2013 T.A.Co. Gathering - Official Thread

Bottom line is that whether it's this event or another one, it's not my place to tell someone they can't run a trail. All I can do is call it like I see it. If I think someone might be in over their head, I'll probably let them know. But we're all there to have a good time and if someone wants to spend their time on a specific trail even if it's over their head, then they should be able to within reason. And the trail leader and the rest of the group are there to offer help and support.

But people should be policing themselves and using good judgement about the trails they select to run. Could I run Pritchet Canyon with my truck and level of experience? Yeah probably. If I were with a group of buggies would I be slowing them down with my IFS truck with a rear locker? Yep. Probably. So maybe I choose a different trail that can still challenge me but is more appropriate for my driving abilities or the capabilites of my truck without slowing down a better equipped group. And then grab one or two buddies and go run Pritchett on our own where we can take our time.

 

Aleks wants to go as long as you go, let bromance 2.0 begin

Hahaha, lockers lockers lockers blah blah blah. Need to stop worrying so much
I was asking more from a safety standpoint, didn't want to be driving open style bumping it on the side of a cliff.

But thank you greatly for the honest reply! I would have completely understood if you said against it, but you know trucks and you know the trail so if the days line up I think I want to try cliff hanger (i can dig that 3 try rule, dont want to break shit being stubborn) Last year was a good intro to Moab and my trucks abilities. I was more timid, but I have a lot more confidence and driving ability now and love the challenging looking obstacles on that trail! I can't wait!

 

I like that philosophy. I am learning a lot, it has been to have people that I can ask questions. I am assuming that I can get steered towards appropriate trails and have good spotters on the trails I do hit up since I have never been and don't know much about the trails. TrailDamage only has so much info, and some of that is incorrect. And nothing can replace first-hand experience.
The reasons you listed above are the main reason why I have spent the majority of my money on armor, so that I don't get too scared for my DD and go painfully slow to avoid damage. I should be able to move fairly easily through many trails without too much trouble. And since I will be locking my rear diff, I should be in even better shape. But I will still be asking lots of questions to learn all that I can. Maybe I will be one of the guys helping out noobs next year.

 

Your truck will be fine. Driver experience is the best mod you can do. The more seat time the better. I've seen plenty of guys with near stock truck make guys with $30K of mods into their "built" Jeep Rubicon look like total fools because they had to have all the coolest stuff on their jeep but had no clue what they were doing behind the wheel.

Same goes for Toyota guys (not just a jeep thing). Don't worry if you don't have all the most expensive bumpers/winches/tires/lockers/etc. Pick a trail that seems doable and don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Everyone starts out somewhere and usually is completely clueless. I've been wheeling for over 20 years and I'm still mostly clueless and still ask for help.

 

Shirts look good Bob, do you by chance have any of last years shirts? I forgot to get one..

 

do not believe so...i'll have to keep an eye out though, i may have one floating around, but i think we gave out the remaining shirts to some of sponsors

 

You'll be fine Mark! and I'll go along so someone will be able to hear you on their CB haha!

 

He might be sol this time, I might have a fellow or two riding with me this year.


He is your friend... you have a seat too...

And my seats are always open for anyone that wants to ride! We are all there for the experience.

Just remember... ass gas or grass, nobody rides for free...

 

Yeah I only know enough to be dangerous. I grew up riding along in my dad's friends' trucks and then in friends rigs when I was in high school. So I have experience and have been around wheeling, but this is MY first rig, and I have only been the one driving for a year now. Fortunately I am patient, I learn relatively fast and am not afraid to ask questions.

I can't wait to meet you all in person and get out there and just have fun. I realize that I sound like I am just all about the mods, but I am truly just trying to get quality stuff done to my truck while I have money.

 

No worries man, we have all been there. Even when you think you know which way you want to go with your truck you will change your mind about some things haha! It will be fun, you will enjoy yourself and you will learn. I know I did all of those things last year.

 

Fuck ya bro! Lets do it! Open crew ftw! As long as someone can hear me yell for help

Ill be getting a new cb before moab as well so I can actually chime in when they are making fun of my 4cyl.

oh i know haha. He just had a great time getting to know you and hanging out with you

 

mark i agree with adam it is possible... but itll be a bitch. if ur down for a long day, go for it man. beware though ur truck will not come out the same as it went in

 

Didn't a few guys get their bedsides real good on cliff hanger last year?

 

yup..coming back up the cliff obstacle..

the line puts you real close to the wall coming back up

 

If you guys will let me play, I think I'm up for more challenging stuff than last year. I want to keep my truck relatively in tact. I've got armor, so I'm crossing my fingers for some good luck and good lines.

 

Good ask Mark cuz i would'nt pack your crap back for you anyways..

You sir may fallow me anywere you want as long as we use your strap..

 

Mark's Taco after Cliff Hanger

 

I cant believe you would bring mark up to my level on this...

 

Haha, who needs bedsides!? Function over form haha! And hell yeah Mark we did some awesome shit last year with all of us going open diff!

 

The funny thing is I just googled "Tacoma dented bedsides" and was scrolling through the images and came across your pic and decided it fit what I was going for a little too well haha