[IssacHunter]

Looks like rain and t-storms for the weekend, is this still happening?

Hey guys I'm in Manassas, VA and I would really like to go! I've never done this before! I have a 2005 xterra 4wd it's stock except i have 33's (285-70-17) bf goodrich tk02.
So everyone is meeting at 2pm at Exxon 446 W Reservoir Rd, Woodstock, VA 22664? (just making sure)
since it's raining does that mean no camping over night? if you do camp what do you recommend I bring? This is my first time doing something like this. Thanks everyone!
oh yeah i dont have that ham stuff is it required? also where is the original post located at? i would like to read that as well.

I don’t mind more company (if @TerryD is okay with it) just make sure you bring what you need for off-roading. We still plan on doing this in the rain so be prepared it could get messy. You should try and get an FRS radio for comms though not ham since only a couple have that. A Walmart handheld like a Midland or Cobra will do.

I’m sure some will camp like myself. I live too far away not to. If it’s raining I’ll be vehicle camping. If you use an action packer or similar tote and removing the seat portion of the backseat will allow you to have a 6’ish platform. There is a thread here about sleeping in the back of the Xterra. If not that any tent, tarp, food, drink (no alcohol), folding chair etc. is fine

This is the original thread. Terry has just updated the OP.

Luck

 

[Vizard]

I don’t mind more company (if @TerryD is okay with it) just make sure you bring what you need for off-roading. We still plan on doing this in the rain so be prepared it could get messy. You should try and get an FRS radio for comms though not ham since only a couple have that. A Walmart handheld like a Midland or Cobra will do.

I’m sure some will camp like myself. I live too far away not to. If it’s raining I’ll be vehicle camping. If you use an action packer or similar tote and removing the seat portion of the backseat will allow you to have a 6’ish platform. There is a thread here about sleeping in the back of the Xterra. If not that any tent, tarp, food, drink (no alcohol), folding chair etc. is fine

This is the original thread. Terry has just updated the OP.

Luck

what do you mean by bring what you need for offroading? What do you recommend?

 

[IssacHunter]

what do you mean by bring what you need for offroading? What do you recommend?

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/29-gear-equipment/31-trail-gear-carry-xterra.html
http://gonemoab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Preparedness-checklist-rev1.2.pdf

Some things to bring and read. Obviously if you’re starting out you can’t have it all but tools, some spares and recovery items are some big hits. If you don’t have much to bring it should be fine as it’s not like this is the Rubicon and you’d be in a group but it’s some nice lists and recommendations for building up over time as you do more.

Luck

 

[TerryD]

I don’t mind more company (if @TerryD is okay with it)

That's exactly what this trip is about! Getting new folks out on the dirt and getting them acquainted with their trucks.

There are several of us that are hammock camping, for that you need a hammock like the Eno or similar and a rain tarp. A sleeping pad, pillow and blanket will work great in this weather.

A little cooler and some food. Doubt we'll be cooking much if the rain is pouring down though so mainly snacks and drinks to tide you over for the night.

Like was mentioned, no drinking adult beverages on the trail. I think the campground allows them so they'd be fine at camp so long as you're not getting hammered. This is supposed to be family friendly stuff.

Bring a good amount of drinking water. I know in a rain storm that seems moot but you'll be sweating pretty hard most of the day without realizing it. Plus having water to wash up with is nice around camp.

 

[TerryD]

7 trucks! That's a pretty good group!

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow!

Anyone else planing on lunch with IssacHunter and myself at El Charro in Harrisonburg? We'll be there at noon!

 

[Wanderlost]

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/29-gear-equipment/31-trail-gear-carry-xterra.html
http://gonemoab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Preparedness-checklist-rev1.2.pdf

Some things to bring and read. Obviously if you’re starting out you can’t have it all but tools, some spares and recovery items are some big hits. If you don’t have much to bring it should be fine as it’s not like this is the Rubicon and you’d be in a group but it’s some nice lists and recommendations for building up over time as you do more.

Luck

Basically, everything...yer gonna die. Good lists, but remember, they're also for the extreme. There are some basic common sense items you should have though. Recovery and field repair are the biggies. I'm still building my gear as well. I think amongst all of us on this trail we should be alright though.

