April 26th AZXC Xcursion - Xterra Triathalon

My son and I will be camping. I am kinda planning to go up on Friday, early during the day and keep my brat out of school. Anyone else going up early on Friday to claim a spot? We can figure that out on the 5th and hope to get first dibs on the 25th.

How early? I know Scott will be out there at 1pm, hopefully I will be also and Jason too.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the triathlon, here is the official website. Scrolling down to the bottom, you can see our "old" AZXC sticker.

Ummm..Ted. Look at the first post of this thread.

Oops. I suck at backtracking and reading the first page of a multi-page post.

I'll be making it out early... I should be able to meet up at 1pm too. I'm normally out the door at noon on Fridays. Sheila still isn't sure about the Fronty... We get parts lists and hopefully start ordering parts this week. So we will be cutting it close. But she could pick up Lindsey and bring her in, or if the Fronty is a no go on the trail at least bring her to the trail head for us to go pick them up.

-MadManX

I saw that as Sunday too. Now it all depends on getting that Saturday night off.

Hope you can swing it Tom, haven't got to hang/wheel with you much.

I really want to come to this one. Can you put me down as tentative for camping and volunteering? I am going to request to move my days off so that I can make it.

Hey Tim, sorry it took me so long to get back. I was in Cali for spring break with my son. Too many people, anyhoo, I had planned on heading out late morning and picking up a few things. I hadn't really planned a time, but assumed being in the Butcher Jones area around mid day. We're camping in the usual cove right?

Cool. Not sure where exactly...wherever we find that will accomodate about a dozen trucks.
We'll know more as it gets near.

If we make it to the cove first, we can dominate the major spot there in the middle. If you were there when some moron tried to shoot his friends dog for biting him, you should know what spot I speak of. Maybe I might try to kick out there first thing on Friday morning. I was kinda planning to camp Friday and Saturday night at the cove.

Usual cove there SolderX. Get us a spot if you can. I was hoping for the big spot like you mentioned.

Which cove is the normal cove? ... It only takes me 25 minutes to get from the cattle guard to the 5th cove. I plan to be out around 1ish so I could have us a spot staked by 1:30 or earlier.

-MadManX

Check out the map, the first major cove is the one we've frequented for years. It's the largest and most popular. It has a big hill next to it that vehicles like to play on. From the looks of this years map, the water looks high and has pushed into the tree line, this may be an issue, unless someone has been there in the last couple of weeks to check the site out. Saguaro Lake LINKY It will definately be a race for space if the water is high. I think the name of the area is Skunk wash. MAP
picture map LINKY

If it is the first cove with the big sandy beach... Its still there... I've been to the coves almost weekly this past couple months. The water is high (to the point that they have been releasing from canyon and from here nightly).

Only thing I've noticed is the boats move into this cove very quickly though. And it is a very high traffic area (within easy reach of the quads still).

The first cove only takes me maybe 10 minutes to get too... But with such a wide open space... And the boats... Even a couple trucks couldn't take that whole beach over. We would need quiet a few.

Phil has been camping in that cove a couple weeks ago too... maybe he can pipe up with some more insight.

-MadManX

I was out there a couple of weeks ago and it was fine. Some old timers were out to do some fishing and that was it. Nobody too crazy, but I hear it can get like that though.

We should be fine for getting dibs on the primary spot. Somebody or several somebodies from our club will make it out there before others get off from work. I planned to get over to Butcher Jones about midmorning, by 1000 then head to the cove and claim the spot. I'm camping Friday and Saturday night. I might get some tape to cordon off an area. 12 vehicles right?

You know, I have lived here all my life and went to Saguaro all of the time as a kid, and that's the only cove I have ever been to. Some time, I'll have to make a trip out to the more remote coves.

I'll be out early... Just not that early ... Sheila can't make it though... She has one of those girlie parties to host. So the big fronty (well it better be tuned up by then) will probably not be there.

