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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Adventure (Let's GO WHEELING!) => Topic started by: Shredder on February 04, 2006, 06:11:20 PM

Title: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 04, 2006, 06:11:20 PM: Just seeing if we have any West (or all) Michigan zuki pilots who want be part of a ride this spring. If I can get a few or more together I would like to organize an small wheeling adventure. If you are interested and would like to suggest trails, dates, etc let me know. Also if someone else is already organizing something I would like to know that also. Thanks.

Dates will not compete with the Zuwharrie event. Just something more local for those of us who can't make it of just want some more fun. ;D

Read latest post for update
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: purpletracker on February 04, 2006, 08:53:03 PM: Quote from: Shredder on February 04, 2006, 06:11:20 PM
Just seeing if we have any West (or all) Michigan zuki pilots who want be part of a ride this spring. If I can get a few or more together I would like to organize an small wheeling adventure. If you are interested and would like to suggest trails, dates, etc let me know. Also if someone else is already organizing something I would like to know that also. Thanks.

Dates will not compete with the Zuwharrie event. Just something more local for those of us who can't make it of just want some more fun.Ã‚Â ;D
count me in ..im in holland i have many friends with zuk and yota
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: AJMBLAZER on February 05, 2006, 07:40:30 AM: Not sure I'd be available (school, work, another wheeling trip that's in the works, etc) or what I'd be driving (can Fords come too? :)) but I'd be interested.

Where are you thinking?
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 05, 2006, 08:22:25 AM: Quote from: AJMBLAZER on February 05, 2006, 07:40:30 AM
Where are you thinking? (can Fords come too? :))

This is still to be decided. I need to see who all are interested first. And from where. We will try to do something that isn't too out of the way for anybody. I am also taking suggestions for trail sections and ideas.

Quote from: purpletracker on February 04, 2006, 08:53:03 PM
count me in ..im in holland i have many friends with zuk and yota

How many zukers do you know that you think could go?

Was hoping to keep it a zuki based thing but a few yotas and even AJM's Ford are welcome. But then we have to take the easy trails. ;D
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: AJMBLAZER on February 05, 2006, 08:37:04 AM: Provided I can fit between the trees and my battery doesn't die (old story involving a certain stranded Ranger on a 45 degree hill) I can keep up with you guys, don't worry.

Maybe we take the GV...wonder what the wife would think of that... ;D...maybe I'll have a Tracker by then, but not sure how stock or not it will be.Ã‚Â The Ranger is going under the knife as soon as I get a DD so it might still be in peices.

I've heard of some trails down near Big Rapids but dunno how much to put into them.Ã‚Â Check the DNR's site about them.Ã‚Â Teacup and a few others.Ã‚Â Some people have told me they're pathetic and others have raved about the stuff they found...sooo...I dunno which is the truth. ???
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 05, 2006, 09:14:26 AM: I have been on some of the Big Rapids trails. They were ok. As I get suggestions I am going to mark them out on a map. If the quality of them is unknown then I will try to scout them out ahead of time. We may do an on and off road convoy thing and hit several places if all the rigs are street legal. I know alot of different sections that would be fun but there is some road time between them. I was trying to avoid Silver Lake so as to save that for a summer "Sandblast" thing. But it too could be a stop on the dot-to-dot thing if we do it that way. One good area though would be the best way and easiest to organize.

Keep scratching your head and your ears open for good trails.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: AJMBLAZER on February 05, 2006, 10:53:12 AM: If Silver Lake's the eventual choice I won't be going.Ã‚Â Not much for sand or waiting in line.

