Sponsored
OP
OP
TexasTJ
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #62
The next day plans changed from mountain biking to off-roading. We made our way over to Sevenmile Rim.
Wipeout Hill
Back up
Couple of Pronghorn Antelope
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.
Wipeout Hill
Back up
Couple of Pronghorn Antelope
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.
OP
OP
TexasTJ
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #63
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.
Having a blast
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"
Eager to get started just after sunrise.
Having a blast
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"
OP
OP
TexasTJ
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #64
The Tundra returned home, but we continued over to Ouray with the Gladiator.
Beautiful fall yellows
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.
Bridal Veil Falls at the bottom of BBP near Telluride
Beautiful fall yellows
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.
Bridal Veil Falls at the bottom of BBP near Telluride
OP
OP
TexasTJ
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #65
Driving around near Ophir
Campsite not far from Ouray
Ouray Box Canon Falls
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.
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.
Campsite not far from Ouray
Ouray Box Canon Falls
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.
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.
Sponsored
OP
OP
TexasTJ
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #66
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
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #67
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.
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.
OP
OP
TexasTJ
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #68
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.
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
