Team TeraFlex Trail Run Moab
Team TeraFlex Trail Run – Moab
Where: Moab (5-7)
When: October 9-10, 2009 (2 days)
Our Moab trail run is usually the big one of the year, and this year was no exception… There was a 24hr Marathon bike race going on in Moab, so I guess we decided to run our own Jeep Marathon. We started at about noon on Friday, and never let up until Sunday afternoon. The whole adventure began at the Portal RV Park Friday afternoon when we headed for the Cliff hanger trail head. There were about 12 rigs in the group, everything from Bob’s near stock Rubicon to Al’s buggy. The trail has almost returned to its original state, since the potash plant took a D9 Cat up the tail to allow for transport of some pipeline. The start of the trail has a great gate keeper, a 50 ft wide 50 ft high chewed up rock face complete with ledges, holes, loose gravel, and sand. It’s a marvelous way to start a trail. We all got down it in good shape, and headed for the trail. The big bike race had the bikers out in force, we ran into group after group. It was great how courteous everyone was, we pulled over and stopped so they could pass, and they thanked us each time–yes, you could feel the love. We were all running a trail in Moab, and peace and love abounded. The Cliff Hanger trail has some amazing views, and some cliff hanging in a couple of spots. The trail runs in and out on the same trail, so we got to experience each obstacle in both direction. Everyone did great, there were really no near death experiences. If you haven’t driven this trail, do so–it has it all. It is challenging in spots, but most any slightly modified rig could run it.
We got back into town just before 
dark, pounded some food and started getting mentally prepared for a night run. The plan was to hook up with the rest of the guys from Teraflex by about 10 and run Hells Revenge. However, due to their extreme dedication, they didn’t leave the shop until late, which put them into Moab late. Bob, Dave Card, and I decided to run Hells Revenge anyway. Nothing like a good night run, especially with no moon. Coming off the top of some of the famous steep hills and heading down into the black, adds some pucker factor to the experience. We hooked up with Ben Falkner and the film crew part way up. We went out to the over look and headed back the same way. We were back off the hill by midnight, and called it good.
The next morning we met at the Portal again. Our group had grown to about 22 rigs. Quite a few of us had never run Flat Iron Mesa, so we stayed with the plan and headed for the trail head. The trail starts outside of town 10 miles or so, out past the Behind the Rocks trail head. Dan Mick had graciously offer to help us run the trail, but he was going to be a bit behind us. We started out with yours truly at lead position (not always a good thing). We kinda missed the first right which enabled us to experience the trail in a whole new way. We skipped about half the trail by using a cool short cut I found. Dave Card broke out his Moab trails book, and we fired up the GPS. After some deliberation we made a plan to get back to the main trail and we were off. Flat Iron Mesa has never had the reputation of being particularly difficult, but it has it’s moments. One section hangs two tires precariously close to the cliff edge while negotiating a hair pin turn. I was not happy about running everyone across it, but mob rule kicked in and and we went for it. Gutty group.. no fear. Ben guided us all around it with no problem other than elevated heart rates, and some walking by the occasional passenger. We continued on for a couple of miles and stopped for lunch. Dan Mick finally caught up with us while we were breaking for lunch. He almost drove the whole trail looking for us…the special route we took, was apparently a little unusual so it took him a while. I for one was glad to see him. He took the lead and guided us to a couple of very nice obstacles. There were 
slick rock sections and one place where a V shaped valley culminated with a very steep, (optional) 20 ft rock ledge. Everyone gutty enough to try it made it, after giving it some battle. Because we ran the trail somewhat differently than most, we were able to drive up obstacles normally driven the other direction. It made the trail a little more interesting. Because most of us had never run the trail, it was all new to us, so we all enjoyed the run as first timers, great experience, good group. We got back to the trail head, and one by one we jumped onto the highway and headed back to town. Hitting the highway at full throttle after a slow trail run can get the blood pumping, ask Cody from the Teraflex Plus sales counter. His Comanche was running on a wing and a prayer with a rod knock the whole day, but everyone was doing it. Reason fled, he put the hammer down, and held it there until the abused 4 liter grenaded. The fun was over, so young. Total trail damage…Flat fender Tcase, Comanche motor, JK control arm bracket. We all headed to town, and food.
With Flat Iron Mesa under our belts, a few die hards decided to head for The Rim for a night run. When we got to the top of Moab Rim, Dan Mick gave us a history lesson on Moab while looking at the city at night. It was quite an experience, very informative, our man Dan is a wealth of information. We all enjoyed the history lesson. We ran out to the sand hills a ways back in on the rim trail, and did some serious hill climbs. The sand is so soft that its almost like silt, way hard to climb. Our full throttle assaults were successful however, and we headed back down. We were back and in bed by 1 or 2 AM. The marathon continued.
Sunday morning we decided to hit a quick trail before heading home. Pritchett Canyon was the chosen trail. Not my best suggestion for a group of varying skill levels and vehicle capabilities, but the no fear mentality of the group prevailed and off we went. After two days of wheeling we were getting to be quite the team. It was cool to see the Ranny family in their two TJ’s start to get the feel of their rigs. They did great at following spotter instructions, and pulled off the entire weekend with little more than a fender flare scrape on the 97 TJ. 
The first major obstacle on the trail is called Chewy, named for the fact that is all chewed up from the traffic up the canyon. Several had to be winched up to keep from getting sideways on the hill and having bad things happen to them. We really had a smooth run, everyone made it to Rocker Knocker, half the group went up it, while the other half stayed and watched me and Travis battle the hill using the straight up line. I thought the wheel base of the JK would get me up it, but no such luck. Travis utilized his distinctive driving style and pulled it off. He backed of a few feet and nailed the throttle. The front tires hit the first ledge and it jumped them in the air 3 to 4 feet. He stayed in the throttle doing a wheel stand, until his rear tires hit the next ledge. The bump from the ledge slammed the front end back to earth and set up the next 4 wheel in the air bounce up the hill. Holy flying rocks and dirt Batman, he brought the crowd to their feet as he crested the hill. Travis exhibited true commitment, by staying in the gas in the face of certain destruction, if not sanity. There was nothing more to do after that little exhibition, we headed back.
And so end’s another great year worth of trail runs. I am seeing a lot of regulars as we hit the trail each month. It is fun to get to know you all. The events would not be a success with out your participation. I have been looking into some new areas for next year, so watch for information on our web site. We will be doing a couple of snow runs, so start getting geared up. Thanks for all your support, even when I get us lost. Lets do it again!
Wood out
Dennis Wood
Service Manager
Teraflex Plus
801 713 3314 ext305
