VX only run May 17th 2005 - Added new poll!

[Todd Adams]

VX only run on May 17th 2005
I know this is a long way off but since this is a long and difficult trip that I have in mind, I would like to get an idea if we should do this or not. After your reading of the trail description, I would like a head count if you are interested in this trail and want to participate.
We would begin in Moab around 7:00 AM on Tuesday May 17th. We would head south on highway 191 to Blanding Utah which is approximately 110 miles. Hence the leaving at 7:00 AM. We would top off our gas in Blanding and follow highway 95 for another 20 miles or so to where we turn back north towards Arch Canyon.
Arch Canyon has been in the news lately with the Jeep Jamboree having been denied a permit this year but went anyway with the San Juan County Sheriff and Commissioner in the lead. The BLM has filed a law suit against San Juan County and San Juan County has counter sued. All very interesting since the Wilderness groups want to shut Arch Canyon to motorized travel. The area was inhabited by pre historic Indians. There are numerous cliff dwelling sites and we will visit a couple of these on our route. There are still sites that have not been found and new artifacts are found all the time. Some of the newest are on display at the Edge of the Cedars Sate Park in Blanding. Unfortunately we won’t have time for a visit to the museum but it is well worth a return to do so on your own.
The trail to Hotel Rock from Arch Canyon is rated 4. There are a couple of difficult ledges that some may need help with. Tone may even get to use his strap he always has dangling out the back door. Should be about as tough as the place on Kane Creek we had to winch a few on last year.
The trail then winds north to an intersecting FS road and eventually ends us back in Blanding in a clockwise loop. I would not expect to get back to Moab before dark and that is if we have no problems along the way.
A word of concern if we go into Arch Canyon. Group limit is 10 vehicles so if we do go in to the canyon (we don’t have time to go to the end just to a nice ruin a mile or so in) we take the chance of having to deal with the BLM. I doubt even if we had a larger group they would issue a citation because of the pending litigation but there is a chance. This is one reason I would like to have a final vehicle count beforehand so I could prepare with some help from our friends at the county. I might even be able to arrange an escort but with no publicity I shouldn’t think it necessary.
Here is a link to the trail description written a number of years ago. The trail has changed a bit with the off camber section less scary than when the Fractured Axle group went. http://4x4now.com/arch.htm
Todd
Ps once you read the 4x4 Now story you might be interested in this one. http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=13204 It has nothing to do with the trail only that re reading the Arch Canyon article made me think of lost friends and good times. Just some reminiscing about Lizard (AKA Gene Ferris) and Sudie. Just remember this sort of thing can happen to us all and life is short.


Calendar Link (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=174&c=1)

[Tone]

Most definitely YES! Randy had been talking about making it an official part of the Zu but don't know where that stands. Some of the Texans are arriving the Sat before so let me know if there is any prep we can do therefor ya. Thanks again for doing this for us.

[Todd Adams]

Originally posted by Tone
Most definitely YES! Randy had been talking about making it an official part of the Zu but don't know where that stands. Some of the Texans are arriving the Sat before so let me know if there is any prep we can do therefor ya. Thanks again for doing this for us.

Tone,
'ZuZoo will not be able to do it. This trail was for one year a BLM permitted trail but is no longer but we can do it on our own. The BLM pulled the permit on the Jeep Jamboree as well as the EJS ('ZuZoo is the same permit) due to environmental concerns. (In reality it was because of a SUWA complaint) I am just glad that the county takes the stand that all roads are open and if you see any closed signs rip them up and take them to the county commission for disposal at the BLM office!

[Green Dragon]

Count me in.

Bob F

[Jay Dunford]

Me too!! Always up for a new trail and Todd always has the area history to keep the drive entertaining.

[VX crazy]

I am a little nervous, but sounds great! I trust Todd, I just have to drive it back to Texas!

[Moncha]

I'm in! After doing the Gate last year, I feel pretty froggy.. Laura may have something else to say but, I just blindfold her and go anyway!

[coachreed]

I expecting that I can complete my conversion in plenty of time for Moab... and I would DEFINITELY like to make this trip with everyone here. I am looking forward to taking my son on OUR maiden voyage... I better get back to the garage and get to work! ;pb;

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
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[Triathlete]

I should be there!;Dy;

[Tone]

Based on the numbers last year Todd, I think we will be at or below 10VXes for this run. Lisa and I are only bringing 1.

