Paragon/Rausch Creek

[flippedrover]

Paragon/Rausch Creek June 11-13

Friday June 11 Paragon meeting at noon.
Camping at the KOA campground at exit 100 off of I-81.
Saturday/Sunday
Rausch Creek

So far I have
Comming all three days:
Mike and crazy Brit friend
Me and co worker+boyfriend
Trevor maybe
Randy?
Evan
Steve & Drew from RoverTym?
Pete
Comming Sat/Sun
Eric.N + stock Grand Cherokee
CVC?
Ken
Daniel
Dave assuming he's got the truck done.
Jorge

[mudrover]

Again...I'm in for all 3 days...:rolleyes

[dmarchand]

Looks like I can't make it. My ride is ready, but won't have enbough miles on it for such a long trip.... :(

[mudrover]

Dave, will the truck be done?

[dmarchand]

:grin I hope. We put the body on yesterday (I left the pics at home, I'll post tonight). Hooked up most of the systems including electrical. We are waiting on a few parts from the UK, but hope to start it up for the first time middle of next week. It's coming down to the wire for that particular weekend. But would be a good trip to break in the engine.

I wouldn't come on the trip without it!

[mudrover]

Well good luck man, I know the feeling...after 1.5 yrs of building my other truck I just got the narrowed body test fitted on the frame today. Now I gotta rip it off and start the cleanup-prep work. It's a never ending battle. Hope you get it done it time, but it might not be the best trip to find any bugs. Oh post pics!!!

[TDI Guy]

pete, post some pics of yours too

[Mike Hippert]

HEY! we started this thread because the last one got of track! Post the pics, but put them in misc chit chat you goofs!:grin

[flippedrover]

Sorry Pete thought I had ya.

[flippedrover]

As of now I am a maybe. Will depend on weather I have sold the truck or not.

[dchapman]

If you have room for another, I may want to run on Sat and Sun.

D Chapman
www.virginia4x4.org

[Mike Hippert]

If you have room for another

We definitely have room for another!

[flippedrover]

Ok so keeping the rover. Selling the pickup.

[dchapman]

I am running th Baltimore 4-Wheelers OHV event at Paragon next weekend. As long as I do not break anything major, count me in for the 12-13th at Rausch Creek. I will arrive late on the 11th (9-10pm).

[flippedrover]

Cool.

[dchapman]

Tyler, I met you on the Kepheart Run trail in GWNF about 2-3 months ago.

[flippedrover]

I remember. It'll be good to have you along.

[Eric N]

Looks like I'm not going to make it this time around.. I figure that it would be best to get my friend's feet wet some where a little easier. So I'm just going to take him to GWNF the same weekend instead.

Catch you all the next time around.

[flippedrover]

Ok. sorry to lose ya.

[dchapman]

Oh, come on Eric... RC is a great spot to break in a newbie. You ever those 34's?

[loykd]

eric, we're going to break into smaller groups this time... honest. something for everyone. besides, we need your microwave for the popcorn!

[mudrover]

Ewww...I can still taste that popcorn in my mouth.

[jorge]

FELLAS I'M IN! Just ran it by the wife and got the 2 day pass to play with the crew.If randy is finish with the Video of the last trip I'll try to bring the copies with me.

[flippedrover]

Sweet.

[Eric N]

D - nope still on the 32s. I decided not to get new tires till I wear these out. My friend doesn't have a clue and it's a bone stock ( tires and all ) Grand Cher... So I'm better off taking him to GWNF to get his feet wet. Though I did have a great time last time at Rausch so I'm sure that next time every one wants to go I'm there.

Ken - You are getting me confused with Evan. He had the Series and I had the green Disco that broke off into a smaller group and took the stockers out cause I had a winch. Though we lost 3 out of 6 trucks before we even got down the first trail :(

So I'll keep and eye out for the next trip to Rausch or Paragon or if I get a free weekend then I'll post here and see if anyone wants to go..

[flippedrover]

Ok so the trip is in 2 weeks check your name and see if I've got you down for the right number of days. Jorge could you bring a copy of the video from the last trip? I'd like a copy.

[loykd]

Eric, Sorry for the confusion with Evan. That's too bad that you won't be able to make it. Never can have too many benevolent people around, like yourself. On the other hand, we'll be looking forward to Evan's MICROWAVE popcorn.

Tyler, I'm going to drive up Friday, mid-day and returning home on Sunday after a FULL day on the trails.

Dave, Bummer about the truck. Bring it on down as it is. Who needs a body, anyways?? And if worst comes to worst, Zach can ride in the back and you can check out the ride from the front seat of a red ST!

