WeBeJeepin’ Moab

I’ve heard discussions about who is the Mayor of Moab, or maybe even the King of Moab, and what his qualifications are to deserve such a title. Well, you rarely hear about a lady deserving a rock crawling title but let me set the stage and tell you why Susan Stevens deserves to be the Princess of Pritchett Canyon.

I met Susan for the first time on Pritchett canyon. She was a gunner on my trail at Easter Safari. I remember seeing her rig, WMNDRVR and thinking “I wish I could drive like this lady”. Now I consider Susan a dear friend and am glad to run in her posse. Well today is Susan’s birthday and she’s out to run her trail and perhaps you’ll see by the time we get to the end, why Susan deserves her title!

But, there are always multiple stories wrapped up in one day. Before we enter the trail, let’s go see the new Samurai out to join the fun. I don’t know his name yet but he’s a sweet purple buggy and Rick is the proud papa. He came roaring into the cinema with his new truck, trailer, and toy ready to break him in on Pritchett-gently he says, HA! says I. Beautiful isn’t it?

 

Once we got to the trail head, we had a little surprise for Susan, the birthday girl. A banner for her truck, a pink balloon, a tiara for her and the group, and lots of princess surprises. A big grin says it all. It’s my BIRFDAY! I can do what I want and breaking my junk on Pritchett sounds like a plan. OH YEAH! (just kidding, thought I would try a little Pirate 4X4 lingo…..)

Into the very quiet Pritchett canyon we descended, Redroxx got to lead the way. The crowds from the week before were gone and with the exception of a few hikers and mountain bikers, we were alone until Rockpile and then only had a few dirt bikes coming down on their heads.

Everyone was anxious to warm up the tires. The birthday girl selected a difficult line up the first wash. We’re not even to the brickyard yet!

Then it was through the Brickyard and over to Chewy. Birthday girl got a little excited and slid off the trail before Chewy, requiring a bit of a rescue. Oh well, so much for the first mile or so.

Redroxx went right on up. 40″ tires really help get those diffs away from the rocks although I think she’s ready for her 4:1 t-case upgrade! Jeff came on up too with just a single rock stacked in a key position for assistance.

Rick’s YouTube of his climb up Chewy.

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=757sx0SovLE
Rick is loving his new toy and his driving skills show that he was ready for an upgrade. I’m sure Rokdawg is looking at his BFE scars and thinking “thank you”! Semi-retirement is waiting for a hard working TJ. Join Moab TJ on Steelbender, Cliffhanger, and Fins!

After Chewy, we all played in the rocky wash and worked our way over to Rocker Knocker. Little MS. Birthday girl took some tough lines but it’s her party…..the crying is yet to come.

Dee is out with her new beauty, Roxanne. No red lights in her future. This nicely built LJ will be out on the trails around Moab for years to come.

Here’s another story. Danielle, Matt’s 16 year old daughter, got some driving time in on Pritchett today. Here she is making a run on the waterfall. I think we’re going to have another talented lady driver in the club. She’s a good driver but maybe a bit hard on herself. Let me tell you, many grown men have left Pritchett in tears and broken Jeeps. I think you did MAHVALOUS darling!

Over to Rocker Knocker. Here’s why Susan is definitely the Princess of Pritchett. Who can drive Rocker Knocker with a big thumbs up the whole time? She still has on her tiara and her pretty silver Happy Birthday banner!

Susan’s You Tube video

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRh5l2JyUlk

Check out Dee and Roxanne conquering Rocker Knocker.

LJ’s have the right wheel base for this obstacle.

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp5DbmMsYdI

Here’s Jim on trail number ninety something running Pritchett for the 2nd time in 3 days…..SHEESH!

Here’s Redroxx preparing for her attempt on Axle hill. Melanie rode along as her tires are on backorder. Always an excuse! Can you say “Chicken Dance?” BAWK!

Here’s a nice photo of Rick driving up Axle hill. THAT was easy!

 

Check out Susan’s attempt on Axle hill.
You can see why this one was named after her. YIKES! This was almost big trouble!

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kkOyp52O78

Here’s another OOPS.