The other coves are pretty cool... Maybe I'll give ya a quick run out the th 5th cove and back if we get there early enough. I can make the run in about 45 minutes out and back... And if I really get lucky and can barrow the Fronty... Damn I could go fast

-MadManX

By my count so far we will have AT LEAST 12 trucks out there. Should be plenty to take over that area.

Unfortunately, I have to back out. The annual charity golf tournament for our union charity is that morning, so I have been volunteered to help out. sucks to b the new guy.
On a side note, if you know anyone that might like to play golf that day, the money goes to Surprise firefighter charities.
Also, if you know anyone that might like to sponsor a hole or donate a prize to the raffle, please let me know, or call me at 602-402-4998

Saturday, April 26th, 2008
SURPRISE FIREFIGHTERS CHARITIES
GOLF TOURNAMENT


Arizona Traditions Golf Course
17225 N. Citrus Road
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-4000

Saturday, April 26th
Cost: $75 per player
Registration 7:00 AM
100 Golfers - 25 Teams

Enjoy a complete program of special events, 18 hole scramble with a shot gun start (including cart), lunch, raffle prizes, silent auction, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, place prizes. All for just $75 / player.

• Putting Contest
• Longest Drive Contests
• Closest to the Pin Challenge
• Silent Auctions
• Raffle Prizes

Questions?
Call: 623-764-5267
Mike Bennie


1st ANNUAL TOURNAMENT

PROCEEDS BENEFIT SURPRISE FIREFIGHTER CHARITITES

April 26th, 2008

Registration begins at 7am, with shot gun tee-off at 8 am.

To help us properly plan for this event, please pre-register by contacting Mike Bennie at mbennie2@msn.com or 623-764-5267. Please send registration checks to P.O. Box 9305, Surprise, Arizona 85374.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HOLE SPONSORS! Sponsor a hole for $100 a hole and get recognition for your business!

Georgi, thanks for getting out there early. Is alex going to be with you? I look forward to seeing y'all again.

Yep, Alex is going, He's not going to go to school that day. I know, I'm such a cool mom, as long as my kid isn't a trouble maker or gets bad grades, that is.

Tomorrow I'm doing a trip with my uncle's church group, Ajax, never been there. If I'm lucky, I'll avoid breaking anything important and show up those Christian Outdoorsmen

Have fun and give alex a hi from me. He is a cool kid.

Bumblebee here had to add Az to the name to use this site. Good to meet all at the meeting yesterday. I'm not a member yet but count me in for volunteering.

Welcome AZBUMBLEBEE (Harry)!!! It is good to see you on the board. I can't wait to see your truck out on the trails.

I like the Calmini front bumper. the only issue with it, is that it feels like it kills ground clearance with the radiator skid. hmm, wonder if ARB is coming out with a 2nd Gen bumper

Most of us drive on our tires..

Yeah, driving on the "radiator skid plate" leaves dirty skid marks!

When did Preston (PHXX) sign up?

When did Preston (PHXX) sign up?

I don't know. He hasn't posted to the thread. Maybe he sent a pm to Tim. Maybe they have a secret relationship going on since they have Gen 1 Xterra's. :p

Tim and I talked to him about it when we met him at the bank to update the signatures on the AZXC account.

Still think they have a Gen 1 kinda love going on.

I definately think you are right! I think they are planning the right moment when they can come together physically and emotionally for a gen2 stuck recovery...

*I wouldn't count on Preston coming though....

LMAO

Doesn't Preston like us any more?

Like Ted said...we talked about it at the bank. Although he does live around the block from me, I hardly ever see him.

He said his truck is tight and trail ready though. I put him on the list to send some positive vibes that he would be there.

Work came through and approved my days off, so I am 100% in for camping and helping out. You can take me off the tentative list for a change!

Glad you are gonna make it out. Will you be camping Friday night with everyone as well...?

