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

[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

[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 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

[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!

[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