[Eric N]

Well, I still might go.. It's up in the air right now. There is a chance that my Jeep driving friend might back out of the trip. If that happens then I'll come up to Rausch on Friday and see if I can camp somewhere (since I was told that the KOA is now full for that weekend). So it's going to come down to the last minute. I think that he might back out but, I'll just have to wait and see.

Has everyone reserved their camping spots at the KOA? If you haven't yet then you are probably out of luck. Could always double up in the spots and split the costs though.

[Mike Hippert]

I thought we would have a group spot like on the last 2 trips?

[flippedrover]

Well I'm sorry I meant to call about a group rate/site and got swamped at work to the point that I don't have a site reserved. I will call the one up at Paragon now as I have some down time and see what I can swing.

[Mike Hippert]

Theres always Red Ridge, it was a much nicer campground than the industrial trailer park with toxic bathrooms place we stayed a last time.

[Eric N]

you can call the KOA and maybe they have a group spot. Steve from Rovertym had called me today and asked if I was still going and told me that when he called the KOA he got the last two sites they had for that weekend. Maybe they have a big area that they hold for x amount of people. You never know.

[loykd]

Tyler, any luck with campsites? Anything you need help with in coordinating?

[flippedrover]

Right after I posted I got sent out on a couple of calls and never had a chance to check. If you'd be willing to call that would be great. Something Trevor mentioned was the camping cabins they have. Two to three people per and it should be that bad price wise. Haven't looked into that though. Once again all I'm sorry for not getting this part of the trip set up.

[dchapman]

If I can still make it, I was going to camp at R. Creek. They have no bathrooms or showers, but there are plenty of trees.

[loykd]

Ok, your choices are: KOA Campground (which i understand is mostly for trailers), but we'd be spread out throughout the camp, or Red Ridge which can accomodate us all in a group area (showers AND a pond! $10/person/night)

I guessed at 15 people on Fri and 25 people on Sat. Here's Tyler's list. Can you all confirm the numbers?
Paragon/Rausch Creek June 11-13

Friday June 11 Paragon meeting at noon.
Saturday/Sunday
Rausch Creek

So far I have
Coming all three days:
Mike and crazy Brit friend
Tyler and co worker+boyfriend
Trevor maybe
Randy?
Evan
Steve & Drew from RoverTym?
Pete
Coming Sat/Sun
Eric.N + stock Grand Cherokee
CVC?
Ken
Daniel
Jorge

Someone needs to coordinate the Paragon run on Friday and initial check-in. Tyler, is this still you or is there another volunteer?

[Mike Hippert]

I'm still in for all 3 day's and I plan on being at Paragon early so I can take the training corse, Jimmy will be there with me so we can make a meet point in the parking lot and I'll leave my CB on CH 35 for anyone driving in. Everyone should be there by 12:30 and we can hit the trail by no later then 1 pm. If you don't get there in time they have a radio at the check in desk at they can call us out to come meet you at the gate. Since KOA seems full I think for at least the first night Jimmy and I will be at Red Ridge so you can count on the 2 of us for the group spot. PS Jimmy is my crazy Britt friend in a Disco.

[chrisvonc]

I am looking into taking Friday off. If I can, anyone close can hit the trails at Paragon early with me and we can rally with the later arrivals and get back on the trails for the afternoon. lisa I know cant take off friday so I most likely will have to head home at the end of Friday to get her and come back up to Rausch Sat morning. If she will meet us at Rausch, I can just crash in the back of the D90 wherever we go.

Ultimatly, I am still trying to nail out the details on my end.

[dmarchand]

PS Jimmy is my crazy Britt friend in a Disco

Crazy indeed. He tried to run me over while taking some pics... :grin

[flippedrover]

Red Ridge sounds best. I'm really sorry for dropping the ball. But I will make it up with beer and what ever Mike drinks since he's non-alchohlic. Sounds like Mike has taken the ball and is running with it for the Paragon portion I'll still handle the Rausch Creek. Also my coworker and her boyfriend are out.

[dchapman]

Plus the owners daughter of the Red Ridge is super HOTT!

[Mike Hippert]

Tyler I didn't mean to take over you just seemed a bit busy and I don't want you to have to feel as though you have to run everything. We may be driving down earlier then I said Jimmy wants to set up camp before we hit the trail, He may also want to leave early enough to be able to hit the trails in the AM, so Chris what time do you plan at getting to Paragon we want to get to camp about an hour before we hit the trails to unload. I can still hang out at the gate at lunch time to get every one together. Ken did you set up a group spot at Red Ridge or do we still need to do that?

