Factory FJ Team takes on Desoto Mine Run, June 10 - Page 9

BMAN · 06-12-2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

AZ_FJ previously said:

You guys are killing me.

I had to miss the DeSoto Mine trip because of work, and now you're planning a trip when I will be working again. It's probably best that I not go out on any hardcore trails yet anyway. I have sliders, but just the stock tires at the moment.

Looking forward to hearing the stories at Sonic. Bring pictures too.

It happens...

I'll bring the video I shot. 2 hours of nothing but a huge traffic jam. I got tired of shooting video and tried spotting for a while, gave up on that after 4 rigs in a row got stuck in the EXACT same place when the drivers ignored my instructions and made their own decisions.

cdaniel · 06-12-2006, 08:35 PM

So, here I was, the only 40 out of 40 plus Cruisers whiling away the day in the final 3rd of the Desoto trip. I'm hot, dusty, trying to stay patient, so me and my shotgun just relaxed and let the day happen. No sense getting all P.O.ed at things out of your control. I did my best to help a couple of FJC novices along in the nonstop stuck areas. Sometimes advice was ignored so you let 'em go on and learn it the hard way. The trail team guys were great. Had one in the back seat for a good long time and got to bend his ear and pick his brain a little. Stay safe out there Jeremy!

But the trail team guys need to stop pushing that traction control so much. I'm sure it's cool and all and works in slippery conditions, but having the rear locker at work instead may have prevented some of the hang ups. Several times I observed wheels at opposite corners spinning in the air while the others were doing nothing. Ask the driver "is the locker on", "no I got the 8-track". I overheard trail team guys saying not to use the locker. But it seems the low speed crawling is something the traction computer doesn't understand too well.

I was impressed with the guy in his blue FJC that was stuck and had all the proper equipment along to help with his extraction. I don't remember the name but kudos to you.

And yes our trip leader needs some people skills.

He shoulda lead the trip and let the group take care of it's problems as needed behind him. We didn't need babysitting. Belittling people and being pushy just reflects poorly on the rest of us. I queried him and his crew later at the Cleator bar. He claims they are the 4 runner contingent from the AzLCA. He's probably all right when not under the gun, hopefully.

Anyhow I had a good time and hope the FJC crowd continues to get their trucks dirty. I'll wheel with ya anytime but I'll be keeping my heritage mobile. I might have to get an ol' 4-Runner with A/C someday though

Blue Cayouse · 06-12-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

FJ40LVR previously said:

I was the "guy in the back," at the optional trail on saturday. I would like to say that "riding gunner" for this group was MY PLEASURE and I hope to do it again real soon with you guys! The few people who did need some assistance took the pinstriping / rock rash with pride, and the group was exciting to be a part of. It is great to see such a mix of experience, and newbie excitment coming together for such an event.
The only downside of course was the seperation of the group at the end of the day, but the three that I followed down made it safely, so no harm done! I only wish we could have caught up with everyone for a beer after the run. (escpecially jon in the silver, and the brand new Arizonans from maricopa in the stock 97 4runner, cheers!
Josh (Black 4runner= FJ40LVR)

Oh so you were the nice guy

I met up with the other Fj you followed down the road later. We all agreed that you were quite the gentleman and wanted to thank you very much for sticking with us and we're sorry that you had to miss out on the rest of the run. I don't want to make out to the rest of the forum that our Fjs were in trouble or we where having any difficulties... far from it (just had to take a run into the bushes). But it was very nice and thoughtful of you to stay behind(when to others took off on us!) to make sure that we did not have any problems. I've heard it said that off roaders believe in the "no man left behind". I glad to see that you extended it to this woman. Just sorry that we could have not caught up to the group (I think that they may have taken that left turn while we went right) I would have really liked to tried that hill run and gone on to Crown King also.

Tools R Us · 06-12-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

AZ_FJ previously said:

You guys are killing me.

I had to miss the DeSoto Mine trip because of work, and now you're planning a trip when I will be working again. It's probably best that I not go out on any hardcore trails yet anyway. I have sliders, but just the stock tires at the moment.

Looking forward to hearing the stories at Sonic. Bring pictures too.

