GenRight Inagural Event

GenRight Inagural Event

The event was held at Hungry Valley. I arrived mid day Friday. Many had arrived early Friday morning. I was Trail Boss for the Yellowjacket/Miller run. Friday we played around on the rock pile next to camp. It has become a real challenge and anyone with less than 35’s was unable to make to hill. After a great dinner provided by GenRight most everyone sat around and watched movies at the local Theatre provided by a LED projector and the back of a toy hauler.
My group left at 7:30 Saturday morning with a short stop for gas at the Flying J. At the Lockwood turnoff we aired down and headed out. (10 jeeps).

Tony’s group did Miller without the side trip of Yellowjacket. There were over 35 jeeps in that group. They left at 9 and arrived back in camp mid-afternoon with no problems.

The only difference on the trail is you can now see all the valleys through the burned trees. There are some great views from the top. A lot of new growth is starting, but it will be several years before we start to see some real growth
Yellowjacket is a fun trail with some interesting obstacles. There are by-passes for all, except the wet rock ledge at the beginning. Most everyone tried the obstacles. We did a lot of winching as the rocks are easy to get high-centered on. We passed a few of the obstacles on the way down, planning to do them on the way out.
On the way out we were having a lot of fun on them and then I realized it was almost noon and we still had to have lunch and Miller. The only damage on the trail was Jed who managed to break off part of his bellhousing. Luckily, it was a not support area. It held the flex metal to protect the flywheel. A little welding and just a good as new.
My Tail gunner was Ric and Mid gunner was Jerome.
On the way to Miller, Ric’s transfer case separated from the tranny and we had to strap him out. Going down the trail to Sunset Camp was interesting to say the least.
After a rest at Sunset I strapped Ric to my jeep and started out. As the trail became steeper I had to hook Jerome to my front and the two of us pulled him. Further up as the trail increased in steepness we needed to add Mark’s jeep to the caravan. A few times we had to stop as engines and trannies were overheating.
Then half way up Jerome took one of the corners a little tight and almost pulled me over. At that point we shortened the tow strap and Jerome took the corners a little wider. Then Ric managed to pop a tire completely. Thankfully he had onboard air and we were able to inflate. Plus, we increased the tire pressure in all his tires. Finally, we made it to the top and after a short break were ready to start the down hill grind. Ric was strapped in front of several vehicles and we used the trannies to slow the vehicles down. We finally arrived back in camp around 7:30. Nothing like a long day on the trail. When the trail crew took off their glasses we looked like a bunch of raccoons. The picture is posted.
Dinner was underway and we had chance to rest, have a few beers and dinner. The spread was great – everything from hotdogs, burgers, tri-tip, sodas, beer, desert, salads, and best – good company.
The drawing was held after dinner and many GenRight gift certificates were given out.
Then onto movies and a relaxing evening.
Sunday morning most everyone was gone by 10. Several of us went over and played on the rock pile again and managed to have some fun.
After that we loaded up and headed home.
When I got home I have another problem with my rear diff. Two of the ring gear bolts worked lose again and broke off, causing a few minor problems. I am in the process of getting new gears that are cryogenically treated..
Those of you that missed the run, so close to home, missed a great weekend of wheeling.