Midwest -> Moab March 24- April 2 2023

Stumbled across this post from the Tread Lightly team about a new OHV safety test/certification. More info in the link below, free testing course starts Jan 1, 2023. Conflicting info if this is required for street-legal things like our Tacomas but it does seem that way the more I read.

https://recreation.utah.gov/off-highway-vehicles/hb-180/

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClzO5OFJBOh/

 

Interesting, thanks for the info. I'll look it over when I have some time.

 

I saw this a few weeks ago. I thought I shared this article,

https://www.advrider.com/utah-to-require-online-off-road-training/

 

Looking out at the snow falling right now… I’m going to try to make this trip if possible. No guarantees yet, it all depends on outside issues, but it sure looks like fun. I’m hoping to be able to catch a ride for the red trails, I can take pictures/videos of the consequences…. Lol

 

Would be awesome if you can make it! Bring the wife along too.

 

So life has tossed me a bone and because of this I'm going to have to cancel the trip in September. I've been offered a opportunity and accepted to become part owner of an electrical engineering firm in Phoenix, AZ. Plan as of right now is we'd be moving from WI to AZ around the September/October 2023 time frame so a big trip like this won't work out for me then. I apologize if this causes any inconvenience to anyone that was thinking of going in September.
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With that said @pearing was planning to go to Moab March 24th - April 2nd and I'm tagging along. So we also would welcome anyone who would like to join during that time frame.

I will update the first post to reflect the date change and any planning that is happening.

 

Wow congrats on the opportunity!!

 

Thank you! This year is going to be a shit storm, so many details need to be taken care of.

 

Holy Bat Shiiiiit... 8 hours and I went from a solo trip to fun in the sun with the Wisco crew! All it took was Jason...

Just a heads up, these dates are the week before the Jeep Jamboree so it will probably start getting busy by Wednesday (not that it won't already be busy.) I have a lot of planning done from a trip that didn't happen last year-camping etc. I plan to bring a bike as well and do some riding while there. Fan-frickin-tastic!

I will temper the go big with gotta get home, but... MOAB!

 

That's good because I'm only bringing 1 spare CV axle and 1 inner and outer tie rod. I am not bringing the spare driveshaft lol

 

So... as we think about this outing, what is the collective group thinking for getting there and back? I am coming down from Ashland, so I will cut over and come down I35. Thinking of my first night being the 23rd (March) near Albert Lea MN. Its 20 some hours from there to Moab. From there either down to Des Moines and over or cut over earlier. I am not much for drives over 12 hours... which, from my planning last year was going to put me just East of Denver (24th) and then into Moab on Saturday (25th). You guys are coming from further south and going across. Do we hook up and caravan or just meet in Moab? I am camping-is everyone? Several of you have been more recent than I ((1991 was the last time there for me...) do you have suggestions?

Sorry if I hammering the details so early... these are the things that cause me stress.

 

I could meet up with you around Des Moines on I80, then on to Denver from there. I agree with the no more then 12 hours of driving. No reason to kill ourselves.

I70 west of Denver is the best part of the drive!

I plan on camping the whole time also. There are places to shower in Moab for around $5ish.

 

You had better be on your "A Game" west of Denver. I was riding shotgun and trying to mash imaginary the brake pedal.
Fu^kers drive like idiots. I don't scare easily, but I was more than "concerned". Think Chicago....in the mountains....on 2 lanes. This was early Sat. afternoon.

I mentioned to the wifey about a March trip.

She replied, "Have fun".

I am still game for a Sept. trip.

 

So now there's 3 yahoo's going west. Awesome!

 

Nice. Albert Lea is 2 1/2 hours from Des Moines, so that works great. I looked at my notes and I was thinking on crashing at Prewitt Reservoir; however, it is only a bit over 8 hours from Des Moines. It makes a 10-11 hour day for me though. Prewit to Moab is a solid 8 hours. Gets us into Moab Saturday with some time to gets supplies and find camp. That gives 5 days of play!

 

After Des Moines I'm fine with whatever as far as driving and stops

@Stoney Ranger do you have any preference on max time behind the wheel in a day?

@pearing you should also invest in a gmrs radio and license before the trip.

 

Yes! Spend! Recommendations? I think I want a smaller handheld like Dan had.

 

Nope. I drove from Salt Lake to home, on two 90 min naps. About 20 hrs drive time.I'll drive at my own pace and meet you in Moab. 3 vehicles from Wis. running together may raise an eyebrow to local LE. West of Denver we were hitting 90 mph in some places.

I may have to pick up a friend in Denver, if he gets his wifes O.K.

 

Dammit! I was just going to tell you that I ordered sliders and bumpers for this!
I'm kidding, of course. I haven't ordered anything for my truck in almost 2 weeks

Congrats on the new opportunity in AZ! Maybe we all could start thinking about a trip your way for Brewers Spring Training 2024? Baseball and wheeling?

I can't make it for March Moab as my vacation time resets in May and I won't have much left, but I look forward to the pics, videos and stories!

 

Uhmmm, my KM-3's have a 90mph mph limit. Not sure my truck could even do that, much less sustain it...