Easy Run - McLean Creek - August 23rd

[City_Rider]

I've got this Sunday off and wouldn't mind hitting up the trail for some fun.

Anyone in for a run?

[BeachBoy]

I'm probably in, my gf works Saturday so I'd like to go somewhere Sunday

[Doc McCoy]

I'm interested. I might have to cut out early but I would be interested in checking out my newly tuned truck.

[874runnersr5]

Yeah, i should be down :D

[Tacorossa]

How easy are we talking here? Something that a beginner like me would be able to handle? I don't have my intro or 101 courses yet, but can't wait anymore. I'd really like to get out for a couple of hours if I have nothing else going on this weekend.

[874runnersr5]

hmm, i might be able to make it out. Im buying my tube doors and soft top this weekend and im not sure when im meeting with the guy.. hopefullyits not sunday :x

[874runnersr5]

God dammit, i somehow work Sunday now. I can't wait to quit this dump....

[S/C '03 taco]

I'm interested. I might have to cut out early but I would be interested in checking out my newly tuned truck.

fresh tune and fluids allways make a sunday drive smoother :)
i am trying to be in, but i may end up sleeping in the garage if i go,lol
so...i'll be there,lmao

[CalgaryRider]

I'm in, we going to meet at the grocery store on Sunday morning? Do we have a time in mind?

[874runnersr5]

arghh this blows. i wanna go so bad

[Doc McCoy]

How easy are we talking here? Something that a beginner like me would be able to handle? I don't have my intro or 101 courses yet, but can't wait anymore. I'd really like to get out for a couple of hours if I have nothing else going on this weekend.

It's hard to say. How much wheeling have you done on your own? It also depends where David and Antonio plan on leading us.

[Tacorossa]

It's hard to say. How much wheeling have you done on your own? It also depends where David and Antonio plan on leading us.

I have done quite a bit. Nothing ever organized and never in my own truck though. Usually stock rental trucks through work.
I just don't have any recovery gear (tow straps, winch, etc.) which I fear may slow you guys down if I get stuck.

[Winch]

I'm also in.

[BeachBoy]

I'm also in.

are you wheeling both days then?

[CalgaryRider]

So what are we thinking? Sunday 10 am? David are you cool to lead?

[Doc McCoy]

So what are we thinking? Sunday 10 am? David are you cool to lead?

C'mon ... there are 8000 Davids on this forum ... you're gonna have to be more specific. ;) I think this is cityrider "David" and 874runners "Antonio" ride. They'll have to duke it out to see who is trail boss.

[Winch]

are you wheeling both days then?
Yes, I'm joining a group on Saturday as well.

[CalgaryRider]

Sorry, forgot there are so many David's....... well we should have a guy with a lifted truck in the front, either Doc McCoy or City_Rider. Last time I talked to Antonio he couldn't come because of work

[CalgaryRider]

I can only do the Sunday run, got plans out of town on Sat :(

[874runnersr5]

work sucks, i should just bail and go wheelin

[Winch]

work sucks, i should just bail and go wheelin

Yeah, when I saw you there on Wednesday I noticed a bit of redness around your throut and the voice was getting hource. Those are early signs of swine flu, and I don't think they'd appreciate it much if you show up sick with swine flu at work. You'd be better off to call in sick and clear the throut out in the bush.

[874runnersr5]

Yeah, when I saw you there on Wednesday I noticed a bit of redness around your throut and the voice was getting hource. Those are early signs of swine flu, and I don't think they'd appreciate it much if you show up sick with swine flu at work. You'd be better off to call in sick and clear the throut out in the bush.

haha, you should see me now.. im a disaster

[City_Rider]

I'm in, we going to meet at the grocery store on Sunday morning? Do we have a time in mind?

Ya that sounds like a good plan - I think we were out there for ~ 8:00am last time.

8 - 8:30 sall good, I'll be pounding the Tim's trying to wake up!

And yes, you suck 874runnersr5 - start booking Sunday's off! (I am!)

[Doc McCoy]

Ya that sounds like a good plan - I think we were out there for ~ 8:00am last time.

8 - 8:30 sall good, I'll be pounding the Tim's trying to wake up!

And yes, you suck 874runnersr5 - start booking Sunday's off! (I am!)

Whoa ... hold the train. What grocery store?

