Annual Winter Trip - open to T4R members located in VA/WV/MD/DC/PA

[carlos.elmotor]

Hey folks,

As usual around this time of year, I’m resurfacing briefly to kick off a thread for our annual winter trip.

I’ve scheduled some PTO between Christmas and New Years day and like any self-respecting T4R member, I’ll be ditching my family, loading out the truck, and hitting the trail for a couple of days.

This year will mark the fourth anniversary of what has become our annual “Winter Wonderland” trip. Our main crew does several private trips over the course of each year, but have always treated this one as an “open” event for T4R members.

As usual, I’m posting it up here to see if anybody else is able to get away for a day or two during the last weekend in December.

I’ll roll out more details as we get closer, but in summary:

• 
  The general plan is to do two days/one night in Virginia, Maryland, or Southern Pennsylvania

• 
  I’ll be working with [MENTION=3442]Boyds4Runner[/MENTION] , [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] , [MENTION=124959]Runn4est[/MENTION] , [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION], and team to coordinate on the meeting locations, routes, travel times, and multi-vehicle camping locations, etc. over the coming weeks

Anyone wanting to peel off and head for home after day 1 is welcome to do so, but by the end of the day, people have historically been itching to pull up around a giant campfire and reflect on the day’s ride.

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As a boiler-plate disclaimer:
I need to point out that this is for T4R members only and should not be posted on any other media channels (read as: Instagram, FaceBook, or any other media). There are few better ways to turn an otherwise fun and low-key trip with good people into an absolute shit-show.

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As usual, the team and/or I will post the planned meet-up locations, other major waypoints, and meet up times over the coming weeks and have added standard COMMS info below.

Please also take a minute to check out the *skill level / truck recommendations* and *attitude requirements* sections below so you know what you’re signing up for if you haven’t been on one of these trips in the past.

I’ll be capping this trip at 10 vehicles to keep things moving quickly with minimal waiting in line.

Reply here if you’re interested and we’ll keep a tally and make sure everyone is updated.

Hope you can make it!

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CONFIRMED: (10 slots total)
1. [MENTION=141503]carlos.elmotor[/MENTION]
2. [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION]
3. [MENTION=178029]redshift83[/MENTION]
4. [MENTION=3442]Boyds4Runner[/MENTION]
5. [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION]
6. [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION]
7. [MENTION=138048]01100101[/MENTION]
8. [MENTION=7360]BurghRunner[/MENTION]
9. [MENTION=148437]232vzlano[/MENTION]
10. [MENTION=158147]BrockSamson257[/MENTION]

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TENTATIVE:
[MENTION=124959]Runn4est[/MENTION]
[MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION]

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Tagging the usual suspects as a heads-up:
[MENTION=153136]Dougthelurk[/MENTION]
[MENTION=112177]4RnR Grl[/MENTION]
[MENTION=137054]Hertz4R[/MENTION]
[MENTION=145795]Zapper[/MENTION]
[MENTION=129741]floridafj80[/MENTION]
[MENTION=137555]Sleeter[/MENTION]
[MENTION=162270]MrsOutbound[/MENTION]



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COMMS:

Amateur radio:
Simplex 146.46 MHz (or alternative coordinated onsite)
Repeaters (Generally unnecessary. Will select repeaters based on proximity indicated in RepeaterBook (Android/iOS) depending on where we are)
If you’re new to amateur radio check out this basic kit assembled by [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] here > Spring Overland Trip April 5-8
And this short follow up recommendation > Spring Overland Trip April 5-8

CB:
Channel 22 (Ch 23 as backup)
Really CB is a worst-case backup for most of us at this point, but we’ll try to relay to CB as necessary
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SKILL LEVEL / TRUCK RECOMMENDATIONS:
I typically tell people that, as an “open” trip we try to find a balance that’s interesting enough for experienced drivers, but not so challenging that newer people will seriously damage their rigs or have a bad time

In reality that typically translates to either:
“An experienced driver in a stock truck will likely be able to drive pretty much everything or could easily be recovered by another rig” OR
“A less experienced driver in a moderately built truck will likely be able to drive pretty much everything or could easily be recovered by another rig”
Having said that, the trails will have some challenging obstacles in places and we’ll try to ensure there are bypasses -- though we cannot guarantee that a bypass will always be available
33” tires (or larger) and a modest lift will go a long way on both the rocks and the muddy areas
Skids and sliders are a good idea in general, but with careful tire placement factory skids should do the trick

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ATTITUDE REQUIREMENTS:
Bring a positive attitude
Be patient with people that have less experience than you
Help people when they need help
Also try to help new people gain additional knowledge and new skills in a safe environment - that’s how we grow this community and keep public lands in our area open for this type of activity

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Links to the last two winter trips and pics:
2018
2017

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# Trip updates:
#
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2019-12-01:
We’re killing the AOAA idea due to lack of “hassle-free” camping options