Will make it out early in the morning, will post if schedule changes. Should I bring out an awning along with the usual supplies? Hope it's not in the 100's for the runners. Thx FOG

Cool. If you have an awning, I'd bring it. Unless you wanna take full advantage of the blazing Arizona sun.

i will break out the solar panel and take advantage of the sun so i will bring lots of movies to last the day and a pop up tent wooohooo

I think he has different interests now that are "more important". Ya know, crazy college kid stuff.... :rolleyes:

Bring food and he will come !

Bad news here for T-Ray...gotta go under the knife next Thursday or Friday so I am gonna miss out on all the fun with you kids. Gotta get it done ASAP and that is the earliest the Doc can do it.

Have fun, take some video of Mtn Bikers bailing on those hills for me.

2% chance I will be recovered enough to be there for the end of the race, but we shall see.

I need someone to grab me a XL shirt if possible.

Well, that's a bummer Tim. Get well soon.

Wow Tim, hope it's nothing serious.

Here's to a speedy recovery!

Nothing serious. I have to get a bilateral hernia repaired...Yaaaayyyy!

ow!

now dont watch that movie about the guy who was awake during surgery...

I was awake during my surgery. It wasn't a hernia repair but I was still awake. That is what locals are for. However, T-Ray won't be awake. Good luck T-Ray.

well in the movie (typical horror flick) the guy was "put under" but could still feel everything and in essence was still awake..

Wow, Timbo, best wishes dude.. Gonn'a miss you out there, call if you need anything done

Hey... Put the Red Fronty down for Camping and Volunteering. It did everything I tryed last weekend in 2wd without a problem... It actually out performed all our rigs we had out without breaking a sweat. The very first hill climb we usually take, it almost completed the hardest line, but the tires needed aired lower than we could deam safe to drive back to Conico on. Looking for OBA now (something that can handle the 35" and air tools).

Well there was some trail repairs made (tools needed: Mag light (not to be used as a flash light), hammer, vise grips, and a cresent wrench), now the tire doesn't rub the rear fender anymore.

I'll talk Onix into hacking off some more of the rear fenders and part of the front bumper... He did a really good job to the front fenders.

-MadManX

OK, so I re-read this entire thread, and I didn't see what time we need to meet on Saturday morning for the Triathlon. Last year, we met at the Green Gate at 7:00am, IIRC.

Can someone verify the meeting time and place for Saturday morning?

Well, after looking back at last year and the year before we need to be in the parking lot outside the green gate by 0700. It would be cool if we could all be there by 0630. I know that the organizer wants to be ready to go as close to 0700 as possible.

Remember everyone.

CB-- Channel 17

FRS--Channel 14.0

If you don't have a CB or FRS radio don't worry, I carry and extra FRS and I know others will also.

Georgi, will you have CB or FRS?

defibvt is correct. Everyone needs to be ready to go by 7:00am at the latest. 6:30am would be a good time to aim for assembling at the green gate.

Have fun, wish I was gunna be there.

Thanks for speaking up Tim.

I am going to try to be out there for camping and volunteering. I should finish up with my school work for the semester and it will be time to relax by a campfire.

Is anyone bringing firewood? I was out there a couple weeks ago and pickins are very slim.

We have the Fronty if someone has something to burn we can load up... I don't have much left of the pallets and only one 4 hour log left. So maybe enough wood for a couple of hot dogs.

Just let me know before thursday if we need to pick up some wood to haul in if you got some.

Scott... Are we meeting at 1:00 PM on Friday by the gate? I plan on leaving the office at noon and gasing up for the weekend... So I should be pretty close to that time.

Anyone else comming in after work? Sheila would like an escort since she is only a 2wd w/ a locker. I think her and Wally might be headding in close to 6 or later.

-MadManX

Yeah, I'll probably be there around 6 as well.

