Topic: Trail Ratings for the Wheel-In

[Eric Hilbert]

Does anyone know what the "extreme" trial will be like for the Wheel-In?  At Camp Jeep last year I did Trail A and B.  Our club is interested in coming down for the Wheel-In, and I want to make sure we are on the right trails?  Everyones definition of "extreme" is differnt.

[Chris Boucher]

If you did the A and B trails at Oak Ridge for Camp Jeep, then you know those trails were ranked as part of the "difficult" trails for Camp Jeep.  They were designed as 2-3 hour trail rides maximum for Camp Jeep, using stock vehicles with "stock" drivers. 

We plan to run the Oak Ridge Loop for the Wheel-in, which is a combination of all the 17 trails used at Camp Jeep, so your A and B trails are included.  We plan to start everyone at different points on the loop, wheel as much of the loop as you can on Day 1, pick up where you left off on Day 2.  Do not expect Tellico, Rausch Creek, Crozet, Wind Rock, etc.  God did not bless us with such terrain on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge.    Some consider Oak Ridge on par with Uwharrie.  There is plenty of bark at Oak Ridge, and plenty to bite you there as well. 

If you've not visited any of the places mentioned above, PM me and I'll do my best to describe Oak Ridge.
Does this help at all?

[Eric Hilbert]

Thanks for the reply!  This helps!  The only reason I brought it up was on the registration there's a spot for easy,hard...extreme trail choice.  We all want to be on the same trail as a club.

[Chris Boucher]

I saw that on the registration form too.  I'm sure we'll do our best to accomodate you all in a group.

[Matt Coffey]

Yes Chris the trees at Oak Ridge do bite back don't they lol
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But that was a great spotter 

[Chris Boucher]

But that was a great spotter 

I'm guessing you'll never let me foget, huh?

[BEN WOOD]

Your suppose to keep all four wheels on the ground A little fiber glass is all it needs Thanks for the loaner winch.

Heres a shot of the Membership Director making Bobs Creek look easy during the 07 Jamboree

[UFWDA Forum Admin]

I'm guessing you'll never let me foget, huh?

Chris just remember "...the spotter is always right, the driver just wasn't listening".  Take it from a professional.

- Shawn

Notes: Definition of professional "I tried it once and lost money... but still had to pay taxes to do it."

[Matt Coffey]

Chris I have already forgotten about it just trying to show how those trees bite back at Oak Ridge 
 and Yes the spotter is always right .... it is the driver who needs to learn the spotters right and left not the drivers   

[Eric Kohl]

Talking with someone about this and it go me to thinking.  When I signed up, I was planning on bringing my not-so-stock Scrambler, which while road friendly isn't something I would necessarily drive the 450 miles each way so it gets trailered.  Then I got to thinking that I could just drive my Grand Cherokee up and probably have more fun since it is stock except for the 2" BB and winch, thus making just about everything a challange.   

While I remember most of the trails as doable with the Grand, seems like I remember some sections that would be a bit much for the Grand.  Plus, I haven't yet made all of the trails.  Am I being crazy for even considering the Grand?

Now, if it's wet and rainy, it'll be the Scrambler without hesitation.

[Chris Boucher]

I think the Grand will do more than you think (all but the largest rock obstacles) and I agree you would have more fun in it.  Plus it will be a way to show off your superior driving abilities.  As for the wet weather, I've seen stockers stay on the trail while the double lockered vehicles slide sideways into the brush.  I vote for having fun in the Grand.

[BEN WOOD]

Im in the same predicament, wheel a stock no frills 1968 CJ-5 with 31x10.5 Goodyear GSAs  and tow hooks or if the trails will be a little nasty, a YJ with 33x12.5 trxus and a winch. HMMMMM

[Jerry Bliley]

I guided CJ last year some in my WJ, outfited pretty much like yours liftwise.  It did fine.  I even took my stock comanche out on a work weekend last year with no worrys.  I vote for the Grand.  Show the rest of them how it is all skill that gets you down the trail, not the size of your checkbook or rig.

[dds4x4]

Wheel the WJ, they do just FINE!

[Eric Kohl]

I'm pretty confident on what the WJ will be able to do since my first wheelin jeep was a ZJ on 3.5" lift and 31s.  The WJ with the BB has almost the same ground clearance, just no armor.   Haven't actually wheeled it yet, but have played on a few hills.  Guess I'll just wait and let my mood swing decide which one I bring, that or my wife can choose if she comes with me.