PLANNING: Potts Mountain Trail Ride - January 2

[Trail X]

Was thinking about exploring a new trail system that I've heard is pretty good. It's down in the Roanoke area called Potts Mountain (FR5036 for those of you with an MVUM), less than an hour north on the roads off of 81. Should be a good trail system out there.

The most difficult trail will be a level 3.5 - 4 based on our scale:(http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/trail-rating-guide/)

[v7guy]

a whole 3 days notice... thanks man lol

[Trail X]

I didn't realize I had the day off work.

[firefox2501]

You doing an out and back or an overnighter?

I would be game for a day trip...

[TBYODA]

Aww man I got to work and I just got my 4wd working again. LOL!

[firefox2501]

FR5036?

Is that the one at the top left of Map 33 and continuing on to the top right of Map 34?

[Trail X]

Yeah, you can actually see its entirety in map 34 of the 2012 map.

I was only thinking about going out for a day trip. All the research I've done has shown it to have some good obstacles. I'm not sure how long it would take to traverse. Was considering running the circuit around the Barbour's Creek wilderness from the east side. If we had extra time, I'm sure we can find another trail to explore.

If we're going to do this, I do want to call the forest service and make sure its open. It has a listing as closing on the 10th of Jan, but I've known them to close some trails early.

Figured that Friday the 2nd would be good because we likely wouldn't have many other people out there. Might make sense to meet at the BP at this address: 1812, Thompson Mem Dr Roanoke, Virginia 24019 and then drive out. Or I could meet you at the trail head if you wanted to take a different route than 81.

[firefox2501]

Meetup at BP works for me. What time did you have in mind? I am thinking 10ish since I am driving from Chantilly...

[Trail X]

Yeah, I wasn't planning on doing an all-day thing. 10 would be fine. It will take an additional hour to get to the trail. The trail may only take a few hours.

Also, just remembered you didn't have sliders. You might want to take a look at some of the videos of the trail and see what you think. I can imagine using mine a good bit out there. Might be some rocks like the one on the side of the flagpole trail.

[firefox2501]

Yeah - I checked out a few of the videos last night. The lack of sliders will likely be an issue...

A few posts over at Wrangler forum mentioned that a stock Wrangler can do the bypasses if the lines are perfect. But I am definitely more hesitant than I was before looking at the videos.

I would just feel bad about backing out at this point, though.

[Trail X]

Its not a big deal. I talked with a buddy in town with a big jeep, and he said he might be able to make it out.

If not, I got plenty to work on around the house, so seriously don't feel bad. It was really more of a feeler. We can always head out there in the Spring. I originally wanted to get out there and check it out as a scouting trip for TECORE, but it predominantly sounds like the TECORE guys might not want to get into the obstacles that Potts would present.

Again, not a big deal.

[firefox2501]

If that is the case, then yeah I am going to back out. The lack of sliders strikes again!

If you do make it out there, take lots of pictures!