**Warning- Opinion of someone who's never been on an AZ run**

I know there are alot of SAS'd vehicles and some pretty nice wheeling rigs that will be there, but it is my humble opinion that on runs such as these with it being a week long, people coming from other states, etc. that this seems like a lot of rock crawling.

One of the reasons I was so down with doing Ouray with ya'll is the trails offer some challenges, but its the scenery, thrill, miles traveled, goofing around with attendee's that make these week long events so popular.

When you think back to previous AZ runs, do you think about the great times doing cookouts and goofing on trails? Or do you marvel at the great rock crawling you did?

Maybe you have just the right amount of attendee's or possibly even too many- but I would imagine that more people could attend if there were choices for people who just enjoy camping, new scenery, semi challenging trails and fun cookouts / drinking sessions.

I like to push the vehicle too some times, but this itinerary has some tough sh*t back to back to back. (Read- REAL slow going while everyone is spotting, crawling, breaking stuff or reparing rigs)

So far, I'm eliminated, the Titan really shouldn't go and it sounds like Mud's out. (which is actually a good thing! JK bud)

Just a thought- I know you guys always have an awesome time and it will be the same this year.

The past five years of runs have always combined both scenery trips as well as rock crawling in equal amounts. We try to minimize the easier gravel trails, as thats not really what most of our attendees are looking for.

AZ Runs, in my opinion are just as much about the wheeling as they are about the comradery, cookouts, and goofing off on the trail. Thats how its been all along.

There are many trails in that area, on the day Upper Ajax is run, something else could be by people that don't want to get pulled over everything, like me if the SAS aint done.

It's real hard to please everyone with the trails, but at least those trials have a lot of other stuff to run close by.

Still many much pre running to do too.

The last ones, Charleau Gap, and Chivo Falls, in Tucson, are not near as bad as the first half of the week. The Gap is a very scenic trail, and does have some challenging spots.

Don't count me out yet. There are bypasses and other routes to the campsites. And there's still 180 days to lift and lock the X. I had a great time not running Hackberry and watching axles get rebuilt at camp this past spring. Lower Woodpecker first thing day one should be a hoot and a half just to watch. Then its a short drive around the side to join up and get through the upper part if I remember correctly.

That would be great if there were other trails to do. They just weren't listed. I'm sure the LC could do most of it- it just comes down to I'm not really ready to break it all up quite yet. I've worked too hard to get it up and functional.

I know you can't please everyone, but if it's just crawling, you eliminate quite a few folks either because of truck capability, driver skill, driver comfortability, etc. It's nice to know there are options- although if most are doing the rock crawling it wouldn't be fun or safe to go out solo.

I really want to go this year. What will my truck need mandatory to go. I know, a locker but what else?

Xrock haven't you ever been out to Florence Junction?

Many trails........

I could list them all for you if you need.

I really like this ITINERARY; the centralized location the first few days, bit more rocky canyon crawls than last year but heck that's what AZ is famous for in part anyway, right.

Now the only choice is what rig to bring…hum the twin stick SWB or one of the Nissans?

Brian

quote:

Originally posted by xrock:
**Warning- Opinion of someone who's never been on an AZ run**

So far, I'm eliminated, the Titan really shouldn't go and it sounds like Mud's out. (which is actually a good thing! JK bud)

oh the Titan will definately be there...if it gets to be too tight I'll just spot/watch/and enjoy...I'm not scared of body damage and I bought my truck to wheel...I know you guys feel me!!! And, wasn't there a full size (old-school) Chevy on that run before... for equiptment and what-not?!? Maybe this year the Titan can take on some of those duties and wheel...

the other downside on the titan is that it might be too big/heavy for the lighter trucks to extract you if you do hang it up real good.

I won't allow it on Martinez. Not with us. On the switchbacks up there, you'll understand why. It also will not do Upper Ajax or Lower Woodpecker. It's gonna really struggle on Upper woodpecker due to its wheelbase.

