Annual OR/WA TSF Camping and Wheeling Shindig

This is true. I took my truck up there when it was fresh from the dealer, with bald street tires and did fine. These trucks are a lot more capable then I imagined

 

First, you are ALWAYS welcome to ride co-pilot. It can be really fun to ride as a group. As a bonus to you, you always know your truck is safe at camp. Another benefit is that you can talk to the driver to ask him what he is doing or why he's driving the way he is. I'm guessing you have no CB radio, so it can be awfully quiet on your first run! Lastly, TSF is an area where you can start off as passenger and we can always get back to camp and pick up your rig if you feel confident.


Second, matters of recovery:
I believe all tacos have at least a front tow loop, although it can fail in a hard pull. At the least, you would want something like this
Do you have the factory tow package? Without that, there is nowhere to hook onto the rear in case you have a problem.
I haven't made much fuss about such things in the past and I don't like being a hardass or a rule nerd. However, after a few incredibly tough recoveries from a few outings this winter, it's made me realize how crucial it is to have a baseline for recovery gear. It comes down to a matter of safety and how much of a liability you become to others. Although I can't keep anyone from driving, I will be looking and letting them know if I don't feel safe wheeling with them. At best, this can happen. At the end of the video, ask yourself, "now what?" If you have an answer that doesn't require pumping the puddle and getting some specialty towing gear, you are smarter than me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJGD3GptaB4

Now, let's talk trails.
In 2009, I took my truck out to TSF. This is the first truck I'd owned, the first 4x4 I'd ever driven, and the first new vehicle I've ever purchased. I had been on muddy trails and logging roads in the past, so I thought I was ready. I went with a very knowledgable group, and we hit a blue trail to 'get warmed up'. After that trail and a few more, I had made it unscathed, but my arms and hands hurt from how tense I was. I was physically exhausted by 1pm. I've come a long way since then, but I'm just letting you know, this isn't a trip through a 'really rocky road'. It's a bit more than that Again, I suffered no damage, so it can be done - you have to have the luck and the brass balls!

The veterans are getting videos and photos put up here, and you can determine which trails look best for you. I suggest writing down the ones you would like to do and we will try to get the run organized to hit those.
I'm putting up some videos tonight, but I wanted to show this video here to give you a summed up idea of difficulty levels and what the trails will be like.

The first part is a trail called Cedar Tree, which is marked blue for medium difficulty. The hardest parts will be narrow turns, which you can see at 1:00.
At 1:30, the video shows the upper portion of Firebreak 5. Depending on condition of the trail, the difficulty varies. It's a black (hard) trail, though this portion isn't too bad. At 2:00 is the midpoint of that trail, and you get an idea of what a black trail really is.
At 5:00, we get to another blue trail called Ample & Alluring, but I'd just about rate it a green trail. It's steep as hell, but there's nothing else to it.
The night run is a separate trail and it's too dark to really give you an idea of much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAmmTxBW1cI



Again, remember that I am more than happy to give you some coaching at the beginning of the day and we are all happy to coach you throughout the rest of the trip!

 

Thank you for the advice guys. No tow package on my truck, just the sr5, looks like she could use some things added before taking her through some of those trails. Mainly recovery gear and better tires.

 

I still encourage you to come out and ride along and eat food! You can check out what the guys are packing and get ideas for what you want to get, too!

 

And to add to mikes post... Drink beer and eat steak! Lol

 

Speaking of which, I corrected James' title.

 

What I miss? Corrected what?

 

wut? I am no longer grand poobah of steak over the open fire? I relinquished the title of tater cooker last time....

 

read the first post.

 

Hahaha I like Jason's lol

 

HAHA Just got the baseball schedule. The boy has a tournament June 21st-23rd.

Just for Mike, I am saying NO to baseball this time. I may head out early Sunday to catch his game if they make the finals.

 

I confirmed that I got Friday, 6/21 off from work, so I can head down anytime on Friday.

Steve is checking his schedule at work, but he might be out of town that weekend. Not sure yet.

 

Mike, im in fri-sun/hard... sat I may have to leave early for a short time.. not sure yet...

 

added. Did you know how to get there, did you want to caravan down with Ben and I?

I'll try to get more details with Ben closer towards the date as to what the two of us are up to.

 

Great minds think alike, sounds good to me!

 

when is the next meet ??

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/no...egon-scheduled-meet-calendar.html#post2552222

 

I might be able to make it up there Saturday or Sunday depending whether I'm on call or not. I'll know when it gets closer

 

bump because im bored lol

 

Can't wait for this! Get to test out my new rear suspension! AllPro Expos with new Kings that have 12 inches of beautiful travel! Tyler will be helping me make a nice set of mounts for them. They will be put on the second weekend of June as well as a new bed rack.