Dee’s new tire carrier slid open at just the wrong moment and can you say STUCK, STUCK Don’t leave me Ralphy?

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrmi16KiMjQ

Some of the club tried to close it for her but no luck. After stabilizing the Jeep with a winch line, Dee jumped out (with some help) to show everyone how to close the gate that had a tricky t-handle.

Okay, so at this level, closing a heavy gate against gravity is tough. It almost looks like they’re pushing Roxanne up Axle Hill.

After much ado, threats with hammers, and a few choice cuss words, the gate finally closed.

So, what could Jim possibly be thinking here? (Choose your favorite answer!)

A. I never thought I’d be out on Pritchett Canyon with so many girls! Where’s my tiara? If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

B. It’s a Jeep thing…..I understand….OVER AND OVER I UNDERSTAND!!!

C. Why does Matt keep backing into me? EXCUSE ME!

D. Who gives a S#%# what I’m thinking?? Let’s get the hell out of here!

D. Birthday, shmirthday. When you get to be my age it’s all about church!

Next came Matt up Axle Hill!

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGaLLATFus

After some exciting trips up Axle hill, Rockpile, Son of Rockpile and Yellow Hill, we posed for a shot at the top of the canyon.

Then, with the exception of Matt who selected the county road, we all went off through Hunter Canyon. Apparently there had been some rain as the canyon was wet and muddy, making for even more fun.

It really was a pretty view watching all the rigs of different colors working their way through the canyon. Those thinking that Hunter is easier than Pritchett need to pay attention as Hunter is a difficult trail on its own.

Especially in the water. Watch out Roxanne!

What a super happy Birthday girl. She posed for the cameras all day! (Although if you read my blog, you know she’s never been camera shy!)

We worked our way over to White Knuckle Hill.

Here’s Redroxx going up!

YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2GmjCOg4jY

Jeff also went up easily. Rick had a little problem and chose to take a pull. Jim carefully stacked rocks for Susan. She drove this obstacle for the first time last year on her birthday and has been denied since. Is it possible that Birthday magic is working in her favor?

You betcha! She lined up perfectly and came right on up. Susan had her second ever climb up White Knuckle, both times on her birthday. Crazy, isn’t it? Sorry, the camera filled up here so I don’t have any photos of White Knuckle. I know Dee and others might so if they send them to me, I’ll put them in!

Jim also made it up. About that time we ran into some Canadians, eh? coming down the trail in their Jeeps. We gave a little aid on the White Knuckle descent with a strap to the Maple Leaf flag and then with some helpful directions–they would have gone right into Hunter instead of left to the county road which would probably have had them getting out after dark.–we left off for the county road ourselves.

With a brief stop on Hummer hill to let Mary know we’re all okay, we made the descent down, crossed 191 and got some air at the Steven’s garage.

Now, if you’re still wondering who the Princess of Pritchett is, well shame on you! I submit my blog as evidence and if any gal thinks they’re in the running, just get in line. (behind me of course!) Susan Stevens, princess of Pritchett canyon, my pink hat’s off to you! You’ve inspired many lady wheelers and quite a few guys too I’m sure!

See ya on the trail!

Melissa

Trail Reports

A group of 4 rigs met at the South Shell station to run some trails in AREA BFE. It was a lovely day and the smell of carnage filled the air……SNNNNIIIIIFFFFF…..I love the smell of napalm in the morning.

Here’s our only action shot of Jim. Perhaps you can see the problem already? Jim dropped into the Gate Keeper and his front driver’s side main leaf broke. Oops!

Well, luckily it broke right at the beginning…….about 4 ft. into the trail. Jim stablilized the injury and backed out with a little tug from Redroxx. Here’s an up close shot of the problem.

After a trail repair consisting of a big clamp, some duct tape and binding wire (no Rick I only carry one type and not in bulk), he and Dave were on their way back to the garage for some repairs.

While we were waiting, I couldn’t help but grab a photo of the tires. Notice anything different about Redroxx? Yup, new tires 40″ Swamper LTBs. Can’t wait to try them out!

