ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Adventure (Let's GO WHEELING!) => Topic started by: Jeff@TireBalls on March 29, 2006, 05:06:55 PM
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I am putting together an annual or multi annual Daniel Boone Adventure Tour for this spring. I'm thinking early May would be great.
We will start near Slade KY/Natural Bridge State Park and use trails, forestry roads, gravel roads and a little blacktop to make it all the way too the TN state line, about 200 miles. The first half of the trip is about 90% non paved. The second half is about 60% non paved. I have taken great pains to make this trip 100% legal. Your rig will need to be licensed and reliable!
I have a couple spots picked to camp depending how far we make it on Saturday.
This can be done with stock Samurai's or Trackicks with aggressive tires. There is some rock crawling so be aware that rocker or bumper damage could occur if you aren't protected. Oh, there are some pretty serious mud holes too.
If your looking for a hardcore rock run, this trip is not for you! This is a great trail that will challange stock rigs and a great learning experince for someone new to wheeling. It will also be fun for the experienced wheeler.
This is a very senic trip so bring the camera!
I'm open for date recomendations.
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Here is a little teaser with pics, I guided this guy and his friend in January on basically the same trail we will be using. Only difference is we were on bikes.
http://www.bigdogadventures.com/TAT2006.htm?t=112698
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Sound like fun i'll keep watching for dates. ;D
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I'm going to drive as much as the route as possible tomorrow if anyone would like to join me.
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Ok gang, the date is set for the first weekend in June.
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If i get my front axle issue straight i should be able to make it. :-\
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Great! I'd like to hear from some that are planning on going. Knowing if anyone will have a tow vehicle will determine our meeting and starting points.
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We'll try to make this trip!! I will drive my Kick, but we'll tow the Samurai.
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First weekend in June SHOULD work pretty well for me. I will definately tow my Kick to the starting point... Freeways and I don't get along too well.
I will have to wait for the date to get a little closer, but I want to put this trip on my MUST DO list, for first priority. I can't firm up the 100% answer till two weeks before.. sorry.. my business dictates certain last minute decisions...
BUT, Put me down at 90% and rising.
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Do you think a stock Jeep with agressive tires (open both ends) could make it OK? I have a friend that would probably like to come
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I should do fine.
If people are going to tow theirs down then we will probally need to meet in Richmond and drive about 1 hour of two lane to get to the trail head. That way it will keep you from having to drive 2 hours back to your truck. Will only be about 45min to an hour instead.
I know of a place that will let us park in their lot.
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Here are some pics from the trail on a motorcycle trip this past winter.
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/18860740-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/18946661-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/18865803-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/18865809-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/22969428-M.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/016%20TATCrkXing.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/003%20TATMud.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/010%20TATView.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/045%20TATJeffDeepCrk.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/0551%20BothOnArch.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/018%20TATTunnel.jpg)
(http://www.bigdogadventures.com/images/TAT%202006/033%20TATBrClosed.jpg)
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I should do fine.
If people are going to tow theirs down then we will probally need to meet in Richmond and drive about 1 hour of two lane to get to the trail head. That way it will keep you from having to drive 2 hours back to your truck. Will only be about 45min to an hour instead.
I know of a place that will let us park in their lot.
hmmmmmmmmm, I don't know for sure then... Mine just isn't a road vehicle.. I need to get my tires rebalanced, and do some routine maintenance and I will see.. I drove it for about 15-20 minutes at a time on paved roads this weekend.. it would probably make it an hour.. but I wouldn't really want to. I didn't build it to drive on the roads, I built it to run 8-15 MPH up the trails.
How fast are these paved sections, and drives to get back to my trailer? No freeways, right? Mine runs 40-50 very well, but anything over that isn't a lot of fun, and really stresses my nerves and drivetrain. It really prefers 20-30 on gravel roads and 35-40 on pavement with the big tires, small offset and 5.62 gearing
June is a long way away though.. I am really considering buying another more street friendly Trackick with 5.12's and 30 inch tires about 9-10 inches wide made more for dual sport.. my 31x11.50 LTB's just aren't made for pavement, and it wears them out QUICK with my spool, I can feel my wallet getting lighter around every corner.
OR, I might buy another set of tires for dual purpose, I rarely need all the traction of the LTB's anyway, I could get something else for this sort of thing.. Some Buckshot mudders or something less aggressive but still grippy in the soft stuff.. and a little shorter and lighter (especially lighter...lol) for better gearing on the road in high range.
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Anyone know if they are going for sure? I'm headed down saturday to do my final prerun.