The July 2nd date is a prerun, scouting trip, a few of us will go up and snoop around and rate the trail. If it looks good we will set a date for a future club run.

AZ_FJ · 06-12-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Tools R Us previously said:

The July 2nd date is a prerun, scouting trip, a few of us will go up and snoop around and rate the trail. If it looks good we will set a date for a future club run.

That's great. Hopefully I won't have to work on the date we pick. I don't work all of the weekends.

I was just outside of Christopher Creek on Thurdsay doing some wheeling with my kids. It sure is a beautiful area. Looking forward to running around there with some more experienced folks.

FJ40LVR · 06-13-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Blue Cayouse previously said:

Oh so you were the nice guy

I met up with the other Fj you followed down the road later. We all agreed that you were quite the gentleman and wanted to thank you very much for sticking with us and we're sorry that you had to miss out on the rest of the run. I don't want to make out to the rest of the forum that our Fjs were in trouble or we where having any difficulties... far from it (just had to take a run into the bushes). But it was very nice and thoughtful of you to stay behind(when to others took off on us!) to make sure that we did not have any problems. I've heard it said that off roaders believe in the "no man left behind". I glad to see that you extended it to this woman. Just sorry that we could have not caught up to the group (I think that they may have taken that left turn while we went right) I would have really liked to tried that hill run and gone on to Crown King also.

It was my pleasure Ma'am, I hope to see you out in the dirt again real soon!

PS, here is a pic of my FJ...

crawler#976 · 06-13-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Blue Cayouse previously said:

....But you've got a couple of ladies in FJs burned at the group. You left us at the top of the mountain!!! This really surprised me as everyone had been real nice and helpful. We were already stopped and I told a couple of drivers that 2 of us had to really find some bushes and please wait up. Just take 5 minutes.

Blue Cayouse, FJ40LVR,

Please accept my sincere apologies. I am ashamed that you were left behind.

While it is no excuse, I didn't hear your request for a pause. We stopped past the junction of Mt. Union and the Senator Hyw for a moment so that those not heading to CK and Cleator to turn, so I made an assumption that you had headed into Prescott. Indeed I was not prepared to lead a run - it was a last minute decision to avoid overloading the DeSoto trail. Ordinarily I would have had one of my buddies along to bring up the rear.

As a side note, the stock or slightly lifted FJC's that did finish the DeSoto run took some major damage. I know of two rear trailing arms that were bent, and one rear bumper that was badly damaged.

Unfortunately, I didn't get very many pictures taken. Here's one of the group, and Iron King Hill

In any case, I hope you all learned a bit about your rigs, and how very capable they are. You are all very welcome to join me on any other trips - I try to get a group together at least once a month. They range from scenic to hard core runs, depending on which rig I drive.

Please check on 4wdtrips.net for trip details.

Again, Please accept my sincere apology.

Mark

AKA Crawler#976, driver and repairman of the SLOYOTA

OffRoad Rage · 06-14-2006, 09:32 AM

Hey Mark,
I too was disappointed to hear people were left behind but I thought the same thing, that they decided to go back to Prescott at the last minute.

Thanks again for all your help, guidance and time (and for hill picture too). For those without a CB they really missed out. Mark not only lead us through the trails but gave a lot of history and information about the area as we passed through. CBs through out the caravan might have help keep people together too. Just a suggestion for those without.

By the way, I have about 10 pictures of the back of Sloyota that I'll try to send you.

-Norm

FJ40LVR · 06-14-2006, 09:43 AM

CRAWLER976, No apologies neccesary, I was the one without the CB installed for the trip....can't stay in touch if you can't communicate, My bad. Won't forget the handheld in the chase truck again.
ALL: If anybody knows how to get ahold of the couple in the silver 97 4Runner from the trip last weekend, can you PM or post it up, I have some parts that need out of my garage I was going to give them.....
Thanks,
Josh

clarkrw3 · 06-14-2006, 12:09 PM

It was great meeting many of you out on the trial, and before, last saturday. I am really glad that so many people took interest even if it ment a slow day for some. I am really looking forward to meeting more of you and spending sometime out on the trails with CSC. My wife was so impressed with the FJ at Cruise Moab that I might have a chance to add one to the fold.