GLJT Newbie Run @ The Cliffs.

**Jeffro06** · 07-26-2009, 09:13 PM

Today, Sunday 072609, I hooked up with some of the guys from Great Lakes Jeep Thing for what they called a newbie run. I don't consider myself a newbie, but aaronc88 has joined my club many times, so I felt like joining his for an outing. If I botch, or just don't know your name when I post a pic, forgive me.

We went to The Cliffs in Marseilles Illinois, which is only an hour from my house. I am now asking myself why I don't go there more often.

i arrived just after 0830, which is when the gates open. A few of the guys and gals were already there.

This is us getting ready.

I believe we ended up with 11 jeeps in all. The silver Sahara (aka: Silver Bullet) was a first timer. No scratches or anything.

This is the Silver Bullet hitting his first trail.

This is teejMcd, in his YJ deciding it was time to tackle a puddle.

It was more than a just a puddle.

"I think I need a tug."

aaronc88 to the rescue.

While teejMcd was playing in the puddle, others were playing on the tires, just down the trail a bit.

Just a shot of the group, during a moment of pause.

"We tested it, it's not that deep, you'll be fine."

Did someone say it wasn't deep?

**Jeffro06** · 07-26-2009, 09:14 PM

That doesn't look all that bad.

Gurggle, gurggle....

He was pulled out and all was fine. There was another lesser puddle that we all took. They actually looked the similar.....as they say looks can kill.

We had gotten some rain here recently and "everyone" always says The Cliffs sucks after it rains and "You're going to get damage." We there was some mud and at times it was a bit slick, but nothing to really be afraid of. And if you are maybe you should be a Prius.

Here's a shot at one of the tighter trails...it was muddy and slippery too.

I came close to several trees through out the day, but never sustained any damage. You just had to be aware of your surroundings and use proper throttle control.

Cooter was leading the way today, in his front wheel drive TJ....I bet you didn't know they made front wheel drive TJ's did you?

"It's good, if you make it everyone else will be fine."

Remember this was a newbie run with a stocker on his first offroad adventure, so the object of the day wasn't to get into something that would get you hung up, stuck or cause something to snap.

Time to pull cable.

Front wheel drive just wasn't up to the slippery uphill, not even with 38's. Everyone else took the bypass, which was a bit of challenge to some as well. I believe the Silver Bullet got stuck for a bit.

After Cooter got out of that valley we needed to head back to the parking lot, as one of the jeepers needed to cut out at noon. Did I mention it was noon when Cooter got out? Anyway, it was off to the creek, which would take us back to the lot.

Along the way Cooter decided to test that front wheel drive again....

Nothing a small tug couldn't cure.

Before making our way down the creek we came upon a trail rig that was stuck and wouldn't start. I pulled him out of a mud hole. A Silver Ruby in our group winched his rear one way, then I tugged him the other to get him started. Always good to help a fellow wheeler....jeep or not.

The Silver Bullet hits the creek.

I think this is Kevin.

aaronc88 enters the creek.

I've heard tales of bigfoot, but always thougt that was a southern thing...

You decide.

**Jeffro06** · 07-26-2009, 09:14 PM

A view from my YJ.

As we made our way down the creek I heard Cooter, who was now at the tail of the group, say something like "Don't go around the bend in the creek, it gets real deep." Then I believe it was Aaron who said "I think they figured that out."

This CJ found out the hard way.

He got a hand from a Toyota and was on his way, no worse for the wear. He was missing a tail light now....not sure when that dropped out.

We headed over a small piece of land and were back in the creek.

After making our way back to the parking lot we stopped for lunch. A couple of rigs cut out and the rest of us went back to the trails.

Time to try the rock garden.

It's always easier with an expert spotter.

aaronc88 waiting....

......on Cooter.

This trail was too much for the FWD TJ. He backed out and headed back down to the lot.

aaronc88, Kevin and I completed that section of trail. It was tight, filled with branches (I have some serious new trail stripes) and a few holes. We soon got word that Cooter was broken worse than we thought...control arm and the red XJ was leaking anti-freeze. We decided to call it a day.

It was 3pm and all in all it was a good day. I had a blast.

I want to thank the guys from GLJT for having me out.

I should have some video, eventually.

Here is a link to all my pics from the day. CLICK HERE!

IGotADisneyJeep · 07-26-2009, 11:52 PM

Looks like you guys and gals had a sunny muddy fun time

bojang · 07-27-2009, 06:21 AM

Any info on the landcruiser?

aaronc88 · 07-27-2009, 07:21 AM

Thanks Jeff awesome report man. Glad that you were able to make it out and share some mud

**Jeffro06** · 07-27-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronc88

Thanks Jeff awesome report man. Glad that you were able to make it out and share some mud

Had a blast, thanks for the invite, wish I could do it more often.

hypnotikrobot · 07-27-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffro95

I've heard tales of bigfoot, but always thougt that was a southern thing...

[IMhttp://leiningerphotos.smugmug.com/photos/602699689_a7EVr-XL.jpg[/IMG]
You decide.

Nope, Seneca, the next town over from Marseilles, is the long fabled home of Sasquatch.

causearuckus · 07-27-2009, 01:38 PM

I had a blast, awesome pics man. Glad you could document my virgin trail ride.

**Jeffro06** · 07-27-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by causearuckus

I had a blast, awesome pics man. Glad you could document my virgin trail ride.

You did great. Find any trail stripes yet?

teejmcd · 07-27-2009, 08:14 PM

sick pics man, glad you can make it out

teejmcd · 07-27-2009, 08:15 PM

and... i wish i still had tire left of them things lol!

causearuckus · 07-27-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffro95

You did great. Find any trail stripes yet?

Some small ones. I came out better than i expected. Been looking at lift kits.

**Jeffro06** · 07-27-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by causearuckus

Some small ones. I came out better than i expected.

You should see the one on my hood!

I'll have to get a pic of it tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by causearuckus

Been looking at lift kits.

That a boy! Like I said, welcome to the addiction..

otis68 · 07-27-2009, 10:19 PM

Thanks for the good time guys...and the tail light was still dangling from the wires, bought a new rubber mount at Farm and fleet for it (1.89)and all is well.