Liberty; The Sequel

[Albino94ltd]

Phil,
Re: your run to Liberty, would it be possible for Backroad Drivers Northwest to tag along? I don't expect many BDNW rigs to show on the Gallagher Head Lake tour and if it is acceptable to NW Explorations I thought perhaps a small contingency of our group could join you guys in Liberty? The thing is we may have stock rigs, i.e. Jeep Grand Cherokee's, etc. as well as a couple of modified rigs. But, I don't want to get in the way with sub-standard vehicles. Would we be out of line tagging along with brand X's and do you guys expect any stock Explorers to show up? Thanks, Jerry soggymountain@yahoo.com

Jerry, I'll post my response here;

Yes, by all means this outing is open to BDNW. We just happen to have met on the X forum and kind of ‘Clicked’ so to speak. We don’t drink & drive nor play loud music but some may use language more colorful than necessary.

After the ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ tour, I would caution stock vehicle participation. Stockers should anticipate dragging bumpers (especially trailer hitches if installed) and possibly frame rails and they MUST have tow points front and back so we can keep them safe. We want people to know what they are getting into. The very first time we were there, one of the participants discovered he was over his head and really didn’t want to offroad his rig.

We can try the lower 319 first and anyone who feels it’s more than they want to bite off can opt for the service roads or we can try to find them seats in other rigs. I should be able to carry one or maybe two and if they aren’t afraid of dust, DWD and Arsoul are doorless.

The date being so far out, we don’t have a large group yet (heck we only had 5 rigs on the ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ tour. Right now it’s Diff Whack Daddy and I confirmed. Paul must be out cruising the Sound on his house before he starts his new job.

I don’t really expect many more participants unless I really pound the pavement.

When I hear from Paul and we confirm those dates, I’ll post an invitation on the BDNW site.

It’s such beautiful country we want to share with everyone.

Why wouldn’t many show for Gallagher?

Phil

[Jerry]

Why wouldn’t many show for Gallagher?

The majority of Backroad Drivers Northwest members are into dirt fire trails and easy 4x4 trails that stock SUV's can negotiate. Therefore the few off-road runs we muster attract a small contingency and I would expect the same for either Gallagher or Liberty. Because of an anticipated low turnout I thought we might join forces. You had already started planning the Liberty trip and I hadn't planned on announcing Gallagher until mid August so here we are discussing the feasibility of making it a joint event.

We might have a couple of near stock rigs show up, but I would expect more mild modifieds (like your Explorer and my Bronco II) as well as some heavily modified rigs. It just depends on who shows and what they drive. I plan on driving our mildly modified Bronco II.

As far as preparedness, we are in agreement about tow points front and rear, carrying snatch straps and other retrieval gear, good tires, working CB radio, etc. Folks will be advised in advance that this is a real 4x4 run, not just typical rough roads.

On the other hand I do not want to discourage anyone from attending if they feel their vehicle and driving abilities are capable of negotiating Liberty 4x4 trails. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't most Liberty trails rated moderate difficulty and couldn't an experienced driver do them with 31" tires and corresponding suspension or body lifts? Whatever the requirements, we can post them with a link to descriptions of the trails in the tour announcement.

If after reading announcement details, agreeing to the conditions, accepting the possibility of body damage and finding the trails too difficult after first attempts, we can always split into two groups. We don't want to spoil any body's fun.
Jerry

[Albino94ltd]

I think you have it nailed.

We already have enough retrieval grear and straps ( I carry 3 plus tree saver etc. and we all have winches) otherwise your recommended equipment list is spot on.

The trails are rated 'More Difficult' so stock+expierence+acceptance of possible cosmetic damage would be a good base level and mildly modified would be very fun.

There's plenty of camping area so if someone wants to stay the evening, they would be welcome at the fire.

[Jerry]

It sounds like everything is workable so if it works for you, Phil, I will make changes to the Backroad Drivers Northwest calendar replacing Gallagher with Liberty.
Jerry

[Albino94ltd]

Hold on Jerry, there have been developments. There is greater interest in doing Liberty over Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately I would not be able to attend.

We need a couple days to sort things out.

[Jerry]

I wouldn't be able to attend either. Let me know how it works out and in the meantime I'll leave Gallagher on the calendar until we know for sure. Thanks, Phil.
Jerry

[Albino94ltd]

We may end up doing Gallagher with y'all

[Jerry]

Phil, have you heard any more from the Explorer guys as to which date they are doing Liberty? Only 5 weeks left before our event on Sept 13th and I want to put an announcement out a month in advance. As it stands now the Backroad Drivers group is scheduled to do Gallagher.

[Albino94ltd]

They are all pushing real hard for Labor Day Weekend so go ahead and post Gallagher.

I'm still not sure what we're going to do (me and the kid). We might camp at Fortune Creek and catch y'all as you go by It kind of depends on Paul and how Terry's recovery is going.

[Jerry]

Okay. Original plans remain unchanged. Backroad Drivers Northwest is promoting an easy 4x4 run to Gallagher Head Lake, as originally scheduled, on September 13th. A tour announcement will be out in about a week.

And in the mean time don't forget about The Barlow Road Tour, next Saturday, August 16th followed by Tracking Ice Age Floods through the Columbia Gorge, three weeks later, on September 6th.

Please refer to announcements under the "Trip Planning" header of this forum and email announcements from Backroad Drivers Northwest.

See you at all three of these cool events!