TORXreport: Moab - 30th XJ Anniversary Event

[TORX]

I posted this in the event forum, but I figured the I'd share it with the NWC too.
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TORXreport: 30th XJ Anniversary Celebration
Moab, Utah
October 6-12, 2013
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A few years ago I had the pleasure of making my first trek down to Moab for the Easter Jeep Safari event in 2010. It was a pretty memorable trip, and I knew I would one day be making the trip back.

Fast forward to this year, and I began to hear about the 30th XJ Anniversary Celebration taking place this fall in Moab. The wheels began to turn, and I wondered if I could just really pull this trip off. I knew it would be a "can't miss event." After a fun filled year of wheeling including NorthwestFest, SierraFest, and the Oregon Trophy Challenge, I decided to commit to making this trip to Moab.

Having been there before, I at least had some idea of what to expect. I knew there were parts stores close by, a grocery store to resupply if needed, and plenty of great restaurants to choose from in town.

Friday after work I began to pack, and load the Jeep with the essentials for a week in Moab.

Moab is about a 17 hour, 1020 mile drive. I planned to shove off Saturday morning, and make it to at least the Salt Lake City area for the night. That would leave about four hours remaining for the drive on Sunday.

I shoved off outta Washington around 0800. Took Highway 14 through the Columbia River Gorge east. Crossed over the Bridge of the Gods into Oregon.

As I made my way East through the gorge I said peace out to the evergreen trees and mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

Hit a weigh station outside Baker City, Oregon. 4900lbs fully loaded. She's a porker.

After one fuel stop, and about six hours on the road I said goodbye to Oregon, and hello to Idaho.

I have to say southern Idaho is an incredibly boring state to drive through. No trees, just small rolling hills. Fuel stop number two was in a small town outside of Twin Falls. I was averaging just over 16mpg, and a little under 300 miles per tank.

Still heading east on I84 as the sun began to set.

After losing an hour due to the time zone change, I crossed over into Utah around 9:00pm.

As I made my way south into Salt Lake City, I browsed Priceline to find a room for the night. After 12 hours of driving I was ready to call it for the night.

I set off the next morning after getting my monies worth of the continental breakfast. Fueled up one last time, and then hit the road for Moab. Scenery began to change once again the further South I went.

The drive down Highway 6 seemed to take forever as the anticipation for Moab increased.

Then after making the final turn onto 191 I finally saw the iconic red rock.

After crossing the Colorado River, and making my way into town I set up my home away from home for the week at, Slickrock Campground. The official headquarters for the 30th XJ Anniversary Celebration. Although oddly enough there were no XJ's to be seen at this time.

 

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As the day went on more and more people began to file into the campground. Some arriving from their travels, and others arriving after a day on the trail. As the night went on Thom's BBQ was the place to be at site #66. It was a good time, and a good chance to get to meet other members from across the country.

Presidential convoy rolled into camp later that evening.

The next day nothing official was planned for the day. I was anxious to hit the trails, and got word that Thom was leading a group to go run the Pickle. We headed North out of town with a small group of seven.

We got to the staging area, and proceeded to air down. With our group of seven, I noticed we also had seven different state license plates (Washington, Montana, California, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, and Colorado).

The Pickle is part of the Mill Canyon trail system.

Following Thom, the group cruised down some sand roads.

After exploring a few side trails, we eventually found the Pickle's trail head.

The first obstacle was a pretty decent ledge climb.

Lynn gave it hell as Thom coached from the side.

Continuing on up the trail trying to take it all in.

Midway through the trail Thom found himself in a pickle trying a bonus line. Nothing he couldn't back out of though.

Josh making his way through an off camber part.

At the bottom of the final obstacle Thom had a no crank situation with his Jeep. Fortunately, we had seven Jeep guys there to troubleshoot the issue. John B was quick to hop underneath and jump the starter solenoid to get the motor running.

While we worked on Thom's rig, Jimmy familiarized himself with the local stick selection.

