Moab ZuZoo Photos

[Kenny]

Well, made it back in one piece, all 1600+ miles. - Renewing the old friendships and making new ones made every mile worth it! (except maybe a few through Nebraska... )

THANK YOU!!!!

I hope to see everyone again next year at "V' Zoo '08" , and more new people.

Cheers all! Time to go to sleep...


Some more pics...

Lunch at Hell's Gate with friends:


Leaving Elephant Hill in style:


Hell's Revenge


Elephant Hill


Fins n Things



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More images: http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...y.php?cat=3181


__________________

[Dumke]

That is all I can say. My 1st trip 1st offroad in the vx. Well 2nd because 1st was hotel rock the day before. What a great group of people. Tom Thanks for letting me and my buddy tag along and thanks for showing us somethings along the way. What a super nice helpful family and cant wait till next year.


I will put pictures up on here as soon as get some time away from work. Been buisy trying to catch up on sleep from drive (yeah I know ) and taking care of some other things.

[nfpgasmask]

Thanks to Moncha for adding space to the gallery for us. I just uploaded 23 more photos from our trip to Moab. These are different from the ones I posted previously. So anyway, just to let you know, there are a lot of pics of some of you in there.

I'm still working on the video.

Bart

[Locomigo]

Bart,

Billy answered already, but we do go out there twice a year.
3rd weekend in May (Moab 'Zu Zoo), which is the annual Isuzu gathering, but we welcome all.
And the other time is Crawloween, (first weekend in November) Hotel rates drop to ~$25-30/night. That was originally thought up by a bunch of us that work as staff members during the zoo, and live close enough to make an extended weekend to get out there and play, since a typical year, we can't play as hard in May as we like.

Okay, so now that is out of the way, Im glad to see everyone had a good time. I looked for yall, but it seemed that I missed you guys.
Did the construction snarl your start on EH Tuesday? We hit the Needles outpost ~0900, and the trailhead by 0930.

Since I was staying elsewhere, I cruised up to Archview every evening to see what people's plans were for the next day, and to let them know my contingency plan (which I ended up doing every day).

We had a great time, 8 days, 20 trails, 275 off road miles, unforgettable scenery and a great group to be running with.
My trails list:
Notem
Burr
Upper Muley Twist
Hole in the Rock
Elephant Hill
Hidden Canyon Overlook
Hidden Canyon Escape
Bartlett Overlook
Hidden Canyon
Pickle (walked it, and was going to run it, but a couple others in the group wanted to get back to town, so passed)
Tusher Tunnel
Seven Mile Rim
Wipe Out Hill (not just the obstacle, but the trail)
Behind the Rocks
Gemini Bridges
Bull Canyon
Little Canyon
Gold Bar Rim
Hurrah Pass
Chicken Corners
Jackson Hole

Things we visited:
Capitol Reef N.P.
Lake Powell (w/ferry ride)
Natural Bridges N.M.
Canyonlands N.P.
Arches N.P.
Lefthand Waterfall

Strange occurances and things of note:
Rental Car driven up the entrance to Behind the Rocks and gotten stuck across the trail by teenagers, makes for an interesting obstacle to get by (ever ramp a rental car? ) j/k We left it alone and went around, offered no help to them. (first group went around as it was abandoned, the responsible adults showed up just after we turned onto the trail to go up, and they had multiple people)
Brand new GMC pickup losing a freeze plug in the engine and spewing coolant/water all over the trail, and unable to hold more water. We double strapped (front and back, engine and brakes) to get him off the trail and to civilization. 1-1/4 ton axles and stupid low gearing arent only useful for crawling over rocks.
Elderly couple, backing up into a light pole at McD's, bouncing off and running into a parked 3 axle 5th wheel. Poor guy couldnt find the brake to stop while it occurred or after. Young family with the trailer were unreasonably rude and uncooperative.

