WeBeJeepin’ Moab

Well, the trail today was scheduled for Strike Ravine with a tip-toe (yes Rick!) into Area BFE to see if there was a chance to get on any of the obstacles down there due to the snow. Six rigs arrive at the trail head. The usual crew plus Jeremy (aka Creampuff) in his shiny JK. He brought his dad Bill along and Dave rode in the back.

Ron is a new fellow to the webejeepin and has been running the past 3 weekends with us. Each week, we’ve been increasing the difficulty factor. The snow has been too deep to do much but a couple days above freezing had us hopeful for some ROCKS.

Today, was an introduction to Area BFE for Ron and others.

First stop is the BIG UGLY. I love this hill in the snow! The first 3 of us made it up without any problem. The last 3 got to take advantage of some polished rocks and in addition, Jeremy was driving open. They sure gave it a shot but we ended up meeting them on the other side.

Even Jeff couldn’t make it!

Anyway, the rest of Strike Ravine was pretty uneventful. There were a couple of tricky spots in the wash and getting a 4 door JK though that narrow squeeze between two rocks was nearly impossible. So, to save a flare, we took him up and over. I was busy spotting so have no photos…..if Bill sends me one, I’ll pop it in here.

We got over to the Gatekeeper at Helldorado and it was covered with snow so we decided to avoid it. But Minor Threat turned out to be fantastic! A lot of the snow has melted and we could do a little rockcrawling. Lovely.

We ended up having lunch at Easy Squeezy, our favorite optional obstacle off of Minor Threat. There was too much snow to give it a shot but maybe soon????

Anyway, so much fun was had on Minor Threat that we decided to run Green Day backwards (the only way to run it!) Jeremy wisely left his JK at this point and a few of us left our doors here as well for better visibility in the upcoming bouldery wash. Dave ended up with Jeff, Jeremy with Gary Lee, and I had Bill ride with me in Redroxx.

The snow made the Green Day wash just that much harder which made it a blast! We got to the Green Day waterfall and hurrah! it was snow free. I told Bill to jump out and have all cameras at the ready because usually a couple of us miss this one every time, giving some fantastic photos. I don’t think he was disappointed or lacking for photo ops.

Ron had never been in this portion of BFE but has never hesitated to give obstacles a shot so here he goes. First photo shows the beginning of a wheel lift.

Uh-oh Ron, you missed the line. Here go the cameras, the paparazzi are standing by…..

Yep, we’ve all been here before……not a good feeling…..especially when you still have alot of sheet metal left.

I did teach Ron that the paparazzi like the thumbs up shot. It might be hard to see coming out the window but it means, “hey, it might not look like it but I’m having a blast!”

Now, how to get Ron off the obstacle without too much damage….

After a strap on the side and the guys pulling to prevent the side from scraping on the rocks, Ron was able to back down and take the alternate route. I like showing Jeeps with people in the scene so you know the camera is not tilted……yep, he’s pretty much on his side.

Look at this! Jeremy so kindly took some photos of Redroxx driving the waterfall. This is the obstacle that led to the Dana 60 and the 40’s. I’ve broken several axles here and am SOOOOO happy when I drive this successfully. Hey look, I even got Bill to ride along!

Here we go, I think we have a good chance. Hold on Bill!

Yup, that was easy! This time anyway…..

Gary Lee gives it a shot.

Oops. But all’s well that end’s well…..

Jeff found this lovely hole just up the wash from the waterfall. No matter what he tried, he just couldn’t get out of it.

Lots of nice wheel lifts during the struggle. Frustrating!

Now some from the front end. The funniest part was Jeff was up and out, even celebrating when he fell in one more time. Incredible but he eventually made it….

Here’s Gary Lee showing how it’s done.

We worked our way back down to Jeremy’s Jeep and then all of us went down Minor Threat. Just enough snow to make it slippery. Here’s a shot of the last couple of rigs coming out of the wash.

Going up the shelf road was interesting as there were no tracks on it and still quite a bit of snow. What a day! Well folks, welcome to Area BFE and Green Day. One of the best trails anywhere and incredible with some snow.