Dates:
- December 28 & 29 (Saturday & Sunday)

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Saturday:
- Meet at one of two rally points in the morning (one in Virginia, one in West Virginia)

- Run the Canaan Loop near Davis, WV

- Late Lunch at Mountain State Brewing in Nelson, WV

- Motor to camp in GWNF (day-trippers head for home)

- Drinks around the campfire

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Sunday:
- Break camp and head for home

- If there’s enough interest we’ll have the option to run Flagpole knob on Sunday morning


#########################
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# Change log:
#
#########################
2019-12-23:
- Added [MENTION=158147]BrockSamson257[/MENTION] to the "Confirmed" list
- We're full-up again


2019-12-16:
- Removed [MENTION=173469]Andi-T4R[/MENTION] from the "Confirmed" list -- minor accident put his truck in the shop
- The final slot is now open again


2019-12-15:
- Moved [MENTION=173469]Andi-T4R[/MENTION] to the "Confirmed" list
- Added meet-up waypoints and departure times here


2019-12-05:
- Moved [MENTION=148437]232vzlano[/MENTION] to the "Confirmed" list
- Updated the original post to indicate that there is one open slot left


2019-12-03:
- Moved [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION], [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION], [MENTION=138048]01100101[/MENTION], and [MENTION=7360]BurghRunner[/MENTION] to "Confirmed" list
- Regretfully moved [MENTION=120701]Cymon[/MENTION] off the "Tentative" list. Some day bud, some day!


2019-12-01:
- Moved [MENTION=148437]232vzlano[/MENTION] onto the “Tentative” list
- Moved [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION] onto the “Tentative” list
- Posted dates, initial itinerary, and next-steps request for people listed as “Tentative” in post 26

 

[gfxcruncher]

I'm in! Looking forward to catching up with everyone.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Awesome! Looking forward to catching up.

I'm in! Looking forward to catching up with everyone.

 

[redshift83]

Sign me up! I was just about to post in last year's thread to see if this year was going to happen. I did the spring 2018 trip in central PA and had a great time, would love to hang out with some of the same people again.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Sounds good [MENTION=178029]redshift83[/MENTION]. Looking forward to meeting you.

Sign me up!

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Absolutely put me as confirmed! Up for anything. All day at an off-road park or riding trails with a destination or two in mind.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cymon]

We’ll be driving back down from Vermont skiing that weekend. 2nd Day May be in play depending on location and timing. Fingers crossed i’ll Finally get to hook-up with you all.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Awesome and will do! Looking forward to catching up.

Absolutely put me as confirmed!

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Great to hear from you and hoping you can make it [MENTION=120701]Cymon[/MENTION]. Just added you to the "tentative" list.

Safe travels back and forth to VT and hope the weather is good for you!

We’ll be driving back down from Vermont skiing that weekend. 2nd Day May be in play depending on location and timing. Fingers crossed i’ll Finally get to hook-up with you all.

 

[techno]

Been wanting to hangout with you guys on these trips every year, but something always gets' in the way. Plus, living on the outskirts of the feasible travel distance to the locations doesn't help me either, haha That being said, as soon as you have a location figured out I'll see if I can fit it in!

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Heh, no kidding [MENTION=9776]techno[/MENTION]. Hopefully this year will be the year.

Maybe you can help as a PA native... We've been toying with the idea of going to AOAA this year instead of doing it on public lands. Looking at AOAA though, the camping is nearly full and won't accommodate ~10 trucks.

"Not-so-nearby" forest lands seem to require waivers for camping and alcohol restrictions that just sound like a recipe for unnecessary harassment. We're a responsible and no-nonsense group, but I'm still not willing to sign a waiver or be shaken down for camping on public lands.

Please PM me if you can offer some insights on somewhere to camp near AOAA that might be good without all the baggage listed above.

Been wanting to hangout with you guys on these trips every year, but something always gets' in the way. Plus, living on the outskirts of the feasible travel distance to the locations doesn't help me either, haha That being said, as soon as you have a location figured out I'll see if I can fit it in!

 

[jcaino]

I'll be off during this window and interested.

Live in the Pittsburgh area, but most of our off-roading trips tend to be in WV so far. Big on trip planning (routes, stops, etc.) so willing to help there, though I can't say I'm familiar with the Anthracite trails.

 

[Riser]

I just sold my 5th gen and have a TRD pro Tacoma. I assume you don’t want Tacos?

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Sounds good [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION] - will put you down as "tentative."

I'll be off during this window and interested.

Live in the Pittsburgh area, but most of our off-roading trips tend to be in WV so far. Big on trip planning (routes, stops, etc.) so willing to help there, though I can't say I'm familiar with the Anthracite trails.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Zero issue with Tacos [MENTION=56223]Riser[/MENTION]. We typically have at least one on these open events. Let me know if you want to be added to the "confirmed" or "tentative" lists.

I just sold my 5th gen and have a TRD pro Tacoma. I assume you don’t want Tacos?