[loykd]

Hey guys... need a head count for the camp. I'll cancel the KOA deal. Who's talking to Rovertym Steve? Is he coming with us to RR? And on the campsite, they said they'd put us all in one area. Dunno if that's where we camped last year or some other area. I didn't look that closely at the place. I guess I was too busy checking out the owner's daughter. And speaking of which, Pete, how are you coming along with YOUR task??

[flippedrover]

Mike no worries about taking over the Paragon part. I know Trevor and I are planning on getting up there early enough to set up then meet at Paragon at noon. I have to order some stuff from Steve so I will let him know about the switch.

[mudrover]

I should arrive Friday afternoon....with an empty passenger seat :( So if anyone is bringing extra passengers I have an open seat.

[mathman]

Is there room for two more on saturday and sunday, I'll be coming up from B-more...

[loykd]

Absolutely, Kevin! Bring 'em on!

Remember to check the map for directions to the campsite. It's a bit off the beaten path

[rvrsrvc]

Tyler is standing over my shoulder whilst a speedo cable is inserted into his Defender. We agree that Red Ridge Lake would be an ideal location for Rally Control, and, apparently, to view campground shorties. For the Southerners, we plan on departing from the Perkins Restaurant parking lot on Exit 77 off of I 81 at 9 am sharpish. This should allow us time to get to the Red Ridge Lake campground in time to check-in, set-up, and meet up at Paragon by 12.30 ish.
Ken, include Tyler, Gary Chalk and myself for both nights.
See you there!

[rvrsrvc]

well, here we go. Gary can only make it for one day, and I am undecided about going all the way to Red Ridge. The Rausch website appears to have more campsites on the property. Anybody interested in really "roughing" it?

[dchapman]

I'm gonna try and get the spot directly in front of the trail head at R. Creek. Thats a nice level spot for about 5-8 tents and stuff. That is if I can still make it. I'm 50/50 right now. I may have to pull some extra chores at home so the wife won't.......you know...... I plan on getting in late Friday evening. Last time the lady (I think) left the gate unlocked for me so I could get in.

[Mike Hippert]

well, guys I real don't want to set up camp twice and it is nice to have running water and a shower if you get real drty wheeling, so for $10 a night I think I'm staying at Red Ridge. It's only what 20-30 min from R Creek?

[chrisvonc]

I think it's 40 miles from exit to exit.

[loykd]

maybe, but for the MODINATOR and his digital throttle, that's only 20-30 mins...:=

[Eric N]

Sorry Tyler, I just now saw your PM.. Would help if I actually looked at that.. Opps.. Sounds like things are taken care of though. You guys want me to call Steve (Rovertym) and tell him either Red Ridge or rough it at Rausch?

Ken, I'm out. I'm going to just drag my friends truck around down in GWNF ( hopefully not literally). It's his first time, stock Grand (tires and all), and I would rather take him down there where the likely hood of him messing some thing up is very slim. So you can cross "Eric N + Jeep Grand Cher" off your list.. I'm hoping to make it the next time around though.

[loykd]

oh yeah, I missed that.. thanks Eric. Hope you have a good time down there!

[flippedrover]

I'll drag Trevor by the Disco up to Red Ridge :grin

[rvrsrvc]

3.9 vs 4.6? We'll see about that!
40 miles exit to exit and another 15 miles to the campground! Twice a day!

[loykd]

trevor, got a better alternative? As I recall, there's nothing at the RC trailhead, except for maybe a porta-john. I looked at a couple of other options, including a nearby state park, but they don't allow pets and even worse, no alcohol!

KOA campground has room for us, but they're trailer campsites and they're spread all over the camp and we couldn't "bond".

This is a democratic group, right? What do y'all wanna do?

[flippedrover]

Hehe I'm feeling lucky. 3.9 + a whole lot of praying = 4.6 dragging and 3.9 exploding

[dchapman]

At what time do you guys plan on arriving at RC on Saturday?

[flippedrover]

0900.

[Eric N]

Well, as I suspected would happen my friend with the Jeep Grand Cher just told me he can't make it next weekend... So that leaves me free to go to Rausch with you guys.. So looks like I will make it for Camping Friday and Saturday nights but, wheeling on Saturday only.

OK, so Red Ridge is 30 to 40 minutes away from Rausch.. KOA we would be spread out all over the place.. What about the dump we stayed at last time? Wasn't that great but, the people were nice enough and pretty easy going.


Or if we stay at red ridge do we just want to run Paragon on Saturday too and do Rausch sunday since that maybe on the way home of most people anyway?

