Fall Crawl Oct 24-26 (Harlan, Ky) [Archive]

HANO

07-09-2008, 11:56 PM

George, I will be renting a cabin at the same place we were at last time we were up there (Black Mountain Cabin Rentals). I'll be reserving it tomorrow. We have a few in our group who would rather not rough it, so the cabin it is. We will be traveling on Thursday, wheeling Friday and Saturday, driving home on Sunday. A few members of the group are 90%, Katherine and I are 99.9% :cool: but we figure we will book the cabin now before it fills up.

Tentatively:

Katherine and I- Red TJ
John and his wife- Silver TJ
Drew- White XJ
Tracy- Khaki TJ Rubi.

Jim- Availability Not known.

Johnny Sherman

07-13-2008, 03:19 PM

George, we will be bringing a group of 10 or so.
Johnny Sherman
Matt Pless
Ken Street and family
1 Ton Mudder and family

mikepotts

07-13-2008, 08:43 PM

hey george...last year my group ended up with a motel on the other side of the mountain from your group and we missed the wholesome association. i am thinking about making reservations at black mounain cabin rentals which is close to the bailey's creek trailhead, will this be near your group?

TiredIronGRB

07-13-2008, 09:03 PM

Yea, pretty close...they are up behind Buddy's Chevron and we always camp behind the Dairy Hut.

TiredIronGRB

09-06-2008, 12:01 PM

*UPDATE*

We WILL be having the following on Saturday Oct 25.

OBSTACLE COURSE

ROCK RACE

CAR CRUSH

Johnny Sherman

09-07-2008, 07:04 PM

We will be coming in on Thursday about noon. There is about 8 rigs and 18 people staying with us this year. We are renting a house from James White. I'm getting excited!!

Barnes4wd

09-08-2008, 06:02 PM

What do you think of setting a meeting time and a central location for a Grace Ride during the event? Maybe early one morning.
:kewl:

TiredIronGRB

09-16-2008, 11:12 AM

The campground (South Evarts, behind Dairy Hut) is full, I have six sites reserved so let me know if you want them. You can put at least two tents on each site. I have site #1 which is one next to the bath house so I can share it as well, then we have 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 which are in the "dry" section when it rains.

BillM

09-19-2008, 10:58 AM

Sweet. I should be there on Saturday.

Jeep07

09-19-2008, 11:58 AM

Sweet. I should be there on Saturday.
I'd say Dad and I will be coming up sat morning as well.

Adurbin

09-21-2008, 11:30 PM

Gordon and Bill, what time will you guys be heading down Saturday morning?

Gordon

09-22-2008, 07:03 AM

Gordon and Bill, what time will you guys be heading down Saturday morning?

We can meet at the Food City in Weber City at 0700 or 0715. Aaron, you could meet me at the Mickey D's in Gray at 0630 - I need my "beauty food" don'tcha know. :icon_mrgreen:

Jeff B

10-03-2008, 11:38 AM

I'll be pulling in thursday evening. Really looking forward to this!!

TiredIronGRB

10-03-2008, 11:46 AM

Jeff, I've got you a spot behind the Dairy Hut.

Denny

10-04-2008, 11:39 PM

Do you guys think there will be any camping/hotel spots still available for this weekend? I would like to come and try out Harlan. I haven't been there.

TiredIronGRB

10-05-2008, 12:17 AM

There will be room in the main event field (Verda Field) but most everything else is booked solid.

BroncoMike

10-06-2008, 10:11 AM

Gordon, Bill and whoever else. If nothing comes up the wife )If I promise not to scare the heebie jeebies out of her) and I will meet you all at the Food City. Is 7:00 still the meeting time?

JKcaveman

10-07-2008, 08:56 AM

George, It turns out that Bill's family renunion is the weekend before Fall Crawl. He wants to come with us. He can come with me and can stay in my tent. Hopefully that will be ok.

TiredIronGRB

10-07-2008, 09:26 AM

George, It turns out that Bill's family renunion is the weekend before Fall Crawl. He wants to come with us. He can come with me and can stay in my tent. Hopefully that will be ok.

That is great :kewl:

TiredIronGRB

10-07-2008, 09:44 AM

55 people just on Grace are planning to attend.

Andy's01

10-07-2008, 09:53 AM

Man...this is gonna be an awsome weekend...I cant wait. I have my rain gear ready!!!!

TiredIronGRB

10-08-2008, 08:49 AM

I have a few of the new trail maps I've been working on that I can lend to trail leaders.