[City_Rider]

I am good going where ever - I know I was at the back last time as I had easy front recover points (yay Shrockworks).

[City_Rider]

Whoa ... hold the train. What grocery store?

General Store I guess - not so much grocery...

Basically the parking lot just inside McLean Creek

[BeachBoy]

I won't make it tomorrow. I have a few things to do at home (and for the ct4wd website)

But I'll be at the 2-day run next weekend.

[CalgaryRider]

I wont be able to make the 8:30 start, I have to take my folks to the airport for 8 am... So I guess I'm out unless there are a few of us who want to start later and try and catch up

[City_Rider]

I'm down with a later start - just want to make sure we get out of there at a decent time.

Hopefully everyone checks the board before heading out!

10 o'clock it is then?

[CalgaryRider]

Yeah, I hope so too!

I can probably make it there for 9:30ish, You down?

[Winch]

I wont be able to make the 8:30 start, I have to take my folks to the airport for 8 am... So I guess I'm out unless there are a few of us who want to start later and try and catch up

How bout dropping them off at like 5 am - I'm sure they wont mind waiting if they know you need to come wheeling :)

[CalgaryRider]

Well I'm dropping them off at 8 am or hopefully earlier..... and then heading out to Mclean. Ohh they know I need to go wheeling, hopefully a few of us can make it work!

[apes4x4]

Calgary Rider - If this works out - definitely give me a call in the morning.


Yeah, I hope so too!

I can probably make it there for 9:30ish, You down?

[Doc McCoy]

How bout dropping them off at like 5 am - I'm sure they wont mind waiting if they know you need to come wheeling :)

You headed there for 8:30 or 9:30?

[CalgaryRider]

You headed there for 8:30 or 9:30?

David L and I will be there for 9:30. April is going to come on the run with me. You in for 9:30?

Give me a shout on my cell 403-519-4273

[874runnersr5]

have fun guys.. im off to work.
fml

[Winch]

OK, I think I'll just start making my way out there and hang around till everyone is there. See you in a bit!

[City_Rider]

Sounds good - I should be on time (9:30) for once...

[874runnersr5]

how was it??

[City_Rider]

Freakin' Sweet Dude!!!!1


You should have been there - good times had by all.

I definitely sustained the most damage though, custom pinstriping + a dent in the rear quarter from a downed tree log. Ya... that was sweet...

Pictures will be posted soon!

[874runnersr5]

DAMIT i know man, i was at work all day doing nothing..

you wanna hit up cop tomorrow?

[apes4x4]

It's such a shame those guys racing were the reason for that dent.


Freakin' Sweet Dude!!!!1


You should have been there - good times had by all.

I definitely sustained the most damage though, custom pinstriping + a dent in the rear quarter from a downed tree log. Ya... that was sweet...

Pictures will be posted soon!

[City_Rider]

It's such a shame those guys racing were the reason for that dent.

This is true... I should not have been so courteous!

[City_Rider]

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230029.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230018.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230022.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230025.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230035.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230046.jpg


Custom Pin Striping!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230050.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230051.jpg


Custom Exhaust Mod
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/City_Rider/P8230054.jpg

[freeze]

body daaaamaaage!!! Looks like you guys/gals had a great time! Wish I was able to make this one. Which routes did you end up hitting? Did Gary take you through that deep lake/puddle?

[Winch]

body daaaamaaage!!! Looks like you guys/gals had a great time! Wish I was able to make this one. Which routes did you end up hitting? Did Gary take you through that deep lake/puddle?

Yes, we had a great day of wheeling - thanks everyone! We went up to Top of the World from the Fisher East trail side, but our moment on the top of the hill came to a sudden stop when we realized there was a dirtbike race on the go and the trail took them right accross the top. The bikes just flew by, so in the process of getting off the race track, David had an incident with a tree. That's too bad, because I think it spoiled the day a bit for most of us. We then went straight down the cutline and accross Mclean Creek road to the "lake", had a look at it, but even though it was fairly dry out there, it would have been too much of a struggle getting through, so we ran the Valley trail instead. Can't wait for Friday!

PS: Shane, I think it's your radio that I have. Are you going with on the weekend? If not, please let me know, so I can get it to you somehow.

[freeze]

David W or David L?

Pitchurs?

[Winch]

David W or David L?


City rider. We looked up David W's phone number in the phonebook and tried calling to find out if we was still planning on coming out, but all we got was an internet connection tone.