Jim had some friends from Nevada come out and they stayed and hiked/rode the trails, taking lots of photos and video. Russ rode with me and it was his first time wheeling. BFE? What an introduction to rockcrawling.

I am hoping for some more photos from Jim’s friends as there were only 3 drivers, I was busy spotting and didn’t get photos of our little obstacle above Minor Threat. We’ve thought about naming it Easy Squeezy. If I get more photos this week, I’ll edit the post. Needless to say, we all “squeezed” through.

Anyway, I did get some photos of the Green Day waterfall. Here’s Jeff coming up.

Here’s Redroxx with her new shoes. A little tippy but all is well. I really like my tires but think I now need a 4:1 transfer case. If its not one thing, its another.

Gary Lee Fischer. What to say? The first time through he made it like a champ. The second time, he tried a “traditional” line and got all messed up. It makes for some nice poser shots though.

Here’s the shot right before the body damage occurred. Yes, Gary got a boo-boo when Over EZ fell into the rock placing a nice dent just behind where the door attaches.

After a little tug out by Redroxx, we made our way on up Green Day until Gary found the next little hole. This obstacle is unnamed as far as I know but it sure gets you if you hit it wrong. After a few rocks and a little winching action we were off and running.

We called it a day and went back to Jeff’s to finish up the Pumpkin Chucker. If you’d like to see that, tune in to www.moabfriendsforwheelin.com and see the project link.

Another fun trail day.

Melissa

Trail Reports

The Friends for Wheelin’ were out finishing the Public Land’s day project and the group decided to play yet again on the Widowmaker obstacle as a reward for hard work. I know that I’ve made this comment on this forum before but it continues to amaze me how an obstacle can be almost impossibly difficult one day and then fairly easy a short time later.

Widowmaker was nice today. Gary Lee went right on up.

I went up but no photo…..yet anyway. Dee please send me one, I know I saw it on your camera.

So after the two of us commented that Widowmaker was easy, I decided to offer to the TJ’s the possibility of going up with a strap and a couple of guys on the other end pulling down the front to prevent unloading.

Rick said he was game and got his big orange rescue strap out. Rokdawg was ready and came right on up with just a little bit of manpower pulling. You got to admire Rick out there with his 33″ tires, ready to try anything. Great work!

After that success, Dee was ready to try. A nice TJ Rubicon with 35″ tires and perhaps just a bit too much air at 12lbs. You can see how the stock wheelbase TJ’s have a tendency to unload on this obstacle. But, on the last try, Thumper gave it all and made it up after walking the wall into the danger zone. Dee was aware of this and kept on the gas, making it over and celebrating her first climb up Widowmaker.

Next came Jeff sans strap. He went right on up as well. Nice and easy……

Next came Matt and he was certainly ready to try with the manpowered strap. A little bit of hopping but up and over with no real trouble.

The sweet view from the top with the guys still holding the strap. Everyone made it up unassisted or with a little bit of strap help, no mechanical pulls today.

You know, probably the next time we get down here, Widowmaker will raise her ugly head and throw us all off, strap or not. But, when its a good day for an obstacle, everyone should give it a try so they can add it to their list. Today Rick, Dee, and Matt got their first up on Widowmaker. Congrats!

After that, we took a few minutes to play on Mother-in-Law hill. After the positive climb on Widowmaker, all the rigs wanted to take the tough lines and all were looking good.

A nice work day and fun afternoon of playing on the obstacles. If you’d like to see our work projects, check out www.moabfriendsforwheelin.com and click on the project tab.

Thanks all and see ya on the trail.

Melissa

Trail Reports

So, sixteen on Spike? Is this Easter Safari? Nope, just another We Be Jeepin’ weekend. And, we had quite the crowd showing up at the Cinema on Saturday.

Many of our regular club members were missing or we would likely have had over 20 rigs out for the journey to the Golden Spike. Larry was out with his totally rebuilt TJ after his recent roll. (See 21 Road for the story)

Here’s the group at the Poison Spider trail head, airing down. While there, we were joined by a couple from California in their blue JK Rubicon. They had never been out on this trail, slipped right in and hopefully enjoyed it as much as the rest of us.

