What an epic weekend! I'm still exhausted.
We camped Friday night up American Fork Canyon with a grip of awesome guys from Rocky Mountain Extreme 4x4, the local wheeling forum/club. One of the guys did a great job organizing some simple campfire classes for everybody, so we talked about where to wheel in Utah, what spares and recovery gear everybody carries, had a TreadLightly discussion, and generally had a good time. Next morning we split up into groups to hit various trails - I ran with the lead group going up Mineral Basin. We had a great time, and I sent my truck up several lines I hadn't tried before and made most of them. Then we came back down into the valley heat, ate dinner, and slept the sleep of the just.
Next morning I met up with a group of ruffians from T4R.org, TacomaWorld, and our own little club Utah DesertRunners. We drove up Rattlesnake trail in Five Mile Pass, then the guys with stockish rigs parked theirs and piled in while we continued up the 4.5/5 rated Constrictor. I got turned back at Radiator Rapids and had to take a winch, which made me mad because my '86 made that obstacle before, but I was with a fellow who knew the trail well and was a great spotter too, so maybe I just need to get to know it and my truck better.
Or maybe I need a front locker. :grin:
But on to the good stuff. I have complete video of both these runs, but my editing software is on my own PC and it's down right now, so you'll have to settle for pics.
Saturday fun on Mineral Basin in American Fork Canyon:
And Sunday, on the Rattlesnake and Constrictor trails in Five Mile Pass:
I wheeled the Grey Bastard about as hard as I have yet this weekend, really pushed my boundaries. I made several obstacles and harder lines that I've bypassed on previous runs, and got to know the truck and my own ability a lot better. I also beat the crap out of the poor truck, which ought to make [MENTION=3959]slacker[/MENTION] happy - my drivers fender and both rear quarterpanels/mudflaps gave their lives for the cause, and the passenger door is on the walking wounded list.