[freeze]

he was probably hacking the matrix....

[874runnersr5]

he was probably hacking the matrix....

haha, funny stuff

[CalgaryRider]

Hey Winch, Yeah it is my Radio, no worries I will grab it back from you next time I see you. For the time being you can keep using it, just if you switch the batteries DO NOT throw out the rechargables. It will take 3 AA's if you want to keep using it.

I also put some pics up on facebook and added you so hopefully you can see them!

[CalgaryRider]

Hey, we should find out which group put on that moroncycle race, and let them know it would have been nice if they posted info letting the other trail users know that idiots would be ripping around on the trails for a race.

[CalgaryRider]

so found out the race was put on by the Rocky Mountain Dirt Riders (rockymountaindirtriders.com) and their site sucks so I really cant find any info or contact info for that matter... Anyone know the history on this group?

[Doc McCoy]

City rider. We looked up David W's phone number in the phonebook and tried calling to find out if we was still planning on coming out, but all we got was an internet connection tone.

I'm off the grid now. No land lines. Sorry I didn't get in touch with anyone.

Ended up heading to Waiparous with Elaine for a romantic "beside the lake picnic" ... with probably, 25 to 30 other people that had the same idea. On the upside ... Max can now swim. She was not very happy about it but she learned.

Sounds like you guys had quite the adventure though. I'm contacting the SRD about the "event" by the dirt rocketeers and I'll get back to you guys if and when I find out anything.

[Doc McCoy]

Well ... I didn't get confirmation about the race yesterday specifically. I did get some information about race events in general. It sounds as though all you need is permission from the SRD in the form of a "TFA" permit (you need a boatload of insurance mainly). Once you get that it is wide open ... they assume you will be putting up signs for your event. The trails are still wide open to all users. The "racers" are to be told that they "need to be aware of other users on the trail". Sounds like an issue that we'll all have to be aware of moving forward.

I think, if we do get contact information for the Rocky Mountain Dirt Riders ... we should respectfully inform them that their signage was inadequate yesterday. I'll be sure to talk to all of you at Peter's this wednesday.

[City_Rider]

Thanks for looking into that Doc, it's unfortunate that there isn't a prerequisite for adequate signage. Moving forward, at least we know...

Something at the main gate would have been great though - simply stating 'hey, we're here, we're doing this, and this is where we are doing it.'

[mookie]

so found out the race was put on by the Rocky Mountain Dirt Riders (rockymountaindirtriders.com) and their site sucks so I really cant find any info or contact info for that matter... Anyone know the history on this group?

Hiya guys! :-)

Sorry to hear about the dent (race) and the signage or lack of.

RMDR have been around for some time. They have been a strong voice and presence when GAMP was going down and fought along side of the AURs and with many other wheeling clubs to keep our trails open. This fight as some of you know has been going on since the 70's and most recently the last 6-7 yrs we saw lot's of activity, but no go. Some members of RMDR were key spokes people and also wheel.

They use Maclean and other areas in Alberta regularly and often for these scrambles and other races.

I ask with respect if you do contact RMDR that you do so in a way that represents us truck guys (and the club) in a positive light. I know you would anyways, but figured I'd just say it. Segregation between the users of these trails (bikes, quads, and trucks) is still a very sensitive area. Especially since the trucks now use the bike and quad trails and create ruts, etc. Well, that's what some say. There is still a lot of finger pointing between the users. We need all users to unite. So, we sometimes give a little here and there. Although, I do agree that something should be said regarding the signage. I've seen bike/quad truck collisions....not good.

Hope you guys understand, I don't want to come across as being a stickler...!

[BeachBoy]

I would love to have different users share (trucks, quads, dirt bikes)

We're quite far though, quadsquad builds bridges that are made only for their size (width) and there is still no communication between the groups. Maybe someday!

[874runnersr5]

anyone down for coffee or something tonight?
im boreddddddddd :(

[apes4x4]

I'm with mookie, as I'm sure we all are.
As this trip was my first time out to McLean, I was quite suprised with the hostility between all the different users... really suprised actually. I tried to wave hello to as many peps as I could when passing.
If nothing else all we can do is be as respectful as we possibly can.
Like City Rider said, he was very courteous on the trail that day and as the saying goes, you win some - you lose some...
Next time we'll have to do our due diligence to double check what events might be taking place in the area that day.


