I'll be up there on July 30 - Aug 3.
I'll be there the 28th through August 5th, staying at the KOA. I never seem to be able to synchronize my annual Ouray trip it the Summit. Maybe we'll cross paths.
Just got back from round trip of Durango to Ouray then over Imogene Pass to Telluride, down to Ophir, Ophir Pass to Silverton then home.
Some lessons learned today.
1. Be sure that everything is strapped down. Tight. Oh, I had everything taken care of so no problems, but it it's not held down tight ya will have a problem.
2. Focus. Watch the road. Case in point:
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This gentleman just ran off the road. And it's probably 1,000 feet down to the first stopping place if he had rolled.
3. No matter if it's clear and sunny in the morning, it can rain, a lot, in the high Rockies.
4. Some folks have said that 2WD is ok over many of these passes. I don't want to start anything, but I sure wouldn't do it, myself. Stayed in 2WD eastbound Ophir until I wasn't comfortable. I like the additional control and pulling power I have when in 4WD. Being new to this, it's a learning experience every trip.
5. State patrol uses radar just south of Ouray in the canyon.
6. Have extra batteries for the GoPro - one won't do it.
All in all a successful day. Couldn't see any vehicles on the Black Bear switchbacks (stopped and watched for a while).
:wave:
Did he just run off the road, or did he end up that way trying to let another vehicle pass? Did you pull him out?This gentleman just ran off the road. And it's probably 1,000 feet down to the first stopping place if he had rolled.
4. Some folks have said that 2WD is ok over many of these passes. I don't want to start anything, but I sure wouldn't do it, myself. Stayed in 2WD eastbound Ophir until I wasn't comfortable. I like the additional control and pulling power I have when in 4WD. Being new to this, it's a learning experience every trip.
Did he just run off the road, or did he end up that way trying to let another vehicle pass? Did you pull him out?
Doing those passes with a 2WD certainly wouldn't be ideal, but it is certainly possible and many people do it. Sometimes you have to make do with what you have.
Dear Dave,
The Final Countdown is ON!
In just over one week registration will open and the festivities will begin. The 7th annual FJ Summit planning is just about complete and we want to give you the low down.
Registration will open July 17th at 9:00am at he Twin Peaks lodge and run until noon then re-open from 1:30 - 5:00. Before you head out on the trails please stop by the registration area to pick up your name badge, bag, trail pass sticker and swag. We will need everyone in your party to sign the proper paperwork so bring the whole crew.
To ensure you have a great time while in Ouray we have provided a few suggestions below:
1) Prepare your vehicle -- Most of you are ready to go already,
but please remember that these beautiful trails are usually
shelf roads with big drop-offs. The best piece of equipment
you have is your *BRAKES*. Please make sure that your brakes are in
excellent shape. If you are unsure about any of your core vehicle
systems, now's the time to get everything checked.
2) Plan your time -- You'll find this year's schedule attached,
and below you'll see your trail times. Please note that
*YOUR TRAIL TIMES MAY HAVE BEEN CHANGED* in order to better fit our
permits. We tried not to change anyone's time by more than an
hour. We've got a lot of activities at the FJ Summit headquarters,
but you may want to plan time to visit the local sights in
the area too.
3) Prepare your wardrobe -- It's summer in Ouray, so you can count
on days with highs somewhere between 40 and 90, and nights in the
30s and 40s. Rain is likely, and hail and snow are possible.
Bring layers of clothing to keep you comfortable and dry. Passengers
especially may want to bring a blanket for the summits! If you
are camping, be sure to be ready for very cool nights.
4) Get ready to breathe hard -- The time will be spent between
7,500 and 13,0000 ft above sea level. This can take some adjustment,
especially if you are coming from sea level. To prepare, get
plenty of rest ahead of time, and while you are there stay well hydrated
by drinking more water than usual. Be sure to wear good sunscreen
(even if it's cloudy), as it is easy to burn in the thin air.
5) Get ready to share and learn -- This is a great chance to get
expert advice on 4-wheeling, offroading, and expeditioning. If
you are experienced, please share your experience with everyone
there.
6) Get ready to SMILE and WAVE -- we have to uphold our
reputation as the friendliest 4x4 group ever!
Here is your current trail schedule:
============================================================
Thursday Trail Run: Black Bear Pass to Ophir Pass at 8:00 AM
Friday Trail Run: Poughkeepsie Gulch at 7:00 AM
Saturday Trail Run: Alpine Loop (Engineer and Cinnamon Passes) at 8:00 AM
============================================================
So you are in the know, we are including the schedule of events:
FJ Summit 2013 Schedule
Wednesday, July 17
9:00 - Noon and 1:30pm - 5:00pm -- Twin Peaks Lodge
Come to the registration booth to get signed in, pick up swag bags, drivers stickers, shirts and socialize with new and old friends alike.
