Upper Woodpecker Sat. Nov. 17th [Archive]

amber.hodge

11-11-2007, 03:32 PM

Mother-in-law is in town this coming week from Detroit and wants to go out offroading with us....

Trail information: Upper Woodpecker in Florence Junction - Upper Woodpecker is a 3.5 rated trail, which is rated off of the Firehole Obstacle. Firehole is bypassable, as is the other difficult obstacles (Windshield Rock and the Up and Over).

Rally points and times: 0830 with a pull out time of 0900 at the Shell off the US 60 in Gold Canyon/AJ
0930-0945 air down spot at cottonwood canyon road in Florence off the 79

Leader: JWohl and Number 7 both volunteered - whoever wants to do it is fine and we will be lucky to have all of the experience and good people with us.

Also coming along:

BENBER, Remington & Gramma Sue (aka amber.hodge and full jeep)
Miles2go1979
Rockclimber
BeefsJK
SamDog
Steve Freeman
YGoHome
1blkjp??????

Please post up if you are attending or have changed your mind so i can keep this up to date. :D

amber.hodge

11-11-2007, 04:02 PM

anyone? anyone? .......bueller...?

terron gregg

11-11-2007, 05:18 PM

id go but im having some special work done on the jeep

xjstocker

11-11-2007, 06:00 PM

have to work sat. will confer with the boss bout sunday could find something to run. ill let you know.

ademster

11-11-2007, 06:13 PM

I will be there... when and where... Sun morning would be better.

Miles2go1979

11-12-2007, 09:00 AM

Like I said up at Payette, Saturday works for me ... as long as I get my tire/rim fixed this week

GRUNT

11-12-2007, 09:05 AM

I work Saturday and am not off shift until 8am on Sunday. Soooo, Sunday is best for me but I would not get out there until about 9am... And I work Monday... :(

Miles, get the rim fixed!

Miles2go1979

11-12-2007, 09:10 AM

yup, thats on my to do list for today... its a good thing I don't have to work

Cave Gimp

11-12-2007, 10:15 AM

Jamie and I might be interested on this one. Saturday would work better, but I'll have to check with her.

rockclimber

11-13-2007, 08:41 AM

Looks like some plans with my daughter are falling through so I may be up for a run up Woodpecker if you go on Sat. Did this with the CJ Group in the spring and had a ball.

BEEFSJK

11-13-2007, 09:39 AM

I Can Go Sat Or Sun.

sunroom2004

11-13-2007, 10:00 AM

Sunday works best for me...can't make it Saturday or Monday.

STEVE FREEMAN

11-13-2007, 11:01 AM

CAN GO SAT. NOT SURE ABOUT SUN.YOU MAKE THE CALL:em2300:

05 TJ
4IN LIFT
33S OPEN/OPEN FOR NOW

amber.hodge

11-13-2007, 11:37 AM

Okay, lets run with Saturday....Upper Woodpecker......

We, obviously, cannot lead, so can anyone else lead this one? (notorious for starting parties I have no intention of hosting :o)

Cavegimp - I believe you can make most of this run, there are bypasses, so you won't "officially" "run the trail"......but I know you well enough that you don't care about that happy H.S. and care more about good company and fun.

Anyone care to lead this one? I would say that the trail minimums would be up to the trail leader, but we have done all but one obstacle (so we haven't "run the trail") and we are 3" lift, 33" tires and Lockers?! We don't need no stinking lockers! (well maybe someday)

ademster

11-13-2007, 11:42 AM

if it is Sat, I am out.

but I could lead it... I think as I have the gps cords, and all mapped out...

Cronoh

11-13-2007, 12:38 PM

i can make it, sat or sunday, i prefer saturday though :)

kemolewis

11-13-2007, 03:09 PM

If you ran on sunday I could lead I have been on this trail alot, but I work on Saturday unless you go at night

xjstocker

11-13-2007, 06:14 PM

i can do this one in my sleep(on one night run i think i did). but cant do it on sat have to work so i can enjoy friday after turkeyday off. if you are willing to run it on sunday it seems that turn out will be better and i or someone can lead. id say min for this should be 33"s or 31's and casual attitude toward BD (not likely but a disclaimer just the same). anyhoo let us know what you decide. im going out sunday either way. would be nice to see ya'all again.

rockclimber

11-14-2007, 08:58 AM

I am free to run Sat so I guess I can lead. I won't be running all the hard lines but I do know my way through the trail. If somebody who knows the trail better volunteers I will be happy to let them lead but otherwise if there is a group that wants to go on Sat then lets do it.