Ditto i should be there 6-7ISH shrocked and ready

Randy, I will be inside the gate on the sand at 1pm. I will wait for ya or barring issues you wait for me.

duuuuuuudessssss! I am not going to be able to make it.

Putiing in my PTO for Friday, so I'll be driving out w/ Scott on Fri afternoon.

Putiing in my fT Friday so i can pay for gas

I will have both CB and FRS, and I typically carry extra FRS radios.

Someone mentioned firewood? I'm bringing a couple of small bundles. We may have to scavenge through some other washes to get firewood. ROADTRIP! That may be what I do Friday for a while. I plan to be at the camp site Friday between 0900-1100.

We're also staying Saturday night. Anyone else camping 2 nights?

So far Sheila and I are planning on it. But we will play it by ear, and probably not stay too late into the day on Sunday.

Sounds good... And Looks like DBAX will be joining our group in too. I'll try and be earlier than you guys.

-MadManX

I'm good for getting out there any time on Friday. What time should I get there to help hold a spot?

As most of you know, I'm basically stock and don't have much experience. I ran the coves on that night run a month or so ago, but will still need some help finding my way and choosing the right routes.

And I don't remember how to get to the gate...

I'm game for camping till Sunday, though!

Drive into Butcher Jones, follow the road around the park past the beach area. The gate's at the back of the parking lot on your right side, you can't miss it.

Drive into Butcher Jones.....Hmmmmm do i need a snorkel

I never did..

Ok i will follow you
Sorry Lucky

It's starting to come back to me... I'm thinking I'll get there early to help save some camping space.

I made the X some window screens for the weekend, so good to go for sleeping in it. A double sized air mattress fits perfectly, too.

If the X is a rock'n...

Looks like I'll be one of the few not camping.

Anyways, see you all there Saturday. There's a link to a google map on the Webpage AZXC

Ok, so one more question, who's bringing snot-gobblers? My 6-year old wants to know if he's going to be the only kid camping.

My snot-gobblers (love that phrase) are too girly to camp and my boy is 16 months. So, guess it is just me. Might bring Pilar though. Still debating that one.

Scratch the Web stuff right now. All the changes I made last night are no where to be seen.

I'll re upload them tonight.... :rolleyes:

Very weird...especially since I saw them last night...

OK, Had Joannie Email the Index file to me so the info is back, but the picture of the month I'll have to do tonight as it is a lot more involved.

I had to make a couple changes to the account to get back a gallery, so I hope it all turns out, we'll see.

What are you all doing for food? I bought some water, bread, peanut butter, pretzels, and some other stuff, but was wondering what the rest of you were planning on eating.

Check out our Gallery, still needs sorted and redone, but I put up about 300 pictures that can be looked at.

Members Only- PM me for an account and I'll add you when I get it fixed up. This version is tons better than the last.

Just wanted to bump this so it'll be seen today.

T-Ray, check your PM's.

DBAX and I planned our meals together to help contain costs because of our growing families.

Adam, you should start a new thread about this so it will be seen. Just a thought.

Ah, I figured I'd do that when it was completely done. But I was proud to have figured out the reason why it quit working and wanted to share it for now.

Thanks!

I need to close the shop and should be at the green belt 6:30-7:00 i think sheila is also meeting chris and i at the shop.See ya all there save us a spot to camp 1 tent and 2 trucks

Save a spot for Three trucks two tents.... Wall-E I should be leaving gilbert around 5-5:30 I'll call you and see where you guys are at or meet you at the gate.

I'll be cutting out of work early tomorrow so I can make it by 6:30.

The 'snotgobbler' will be with me, but we're not camping.

Tom, 6:30 am Sat or 6:30 pm tonight?

Who is going out at 1 today? I will be getting there at that time.

Want to go earlier but dont want to be out there solo.

