Flag Pole Knob (GWNF) - Jan 1st, 2009
Annual New Year's Day Run to the George Washington National Forest,
This year, led by Rich Martinez (taking a commanding lead in the Trail Boss award).
The group consisted of:
1. Richard and Donna Martinez Black CJ-5 (member)
2. Barb Turville and Don Winkleman 04 TJ (member)
3. Ed Salas and Sarah <- (the one with common sense...you had to be there) TJ (member)
4. Brian Wallen 99 Cherokee (member)
5. Chris Johnson Toy Taco (member)
6. Jim Emery 08 JK Rubi (member)
7. Fran Bitzen 1st year FJ (member)
8. Will Lloyd 05 LJ Rubi (member)
9. Barb, Dan, Jackson, & Josie Peck 07 JK (member)
10. Rod Strawderman 06 H3 (guest)
11. Chris, Heather, and Colby Peschon 05 Rubi (guest)
12. Andrew Funk & Kelsey Brogran (guest)
1.
9a.
Tale of the Trail:
The day didn't start off too well for the trail leader. He woke that morning to find a completely flat tire. So he powered-up the compressor and woke the neighbors with his impact gun while changing tires. Gotta be an Off-roader to love Offroaders! Fortunately, it was a crystal-clear day and all went smoothly from there--almost. The group met on-time (0930) at the Sheetz in Harrisonburg, Fran Bitzen gets the award for the longest trek coming from Virginia Beach area. (let me know if someone else had a further drive). As we topped our tanks and bought supplies (COFFEE!), more than one person remarked about Ed Salas' attire. The temp hovered somewhere in the 20's and Ed was wearing short-sleeves. He must be the most hot-blooded OCCer. Thoughts?
When everyone was ready we gathered for a driver's meeting. Rich passed out the required paperwork, described the route for the day, gave a quick Tread Lightly pitch, and shared some information regarding the George Washington National Forrest Road Plan currently being drafted. Many in the group expressed interest in submitting comments to encourage the GW management to leave trails open. (more info to be posted). Then Ed graciously agreed to be tail-gunner as the group began to line-up.
The group planned to head up Briery Branch Road (RT-924) to Flagpole Rd (FR-85), following the ridge until the road meets or becomes Union Springs Road. Then descend the mountain area via Union Springs. On the way to Briery Branch, Rich's senior mental challenges began to emerge as he led the group thru not one, but two wrong turns. He blames his rusty Garmin 12 (a really old model) but we all know the truth. Can you say AARP? He gets great discounts! Finally heading in the right direction, the group enjoyed a scenic ride up Briery Branch. About halfway up there was snow on the ground. The radio silence might have been an indicator that everyone was enjoying the view. Past the dam there was a tow-truck going in the downhill direction, towing a car with kids in the car. That was enough to break the radio silence. The group stopped at the turn for Flagpole where Rich's Jeep decided it didn't want to go any further. A quick investigation revealed a problem with the fuel pump relay. Rod, Dan , Fran and a couple others helped re-wire power directly to the pump which solved the problem. The stop was intended to allow anyone to air-down, tie-down or carry-out any other last minute chores. Oh well!
On the trail apparently it snowed the night before which had accumulated up to 2 inches in some spots. With the clear view and some snow it was a perfect day to be on the trail. There were also a lot of hunters with their dogs out that day. We later learned they were bear hunting. There tracks packed the snow in places and created some slippery spots requiring 4-wheel drive. The group continued on for a short while passing hunter and dogs every now and then. Around 1130 they decided to stop for lunch. So they all pulled off the trail and enjoyed the OCC camaraderie. A couple of dogs decided to stick around and join us too. After lunch, the group continued on passing the large open area Fran told us about as the dogs stayed with us.
A short while later they arrived at "the rocks" a small but fun outcrop of rocks with different lines to attempt. Most of the group bypassed the rocks but Barb T., Jim, and Ed (did I miss anyone?) played while the group watched. Back in their vehicles the trip continued through some frozen mud puddles and up the next little rocky section without any problems. In that last rocky section, some folks were seen exiting with huge smiles (rhymes with Barb Peck). Once on Union Springs Rd, the snow faded to mud and dirt as the group descended. From here it was smooth sailing all the way back to Harrisonburg.
As they pulled into town, the group gathered in an empty parking lot for group photos. From there, some said "goodbye" and headed for home, while others continued back to the Sheetz for gas. Overall, it was a fantastic day on the trail. The scenery was perfect, the trail a bit harder than usual but still stocker friendly.
Thanks for another Great OCC trail ride!
Trail Report submitted by: Rich Martinez.
Thanks, remember to wheel responsibly and sober, and wear your seat belts at all times. Protect your trail and our land access by being responsible outdoorsmen, share the land with other users, take only pictures and leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