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Welp, I sure want to, and think I will have it fixed, I am confident in it'streetability now, as I have been DD'ing all week, for fun, since I can't go offroad till I fix the front housing.
Can't commit as of yet. But I WILL be trailering it, if I can come
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That is a beautiful area around there. You should have a blast.
Zig
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Hey Zig, I saw where you lie in columbia. Have you wheeled in the Big South area just above Pritchet State park?
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Anyone know if they are going for sure? I'm headed down saturday to do my final prerun.
I am hoping to have mine together by then,so i will just have to wait and see. ???
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My parts are on thier way. I should be fine time wise, and if not, I bet I could do it anyway, as the way it is broken, I can go forward all I like but I can't use 4x4 in reverse..
well......... I should have it done right by then anyway.
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well i would like to come i will have stock tires probably, im going to test it out memorial weekend to see how capable it is. i just got done putting front and rear trail tough bumpers and 9k winch, im going to put a coil spacer up front to help with all the weight. but if i get stuck ill just winch out i guess. let me know if you think i might be able to tag along. how far from columbus ohio is it?
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Hey Zig, I saw where you lie in columbia. Have you wheeled in the Big South area just above Pritchet State park?
Are you talking about the South Rim trail along the Big South Fork River?
http://zukiworld.com/month_020105/feature_zeiglerwheelin.htm
Nope , never been there ;D
It is a realy cool mellow ride that can be dont with stock vehicles unless you have just had a heavy rain. Than the river crossings get deep. If you ride that area you will be sharing the trail with MX, ATV, Horses, Buggies, hickers, etc..... The beautiful scenery attracts alot of different out door activities. The #1 rule of the area is to ALWAYS pull over and shut your vehicle off when you see a horse/buggy approaching.
That area is well worth the trip for the scenery alone and is just right length for a day trip.
Zig
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Wow, I didn't know that was there. I'm going to have to get down there this summer and check that place out. They will be a great addition to my DB route.
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I did my last prerun saturday and everything is looking great. Here are some pics I took of some of the harder sections.
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766554-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766621-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766690-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766443-M.jpg)
And for you mud lovers, plenty of this.........
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766929-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69767370-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766398-M.jpg)
And lots of senic stuff too!
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766774-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69766835-M.jpg)
And finally for you splunkers....
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69767017-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69767196-M.jpg)
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/69767087-M.jpg)
I've read that this one goes under ground for about 3 miles before resurfaceing again. This is one of 3 caves that I've found on the route.
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I will be there in about 2-3 years depending on the job! save a spot for me then. I'm serious, I will do it!
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I am going, if I have to borrow a jeep... LOL.. .just kidding, I think my track would do it in two wheel drive... with 4x4 on just the harder stuff...
I guess what I am saying is that even if I don't get to the front housing, I am going anyway.
I WILL BE THERE!!!
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Great!!!!
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So, how many do we have going?
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Not real sure yet.
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We will be meeting in Richmond off I-75 at exit 90 saturday morning. There is a Hardies/gas station on the west side of the interstate with a big gravel parking lot beside it. We will be pulling out of the parking lot at 7:30 EST. If anyone has problems and will be late, they can call me on my cell at 502-552-4631 and I can tell you a place along the route that you can meet up with the group.
There are several hotels in Richmond if you want to stay there friday night. Please be fueled up and ready to roll. I'll probally be there between 7 and 7:15. It will be about a 50 minute drive from the parking lot to the trail head. Keep your tires at street pressure untill we reach the trail head. Once we get to the trail, I like to air down to a pressure where I have good traction but can still drive some blacktop between trails. Once we are finished with the ride on sunday, we will find a gas station to air up for the trip back to Richmond.
Be sure to bring enough food for 2 days and any camping supplies you'll need. There will be some restroom stops along the way if anyone feels the urge ;D.
Bring a tow strap just in case, if it rains it can get quite slick and muddy. ;D
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hmmmmmmmmm, that is early.. I would have to get up at about 4am to make it there on time.. at least.. that ain't happening... not on a Saturday.
I am going to look into a motel, and come down Friday night.
I don't want to miss this
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I can't go this time still trying to get mine together.my parts should be here we 5/31/06 but i don't think ill be done in time to go.Be sure to get pics and video. ;D
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hmmmmmmmmm, that is early.. I would have to get up at about 4am to make it there on time
Thats what time I'm getting up, I have a further drive than you do.
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Welllllllllll, all I can say is that you must be REAL dedicated, it would take a fire to get me up that early. I am lucky to get to bed by 2:00am.. and I usually get about 4 hours sleep, and get up about 6:00.