GRUNT

11-14-2007, 09:29 AM

Amber, is it Saturday for sure? It looked like more opted for Sunday.... :confused:

amber.hodge

11-14-2007, 10:17 AM

This will be Saturday for sure. I know more opted for Sunday, but due to scheduling for my Mother-in-Law's visit and the fact that our brother-in-law will be in town and only has Sunday available - Sunday is OUT.

If there are not enough people to participate on Saturday or if we cannot find a qualified trip leader who has time, I understand the run will happen another time, and there is nothing keeping the Sunday people from starting their own run of the same trail that day. :)

I would like to add a disclaimer to those who are running a jeep with less than a 3" lift, 33" tires, and limited experience - especially on 3.0+ trails:

Please read the trail write up which was done by one of the members and further contributed to by RoknRich. The obstacles mostly have bypasses, but the bypasses are not as easy as some of those we encountered in Pyaette Draw. The bypass to the right of the Firehole would be very difficult on a stock suspension or on smaller tires - diff damage would be possible along with other components. Off to the right of Windshield Rock there is a bypass, but it is a pretty stout boulder garden for a stock suspension to go through. The up and over is completely bypassable on the left and then beyond that, there is one other tippy area....I don't want to tell anyone what their rig cannot do, but I want to make sure they look at the write up to make an informed decision.

As far as leaders, I've asked Jack Hickman to come out to run Tail Gunner and also to help with spotting...possibly to lead if we can't find anyone else. And, since I need to bury the hatchet somewhere other than in Rich's back - and he does have a GREAT amount of knowledge which would be a shame to miss out on- I've been tossing around the idea of having him lead. ???
I want to make sure that we have someone lead who has a knowledge of this trail, is safety oriented, is not going to encourage others to do dumb stuff and will be willing to spot here and there for others. Any takers?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TO UPPER WOODPECKER, SEE HERE FIRST:
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=13850

1BLKJP

11-14-2007, 04:05 PM

As far as leaders, I've asked Jack Hickman to come out to run Tail Gunner and also to help with spotting...possibly to lead if we can't find anyone else. And, since I need to bury the hatchet somewhere other than in Rich's back - and he does have a GREAT amount of knowledge which would be a shame to miss out on- I've been tossing around the idea of having him lead. ???

I want to make sure that we have someone lead who has a knowledge of this trail, is safety oriented, is not going to encourage others to do dumb stuff and will be willing to spot here and there for others. Any takers?

Oh I don't know about that, we are pretty good at encouraging people to do dumb stuff. :D :D :D Just only if they want to. :D

I'll see if I can make it out there on Sat. Don't know yet for sure and most of the times I've ran upper have been in the dark so me getting us there could be an adventure. :D

Fire Ball

11-14-2007, 04:14 PM

Working like a dog to try to get the beast ready for Upper woody. Sat is out, as I said in the email. Have fun :)

Number 7

11-14-2007, 04:17 PM

Now that this is locked down to Sat. there's a better chance that we will make it. And if we do make it, we could lead with half our brains tied behind our backs. No wait. Since we would both be there if we were able to make it, we could lead with 3/4 of our brains tied behind our backs.

I'll have to let you know what the Chief says when he gets back . . .

d

Number 7

11-14-2007, 04:44 PM

Okay Amber, we're in. Will meet you at the Shell @ 9.

YGOHOME

11-14-2007, 07:11 PM

I've never run that trail before but I'll give it a shot.

Are we all meeting at a gas station at 9am? Can someone post up quick easy direction or a google map to show where that is at. I've only been to FJ a few times.