[Todd Adams]

What would you guys think about a few select honorary VehiCross’s coming along. Randii wants to come very badly am I am sure a couple of others will as well. BTW if you did not know already, Randy and Kammy have a new addition to the family. When I last some him he weighed in at 20+pounds and Turbo was top pick for his name at the time. I would bet he is near 100 when you guys get to see him.

If we get more than ten I will give one of the San Juan County Commissioners a call and let them know our plans. I know these guys and they will support us 110% if we chose to do Arch Canyon. It is worth the trip just to do Hotel Rock.

This trip is going to ROCK!

I will give you one more option. If we make it an overnight camp we could camp out in Beef Basin or Ruin Park and come into the Needles the next morning and back out Elephant Hill.

Todd

[Green Dragon]

Dynomite! I 'm in, Proposed trip, really makes the driving distance worth while. Elephant rock is always fun & camping out would be a blast. All others welcome as far as I am concerned.

Bob F

[LEG 01VX]

Todd,
Count me in.
Larry

[biju]

Hey VX'ers...

Questions - and thanks in advance for your time and help....

I'm relatively new to the VX community having purchased my VX this summer after driving (*gasp) a Jetta for years. I will be in Moab to meet (hopefully) all who'll be there in 2005. Being new to the 4x4 world and the VX I'm really interested in the trails you speak of. I've done some research on this site and others as far as equipment and preparedness goes for off-roading. However, my question is about the trip/trail in this post. I'm a total off-roading 'virgin' with NO experience other than just a few mountain roads here in the Rockies. Is it something a first time off-roader could handle? (the trail in this post).

Thoughts, recommendations, advice? Again, thanks gang.

-biju.

*Update: after a few PM's w/ url's, looks like the trail in this post will be a *tad* outta my league. Thanks all !!!..............

[Green Dragon]

Originally posted by biju
Hey VX'ers...


*Update: after a few PM's w/ url's, looks like the trail in this post will be a *tad* outta my league. Thanks all !!!..............

You have to be willing or you will always wonder what could have been.

Bob F

[tomdietrying]

I'm going to try to make Moab this year.

The trip to Blanding and Hotel Rock sound awsome! I found a new article about a different 4X4 trip to Hotel Rock. http://www.4x4central.com/arch.html

Peace.

[Todd Adams]

Originally posted by biju
Hey VX'ers...

Questions - and thanks in advance for your time and help....

I'm relatively new to the VX community having purchased my VX this summer after driving (*gasp) a Jetta for years. I will be in Moab to meet (hopefully) all who'll be there in 2005. Being new to the 4x4 world and the VX I'm really interested in the trails you speak of. I've done some research on this site and others as far as equipment and preparedness goes for off-roading. However, my question is about the trip/trail in this post. I'm a total off-roading 'virgin' with NO experience other than just a few mountain roads here in the Rockies. Is it something a first time off-roader could handle? (the trail in this post).

Thoughts, recommendations, advice? Again, thanks gang.

-biju.

*Update: after a few PM's w/ url's, looks like the trail in this post will be a *tad* outta my league. Thanks all !!!..............
I guess I will give my opinion to your questions. I should think that some of the others will chime in with their thoughts and maybe a different perspective than mine. First off I am considerably experienced with the Moab area as well as 4 wheeling so sometimes I tend to take things for granted and common knowledge.

I will say this. If you are concerned that you might scratch or put a dent in your VX and you would come to tears if you did, come to Moab but choose easier trails than the one I am proposing an this tread. Work your way up to a 4-rated trail. I can't remember whom it was that took a small chunk out of the cladding on the VX only run a few years ago even with all the warnings, but he was pretty mad to say the least.

Until you experience honest to goodness 4-wheeling in Moab (or elsewhere) you just will not get it. Not sure if you have seen the window stickers in Jeeps that say "it's a Jeep thing you would not understand" In reality it should read "it's a 4-wheelg thing you wouldn't understand". This is because it is something you have to experience to understand. Unfortunately many of the Jeeps you see this on are built way beyond the drivers ability to use but that is a different story I wont get into here.