Myself, DefibVT (Scott), and Madman (Randy). See ya' there

For those of you who haven't already done so, don't forget to bring cash / checks for:

Dues $25/yr
Stickers $12/ea.
T-Shirts $16/ea. pre-sale

Also, some of you will need to fill out some club paperwork (i.e. the waiver form and the contact info form). If you have already filled out this paperwork, then you are good to go.

I'll should be at the Green Gate at Butcher Jones around 6PM tonight.

Check you PMs...

-MadmanX

OK Who is bringing the Xterra Girls AKA Hotties

Good thing there's no sharks in the lake. Shark kills man swimming with triathletes in S. Calif.

Wish the best for his family.

i might meet you guys out there later on sat. i havent done my brakes/shocks yet. havent felt real great this week. just drained but not sleeping well. quitting smoking too, so that feels wonderful. hopefully ill wake up at a semi decent time tomorrow fix the truck and be out there later. but we will see. sry guys.. just feel like crap this week.

Great time guys, sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to everyone.

Best showing for us that I can remember, Thanks!

Adam

There'll be some tall tales form this one for sure.. Enjoy some pics-







There was a Jeep too, Scott.

Great pictures Dbax .... just got home with the YZ man what a ride im half tempted on going back out but trailer and bike.
Had a safe and great time at this large event and cant wait till next year there where some sweet rides there ....
It was nice to meet alot of new people and was suprised at the numbers that showed up

Only decent picture I captured.

Dan and I exiting the trail. Had a great time. Good to see everyone. It was a great turn out.

2008 Camp


2007 Camp




Yes, you all should feel guilty that I camped by myself last year. Now you know all the fun you missed.

No response implies guilt. :p

Just a quick note to say thanks to all, I enjoyed the day and learned by watching others who are more experienced. It's been many years since doing a trail run. I remembered an old saying 'open diffs are in worse case scenario 2 wheel drive 1 front and 1 back' oh well save my pennies to mod. Looking forward to seeing y'all soon. Dbax, thx for taking the digital shot.

It was good to see you again. Glad you had a great time.

That was a blast and just in case they were too tired to say anything by the end, we were thanked several times for the AZXC making such a big showing. Tim, Lindsey and Lucky13...You guys were missed .(Teddy too) I hope your doing better T-Ray!!
Jeff, all you need to do is call me and you have another set of hands for your brakes,fluids and whatever else needs attention after your swimming lesson.

I had a blast guys... Mind you I for some reason keep towing people during the meetings for what I was really supposed to have been doing. Otherwise it was great.

Has anyone heard from Ted? ... I left him with a pretty badly beat up rig on the pavement before the event and he was gone when a few of us went back to check on him. He some how blew the cover off his front diff, set off his side curtan air bags, and "enlarged" his dent in his door. I hope he made it home... The plan was for him to drop his skid and pull his driveline out so the front diff was no longer functional and limp home. I hope he made it.

Chase, Sheila, Gorgie, Alex, and me all stayed Saturday night too... The water was nice, the night was great... We didn't even need a fire. We did have two skunks come into camp while we were up and one after we went to bed.

Gorgie busted a swaybar mount... But me and Sheila escorted her home just incase that wasn't her only clunking sound she had saturday afternoon.m Sunday we came across a Chevey 3500 that messed up his seating linkage real good. We winched some of the brakes back to a not so bent shape... Re-adjusted his tow and limped him the 8 miles to pavement. The guy wasn't too thankful... And to think they had been stranded with a 4yr old over night already.

And as for Sheila... Man she drove off the side of the trail coming up the hill from cove four and almost took a hell of a roll (would have put adams adventure to shame). I had to disconnect from the Chevy... Race around the hill to another down hill... Fly down it and back up behind her... Fastest thing I could get to her was the winch line... While I was racing Gorgie and Chase when olding on to her rear bumper trying to keep her from mtipping or sliding. Even with the winch I couldn't get her back on the trail and she had drug me about 10ft towards her... Chase had to do a 180 in front of her with no space to turn and grab her with another tow strap. Some pulling, winching, shoveling... And alot of hopping... We got her back on the trail in once peice. The speed she has to use right not only having 2wd, at the top she hit a real deep bump on the begining of a turn... So she didn't turn and bounced right over the edge. Her entier front was over the edge, one rear tire about a foot or more off the ground and the other rear was the only thing keeping her on the trail. Thanks Chase and Gorgie, and the couple of Jeep guys that raced over to help out too. That could have ended very badly and everyone walked away smiling at the end.