TiredIronGRB

10-09-2008, 08:24 AM

Here's the T-Shirt and decal design for this year...

http://www.4x4grace.com/tiredirongrb/FALLCRAWL_2008.jpg

TiredIronGRB

10-10-2008, 09:20 AM

Shirts are $15 and decals are $5

Johnny Sherman

10-11-2008, 10:18 PM

Goerge, We are going to have about 20 staying with us, we are coming up on thursday morning.
Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I "borrow" one of the new trail maps?

TiredIronGRB

10-11-2008, 10:48 PM

Yes...stop by the camper Thursday arounf 1:30.

Denny

10-12-2008, 09:32 PM

Will Grace4x4 split into different groups for trail riding. Will there be any problem with me joining in with one of these groups? I'm looking forward meeting up with folks.

Gordon

10-12-2008, 09:46 PM

Will Grace4x4 split into different groups for trail riding. Will there be any problem with me joining in with one of these groups? I'm looking forward meeting up with folks.

Yes, trail riding on and off during the event. And no problem joining in.

TiredIronGRB

10-12-2008, 09:48 PM

Yes, trail riding on and off during the event. And no problem joining in.

Exactly, there will be groups for all wheeling tastes from mild to wild.

Hadfield4WD

10-13-2008, 09:03 AM

Well apparently I'm an idiot. This is my sons birthday. And we are having a party that weekend. I was even helping my wife plan it, then I looked ont he calender and oops. So I'm out. Sorry guys. I really want to ride Harlan with you guys. Besides the assist isn't done yet and since I'll finish it this week I wouldn't get a shakedown on it before I got there so I think it's better this way. Sorry.

HANO

10-13-2008, 10:18 AM

I was hoping to finally get and wheel with you Matt!

Maybe we can hit a Tellico or a Crozet in the future.

TiredIronGRB

10-13-2008, 10:22 AM

Adurbin

10-13-2008, 10:34 AM

Have the B-day party in Harlan...we've done it before :icon_mrgreen:

Happy Birthday...Here have a rock. LOL

Hadfield4WD

10-13-2008, 10:47 AM

I was hoping to finally get and wheel with you Matt!

Maybe we can hit a Tellico or a Crozet in the future.

I really wanted to wheel with you as well.

Have the B-day party in Harlan...we've done it before :icon_mrgreen:

Happy Birthday...Here have a rock. LOL

Well the 6 year old would be ok with that, the 10 year old doesn't like it as much. Plus I was coming myself.

5keepers

10-14-2008, 04:29 PM

Our group from NC will start rolling in around lunchtime Thursday. We are staying by the railroad tracks right across the river from you guys. Please swing by and say hey if we don't get see you first. I have a major weakness for those hot fudge cakes and will be making several trips to feed my cravings. I should be passing through Kingsport around lunchtime and plan on making my last trip to Ralph's Bar & Grill for old times' sake.

JKcaveman

10-16-2008, 11:34 PM

George, will you have a compressor with you?

RamAford

10-17-2008, 12:21 AM

Woohoo looks like i finally got off work Thur and Friday. I guess i will be staying in the field with the rest of our group.

For those that remember the black dodge dually on 46's, he wont know until Next Monday whether he will make it again. He's trying to get his motor back in his towrig.

admar2

10-17-2008, 12:45 AM

I have a few of the new trail maps I've been working on that I can lend to trail leaders.

I'd like to get ahold of one of them if that's cool george.

Adurbin

10-17-2008, 02:20 AM

Its getting closer, I can already feel the damp coal dust on my face!!

RamAford

10-17-2008, 02:54 AM

I really like the shirt design this year! Are they still gonna be orange?

Bluegill

10-17-2008, 02:57 AM

Tony, you got anyone riding shotgun yet? :icon_mrgreen:

TiredIronGRB

10-17-2008, 09:27 AM

George, will you have a compressor with you?

Yes :kewl:

TiredIronGRB

10-17-2008, 09:30 AM

I really like the shirt design this year! Are they still gonna be orange?

I'm pretty sure they are beige.

admar2

10-18-2008, 09:30 PM

Tony, you got anyone riding shotgun yet? :icon_mrgreen:

not 100% sure at this point. some of the boys from EOR are gonna make this trip with us, so I might have a passenger.

Andy's01

10-20-2008, 08:53 PM

Guys...I am gonna have to bail out. No one real reason..but several actually. You guys have fun and hopefully Laurie and I both will be able to come up before long.

TiredIronGRB

10-20-2008, 09:15 PM

I understand completely.

RamAford

10-20-2008, 11:47 PM

Any events going to be going on in the field?

Bluegill

10-21-2008, 12:21 AM

:icon_cry: I got moved to evening shift - which means I won't be able to make it this year.....