 

[Vizard]

hmmmm on the facebook group they were saying it's not recommended for noobies to go so I think I'm gonna sit this one out and wait for the next one. =\

 

[Wanderlost]

hmmmm on the facebook group they were saying it's not recommended for noobies to go so I think I'm gonna sit this one out and wait for the next one. =\

I don't blame you. I've been debating back and forth with all the rain we've been having lately. That area got a couple more inches last night with the nice front that blew through.

I'm probably going to show up at least and see how the beginning looks and judge from there. Worse comes to worse, I get a nice drive out into the mountains a bit.

 

[TerryD]

I just called the Forest Service for that area and the trail is still open.

As for the trail conditions, since this is supposed to be a novice run, we'll be turning around if things get too bad. I think knowing when you're in over your head is an important part of off-roading as well. I'll probably turn around at the first big mud hole you can't avoid because I REALLY don't like going in that mess.

This time of year, deeper holes are a given. However, even if this is a bust, we'll find something to get into. Even if we just break out the maps and go riding around in the hills nearby trying to find a cheap hotel for the night! :grin:

 

[TerryD]

Not to call anyone out or point fingers, but I messaged the guy on Facebook and he's never run this trail either so he doesn't know what the general terrain is like.

Anyone who doesn't feel up to it and wants to hold off for a nicer weekend, don't feel ashamed. If you're not comfortable going, that's cool! Knowing when you're in over your head is a great skill that a lot of off-roaders lack.

So what's everyone's thoughts?

 

[Wanderlost]

Like I said, I'm at least going to show up. It's hard for me to make a decision without getting eyes-on. I'm also not too proud to turn around if it's over my head (literally or figuratively). It's a good time to practice proper judgment.

 

[IssacHunter]

Well if it turns out too bad at this place we could change directions and do parts of flagpole. That place has bypasses for the muddy areas and while their is some creek crossings they shouldn’t be that bad.

 

[Vizard]

Well if it turns out too bad at this place we could change directions and do parts of flagpole. That place has bypasses for the muddy areas and while their is some creek crossings they shouldn’t be that bad.

I haven' done flagpole so if you think that's a safer way i'm willing to go and like you said if it gets bad we can turn around. hmmm still undecided :tard:

 

[IssacHunter]

I haven' done flagpole so if you think that's a safer way i'm willing to go and like you said if it gets bad we can turn around. hmmm still undecided :tard:

It's very stock friendly. Has bypasses for the technical stuff as well. I would list the trails there as green trails with the one exception of coming down the steps at the spot in my profile pic. You need a spotter there but that's it but we probably want to check out the first area before that.

 

[TerryD]

I'm not sure where Carrie got hung up on Flag Pole in the deep water recently. I think Peter's Mill is supposed to be a milder trail.

 

[Red]

@Vizard: Peter's Mill Run was the first unimproved road I have ever been on in my life. I did it in a stock X and my X is still stock for all intense and purposes. I also did the trail without a group and I was perfectly fine.

That being said:

I will not do any water crossings.
I will not do any mud bogs.
I will not do any rock crawling.

Peter's mill run won't have any of the above. There will be puddles, and with the rain they may be larger. If they are deep and I can't go around them I will turn around. This is my DD and I can't afford to break anything.

This is a great opportunity, excluding me, we have some experienced guys/gals in the group. I am coming along for the fun and to learn from others.

My 2 cents,
Red

 

[Vizard]

Yeah I wanna try it out, i'll be there at the 2pm meetup. I won't stay the night tho

 

[Thetank]

I'm still down just going to need help on rock but mud I'm not that afraid of did a little of roading this morning just to hit 69k millage.

 

[Dyno992]

Subbing this because ya'll are close enough to make a weekend trip out of this once or twice this summer. Hope to meet you guys at least once!

 

[TerryD]

Subbing this because ya'll are close enough to make a weekend trip out of this once or twice this summer. Hope to meet you guys at least once!

Cool! Subscribe to the South Atlantic section as well so if someone starts a new thread, you won't miss out!