Powerline Trail 5/14/05

[RokNRich]

Just got the Jeep back from the dealer and need to test it out.

I ran this trail a few months ago and have been meaning to check it out again. It's slightly higher in elevation than Florence so should be a bit cooler. I wasn't able to post the trip on the old site, either because I'm a dumb****, or it's not working.

Anyways, meet at 0900, Oak Flat Campground, on the right side of the road past Superior, MM231. Roll at 0930. Be home before dark.

It's rated at a 3.5, 31's and a traction device should be fine, optional play areas for those inclined. Pinstriping probable.

Anyone else more familiar with the area is welcome to lead, I'm going regardless of anyone else showing up.

ROCK 'ON

Edit: OK, I'm a dumb****, was able to get the trip posted by inputting the correct year !

[Nnote]

I'd suggest entering on the trail off highway 177. Last time I was there the oak flat entrance was blocked becuase their doing some major mining underneath the powerline trail.... The other entrance is a thrill ride in itself. Go to the original azvjc site and check the trail reports for this trail. There you will find the location and co-ordinates of the alternate entrance and also the stories about what a fun ride it is. Let us all know the current situation goin on there.
Nick

[RokNRich]

When was this ?

In December it was possible to enter from the campground. Were you out there after December or before ?

Thanks for the input.

Rich

[Nnote]

Feb 13, 2002.... So awhile back.
When we were there they had some seriously tall drilling rigs taking core samples. A worker at the gate told us that they couldn't let us in, but they could let us out. So we took the other entrance in, and it was a good move. the other entrance is a fabulous trail in itself. About halfway through the powerline trail, Mike decided to head home and exit throught the oak flat campground. I think he waited about an hour for someone to let him out...
Turns out a story on azcentral.com maybe about a year ago revealed that the plan was to mine a huge copper core underneath the trail. I thought the area was gonna be destroyed, but they were actually gonna do some kind of underground mining instead of just ripping the place up. I guess there's a HUGE copper deposit there and their only gonna build a shaft and then dynamite it from inside and seriously deep. Don't know if they've started this yet though...
I would love to make the trail with you but I have plans saturday night. That is definatly one of my favorite places.

[k7mto]

A few of us just ran it 2 weeks ago. It's not that much higher in elevation so don't count on cool air - it was pretty warm when we ran it.

We entered through Oak Flats campground and had no problems. There are/were no mining activies/equipment in sight. Once through the campground you climb to the top of a ridge, go through an open gate and down the other side. There is a steep rock you have to drive down and it's pretty fun. You get to drive back up it on the way out too :eek:

One of the guys was running 31's on a WJ and he had a few high center issues, but only on an optional section (a hill climb on the left as you near the far end where you start to turn and head back out). This section has a small ledge you need to climb (beside a big crack) and then it's boulders the rest of the way up. anyone not interested can take the trail to the right and they meet back up at the top of the hill.

I'd love to join you but I've got plans already. I defintely want to run this trail again soon. Maybe a night run this summer?

[RokNRich]

James (wheneedspavement) and Bill (Hutch) and I had a killer time playing on some rocks yesterday. This trail is alot of fun, especially the optional bonus areas. Didn't have my photographer on board, so as usual, the pic's I take suk.

Pic's:

James - A recent addition to the darkside, has submitted completely to it's powers.

http://www.photodump.com/direct/rich1520/DSC00016.jpg


Bill - All around cool guy, nice riding with you again.

http://www.photodump.com/direct/rich1520/DSC00018.jpg


Poser shot

http://www.photodump.com/direct/rich1520/DSC00019.jpg


Once again, this trail is FUN ! Let's do it again sometime.