Bring everyone in your group to sign waivers, verify trail status and make changes if needed.
Pre-Purchase raffle tickets and sales items including Shirts, Hats and Trasharoos
4:00pm - 6:00pm -- Twin Peaks Lodge
Visit with over 20 product and service vendors, check out display trucks of multiple vintages and enjoy a beverage at the cash bar.
Wheeling 101 class by Brian “Woody” Swearingen
Welcome to the 2013 FJ Summit announcements
6:00pm - 8:00pm - BBQ Dinner and Ice Cream Social provided by Discount Tire (INSERT SPONSOR LOGO)
8:00pm - 9:00pm -- Twin Peaks Lodge Breakfast Room
Mandatory Driver Meeting for all Trail Leaders!
Thursday, July 18
6:00am - 8:00am AND 4:00pm - 6:00pm --Twin Peaks Lodge
Late registration continues.
6:30am - 5:00pm -- Various
Trail runs begin!
Always remember to Stay The Trail and Pack out what you Pack In!
Have fun and be safe!
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Summit Store Open! Get Your Official Summit Gear and Raffle Tickets!
4:00pm -10:00pm
Visit with over 20 product and service vendors, check out display trucks of multiple vintages and enjoy a beverage at the cash bar.
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Catered dinner provided by Falken Tire (INSERT SPONSOR LOGO)
Camel Trophy Presentation by Bill Burke of BB4WA
8:00pm - 9:00pm - Twin Peaks Breakfast Room
Mandatory Driver Meeting for all Trail Leaders
Friday, July 19
6:00am - 8:00am --Twin Peaks Lodge
Info booth open
4:00pm - 6:00pm - Summit Store Open!
Pick up Cool Summit Gear and Raffle Tickets!
6:30am - 5:00pm -- Various
Trail runs continue
5:00pm - LATE -- All over town!
Join the party in Ouray. Enjoy dinner in town and support local businesses.
7:00pm - Attend the Metal Tech Party at the Ouray Historic Hotel and Saloon
Open to all ages
Free pint glasses to the first 300 people
Free Total Chaos T-Shirts to the first 75 guests
Guest of honor - Bryan Stordahl - Byan is living with cancer and will be joining us in Ouray running trails showing how he is LIVING with cancer. He is an inspiration to everyone who meets him. Join us as we honor his strength as he sends a message to everyone out there who has been touched by cancer.
Saturday, July 20
6:00am - 8:00am -- Twin Peaks Lodge
Information booth open
6:30am - 5:00pm -- Various
Trail runs continue!
4:00pm - 6:00pm - Twin Peaks Lodge
Summit Store open - Last chance to get your official Summit gear and Raffle Tickets!
Visit the product and service vendors, check out display trucks of multiple vintages and enjoy a beverage at the cash bar.
6:00pm - 8:00pm -- Twin Peaks Lodge
Catered dinner provided by TRDParts4U (INSERT SPONSOR LOGO)
Presentation by Baja 1000 and Baja 500 winning driver Joe Bacal!
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Win Awesome Prizes at the Legendary Raffle!
Sunday, July 21
6:00am - 7:00am -- Main Street, Ouray
Bring your truck to main street at 6:00am sharp for the annual group photo!
Pack up and head home! Drive safe and thanks for another unforgettable year!
This schedule is subject to change.
Safe Travels and See Ya in Ouray!
Regards,
The Summit Crew
Cannot freakin wait. Hitting the road Friday afternoon, plan to be in Moab on Sunday afternoon and roll into Ouray on Wednesday. The week following the Summit is an open book for me at this point!
I can't wait either!! I leave Nashville on Saturday and will be in Moab Monday and Tuesday prior to the summit. My FJ is ready as I am to hit the road...three days!!
I would like to do a 5th gen run one day, perhaps the day before the event if anyone is up for it. In fact, lets just call it a T4R run and everyone who signs up will get a free gift from us.....how do you like that. I think this is within the guidelines since I am an official sponsor.
I'm thinking, meet in Telluride Tue (16th) around 1:00 and run Imogene pass back into Ouray.
Anyone in?
I would like to do a 5th gen run one day, perhaps the day before the event if anyone is up for it. In fact, lets just call it a T4R run and everyone who signs up will get a free gift from us.....how do you like that. I think this is within the guidelines since I am an official sponsor.
I'm thinking, meet in Telluride Tue (16th) around 1:00 and run Imogene pass back into Ouray.
Anyone in?
I would like to do a 5th gen run one day, perhaps the day before the event if anyone is up for it. In fact, lets just call it a T4R run and everyone who signs up will get a free gift from us.....how do you like that. I think this is within the guidelines since I am an official sponsor.
I'm thinking, meet in Telluride Tue (16th) around 1:00 and run Imogene pass back into Ouray.
Anyone in?