Travelling with the Strongs: MOAB 2013 GOLDEN SPIKE RUN part 1

On May 6 I rode with Doug Bogart, my third ride with him in as many years, on a run named Golden Spike in the slick rock area northwest of Moab.The road is rated as a difficulty 4 out of 5. This year Doug had a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 door) which he bought in January. Doug is a great mechanic and added many accessories and parts over 3 months to make it very “trail worthy”. This was his second outing with the Jeep to see just how it behaved on challenging trails. His wife declines to ride with him on 4 rated trails, making a great opportunity for me to hitch a ride with him.

I have so many pictures of this run to share that I am breaking it into3 parts for ease of loading.

The Jeeps in this run lined up to have a drivers meeting and to meet the trip leader and one another. Doug’s jeep is at the far right.

The leader of the run, Gary Hanson, did a fine job with keeping us progressing, despite the tendency of those on the run to socialize at every stop. He also was a spotter to help drivers with their wheel placement in challenging spots.

Here Doug is “airing down” his tires so they will have better traction on the smooth rocks. He let his down to about 14 lbs.

A driver has his choice of the easier way up at the left or the harder way at the right.This is one of the easier obstacles.

Larry Cairncross driving his red 4 door chose a more challenging way up this one.

Here are a series of challenges. The trick is to keep your Jeep moving, usually very slowly.

The “Spotter” at the top is directing the driver on wheel placement.

Part of the challenge here is the right turn at the bottom of the hill.

This downhill obstacle provid a stop for a beautiful view of the Lasal mountains on the horizon.

The tracks show how to drive up this V in the rock – one tire on each side and keep your vehicle level. We paused at this place to let a group of “side by side” Polaris vehicles to pass us.