Starting up the first switch backs. We had a large group from Kansas rounding out the numbers. Some were on their very first journey to Moab. Hopefully, they’ll see the magic of the area and why we love it so much.

The waterfall on Poison Spider. Jim kept us on a pretty good pace and soon, we found ourselves exiting the PS trail and starting the Golden Spike.

Over to the Launching Pad. Always good when it’s ice-free! Although, Redroxx is ready for a snowy re-match.

Look at the Paparazzi all over the obstacle. I was amazed at the crowds, but stay tuned, the biggest crowd is yet to come. The journey over the slickrock was uneventful for the Samurai’s. These 3 were at the tail, far away from the Badcat (Samurai) leader.

Wmndrvr decided to have fun in this little approach towards Zuki hill. The hard line? You betcha!

Zuki hill was no match for Jeep nor Samurai. Some had to try a couple of times but all made it under their own power.

 

Lunchtime was had at the overlook. There were a few adventures with the welder. Yours truly had a crack in the frame (Yikes!) and there was a steering box bracket that needed some help. Thanks to those who saw my cracked frame!! I was oblivious……what else?

We ended lunch and worked our way down to the Golden Crack. It was obvious when we arrived at this famous obstacle. Holy cow! Is there a freakin’ convention? I was looking for the guys in the orange vests and light sticks to show me where to park. I think it very likely that there were over 100 people at the crack. What a freak show. There were Jeeps, Broncos, Samurais, ATV’s, dirt bikes, regular bikes, side by sides, and even Yorkshire terriers with bows in their hair ALL coming together at one little ol’ crack. Just as many were coming our way as were travelling in the traditional direction.

I don’t know what Jim said to the group there but after a couple of minutes, our sweet 16 got the right o’ way. We fought our way through the radio stimulus package winners and over the crack.

Jim says, “what crack?” Was there something in the trail?

Here’s a youngster driving Gene’s rig over the Crack. His proud Dad told me that he’s been over this obstacle before. Congrats! I wish I could’ve started wheeling when I was a teenager. But, better late than never!

More Crack action!

An “X” package? Hurrah! If you really drove this one open, you should be REALLY proud! And, with the speed he went through, I think he was open. Great driving!

There was another breakage coming over the crack so the welder was brought out again and put into good use. The main group was sent on to finish the trail while the end of the group stayed behind to finish the repair and then get the blank out of there.

But, the main reason for running the trail was looming before us. Double-Whammy, double-whammy! What to do? Jeff put it so eloquently……….who cares what’s happened before? We’re here now. Let’s DO IT! I was a little worried with my cracked frame so decided to go around……TEMPORARILY!

Gary Lee gave it a few tries. He jumped, hopped, and skipped, trying to find the right line.

Jeff came next and found the line. He crawled it. So…………..yours truly ran to give it a try.

Gary Lee tried again………and GOT it.

No photos of Redroxx as it’s hard to drive a big obstacle and take pictures. BUT, Marilyn and I went up too………after a couple of tries. Yee-haw!

We got off the trail about 6:30pm. Super fun trail day, longer than usual but fun none the less.

Thanks all and see ya on the trail.

Melissa

Trail Reports

Okay, after the public land’s day project, a few of us wanted to give Widowmaker a go. I thought I would post a few photos here. Also, very cool, is that I’ve learned to embed video so check out Jeff’s attempt at the bottom.

Gary Lee went up first and had no trouble once he got lined up. He acutally wanted to see if you could go over to the right on the rock but realized pretty quickly that you’ll slide off sideways, not good. So, everyone’s line was more left than we’ve done in the past, staying off that rock completely.

Redroxx was next. I tried to sneak up quick so there’s no decent photos.

Next was Jeff in Drtsqrl. It was so easy, check out his video.

Danielle got a chance in her Daddy’s Jeep. She had a blast even though we provided a safety strap for the shorter rigs.

Melanie was next.

Dee’s view of the obstacle through the windshield……

Redroxx providing a little Jeep assistance.

Dee taking a tug.

And, the video. Click on the play symbol…..

Trail Reports