 

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The final climb featured a good climb at the beginning followed by a decent sized ledge at the top. Thom was first to show the way.

John Bjorum making easy work of it with the LS1XJ.


John crawling the final ledge.

After we all made it up the final obstacle we cruised the sand roads back to the staging area.

A few of us then decided to go check out the Dinosaur Tracks nearby.

Scenery never gets old.

This is a petrified dinosaur bone.

Saw the remains of an old 19th century copper mine operation.

After hitting up the local auto parts store, Thom set forth on swapping out his starter.

Registration officially opened Monday evening with an amazing turnout.

Jeff (XJEEPER) did an awesome job on coordinating trail runs for the week.

Complete with official staging areas for the morning.

Later that evening I had the urge to hit up the local Moab cuisine for dinner. Aaron from the MWC, Greg from the SEC, and I decided to hit up Pasta Jay's for a tasty dinner.

The next morning I headed into town to grab a few things.

 

[TORX]

For Tuesday I signed up for the Hell's Revenge trail ride. It's one of the iconic Moab trails you just have to run, and it appeared a lot of others felt the same way. I think we had a turnout of over 22 rigs.

Hell's Revenge is located in the Sand Flats Recreation area so you must pay a day use fee of $5 to run the trail.

Hell's Revenge

While staging at the bottom, we saw some prototype Land Rover's drive by. Talk about a cool job to have.

Johnny C heading up the Mini Lion's Back at the start.

The group heading out.

Josh getting a feel for the not so slick rock.

Hell's Revenge is like wheeling on a different planet. The terrain is so unique.

Continuing along, crawling up some ledges.

Legendary, Dan Mick.

Looking over the Colorado River.

Partial group shot.

Then it was time for Hell's Gate. A optional obstacle off of Hell's Revenge. The peanut gallery gathered.

It's an intimidating climb.

 

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Goatman leading the way up Hell's Gate spotting himself.

From that point on those that wanted to run it got their chance. Johnny C piloting his MJ up.

Goatman offering some eyes to those coming up.

Alex gave the crowd a scare when he slid off the line in the beginning, but he recovered and had a flawless run up.

Wheel stands became the norm for a lot of people.

The climb down was just as nerve racking as the climb up.

Mr. Dan Wheeler heading up.

After those that wanted to run Hell's Gate got their chance, the group continued on.

Our group for the day. 19 XJ's, 1 MJ, 2 ZJ's, and a pristine WJ.

The group looking at the Devil's Highway Hot Tub. Nobody wanted to play with the Devil that day.

We did however get some takers to run Mickey's Hot Tub. Johnny C being one of them who had a clean run through it.

Others didn't get so lucky, and had to resort to the strap.

Richard from the RRC gave it hell.

 

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After we had our fun at Mickey's we continued down the trail.

Then we arrived at Escalator. Another optional climb on Hell's Revenge. Issac our trail leader for the day was first to ease into it with Goatman coaching form the side.

After some patience and persistence Issac found the right line, and crawled through it.

Fearless Johnny C headed up next.

After Issac and Johnny made there way up Escalator we didn't have any other takers. I really wanted to, but would have liked to see a few more test the waters first. I decided to put Escalator on the list for next time.

We continued on up the trail. Saw the Land Rover's in the distance.

We finished up the trail, and then made our way down back side.

After reaching the bottom some of the group returned to camp, while a few of us went over to check out Potato Salad Hill. It's another intimidating climb looking at it from the bottom.

Nevertheless, fearless Joyhnny C cruised right up it in his MJ.

I talked myself into giving it a go next. Heading straight up the middle ledge at the top gave a whole new meaning to "pucker power." Eventually I worked my way to the right, and climbed right up. Raneil headed up after me.

Once back at camp others performed some vehicle modifications.

Scott was experiencing a bit of tire rub on the body, so John was quick to help cut away at the rockers.

Later that evening, the Midwest Chapter graciously hosted a BBQ for all. Thanks, MWC!

We then later were educated on MWC late night campfire cooking as well.

