Mendota - Sunday Jan. 6th

[Gordon]

Started this thread for you guys thinking about Mendota this coming Sunday to keep it separate from the last run.

[Matt07FJ]

I'm there...I've ran this thing about 20 times over the last 6 months...so count me in for sure.

This is literally maybe 15 minutes from my house...

[tjrockcrawler]

I'm game

[03CactusGreenKJ]

where is this at?? im sure ill feel dumb after i hear it but i just cant seem to remeber where it is...

edit ok i know the area but i dont know the trail. whats it like and where the is the trail head actually at??
but i might actually like to go on this one if i can

[Matt07FJ]

The trailhead is on "Tower Road" off of "Moccasin Valley Road" if you're coming in from the Russell County Side.

Here is a shot of the entrance of the trail - it's definitely the hardest part...

I'm taking the easiest line available in this shot....


http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v79/243/21/1566690071/n1566690071_30008793_2644.jpg

[Adurbin]

Im game for this, but will be riding with someone up to the top, this is where all my vibration problems started, and I have still yet to figure out what they are.

[Mud&Rox]

I might just have to swap some trannies around and try this one out

[tjrockcrawler]

WEATHER UPDATE: I'm sure this trail has its fair share of snow, if not more, due to elevation. Just take this into consideration before trying this trail.

The first part is definately the hardest, so you can only imagine how much more challenging this/ANY obstacle becomes in different weather scenarios.

I might ride up there and check it out on saturday morning, before the proposed ride on sunday. If I do, I"ll post up some pictures, so everyone knows what to expect.

[Adurbin]

Good thinkin buddy, I know the wind up there has to be almost unbearable, it is here and we are WAY below the level of the firetower trail.

[Matt07FJ]

WEATHER UPDATE: I'm sure this trail has its fair share of snow, if not more, due to elevation. Just take this into consideration before trying this trail.

The first part is definately the hardest, so you can only imagine how much more challenging this/ANY obstacle becomes in different weather scenarios.

I might ride up there and check it out on saturday morning, before the proposed ride on sunday. If I do, I"ll post up some pictures, so everyone knows what to expect.

Let me know if you go...I'll go w/ ya...

I think it would be a blast in the snow ....it would definitely make that first obstacle a LOT more interesting :shock:

[tjrockcrawler]

Will do Matt

[bansil]

Where is this at in relation to say Bristol?and is there a place for trailers?

Thanks

[Adurbin]

Its relatively close to Bristol, I would say about halfway between Bristol and Abingdon. There is one parking area where you could possibly get a trailer into. Its a county gravel road, so at the very least you could pull of to the side abit at the trail entrance and unload.

[Matt07FJ]

I'm pretty sure that you could park a trailer in front of "Fields Grocery" on Route 613 - Moccasin Valley Road - it would be at the bottom of the mountain - about 3 miles from the trail head....

There are some spots at the top - but if you have any hikers that are there before we are - then they're probably taken.

[J-Man]

I really dont know that this trail is long enough that you would want to trailer something in. I just wouldnt want you to be bummed out after you run it. Its an awesome place just not a long trail. :wink:

[tjrockcrawler]

I really dont know that this trail is long enough that you would want to trailer something in. I just wouldnt want you to be bummed out after you run it. Its an awesome place just not a long trail. :wink:


I agree, me personally, I would not trailer a rig in just for this trail.

[Matt07FJ]

I really dont know that this trail is long enough that you would want to trailer something in. I just wouldnt want you to be bummed out after you run it. Its an awesome place just not a long trail. :wink:


I agree, me personally, I would not trailer a rig in just for this trail.

x3

[Adurbin]

I have to disagree, the view up there alone is worth trailering there.

[Derrickalda]

take this line.....it was the only line when i was last there. i drove it the morning after i finished my lift

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/derrickalda/DSCF3882a.jpg

[bansil]

For me trailering is alot easyier and more fun than driving at 35mph :lol:
but seeing the other post that only 4or5 rigs can get turned around at the top.

We might have to just bring the turtle and not mine.

I'll check in saturday evening.

[BillM]

I would say this "trail" is no more than a 1/4 mile long to be honest. And, it is not between Bristol and Abingdon, it would be more like Bristol and Gate City. It isn't that far from Carter's Fold.

[Adurbin]

I forgot about gate city being on the other side.

[Gordon]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Virginia%20-%20Misc%20Locs/Mendota.png

[tjrockcrawler]

Matt07FJ and I rode up the trail today and did some scouting.

The weather has really cleared up and the trail did not give us any problems. The ground was soft and muddy from all the melting snow.

A car is there, at the head of the trail, but does not block entry. This maybe the car that was mentioned in the other thread, which appears to be abandoned.

I propose a 2:30pm meet time at the crest of the hill. This is where a small parking area is located, which should accomodate 5-6 vehicles.

