COMPLETED: Nov 23 - GWNF Second Mountain and Dictum Ridge

[firefox2501]

I am planning a trail ride for November 23rd, 2013 and wanted get the invite to folks here. Please let me know if you would like to go so that I can get a good count.

The recommended tire size is 31" but make sure you have skid plates. I have a couple of new dings on my radiator skid plate from the last time I was out here (I have 32s).

Here is the text that is on the Facebook Event. There are some Jeeps, a 4runner, and a FJ Cruiser or two that are invited.

-----

I would like to do a trail ride on some trails in George Washington National Forest that most of you have not done before - Second Mountain Trail and Dictum Ridge Trail. Ride alongs are welcome!

NOTE: the point of this trail ride is to have fun. Weather and trail conditions may affect things.

Vehicles:
Vehicles should be off-road ready. 31" tires are the minimum recommended. Stock Jeep Wranglers should have no problem with this ride.

Mandatory items:
Full size spare tire
A desire to ride on some beautiful trails!

Recommended items:
Camera - there are quite a few beautiful overlooks on these trails.

GMRS/FRS radios (walkie talkies) Some of us have spares, but there may not be enough to go around. You can pick up a pair of these for ~$50.

If you have recovery equipment - including tire deflators and an air pump - then bring it. If you do not have this, don't worry, some of us have everything needed. For more information on recovery gear, see this link:
http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/vehicle-recovery/

Food, water, drinks, chairs, camp stove - we will be stopping for lunch during the day.

Notional plan:
This is a very loose schedule - remember, the goal is to have fun
9:30 - Meet at Sheetz in Harrisonburg (798 E Market St Harrisonburg, VA) to fill up gas tanks and grab food supplies as desired
10:00ish - Head out for the trail
10:30ish - At the trail head - air down tires then proceed to Second Mountain Trail via Long Run Rd
1:00ish - Stop for lunch - there are a couple of good spots so the exact location will be determined on the ride
2:00ish - Get back on the trail
4:30ish - return to trail head, air up tires, head home

[Blazintrails03]

I was fully prepared to jump on this until I read skid plates required. New tires should be on Wednesday (255/70/17 31's), went with Toyo Open Country AT2's instead of the Nitto's. I have a front hitch receiver that provides a pretty good amount of protection to the bottom of the radiator but no oil pan skid.

[firefox2501]

Protection - yes. But the front mount receiver will kill your approach angles...

[firefox2501]

You might be okay without the skids, but you will have to pay attention to some of your lines. There are a bunch of rocks on Dictum Ridge that I hit with my skid...

[ErikSS]

Sounds like fun Mike! I wish I could join you guys, but I'm going to have to be on the NOT list.

[Blazintrails03]

How about this. Put me down for the attending list. I'm going to Baltimore to pick up a set of skid plates tomorrow.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I did Dictum in 2wd and never touched a skid.

I wish I was closer though, cause it is peaceful and beautiful out there. Could reallly go for a couple days there.

[Blazintrails03]

I did Dictum in 2wd and never touched a skid

Yeah but were you on 31's with Marks 2.5" and moog 81110 springs?

[HARDTRAILZ]

Marks 2.5 w 305-65-17. 32-33ish.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I would take my stock one over that trail. Except for bottom step that is closed now I think.

[Trail X]

I wouldn't take a stock vehicle down 2nd or dictum. Dictum has some tame spots, but there are a couple spots that stand out as a fair challenge. I believe Alek broke his swaybar link on a rock on Dictum when he went down it on TECORE 10.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I was there n saw it broken. It was not stock n hung low. Lucky hit really. I had a cv boot taken out on a flat grassy area of that trail but it was dumb luck too. Popped up and ripped boot and abs wire.

The damage that trip was to two of the heavier built trucks n due to luck not trail difficulty. I drove through the same spot his link broke in 2wd and talking to my wife on the phone.

[firefox2501]

If you watch your lines, skids are not really needed with 32"s or larger. There are a couple of spots were I smacked my skids on rocks (4:30 & 5:10 in video below) , but I wasn't really paying attention to the lines, either. (I have 32s) Probably would not have done any damage on a vehicle without a skid, but better safe than sorry. I recommended skids on 31" tires for that reason.

There were also some pretty good puddles on the trail when I was there (notably 2:10-2:50 in the video below).

It is up to you if you want skids...

Here is the "highlights reel" from my trip there a few weekends ago. There is no audio. Note that much of the video is sped up 2x, but there are a few parts that are real time. (Watch the top right corner.)

[firefox2501]

How about this. Put me down for the attending list. I'm going to Baltimore to pick up a set of skid plates tomorrow.

Hope you can make it!

[AlekG]

Yes, it was pure bad luck ... but also ... I was lazy again and didn't disconnect the links (which is why I got them in the first place ). If I did, I would have just dinged the anti-sway bar which would have rotated out of the way ... probably no damage other than scratching the powder coat.

[firefox2501]

Bobby - you still in?

Anyone else want to join us?

[Blazintrails03]

Bobby - you still in?

Oh definetly. I finishing up some stuff but yes I'm definetly in.

[firefox2501]

Cool!

[Blazintrails03]

Surely enough as I'm in a crunch time trying to "finish things up" as I mentioned, Monday I was unlucky enough to be chosen for a week long session of jury duty. At this point I'm hoping to atleast get both of my outer tie rods replaced or I won't be able to make. In addition I need to pull off the front hitch and install the radiator skid but if I can get the outer TRE's done I may still attend.

[Trail X]

Sorry Mike, wife and I have some stuff we have to finish up on the house before company starts getting here for thanksgiving.