I wish I could go the Badlands this weekend but it isn't looking good.  :'(

Hey Jason, I just noticed you were one of the RTCC contestants. You are a celebrity. I liked the video clip of you on the fourwheeler.com website. Cool. 

I just got the e-mail from Steve...i always come here and guess i have not gone back to izook ever again to update.  But i'm not in Michigan anymore.  good luck guys, would have been fun.

i found a short video of jason   #12 down
http://eup.k12.mi.us/~tstrader/4x4%20vids%20and%20pics/RTCC/

Good video. Jason wheels that Samurai hard. I'm glad he is planning on going with. The one of Cooper is great too. I like the nose stand off the rock ledge.  He drives a Tracker and so does Putnik who is also in a video there. I wonder if they are members of Zukiworld?

If the dates right and I get my front end fixed (blowen locker I think) I'll try to make it.

Eric

I live in Goodrich, South east of Flint

so what's the words?  did you decied on a date and where?

Several places are being considered. I will be scouting a couple of them this weekend for practicality of the ride. Keep checking this thread as it all comes together.

Im in for sure..i have a 87 yota that was mentioned above in purpletrackers post..So it doenst seem we are out numbering zuki's...Hman1991 also is part of our small group..I also have a few buddies with 89 yota and pathfinder that would love to go wheeling..
We range from kalamazoo area all the way to Holland area and all in between...

Ok. My wife and I spent yesturday running two tracks and trails in the Tracker. I think we have a plan. It looks like Oceana county is a good candidate. There are 4 fun spots to do some wheeling conected by back roads. It should take about 6 hours to complete (without major breakdowns or anything). Here is what it looks like so far.

We could meet in Whitehall, MI at 8:00 AM on Saturday April 1, 2006. Grab bagels & coffee. Lidea's Cafe (behind Taco Bell) on main street (Colby Rd.) just off US. 31. Get organized and be ready to roll by 9:00 AM.


A forest two track along a creek valley with some technical climbs, descents and a couple mud holes. Should take about an hour to compleat this section. Stock rigs can bypass or park and ride/watch the bad spots.

Optional idea. Demonstrate recovery from mud hole with a HiLift jack.


A forest two track along a river. Some steep tight climbs. One very difficult climb (lockers, big tires, lift). Some mud and ruts. 2 miles of paved roads then back on two tracks for another 8 miles.  Should take about an hour to compleat this section. Stock rigs can bypass or park and ride/watch the bad spots.


A short forest trail through an open ORV area the DNR propose to close in the future. Some short sandy hills to climb. Some rutted mud holes to cross (spring rains will help). Should take less than an hour to compleat this section. Stock rigs can bypass or park and ride/watch the bad spots.


Two track and powerline. Some steep sandy hills along the way. Tight, winding two track that leads to a tall steep hill with several trails up and down it. Good place to sit and watch each other attempt the climb. Several stub trails around the hill with different levels of difficulty. Should take about an hour or so to compleat this section. Stock rigs can be assisted or bypass   first sandy hills and park and ride/watch the big hill.

Lunch at Zeek Lake roadside park (restrooms). Bring your own food. 

From there we could either continue on more two tracks or venture to Silver Lake (20 mi.) and play in the big sand box. We can vote on it at lunch.

These trails are not extreme so save your rock buggy for the Cliffs or Badlands and drive a street legal Zuk. Several miles are on paved backroads. An ORV sticker is a good idea to keep the DNR happy. Since most the trails are on public land we will try to tread lightly by running in 4wd on any soft areas, etc.

How does this sound so far?

Sounds good to me.  Did you get any pictures?

No. I had my wife taking notes and looking at maps the whole time. She didn't want to be photographer too. Got on some really nice steep snowmobile trails but they had gates that the DNR will lock when the snow is gone. Too bad because they would have been great. I think the trails we can use should be fun for the group.

Met a couple Zuki owners while driving around. They didn't know other people were into Zuks. Said to count them in for the ride. 

Do any of these areas require an ORV sticker?  We should emphasize that if they do.

i'm in   

A ORV sticker would be a good idea anyways but the DNR site was vague about if we actually need one of not. Confusing talk of designated ORV trails, open forest roads, seasonal county roads, etc. Unless we hit Silver Lake we wont be in any designated ORV only area. But, better safe than sorry.

Ain't that right mister officer? 

i'm in   

Cool.