TiredIronGRB

10-21-2008, 08:50 AM

Any events going to be going on in the field?

http://www.4x4grace.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=101293&postcount=7

BroncoMike

10-21-2008, 10:05 AM

Who all is still convoying over Saturday Morning? We still meeting at the Food City in Weber City at 7:00am or there abouts?

Landyota

10-21-2008, 10:37 AM

If the weather forecast for rain looks to be valid, I'm out. No top, no windshield, no doors - no GO. If the chance goes down I will be at the Food City @ 7:00.

Adurbin

10-21-2008, 11:03 AM

Who all is still convoying over Saturday Morning? We still meeting at the Food City in Weber City at 7:00am or there abouts?

As far as I know Mike, that is still the plan, Im meeting Gordon @ 6:00AM at the McD's in Gray, and then riding over to meet you all.

tennbronco

10-21-2008, 01:30 PM

Not gonna be able to make this event I have to stay around here and get things ready for the 4XCROSS race in Mountain City I hope the weather holds out on ya'll and ya have a fun and safe trip up there and back.

Jeff B

10-21-2008, 02:09 PM

George, I'll be there with bells on my feet & rain gear on my back!!!!

Be in thursday night shooting for around 9 pm. I'll give you a call tomorrow night.

I am so looking forward to this!!!

TiredIronGRB

10-21-2008, 02:51 PM

Ok guys I need a head count, I have several sites reserved and have people wanting to stay with us so I need to know who's still in. I'll be setup on site #1(right behind the Dairy Hut) and I have sites 12 thru 16 reserved, these are right in front of site #1.

TiredIronGRB Camping South Evarts
HokieYj Camping South Evarts
Andy1 Camping South Evarts
JKCaveman Camping South Evarts
DeannErica Camping South Evarts
Jeff B Camping South Evarts

Jeep07

10-21-2008, 05:32 PM

I'm with dad on this one. If it's not nasty cold rainy weather I will be there for sat otherwise I'm staying warm and dry at home and will go play on the farm or something sunday.

BillM

10-21-2008, 06:39 PM

I will be at the Food City at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning rain or shine. Looks like I will be towing the yeller Jeep up there. I will find a place to park the truck even if I have to park in Harlan at the Walmart.

HANO

10-21-2008, 06:49 PM

I'm with dad on this one. If it's not nasty cold rainy weather I will be there for sat otherwise I'm staying warm and dry at home and will go play on the farm or something sunday.

My wife and I are running with just a bikini top on the jeep and no doors, so I know you can tough it out....!

I will lay a guilt trip on you if I have to (you know I haven't wheeled with ya in over TWO years....:tongue3:).

In all seriousness I hope the weather is nice on Saturday, looking forward to seeing everyone again..!

TiredIronGRB

10-21-2008, 08:08 PM

Yea, fellowship is good wet or dry.

BroncoMike

10-21-2008, 08:52 PM

As far as I know Mike, that is still the plan, Im meeting Gordon @ 6:00AM at the McD's in Gray, and then riding over to meet you all.

I will be at the Food City at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning rain or shine. Looks like I will be towing the yeller Jeep up there. I will find a place to park the truck even if I have to park in Harlan at the Walmart.

Sounds good!

See you all at 7:00am

Andy1

10-21-2008, 09:15 PM

I'm almost ready just have to load the jeep and leave the wife a pic of me so she doesn't miss me, YEEEEE!!!

Can't wait!!!!!

Gordon

10-21-2008, 09:22 PM

As of the moment, I'm still going up Saturday morning.

And, for those who have asked about convoy times -
Leave JBO Roadrunner at 0600
Mickey D's in Gray at 0630
Meet the others at Food City at 0700

Jeep07

10-21-2008, 09:35 PM

My wife and I are running with just a bikini top on the jeep and no doors, so I know you can tough it out....!

I will lay a guilt trip on you if I have to (you know I haven't wheeled with ya in over TWO years....:tongue3:).

In all seriousness I hope the weather is nice on Saturday, looking forward to seeing everyone again..!

OK I'm gonna push my limit up on the rain. I will strap the softtop back on and do a little water proofing on some stuff including find all my rain gear :/... Boy if I had a big sheet 16 gauge I would build a roof... I guess I'll cover the motor back up too.

HANO

10-21-2008, 10:02 PM

That's the spirit....!

If you get to wet camping, I may have a bed left in the cabin.

I've had to pick up few missing items for my foul weather gear also. Hopefully it won't be too chilly.

