Reports / Photos from Ouray

[Yeti]

I like Matt had no previous four wheeling experience, but I did race mountain bikes for like 5 years. So I grasp the relavence of looking for a good line. But you still have to take it slow and easy. Honestly it is not a good idea to go out on your own since if you do get stuck or have an issue, you are there alone.

Altitude was brought up and is a good point as well. You need to stay hydrated. Ouray is like at I think 7000 ft or so and some of the trails we run range anywhere from 10 - 13,000 ft above sealevel. It can bother some people that were never exposed to it before. I am aclimated to it since I live at 4500 ft and generally ski at 9 - 10,000. Cold should be no issue for you since you are coming from a place that gets pretty damn cold in the winter.

So plan on joining us next year, you will have fun.

[chitown alex]

The cold is definitly not an issue!! I went to the Discount Tire site today and I think I am going to go with the General Grabber tires. I read the reviews and it seems that would be the best tire option for me. I have also read that some have used these at the rally so it works out perfect. I'll be prepared for our nasty winters, and for the Rally.

[Vegas Matt]

Are you referring to the Grabber AT2 or the Grabber UHP?

I was originally going to get the General Grabber AT2s, but wound up with the Nittos by chance. I will say the Nittos have been great, and even in their oversized goodness, they hold the road extremely well. I have yet to hear a squeal out of them while cornering on pavement, which can't be said of my previous Pirellis. Good stuff for sure.

I know plewis on here had the Grabber AT2s at the rally last year. I don't think anyone has run the Grabber UHPs at the rally though.

Matt

[TheMadHatter]

Originally Posted by Vegas Matt

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

This “Peanut” will definitely stay silent. However, “Garry's Gulch” does have a nice ring to it!

[Rickanns]

Alex, I think you are worrying about things that you don't have to worry about. One of our credos is "No Treg left behind" (coined by Hap). There is plenty of help and no one gets left to struggle. We have even ridden with first timers to offer guidance and help. You will come out of the Rally with new found confidence, knowledge, AND elation.

Our toughest situations this year included:



Karl's Crossing - no real danger here except to the Treg. Resolution: Chris hooked on, pulled him out, and group 1 headed on up the hill while group 2 went geocaching to avoid clogging the trail with Tregs.



Garry's Gulch - This was a little tricky as it was a long way down the hill if he had not high-centered. Resolution: With great physics from ORRTAUQ, we belayed the front end to a rock up the gully, hooked on and pulled him back on the trail, then came on down as the trail was closed above.

As an added note: Ladies also drive, teenagers drive, even Kaitlan drove a little and she is only 12. (honked at me a couple of times to get a move on as we descended)



Don't fret.....you will learn a lot and have lots of fun a.k.a. have a couple of beers, maybe enjoy a good cigar, meets lots of great folks, wonder at the scenery and flowers, be fascinated by some great mining history, and oh yeah, 4 wheel to your hearts delight.

Rick