Thanks,
Ben

xjstocker

11-14-2007, 07:17 PM

:em3400:

YGOHOME

11-14-2007, 07:19 PM

seriously. lol. okay okay

samdog3

11-14-2007, 07:50 PM

YES I WANT TO GO ALSO
IF IT,S NOT TO EARLY,????????????????:sleeping2:

JOE

jpotts

11-14-2007, 08:05 PM

I've never run anything at FJ. If I drive way the heck out there, I'd like to run more than one trail. Maybe someone can run something else with me in addition to Upper Woodpecker?

xjstocker

11-14-2007, 08:13 PM

when you get to the end of the trail keep going straight. its a nice walk in the park:D

Miles2go1979

11-14-2007, 08:37 PM

Are you going down cottonwood or price rd ? I'll meet ya'll there... no point in driving up to the shell in AJ and back to Florence.

YGOHOME

11-14-2007, 08:38 PM

is this the meeting location at 9am Sat ?...

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=gold+canyon,+az&layer=&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=33.358187,-111.467333&spn=0.002442,0.003508&t=h&om=1

or do we continue on down 79 to e. cottonwood canyon rd to meet?

I'll run whatever... i've got that whole day to kill :)

ademster

11-14-2007, 08:41 PM

The Shell Gas station is on the left hand side off of the 60... I think the street name is GOld Canyon or something...

and Miles,

the trail is off of Cottonwood.

amber.hodge

11-15-2007, 05:09 AM

Okay, I didn't get on the board until this morning, so I missed a lot.

Jwohl had stated he could leave with an 0800 leave time. I had actually contacted Rich and asked him who he thought was experienced enough to lead since I handn't seen if George and Diane could go or not. He had suggested Jwohl or Scully

Mother-in-law is not looking forward to the early morning but is looking forward to the run......I think that if we do perhaps a 0830 Meet at the Shell Gas Station with a 0900 Pull out time for the trail and a 0930-0945 (being realistic here) pull out from the airdown, it would work best for all - not too late, not too early. That should get us done by 1600 (4 in civi talk) even with breaks - last time we went we broke and then a pitman went out on a rig, we still got out at reasonable time.

amber.hodge

11-15-2007, 05:20 AM

Trail information: Upper Woodpecker in Florence Junction - Upper Woodpecker is a 3.5 rated trail, which is rated off of the Firehole Obstacle. Firehole is bypassable, as is the other difficult obstacles (Windshield Rock and the Up and Over).

Rally points and times: 0830 with a pull out time of 0900 at the Shell off the US 60 in Gold Canyon/AJ
0930-0945 air down spot at cottonwood canyon road in Florence off the 79

Commo: CB Radio Channel 4. If anyone in the wheeling party has a Hamm radio, sound off so I can post it.

Leader: JWohl and Number 7 both volunteered - whoever wants to do it is fine and we will be lucky to have all of the experience and good people with us.

Also coming along:

BENBER, Remington & Gramma Sue (aka amber.hodge and full jeep)
Miles2go1979
Rockclimber
BeefsJK
SamDog
Steve Freeman
YGoHome
1blkjp?????

Please post up if you are attending or have changed your mind so i can keep this up to date.

Cave Gimp

11-15-2007, 05:51 AM

when you get to the end of the trail keep going straight. its a nice walk in the park:D

A complete walk in the park. Heck, a stock Liberty could make that trail... :D

Wish we could make it, sounds like a good time. Amber if there is a major break or something give us a call, we aren't too far from there.

amber.hodge

11-15-2007, 05:53 AM

Will do - we really need to get Hamm radios, though!!!!!!

Number 7

11-15-2007, 07:22 AM

I've never run anything at FJ. If I drive way the heck out there, I'd like to run more than one trail. Maybe someone can run something else with me in addition to Upper Woodpecker?

Jamie, we can take you & Ben up Lower Woodpecker & then meet the rest of the group at the start of Upper. Lower will take maybe 30 mins. with a few of us. Highway to Hell starts at the top of Upper, but we've never run it; don't know where it ends.

Are you going down cottonwood or price rd ? I'll meet ya'll there... no point in driving up to the shell in AJ and back to Florence.