On the other hand if you can listen to instructions and follow them well. Won't freak out getting winched or strapped up a 12 foot wall that may seem vertical. Understand that with a slight judgment in error you could total your VX, (I am not kidding here many on this board can remember a nice Trooper rolling on one of the 'ZuZoo trails a few years ago) then feel free to come along. You will never regret it and be witness to some of the grandest vistas on earth. Not only that, when was the last time you were allowed to poke around in an unguarded museum and were on the honor system to do so. This is what you will be experiencing at these seldom-visited Indian ruins. I will remind everyone that we only take photos at these sites.

The reason my wife and I got into 4-Wheeling more than 30 years ago was to see and visit areas not everyone is able to. Linda and I enjoy all aspects of the sport from trail riding to competition but we have come to the realization a trip like the one I am proposing is what it is all about.

[Tone]

Here 'tis

[Todd Adams]

OK guys, Who's going and do you want it to be an overnighter. If you want to do the overnighter what would you think about starting Monday so we can be back in Moab for Wednesday morning and the start of ,ZuZoo IIIV.

Todd

[Scott Harness]

I'm in, sounds great! If you guy's say a stock VX can handle those trails. I'll be there.

[Moncha]

We could all just head to your spot Todd on Monday instead of Moab then make our grand arrival on Tuesday night. What kind of arrangements need to be done. Do we need to bring tents? After last year, I feel pretty ballsy but, is this a trail that a stock can make? I may be adding some spacers for the rear springs to give me a few inches extra and torque the front but, is that enough?

[Moncha]

Todd and I added a poll.. Answer only if you are serious about attendance.

The Calendar also has a feature to maintain a list of "Attendees".
Go to:
VX Only Run Moab, UT May 17, 2005 (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=174&c=1) and click the "I will be attending this event" link to be added to the list.

[Todd Adams]

Guys,
Please don't vote on the pole unless you are going. As of right now there are 5 going but 8 have voted, so I don't know what the folks that are going want to do.

If there are enough 1st timers and or stock VX's that want to do the "VX only" run then maybe this trip is a bit to aggressive and we should do an easier sight seeing, get aquatinted with Moab and it’s terrain type run. This is the reason for the poll. For the folks that want to do more aggressive trails there are plenty to be had the rest of the week. I am just having second thoughts about “Hotel Rock”.

I am not voting. I will do what the majority wants to do. We will have a good time no matter what we do. There is plenty of time to decide.

Todd

[Tone]

I would assume that if they voted they are attending but I could be wrong. Some may not know you can make multiple choices since it is not stated.

[Moncha]

Fixed it.. Says choose all that apply now. I can clear it if needed.

[Todd Adams]

Fixed it.. Says choose all that apply now. I can clear it if needed.

That would be a good idea. 9 voted but only 6 going. I want to know from just those that are going what they want and we will do what the majority wants.
Todd

[Moncha]

Ok, We started a new poll

ONLY VOTE IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT GOING

[Green Dragon]

Ok, We started a new poll

ONLY VOTE IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT GOING

Early exit polls indicate overnighter leaving on Monday, However the vote may be challenged by the Massachusets faction & a recount necessary.
Dissidents, (Prisoners-non-residents-tire slashers,)please contact George Soros at moveon.org.to receive instructions on how to effect the outcome of this poll.

[Moncha]

Ha Ha Ha Ha! You're a riot Bob!! :goof: :naughty: :goof: :naughty: :goof: :naughty:

[Todd Adams]

You guys crack me up! But this will do. I will now wait and see. This ought to be a great trip no matter how it turns out.
Todd
PS I am going to find a hub along the route!

[VX crazy]

It sounds great, I am not the camper, but can hang so I dont miss out on anything. I trust Todd and everyone else that will be on the trails with us!

[tomdietrying]

You got me counted as a "GO'' right?
Peace.
Tom

[Tone]

You can view how you voted by clicking on "View Poll Results"

[Swordy]

I would like to go, but as of yet I'm not sure if I will be able to arrive in time. That is why I have not voted yet. Although I would slightly prefer a difficult trail, Being a Vx only run, I think that it should be something reasonably do-able by the least capable Vx/driver that wants to come. I would not have a problem with "honorary Vx" other than I might like to be in at least 1 Vx only lineup pic at some point during the trip. I'm relatively sure that not all others would agree with that.