Brian, you're right...I get all kinds of feedback on these runs ranging from spending too much time on the highway, too many dirt roads, not enough challenges, too many trucks, too slow, too fast....It's tough to please such a diverse crowd.

To Marchall's point....there's lots of trails in the area. I'd love to have a volunteer on the days we do Martinez, Woodpecker, and Ajax to possibly take the lesser equipped trucks on some alternate runs.....The camp spots are out there, so we can rendezvous then.

It's really hard to please everyone though. 20+ trucks on any of these trails is going to be a SLOW affair. I hope that some of the enjoyment everyone gets is helping other guys get through the obstacles.

One thing that sounds nice (and correct me if Im wrong) but I could totally drive to the camp, then ride spot/pic/hub/beoch on the gnarly stuff. Play on some lesser trails with my own truck. Dosent sound to bad. I know Im not gonna get through some of the stuff and realy I dont even care to try.

Andy dont even try to please everyone it aint gonna happen! Hopefully I can make it out for more than one day this year. I am hoping to get out for the second have...thats the "easier" half of the week anyway isnt it? but as always it up in the air.

i'm not sensing much hospitality fellas... I thought this was a Nissan Run, and your trying to discourage one from coming...you allow full size Chevy's and Land Cruisers but no Titan...? I mean, I don't want to be a burden, but, this is kinda lame.

Its not that...sometimes its a saftey issue...Ive never been on Martinez but I sure wouldnt want to see a full size on Reno Pass not that its a tuff trail but there is one spot and I heard the switch backs on Martinez are pretty tight.

Arod, I don't mean to discourage you and I'd like to see a Titan on the run. What I am saying is that these trails have tight spots and they're just not fullsize friendly. You're welcome to try (on all but Martinez). An extended cab fullsize isn't going to clear the switchbacks on martinez, and it will hang up miserably on a couple of the obstacles that require a shorter wheelbase. The switchback is a safety issue. I've seen what's left of vehicles that have rolled down the mountain. It's at least a 3 point turn uphill for a short wheelbase, narrower truck. Bottom line - I don't want anyone killed on the run.

Bring it. Ride along with someone else that day.

Is your Titan locked?

Toolbox, bring a Nissan. It is a Nissan run.

Ya, ya, I know...we've had other makes....but those guys don't have Nissans....you've got a couple.

quote:

Originally posted by Desert Rat:
Arod, I don't mean to discourage you and I'd like to see a Titan on the run. What I am saying is that these trails have tight spots and they're just not fullsize friendly. You're welcome to try (on all but Martinez). An extended cab fullsize isn't going to clear the switchbacks on martinez, and it will hang up miserably on a couple of the obstacles that require a shorter wheelbase. The switchback is a safety issue. I've seen what's left of vehicles that have rolled down the mountain. It's at least a 3 point turn uphill for a short wheelbase, narrower truck. Bottom line - I don't want anyone killed on the run.

Bring it. Ride along with someone else that day.

Is your Titan locked?

I understand...and know what you mean about the switchbacks...(I don't mind body damage, but rolling over isn't really an option... ) and yeah its locked and it has a pretty darn good LSD up front...only slipped once since I've had the truck (that I noticed) and the front pass. tire was in the air... ...

Desert Rat:

You know my truck now - would I be okay if I came with it exactly as it was in Ouray? Or would I get hung up too often?

Queef is really pushing me to go - but I don't know if I'll be able to afford any more mods before then (especially since I'm thinking about buying some more scuba gear )

I did not see any parking lot cruzing or mall crawling trails lour not listed, is that cause you are saving it for the ultra secret hardcore run?
Lator.....

Glen, You could run most of it. Upper Ajax is going to be only for a few, but on everything else...you got armor and a locker. That'll get you a long way with smart driving and maybe a tug here and there.

I would strongly consider a steering kit and maybe a 1" Tbar crank in front though. A set of shackles is a cheap way to get a tick more altitude out back.