IRON RANGE OHV PARK MEET-UP MINNESOTA

Haha no judgement made. I'm the same way with my new truck. I'm looking for some new experience as well...free bump

 

So cool. Thank you! I'm actually thinking I might have to PM these guys just to create an e-mail notification. When I do, I'll ask them to reply by posting it here.

 

See my answers in red. If you're just looking to get on some dirt roads and view the scenery, I'd suggest Spider Lake or Gandy Dancer first. There are virtually zero challenges and gives you some decent views. Then, if you find that dull, head up to Gilbert and check out the core trails. Once you start exploring that area, you'll want to hit more difficult trails.

 

This is just outstanding. Thank you very much for the info. Seriously.

Maybe one day I will graduate up to the "core" or intermediate trails in Gilbert, in which case you'll probably have to help me out with a recovery....

Great people on this site.

 

You can run the spider lake trails with a stock 5 lugger.

 

That's what I'm looking for. Perfect. I should be good with the TRD 4WD OR then. I'm just hoping to avoid the steep-ridged berms and rocks. I'm just looking for a fun but easy trail or two to get started and build the confidence. Thanks for the info.

 

Here's a video from today. I'm trying out different video editing software so ignore the "trial Version" banner. Also, this is marked as a difficult trail. Not all are this difficult to enter/exit.

http://youtu.be/JzSWDnOPoJ0

 

No. F'in. Way. Very impressive. Thanks for sharing.

 

Damn I need to get up there.

 

NSW is trying to go up there every weekend in Oct. I may try to head up Oct 11 before winter sets in.

 

If you guys plan to go around Thanksgiving I will be in the area.

 

I'm sitting here trying to figure out how you guys can do this without wrecking, oh I don't know, the exhaust, and everything else exposed underneath. Amazing.

 

RAT skid plates help

 

These are my skids after last weekend. Some will cringe seeing their skids scratched and dinged. Others will see it as the skids doing their job, protecting the drivetrain.

+1 on RAT skids

 

Yes, what Dispatch said for just about everything.

I just got my pictures done from the weekend,

Here's a few (my friend took the ones of me with my camera, that I edited):

IROHVA2014 by dblcabmn, on Flickr

IROHVA2014 by dblcabmn, on Flickr

IROHVA2014 by dblcabmn, on Flickr

IROHVA2014 by dblcabmn, on Flickr

IROHVA2014 by dblcabmn, on Flickr

 

Much better. Looks like you guys had a blast!

 

God I feel like such a worthless poser after looking at these pics... Christ!

 

Ha! Don't. Like you mentioned, you've got a brand new stock Tacoma. Them aren't cheap.

You'll ride a few easy trails and get the bug. In two to three years, your truck will be all bad-ass and you'll have a grin from ear-to-ear (Until you look at your bank account hahaha...)

But on point, the first and last of the pics i included above are from Gumbys Revenge... where i shredded my rear ring and pinion last year. Where i've added dings to my sliders. Where i've learned a lot about tire placement etc. You won't start there, there are a couple of easy trails that will handle a stock Tacoma just fine (Save for the overhanging branches, but that'll buff out) Berry Trail, 47, Horseshoe, and the hill climbs are four off the top of my head that would be great starters for you.

*My non-professional opinion to everyone getting started or visiting Gilbert/IROHVA park is to install sliders before going. In my opinion, they should be your first purchase if you ever plan on leaving pavement. They will help you out for years to come so buy a decent pair that has the look and protection you can live with. From there, you'll build your confidence and start noticing other places that need improvement to make your trips more fun and relaxing (Because you know you're protected.)