There is a walking trail for those not wanting to run the SHORT trail.

Its worth it for a view like this...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/rlrhino/pano.jpg

[tjrockcrawler]

oh...parts of the mendota river are froze :shock:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/rlrhino/S5000010-5.jpg

[Adurbin]

There is a video on youtube of a Cherokee doing the firetower trail on youtube. I wont post it here because there is some offensive language in it. If you can over look the words, the video gives a good insight as to whats in store for Sunday. To find the vid, search "mendota virginia firetower in google search.

[Adurbin]

A view looking up:

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/firetower.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/firetower2.jpg

[Bluegill]

Looks like a neat little place! :grin: If you like that view, you should check out the Paint Creek fire tower sometime. :wink:

[Matt07FJ]

Matt07FJ and I rode up the trail today and did some scouting.

The weather has really cleared up and the trail did not give us any problems. The ground was soft and muddy from all the melting snow.

A car is there, at the head of the trail, but does not block entry. This maybe the car that was mentioned in the other thread, which appears to be abandoned.

I propose a 2:30pm meet time at the crest of the hill. This is where a small parking area is located, which should accomodate 5-6 vehicles.

There is a walking trail for those not wanting to run the SHORT trail.

Its worth it for a view like this...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/rlrhino/pano.jpg

Yeah the trail was in pretty good shape considering the amount of snow on the side of the mountain coming up....

I'll be at the parking area by about 2:00 tomorrow...

[EvilBob]

I'm interested in this ride, but have a couple of questions.
I'm kind of unsure where exactly the trailhead or meeting place is. Gordon is that what is shown on the map you posted? Does somebody have an address or gps coordinates that I can plug in google maps or my gps to get driving directions?
My cruiser is pretty slow and my guess is it'll be a pretty good drive from JC so I might bring my dd and hike up or catch a ride if anybody has a seat.
Hope to see some of you guys there!

[Gordon]

Here's a better map. I don't have GPS data, but between these maps and the topo on the trails link, you should be able to find it OK.

http://www.4x4grace.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8320

My Junk is still all apart until I get new injectors, so I am out for this one.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Virginia%20-%20Misc%20Locs/Mendota2.jpg

[Adurbin]

Evilbob, Check your PM's.

[Adurbin]

See everyone at the trailhead. Anyone who would like to follow me from JC is more than welcome. I will be arriving via I26 to I81, then to Mendota.

[Mud&Rox]

still dont have the trannys swaped not gonna be able to make it today. Everyone be safe and have fun

[dogbluedrummer]

I am going to miss this ride. Sorry.
It appears I have offended the wife yet again.
Who didn't see THAT coming. :-o

Looks like we are going to spend some quality time together. Probably not watching football.

I love the Lifetime channel!
I love the Lifetime channel!
I love the Lifetime channel!

Y'all have fun and take lots of pics!

[tjrockcrawler]

Sorry Tony

[Adurbin]

This was a beautiful trip. Here are some pictures that the camera woman (tamara, my wife) got while up at the top. We have video of descention of the trail, but for some reason, my pc wont play them.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics039.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics040.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics062.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics061.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics056.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics051.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics062.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics046.jpg

A link to the rest of the pics:

Mendota Fire Tower pictures by aaronsjeep - Photobucket

[tjrockcrawler]

This is my fav
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/Mendota%20Fire%20Tower/DCFpics063.jpg

[Steamnsteel]

Well shucks....I was looking forward to seeing how my Rubi looked on the rock ledge at the bottom.

[tjrockcrawler]

Video Aaron shot of me coming out of the trail, MATT07FJ is spotting me.

http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/rlrhino/?action=view&current=S5000002-1.flv

[Adurbin]

Well shucks....I was looking forward to seeing how my Rubi looked on the rock ledge at the bottom.

Check with EvilBob, he took some pics and my have a couple of your rig.

[EvilBob]

Sorry, no pictures of the Rubi, but I have video of you coming back down the bottom section if that'll work. :wink:
http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj5/EvilBob7887/?action=view&current=MOV00825-1.flv
It was a fun day I thought. It's too bad no more rigs showed up, we'll have to do it again sometime though.
Also: thanks to adurbin for letting me follow you up. I never would have found that place without help. In fact I don't know if I could even find my way back there without help, lol.
And thanks to tjrockcrawler for hauling me and my buddy up to the top, we appreciated the ride!

[Steamnsteel]

Thanks for posting the vid EvilBob, never get to see my jeep in action. Nice little short ride, I wish we had been able to make the scheduled arrival time.

[Adurbin]

Thats not a problem EvilBob. Anytime man, it was good to meet you.

[SamuraiGuyTN]

The conversations on that last video were funny. sounds like some one was eating something too.. Glad you guys had fun.

[tjrockcrawler]

NP guys, hope you make it out to some more rides.