[rvrsrvc]

I am not going to make waves- I' ll stay at Red Ridge to continue bonding! Also, Ty, I think the Rausch office opens at 8.30.
Would that make a better target meeting time due to the propensity of lateness that always accompanies a larger group? It also gives your 3.9 some rest time after climbing the hills.
Like the big one from exit 104 to the rausch office.

[loykd]

Eric, That's not a bad idea about running Paragon on Sat too. I see on their calendar that they've got BMJA PAL Run, PA Jeeps, NAXJA, and Rubicon Owners.

CVC, do you know those groups? Any idea how crowded it would be?

[rvrsrvc]

Ken- No, I haven't come up with a better idea! Besides, I may need help keeping my dog from catching on fire again!
Eric- Maybe a topic of discussion on Friday night if this looks like it's getting huge (I have told only 1 person!) (honest!).

[chrisvonc]

I dont know any of them but depending on the trails people in our group want to run, groups can most likely not have too many traffic jams. I would not mind Paragon on sat. as well. I will find out for sure tomorrow if I will be off Friday. Still not sure fully about camping yet but if I gat off friday I will be in for Friday and Sat.

[rvrsrvc]

What's the deal with Paragon and guides? Can you still go out on your own with a group of 3 or more?

[chrisvonc]

Ken- No, I haven't come up with a better idea! Besides, I may need help keeping my dog from catching on fire again!
Eric- Maybe a topic of discussion on Friday night if this looks like it's getting huge (I have told only 1 person!) (honest!).Well, its kind of a "have to see friday night" kind of turn out. Last year we were expecting a lot more than who actually showed up. The weather was rainy so I assumed that kept a bunch away friday night and sat, but sunday, more came out.

What's the deal with Paragon and guides? Can you still go out on your own with a group of 3 or more?Yes, as long as someone in the group is Guide certified, groups of 3 can still head out on their own. To get the guide cert, show up 30 minutes earlier and take their safety/regulations course and you are certified. Its free and lasts about 15 minutes and its good for 1 year.

[loykd]

Ok, let's all plan on camping at Red Ridge on Friday and you guys who wheel on Friday can get an idea on the Saturday crowd at Paragon and whether it'll be good for us. We can discuss over popcorn! I love it when a plan comes together.

[Eric N]

Are we just showing up at Red Ridge on Friday and telling them D-90 and they are going to put us all in a group? Or do we still need to call them? I should be there around 3 or 4 pm on Friday afternoon. Maybe earlier.

[mudrover]

Maybe I missed it, but where are we meeting Friday afternoon, Paragon or Red Ridge?

[loykd]

I called them already and told them to look out for a very benevolent guy in a pristine RR Classic. (:))

Whomever arrives first, just tell them that you're with the D-90 Group and start staking out our territory. Pee on trees, set up cones, yellow and black tape, whatever...

I think there is a two nite minimum, so those of you going for just one nite will have to pay for two. (That $20 may play into your decision to bathe in the lap of luxury of avacado green bathrooms with shag carpet. :=) Even if you show up on Sat, you gotta pay for 2 nites. Tyler, did you save $20 from all the repairs you've had to do, or do we need to sneak you in?

Pete, Fri is Paragon (check on the previous page. I think Mike is collecting everyone at noon-ish) Sat is RC or Paragon (decided over popcorn at the campfire on Fri eve). Sounds like Sunday is RC for sure

[flippedrover]

Opps I knew I needed money for something!! No need to sneak me in I have a talent for just walking in the front door and being left alone. 0830 sounds fine to me.

[chrisvonc]

I believe the plan originally was that Mike was going to be at Paragon at 12:30pm and get some afternoon trails in. What I proposed was that if I can get the day off I will go up early morning and make a full day of it if anyone else wanted to be there early. I have my guide cert and we can get a full day of trails in as long as we have 3 in the AM. If not, who ever shows up early should take Kens advice and stake out the camp site. Last year another group showed up shortly after Lisa and I got set up and started taking up space. If I can stay Friday night, i dont mind paying the 2 night fee. Its not that expensive. I'll just buy fresh fire starter fluid this time and dry wood. :)

Follow-up Post:

Do we have a good head count of how many people are fairly positive they are camping just so who ever gets there can grab room?

[flippedrover]

Trevor and I are going to be stopping at the camp ground before we hit Paragon. I'll bring some caution tape to string up around our site.

[Eric N]

Well, one thing that Rausch has in favor over Paragon is that we are the only ones on thier calendar right now.

[Mike Hippert]

OK Jimmy and I will be heading out at 1am, to be at RC early setup camp and head to Paragon so if you make it Chris then we will have a group of 3.

[chrisvonc]

Your camping at Rausch?