Infirmary/Carnage witnessed:
Separated passenger collector exhaust flange on Loco, she sounded like a sprint car at throttle and a bubble machine at idle.
Overheating rigs (Zubicon, Loco, Amanda's XJ, and others)
Binding t-case, unwilling to shift in Dan's Sami
Broken body mount in Loco
Broken upper shock mount (rear) in Loco
Significant body damage (tailgate) on Loco from White Knuckle Hill
Major tranny issues in Loco, not shifting right, slipping out of gear
RamV on its lid on Upchuck
Blown rack and pinion on the Mayor's Rodeo
CV, upper A arm becoming unbolted on the Dakota
ruined motor mounts on the Dakota
bent driveshaft (take your pick of rig)
something happened to Big Swede/Jim P/Gilbert/Uzi, but I dont know the full story
steering issue on Mike's JK
Zubicon caught a flat

All in all, it was an AWESOME trip, pics to follow.
Plan to come in November to Crawloween (temps are 60-70s in the day and 20-40 at night, snow/rain can happen).

[ZEUS]

Loco - What are you wheeling and what's in it? The Pickle is supposed to be one hell of a challenge! Like buggy only stuff! On Behind the Rocks... How did White Knuckle Hill do tailgate damage?! Were you trying to climb it? Your rig sounds all sorts of torn up now though... I'm dying for some pics.

[Locomigo]

Loco - What are you wheeling and what's in it? The Pickle is supposed to be one hell of a challenge! Like buggy only stuff! On Behind the Rocks... How did White Knuckle Hill do tailgate damage?! Were you trying to climb it? Your rig sounds all sorts of torn up now though... I'm dying for some pics.

99 Amigo, 33s, lifted, locked, steel bumper and sliders. 4.77s front and read with tera lows.
7 years of abuse is taking its toll, and she is getting tired now. 130k miles and I need to tend to some things, but she got me home to Denver yesterday, just a few minor tranny slippage issues. Ive also found that as a family, we are outgrowing it, even though we went places that prohibited dogs, and we decided to leave him home, we had no room for him anyway. Thinking of finding a larger vehicle, and then working through the issues she has.
We fixed the exhaust only to develop a slight leak on the drivers side now.

Pickle is NOTHING of what it used to be, the sand has REALLY filled in most obstacles. 2 of them would have been a good challenge, but I think I could have made it, and the entry/exit has a bypass. Corbin and Aaron ran it 4 or so years ago at night and it was significantly eroded in comparison to its current state.

Tailgate happened on White Knuckle, going down. the spare caught on the knub that sticks out in the center, and peeled the outer skin from the tailgate frame, and twisted the frame itself so the lower right corner was ~2-3" from the body. I minimized that gap to about half later that evening. Its not so bad. I creased the tailgate last time I went down it a couple years ago, and this time it caught the tire fairly solidly instead of the glancing blow of last time. Tia said I should just remove the tailgate and put a net on the back.

I dont care though, its a dedicated trail rig, so I can ut it up on jackstands and work through the issues as time allows. Besides that, chicks dig body damage. 1 of the 8 body mounts (drivers footwell) pulled through the body, I think because I overtightened the bolt. The shock mount was a prior fix that failed due to the lack of penetration on the weld. No worries.

Its not too bad all things considered. And the amount of fun we had vs the carnage more than makes up for anything. SOFA KING much better than last years. (needle bearing failed on the hi-lo shaft of the t-case) That was a faulty install of Tera-lows. Never again will I have a shop do that stuff, I learned to do it myself.

Home now, so working on the pics... hopefully I will have some links later.

[biju]

The mushy mushy warm fuzzy post-moab post: (and in no particular order)

TOM:
You did a great job of running Elephant Hill – thank you. Your off-road confidence has grown, as you hair has, since first meeting you three moab’s ago! Nice work, friend. Next time I hope to visit champ for a bit, as I missed him this time round. P.S. – good pep talk at the bottom of Hell’s Gate exit!

