Mid Michigan Taco Train Aug-22

Starting with a gathering in Big Rapids then entering the Manistee National Forest and driving north on country / seasonal roads to Baldwin.
If everyone has or is willing to get ORV stickers then the trails continue for as much as anyone wants to keep going. Tin cup ORV loop is an awesome 21 mile loop little Manistee trail is just to the north of that. 40+ more miles
ALL the trails are fun but safe and easy on new trucks / paint
Some areas provide more advanced options but I am willing to take the lead in my new 2015 and steer clear of anything that might cause damage.
How many can make the date of Aug. 22 in Big Rapids at Jimmy Johns
Gathering should begin 11:00AM and the Taco Train should roll out at noon.
I can provide my phone # to everyone wanting to come
Who's in?
Any and all ideas or input is welcome.

 

I'm thinking I can make it. I usually go to a Celica meet but I'm not seeing that happening this year. I have an ORV already and am down for trying to get my truck stuck.

 

Is it a bad date, location, venue?
Would everyone rather just meet up in a parking lot in Lansing or Grand Rapids?
Your thoughts opinions and suggestions are more than welcome here.

 

I'm doing a trail run this Saturday in the 1990 Toyota and bringing some pruners and a chainsaw to confirm a clear and safe rout for the 22nd
I posted this on my FB page
Calling all mid Michigan 4x4's
I'm going to scout a rout through the Manistee National Forest this Saturday
I already know about 15 miles of seasonal roads / trails and I want to explore another 15 or more from there.
This will be light duty off roading and very little need to use 4WD if at all.
I'll be taking M-20 W to Big Rapids and entering the trail near White Cloud around noon.
The rout travels north and might end up making a loop back to White Cloud or even more likely end up in Baldwin and return via US-10

 

I found the rest of trail 3
Approx 50 miles of mixed county road / trail. Just a few small puddles, no mud pits.
There was two or three times I barely made it through the sandy up hill in 2x but never had to lock the front hubs.
Found a fallen tree and was ready with the saw to clear the trail.
The rout enters the Manistee National Forest near White Cloud and travels north to Baldwin.
There were several campgrounds with lake access and with facilities and random primitive sites along the way as well.

 

These are the most extreme sections and I'm excited to go back with my 15 TRD OR to see how the 25 year generation gap feels.

 

Roll call,,,
The trail is in great shape and can be done in 2wd with good tires.
Who's planning on joining the Taco Train?

 

The Jimmy John's is part of the Shell gas station and has a small parking lot.
There is an ALDI's grocery store directly behind the Shell / Jimmy John's that will be more suitable to gather.
A corner of the ALDIs parking lot overlooks the gas pumps and that's where I will be in a 2015 Super White AC OR
The address for Jimmy Johns is 21445 Perry Ave Big Rapids MI 49307
Its exit 139 on US-131
The gathering starts at 11AM and rolls out at noon

 

What an awesome day. Only 3 trucks but great fun was had by all

 

In another month the trees will begin to change and we will find another rout to do.

 

Lakeside lunch half way through the ride

 

That looks like it was a good time. I hope that everyone that went enjoyed the day. I apologize for the last minute bailout. But I will be going to The Mounds in the Flint, MI area this Saturday if anyone would like to join me.

It's at 6145 E. Mt. Morris Rd., Mt. Morris Township, MI 48458.
Resident Daily Pass is $10.00 per vehicle.
Non-Resident like me is $15.00 per vehicle.
Each vehicle MUST HAVE a current ORV sticker. They are $26.25 and can be purchased at the park.

You can find more information at themounds.org This will be my first time there so it should be interesting to say the least. Hope to see some of you guys there.