[mudrover]

Chris, Let me know if you are going to hit Paragon early, because I can show up anytime.

[rvrsrvc]

Okay, I spoke with Lyn at Rausch Creek and volunteered all of us for a work weekend.
Work half a day and wheel the other half for free.
Just kidding.

Follow-up Post:

I know a couple of people who are joing us on Saturday only and are planning on meeting at Rausch Creek at 8.30am Saturday, so that's where I'll be going. No reason we can't hit both parks and just meet up on Saturday night for dinner.
Either way, I know I am looking forward to doing some wheelin', and hanging out with everyone...

[chrisvonc]

Woohoo.. I am cleared for Friday I can be up at Paragon early AM if anyone else wants to play hookie earlier and wheel in the AM. Any others that were planning on showing up around noonish or so, we can come back to the staging area to pick them up and get back out for some more runs if people like.

[loykd]

Well, it looks like I'll be celebrating President Reagan's life while I'm on the trail in PA! That man keeps rising higher and higher on my list of "Most Respected Men"!

[Eric N]

I talked to Steve (Rovertym) earlier today and told him about the change in camping spots. He already has a place at the KOA and he said that he may just stay there with the folks he's coming with (John Baily, Drew S., and maybe John Bradley-Smith) since they plan on running Rausch Friday and Saturday. He said that he'd ask the others if they wanted to change camping spots and camp with us but, he thinks that they have already paid KOA. Not to mention that the KOA is closer to Rausch and he isn't going to run Paragon. I told him we were meeting up at the MX office at 8:30 on Sat. and he said that he would meet us there if they stay at the KOA.

[Mike Hippert]

Sorry my bad set up at RR Red Ridge then head over to Paragon.

[rvrsrvc]

Lyn at Rausch mentioned a nice campground off of Exit 112 called Camp-a-While. Tyler and I will check it out on our way up for future reference.

[jorge]

:( I won't be able to make it this weekend, I'll keep monitoring the site for your pics of the good company and great time I'll be missing.

[chrisvonc]

Thats a shame Jorge. But you are close enough you can make other Paragon/Rausch trips.

Follow-up Post:

BTW, it looks like it will just be me and the doggy Friday, camping Friday night and Sat. This should be good. We only recently started breaking this new dog in on trail runs but this will be the first camping trip.

[rvrsrvc]

Rausch has a Office on Main Street in Joliet for the Off-Road Park. Saturday at 8.30am.
Tyler- I am going to have a tough time meeting you by 9am Friday.
I have to stop by Andrea's (funny modern marriage. Anybody else live 90 miles from their wife?) and fit a window a/c unit as well as pay the neighbor's vet bills (Francis the Lab bit Buster the Boxer. I also have to fix the hole in the fence.)

[chrisvonc]

The Office location for the off-road park has change at Rausch. Lyn is now located down in the staging area of the park and not up at teh MX track anymore. Changed right after we were there the last time.

[mudrover]

Francis the Lab bit Buster the Boxer
:lol That's a good one.

Jorge, sorry to hear you couldn't make it.

Chris what time do you want to meet up and is there a 3rd party for AM wheeling?

[chrisvonc]

I can meet basicly anytime. I'm only @ 90 minutes away. Mike said he was leaving NH at 1am so its just a matter of when he thinks he will get there. Last time I did the drive to Nashua NH it took me @ 6 - 7 hours. I think people may be showing up around the noonish area as well so it looks to be pretty flexible.

[Mike Hippert]

We figure 6 hours and about 30 to 45 min to dump our stuff at Red Ridge so that puts us at Paragon at about 8am. they don't open until 9 am so we can meet then sound good Chris and anyone else that is going to try and make it for the AM, Pete?

[loykd]

afternoon for me. Can we meet up? I know that phones on the trails are pretty sketchy, as are CBs. Do I remember that some people might be meeting at 1230 in the lot at Paragon on Friday?

[chrisvonc]

last time I was up there I was getting ok cell coverage with my new phone. The sign-in board will also have our CB and cell info. I was talking to Mike last night and I think in the morning we will stay close in the front part of the park so we can easily jump up to the staging area as others get there. I believe some others said they would be shooting for the 12:30 arrival time.

[mudrover]

I'm gonna try and show up at the Gas Station around 8:30 to get gas and supplies so I'll meet everyone at the park enterance.

[flippedrover]

Trevor-Ok let me know if you are able to meet up. i'm planning on being at Paragon by 1230.

[rvrsrvc]

Lyn sent an e-mail reminding everyone that the Rausch Off-Road office has moved.
Exit 107 turn right at the end of the ramp. Left on Joliett Street and a quick left on Main Street. After the sharp hairpin, the entrance is on the right. Open from 8-10 on Sat and Sun. If anybody plans on camping on the property, they have to let her know, so that she doesn't lock them in.

