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Redbird Trip

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08H3

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1,367
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United States
Scwarttzy- They have a wicked rock garden there to test out your skids. Of course, the boulders are so huge you'll probably have to have someone set your H3 up on top of them first. :)
 
4speedfunk

4speedfunk

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Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
Yeah...that rock garden is seriously nothing more than a pile of boulders on flat ground. There's nothing "natural" or "contoured" about it. Unlike the rocks out west...there is no terrain coupled with this course, and I think Redbird could have done a better job at building it. It does have a really cool spectator deck and a covered shelter house for viewing...but, the course itself looks more like something to intentionally destroy your rig, rather than challenge your suspension. I won't be trying it.
 
Schwarttzy

Schwarttzy

Sponsor
Messages
1,390
Location
Rockford IL
4speedfunk said:
Sweet. C'mon over! I got a client wanting some rock rails...can you bring some along?
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Sorry I didn't respond, I have been welding all weekend and enjoying a day off. I can make up some rock rails for your client, but I wouldn't be able to powder coat them in time.

08H3 said:
Scwarttzy- They have a wicked rock garden there to test out your skids. Of course, the boulders are so huge you'll probably have to have someone set your H3 up on top of them first.
big%20happy%20smile.gif
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Awesome!
 
4speedfunk

4speedfunk

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4,250
Location
Tardville
Sorry Eric...forget the sliders. I talked to the guy yesterday and he wants removable steps. So, its either GM or N-fab for him.
 
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08H3

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,367
Location
United States
I think he's referring to the U-Steps, not the big chrome ones. I had considered modifying my RR's to use the OEM U-Steps, and it looks very do-able. Just by the time I got around to it, my wife became pretty adept at jumping up in the H3 so it was no longer an issue.
 
mkmcgreg

mkmcgreg

Well-Known Member
Messages
196
Location
Carmel
So I had planned on going and riding with 08 on the trails but I forgot that its my nieces bday party and I have to go to that.. Next time
 
Schwarttzy

Schwarttzy

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Messages
1,390
Location
Rockford IL
So tomorrow should be interesting, going to be on heck of a drive for me. My phone number is eight one five -- 519 - twelve fifty two
 
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08H3

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Messages
1,367
Location
United States
Wow! I assume your location in your profile is correct. I had no idea where Marengo was until I Googled it. You are making quite a drive. Pressure is on for us to make sure you have a good time now after that drive. I'm planning on just meeting at the park. All the online mapping programs will get you there and all the GPS units I have seen find it accurately. I would suggest backtracking to Rockford and then coming down I-39 to I74. Take I-74 east until you cross into Indiana and then turn south onto US-41. Take 41 south through Terre Haute and Sullivan to IN-54. East (left) on IN 54 through Dugger, IN. Just outside of Dugger, turn left (north) on CR 1550W. Take that unil you hear banjos. You'll know you're close. Once that road T's into CR 350N turn right and then immediately left into Redbird. That's the best I can give you.
 
Schwarttzy

Schwarttzy

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Messages
1,390
Location
Rockford IL
Guys... I'm disappointed to say that I can't make it. My buddy bailed on me last minute, and without him, the drive is just too far for myself. I'd would find a hotel close by and stay the night out there, but I have to come all the way back tonight.
 
4speedfunk

4speedfunk

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Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
No problem Schwarttzy. It was a complete slop fest! Perhaps the muddiest place I have ever wheeled. Not much water, or puddles...just a continuous 8"-12" layer of goo on top of a hard-packed clay base. Many hills at Redbird are too steep to walk up...let alone drive up! Oh yeah...one more thing...TREES WHERE EVERYWHERE...and they were not our friends!

08H3 and myself had a very interesting day, to say the least. Lots of off-camber sliding. Lots of winching. Lots of just plain spinning and going nowhere. Many times...the direction of your steering wheel had nothing at all to do with the direction you were heading! Conditions like this have more to do with the mind-set of the driver, than the vehicle itself. Once you make up your mind to run a particular trail...you're totally committed to getting thru it. Turning around at Redbird is not an option. You simply have to overcome. That can really test the resolve of a driver...more so than the vehicle. In all honesty...there wasn't much driving. Instead there was a lot of spotting...pre-walking our routes...rigging safety straps onto side rails (to prevent us from sliding into the abyss)...and creative winching (dragging an H3 while in park!).

It was nuts. I'll post up some pics in the "Stories" section.
 
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mkmcgreg

mkmcgreg

Well-Known Member
Messages
196
Location
Carmel
Well I was sad I missed it but I don't think the A/T tires would have made it. At least I would have been easier to "drag" thru the mud. Sounds like it was muddier than last time and it was a mess lest time
 
ArtHummer

ArtHummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,220
Location
Gaithersburg/MD
H3DONIST said:
You don't have to like them. You just have to realize that there is a market for them and then sell them to people with wives/girlfriends/kids that want a step. :thumbs:
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I'm with you on that. There is no way I would've put the side steps on my truck, but I need it for my wife when we go out and she wears a dress. Some people have health issues and have hard time getting in in to the lifted trucks.
 
Schwarttzy

Schwarttzy

Sponsor
Messages
1,390
Location
Rockford IL
I sure don't like the mud, but it isn't comforting that I couldn't make it. I really want to do a run a trail with my Hummer soon pretty much anywhere. Next time if my friend bales on me I'll just drive down the night before and sleep in a hotel near by or camp some where.

Looking forward to the photos.
 
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