Hokie_YJ

10-21-2008, 10:17 PM

I've got the bikini top rigged up on the cage, but no windshield or doors. But I've got a rain suit, my muck boots, and my goggles. I say bring it on...:icon_mrgreen:

TNjeeper97

10-21-2008, 11:01 PM

Gordon, as far as I know I'll be meeting you at the RoadRunner in JBO and convoying up. I plan to park the Blazer near the group and "camp" in the back of it if I don't feel like driving home Saturday evening.

TNjeeper97

10-21-2008, 11:02 PM

Andy's01

10-22-2008, 10:04 AM

Man...I hate I am gonna miss this. I would have been heading that was this afternoon. Oh well, maybe next time.

Landyota

10-22-2008, 10:11 AM

OK I'm gonna push my limit up on the rain. I will strap the softtop back on and do a little water proofing on some stuff including find all my rain gear :/... Boy if I had a big sheet 16 gauge I would build a roof... I guess I'll cover the motor back up too.

OK YOU SHAMED ME INTO IT!

Hokie_YJ

10-22-2008, 10:27 AM

OK YOU SHAMED ME INTO IT!

That's the spirit! :icon_lol:

HANO

10-22-2008, 11:25 AM

:eusa_clap:

Hadfield4WD

10-22-2008, 09:24 PM

IT kills me I am missing this. You guys have fun and be safe.

Barnes4wd

10-22-2008, 09:44 PM

Loaded and ready to pull out at 6:40 in the morning:icon_mrgreen:

BillM

10-22-2008, 10:03 PM

Marshall. I will be driving home Saturday evening/night. If something happens and Gordon can't make it, then everyone knows where the Food City is in Weber City. I will be there with the TJ on the trailer. Just meet me there at 7:00. I plan to stop at the Hardee's in Duffield on the way up.

BroncoMike

10-22-2008, 11:50 PM

RamAford

10-23-2008, 12:16 AM

Adurbin

10-23-2008, 01:58 AM

Well i went to pull the gooseneck outta the barn this afternoon. Dead battery on the tractor. It wouldnt even jumpstart. Dont know what was wrong. So after pulling it outta the way with the truck, i pulled the trailer outta the barn. And if luck wasnt against me again. A flat tire on the trailer. Well got that fixed and ended up being late for work tonite. But im ready all but loading my jeep when i get home from work in the morning.

Wow, and I thought I was pulling teeth to get an earlier shift on friday to get ready for the weekend. What are the specs on your Cherk? Just wondering if you will be in our group, would be nice to put a screenname with a name with a face.:icon_lol:

RamAford

10-23-2008, 02:35 AM

Wow, and I thought I was pulling teeth to get an earlier shift on friday to get ready for the weekend. What are the specs on your Cherk? Just wondering if you will be in our group, would be nice to put a screenname with a name with a face.:icon_lol:

Well im only staying Thur night and coming home late friday night. ive got alot to do on Saturday/sunday at the church, preacher, caterer, etc. Im getting married in 2 weeks, so this is kinda like my pre-honeymoon trip lol. Im just thankful im getting to go.

Nothing special with my jeep. Just lifted 2", front winch bumper, locked in rear, and some 31's for now. Its just a slow go, between work, school, and wedding, ive not put much time into it lately. I will be stayin in the field with a few of the PavementSucks guys. Dont know if you remember the dodge dually on 46's last year, but i was with them. He didnt get to make it this year with the truck. But he will be here riding my atv lol And ill be with Todd in a grey fullsize dodge on 42's.

I wish i could have wheeled with you guys before now, but ive not had time to get my jeep in any shape to wheel until last weekend. But after November, i will definitely be on more rides if the good lords willing!

BillM

10-23-2008, 12:04 PM

Aaron, you are going up on Sat correct? or Friday evening?

I would like to get a list of who I will be looking for Saturday morning.

BillM
BroncoMike
Gordon (?)

Landyota

10-23-2008, 12:10 PM

Bill & Wes

TNjeeper97

10-23-2008, 12:30 PM

Aaron, you are going up on Sat correct? or Friday evening?

I would like to get a list of who I will be looking for Saturday morning.

BillM
BroncoMike
Gordon (?)

Unless you different from me Bill, be looking for me in the blue & gray K5. (I'm planning on meeting Gordon in JBO unless his plans change.)

BillM

10-23-2008, 12:37 PM

OK Marshall. If he doesn't make it then you just come on over anyway.

BillM
BroncoMike
Gordon (?)
Landyota
Wes
TNjeeper97
Adurbin

Simo

10-23-2008, 02:07 PM

OK I'm gonna push my limit up on the rain. I will strap the softtop back on and do a little water proofing on some stuff including find all my rain gear :/...