The next morning I signed up to run the infamous Pritchett Canyon. It's one hell of a trail. Needless to say there was some anxiety and anticipation brewing in the morning when we met at the meeting location.

 

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With a group of eleven rigs for the day we made our way down to the trail head. Since the beginning of the trail goes through private property there is a $2 trail fee.

Pritchett Canyon.

Josh on one of the ledges at the beginning.

Heading into the canyon.

Pritchett also offers some amazing scenery.

Parker making his way up the trail.

John B with Wayne spotting.

We continued up the canyon.

Until we reached Chewy Hill.

The group watching on as Wayne makes his way up Chewy.

It's an intimidating obstacle to say the least.

Parker geared up, helmet and all, and hit it Nascar style.

Thom put the 5.9 and stickies to work on the first ledge.

Pat on the first ledge getting a bit off camber.

 

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If you're lucky you will nail the first climb on the first try. If you don't you either pull cable where you rest, or you can test gravity and try to back down. Dan opted for option A.

John B in the LS1XJ played tail gunner all day, and made quick work of Chewy.



I think out of eleven rigs we had four winch up Chewy (myself being one), and seven make it up unassisted. With Chewy behind us, we continued on up the canyon.

Pretty good off camber ledge we had to drop.

Sometimes an extra hand was needed to one up gravity.

After running through a small wash, Wayne had ripped his steering box from the frame. Usually this is a big deal, but Wayne and Parker had it handled and instructed the group to continue on, no big deal.

So the rest of the group crawled along, and ran some bonus lines on some ledges.

Macgyvr getting a strap from Thom.

John taking his turn with Thom spotting.

Spencer.

We eventually got to the bottom of Rocker Knocker where we stopped for lunch.

Not long after stopping, Wayne and Parker had caught back up to us. Wayne proceeded to spot himself up Rocker Knocker with sandwich in hand.

 

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As Wayne ran back down the trail to lend his expertise...

Spencer waited below...

With Wayne spotting, and a few guys resisting gravity on the strap, Spencer crabwalked his way up Rocker Knocker.

Pat on deck, with the group behind him.

Thom taking his turn. He tried a front dig to traverse it, but with his stickies he almost made a u-turn instead.

Dr. Pritchett

Dan giving it a go.

With a limited slip in the rear, Dan couldn't get the Jeep to crab walk across the ledge. Warn was called in for some assistance.

The Nail Salon conquers Rocker Knocker.

John B making his way up.

Amazing landscape.

After making the climb up from Rocker Knocker the end of the canyon is within sight. However, this last stretch is one of the most difficult sections of trail in Moab. Axle Hill, Rock Pile, and Yellow Hill are all packed in here.

 

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The next obstacle after Rocker Knocker is a good sized stair step climb. Too far one way or the other and the ledges will match your wheelbase. Parker heading up.

Pat crawling up it.


After we made it to the top of the stair step, we were at the bottom of Axle Hill. Wayne lead the way up.

After experiencing some front end binding, Wayne winched the top half.

Parker at the base of Axle Hill.

Off camber is the name of the game in Moab.

John making his way up unassisted.

The group above Axle Hill, and now at the base of Rock Pile.

This is the bypass for Rock Pile. Years ago this was a doable line, and the line I ran previously. Today the ledge is so undercut it's pretty much impassable by a full bodied rig.

Our group chose to run the original Rock Pile line, which meant traversing a good six foot wall. We got Wayne up it with a few guys on pulling on the strap. Once Wayne was up we used Spencer's Tow Service to pull each additional rig up.

Stand an XJ on end, and this is what you get.

Sitting in the drivers seat questioning my sanity.

Once above Rock Pile, we continued on.

 

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The last obstacle in our way was, Yellow Hill.


Parker providing an Anchor for Wayne to winch from.

Thom doing his victory pose.

We had conquered Pritchett Canyon.

Then it was a long way back to the highway.

Pat's beadlock bolts had backed off, so we stopped for a quick pit service.

