Reports / Photos from Ouray

[Rickanns]

Ditto on Yeti.

We have had folks from North Carolina, Florida (he also had place in Durango), Colorado, Texas, Utah, Navada, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, and California (Bay Area, LA, and San Diego). I apologize if I left someone off.

We need to show off the San Juans to all parts of the country.

Rick

[chitown alex]

I have a question, is there anything I can do to better prepare myself for next year? Other than the local construction site I have 0 expierience in the off road world! I know about the tires and atleast having 1 spare, but what would I look out for if I do get lucky and find a spot around here to have fun? What I mean is, is there a certain way to approach certain obstalces, like a sereis of large and small rocks. If this is something that is better for me to learn on the fly, then nevermind, I was just wondering if there are certain "Must not do" and "Must do" things that I should Abide by. Thank you all in advance,

Alex

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by chitown alex

I have a question, is there anything I can do to better prepare myself for next year? Other than the local construction site I have 0 expierience in the off road world! I know about the tires and atleast having 1 spare, but what would I look out for if I do get lucky and find a spot around here to have fun? What I mean is, is there a certain way to approach certain obstalces, like a sereis of large and small rocks. If this is something that is better for me to learn on the fly, then nevermind, I was just wondering if there are certain "Must not do" and "Must do" things that I should Abide by. Thank you all in advance,

Alex

We will help you out when you get here. You will just have to make sure you have all the necessary items you need. You will just approach things slowly. You don't even need serious offroad tires. I have ran the last two rallies on my Nokian WR's. They worked just fine both times, but the rocks do take their toll on tires. I do have tread chunks missing from my tires.
I would not stress being trail ready, it will come with driving off road at the rally. Trust me, I stressed way too much last year and actually had someone tell me this year I was way too calm. Just don't over think things like I did so badly last year.

[TREGinginCO]

What Yeti said!!!!

[chitown alex]

Ok, You know Yeti, I guess my biggest fear is doing something stupid that I wasn't suppose to Since my first "mudding" trips were with the wife's Discovery I know how that thing will react. I haven't had much action with the Treg so that's why I am trying to prepare myself, (even though I have a long way to go). As far as tires go, I need some badly now. I want something allot more "beefier" than these POS Dunlops! The winters here in Chicago can be pretty harsh so I would like to purchase something now so that I can use them for the Rally next year also. Do you have a sugg. on size, brand? Thank you in advance

[Arkarch]

The experts may have better advice; I'll relate my own experiences...

Be familiar with your Touareg shifting console and its controls. Many of them you normally would not use in daily driving. While on the trails, working in Tiptronic is common. Some of us V6 guys find Low Tip-3 good for finding hill-descent for example, but are in Tip-2 often, or Tip-1 for good climbs. Other controls we use are Low of course, sometimes Center-Lock - though its rarely needed in Ouray - and the suspension controls if you have them. You do want to learn to use your gearing and not your brakes on long descents.

You might find some practice north of you in Wisconsin. You could always find a big mud pond to play with traction. Heck, turn off ESP on a dirt road to feel your back whip out - no, thats not what you want on the trails believe me - but its fun and lets you get better feel for handling; some of us do run ESP off on big ascents since the computer sometimes kills the momentum hunting for traction.

For the vehicle, Full-size spare is required. Find a way to secure everything before you come up - as anything not secured will find a way to be tossed. You'll need a FRS (Family) handheld radio for communications. Dont forget the camera!

For you, I dont know how you are about heights or elevations... some suggest lots of Vitamin C and water before you arrive to stave off altitude sickness. You might want to take the Sears Tower tour to see if you have any Vertigo issues. Actually its not that bad - as a driver your focus is on the trail and not what is 2000' down off to your left - but I have been following a "Fear of Heights" thread on the FJ National Summit forum so I know its quite real, especially for those living in the flats. A suggestion there - take time arriving and getting used to the elevations as you go through Colorado.

Ok, I'm done. Next to add advice gets the stage....

[Arkarch]

And absolutely what Yeti said, I second that. Dont stress too much. This is a fun vacation.

[Arkarch]

Originally Posted by chitown alex

I guess my biggest fear is doing something stupid that I wasn't suppose to

We all do stupid things - - and then get places named after them.

Dont let that bother you one bit

[Vegas Matt]

Originally Posted by Arkarch

We all do stupid things - - and then get places named after them.

Heh, heh. The peanut gallery will stay silent, for now. I guess my shovel was just bored and wanted some use

Alex, the rally is a great way to learn what the Touareg can do off-road. Basically, Colorado is where I learned to four-wheel, although admittedly I've been riding dirtbikes and quads for years. The Touareg is quite a willing dance partner for off-roading, although the ESP can kill the party at just the wrong time, much like the LEO that stopped by the Ware House after the wine party in '07. The biggest thing is taking your time, picking a good line (spotters are great help at times), and listening and learning from those who are helping you.

As has been said above, big tires and air suspension are not a requirement for this run. I did last years rally, as well as two tours in Moab, on the stock Pirelli Scorpion STR 17-inch tires. I upgraded tires right before this years rally mainly because the Pirellis were showing their age, and much like Yeti's Nokians, they were kinda chunked after about 25,000 miles. Also, I had a Nitto opportunity I couldn't pass up. (Thanks again xonetruthcrewx!)

Anyhow, there are great folks, awesome scenery, and many fun times to be had in and around Ouray. I wish I was back there now, as I've been running my buns off ever since I got back.

And yes Rick, I've been hitting the gym

Matt

[chitown alex]

Thanks guys I'm really looking foward to the new knowledge I will gain from you all.