June 2008
Father’s day this year was quite a return to an old favorite! We met at 120th and I-25 at 7:30 am. This allowed a nice early start for our journey northwest of Fort Collins. The cool crisp air felt great as we made good time traveling at a good clip most of the way there.
Once we arrived, Super Dave unloaded the SDXJ and we all aired down for better traction and ride. The climb up seemed relatively tame compared to previous years. The rocky sections made for some interesting going at times.
Heart Attack hill neared very quickly since it was in view from the early going of the trail. Once we clawed through the rocky section, we had some fun watching our rigs get over the last big hole before going into cardiac arrest on the massive climb… After deciding which line worked best for each of our rigs, and with Super Dave’s excellent spotting skills I took the Crusher up my favorite line. The rear locker helped maintain traction all the way thorough and I was up! Scott took the BAMF Toy up to the left enjoying a clear view of the sky on the way up! Tony took a similar line with is beautiful 08 Wrangler. Last but not least was Super Dave without a problem. The whole crew did great and was definitely something to be proud of.
The Chutes was our last obstacle of the trail. Super Dave let me guide him though the tight squeeze, bringing the SDXJ up like a pro. I brought the Crusher up attacking the right hand line. The way the rocks were positioned I kept sliding down into body damage territory. After scraping my rock slider all the way up, my driver’s side mirror flung in with less than ˝ inch to sheet metal. With nothing to prove, having successfully run The Chutes in the past, I decided to give the Crusher a break and make room for Tony. You guessed it; Tony gave it one hell of a try. With his lift in place and stock rubber, there just didn’t seem to line that would carry him up. After several attempts, he chose to turn hard right on the way up setting the rear of his vehicle closer down hill. While moving foreword he turned the wheels hard right and we heard a massive “boom”. Yes, he cut the inner sidewall of his tire, exploding it and scaring the living daylights out of us! Short work with the Hi Lift and man power we changed the tire and Tony was moving again!
What a run and what a Fathers Day rush. The kids had a blast, but the Dad’s really got what they wanted on Fathers Day!!! Cheers! Chris…