I don't have many pics... And The laptop will be on its way to HP probably tomorrow... I'll try to post some pics in the coming weeks when I get my laptop back.

-MadManX

Added your Pictures to our New Gallery.

I reassessed my damage. Front sway bar bracket split, both bracket rubber bushings toast, metal on metal wearing at both bracket points. All sway bar bushings and connections at lower control arm well worn and spacers are cracked. Thought about leaving this bar off, but I definately don't like the body roll and I'm on the pavement now and feel real tippy on turns, so it's going back on once I get all the bushings and brackets in. Cost? Less than a hundred bucks and 1/2 hour worth of work. Much cheaper than the worrying I did about the clunk, thinking it was something serious, whew. Sorry boys, my Gen 1 still rocks over the infamous Gen 2, even though mine's a dog for power!

I made $20 bucks on Saturday, giving power steering fluid to a Dodge with a blown seal in his steering unit, he wouldn't accept me turing down the money, so I took it.

That ungrateful clown in the Chevy that we spent all day Sunday towing would have still been stranded at cove three if we weren't nice enough to jump in and fix his front end. That'll be a pricey fix. Buzzed off after we got a forest ranger involved, bench warrant maybe?

hey Dan, that was a real nice Jeep parked next to my truck at camp. Too bad we couldn't see it in action, it was out of power. It seemed to have pretty good articulation though. I saw it posed on a rock the next morning.

My checkpoint got all the action.

First, this guy took a header when he hit a sandy spot.





Aside from the cracked rim, he got some heavy road rash on his right hand & left knee & a stitch-worthy gash on his chin.

While I was getting him cleaned up, a Jeeper came up with a leg full of cactus. While he was going at the cactus with pliers, another racer took a spill when she got stung on the face by a bee, but she got up & continued on.

I was really glad to see Adam back among us in his new ride - Gen1 love, baby!

I hope Ted's OK. I'd really like to hear the story behind his little adventure.

I'm also really looking forward to Sedona next month.

Dude, Scott and I were at the "tippy spot" near the fence and several people bit it when headed down the rutted side of the path. Wish I had my camera for some of those.. The worst one was as we were leaving the final transition before th road course. A fellow missed the singletrack coming down the mountain, endo'd and dislocated his shoulder right in front of as as he hit the ground.
Overall it was a smashing success. Oh, and Lee, if you're reading this, Greg G says hi too

Sounds like it was a great turnout and some interesting stories came out of it. Thanks to all who were there and I'm glad you all had fun.



Tell me someone got me a shirt???

I thought Dan got you your shirt?

Tom Thanks! Glad to be back. Just miss that locker to makeup for my lack of ability.

I got a shirt for ya Tim although they ran out of XL's fast so I hope a Large will work I guess we'll find out when I see you next.

I got one XL that fits me like a med.. Poly-freakin-ester?

I guess alot of people were thinking about you T-ray. I picked up an xlg knowing that my body wouldn't support an under armor shirt, intending it for you. You're more than welcome to it. I also realized that not being a member and signing up for one, it was for whoever ordered and didn't get one. One of my boys could use the large if it is available when all is said and done.

If you want to pass Tim the XL then that would work best. This large is skin tight and Tim's much larger than I am. When all is said and done, yes, your son can have this large.

I didn't take many this weekend but here us the rest of the pix: www.photobucket.com - 04/26/2008 Triathalon Camping

-MadManX

Nice pics Randy.