Off Camber Crawlers 2012 New Year’s Day Run

Trails: Forrest Road 85 & 85a to Meadow Knob and Flag Pole Knob.

      After a Drivers meeting at Sheetz on E Market St, we hit the road just before 10AM. After all 7 rigs making it through Old Town Harrisonburg we made our way down Clover Hill Rd to Union Springs Rd and into the George Washington National Forrest. Once on Forest Rd 85 we stopped to air down, lock in hubs, and then continued on. The trails were slightly wet and the weather was clear with a little wind. After the step switchbacks near a scenic overlook we stopped for a family potty break. A short while after we got going we came upon the mud-hole area. An opportunity for picture and movie taking was made, and lots of splashing was done. With mud dripping from the 7 rigs we continued on to the rockiest sections of the day. First was the down-hill rocks with many possible lines. Each rig took a little different line and we pushed on.  Soon we got to the long up-hill with protruding rocks at the top. Everyone made it up with little problems, and some looked for the hardest possible line they could find. At the final rocky outcrop by the Old Stone House we stopped for some play time. The 2 JKU’s climbed up with little problems and some good flexing. Jon’s 5” open/open XJ required a little rock stacking, but he made it. Finally Jim made an attempt, but after some more rock stacking his lower stance and not wanting to tear up his rockers any more than they already were, he backed down. A short drive later we were all lined up on top of Meadow Knob. Everyone ate, the kids played, the dogs begged for food, and we talked. The weather was turning. Clouds were coming in, rain was starting to fall, and the sun was coming and going. About 2:30 we hit the trail again to make our way to Flag Pole Knob. A light rain had started to fall, there were plenty of water puddles to slash in, and the trails had several rough sections we bounced across. By the time we got to Flag Pole Knob the rain was coming down harder. Then some more bouncing, more splashing, and more rain we made our way down to the end of Forrest Road 85a to Briery Branch Rd. The rain had slowed a little, but we decided to head back to Harrisonburg to air up and fuel up before going our separate ways. We stopped at Waterman Square Shopping Center. Some aired up The Staiman’s and Robertson’s went on their way, Jim went to the 7-11 next door, aired up and headed home. Matthew, John, Mike, and Pat headed to Sheetz for fuel, food, and clean restrooms before heading home themselves. It was a good day wheeling! Everyone had fun, no one got hurt, and other than some scratches all the rigs were unscathed. Rich Martinez was missed on this trip. We hope he’s feeling better and back out on the trail soon!

OCC Members:

Keith Robertson and Family in 2007 JKU Rubicon, built

Allan and Melanie Staiman and pups in 2000 F-350 4x4

Bryan Folts riding in Matthew Folts’ 1991 XJ Sport, mild lift

OCC guests:

Patrick Wilson and Family in 2012 JKU Rubicon, built

Mike Coppage in 2009 JKU, stock

Jim Atwell in 2000 XJ Up Country 3” lift

Jon Wilson in 1996 XJ 5” lift

Happy Motoring,

Bryan Folts

Off Camber Crawlers Member at Large