[QUOTE=mookie;4839]Hiya guys! :-)

"Sorry to hear about the dent (race) and the signage or lack of.

RMDR have been around for some time...... "

[BeachBoy]

Usually on the trail it's pretty good, we've towed a broken dirtbike at mclean and usually they enjoy watching is go through the obstacles (or call us crazy to try out some trails)

Sometimes they just rip by and throw tons of mud INSIDE the truck (I speak of experience...)

[apes4x4]

Yeah that was our experience as well. Except it wasn't mud - it was rock. Boo, hiss.
On the other hand, there were a few times Gary was climbing around on some obstacles and they all had their eyes glued (our included ;)


Usually on the trail it's pretty good, we've towed a broken dirtbike at mclean and usually they enjoy watching is go through the obstacles (or call us crazy to try out some trails)

Sometimes they just rip by and throw tons of mud INSIDE the truck (I speak of experience...)

[CalgaryRider]

I hope I didn't come across as being raging mad, I just want to make sure that we all stay safe, and that we can communicate and inform others of potential issue. I DO NOT want to start a fight or point fingers, I was just trying to get as much info as possible out to everyone. It was just a shame that not one of them took the time as they were going by to warn us.

I hope that all users can come together and show each other respect, use the trails safely and that the groups can talk amougnst each other to help keep the trails open and members safe.

[Winch]

Thanks Mookie (and Apes 4x4). I was thinking along the same lines (as for being discrete about the whole thing), but didn't quite know how to say it. Mclean is an official OHV area for bikes, quads, trucks, etc, and we should all share. I think that the main problem here was that none of us knew about this race until one of the riders informed us. Better signage would have made a huge difference.

[Jacked Up]

I missed this thread... I would really want to get out there and learn, i'm taking the courses and looking forwarded to learning and staying safe. Haha I even went as far as ordering open face helmets for me, my wife and the kids.... as a just incase we a get a bit more experience.

[Hounddog]

I didn't sense that from your note - more of a, "give us a heads up, so we as shared trail users can be aware of an ongoing race" Promoting awareness can do wonders! (grin)

I ran Top of the World with Gary and about 7 other trucks on Saturday, (I had prior plans for Sunday otherwise I would have joined you guys)

While the rest of the group was watching a few of the rigs climb the stairs I plodded ahead and waited at the top. I had my kids out of my truck and we were wandering around admiring the views and I could hear the bikes approaching. Fortunately my boys were close to me and I was able to get them off to the side of the trail as they came over the top.

I too was caught off guard, Mookie, however knew there was a scramble organized for the weekend, (thanks for telling me only after I quietly muttered, wtf?? - grin)

Had I known I wouldn't have parked where I did, and I certainly would have been more mindful of the possibility of encountering the riders.

So yes, we as users, have to be aware of other users on the same trail, but also promoting awareness that there is active racing happening would of ensured this guy to keep his peepers peeled. Safety is what's it's all about methinks...

[mookie]

I hope I didn't come across as being raging mad, I just want to make sure that we all stay safe, and that we can communicate and inform others of potential issue. I DO NOT want to start a fight or point fingers, I was just trying to get as much info as possible out to everyone. It was just a shame that not one of them took the time as they were going by to warn us.

I hope that all users can come together and show each other respect, use the trails safely and that the groups can talk amougnst each other to help keep the trails open and members safe.

Oh, not at all. Like you and others stated, some signage of the event should have been posted at key spots to warn the other users of the area and I completely understood your frustration with the situation.

Perhaps I came across to harsh.

[Doc McCoy]

...

I ask with respect if you do contact RMDR that you do so in a way that represents us truck guys (and the club) in a positive light. I know you would anyways, but figured I'd just say it. Segregation between the users of these trails (bikes, quads, and trucks) is still a very sensitive area. Especially since the trucks now use the bike and quad trails and create ruts, etc. Well, that's what some say. There is still a lot of finger pointing between the users. We need all users to unite. So, we sometimes give a little here and there. Although, I do agree that something should be said regarding the signage. I've seen bike/quad truck collisions....not good.

...

I feel that if contact is made to RMDR that it should be done in the most respectful manner possible. I was not there and didn't want to start stirring up a hornets nest about something I do not have all the details for. I simply contacted the guy in charge of McLean at the SRD to find out what the requirements were to hold a race / scramble. I did not lodge any complaints against anyone.