Miles, the airdown spot will be at Cottonwood Rd. & Hwy. 79. Amber's thinking 930ish.

Ben, that mapquest you posted is correct. They have McMuffins.

jpotts

11-15-2007, 07:28 AM

Jamie, we can take you & Ben up Lower Woodpecker & then meet the rest of the group at the start of Upper. Lower will take maybe 30 mins. with a few of us. Highway to Hell starts at the top of Upper, but we've never run it; don't know where it ends.

Cool. I'm planning on making it.

amber.hodge

11-15-2007, 07:29 AM

Diane - are you guys bowing out as lead? I think Jwohl is still in but haven't heard from him....Or are you planning on running lower and then meeting us?

jwohl

11-15-2007, 07:44 AM

I can go and be at cottonwood canyon at 9:30.

John

Number 7

11-15-2007, 07:45 AM

We'll lead it's not a problem. If a few rigs run Lower on the way to Upper it won't hold anything up. If anything you guys can stop up on the road and watch. I figure we can figure it out when we get there.

glmoore

11-15-2007, 08:18 AM

i would like to go on the 17th

Allen

11-15-2007, 11:11 AM

I can make this trip!

I'll meet at cottonwood @0900

Upper woody is a blast! The tough lines have a bypass if you cant make an obstical. When you get to the end there is the begining to H2H (havn't run, but want to) and then a little farther east is Upper Ajax, both 4.0's. I've run UA and could lead that trail after UW if someone wants to keep going. It does require lockers though!

jpotts

11-15-2007, 11:57 AM

1BLKJP

11-15-2007, 04:04 PM

I think I'll end up making it. Fatbob might tag along with us too. So Amber go ahead and add me to the list.

Oh, and I'll be up to run something else afterwords. I wouldn't suggest it being H2H though. That one will take us a few hours to get thru? Really out in FJ I've only ran the hardest stuff. So I'd be cool with running some of the others I've never hit before. AJAX, Woody's, Elvis, etc....

I'll probably end up meeting at the air down spot off of cottonwood and 79 at 9 AM.

RandyT

11-15-2007, 04:25 PM

Sign Me up! :patriot:

Ham radio callsign: KC0NNT
Will be monitoring 146.520
Meeting you guys at Cottonwood.

kend

11-15-2007, 04:52 PM

Looks like a great group! I'll be at the Shell before 0900 Sat.

I've been travelling all summer and really miss wheelin'! Todd (Desert Fab) just changed my diff oil today after the 500 mile break-in for my new 4.88's, and I'll change out my wheels and tires to the off-road set tomorrow afternoon. I'm fired up to go.

Chuck Boyd

11-15-2007, 08:00 PM

[QUOTE=amber.hodge;253207] we really need to get Hamm radios, though!!!!!!

Put me down as tentative for the run:) I also run a 2 meter ham radio, my
call is N0BHO.

chuck

Texas

11-15-2007, 09:59 PM

I'm in. I'll have my Dad with who is visiting from MN.

Sean K.

11-16-2007, 05:09 AM

I've never run anything at FJ. If I drive way the heck out there, I'd like to run more than one trail. Maybe someone can run something else with me in addition to Upper Woodpecker?

Jaime, I think compared to what you're used to at TM, you may be bored with Upper Woodpecker. Firehole is the only obstacle that will give you much challenge.

I'm definitely not saying don't go....just warning you that it's a long drive for one obstacle.

H2H is more likely your speed....or even Bad Medicine, Overdose, optional lines on Martinez Canyon, etc. Upper Ajax, IMO, is pretty fun and will give you a decent challenge if you guys decide to hit something a little harder after the UW run.

HTH,
Sean

YGOHOME

11-16-2007, 08:42 AM

if Jack (1blkjp) is going, he likes the same TM trails that jpotts does and can probably show us around FJ area and some challenging trails. Last time I was out in FJ with Jack we ran Axle Alley and then Martinez mine loop which was alot of fun. That mine is worth checking out again especially if Jamie hasn't seen it before. But I'm up for whatever though, just getting out there and running any trails is fun for me.

jpotts

11-16-2007, 09:03 AM

Tom Jacobson

11-16-2007, 10:24 AM

Possibly, maybe, defintely tentative here, too.