After a long day on the trail it felt good to get back to camp and get a good shower in. Later that night we enjoyed some good stories in front of the cabins while consuming large quantities of Johns tasty home-brew.

I woke early morning to the sound of a freight train approaching. It was a storm headed our way. I got up to roll my windows up, and make sure everything in camp was closed. Shortly after the rain hit, the wind gust came, and the lighting was lighting up the horizon. So needless to say Thursday would be a rainy one.

However, being from the PNW rain doesn't really phase me so it was just another day on the trails. We headed out at 0900 following trail leader Gred (CanyonMan) to Cliffhanger. Saw some waterfalls cascading off the cliff sides.

At the Cliffhanger trail head.

Bob Loose, making his way down the trail.

Cliffhanger traverses a small creek at the beginning. With the rain I was worried it would be flowing pretty good, but much to my surprise it wasn't bad.

The group making their way across the slabs.

Gloomy day, but still a beautiful one in Moab.

Colorado Denny, making his way up the trail.

 

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Bob crawling along with a full rig of New Yorker's.

Poser.

Eventually we all discovered why this trail is called, Cliffhanger.

I'm not too afraid of heights, but being off camber while looking at a 1000ft cliff side definitely got the adrenaline going.

Later in the morning we got a little break in the weather, and were able to take in some views.

Continuing along the trail, Greg working his way through a particularly tricky off camber spot.

Dennis is always quick to lend a hand with stacking a rock, or giving a spot.

Dennis' turn.

Bob Loose!

With a rig full of New Yorker's Bob needed some extra ballast.

Eventually we made our way to the end of the trail (Cliffhanger is an in-n-out trail).

Views were amazing.

With some nasty clouds approaching we tried to get a head start on the way back. Not long after we were hit by some heavy rain.

 

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Running the trail backward not only changed the obstacles up, but also allowed the passengers to get a good look at the cliff side.

Greg making his way up the cliff side rock section.

New York guy.

Scott gave up the drivers seat to the wife for this one... well that was the plan.

Making our way down the trail.

Back down the obstacles we made our way up.

Then we got to the creek crossing which we crossed earlier in the day. However, it was no longer a trickle. The rain fall had finally made it's way down into the canyon, and it was now flowing.

After we all crossed the creek, we continued on.

Almost to the end.

Up the final obstacle that we started the morning with.

After a fun day on Cliffhanger the group made it's way back into town.

With the recent rain the Jeeps were all plastered with a red sandy paste. With the show-n-shine that evening, Scott and I hit up the car wash, which seemed to be the popular thing that day.

 

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Later that evening we all gathered at Old City Park for the Show-N-Shine event hosted by the Intermountain Chapter. We had a pretty good turnout, and it was awesome to see the variety of XJ's out there.

Thank you IC for the BBQ.

The next morning the sun was back, and Metal Masher was the trail for the day. What an awesome name. We met up at 0900 off 191, and set off for the trail head as a group with trail leader Greg leading the way.

Some of us got our morning business out of the way.

Time to roll out.

Passing the bird. Apparently Thom rubbed it's feet for good luck.

Metal Masher.

Issac heading up the trail.

We got to some bonus climbs, and that's where Thom decided to have a yard sale.


Dennis being Dennis.

Scenery never got old.

We continued up the trail until we reached Rock Chucker.

Dennis was first to give it a try with Thom lending some arms for spotting.

 

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After Dennis had a clean run up, John B was eager to give it a shot.

Thom was up next, and he crawled right up the first part, warmed up the stickies and popped right up.


After three successful runs, and a little bit of heckling Greg lined up to give Rock Chucker a go. After some careful realigning, and some good spotting, Greg was on his way up.

Unfortunately, his passenger side D30 u-joint had enough. Luckily Greg was in good company, and everyone was eager to lend a hand.

It's all part of wheeling.

Plus, what better place for a trail repair?

Carnage.

After CanyonManMobile was put back together, Issac was last to give Rock Chucker a go with another clean run up. This obstacle also got put on my to-do list for next time.

