Sponsored

TexasTJ's Gobi Gladiator Rubicon

OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
The next day plans changed from mountain biking to off-roading. We made our way over to Sevenmile Rim.

51521776474_4612cb01f4_c.jpg


51521161041_b13c5cffcb_c.jpg


51522033925_82a72f4125_c.jpg


Wipeout Hill
51520264592_fd1c75e6c5_c.jpg


51521972210_5a6fd3e236_c.jpg


51520374102_e6fcd834d7_c.jpg


Back up

51521122091_dfeb4591b8_c.jpg


51521125801_17e1f851ff_c.jpg





Couple of Pronghorn Antelope
51521108966_3f2174a0d6_c.jpg


The plan after lunch was to run Hell's Revenge, but before we did that I wanted to do a once over on our bikes in preparation for The Whole Enchilada we were planning to ride the next day. TWE is 35 miles of varying terrain, starting at over 11,000' and ending around 4,000', as you ride from the upper area of the La Sal Mountains back into the town of Moab. While looking over my bike, I noticed the suspension felt funny, and upon further inspection realized the lower bolt for the rear shock was completely missing. I know it was there when we packed up camp in the morning, so I assume it vibrated out during Sevenmile.

I checked a few bike shops, and was pointed to Chile Pepper Bike shop who deals with Evil bikes. I called on the way back to town, and they had it sitting on the counter for me when I arrived. I quickly changed it out and made it back to camp. We camped at the Sand Flats Rec area that night, so no pictures, and we ran out of time to run HR.

51520266097_bc7ee232de_c.jpg
 
OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
I just happened to check the local MTB page, and noticed the top section of the trail was closed on the Moab side due to road work. We would have to settle for the "3/4 Enchilada", a blessing in disguise. We woke up at 5AM the next morning to make the ~1hr drive up to Hazard County for The Whole Enchilada.

Eager to get started just after sunrise.
51521080846_fde9e7ab30_c.jpg


Having a blast
51521416158_c72616ccd5_c.jpg


51521129626_27687b63a0_c.jpg


51521116971_c9a60d0705_c.jpg


51521313513_e3a61d4091_c.jpg



The 3/4 Enchilada was 25 miles, and took us 8.5hrs. We didn't stop to take many pictures, since we were trying to put the miles down. We had one OTB within the first two miles, but no major injuries. After 11 miles, we were feeling pretty tired, and around mile 17, we ran out of water. The first 10 miles we were having a blast, riding things we didn't think we could/should. We had one tire loose some air, but were able to reseat it with a small CO2 canister. By mile 17 we were beat, and really struggled to finish the trail. Fortunately I had booked a hotel, and we were able to get showers and not have to set up the tents.

Hotel had "bike blankets"
51520253102_f955fb9a3f_c.jpg
 
OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
The Tundra returned home, but we continued over to Ouray with the Gladiator.

Beautiful fall yellows
51521140266_cfca045372_c.jpg


51521349903_e24dbb5e77_c.jpg


First trail on the agenda was Black Bear Pass. This was my fourth time, and although it isn't terribly difficult, it's a fun view on the stairs. Don't take trails lightly, and bring someone with more experience if you can. The day after we ran it, a new Bronco sport rolled down the switchbacks.
51521318948_ff96f22947_c.jpg


51521787514_d164541fbd_c.jpg


51522034575_af94ee237e_c.jpg


Bridal Veil Falls at the bottom of BBP near Telluride
51521985500_f6d10c5048_c.jpg


51522022125_67c6f2cbeb_c.jpg
 
OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
Driving around near Ophir
51521974925_52e29a1471_c.jpg


51521089706_e9e2eaae73_c.jpg


Campsite not far from Ouray
51521313483_9540cc380b_c.jpg


Ouray Box Canon Falls
51521831114_5e3173237e_c.jpg


51520266557_d03a4b302b_c.jpg


51521354163_9cab87aee9_c.jpg


Spotted three moose off of Hwy 550 between Ouray and Silverton. I don't carry a fancy camera, so I grabbed my binoculars and took the photo with my phone.
51521795109_8af27ca55f_c.jpg


51521823564_5ff47ec086_c.jpg


And finally, I wouldn't dare go to Silverton without stopping at the Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory. We were walking by as they flipped the open sign, so we got the first ones made for the day.
51521998570_aa413098f9_c.jpg


51521831129_2d1cd51db3_c.jpg
 

Sponsored

OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
I've decided to start reducing some debt, and unfortunately the Gladiator must go. I will be stripping all of the aftermarket parts off and returning it to stock. If there are any parts you're interested in, feel free to send me a message. The Gladiator will also be for sale, once returned to stock, or stock + Mopar 2" lift.
 
OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
Most of the parts have been removed and are now available.

I did get my hands on a bed light from Diamondback. It sticks to the cover with 3M tape and the control box is activated by a short touch with a finger. Light out out is pretty good, and would be an easy solution to a truck that doesn’t already have bed lights.

D7D86466-BC09-444E-99F5-F2DAE22F91EC.jpeg


1C7EA357-505B-4BBC-AF65-50C0726FDD20.jpeg


64E242E1-D50E-4019-9C36-6ED93DB6ACD1.jpeg


45BD4AE0-D34B-4387-B835-65944DA1C7BC.jpeg
 
OP
OP
TexasTJ

TexasTJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Threads
30
Messages
410
Reaction score
757
Location
TX
Vehicle(s)
TJ
She gone.

Had some good memories in the 11 months/21k miles I had it. I was pleased with the amenities and on road comfort (with Jeep expectations) and more than impressed off road. With skids the break over angle didn’t seem to be a big deal, and the wheel base was beneficial in Moab.

In the end I had self induced guilt about spending over $50k on any vehicle, and COVID afforded me an opportunity to get out with out losing any money. The replacement will be a cheaper, regular looking DD. Maybe one of these days I’ll be back with a beater Jeep or buggy.
Sponsored

 
 



Top