I just NEED to be at my father-in-law's place back in Gold Canyon by 4PM.

UWP is easy if you're running some lift, lockers and 33"+ tires. Less built, and you'll enjoy a bit of challenge. Can be done near stock (or stock Roobi). No matter what, is still fun and pretty trail.

Am just looking forward to getting out, meeting a bunch of you and relaxing a bit. Maybe causing a bit of trouble for JWohl if he's still leading! muwahahaha!!!! ;-)

amber.hodge

11-16-2007, 11:14 AM

The only obstacles that I would say lockers are needed for are possibly firehole and possibly up and over as we haven't given the firehole a go and haven't given up and over a serious go (due to the lack of body damage and I was driving and didn't want to hear it from Ben for 3 months if I smooshed the passenger side of our Jeep; it would have, of course, been perfectly acceptable had he been driving! :rolleyes:)

Cronoh

11-16-2007, 11:17 AM

i might come, it looks like this is going to be a huge run though :p

amber.hodge

11-16-2007, 11:19 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trail information: Upper Woodpecker in Florence Junction - Upper Woodpecker is a 3.5 rated trail, which is rated off of the Firehole Obstacle. Firehole is bypassable, as is the other difficult obstacles (Windshield Rock and the Up and Over).

Rally points and times: 0830 with a pull out time of 0900 at the Shell off the US 60 in Gold Canyon/AJ
0930-0945 air down spot at cottonwood canyon road in Florence off the 79

Commo: CB Radio Channel 4. Chuck Boyd will be running a 2 meter Hamm Radio (handy for commo with outside world if we run into issues:eek:).

Leader: JWohl and Number 7 both volunteered - whoever wants to do it is fine and we will be lucky to have all of the experience and good people with us.

Also coming along:

BENBER:lips2::army:, Remington:kid: & Gramma Sue :pinch:(aka amber.hodge and full jeep)
Miles2go1979
Rockclimber
BeefsJK
SamDog:wheelchair:
Steve Freeman
YGoHome
1blkjp :devilish:& maybe FatBob:em0800:
Texas
JPotts
GLmoore
Allen
RandyT
Kend
Chuck Boyd

Maybe
Tom Jacobson
Cronoh

Please post up if you are attending or have changed your mind so i can keep this up to date.

amber.hodge

11-16-2007, 11:20 AM

i might come, it looks like this is going to be a huge run though :p

We always end up with huge runs and I've never been on one - except for crown king - which was long and miserable because of it...even crown king was interesting because of the peeps though.

Heck, Pyaette had 35 jeeps and you couldn't even tell.

Cronoh

11-16-2007, 11:22 AM

True, pyette was good even with how many people there were, ill think about it tonight and see whats goin on, cout me as tentative

jpotts

11-16-2007, 11:31 AM

Should we split this up into 2 groups and 2 trails so that we can relieve some congestion? Just a thought.

amber.hodge

11-16-2007, 11:39 AM

I don't see need for it. We had roughly 8-10 rigs last time, and no matter how many people post, you always have about 5 or more that no-show due to different personal issues or circumstances. I don't see the point of doing that at all. I think that on the board would be very premature for that decision and if we did do that, it would be more appropriately determined between the jeepers that are actually at cottonwood canyon road at 0930 tomorrow. :)

jpotts

11-16-2007, 12:03 PM

Cool. I was just throwing that out there.

Texas

11-16-2007, 03:54 PM

Speak of the devil. My Dad and I are going to go paragliding out at South Mountain instead of Jeeping tomorrow. Have fun!

terron gregg

11-16-2007, 03:57 PM

hows the baby life going

Speak of the devil. My Dad and I are going to go paragliding out at South Mountain instead of Jeeping tomorrow. Have fun!

Texas

11-16-2007, 04:12 PM

Good, thanks for asking. Work sucks on the others hand. Averaging 12 hrs a day. Time to make a change! My boss can't figure out why I'm not happy about the current work load...