[jimmy salmon]

got the truck back one prob snapped a fan belt
drives good,didnt get far the first day but we drove for 22hrs not dropping below 85/90mph only stopping for fuel and food got back 5am thu ready to turn around and head back that way with mike at 1am fri :-)

[chrisvonc]

If anyone wants my Cell #, just shoot me a PM. I will be up and about tonight until 10:30pm at least and up & about @5am feeding the dogs and will check back before hitting the road.

I will take a stab in the dark and call ch.7 or ch 14 once in the park but the group board in the office will list for sure what we are on. See you up there!

[Mike Hippert]

OK last check in for me, Gotta go pack get gas and some food then hit the road. Just finished my supa duper goofy top secret project at the last second will let all of you know when I get back on the board on Sunday night but those who go out wheeling will get to check it out early!:grin

[TDI Guy]

He must have removed his windshield.....LOL.. I think you were right YOusef.

[TwisteD90]

No it's not the windshield :( Dang I lost some $$ b/c mr.Hippert didn't want to drive with the wind in his face. His top secret project is kinda cool thought :)

[mudrover]

Nope, wasn't the windshield, but it was something rather humerous.

Hope everybody had a better luck on the trail than I did Friday. I'll be ready for the next one. It was nice wheeling and meeting everyone again. Hope everyone gets back safe and sound.

[chrisvonc]

Pete.. you make it home without any other issues? Again, I'm sorry about not watching the rear as much as we should have coming off that last rock. I feel bad that the lapse of attention caused so much trouble.

[mudrover]

Yeah, I made it home without any trouble and don't worry about it, it definatly wasn't your fault. It was the fault of the small 32s :grin. How did Saturday and Sunday go?

[chrisvonc]

Sat was really great time. Got to Rausch @ 9am and meet the rest of the crew. Got on the trails and I think everyone had a good time. Found a really good mud trail just above the rock creek. Ken got some great pictures of us getting through that. Trevor took half the group up another trail. I have not heard how sunday went.

[TwisteD90]

Peter, what happened to your RR?

[chrisvonc]

He dropped off a large rock and hit a sweet spot on the tank guard which put a hairline crack in the fuel tank. Eventually he was able to get it sealed with some mystery goo that out of blind luck, I found in my tool box that said would seal in gasoline and oil. Swathed a self tapping screw and washer in it, Pete screwed it in and after 5 minutes the stuff set and was hard, ready to go in 20 minutes. Another stroke of luck was Jimmy having a extra 22 gallon rubbermaid container in his truck for when we drained the tank into it and then later, filled Pete back up.

[flippedrover]

Today went well except that Mike broke his rear diff on the drive to Rausch this morning. We ran a part of 18 that connected to the really muddy part of 10. That was fun riding in Trevor's disco as we did the trail the wrong way. That little 3rd low up hill is a fun down hill too. Steve spent a lot of time in the air. Wish we'd gotten pictures.

[chrisvonc]

lol... I spent $35 in quarters at the self wash today preasure washing the D90. Left a nice new 2" new layer of mud flooring in the bay. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon washing and cleaning it in the driveway and still have a nice pile of mud at the bottom of the drive.

Did you guys try going back up again with the Discos?

Follow-up Post:

I am glad I got paranoid about the sound from my stone shield and came back down the hill. That was a fun trail.

[flippedrover]

We just went down it. I don't think Trevor really wanted to have to winch up in again. Also the blazer that was with the Libberties rolled his truck playing on the tailings down the pole line from the office. He totaled the truck. The Libberty owners told Lyn that they were really greatfull for the spotting we did. They were worried we'd be snotty towards them. We need to get those pics of Mike sitting in the mud hole with 2 feet of water in the truck.

[chrisvonc]

That reminds me.... quote of the weekend came from one of the Liberty owners.. "HE CRACKED PLASTIC!!"

[flippedrover]

:lol

[loykd]

Here's a quick look at pics of the 90s (and our favorite Classic)! Gives you a good sampling of the weekend.

Follow-up Post:

individuals...

[Mike Hippert]

HOME!!!!! After a short drive filled with; Bad smells (smells like rubber melting), Bad sounds (maybe a U-joint or CV up front), lack of driveline (sucks only having one working Diff), TONS of thumbs ups :thumbs and Smiles :grin from other cars driving by, and some good luck!

