I really didn't think we'd get out to the back country until May, but Co Jeep Dude came home from work on Thursday and announced that our friend Scrappy offered to take us out on the trails the first of the year and so-be it!
We started the morning by fueling both the gas tank and our tummies before meeting up with the experienced group of jeepers. Upon our arrival, our friend Scrappy informed us of damage in his own jeep; his rear axel was cracked and in need of a solid welding job and not trail ready. So he jumped in with us and we took off for the trail.
The trail begins Just west of Colorado Springs on the swanky side of town above the Broadmoor Golf Course & Resort (a 5 Diamond Resort). Past the large estates where the pavement turns to gravel you'll find Old Stage/Gold Camp Roads which branch out to several of forest service roads and a wealth of off road trails to play on.
Our first trail was called "short cut". It was a short jaunt that cut through the main road on our way to the first trail-head. Unlike the main road which is wide and fairly smooth- this short cut was a bit bumpy but nothing too eventful, but we did drop down into 4-wheel low and I think we even disabled the sway bar.
Once on the other side of the shortcut and back on the main road we continued our trek to FS 370 C which is approximately 15 miles up on Old Stage Road. There we crossed our first obstacle: a rock. Since there were 3 jeeps with several experienced jeepers, they were able to position and guide us expertly over it while Co Jeep Dude learned a TON about the Rubicon's capabilities and how to operate and trust it. The most effective line that Scrappy tutored Co Jeep Dude with was "Ok, a new clutch in this thing costs about $2,500- we're gonna try to avoid that." and with those words and a little bit of experience under his belt we moved forward to an open playground where Co Jeep Dude got a handle on the gears in a light covering of snow a hill and a few mentors.Back in the Rubicon, we headed up the trail just around the bend which reminds me of a song "Over the river and through the woods..." a few bumps and a slow uphill, a couple of perfectly planned lines and a little more confidence resulted in a really fun ride in a winter wonderland. As we entered deeper into the forest, we approached a steep and icy course which after several attempts, none of the 3 jeeps could overtake and we opted to exit the trail.
Down the road we enjoyed a roadside lunch in beautiful 50 degree sunshine before heading down the road to our next trail-head off of FS 370 where it dead ends. At first, the road seemed to be a disappointment as the previous tire marks seemed to go no where but in circles guarded by a water obstacle. But after getting out and looking in, we saw the water wasn't that intimidating and decided to cross it.
After a couple of hours a playing laughing and enjoying our new hobby it was time to start home. By the time we hit the pavement, we were ready for a big pot of warm chili and our comfy jammies before starting the new year at work.
A HUGE thank you to our friend Scrappy for putting this together for us and our new friends who helped us jump into Colorado Jeep'n!!!
