If this is your first Summit, read this first!

[Vegas_Nick [OP]]

I built this list after attending last years Summit. Our trip was cut short due to my wife getting very sick. (we think a combo of altitude, missed meds and some bad food) But here are some things that will help your first trip to the Summit go more smoothly:

So here we go:

1.) I learned that my FJ, even with stock suspension, is way more capable than I ever imagined. Even though I have over 5,000 miles of off road travel in the desert with this truck, I had yet to really test it like I did at the Summit. Now I love it even more. The Summit is a great place for newbies to gain trail experience and more experienced drivers to practice their skills. I enjoyed the mix of both on our runs.

2.) I am now even more disappointed with my choice of tires. (Nitto Terra Grapplers) They have chunked out terribly at the Summit. I started seeing this on the desert trails that I run but not to this extent. I'll get the remaining mileage out of them, then the Goodyear Kevlar tires are going on.

3.) We met some awesome people from all over while there! The only asshat we ran into was not in an FJ, but some old dude in a Cherokee that came barreling down a hill spraying gravel all over some kids on an ATV that had pulled over to let us up the same hill.

4.) Trail Runs…. they are just that. RUNS! I didn't realize that we would have the limited photo opportunities and be rushed along with few stops to enjoy the scenery. All too often we had to hear "keep up with the leader" when any of us slowed down or stopped for a photo. I was disappointed every time we found a town site or mining ruin but kept on trucking it past. I have since learned that there are runs specific to photography. We will do those next time; that or find a few like minded folks that want to do the same thing. Again, this was my mistake and something that newbies can learn from.

5.) Listen to the warnings about altitude! I adjusted ok, with only some slight trouble sleeping. My wife, however got really sick. Again, it could have been a combination of factors and we have learned our lesson for the next time. (yes, there will be a next time) Take your meds regularly if you are on any kind of medication. Stay hydrated! Skip the greasy spoons!

6.) Be prepared for the higher gas prices. Even the locals (one of the folks that owned a jeep tour company) we spoke with were PO'd about the jacked up gas prices and were driving out to Montrose for gas. The difference in some prices were as much as .75 cents a gallon!

7.) We stayed at Alpenglow, which is a condo type place. We paid more there than I did for a room in Waikiki the week before we headed to the Summit. It was "ok" for what it was but still not worth what we paid. We were able to hear more than we wanted from the upstairs neighbor. Perhaps next year we can get some early bird specials in another place or go camping. Maid service was an additional fee. Again, the same locals we spoke with said that all of the hotels jack their prices up when the Summit and other events are there. We saw this when we lived in Daytona Beach. $30 a night dives became $100-$150 a night during the two Bike Week events. Just business I suppose.

8.) Trail leaders…. Perhaps we can all work to donate/loan working, and tuned CB's to the trail leaders that don't have them. One of our group leaders couldn't reach out to the end of the pack if we were not all bunched up.

9.) Highly recommend pre-run CB health checks. Also highly recommend that the organization really stress the need for a working CB in all trucks on trail runs. Even if it is a temporary setup. Nothing like hearing the trail boss and the tail gunner yelling "Stop, stop, stop" on the radio only to realize that the truck that needed to stop didn't have a radio. If you don't have a CB, please get one before you attend, even if it is a temporary setup. Feel free to PM me for suggestions!

10.) The proportion of jerks to freaking awesome people was very low. See the one post where one of the guys had condoms hung all over his truck. That, people, would have been grounds for a butt kicking. The only other negative experience we had was not from one of our group. See the mention of the jeep guy above. Fortunately Karma came his way. As we topped the climb we were making, we saw him at the bottom of the trail with his hood up.

11.) Props to all the vendors for the free food! This had to cost a fortune!

12.) The trip is going to cost me more money than I imagined. I base this on the wish list of "must do mods" that I have built since getting back home!



If anyone has more, please feel free to tag on here. Again, this was just recognition of some of our own mistakes and cluelessness before attending.

[willinno]

Raffle tickets Nick!

The vendors raffle huge amounts of FJ related swag. And I'm talking great stuff. Bumpers, roof racks, etc. Not just small items. You will be offered the chance to buy extra raffle tickets. Get as many as you can afford. Even if you win something you don't want or can't use, someone else there will want it. You can swap or sell what you win. Again, great vendors.

Some of the vendors also hold parties in town in the evenings. More courtesy food and drink.