Anyway it was a BLAST! Chatching some air going into the mud. I now know what it is like to have your feet under water while atempting to drive. And this is the first time I have had mud go up my shorts, allthough some will argue otherwise. OH and thanks goes out to Ken, Jimmy, Tyler, and Brenda for helping with my slight rear end problem!

[mudrover]

Yousef, like Chris said I cracked the tank and later in the day I stripped the front 4.10 R & P, which ended the trip for me.

Mike do you need a rear diff? I might have a stock diff assembly floating around, do you need a 24 or 10 spline? PM me.

Well I only have a couple of pics from Friday on Chicken Run. Go to: http://web.njit.edu/~pm55/RC1/

[loykd]

....

Follow-up Post:

and I finish off with the trip mascots. (one pup took his toy and went home early)

[Mike Hippert]

Oh yeah the top secret stuff, well it's kinda 2 things, one I got my AC compressor running as an air compressor, I hooked it to a small 5 gallon tank and now I can fill my tires. Now for most people this would be enough, well I found this old train steam wistle from 1918 or something in my parents house while I was helping my dad work on his furnace. So NO BRAINER! right! I mounted it to the cage ran a line to the tank and TOOOOO TOOOOO all the neighbors are awake and it's time to get packed to leave for PA. So all weekend I have been blowing my wistle, I need to get a pic with my digi cam, it has a sound option.:grin

[loykd]

Mike, Glad that you guys made it home ok. I hope the troubles with your truck aren't any worse than you thought while in PA. Thanks again to you and Jimmy for the help with my truck.

Haven't spent the $$ on the power was yet. Did the garden hose and got most of it off. Hoping that PA mud helps VA grass grow.

Tyler, thanks again for getting this trip started. Another EXCELLENT adventure.

Pete, you all fixed?

[mudrover]

No, I got home and parked the truck. I'm gonna rip the diff out tomorrow morning just to confirm everything. I can turn the pinion 3/4 turns till it catches the ring gear for a turn or two then lets go again. That and after running a magnet in the diff I pulled out a bunch of metal chunks, so I'm 99.99% sure it's toast. Plans as of now are to stay 2wd till I can swap in a Toyota 3rd, shafts, and Longfields.

Oh, I forgot to thank everyone for their help on the trail: wrenching, lending tools, and just getting this event setup.

Ken, time for beefier steering rods?

[Mike Hippert]

Some Pics, the first is a Very Hard trail! Don't be fooled by the background! Then some of Pete before surgery, and one of Zach trying to be as cool as me!:grin

[loykd]

..it ain't possible!

[flippedrover]

Is that when Pete hit the tank?

[Mike Hippert]

..it ain't possible!Just you wait, I'll get him in that mud pit with me:)

Is that when Pete hit the tank?Yep, a little before breaking the tank and about an hour before breaking the front diff. But at least his breaks were on the trail not on the friken road to the trail.



Edit: Did anyone get some pics of me with air under the front tires? I was told there were some from the mud pit and from trail 10. I don't need them that big I just want a new avatar. Or if someone has a better pic of me for my avatar from this weekend.

[rvrsrvc]

I had a great time! Thanks Ty, Ken, Mike and CVC for putting this together! Great weather, great people, great fun. Sorry the Northerners didn't get to experience two consecutive nights of cars spinnig out on the road outside the campground.
I figure we have at least 2-3 more weekends there before we have done everything they have to offer.
I didn't get a chance to check out Camp-a-While this time, but as it is only exit 112, maybe we should give it a try?
Oh, when is the next time?! Maybe by then I'll have my camshaft issue resolved as well as my 4.10/ARB set-up as well as the Bilstein 7100's as well as removed all of the inside and outside mud/dog prints......

[loykd]

Mike, did you get the pics I emailed? Any of those work? I have one of you coming out of the long, mosh pit, but surprisingly the shutter speed wasn't fast enough for you and the truck is blurry...:grin

[chrisvonc]

Send the batch this way too Ken :)
And anyone else that took pictures, please feel free to send them in. I will be working on refining the new Trip galleries this week and I promise to post them. :)

[Mike Hippert]

NO, no pics yet:( .

[loykd]

CVC, send me your mailing address and I'll send you a CD with about 300Mb of pics, including the last trip.

[Eric N]

Chris,

I should have some pictures to you soon... Having some medical issues at home with my little girl that are taking most of my time. I'll have to send them to you using a little compression since my internet service provider has limited my out going emails to around 5mb.. Hmmmm, no wonder their name is COX. Pretty fitting I think.. I have about 130 pictures and I don't think that you want 30 or 40 emails.. Of course after you get them I can always send you the full size of any that you want on or two at a time.