Thanks all and see ya on the trail.

Melissa

Upcoming Trails

A large group of 14 rigs met at the City Market on Saturday morning to run Where Eagles Dare. This was a Red Rock 4 Wheelers trail day and the we be jeepin group decided to tag along for this fun trail, led by Dan Mick.

The Where Eagles Dare trail turns off of Golden Spike trail and isn’t very long but the views and slickrock driving is impressive and a little intimidating. We began at the Poison Spider trailhead and started our way up.

Up to the Waterfall feature, everyone made it, no trouble….

Next, we were quickly over to the Wedgie obstacle and again, no problem for the group. Looks like Moab Rush Hour!

We got up on the Mesa and stopped to pose our rigs for a group photo…

The group continued on to the Golden Spike turn-off. An impressive slickrock climb, called the Launching Pad was a first time for guest Bill and family.

This is a shot of the 3 Samurais just before reaching “Zuki” hill. They don’t look too nervous.

Here’s a shot of Jeff trying out Zuki hill. BE CAREFUL!

Leaving Golden Spike trail, the group heads over to Where Eagles Dare. This slippery slickrock dome is called Where Eagles Dare. Most took the Dare and all lived to tell the tale.

Lunchtime. Not a very scenic spot but we were hungry. Just kidding….it’s freakin gorgeous! Looking down you can see the Colorado, the railroad track, and Corona arch, even some hikers. Beautiful….beautiful.

After lunch, it was time for a trip up Phobia Hil. This is another slickrock dome that lets you wind your way to the top. Shortly after this obstacle, the group split in two. Some decided to go back down Poison Spider route while others decided to continue onto Golden Spike, come down Rusty Nail, and then out Gold Bar to Geminii bridges. This is a longer route but full of really fun obstacles. Rusty Nail is one of my favorites!

First though, everyone wanted to have a pose or two crossing the Golden Crack….

After the Crack, we turned off the Golden Spike trail and onto the Rusty Nail trail. The first section of this trail feels tippy with the tip and sometimes a little slip bringing you close to the cliff…..this feeling gets some to cling to the rock wall to the left….Larry demonstrated this the best but I missed his photo so got Dar instead.

Now the group is working its way through No Left Turn. This obstacle when you’re going up is pretty obvious that you wouldn’t want to turn left or even go straight as the cliff’s right there. Going down the trail as we were, it should be called No Right Turn.

Lucy’s wondering what in the world’s gotten into us? She did take some good photos though!

Next we get to drop off an off-camber series of ledges.

The TJ’s got to bump their nose and tails a little…..or a lot.

Here’s the last obstacle, or if you’re going up it would be the first obstacle. After this we hightailed it back to Hwy 191 by Geminii Bridges Road. Jim was late for church….sorry Jim. At least we were out in the daylight and there were no casualties…..

What a great trail!!

Melissa

Upcoming Trails

Come on out and run Kane Creek with us on December 31st. This will be the last trail run of the year! (obviously)

We will meet at the Cinema at 9:00am. Bring your woolen mittens, hot drinks, and seat warmers as we will start out quite chilly.

Kane Creek is a fun trail and is rated a 6 on the new system (4 on the old). With some snow and potentially some ice still about, it may be a touch more difficult. If you’d like to read more about Kane Creek trail, follow this link http://www.utah.com/offroad/kane_creek.htm

See you on the trail!!

Melissa

Upcoming Trails

Anyone up for a snow run on Saturday?

If so, get your boots, hats, and gloves together and meet out at the Shell station south of town at 9:00am. (Those living further south can meet at Strike Ravine entrance at 9:30)

This trail is a member favorite for snow and will include portions of the Strike Ravine trail, a trip up onto Black Mesa (I think that’s the right one) and then dropping down to the Pack Creek area.

The scenery and experience should be stunning. If you haven’t done much wheeling in the snow, now’s your chance. Bundle up and we’ll see you out there.

Upcoming Trails