DC area meet

[tom4bren]

"Tom, I didn't notice your name on the Moab thread. Its only a 24-25 hour drive from DC.

How about a GW National Forest camping trip? I'm ready for some light wheelin'"

CSTYLES - I'm interested. If you Honcho this one, I'll Honcho a lake event this summer (Lake Anna) for a cook-out & SeaDoo fun. If no-likey Lake Anna, we could do Potomac around Lorton (nice regional park there).

[etlsport]

ooh ooh ooh!! im in! im leaving now.. be there in 2 hours!

[CSTYLES]

Okay, done deal. For your consideration, either some "on sand driving" at Assateague Island or some off-roading in GW National Forest. Both options would involve camping, so I would like for it to warm up a bit. Plus I've got a couple more weeks left of this snowboard season.

Last fall I researched two trails in GW, Tasker's Gap (Peter's Mill Run) and Rocky Run Trail. I ran one in a Jeep and the other I rode dirt bikes. You can avoid most of the big rocks and still feel like your "crawlin'." Both depend on sporadic closing by the local ranger station. Neither was very crowded and we saw no rangers the whole time. Tasker's is close to Luray, and is 30 minutes away from canoeing/kayaking at the Shenandoah River Outfitters

I can do the beach around May. Assateague allows off-roading on the MD and VA side. Camping and fires allowed with certain restrictions. The driving is restricted as well, so the novelty of driving on the sand might get old quick.

We could do one or both, just need to find the right weekend.


Tom4Bren Can you pull a wakeboard with the Sea Doo? What are the water temps like at Lake Anna?

Etlsport Can you bring some cheesesteaks - "wiz, without?"

[etlsport]

hah! Wiz Wit only!

i prefer the woods over the beach.. but I'm up for either if the consensus goes towards beach

[tom4bren]

I think I'd prefer the area around Luray for this event. Someday I'd like to drive on Asateaque but not equipped yet.

I've got the SeaDoo Sportster (boat) for tubing, skiing & wakeboarding. I've also got 2 PWCs for the crotch rocket enthusiasts. I need to work on the boat before pulling anyone tho - picked up some gravel last summer on Occoquan & may have damaged the impeller (runs but cavetates under too much power). Lake Anna is warm (especially near the power plant - referred to as the hot side of the lake) June-September & tolerable May-October.

Eric - we'll have to rely on you for the cheese steaks wit. Brother in law & wife are expecting this summer so they won't be attending. Actually, wifey requests sausage pretzels instead (still steaming please).

[CSTYLES]

Okay, agreed then. The bad news is that the trails near Lurray are closed until March 17th this year. The weekend after that is easter. The first weekend I can go would be April 12th and 13th.

TRAIL INFO:
The Lee Ranger District has two OHV trails, Peter's Mill is about 6.5 miles and Tasker's Gap is about 4.5. They are both rated easy, which means I'll be able to make it without damaging my ride. One trails leads up to the Woodstock Tower, which offers panoramic views of the mountains. The car-camping grounds are also located at the end of the trail.

Close by, the Shenadoah River Outfitters rent canoes and kayaks, with pick up and drop off, for a leisurely 3 mile paddle down the north fork.

On the other hand, Rocky Run in the Dry River Ranger District has no advertised closures, offers 10 miles of trails and camping is permitted anywhere along the trail. This one is located about an hour north, exit at Harrisonburg near JMU.

Originally I planned to hit both in one weekend since I hardly ever get down to VA. You more experienced off-roaders can tell me if that is too much.

[etlsport]

blujfan - glad to see you will be joining us!
thmstec - sad to see that you wont keep trying! or maybe you could meet up with us just for the day saturday or sunday, i think we are planning to do runs both days

as far as supplies, im trying to figure out what we'll need
offroading stuff I have..
full sized spare (18" rim w/ dueler)
20' 10k capacity tow strap w/ 5/8" D ring shackles
a boatload of tools just in case
a video camera
2 walkie-talkies and a CB

what camping supplies will others need me to bring?

[tom4bren]

Eric,

We're trying to get self sufficient for the trip so can't think of anything to borrow. Thanks for the offer.

Tom

[CSTYLES]

So cool. I have all the camping equipment I need and I think I'll bring the hibatchi. I'm getting excited. I hope the weather is good. My trip to Assateague this weekend got called off due to severe thunder storms in the forecast. I was willing to go rain or shine, but other were weary to camp on the beach during a t-storm.

E - runs both days (sat and sun) would be cool. There are at least two different trail to hit.

[etlsport]

yea im definitely pumped a little rain doesnt bother me.. few years ago i camped 3 full days through hurricane Ivan(04) , just got the spare tire mounted/balanced, almost done with my spare tire mount.. just have to let it dry over night and itll be much cleaner than ratchet straps

started to put together my offroad tool kit..

finished my fiberglass tweeter pods to show off, just need paint now

ill be leaving philly either late thursday night or early friday morning.. staying in frederick then heading down bright and early sat morning, what time you guys thinking of meeting up/ and just meet at the campsite so we can unload?

i was talking to another VX owner in MD the other day, just a lurker here on the forums but he mentioned maybe tagging along if he can get a new set of tires before then.. that would be 6!

[Thmstec]

There is a chance I could make it out on sunday! Hopefully I can say for sure sometime this week.