Continuing up the trail.

Greg leading the way.

Richard trying his hand at a ledge climb.

After slicing a tire, Dennis made his way back to the group. Thom always willing to lend some eyes for spotting.

With a non-functional rear ARB, John was three wheeling it for the day. This climb required some extra pepper. Well, John's LS1 provided more than enough, and wheelied him up the ledges. Unfortunately my camera wasn't quick enough to capture that one. Regardless though, he even managed to wheelie up an obstacle with extreme finesse.

 

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We stopped for lunch at the cliff side overlook.

The group continuing on.

Scott announced over the radio, "I just lost steering." Turns out the nut on his drag link had backed off. Fortunately, he double nutted the pitman arm side, so a spare but was sourced quickly.

As Scott repaired the ZJ, Thom made his way over to Widow Maker where the rest of us met him from the top side after the repair was finished.

Thom unleashed the 5.9L.

With not enough wheel spin, Thom bounced into a precarious position. We were quick to get a strap onto him.

Where he then was able to power his way up.

Bombing down the sand washes.

"See all the wooly mammoths in the distance."

After we made our way back to camp, we prepared for the Friday night banquet and raffle later that evening. It was a great time, good food, tasty cake, some deserving trophy winners, and a awesome raffle. Even though I didn't win the Give-Away XJ it was still cool to be there when the winners name was drawn because everyone else in the room was feeling the exact same thing. Disappointment.

The next morning I began to pack up finally realizing this amazing trip was coming to an end. Scott and I had been trying to squeeze in a time to run Moab Rim all week, but never could manage. I got word Thom and Josh were heading out later that morning for a Moab Rim run, and knew this was my last chance. It was either wheel one more trail, or start the drive home. No brainer.

 

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Thom leading the way.

Thom making his way up the first good obstacle. Several feet to his left is the cliff side with the Colorado River below.

Josh making his way up.

Then we came to the Z-Turn.

Thom on the last climb of the Z-Turn.

Once up top, you can then oversee the city of Moab.

Big-ass arch in the distance.

Josh & Jimmy's Christmas Card.

It never got old.

Josh making his way back down the Z-Turn.

We encountered quite a few hikers on the trail that morning. One family was shocked at what we were able to drive down. Thom offered to give their son a ride on the way down.

After we all finished the trail we headed back to the campground for one last time. I tossed some air into my tires, said some goodbyes, and set off for the drive home.

The drive home seemed to be going well. I made good time along Highway 6, through Price Canyon. More importantly after six days of wheeling, the Jeep still drove fine.

Filled up in Salt Lake City. I seemed to be averaging 17mpg on the way back.

 

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Shortly after leaving Salt Lake City I caught up to Scott who had left an hour before. From then on we chased one another alternating with each stop. Idaho!

Just when you think you're making great time, you realize your next section of road is for 686 miles.

Hit Oregon under nightfall.

After almost twelve hours of driving I had to pull over for a cat nap at a rest area outside Baker City. I crawled into the back of the Jeep, and managed to get about an hour of sleep in. After getting back onto the highway my check gauges light came on. Shit.

I watched it over the next few miles, and figured my alternator had finally had enough. I swamped it at this years NWF, and then plunging it into the Cliffhanger creek crossing probably didn't help either. So I pulled over in LaGrande, Oregon, found a semi lit parking lot and proceeded to swap in my spare at 0200. It's all part of the adventure.

After a lengthy delay swapping alternators, I finally reached Washington around 0800 Sunday morning after almost 20 hours on the road. This brought an end to one hell of an epic week.

It was a pretty surreal trip. Wish some more NWC'rs could have made the trek down.

Start planning now for the 35th Anniversary Celebration in 2018!

 

[jeepboy381]

So jealous... There is always next year though. Love the pictures and the report!

 

[Icemans]

Epic trip Torx. Coming with us in 2016 for the 50th EJS?? Mom, Alan, lyzz, me and the kids are going. You should be there.