 

[techno]

Maybe you can help as a PA native... We've been toying with the idea of going to AOAA this year instead of doing it on public lands. Looking at AOAA though, the camping is nearly full and won't accommodate ~10 trucks.


...

Please PM me if you can offer some insights on somewhere to camp near AOAA that might be good without all the baggage listed above.

That sounds great. I haven't been by there yet. I'm not familiar with the area either but I'll let you know if I come up with anything. Bald Eagle SF is supposed to be nice, but might be a bit out of the way...

 

[redshift83]

Wow, sounds like we may have a few from Pgh interested, that's awesome! It would be great to meet some locals.

Regarding the AOAA plan, unfortunately i don't know too much about the surrounding area however State College/Bald Eagle seem to have some good stuff, and i have been exploring there since our trip there back in the spring 2018 trip.

On the plus side, most of the trail gates should be open due to hunting seasons in PA which makes a good bit more of the area accessible, but the downside is as you mentioned the requirements for permits, alcohol (might be OK in state forests, not state parks), and camping restrictions.

My dealings have been with the Rothrock State Forest office and not Bald Eagle, but they have always been great and super accommodating for campsite permits. They are also free within the state forests which is nice. Bald Eagle seems to have an abundance of sites to stay at which may give us some options.

Another thought which i have been trying to do but haven't yet is the Allegheny National Forest which is about 1.5-2 hr north of Pittsburgh. I know that might be a haul from DC metro, but it's national forest land and there different rules & many areas to stay that don't require permits at all. I have started mapping things out up there but i don't have a ton of things planned out unfortunately. I've also heard mixed reviews of the area. Maybe some of the other more local people can offer some info.

At any rate, I'm going to be wherever you guys decide, it's been way too long since i got out for some off-roading.

 

[jcaino]

Another thought which i have been trying to do but haven't yet is the Allegheny National Forest which is about 1.5-2 hr north of Pittsburgh. I know that might be a haul from DC metro, but it's national forest land and there different rules & many areas to stay that don't require permits at all. I have started mapping things out up there but i don't have a ton of things planned out unfortunately. I've also heard mixed reviews of the area. Maybe some of the other more local people can offer some info.

While there is a ton of stuff to do/see up in ANF, for off-roading and overland-style stuff, its kinda 'meh' imho. Its like they had a goal up there to make every road a dead end, there's just not a lot of contiguous stuff up there so everything ends up being out n back, lots of back tracking, etc. Now, if you're plan is to park somewhere, unload an ATV, and/or get some serious hiking in or to seek out streams for native trout, then you're in the right place.

That's one of the reasons I think we mainly find ourselves spending time down in WV and the MNF/GWNF areas. Taller mountains, better views, and less light pollution (Spruce Knob has darker skies than Cherry Springs) .

Just to throw this out there, here's a longer route I've been working on this year for next fall:

wv in progress - A bike ride in Fayette County, PA

On the WV side of things, there are quite a few dispersed camping areas that could be options and have a few other routes worked up between Morgantown area and Spruce Knob.


Now, back to PA, aside from Anthracite, there's also Rausch Creek offroad park, Rock Run Recreation area, and Scrubgrass OHV park, and a new place, The Lannding, that just opened up this year outside of Indiana. Not sure if Rock Run is open during the winter, Scrubgrass does certain weekends here and there (otherwise private, think their monthly event is December 15, so probably rules that out) and The Lannding is normally open on weekends, but pretty sure you can go there anytime if you reach out to make arrangements first. Not a ton of trails out there yet, but they're growing. Pretty sure most of these places (not sure about Scrubgrass tho) do have camping, too.

 

[gfxcruncher]

Yeah, my luck in PA has been pretty limited...

Besides having to reserve and stay at the park sites, last spring trip up there I remember getting pulled over by park police or whoever resides over it and getting an earful cause we didn't have some special use permit or something. They don't make it super clear on the websites that a group larger than like 3 trucks (don't remember the exact number) had to have said permit. Kinda soured me on exploring PA any further, which is a shame, cause it's beautiful up there.
[MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION] Your route looks interesting, I've run a bunch of the stuff around Harrisonburg, I could point you to some more roads through there if you want to get off pavement more, feel free to PM me.
(the Brandywine general store does have gas)

... Here's to the "Wild and Wonderful" state ;-)

 

[redshift83]

[MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION]. Thanks for the info about ANF, that's kind of what I've been seeing while trying to route plan.
I like the idea of heading into WV or VA for the trip. The offroad parks are definitely fun but i tend to enjoy less organized areas personally. And I wonder if the places that will be open during that time will be busier due to vacations.
[MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION]. I had left at that point, but I did hear you guys got yelled at for driving in a convoy, that's just dumb. I have never seen that rule anywhere in all the PA websites I've visited. Sorry your experience in PA was that disappointing, this is a great state, unfortunately we deal with stuff like that a lot it seems though.