While there are organized trail runs, you are not limited to those. You can hook up with a group of people and do your own trail run at your own pace. I went from Ouray across the mountain to Telluride and back. Lunch in Telluride. Scenic views at 12,000 feet. Wonderful!

As to the altitude problem, it is real. But I went from sea level (or a little below ) to Ouray and had no problems. I drank tons of water on the ride up and stopped in Denver for a day to acclimate. Fluids really help. Drink more than you can stand and then drink a little more. If you can give yourself a day at an intermediate altitude, it will help you as well.

I camped in the Amphitheatre campground in the national forest just outside Ouray. I won't do that again. No amenities at all (save a stinking pit toilet). The hotels book up fast, but there are also two camping spots - a KOA just outside town and the 4J+1+1 campground in town about two blocks from the Summit HQ. If I go back this year, I'll probably go to 4J (had friends there and it looked like a good spot). There is a swimming facility in town which taps into the hot springs. You can shave and shower there for $2 or something like that. KOA & 4J have facilities.

Gas is expensive and there are only a couple of stations in town that I remember. Maybe bring some gas with you?

As Nick said, most everyone there is really nice and in a good mood. And why not? It's the FJ highlight of the year.

[Woodsman]

Not to be windy but just want to comment on #4 as I've led an Alpine Loop run several years in a row. First, people love to complain about getting back late from this run so I tell them before hand that this is the longest run and we have to try to keep moving just to get back in time for the vendor sponsored dinner. I always stop at the best places for shots, group shots, old mine pics, restrooms and lunch at Lake City and try to keep everyone happy.

Now, to contrast this . . . there have been multiple groups that have just blown by my groups (baja style) which is what draws complaints from the locals, our own groups and these groups are no doubt speeding most of the way. I won't name names but the lead vehicles have included vendors and other popular faces of the Summit which should know better.

None of the other runs are as long as the Alpine Loop and should not need to be rushed along at the same kind of pace.

[tlcntx]

Great tips...thank you all!

[Ace Brown]

As mentioned there are always small groups going out on their own, but from what I have experienced they often tend to run at a fast pace. Another option is to simply drop out of a run if you feel the pace is too fast. Be sure the trip leader knows what your doing though. Most of the trails up there are really just county roads and are pretty well signed and marked and if you do get confused there is always somebody up there to ask. If you go it alone be sure you are well prepared with all the basic safety/rescue stuff; and maps, CB and GPS.

Ace


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App

[Well-Strung]

Don't expect to get to stop much for pics even on the Photo Trail Runs. I only picked Photo trail runs in 2012 and I was suprised to say the least. We even saw a bear and the leader just kept going. The first day we were done ahead of non-photo trail groups, actually passing them on the trail. He also skipped an entire trail and wasn't bothered that he lost half of his group. Many who were new to the state and offroading.

The second day we were unfortunate enough to have the same leader. This time it started better but then again leaving the group without communication and lots of confusion. Because he didn't "feel" like running the second half of the day. He needed to get back to Ouray, buy more raffle tickets and drink.

I know for a fact these events led to some people going on there own and getting lost and others damaging their vehicles due to not having a spotter/leader.

If you really want to take pictures, I would suggest doing this before or after the trail runs. Or opting out of the group runs all together and just go with folks who are like minded.

As Woodsman stated, some leaders are only there too "baja", and show off at the expense of the whole group and its reputation with the locals. MOST of the leaders were AMAZING, its sad some were bored with it, uncaring and/or selfish. I appreciate this is a volunteer role. But, I do wish they had a section on the site that shows who is leading each run and their "style" or member reviews. So you know who/what you are getting into.

[Woodsman]

It's stories like this, which I hear far too many of, that make me think I should lead trails all three days this year. I was kinda hoping to do some mountain biking or explore other stuff (non Summit trails) but if quality trail leaders are in such short supply I may have to reconsider for the good of the group.

[nkybrad]

You lead James, and I shall follow.

[FJ in PDX]

Well-Strung previously said:

But, I do wish they had a section on the site that shows who is leading each run and their "style" or member reviews. So you know who/what you are getting into.

Brilliant idea! They probably won't do that though out of fear someone will get all butt hurt.

[JohnB_CO]

Hi All,

New to the FJ and just bought one with the 'Off Road' package, wanting to do the Alpine Loop. Not to sure if the stock tires will hold up to it or not. I realize that if I want to climb over large rocks and boulders, one needs the big knobby ones, but I'd appreciate it if someone has done the loop with the standard tires.

Cheers.