outside while a lot of us (including me) were hiding from the weather. Good to meet and wheel with you.

Got any questions on ice climbing places, books or gear, feel free to give me a call or e-mail. I know some areas that are pretty cool, that freeze over in certain conditions and aren't mentioned anywhere at all.

303-507-3066 or peterbrody4@brody4.cnc.net

Hey Shutuphippie

On the vehicles suspension:

I don't think that anyone on this site has ever knowingly or willingly altered their suspension on their vehicles. I, for one, would never consider it, and I bet nobody else would either. Am I right or what?

Speaking of which...

Hey Pathrat

Who is going to do your suspension lift and what kind is it? Send me an e-mail or call

Pete

[Chris]

42-4-233. Alteration of suspension system (http://www.michie.com/colorado_print/lpExt.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame-chapter.htm&l=query&iid=47976a31.2a7b16e4.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-233%27%5D)
(1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway with either the rear or front suspension system altered or changed from the manufacturer's original design except in accordance with specifications permitting such alteration established by the department.

42-4-233 that was struck down in 1973 ;)

[mikem]

I finally got my pictures posted: http://www.mcune.com/gallery/20081011_wheeler_lake

It was a great trip and the weather was perfect for offroading.

Mikem

[Pathrat]

Andy

Great pictures, man! You sure managed to get around outside while a lot of us (including me) were hiding from the weather. Good to meet and wheel with you.

Got any questions on ice climbing places, books or gear, feel free to give me a call or e-mail. I know some areas that are pretty cool, that freeze over in certain conditions and aren't mentioned anywhere at all.

303-507-3066 or peterbrody4@brody4.cnc.net

Hey Shutuphippie

On the vehicles suspension:

I don't think that anyone on this site has ever knowingly or willingly altered their suspension on their vehicles. I, for one, would never consider it, and I bet nobody else would either. Am I right or what?

Speaking of which...

Hey Pathrat

Who is going to do your suspension lift and what kind is it? Send me an e-mail or call

Pete

hahahaha, this is a Mod-Free Zone, right?;)

[Pathrat]

42-4-233 that was struck down in 1973 ;)

bwaaahaaahaaaa!!!!! Love that law as much as those out of date laws they print in the paper on slow news days, like 'Thou Shalt not walk about the Town Square on Sundays with thoust hands in thy pocket.'

[Pathrat]

It is about time I posted up some pictures. I had a great time on this trail, despite Chris wanting to back into me the whole time. :D Bowling Ball Hill was challenging (for me) with that nice thin layer of snow. We were happy to meet the new Jeep guys, very nice rides! And yes, Telly did such a slick move up that rock. It was a thing of beauty. Sorry FourLo and Telly, I missed your rigs in my shots! I am a weather-weenie, unlike Andy!

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler2.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler21.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler3.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler36.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler9.jpg

[Pathrat]

Before, during and after, and the rest of the pictures:

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/?start=all

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler32.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler14.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/Wheeler28.jpg

[Pathrat]

Oh, and I do have one of the Jeeps, both of them:

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pathrat40/WheelerLakeOct2008/WheelerJeeps.jpg

[Funrover]

man all these great pics... I really wish I could have made it!

[Jeepin Chef]

:DThanks Pathrat.......We have to wheel again soon .....Jay

[Funrover]

Old Chinaman. Will be the best run of the season :D

Pathrat doesn't want to do it, but we are going to pressure her into it :lol:

Best trail in the state to cut a few "I'm not a novice anymore" teeth :smokin:

Hell yeah she'd be fine, She has done Wheeler it's only logical that OCG is the next step! I mean I have spotted a stock TJ through there!

[Pathrat]

I am feeling so pressured, aaaahhh! :eek:

Ok now really, I am not that worried about the Waterfall, we have really good spotters on our runs, and mine gets better with each trail. What makes me nervous is the spot towards the end, if I am remembering it correctly, where it is narrow, downhill, sandy, rocky and tilty. From what I had heard, this was part of the trail that you had to go down after some gate was closed. Am I being coherent at all about this?

[Brody]

OCG is like Wheeler, only a bit more trail and more up and down. You really wouldn't have a problem.

[Funrover]

I am feeling so pressured, aaaahhh! :eek:

Ok now really, I am not that worried about the Waterfall, we have really good spotters on our runs, and mine gets better with each trail. What makes me nervous is the spot towards the end, if I am remembering it correctly, where it is narrow, downhill, sandy, rocky and tilty. From what I had heard, this was part of the trail that you had to go down after some gate was closed. Am I being coherent at all about this?


No clue what you are talking about as far as gate????????? but seriously you will be fine. Toyota took a series of bone stock FJC on that trail and did many of the extra obstacles with them. I can show you pics of the stock TJ on it if you want to see!

[Pathrat]

Each time I ask about doing a trail, I get feedback from people who have been there and done that. I go do the trail, and come out with nothing more than some undercarriage character and some bumper cracks. So, I will be in on this one too. Nay, you going to give me that tug? :D

[Chris]

Nay, you going to give me that tug? :D

As you don't blame him for the bumper crack ;)

[Pathrat]

As you don't blame him for the bumper crack ;)

Good thing I have tow hooks in front and back! I blame not enough departure angle on some rocks, and pitching myself into an embankment, and backing into trees.... :D

[Brody]

Thanks for the reminder, Dave, I had forgottten about that little sting in the tail. Last time I did it, I had to get a pull, but I was running on my front axle only and it was wet. Locked or not, one axle working ain't going to get you up it.

I broke (three twists, actually) my rear driveshaft doing the hardest line on that stepped obstacle (optional, too) about in the middle of the trail. Had to strap my truck in place as the step was directly in front of my diff, get straps around my axle cause it kept dropping down and I needed to get my tires above the step, and a Hi Lift under my rock rails and winch myself off the HiLift in order to pull the driveshaft. As usual, an interesting lesson in geometry and some physics....Now I bring a spare driveshaft that will work on the front or rear.....

[Tye]

LETS DO IIIIIT!!!!!!:2thumbs:

[Pathrat]

Thanks for the reminder, Dave, I had forgottten about that little sting in the tail. Last time I did it, I had to get a pull, but I was running on my front axle only and it was wet. Locked or not, one axle working ain't going to get you up it.

I broke (three twists, actually) my rear driveshaft doing the hardest line on that stepped obstacle (optional, too) about in the middle of the trail. Had to strap my truck in place as the step was directly in front of my diff, get straps around my axle cause it kept dropping down and I needed to get my tires above the step, and a Hi Lift under my rock rails and winch myself off the HiLift in order to pull the driveshaft. As usual, an interesting lesson in geometry and some physics....Now I bring a spare driveshaft that will work on the front or rear.....

GateMonkey says I may NOT take that line. :D

[Funrover]

Sure :D. It gets you once you think you've cleared the obstacle, it you're ready for it you might get through on your own. Glad you'll be there! :thunb:

Yep, pretty much. I got cocky and thought I was past it, hit the rock spine at the top and the back end lost a taillight. But on the other side of the coin I have made it right up 3 or so times also... Oh well... Lets have fun!

[Pathrat]

Sure :D. It gets you once you think you've cleared the obstacle, it you're ready for it you might get through on your own. Glad you'll be there! :thunb:

see trail run thread