Work to be done at the Flats

upnover

upnover

Grumpy, decrepit Old Man
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Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Morganton NC
Rock Corps 4X4 is going to have a workday at The Flats. We have recognized the need to repair some trails. While we do not want to take out all the fun for the larger built rigs, we don't want to alienate the slightly modified either.
We can't, and we won't make all the trails doable for a stock TJ on 31's with no lockers. But, we also don't want all the trails to only be doable with 44"plus tires and Rockwell's either.
So that said, what trails have you seen up there that should be changed? Please, only those of you that have been there this year!
Keep in mind please that at the Flats, a dry day is a lot different than a wet day.
 
I have been there four or five times now I think, and was there for the spring open ride in May. I thought the trails were perfect. My Samurai is locked on both ends on 34" LTB's. I accept the fact that I can't go on every trail, because that is how it should be for a rig like mine with a very short wheelbase, smallish tires, and fairly low ground clearance. It gives me something to look forward to conquering in the future when I modify my rig again, or rebuild my cab truck.
 
i agree with drkelly i love the trails that are there i like the challenge of all the trails and theres only a few trails that i wouldnt even attempt but i do know that ive seen a certain some one roll a big blue jeep where my little bitty yellow jeep went
 
Im with drkelly also... I believe I saw most of the trails at the swap meet not long ago... I can't wait to attempt the trails but I know I can't do some of them
 
wrangler00 said:
i agree with drkelly i love the trails that are there i like the challenge of all the trails and theres only a few trails that i wouldnt even attempt but i do know that ive seen a certain some one roll a big blue jeep where my little bitty yellow jeep went
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Yeah yeah yeah, won't live that one down for a while!

The reason for this post, is at the benefit, and the open invite, we received some comments that there wasn't enough for the milder built rigs to do. I myself think there are a couple of trails that need to be fixed, so they are doable.
First trail that comes to mind is twist it. It needs tweaking so that when you cross over the boulders, there is something there to grab onto. The way it is now, there are big holes and you just high center.
Trail 2 was mentioned(easy street) But I followed a Sammy up through there and he made it with only a rear locker. He didn't walk it, but he made it. So I think it should be left alone. With the exception, of maybe making a log bridge at the bottom so you don't have to slide through just going past it. It stays pretty muddy no matter how dry the rest of the place is. That would help out the milder built rigs to be able to drive by it.

Ol Stump has been mentioned as well, but, last report several rigs made it up when it was drier.

Superman, well it is what it is, that's why it has it's name

3 ways out, another one mentioned, I myself had to winch on it, as did the others in my group, but, I think it is doable when it's dryer.

Laurel lane, is also doable, when dryer.

Feel free to name others that you know of.
 
We are going to do some work to bounty hill. We are going to be cutting some new trails too. Most will be for moderate rigs. A few will be longer trails.
 
Id like to see the giant mudhole on tanktrap filled in a little, maybe make it passable, unless someone has made it since I was there last?
 
I had fun on the trails & my truck is pretty much stock. I wandered around for hours don't know all the trails by name. When I was there it was the Spring event it was wet & slippery. I will do my best to come help out with any trail work & I would nominate my Cherokee for a guinea pig for any of the trails.
 
XJfreakHO said:
Id like to see the giant mudhole on tanktrap filled in a little, maybe make it passable, unless someone has made it since I was there last?
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Agreed. I made it through at the Benefit Ride a few weeks back, but I had to winch out of the last hole. The mud/water in each hole was at least 3-4' deep. That'll teach me to scout a trail before charging up it. I'm still trying to clean off that nasty mud. :poop:

A bigger rock garden area for the 35" and under crowd might help. The timed race course took up most of that area. Maybe some easier trails to parallel the more difficult ones to improve the experience for spectators at the top, although I understand that may not be possible due to the terrain.
 
It was pretty slick out there Saturday during the May open ride. I came across a group of stock/stockish looking Jeeps that were having trouble. I'm guessing they didn't have any lockers, and some of them didn't have very aggressive tires.

My input:

I've made 3-way numerous times when it was dry, but couldn't make it last May. I got past the big rock about 50 ft up the trail, but then couldn't navigate up the next section.

I've made Ol-Stumpy several times when it was dry, but couldn't make it last May when it was slick. I only made it about 50-75 ft up the trail last May before my progress was halted. I was backing up as far as possible and hitting it in 3rd gear wide open.

I've made it up Superman when it was dry, but couldn't make it last May. That trail is every changing, and quickly with all the big tire big hp rigs.

I've always made it up trail number 2, but had to take the left exit at the end in May. The right exit had a HUGE ledge last May.

I made it up Laurel Lane a couple of times last May, but it took about 15 runs at it the firt time to figure out the right line for my rig. That was FUN! The second time up it, I one shotted it knowing the line.

I shot up hill #5 after about 5-8 trys last May when it was slick. I had to keep backing up farther and farther, and eventually backed way up and hit it in 4th gear pinned! That was a rush.

I couldn't make it up hill #6 last May. It was just too slick, but have made it no problem several times in the past.

I made it up Stihl Hill last May with some good amount of throttle. I one shotted it, but hit it fast and on the gas hard.

I've never made it up 'Rock Ledge'. It is just too big for my small rig.

I have made it up 'The Hill' several times, but didn't even attempt it last May. It looked way too slick, and nobody I saw was making it even half way up.
 
The flats is stupid slick after it rains, even some of the connector trails have some challenge to them. Once that red clay gets wet, its like an oil slick.
 
GSW said:
Agreed. I made it through at the Benefit Ride a few weeks back, but I had to winch out of the last hole. The mud/water in each hole was at least 3-4' deep. That'll teach me to scout a trail before charging up it. I'm still trying to clean off that nasty mud. :poop:
A bigger rock garden area for the 35" and under crowd might help. The timed race course took up most of that area. Maybe some easier trails to parallel the more difficult ones to improve the experience for spectators at the top, although I understand that may not be possible due to the terrain.
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Pulling cable isn't making it haha, but good effort, that trail is fawking gnarly.
 
I came out for the benefit and the overland seminars I had a great time I'm still new at this so it's a good learning experience my tj is pretty stock for now I'm in for the work day just tell me what time to be there and if I need to bring anything
 
Chip,
I am glad to see that the small jeeps etc are being addressed. I have been there only once and had a great time on my TJ with 33's locked.
 
The trails are perfect, Pinky pretty much goes everywhere she is slightly modified and on 33's. Always a blast there. The only thing I would change is make more pull offs or bypasses so the trail hogs don't block the trails.lol Hard to get outta of the way when you have 10+ rigs. Just saying! if you need help let me know....The flats is perfect but maybe help the othe rigs so everyone can play.
 
Chip, I like what "Jaybird" said ,about new moderate longer trails.
Biggest problems I've had, is trying to find my way around, [can't read a map], trail ratings, & congestion. I know you have a limited area, but with everything being connected like it is, the main trails get blocked, by spectators, & those waiting their turn at a hill climb. Perhaps get some trails away from the high challange areas. :alien:
 
Our workday is coming up soon.We have a lot of guys coming down with equipment to change some things up. We are also gonna put in a new obstacle similiar to bee's nest at the farm. Let us know if you have any ideas. Thanks
 
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