FJ offroad video at Gilmer, TX - Page 3

**TRDParts4u** · 08-17-2006, 08:33 AM

LOL! That " lumpy patch of dirt "may not be much, but it is quite technical. The guy driving that truck had never been offroad and he made it through with out a scratch. I was impressed that he took that vehicle through that trail.

If anyone wants a tour of our "lumpy patch of dirt "drop me a line

Jacque

Valkyrie · 08-17-2006, 09:21 AM

In case y'all have chosen not to visit the original thread, I clearly stated that:

it was Matt's first time wheeling, his first time in a 4X4 and he wanted to try something difficult (with his swaybars attached). He was taking a $30,000 new rig into something real difficult.

We did not encourage him, in fact we tried to talk him out of it, but he wanted to challenge himself- and that's what it's all about... not what brand you drive or how great you think you are.

Denigrating the effort is probably inappropriate because the video truly doesn't do it justice. I have seen several rigs flopped in the same area, in fact a capable Jeep laid it on the side after Matt went through.

Furthermore, I realize I wasn't doing anything to try & help the vehicle itself... Although I am on the large side, I wasn't kidding myself one minute. No one can do anything to stop a vehicle from laying over. On the rare times I will hop aboard during an obstacle, I will ride along so I can feel what the driver is feeling and be able to communicate with him. I keep myself in a postion to bailout. When faced with an obstacle and a driver needing coaching, it is easier for me to go along as a rider than to worry about my footing and trying to feel what the vehicle is doing and trying to converse with the driver.

Is it safe? Nope. Should everyone hop aboard for the ride? Nope.

Unfortunately, it is a bad habit (how bad is always up for debate) I learned 25 years ago as a 17 y/o kid with an M-16 & an patrol pack riding the back bumper of jeeps.

So, enough debate about me and my lack of grace, photogenic qualities and/or common sense- this post was simply to show:
1. Someone actually wheeling a stocker aggressively
2. The characteristics and abilites of the vehicle right out of the box

Matt earned Kudos for taking a challenge and doing well.

Comparing an IFS rig to a solid axle rig is asinine. The FJ is not built the same as a Rubi- both are fine vehicles built for different markets and both have distinct advantages over the other.

I will gladly give any of you posers (Jeep or FJC) an insider's tour of BMRA... maybe a night run on Scorpion's Pass?

Hotrodguru · 08-17-2006, 10:10 AM

Well when I first read the thread I really thought I was in for some weak wheeling. I'm a n00b to off-roading but that really didn't seem like one of the easiest trails to go thru. I would have approached it pretty much the same way. Heck I don't mind scrapping up my new FJ or getting it muddy

but having it lay on it's side is another story.

Heck as it is and where I've been so far I think it's faily capable in stock form. The only thing holding me back right now is a nice set of more aggressive tires.

Guru

1 Bored Clerk · 08-17-2006, 10:28 AM

I refuse to be excited about someone getting in way over their head (in any sport)...becuase it leads to bad judgement. Bad judgement is what lands people in trouble. So he made it through...that's great. What about next time when he doesn't have a coach? He'll be unprepared and end up flopped on his side or broken way out in the middle of nowhere and not have the experience to deal with it. Look folks, these are very capable rigs but all the electronic gadgetry in the world (even paired with coaching) is no substitute for seat time and experience. It's not just about driving over the trail. It's about being prepared for not making it, fixing problems, helping others, etc...Inevitably, you will be in over your head becuase that's what getting better entails. But you should gradually work your way in...not just jump in to the deep end. And I'm not excited for anyone that assists someone in doing what they aren't prepared to do. Sorry.

Hotrodguru · 08-17-2006, 10:40 AM

So how did you learn to ride a bike? You do know how right? Perhaps he took advantage of having a coach or someone available at the time. Maybe, just maybe he wouldn't try this alone. Lots of ifs...

**TRDParts4u** · 08-17-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

1 Bored Clerk previously said:

I refuse to be excited about someone getting in way over their head (in any sport)...becuase it leads to bad judgement. Bad judgement is what lands people in trouble. So he made it through...that's great. What about next time when he doesn't have a coach? He'll be unprepared and end up flopped on his side or broken way out in the middle of nowhere and not have the experience to deal with it. Look folks, these are very capable rigs but all the electronic gadgetry in the world (even paired with coaching) is no substitute for seat time and experience. It's not just about driving over the trail. It's about being prepared for not making it, fixing problems, helping others, etc...Inevitably, you will be in over your head becuase that's what getting better entails. But you should gradually work your way in...not just jump in to the deep end. And I'm not excited for anyone that assists someone in doing what they aren't prepared to do. Sorry.