Wes, Maybe bring a rain suit without the crotch ripped out this time :)

Hopefully Ill see yall around the trails this weekend too!

Jeep07

10-23-2008, 02:24 PM

Wes, Maybe bring a rain suit without the crotch ripped out this time :)

Hopefully Ill see yall around the trails this weekend too!

I'll try my best to bring a good one this time. That one did breath really well though. :icon_mrgreen:

Adurbin

10-23-2008, 04:48 PM

Aaron, you are going up on Sat correct? or Friday evening?

I would like to get a list of who I will be looking for Saturday morning.

BillM
BroncoMike
Gordon (?)

Yes Bill, I will be there Saturday Morning. As of right now the plan is to meet Gordon @ 6:00 @ McDonalds in Gray and then convoy over to the Food City in Weber City, and meet up with you all.

TNjeeper97

10-23-2008, 05:17 PM

Yes Bill, I will be there Saturday Morning. As of right now the plan is to meet Gordon @ 6:00 @ McDonalds in Gray and then convoy over to the Food City in Weber City, and meet up with you all.

Aaron, according to Gordon's last post, he's meeting at McD's in Gray at 6:30. No sense getting up any earlier than you have to. :)

See below...

"As of the moment, I'm still going up Saturday morning.

And, for those who have asked about convoy times -
Leave JBO Roadrunner at 0600
Mickey D's in Gray at 0630
Meet the others at Food City at 0700
__________________
Gordon"

Adurbin

10-23-2008, 09:23 PM

Eh, Im early for everything anyway. I was kinda thinking that from Gray it took longer than 30 mins to get to weber city, but maybe im wrong.

TNjeeper97

10-24-2008, 08:17 AM

I understand, I'd rather be early and wait a few minutes on someone else than be late and have them waiting on me.

Adurbin

10-24-2008, 01:41 PM

I understand, I'd rather be early and wait a few minutes on someone else than be late and have them waiting on me.

Egg zactly. Only 4 more hours till weekend freedom!! :kewl:

scubawinger

10-24-2008, 03:32 PM

I know that they let ATV's on some of the trails there but can they share the trail wit the rigs. I guess what I'm trying to say is if I go and take my 4 wheeler can I follow the group around?

DeannErica

10-24-2008, 04:22 PM

I know that they let ATV's on some of the trails there but can they share the trail wit the rigs. I guess what I'm trying to say is if I go and take my 4 wheeler can I follow the group around?

Yes . You can follow if you want,my wife has done that a few times.

scubawinger

10-24-2008, 04:29 PM

cool I might be at McD's in the morning

BillM

10-24-2008, 06:35 PM

Sounds good Elkan. ATV's can go anywhere the fullsize's can.

loves_kelly

10-24-2008, 07:47 PM

I hate that I'm gonna miss seeing you guys slide all over the place with all this rain. It'll make for some good stories Monday though.

Adurbin

10-24-2008, 08:10 PM

I hate that I'm gonna miss seeing you guys slide all over the place with all this rain. It'll make for some good stories Monday though.

Lets not talk about that. Brings back flash backs.

SamuraiGuyTN

10-24-2008, 08:10 PM

to easy

Gordon

10-24-2008, 08:50 PM

Well, loaded up, ready to roll. See ya all in the morning.

Leave JBO Roadrunner at 0600
Mickey D's in Gray at 0630
Meet the others at Food City at 0700

DeannErica

10-24-2008, 09:34 PM

Looks like we will be meeting you guys at Food City.
I plan to stop and get some cheap fuel in Duffield.
I can catch up to you guys after that.

TNjeeper97

10-24-2008, 09:52 PM

Putting the finishing touches on getting ready....see you in the morning.

RamAford

10-25-2008, 12:17 AM

Well just got back from wheeling for 2 days. Thur afternoon was nice and so was Friday morning. It started raining around 1pm and it just got slick after that. But definitely fun! I just wish i could have stayed all weekend, but had to come back Friday night for some prior commitments on Saturday.

Im sure some will post pics when they get back. I didnt take but a few this weekend.

BillM

10-25-2008, 07:11 AM

Ok I am outta here and heading to Food City. Dean, you should have my # if you need to call or anything. I was planning on stopping at Hardee's in Duffield anyway. See you guys there.

SamuraiGuyTN

10-25-2008, 10:48 AM

Bill, did you just go to Tellico with a group called Big South Fork Offroad by any chance?

Gordon

10-25-2008, 10:46 PM

Just got back from Harlan - had a great day, great fellowship - weather was great - lots of mud from the rains, & our Lord was with us, for sure. It's late - trail reports & pics later.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Harlan%2010-25-08/z10-25-08Harlan013-015.jpg

scubawinger

10-25-2008, 11:38 PM

I'm home. I got into JB around 8:45. All I can say is thank God for big miracles.

