I have no idea about any of those trails except sunflower. I will run what I am told I can run on 34s and two lockers.

This is why I'm bouncing it as an idea and haven't updated the intinerary yet.

Dan, it depends on who shows. If everyone coming is built up, this can work.

For perspective, Gumybob ran Mud Springs with us and did pretty good, aside from getting hung up the same place I did at the top of the big hill. He's got a single locker, 33's, and an auto, but is still IFS. He's also a cautious and careful driver with some experience on nasty trails.

Keith, you have plenty of vehicle to do this.
Dan, you don't. But then again, that's why I'm asking for the feedback. If you're not making it, it's not an issue for you, but I don't know who else is planning on showing up with a lesser built rig.

Setting up these runs is a fine line of putting in challenging trails to keep the hardcore guys happy, while still enabling the guys with daily drivers to hang in there.

We can find a couple alternate trails, but I'll need trail leaders for those who are willing to do the easier trails, but have the experience and the knowledge of the area to effectively lead that group.

I guess I need to hear from some more of you.

Well, I am gonna try to get some crawler gears in before the run, and I am still torn as to what locker/axle in the rear that I want.

Having run neither, are Mud Springs and Log Corral really two day trails?

Can Log Corral be run backward to start the run?

There are some other trails in that area that arent in the books etc. Off the top of my head that little one that's a little rough right off the Four Peaks road (same side) that runs along the highway etc.

We have a lot of time and the weather is turning nice so we can go look around for stuff.

I'd run the alternate day of Mud Springs if needed, doesn't sound like my kinda trail.

Marchall Amercians don't like tippy trails....

quote:

Originally posted by Stone:
Marchall Amercians don't like tippy trails....

...but if they have to, they do it real slooowww...

Yeah, I planned to get together with Dennis and look at some maps to find other trails in the area. Mud Springs could be done in a day with a small group, but with a group of any size, it'll take some time.

Same for Log corral. It took us a good 7-8 hours to run the full loop with about a half dozen trucks earlier this year. It takes a long time to get everyone through the nasty obstacle at the beginning. Still, I think we can get just about everyone through that one with some jacks and straps. Mud Springs is another story.

OK...well, I was just floating ideas. We'll go back to the drawing board. I still believe splitting into 2-3 groups is gonna be the way to go, though, as lines of 30 trucks aren't very fun.

quote:

Originally posted by Stone:
Having run neither, are Mud Springs and Log Corral really two day trails?

We started Mud Springs at around 9AM, and ran 15 trucks until 2:30 without reaching the camp. We were told we were less than 30 minutes from camp, but you know how that goes. The trail still had some ugly left in her when we turned around. There is no way in hell I would run anything past 'the Hill' after dark, which is why we turned around. Michael and I were dead set on sleeping in the truck rather than run 'the Hill' in the dark.

This trail adds new dimension to the word 'tippy'.

-Spike

The lines I took weren't that tippy. Ben got into trouble on one spot coming back out, and we filled the hole with a ginormous rock after he got way too much air under the left front. Others who didn't chose those same lines (I had the benefit of watching peeps take those wrong lines and choosing alternatives)

Still, it's a really technical trail. It IS beautiful past the big hill though, with great views. I had a lot of fun on the trail everywhere except for the big hill, which was kinda stressful.

Yeah, I kinda fell into that line on that particular spot. Some of it might have been my longer wheel base, some might have been driver miscalculation. In any case, I found 5 or 6 spots that were nerve-wracking, in addition to that 'terrifying' one. I think it's time to work on my flex and weight distrubution a bit, I think I can improve the White Elephant's manners before I hit that trail again.

-Spike

I guess I should give a little input since I didn't before. I have gotten used to the idea of having a 'base' camp, but it would be really cool if we could all be at the same camp when we are not at base camp. This might not be possible, but it would be cool.

Well, I am glad you guys have a little fun. We did have our fun too.. Last couple of miles before reaching camp I pull 2 tires out of the beads..On our way back we have the CJ7 of my frien Eric rear stuck down into a creek , same spot my Friend Dave with his Gd. Cherokee bent a tie rod & busted hid stabilizer shock ..We had a spare..Brian destroy his front drivershaft an a axle..Had to be pulled all the way to the Hill, he made on it's own after that..We got back to the airing area at around 5:30 pm....all in all a great trail...Glad you guys enjoy it..

Dennis

Is spliting into 2-3 groups going to be enough. the more I look at this site, the more that I see people say they are coming. I know that the more the marrier but is there a limit to how many we can have? or is there a limit to how many marchal corn beef can feed?

Yeah there is, so I'll be the first to inform you that you can't come

quote:

Originally posted by Sand Bag:
Yeah there is, so I'll be the first to inform you that you can't come

And who made you king of AZ Run VII?

Don't worry, he'll be 'camp guard' after he loses 3 u-joints on the highway coming in.

-Spike

Just for that, I'm making a "deposit" in your sleeping bag

quote:

Originally posted by Sand Bag:
Just for that, I'm making a "deposit" in your sleeping bag

time to see if you like Chihuahuas.

quote:

Originally posted by -Spike-:
Don't worry, he'll be 'camp guard' after he loses 3 u-joints on the highway coming in.

I have never lost a u-joint, just the straps that held it in place.

The number of people that are coming now will be halfed to the actual amount. The Texas boys (Matt, Glen and I) will be very lucky if all three of our vehicles make it, but I do put LOTS of stress on people here for this run and we plan mods around March.

I'm not too worried yet. Every year we have a ton of people who say they're coming, but don't show....usually about 2 to 1 on that.

We'll spend time prerunning over the next couple months to see what else we can put together.

Still, if we have 20+ trucks even, I think the 2 groups is a good idea on at least some of the trails. If we had groups of 10-12, we could do log corral and FR393 in a day.