Wait I thought it was a "lumpy patch of dirt"

1 Bored Clerk · 08-17-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

TRDParts4u previously said:

Wait I thought it was a "lumpy patch of dirt"

It is.

I wouldn't go down there...I'm not good enough. That comment was based on my frustration with the fact that you could tell that he had no business out there...regardless of how many four wheel drive Gods were swarming around him.

Don't you see your responsibility as 'teachers' here? There are a ton of people new to wheeling and new to being prepared for it's special circumstances on this forum...looking at you guys for guidance and how to do it 'right'. Take that seriously. It's important. No doubt some folks on this forum have learned that it's okay to hang on a rig...drive out of their league because the FJ can do it...and, most importantly, be hard core. Because someone better than themselves will help them do it. Nice.

gsgmac · 08-17-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Valkyrie previously said:

In case y'all have chosen not to visit the original thread, I clearly stated that:

it was Matt's first time wheeling, his first time in a 4X4 and he wanted to try something difficult (with his swaybars attached). He was taking a $30,000 new rig into something real difficult.

We did not encourage him, in fact we tried to talk him out of it, but he wanted to challenge himself- and that's what it's all about... not what brand you drive or how great you think you are.

Denigrating the effort is probably inappropriate because the video truly doesn't do it justice. I have seen several rigs flopped in the same area, in fact a capable Jeep laid it on the side after Matt went through.

Furthermore, I realize I wasn't doing anything to try & help the vehicle itself... Although I am on the large side, I wasn't kidding myself one minute. No one can do anything to stop a vehicle from laying over. On the rare times I will hop aboard during an obstacle, I will ride along so I can feel what the driver is feeling and be able to communicate with him. I keep myself in a postion to bailout. When faced with an obstacle and a driver needing coaching, it is easier for me to go along as a rider than to worry about my footing and trying to feel what the vehicle is doing and trying to converse with the driver.

Is it safe? Nope. Should everyone hop aboard for the ride? Nope.

Unfortunately, it is a bad habit (how bad is always up for debate) I learned 25 years ago as a 17 y/o kid with an M-16 & an patrol pack riding the back bumper of jeeps.

So, enough debate about me and my lack of grace, photogenic qualities and/or common sense- this post was simply to show:
1. Someone actually wheeling a stocker aggressively
2. The characteristics and abilites of the vehicle right out of the box

Matt earned Kudos for taking a challenge and doing well.

Comparing an IFS rig to a solid axle rig is asinine. The FJ is not built the same as a Rubi- both are fine vehicles built for different markets and both have distinct advantages over the other.

I will gladly give any of you posers (Jeep or FJC) an insider's tour of BMRA... maybe a night run on Scorpion's Pass?

Well said. When you think about we are all kind of silly anyhow, off road trips are purely based on challenging one's self and your rig. It is about fun and enjoyment of your vehicle and the trail. Sometimes the scenery is quite nice too!

Glad to see you are still lurking on the forum occasionally, your commentary and advice has been missed.

See you on the trail soon.

Graham

Valkyrie · 08-17-2006, 11:07 AM

I don't recall anyone asking anyone to get excited about anything.

Bored One, your opinion is neither right nor wrong, it's merely yours, and you do underscore valid points about knowing one's skill and their vehicle's characteristics.

I don't understand why you would say he was "over his head"? It seems like an unfounded slur, considering you don't know anyone involved nor where you there; and furthermore to say "anyone that assists someone in doing what they aren't prepared to do" makes some very big (and erroneous) assumptions on your part WRT preperation and the intent of others... reading between the lines it *sounds* as if you are suggesting he was egged on, which if you had read his statements as well as those of others who were there you would know is incorrect.

In this case, Matt was warned of the risks and discouraged, but he made a choice, as is his perogative, to challenge himself. Most anyone there could have driven his FJC through there with relative ease, but he wanted to challenge himself. Part of his decision was based on having plenty of helpful support who would have backed up either decision he made, including some characteristically friendly jeepers (unlike the snobbish-sounding troll that rekindled this old drama).

Kzoocruiser · 08-17-2006, 11:14 AM

What it all comes down to is the willingness of one person to destroy his expensive rig over those who not only don't have the guts to...but who tend to disguise said fear in the name of who can or should be able to do what.
This guy evidently has the cash to handle anything that happened there without necessarily relying on anyone else to get him out of a jam when the day ended....let him enjoy what he's obviously earned.