Excellent idea! What's a good time to meet up?
The question is: what time is good for everyone? [MENTION=116114]cf_coder[/MENTION] ask to take the more difficult/fun way which would be starting at Table Mesa Rd & I-17. So, depending on where everyone is coming from will help decide where and when we meetup. And when I say this is the 'more difficult way' I just mean its not a maintain dirt highway that can be done in a Corolla like it would be if we were to start the trail at 7 Springs Rd & Bartlett Dam Rd. But this is by no means 'difficult' and can be done any any stock 4WD vehicle where a good part of this should be able to be done in 2WD. There is a stretch of Bloody Basin that is very straight and smooth that if we want, we can spread out a bit and haul balls down it to make up some time if we end up spending too much time playing around on side trails/sight seeing.
My thoughts would be to meet at the Chevron at I-17 & Carefree (Exit 223) at
8am since there is a gas station, Albertsons, McD's, Denny's, Subway and a few other things there for anyone to get those last minute supplies and to top off. It is 13 miles from Carefee Hwy to Table Mesa Rd (Exit 236). Plan is to be on the road to Table Mesa
no later than 8:30am If anyone is running late or doesn't want to/need to stop, they can meet us on the East side of Table Mesa Rd & I-17 and if you're running late but still think you can make it, Give me a call, I'll PM everyone interested in coming my number if you don't already have it. Also, we will be on CB channel 6 - seems like channel 4 always has a lot of chatter.
So, [MENTION=100116]D Farms[/MENTION] the meetup time will be at 5am
[MENTION=48234]stir_fry_boy[/MENTION] since you are coming down from Cottonwood, you can either come that extra 13 miles down to meet us at Carefree Hwy, or just meet us on the east side of the I-17 at Table Mesa. If you're going to meet us at Table Mesa, we'll plan on being at
9am
Although this will be a long day, I don't think its necessary to carry extra fuel - I may bring some if I drive the 06 cuz of the gas-guzzling V8. We're looking at around 65 miles or so of trail from the starting at the I-17 & Table Mesa and ending at I-17 & Bloody Basin. Then for anyone interested, I'm still planning on stopping off at Rock Springs Cafe on the way home and depending on the time and how everyone feels, either have some dinner or just enjoy some of their world famous pie.
Lets get a roll call going - who's in fo sho??
lofreqjeff - Jeff & Megan
[MENTION=122900]AZBub[/MENTION] - Chris & Vanessa & Friends
[MENTION=123266]NZDZRT[/MENTION] - Hawkeye & Cathy
[MENTION=117639]grunt_runner[/MENTION] - tentative
[MENTION=116114]cf_coder[/MENTION] - Jeff - tentative
[MENTION=111871]ccastonguay[/MENTION] - Chris & Louise