Need more time for baby, jeep, golf, and life! How have you guys been?

Sean K.

11-16-2007, 05:54 PM

Thanks for the info Sean. I'm going out there no matter what - just because I haven't been out there at all. But I do hope to get a chance to run some of the more challenging trails there. I'm kind of excited to check that place out. I've heard about many of the trails out there for years but have never taken the initiative to drive all the way out there.

Cool. It's definitely worth the trip. Martinez is one of my favorites....has it all, scenery and some decent challenge if you know where to look. You won't regret it. :)

Have fun. If my junk was together (hopefully by next weekend) I'd go with. :)

Sean

Miles2go1979

11-16-2007, 06:34 PM

I got a new spare so the wife will let me go now! See ya tomorrow at 9ish on Cottonwood!

DanFelix

11-16-2007, 07:04 PM

I'm in for Saturday, 9:30 at the flag pole. I may be accompanied by two others in Rubi's, probably one for sure.

YGOHOME

11-16-2007, 08:28 PM

I'll meet the group at the gas station at 8:30'ish. But if I'm running late I'll meet up with you all at the airdown before 9:30... so don't wait up :) Gonna be a fun day tomorrow.

CJ2TJ

11-16-2007, 08:33 PM

We will meet up with every one at 9:00 at Cottonwood and 79

rockclimber

11-16-2007, 08:49 PM

:)we will be at the flagpole at 900 and ready to go. c ya in the morning

jpotts

11-16-2007, 09:30 PM

BEEFSJK

11-16-2007, 09:31 PM

Sorry guys/gals wont be able to make it. Hope to make the next one!

YGOHOME

11-17-2007, 05:23 AM

Am I meeting you guys at the airdown or at the Shell? Either way, I'm trying to be in the general vacinity early.

I'll probably get to the gas station by around 8:15 or 8:30 am to get some brkfast. either way, I think we are all converging at the airdown eventually.

desertdawg

11-17-2007, 04:33 PM

Anybody back yet? How did you guys do out there?

GRUNT

11-17-2007, 04:43 PM

:confused:

xjstocker

11-17-2007, 05:04 PM

was there water out there? maybe amber showed mom in law how they do water crossing and recovery. they did have a large group and some were looking to do other trails.

Allen

11-17-2007, 05:30 PM

I'm back! It's nice to live so close!!

A little carnage today, mostly minor things like stock steps and licence plate frames and tail lights. Also we had one bent tie rod, but everybodys rigs did good! Thanks to Diane I got a ton of pics that I'm going to upload right after a shower!

:driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving:

Great driving today guys!

Number 7

11-17-2007, 06:57 PM

Hey you guys,

Let's start a new thread in the Pictures forum when we upload our photos. Might be easier to get to . . .

=)

jpotts

11-17-2007, 07:11 PM

Thanks to Ben, Amber, George, Diane, & Allen (and anyone else I forgot) for showing us around out there. It was nice to meet some new people and to see the people I already knew.

YGOHOME

11-17-2007, 07:15 PM

What a great day. Thanks George and Allen for spotting and for Amber and Ben for getting it organized and us all out there. I definately want to check out those other trails out there soon.

Was cool to meet everyone.

Thx

DanFelix

11-17-2007, 07:20 PM

Ditto on the kudos, thanks all, I posted some pics in the Photos forum. I had a great time too!

TRLR8TDTJ

11-17-2007, 07:57 PM

Allen

11-17-2007, 08:01 PM

Yeah... a few of us ran tail light rock today! Some of us even broke a light!!

wassnt me!:whistling:

macinyart

11-17-2007, 08:29 PM

Well, I'm back too. Grilled a couple of brats with my cutie, had a martini and now a little red stuff. All is good. I want to thank you all for contributing to my really good day and good shake down cruise for all the new mods on my old YJ. I did some stuff today that I couldn't/wouldn't do in the past. And most important, met some new, really nice people. Hope to see you all again soon. And, Allen, sorry I came so close to your toes. :whistling: More later, it's all good.