This was an unofficial run but it had more than a number of our members participating. As such, CT4WD can make contact with the RMDR on your behalf. We'll collect details of the incident this Wednsday at the "Shake Meeting" at Peter's.

Going forward we want to make sure there is open communication between all the major local groups using these trails. Be it Quad Squad, RMDR or even the local (say it ain't so) Jeep clubs. If the first communication is just a heads up to RMDR that their signage was inadequate then so be it. If this is the route we take, we should only be contacting them once about the incident and I would like that to be a member of the CT4WD team.

[Tarzan]

Maybe we could go with a proactive approach and offer to help them with thier races. Many of us have VHF radios and I know a few connections with the Calgary Amature Radio Association so we could offer to assit in controlling the race course so that their riders are safe. We could shuttle in CARA radio operators to assist with a net control like they do with the Rally and in fact the two events are very similar. We might get some good PR and it looks better if we have a solution as opposd to a complaint.

[freeze]

very nice suggestions Harry!

I'm really happy to read that everyone is really taking a very diplomatic and responsible approach to what I've been reading. This speaks loudly on what we're about and how we will work with these types of situations in the future.

[Doc McCoy]

Maybe we could go with a proactive approach and offer to help them with thier races. Many of us have VHF radios and I know a few connections with the Calgary Amature Radio Association so we could offer to assit in controlling the race course so that their riders are safe. We could shuttle in CARA radio operators to assist with a net control like they do with the Rally and in fact the two events are very similar. We might get some good PR and it looks better if we have a solution as opposd to a complaint.

That would kick ass. Very good idea. We're on our way to getting licensed here and that would be a great way to get out in the community. It's good to know that your services and experience on the rally side (wish I caught that this year) could be put to use that way. Thanks for the suggestion.

[CalgaryRider]

I totally agree with Tarzan, I was actually going to bring up that suggestion at Peter's tomorrow. How good would it look if we stepped up and offered to help volunteer for some of these events?

We would not only get to do the trails before the riders, but we would get to watch some pretty cool events, get some free publicity (especially if we had flags or banners that we could have up somewhere along the trail), and come across as the group that cares about everyone on the trails.

I could also help dismiss some of the negative feeling that each group has towards each other.

I believe strongly in volunteering and from the sounds of it, these events don't go on for very long (I think the info I found on the net said 4 hours) and if I get to get out on the trails before the event, and after the event then I think we would still have a pretty good day out of it.

Thoughts?

[BeachBoy]

only problem I see is that there are only 4 weekends in a month

and right now we have two trail runs, plus courses for some.. that makes up a lot of weekends. Sometimes the lady wants to do something else than being near 2 strokers or trucks :)

[CalgaryRider]

LOL very true, but some of us single guys wouldn't mind for a weekend or 2 to volunteer. Its a thought for when the club starts to really take off we would have enough members that if everyone did 1 day or weekend we would be covered.

Who know's maybe I will meet a nice girl on the trail? yeah heres to dreaming!

[freeze]

mmm ladies that ride dirt bikes....

[apes4x4]

Haha, You guys are a bunch of yahoos
;)

[Winch]

body daaaamaaage!!! Looks like you guys/gals had a great time! Wish I was able to make this one.

Yes, I'm afraid I also suffered some body damage, but at least in my case it matches the color of my truck. :)

http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/Bluebull67/2009-08-23/?action=view&current=IMG_0440.jpg

http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/Bluebull67/2009-08-23/

[Jacked Up]

^^^^ lol hey gals love wood and big trucks........ you'll meet Ms. Right, you'll be lucky enough to winch her out of somewhere.

[freeze]

Some of the team had a good chat about his last night and have come up with a possible solution or way to work with the Rocky Mountain Dirt Bike...

I am fully open to talking to them not to point fingers or to blame but to come from the perspective of the safety of their rider's/racer's also. We had discussed that fully roping off the course for a race would be more suitable for their safety and the safety of other users of McLean. Plus with sending a few volunteers to help man the intersections of their course to help with the traffic, this would prevent some people form accidentally getting on the course while the race was in progress.

A possible form of communication between the clubs in the area to alert when a race is taking place. This would not only open the avenues between the clubs but it also promotes the philosophy that we're here to help each other out and look out for each other's safety.