DUB:
A rock I can count on when things get hairy on the trail – or when I need a good larf! Although there’s nothing funny about crushing your hotwheels VX. You’ve witnessed me go from a pirate, to a stick of butter? WTF? Hahaha… Thanks for the good times, mang.

LARRY:
You’re always good for VX trivia/discussion. Thanks for the use of the “Margarator” – it, and it alone, caused my alarm confusion that night (j/k). It’s always good to see you again. (Now send me that new front cladding you have!!!) I hope to see you lifted next year!!!

JAY:
If it weren’t for you we’d STILL be trying to get out of Cliff Hanger – and we don’t want to see biju when he can’t get to his beer (or I guess butter for that matter). So thanks! I’m convinced the FJ is a great machine. Now go defend us VXer’s on that TOY forum, boy!

KENNY:
Thanks much for helping me out pre-moab. I’m happy I could do the same for you. It was good to see you, donna, dub and jim show up at my house that morning. The excitement of seeing old friends had me near speechless! The wheeling there after was even better – so was checking out the mods. Can’t wait until we meet again!

JACK:
I’m so bummed for you and your VX, yet so happy for you starting anew in California. Glad you could make the BBQ in Grand Junction. Best of luck on the new life. Keep us posted on the VX rebuild.

TONE:
Thanks for the spot up and down Hell’s Gate entrance with no issues! Enjoy the cocaine – but keep the cans!... they’ll make you rich one day. (ok. Not really.) Always a good time with you, guy. I didn’t get you a DVD, but rumor had it you have all the photo’s anyways? Bring the ML next year!

JEFF:
The hospitality was outstanding, and the food was great. What a BIG success! Your fam is incredibly nice and accommodating. The only thing missing in moab was your VX (and you of course). Thanks for keeping the BBQ even though you knew weeks in advance you couldn’t go with (and kept it secret). What integrity!

DONNA:
You ooze goodness – and are so nice I’m still in disbelief! Thanks for helping me with the pups and lunch on the trial. Next year we’ll hit up the whitewater rafting – promise. Stay well, and keep that boy of yours in check! Ha!

JIM:
You mad-man! That trooper and you are incredible on the trail. I’m even more impressed this year with the ease at which you tackled some of the toughest we encountered. Nice work out there! Enjoy the rotors, hope to see you soon!

RICK:
Nice to meet you and some of your fam. I loved the sunroof in the VX, but am sorry I missed the wood grain interior! (which I later heard you had). I’m hoping to get a chance to chat with you more next year!

BART:
Sell, sell, sell some of those 700+ gas masks you have so you can make it to moab in 2008! Really glad you could make it this year, and glad I could see your ride in action (not to mention your wheels!). I hope you had a blast (and enjoyed the Easy Street Wheat!). Thanks for stepping up to do a video/DVD! I think we have another moab convert here folks!

GILL:
I’ve heard so much about this incredible guy, nocturnalvx, from many people. They were spot on! No hang ups, always smiling – and quick to help anybody! Thanks for the good times/laughs. I hope I don’t have to wait a few meets in moab before we meet again!

ERIC:
Really missed you out on the trail, but got a chance to meet you at dinner a few times. Hope you enjoyed the trip, and your stay in Moab. More importantly – hope to see you out on the trails next year!

MARK:
Much more comfortable this year, dontcha think? Well, less fear anyways, eh? It was really good to see you, man. Can’t wait until (if) Moncha puts together another Colorado Colors meet so we can hook up again. By then you’ll have those five more mods Kenny’s talking about, right? Send me that .mp3!

LINDA:
That wasn’t so bad, was it? The VX came out with flying colors! Now you’ll have to get a second VX and come out next year – it’s just what hasta happen!!! I think I hear Bart’s platinum rap album playing now!

ROBERT (DUMKE52):
Glad you and your friend made it out (I forget his name, sorry…) Had a great time at Pasta J’s, and out on the trail. I’m quietly squashing the ‘butters’ tag, but we’ll see if that lasts. Ha! Start planning for next year, and for cryin’ out loud STAY LONGER wouldja? LOL.