Yeah, we are planning on driving down Friday night with the trailer. I can park the trailer in the gravel lot?
How many are going? Do you have a count yet??
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Yes, you can leave your truck and trailer in that lot.
I don't really have a head count since so many people are maybe's. Whoever is there and ready to roll by 7:30 are the serious ones.
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Yes, you can leave your truck and trailer in that lot.
I don't really have a head count since so many people are maybe's. Whoever is there and ready to roll by 7:30 are the serious ones.
That's true.. that is an early start, much earlier than I am used to. Didn't think "play" was supposed to feel like "work"
Well, if I am there I am there, if I am not, I went on south to Georgia, to Beasley Knob, but as much as I hate freeway travel, I will most likely be there.
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If we don't get an early start, we won't make it very far on the trail.
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No biggie, I reserved and paid for a room in Richmond just now.. that will get me down there.. I hate wasting money.. .LOL..
I think I am at the Laquinta, should be pretty close to the Parking lot you are talking about.
We will see you Sat. AM. 7:15 or so, at the latest.
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Awesome! The weather looks great, low 80's with low chance of rain. Low 60's at night.
last I heard, the two guys from SC are still coming. I have one other rig coming with me for sure and about 4 maybe's. ::)
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Oh, BTW....there are 2 Richmond exits, the one we are meeting at is the northern one.
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Yeah, the Hotel is right off of route 25, exit 90a I think.
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OK! I got my front Diff brace fabbed and installed.. and I went over everything, it's good to go!
I even eliminated a couple of rattles that had been bothering me, the Calmini transfer skid, and two exhaust rattles..
My boy and I will see you in the parking lot!
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Awesome! Looks like the rig count is 10 as of now. Looks like the weather is going to be perfect. They got rain today so no dust. ;D
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10!! KICK ASS!
This is going to be a BLAST. The boy and I are chompin at the bit to get out of here tonight.
Now, to try to get all this stuff packed into the little truck.. I am used to having my tow rig at camp!
Looking forward to meeting you Jeff, see you tomorrow AM.
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Ya, 4 more hours of work for me before I can go load up >:(
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Almost loaded...
I even got a new GPS I had wanted for so long.. I didn't have the cash to spare on a deluxe model, so I just got the monochrome Garmin Legend.
Also loaded it up with Topo maps of the area we are going to.. (I THINK!!! lol)
Hey Jeff, do you guys use CB or FRS?? I have both, but need a CB antenna as mine broke.. I won't bother if ya'll use FRS.
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I have a CB and one of the little 2 way deals. Not sure what FRS is. ???
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FRS is the little 2-way deals... lol.. me too, I will stop at a truck stop on the way and get a new antenna, I need one anyway..
Turning off the computer now, and hitting the road. If I have wireless at the Hotel, I will log back on tonight.
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Great, be careful and see you in the morn.
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We are here at the LaQuinta, We passed a super little tin-top Sammy on the way down, grey, wide ole tires.. looked great.. I wondered if he were going with us.. Oh well, we shall see.
Anyway, we are going to hit the sack..
See you in the AM!
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Down the road around London KY there are tons of samurai's and trackicks. Its the Suzuki capital of the world.
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I'm sure, this guy was coming down from Ohio with us, I passed him twice, once before gas, and once after. Sure was a neat rig, makes me wish I had a tin top.. :D Looked like 31-33 inch Swampers of some kind..
My boy and I have vowed to creat a much more street friendly trail rig by next year at the latest, I Like convertibles, but there just isn't much room in them for stuff.. maybe a convertible plus a roof rack..
The main thing will be selectable lockers, or at least selectable rear, and lighter tires (or more powerful engine.. lol.. ) seeing that Sammy loaded up and headed south, it was obvious he was going to do something like we are doing, as he had his kids, and camping equip.. etc...
I like to trailer, but that is for trails.. SO, I think I will keep building this Tracker as a trail truck, but get a 4 door, or a YJ, or a LWB Sammy (wish I had the cash for yours... already built!) For an expedition rig, and pavement pounder. Save it for trips like this where I am pretty sure I won't break any running gear, and heading out west and stuff. Next year, My boy and I would like to do a lot more of this Trans America Trail, with a rig like that. That is our goal..
Can't seem to get to sleep.
see you in the AM.
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Home again!!
WHAT A BLAST!!
Will post pics in another topic here in a minute..
Complete write up coming soon.
Two full days of trails and fun...
FANTASTIC!!!
Thanks Jeff!!!!!
Teaser pic