Pott's Mountain and surrounding VA/WV areas

@Wheelspinner is doing the @cynicalrider in the second pic.

 

Awesome trail down there!





Definitely much more challenging the more uphill route. Gravity assist downhill is helpful.

 

Just now getting into trying to find areas to ride here in VA, given I hiked throughout the state since before I was a teenager, your write up and photos are awesome! Definitely confirms I will be steering clear of this for a good while.

Also you answered my (internal) question about off-road options as I trek up to NH later this month for a cousins wedding...glad you guys made it down, succeeded in conquering Potts and not getting harassed for Pat's "Have a Grateful Day" plate frames!!!

 

Grew up in these mountains! Have hit multiple trails and streams always something new! Great report!

 

Loved the write, good pictures

 

Excellent writeup, and even better photography! What a trip!

 

I've been reading about these areas for a while. Thanks for such a great and detailed write up. I am very interested in the ASOT, but think a re-gear, 35s, and front locker are in order for Potts mountain keep trail. Good to know that it is a serious trail and not something to take too lightly. I've had it in my list of trails I want to do at some point. Now it has an asterisk to wait until I'm a little further along with the build.

 

I know several guys who did the trail with just 33s and rear locker. There are some bypasses for different obstacles and they had to winch at a couple spots. Definitely not easy but those things aren't necessarily needed.

 

I fit those requirements, but have very very limited experience off road and in technical obstacles. I had my clutch slip pretty good the other day when I got high centered turning around on a 3pt turn. That has me concerned about any wheeling. Maybe it is normal, and I shouldn't be too concerned. The problem is ignorance. I don't know enough to know whether I'm good or not. I'm doing this at some point this summer, whether Potts mountain is in the mix or not is to be determined. Possibly with the right spotter and group I'd be interested.

 

Ok so been to wheelin'. Start easy like flag pole knob, come down to Uwharrie in NC, old nc105 etc. Go to some of those places with experienced guys that can help you and teach you. Especially if they also drive clutch. I can guide you but wouldn't be the best to teach you any driving style. Having someone that can help with that would be a definite plus.

 

A group of us did it, 1 first gen on 33s rear locker, 1 second gen on 33’s rear locker, 2 second gens on 34’s 1 rear locker, 1 front and rear. We all had to use a winch at some point. You definitely want full armor and some experience under your belt. The advice above is solid, get some experience in easier terrain or a park before trying Potts, it is a pretty gnarly trail.

 

That's the plan, go to events and meets. Get with a group that has some experience but also willing to show a new guy the ropes. I used to race quads through the woods, so I can read terrain. It is completely different though. I can't shift my weight and make a difference in the truck like a quad. I used to ride every weekend until I broke my back racing. Now, I want the technical challenge of wheeling to replace that hobby. Have to start somewhere. Goals like this trail keep the build moving for me. Perhaps it is time to slow down, gain experience and save for the big mods that I'm down to.

 

My biggest issue is learning when I need to use the clutch and when to just let the drivetrain go and do the work. If I knew this was the route is go down eventually I would have a ACLB and auto. I also wouldnt have taken such a rare truck to build. Since I'm not made of money, I'm going to make this truck work. I'm also starting to realize that the build is half the fun and I've robbed myself of experience and knowledge by farming most of the build work out. Live and learn, I read this forum a lot and have learned enough to talk the talk for the most part. I can't do a hole hell of a lot though without some guidance, or YouTube, or Haynes. Looking to get into wheeling it also seems like knowing how to fix shit on the fly is a necessity. Even though it looks awesome, I think dipping my toes is pretty sage advice and I'll take it! Thanks everyone, hopefully I'll add this to the end of the year or next year.