If I can make it in time I'll go. The ruins sounds like a great spot, but I'm not reall choosey. I'd follow along on pretty much any trail.
Andy

[Triathlete]

Any word yet on what/where/when the "official" VX only run will be? :?: Time is getting close...gotta make plans! :rotate:

[Todd Adams]

I have decided not to do the overnighter. Sorry for those that were planning on it. I am trying to juggle 4 vehicles, Easter Jeep Safari, camping equipment that we usually do not take to Moab, the fact that I can not get to Moab until May 16th because I have to work the 15th and whether or not we leave the motorhome in Moab between EJS and ‘ZuZoo.

For the VX only run, we will leave Portal Campground at 7:00 am on Tuesday May 17th. We will then proceed south to Blanding Utah on Highway 191. Then west from Blanding on State Road 95 where we will turn off at the Arch Canyon road. We will then visit some ancient indian ruins a mile or so up Arch Canyon. Then turn around and proceed up the Hotel Rock Trail to Hotel Rock. We will then take a route back to Blanding on a county dirt road where we will come to the intersection of highway 191 back to Moab. This will be a long day. Expect to be back in Moab for a late dinner.

I hope this will work out for everyone. Hotel Rock is rated somewhere between a 3+ and a 4 so be prepared to be strapped in a few places especially if you are running stock tires.

I think we should wait until the schedule is posted before we decide on when a few of us are going to do Moab Rim. I thought about an afternoon run just to the first overlook and back. This is a 4+ trail and I recommend only those that are running 33” tires and a front locker.
Todd

[Green Dragon]

Sounds like a good plan to me. I'm in. VX Crazy you will enjoy that Moab Rim drive, If your still willing.

Been There done that.

Bob F :cool:

[Triathlete]

Sounds good to me...Thanks!

[Triathlete]

HERE (http://www.4x4now.com/arch.htm) is a short read with a few pics of the VX only run chosen trail.

[coachreed]

I guess I failed to come back and confirm... as many of you know, I've been sidetracked a million times and have FAILED to get the Ironman back on the road as of now (not that I have quit)... but I have purchased an '01... it is stock with only having added my Nitto Terra Grapplers from the other VX... anyway, barring any disaster on the way out, I'll be there...

BTW, if there are any midwestern VX'er who is traveling through the KC area, I would like to meet up and caravan out... if your traveling a long way and need a place to pull off for the night and plan to get a fresh start, I have space... you could get a good nights rest and maybe a bite to eat... and hey... you could take a peek in on the LS1der VX in the garage...

Anywho, I look forward to seeing y'all pretty soon... oh and if you are interested in meeting up along the way, drop me an email at rreed17@kc.rr.com . TTYL!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
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[Todd Adams]

Since a couple of you have e-mailed me I am going to post some info. Again we are going to leave Portal around 7:30 am so be there at 7. There will be a second meeting spot in Blanding at 9:00 am at the chevron station ( I think that is what is is) but Blanding is a small town and the group will be hard to miss. For those that need to reach me by phone my # is (801) 631-7993.
See you then.
Todd

[Swordy]

Cool,, See ya at 7:00 then :) :) :)

[BumbleV-X]

Was it decided on a yes or no for honorary VX's to go? I promise to not get in any pictures on purpose.

[BumbleV-X]

Thank you for letting me tag along on the VX only run. I was honored to be amongst 11 VX's. The trail was awesome, and scenery was fantastic. The guide (Todd Adams) as usual, pointed out things that I doubt any other trail leader knew about the area. His wrong way turns were great challenges (interesting to say the least to get 11 VX's, and my Amigo turned back the other way). Although I was just an honorary Amigo I still retain my name by being a wife of Swordy. My family was divided in 2 vehicles for this run and we all had fun. Thanks again!

Deby

[Moncha]

Pleasure to have ya... The Amigo just needs to grow up a little and it'll be a VX in notime! ;) You have a wonderful family and I can't say enough about your kids... Can't wait 'til next time!