I think we need to find someone's "hidden jewel" of forest service roads or something.Ã‚Â We'd end up finding that we can't go on too many extreme trails anyways, a lot of us would likely show up with stockish Suzukis.Ã‚Â The GV will at best have 29" muds and if it ever gets here, a 2" lift. :P
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 05, 2006, 12:02:42 PM: That is what I was thinking too. Silver Lake is fun on a summer weekday or sunday afternoon, otherwise too busy. A summer camping/sand wheeling thing might be fun there. For a spring run I am looking for forest trails that run past spots to play (tight twisting hills, some mud, some sand, ruts, etc). Some of the (open) powerline trails have good play spots too that can still be bypassed by less set up rigs.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: purpletracker on February 05, 2006, 02:53:38 PM: so far just us friends (not a club or anything)..we have 2 trackers on 31s..89 yota,85 runner,85 pickup,86 yota pick up,and 90 yota pick up...nothing xtrem but just us friends having fun . we would love to take a trip.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: hman1991 on February 05, 2006, 06:20:05 PM: i do ido! but i have a toyota am i still allowed? its a 85 4-runner? 8)
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 06, 2006, 05:45:00 AM: Quote from: hman1991 on February 05, 2006, 06:20:05 PM
i do ido! but i have a toyota am i still allowed? its a 85 4-runner? 8)

Sure. As long as the yotas don't out number the Zuks. ::) Where are you from?

Come on Zukiworld. Let's get some more Zuks in on this.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: karl214 on February 06, 2006, 01:30:43 PM: Quote from: Shredder on February 04, 2006, 06:11:20 PM
Just seeing if we have any West (or all) Michigan zuki pilots who want be part of a ride this spring. If I can get a few or more together I would like to organize an small wheeling adventure. If you are interested and would like to suggest trails, dates, etc let me know. Also if someone else is already organizing something I would like to know that also. Thanks.

Dates will not compete with the Zuwharrie event. Just something more local for those of us who can't make it of just want some more fun. ;D
I'd love to go too but not sure of 2 things.. One is I just started a new job and was told to be ready to work 7 days a week for some time.. #2. Not sure if a bone stock tracker would make it thru ... ;D .Anyway here is a link I found for ya'll to look at...http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailssearch.aspx
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 06, 2006, 02:58:00 PM: Quote from: karl214 on February 06, 2006, 01:30:43 PM
I'd love to go too but not sure of 2 things.. One is I just started a new job and was told to be ready to work 7 days a week for some time.. #2. Not sure if a bone stock tracker would make it thru ... ;D

About the 7 day work thing. ICK! Hopefully the day we pick will work out for you. About # 2: The plan is to chose trails that even stock 4x4 Zuks with decent tires can follow. There will be places for the set up rigs to play but most of those spots will have a bypass trail also. Part of the fun will be helping the less capable rigs try to get through the hard spots.

Hey karl214 where are you from? Nevermind just looked at your profile. Cadillac, MI
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: purpletracker on February 06, 2006, 03:49:55 PM: how about these
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=601
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=596
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: JasonPugh on February 06, 2006, 08:41:00 PM: Let me know when and where, I'll be there. May even be able to drag along a couple of other zuks too.

BTW anyone wanting to can join us at the Badlands this Saturday, just taking a few of the guys from our local club (basically whoever has their rig together)

More info here:
http://www.4x4offroadcustoms.com/rides.htm
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 08, 2006, 04:40:05 PM: 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. 8)
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Jookycola on February 09, 2006, 07:30:45 AM: 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.Ã‚Â But i'm not in Michigan anymore.Ã‚Â good luck guys, would have been fun.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: purpletracker on February 09, 2006, 08:20:23 AM: i found a short video of jason #12 down
http://eup.k12.mi.us/~tstrader/4x4%20vids%20and%20pics/RTCC/
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 09, 2006, 08:51:26 AM: 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. :o He drives a Tracker and so does Putnik who is also in a video there. I wonder if they are members of Zukiworld?
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: lil_Truck on February 09, 2006, 03:33:02 PM: 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
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: purpletracker on February 09, 2006, 08:39:55 PM: so what's the words? did you decied on a date and where?
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 10, 2006, 05:55:10 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: 87yotafoo on February 10, 2006, 09:02:08 AM: 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...
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel?
Post by: Shredder on February 12, 2006, 10:02:12 AM: 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.

Section One

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.

Section Two

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.

Section Three

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.