Adurbin

10-26-2008, 12:42 AM

Just got back. Had a great day. I realized that I cherish my life and all that comes with it today! Hey Elkan, Just thought you might want to cherish some "before" memories. Here ya go dude!

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/4wheeler.jpg

BillM

10-26-2008, 02:48 PM

No Nick I didn't. Did you see pics of me there or something....LOL

99NCXJ

10-26-2008, 03:39 PM

somebody post a trail report already!!! The suspense is killing me!!!

Gubni

10-26-2008, 04:10 PM

What was the big deal? I'm guessing someone almost slid off the mountain?

Adurbin

10-26-2008, 04:44 PM

What was the big deal? I'm guessing someone almost slid off the mountain?

Well, yes, but that wasnt the huge drama. Since there were two members of the BOD there, I will let one of them write the trail report and let the cat out of the bag.

pplblazerdude

10-26-2008, 04:56 PM

Hum interesting. Hopefully someone will get on here and fill us in.

HANO

10-26-2008, 06:11 PM

still driving home. Only about two hours left! I had a great time and it was good to see you all again.

Jeep07

10-26-2008, 07:45 PM

sorry about the windshield bro.

still driving home. Only about two hours left! I had a great time and it was good to see you all again.

TiredIronGRB

10-26-2008, 08:05 PM

I'm wore out.

Andy1

10-26-2008, 08:30 PM

Me too, but had a great time and fellowship.
Glad to see you are close to home safely Hano and K.

TiredIronGRB

10-26-2008, 08:31 PM

We had an awesome weekend, the rain held off until 1:00pm Friday and was cleared out by Saturday morning. We had a movie each night but because of the rain we watched the Friday night movie in the trailer. Thursday it was so dry we ran half the obstacles in the park in 2.5 hours. Friday brought some tough wheeling, a buggy from Fla flipped backwards off of pinball and the passenger had to be cut out because of possible back injuries. There was plenty of broked rigs by the end of the weekend thankfully mine only got some "CanOpener" damage.

Gordon

10-26-2008, 09:06 PM

Here's a quick fotochop of the campground, taken from where George was setup.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Harlan%2010-25-08/z10-25-08Harlan001-007.jpg

The deal we've been aluding to - A small group of Grace members took what was to be a leisurely run. Elkan was on his ATV and the rest of us were in our rigs. When we got to the short, steep trail that leads up to the entrance to the Grace trail (one we've all done before - Tombstone, IIRC), Bill had a little trouble and had to back down. Elkan took his ATV up and it busted over on him - he was fine, we all ran up the hill to see what help was needed, and Bill drove his Solar around to the top of that hill. As Elkan was trying to turn the ATV around, it was on its wheels, the throttle stuck wide open and the ATV took off down the hill, flipping over and over. Everyone scattered, and Aaron got the run of his life getting out of the way. The ATV tumbled, I'm guessing 6 or 8 times. No one was injured, by the grace of God. We took a moment to thank God for our safety and countless blessings, regrouped, viewed the damage to the ATV (which turned out to be driveable), then went on our way through the Grace trail.

Lessons learned - we need to thank God for our every blessing - all the time, even at non-Grace events. A group blessing was something not done, even with the fact that our small group was all Grace members, including 2 BOD - something we realized after the incident.

Also, we should have taken a few minutes more to discuss the trail conditions, and the recovery after the initial ATV issue. Spectators down hill from a vehicle can be dangerous.

Something we all know - trail conditions can change constantly.

The ATV turned out to be the "Little ATV that Can" less than 15 minutes later - I'll let Bill tell that story.

I do not know if any pics were taken after the fact - I did not take any.

J-Man

10-26-2008, 09:17 PM

Glad to hear everyone is O.K.

Adurbin

10-26-2008, 09:27 PM

We had a great time, despite my brush with death. Ive never ran that hard before in my life. Harlan, as usual, was a muddy mess for the first half of the day, but we were able to get a good day of wheeling in. I have got to get down there for a two or three day ride. I have a week of vacation the first week of december...any takers.......

Gordon

10-26-2008, 09:33 PM

Yup -

scubawinger

10-26-2008, 09:38 PM

The amount of danger that was involved in the mishap is unreal and there is no way that words can convay how blessed we are that no one was hurt.