LISA:
So much freaking fun to hang out with you – it’s a highlight in moab for sure. Our sick humor feeds off one another… Add some alcohol and my belly hurts from laughing so much. Next year we’ll have to ‘up’ our drinking time. For the love of hangers in the butt, NO Jägermeister!

JUSTIN:
Menace is beautiful. Wish he and my kids could have hung out some. They would have had a great time. Maybe you’ll have that hood mod done by then? Would love to see that come to life! Until next year, friend.

CECE:
Vxironwoman indeed! Damn inspiring I must say… You did fantastic out there – much respect. Your enthusiasm and excitement was sooo cool to witness. It’s what it’s all about! I’m happy you had such a great time!

I hope I didn’t miss anyone – and if I did please feel free to sharpen your shank and wield it crazily in my direction, k? There are plenty of other folks that i didn't get a chance to see/catch up with, and hope i can next year.

Now it’s time to recover, and relax for a while. I need a post moab vacation. gesh!

-biju.

[phxsunfan]

ROBERT (DUMKE52):
Glad you and your friend made it out (I forget his name, sorry…) Had a great time at Pasta J’s, and out on the trail. I’m quietly squashing the ‘butters’ tag, but we’ll see if that lasts. Ha! Start planning for next year, and for cryin’ out loud STAY LONGER wouldja? LOL.

-biju.

It's Ray! :cryp:

[ZEUS]

The mushy mushy warm fuzzy post-moab post: (and in no particular order)..................


.............Now it’s time to recover, and relax for a while. I need a post moab vacation. gesh!

-biju.

biju - It is nice of you to say all that... BUT! Less yapping, more PICS!!! I wish I could have run some trails with you guys but it was good to meet everyone anyway! PICS!

[biju]

biju - It is nice of you to say all that... BUT! Less yapping, more PICS!!! I wish I could have run some trails with you guys but it was good to meet everyone anyway! PICS!

So many pix to go through yet. here's one kenny sent me tho:



was trying to muscle up a harder line on a hell's revenge obstacle.

-biju.

[ZEUS]

That is pretty cool! Luckily, there isn't a rock in view, half way between your VX and the camera, flying through the air! Man would that hurt.

[VXIRONwoMAN]

Butters,
You are so awesome! You have great enthusiasm and inspired me to push my VX more than I would have ever thought possible. Thanks for all the laughs and smiles. I can't wait to see you next year. In the mean time, Here's a snapshot and some videos you may appreciate...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrXfq-Dg92s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaMf57_mByE




Take Care,

Cece

[nfpgasmask]

Thanks Biju, You know I would love to buy the wife a Foxfire....that would SWEET!

Good seeing you again for sure. Hopefully the DVD will be done soon.

Bart

The mushy mushy warm fuzzy post-moab post: (and in no particular order)

BART:
Sell, sell, sell some of those 700+ gas masks you have so you can make it to moab in 2008! Really glad you could make it this year, and glad I could see your ride in action (not to mention your wheels!). I hope you had a blast (and enjoyed the Easy Street Wheat!). Thanks for stepping up to do a video/DVD! I think we have another moab convert here folks!

LINDA:
That wasn’t so bad, was it? The VX came out with flying colors! Now you’ll have to get a second VX and come out next year – it’s just what hasta happen!!! I think I hear Bart’s platinum rap album playing now!

Now it’s time to recover, and relax for a while. I need a post moab vacation. gesh!

-biju.

[PHO2GR4]

Just get Linda a rear-view camera with a 7" LCD. She'll get used to driving a vehicle with no visibility...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-...QQcmdZViewItem

[nfpgasmask]

I wish man. That one is a little pricey for almost 90k miles though, not to mention on the other side of the country. But then again, all Linda has to do is say, yeah, I want one!

I would be sweet to have a "his" and "hers" VX.

Bart

Just get Linda a rear-view camera with a 7" LCD. She'll get used to driving a vehicle with no visibility...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-...QQcmdZViewItem