Section Four

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?
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: AJMBLAZER on February 12, 2006, 11:22:50 AM: Sounds good to me.Ã‚Â Did you get any pictures?
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 12, 2006, 12:13:13 PM: 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. ;)
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: AJMBLAZER on February 12, 2006, 03:09:37 PM: Do any of these areas require an ORV sticker? We should emphasize that if they do.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: purpletracker on February 12, 2006, 05:08:33 PM: i'm in ;D
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 12, 2006, 05:12:17 PM: 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? 8)
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 12, 2006, 05:13:11 PM: Quote from: purpletracker on February 12, 2006, 05:08:33 PM
i'm in ;D

Cool.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: purpletracker on February 12, 2006, 05:39:04 PM: BIG THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE!!! for going out this weekend
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 12, 2006, 05:45:14 PM: ;D Our pleasure ;D We love to wheel in a Zuk.
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: jputnik on February 12, 2006, 06:49:46 PM: Yea shredder, I am a member. I would love to go out with you MI guys on a run soon. Just got back from Evart, MI with about 30 rigs, 60+ people and 3 clubs that met and wheeled all weekend. Could probably recruit a couple of zuki vehicles from them. 100 % correct on Jason Pugh and his driving ability. Met him at Real Truck this year and would not turn down an opportunity to wheel with him again. We have private property all over SW michigan to use. Let me know where, when, etc and Ill try to make it

Jeff
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: hotwired on February 13, 2006, 03:24:57 AM: Shredder,
Count me and the family in. I should have the rear axle back together by then. Why don't more people hit this site and join up: http://www.frappr.com/samuraicommunity I only see me and Shredder flagged for S. W. Michigan. I'd recommend the ORV sticker for everyone, the DNR will slow everything down if they see people running trails in 4x4's without one. I believe it's needed for any road NOT shown on a county map, especially if you have 4 wheel drive.

Dave
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 13, 2006, 05:51:58 AM: Cool. The list is growing. Here is the thread with the details so far. I will update it when and if any changes take place. http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=10651.0

Just remember Saturday April 1st. Hey thats "April Fools Day". That will be fun. "Your leaking oil", J/K, "Your tires flat", J/K "That mud is only 6" deep" Oops, J/K. ;D
_________________________________________________________
Jeff: I saw you wheeling on the RTCC video clips. Looked like fun despite the carnage. Ever get that light fixed? ;D It will be great if you can make it. Using that same Tracker? Invite any Zukers you know. You have to tell me about these trails in Evart too.

Dave: Awesome. Glad to have you and your family along too. It would be cool tohave everyone on the Frappr maps. Shows me as a girl though. Gotta fix that. I am on the Zukiworld one also.

http://www.frappr.com/zukiworld
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: purpletracker on February 13, 2006, 08:49:48 AM: Quote from: hotwired on February 13, 2006, 03:24:57 AM
Shredder,
Count me and the family in. I should have the rear axle back together by then. Why don't more people hit this site and join up: [url]http://www.frappr.com/samuraicommunity[/url]Ã‚Â I only see me and Shredder flagged for S. W. Michigan.Ã‚Â Ã‚Â I'd recommend the ORV sticker for everyone, the DNR will slow everything down if they see people running trails in 4x4's without one. I believe it's needed for any road NOT shown on a county map, especially if you have 4 wheel drive.

Ã‚Â Dave
im on te map..#3 ;D
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: hman1991 on February 14, 2006, 05:48:29 PM: im from holland area friends with purple tracker. and im gonna bring a tracker also i think well see if not ill take the 4-runner. ;)
Title: Re: Michigan do you want to wheel? UPDATE!
Post by: Shredder on February 14, 2006, 06:33:34 PM: Quote from: hman1991 on February 14, 2006, 05:48:29 PM
im from holland area friends with purple tracker. and im gonna bring a tracker also i think well see if not ill take the 4-runner. ;)

Cool. Keep thinking Tracker though. Don't want all these Yotas ganging up on me. ;D