That having been said here are some pics of the damage and some pics after I got done working on it today.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/Grizbroke2.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/Grizbroke3.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/Grizbroke4.jpg

This is how much room there is suppose to be between the tire and fender
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/Grizbroke5.jpg

This is how much room there is on the bent side.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/Grizbroke.jpg

Redneck frame straightener
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/fixed2.jpg

Results
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/fixed3.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/scubawinger/4X4/fixed.jpg

HANO

10-26-2008, 10:20 PM

Glad you guys are okay!

No worries Wes, I've wheeled enough to know what was in store for me when I went that line. I had fun none the less~! Thanks for the ride through Lion's Den..It was a blast

And Andy, thanks brother we had a great time with you..... You are a riot man:icon_exclaim: Can't wait to do it again.

J.R.

SamuraiGuyTN

10-26-2008, 10:36 PM

I have seen a few indo a my time, so I can imagine how scary it must have been. Great Halloween story by the way.

Hokie_YJ

10-26-2008, 10:48 PM

I had a great weekend, even though I didn't get there until Friday evening after the rain had already set in. The trails were a little sloppy Saturday morning, but we had a good time in spite of that.

I really only ran 3 trails all weekend. We started on Railbed which was pretty tame as usual, even when it's wet there's plenty of traction to be had. That left side exit was pretty slippery, but I was able to make it on the first shot with some liberal use of the skinny pedal. Railbed did however claim a sidewall on John's silver TJ. But a few tire plugs later and they had it fixed.

Next we headed to the Lower RG which was a bit of a traffic jam. Someone had managed to break the knuckle off a rear steer 60. After they druch him out of the way we cruised on through and headed for the Upper RG.

The same tree at the beginning of the Upper RG that ripped off my windshield put a football size dent in the side of my hood this time around. Laying over into that tree is almost unavoidable. I only did the Upper RG up to Can-Opener, deciding against trashing the whole drivers side.

After taking a "bath" in some of Harlan County's finest mud, I decided to head down for some food and some warm, dry clothes.

foreman1063

10-26-2008, 10:52 PM

Thanks George, Andy, Wes and Ben for showing us around. We had a great time and can't wait to come back next year.
John

TNjeeper97

10-27-2008, 08:16 AM

Guys, I had a great time on my first run to Harlan. I'll be back.

George, Ben, and Andy - thanks for the hospitality Saturday night.

Bill - Thanks for the shotgun seat and Thanks be to God for safety.

JR - great to meet you and look forward to seeing ya'll again.

Good times, good times.

Hadfield4WD

10-27-2008, 09:28 AM

Man bummer I missed this. Sounds like you guys had fun and were blessed by noone being injured.

Jeff B

10-27-2008, 09:47 AM

Really great to meet all you guys. George thanks so much for the invite, was one of the best wheelin trips in a long time.

I'll get some pics up this evening.

TiredIronGRB

10-27-2008, 10:01 AM

It was great having you Jeff!

babyjeepwoman

10-27-2008, 10:07 AM

Aaron--you wearing that target shirt again?????:icon_eek:

AMSting and I were talking about our need (it is way past a mere desire) to check out Harlan. December might work for us. Let me check our calendar.

JKcaveman

10-27-2008, 10:20 AM

I had a blast all weekend, even with the rain. It was great getting to know more of the Grace guys, and putting faces with the names.

Bill, thanks so much for the great tour, I feel like we got to see most of the park and I'm ready to go back.

George, your continued hospitality is appreciated more than I can express.

I've got pictures, including the incident aftermath. I'll post them tonight, unless George wants to edit and post them before.

What a great group Grace has, and I feel priviliged to be a part of it.

Jeep07

10-27-2008, 10:33 AM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/lucentglow/SQXC_ay_uqI/AAAAAAAAGc8/nSLCmtRL3Vo/s800/DSCF7021.JPG

tjrockcrawler

10-27-2008, 11:12 AM

Glad everyone made it home.

HANO

10-27-2008, 11:21 AM

Wes I thought you were spotting me... not taking pictures lol !

Jeff B, I had a great time wheeling with you and that Willy's of yours would really get it, let me tell ya! I can't imagine how slick that thing will be once it is on "tons". :cool:

Marshall it was nice to get to meet you, give me a call anytime your near the area :kewl:

TNRanger

10-27-2008, 11:27 AM

Can't say it was our best trip ever, or anywhere close... but we still had a good time. Lotsa carnage as we were the last ones through lions den Saturday evening(we know this since it was well after 11:00 before we got out of it). I was actually glad my jeep was sitting at home after the time we had getting off the mountain in the cold night air. Got to see a couple of you guys on the trail(so sorry we got seperated, Bill) maybe next time we'll get back in time to stop and visit @ camp.

