Moab Jeep Jamboree 2006
Moab, Utah
Oct 20th, and 21st.
After 24 straight hours of driving, we unload and settle in at the Big Horn Lodge.
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The following morning we stage at the Bar M for our Friday trail ride.
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This couple from Colorado drove a rig rightly named “Sweet Willy”
Day one – Moab Rim trail. (rated on of the top 10 most difficult in the U.S.A.)
We follow the Gray Fox (our trail leader) out to the Moab Rim Trailhead.
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Here is one of our trail helpers easing up the first ledge.
The Red Rocker, sporting new MT/Rs, does not spin a tire. That is the Colorado river in background.
You can see we have some tough trail ahead of us.
You can see how close we are to the ledge as we are attempting these obstacles.
Jay takes the King Ranch TJ up the first REAL obstacle.
This gentleman and his son are from Oregon. Their bone stock Rubicon was not to be stopped.
Next it is my turn. Traction on these rocks is incredible.
Barry works his way up next. Not a problem.
Team Tejas congratulates Jay on a job well done.
After about 3 hours of ledge after ledge, we reach the top and break for lunch.
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The three musketeers enjoy the view of the city of Moab from here.
Off for more trail rides. The 2nd half of Moab rim was much smoother.
Barry eases over the top of a rock dome.
Some of the holes in the rock still had water from record rains the month before.
Two fellows that traveled to this event from Chile, compare the Chile flag to the Texas flag.
This google earth picture shows our travels for the day.
Day two – Poison Spider trail, led by Dan Mick, a well known Moab trail guide.
We line up and air down at the Poison Spider Trailhead.
Another picture showing how close you are to disaster.
Todd shows off his new 7 to 1 granny gear.
A birds eye view of fun little switch back.
….that finished with a vertical climb.
Next we are off to the “Wedgie”. Barry locks in on the spotter.
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Dan Mick offers up an autographed hat for the most air when exiting Wedgie.
After Barry gives it a try, Todd goes for it.
And the winner is………………. Who’s your Daddy?
Our tail gunner, driving a Teraflex build-up for the SEMA show, does a demo for the green team .
Tanner enjoys the view at a photo op.
With this backdrop, why not a group photo.
The FAB FOUR from Texas……..pft, I am talking about the Jeeps.
Barry attempts to win the next Dan Mick autographed hat with the dirtiest Jeep.
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As you can see, this is a hot spot for mountain biking.
Through the hole in the rock, you can see the Moab Rim staging area across the river.
At the next stop, Dan spots the mid gunner’s, New Mexico Rock Rod out on a ledge.
He thanks Dan for…….not letting him DIE!!!
Lined up and heading for the Golden Spike trail.
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At the top of this huge rock dome was a survey marker from when the railroad first came to Moab.
Barry shows that traction is not an issue for his 4:56 gears, ARBs, and X-Terrains.
OOOOPS, this TJ did not realize just how deep this water hole was.
That red fluid is transmission fluid. And yes, of course, we cleaned it up.
We stand him back up, add some tranny fluid, and all is good.
Except for a few cracks in the hard top.
Google Earth shot of the Poison Spider trail ride.
Sunday morning, we make a quick visit to Lion’s back. It is on private land and has an access fee.
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Jay is the first to brave the climb.
Todd spots Jay on the trip back down. Those small DOTS beyond Todd are the 3 boys.
Next Todd heads up and Jay spots him.
In this picture of Todd coming back down, you can see a not so lucky vehicle off to the right.
Note: The Lion’s back was not part of the Jeep Jamboree event.
Gordon’s two cents – Moab is a must for an off road enthusiast (or mountain biker). I realize I have only done three Moab trails, but see the attraction. Traction is absolutely incredible. Even after driving through sand and water, you can still crawl straight up. Although the ledges are tall, it is very easy on equipment. It is all about finesse. I witnessed open diff Jeeps climbing as vertical as I feel comfortable going. The slick rock is nice and smooth and I did not see a single tire cut. The town of Moab has plenty to offer. Lots of lodging options, good food, shopping, and a great market. They do rent Jeeps. The gentlemen from Chile rented a Rubicon with a 4 inch lift. Needless to say, it went everywhere I did. A great vacation destination.
