Musings...

[goinsurfin]

I agree about doing the courses. This is a great opportunity to experience the limits in various types of terrain. Knowing its limits will be helpful in different situations. Now that we're in Miami, my experiences will consist of more overland travel through n. florida and up the east coast vs. rocks and technical courses out west. But I'm open to someday driving parts of the Continental Divide.

 

[codemonkey]

Monkey, a few more questions:

When was the last time you drove out to Moab?

Ever taken your LR3 out there?

Is Lion's Back truly shut down as reports have indicated? ...not that I doubt the validity of the reports, but I haven't heard a recent one.

In a SUV, last fall in my Cherokee, twice in November. First time was alone between jobs, so I didn't do anything tough. Second time was with a friend in a Rubi over Thanksgiving, when it snowed so we didn't really do much tough then either. When the snow started to melt, that red dust gets slick as whale snot.

I was out there in May on a motorcycle, it was a very crowded place. It was raining then, so I moved on west and didn't try any offroading then (I suck at offroad on bikes).

Haven't had my LR3 out there yet. I might go to the Solihull Society meet out there in September, I'm almost surely going on Thanksgiving.

 

[nwoods]

Yes, Lion's Back is truly closed. I have some nice photos of it from 2006 at the National Rally. The last season it was open. http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?cat=22

I bought my LR3 because:
1. I fit (not many cars fit me)
2. It fit my gliders
3. I needed a 4x4 for my glider hobby, and I always wanted a Land Rover

I soon discovered that getting to my glider launching spots was more fun that flying, so I just would keep going up the trail.... that spun into local club involvement, which led to more and more trails, etc...

For those in SoCal looking for the Land Rover Experience sort of experience, but want it more focused, try OffRoving.com

 

[Houm_WA]

Nathan, sounds like you got bit by an unexpected bug, too.

Your number 3 reminds me of one more reason I bought a Rover....I'd loved the Land Rover brand ever since a trip to the middle east as a middle-schooler. Toolin' around in an old Series II (including a desert bird hunting adventure) the thing was cool and indestructible. Since then I'd wanted to own a Rover, just took me a long time to be able to afford one!

Spiker made Lion's Back look easy. Any vids of him coming down? Did you tackle it, Nathan?

 

[nwoods]

Spiker made Lion's Back look easy. Any vids of him coming down? Did you tackle it, Nathan?

There are videos on YouTube. I can't browse them here at work. Seach OFFROVING on YouTube and you should find a few.

I didn't drive up it. It is technically very easy, but mentally not. You can't see the trail AT ALL on the way up, and there's little room for error. You just stare up into the sky and hope the wheels stay straight. I was on the verge of doing it, but figured I could "do it next year" If only I had known...

I shot photos instead.

 

[Houm_WA]

Yeah, I've seen videos from the driver's POV; looks scary. ....seems like after the initial part you can see the rock...no? I think I'd want a spotter just to know where I'm aiming the truck!

...coming down should be no sweat with the LR3's gearing.

 

[Houm_WA]

I think I've done things as steep but not as long or with drop-offs on either side like that!

...but I think I'd do that sooner than some roller coasters!