10-27-2008, 12:42 PM

I headed to Fall Crawl early Thursday to meet up with Johnny Sherman and the Barnes 4WD crowd from western NC and get in some pre Fall Crawl wheelin'. Good thing too as the trails got more and more crowded as the weekend progressed, despite a rainy Friday afternoon.

We, Johnny, Brad and Matt and myself, hit the trails shortly after noon on Thursday. We headed straight to Cream Puff then to Lil Jager, Lower Damnation, Big Perm, Grapevine, Middle Rock Garden and Upper Rock Garden. The Black Mountain trails continue to change, mostly for the better as Jager has gotten a tad easier and Lower Damnation has gotten a tad harder. The work done during the January/Feburary workdays was very evident at the Upper Rock Garden as there were several new lines and the entire length of the rock garden is now passable and it is much more spectator friendly with all the underbrush cleared away. Brad and I made it through with just a little damage from Can Opener.

Friday morning our same group headed straight to Your Turn to begin the day. There we ran into several large TN rigs. This was a new trail to me and it's a good one. It is basically a lower continuation of Crawford's Cry and the exit is a tough one which comes out right at the entrance to Crawford's Cry. After I made a quick run up Crawford's Cry we headed over to Pony Hill where Matt was the only one to attempt it and then to Lower Damnation an then up to Lion's Den. Somewhere along the way to Lion's Den it began to rain and by the time we got there it was a down pour and limited visibility due to the fog. There was quite a crowd waiting at the entrance but they turned away shortly after we arrived, possibly due to the weather, so Brad made a quick run through the Den, making a very clean pass with only one back up!

Saturday morning the rain had stopped but the real crowds had started! By the time we got to Lower Rock Garden there were traffic jams everywhere and it was stop and go for the rest of the day. There were spectators galore, rigs heading both ways on the access trails and lots of broken rigs awaiting parts or trailers. Fridays rain had changed the complexion of the trails and some of the obstacles like Lil Jager and Big Perm that had been doable Thursday and early Friday were in full deny mode. Even some of the easier trails like Lower Rock Garden were producing their share of breakages and roll overs. I saw lots of faces from other events, clubs and boards and the turnout was tremendous!

I owe a big thanks to Johnny (jlshermanjr) and the Barnes 4WD crew (Brad and Matt) for a great weekend of wheelin and food. They are really a great group of guys to hang out with!

10-27-2008, 12:45 PM

Matt on Lower Damnation

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/35815/2390997200090556647S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2390997200090556647VMtxdo)

10-27-2008, 12:46 PM

Brad Barnes of Barnes4WD on Lower Damnation

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/30723/2723293230090556647S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2723293230090556647DTRphh)

10-27-2008, 12:49 PM

Johnny at the top of Middle Rock Garden

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/15058/2292078250090556647S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2292078250090556647LzsSpQ)

TiredIronGRB

10-27-2008, 02:25 PM

I didn't take any pictures but here's several from different sources.

http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=155&page=1

BroncoMike

10-27-2008, 04:45 PM

Man what a trip!

I had a blast! As you will see in the forsale section how much fun I had! Someone by that thing!!:eusa_pray::eusa_pray:

I can't wait to go back and do some more wheeling and a little bit more challenging too.

HANO

10-27-2008, 06:52 PM

Ahhh..... Back clean :icon_mrgreen:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/jhaney3/Harlan/HarlanAftermath002.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/jhaney3/Harlan/HarlanAftermath004.jpg

Word to the Wise..... When someone that wheels a buggy on 40's tell you an obstacle is "doable", remember his definition of doable may differ slightly than your own. (ehh.. hmmm Cough*Wes* Cough) :icon_lol:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/jhaney3/Harlan/HarlanAftermath010.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/jhaney3/Harlan/HarlanAftermath009.jpg

Dino1967

10-27-2008, 07:18 PM

looks like a awesome time!!
one of these days ill make it to a fall crawl!!

foreman1063

10-27-2008, 07:20 PM

I don't like you JR. J/K, looks good. I did get the sprinkler under mine this evening after work now just 10 hours of cleaning to catch up to you.

BillM

10-27-2008, 08:13 PM

Well as most have stated it was a great time. The only thing I can add is what Gordon referred to about the atv redeeming itself. As I started up the Grace trail right past the sign and where Grace Rocks turns up, my driver rear tire hit a very soft spot along the edge of the trail and slid off. No worries of rolling down the mountain or anything. Nice big tree would have stopped that quick. Couldn't just drive out of it so we used a snatch block and the winch on the atv to pull me back up on the trail. That is about it.

Did someone say we were going back for a day trip on Saturday....LOL