on how I could improve my own trail leading skills. This is Rising
Sun and TLCA we're talking about; there are no egos, only friends.
Cheeseman was happy to help.
section of trail. This next obstacle is totally optional and unless you're
fond of dents and damage, steel armor is recommended. A very
steep downhill section with a ledge and sharp right turn greet you
about halfway down. The ledge is tall enough that a bad line could
easily end in a rollover but proper spotting from Cheeseman made
for an easy and safe descent. Seven vehicles chose the ledge while
the others took the very steep and loose but easier bypass.
and slowest section of trail, where a locked vehicle really shines,
as the area is full of deep holes and large rocks. Having more
than two wheels doing the work makes it a whole lot easier. A few
stacked rocks and a couple pulls from the strap and our entire group
was gathered together on the shore of the half-frozen South Platte
River. We all enjoyed lunch and GSI Outdoors provided us with a
complete cook-set and a fourteen cup coffee percolator to combat
the cold air of winter. When done right, percolated camp coffee
is about as good as it gets. I quickly fired up the camp stove and
started brewing a pot.
majestic river valley. With everything packed away and drivers,
wives, kids and dogs back in their respective seats, we started the
return trip. Three heavily built and locked Toyotas climbed the big
ledge we descended earlier, while the rest of us took the steep
bypass. We had an FZJ80 with a strap ready for the 22R but he
kept the revs high and all the ponies whipped as he made the steep
and loose climb to the top of the hill with no strap required.
until a diesel Hilux reported some trouble. A pulley bolt had backed
out and wedged against the timing belt, causing it to wear a groove
in the center of the belt. This motor was just recently rebuilt and
finding parts wasn't easy. The risk of a catastrophic failure and the
resulting sounds from an interference motor had all of us nervous. The
vehicle's owner felt confident that he'd make it to the store in Deckers
where he could leave the vehicle for the night. Rising Sun leaves
no one behind, so hands went up right away to offer any help they
could. Reaching the trailhead without any real carnage, we were all
relieved. We aired up under a beautiful Colorado sunset and hit the
pavement, bound for home.
encourage all TLCA members to organize a yearly club run and take
their turn at leading a group. Ask the veterans of your club for pointers
on how to become a better trail leader. Learn about the area, espe-
cially the history of the trail and a few interesting facts. Knowledge is
contagious and someone else will follow in your footsteps.
trails and traditions are created in just this way.