Ken,

How is your camera in low light conditions? Towards the end of the day the setting sun starts to play tricks on my camera and makes my pictures blurry too. Not to mention that the shutter speed is slower then on my standard film camera.

[loykd]

Eric, I have a disk for you too if you want to send me your address.
Camera worked ok, but I still need to play with it som more. I can adjust shutter speed and ISO, so it "should" do ok with low light. Not as good at getting clear pics of fast moving Arles Blue soft tops bouncing out of mud trenches though...

[Mike Hippert]

Hey! I got a new yahoo email. MikeHippert at yahoo dot com. It has 100 meg of storage and 10 meg e-mails so send over the pics Ken!

[chrisvonc]

Eric, let me see if i can set up an ftp account on the test server and then I can let you uploaded them if that works better. While I may not use them all, you never know when something could be used for something else. :)

Ken I will shoot you a PM. Thanks!

[Eric N]

Chris, cool, send me an email grnrover@cox.net with the info if you set it up..

[chrisvonc]

Oh Trevor, thank you again for the tweak to my cooling system. Been running good using the AC fan since. I realized last night I had the v-coupling replace less than a year ago by a dealership so I should be able to get a replacement and go with that for a bit longer.

[rvrsrvc]

Excellent.
I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures to offer, but I would gladly make contributions for discs etc. for pix.
Especially of my Disco.

[loykd]

I'll trade you pics for labor... :grin

[DrewAdia]

Guys,
Had a great time. Thanks for putting it all together and letting me tag along. This is my first time really surfing this site. Very cool site. Sorry, but no pictures as well. I'll bring my camera next time.
Drew
Silver Disco with the hard top group :)

[dmarchand]

Ken, looks like you could have used that beefy track rod I had... :tounge

Could have worked out a deal even. The track rod, for Zach...

[Eric N]

The pictures that I took are now up on Rovertym's website under the "Photo's" section. There are 162 of them to look at.

How is the bumper Drew? Any issues going home?

[Mike Hippert]

Nice pics! I like this one http://www.rovertym.com/photos/images/rausch0604/rausch0604124.JPG Ken thinking well whats he gona do now?

[jorge]

Mike are you trying to leave the sinking ship, sounds like I miss a very good time.Great pic hope all is well.

[Mike Hippert]

Well Jorge I broke my rear diff on the way to RC on Sunday morning, Ken did some damage to his track rod, and Drew you did some damage to your ARB right? Other then that I think things were GREAT! Jimmy S beat Kens track bar into shape, I'm waiting on new parts and I didn't here about the Drews ARB?

[loykd]

yep, that's me thinking "That's gotta hurt!"

[DrewAdia]

Yeah, bent the ARB pretty well. That along with a punctured tire and slightly bent rocksliders made for a great day. The rovetym is on the way though.

http://www.rovertym.com/photos/images/rausch0604/rausch0604142.JPG

Drew

[loykd]

Damn, I never saw that. Did I read something about you damaging your diff too? Could it be that stump I see under the truck? BTW, I sent Eric a pic of your tire sitting on the back of Trevor's truck with the stick in it. He's going to post on Rovertym site.

[DrewAdia]

Yup, it was the stump. Dam thing must of been well rooted. Did not damage diff though. Maybe next time though.

[TDI Guy]

looks like you guys had a good time. I wish I could have went. Ken, your truck looks great with the new bumper setup. good choice.

[dmarchand]

Wow Drew. Nice work! I know damage hurts, but that's solid.

[chrisvonc]

I got Kens CD and will process the pictures this week I think. Also Ken threw in a bunch of pictures from another Rausch outting earlier this year which I dont think I have in my line up of updates.

[TDI Guy]

Dave, I like my avitar better.... lol.

[dmarchand]

My avatar is out of focus. I need to fix that.

Don't make me whip out the ultimate bling... :cool:

[rvrsrvc]

Eric,
Great job on the pix!
When I got home, I took everything out of the Disco- all the spare axles/ diffs/short block, Liberty plastic trim parts, tools, recovery gear, camping gear, etc.. The back came up nearly a foot! Okay a couple of inches, but wow, does she need to go on a diet. No wonder I complain about the ride quality!
I need to take the engine back out to address an oil leak, the Bilstein 7100's are due next week and the 4.10 ARBs are due possibly mid-July, but other than that, I am ready to go!

[flippedrover]

Well i was looking at my calender and am kicking around a couple of dates for another trip to Rausch/Paragon. They are July 23-25,August 13-15,20-22, or a day trip to either place most weekends.

[Eric N]

I might be able to make it for July 23rd-25th. I won't know till the date gets closer though.

Trevor, glad you liked the pictures.