Ted the Fed Tribute Run, January 2009

We met in Torrington Conn. on a cold January morning. We were planning on a snow run in the nearby state forest. Chris, our trail guide, was unaware they closed the park to vehicle access the week before. We had a quick meeting and headed to what I call the border. A run consisting of a couple of class 6 unmaintained roads that look quite easy in the warm months, but change significantly when there is some ice and snow under wheel.

Ten trucks embarked on this snowy adventure. John and Angie brought their brand new white Rubicon Unlimited for its maiden trail run. Map in hand, and Chris riding along, Garrett led the way breaking tracks in the fresh snow not really knowing what lies beneath. Jaycee, and girl friend Kristen, also joined us riding along with Glen and others. The snow was not very deep so airing down was bypassed. Not to far down the trail was a high road / low road split, the high road proved to be tougher with a downed frozen tree and a small water crossing being the obstacles. Some took the high, some took the low.

Where the two roads met there was a stream crossing with a climb-out on the other side. The first three trucks made the climb with lots of tire speed. Joe’s Tj with Andy driving just keep sliding to the side and ended up being the first winched in that spot. As the group winched the next couple of trucks the others started airing down in preparation for the icy climb. Some made it, some were winched. Rob Martin in his red Commander was back in the line crossing the stream when a loud bang echoed through the woods. Those of us up the trial, negotiating other ice covered rocks, knew it couldn’t be good.

After the rest of the pack clawed their way up the icy trail we returned to the bottom where recovery of the Commander was well under way. Bob Blair and the Howler were working hard pulling and spinning tires inching the Commander backwards. The Commander only had two wheel drive in low range only. With Garrett and Evan directing, and the rest helping when needed, Bob turned the truck around and pulled it out to the road. Bob quickly caught up as the rest continued on.

Lunch was provided by Evan who surprisingly brought along his grill and enough food to feed all who wanted. Thanks Evan. The rest of the trail was easier as most of it was down hill. We did come to a downed tree crossing the trail. Once again Evan to the rescue as he pulled out a chain saw and made quick work of clearing the path. The last obstacle was a river crossing that all vehicles crossed without incident. Back to the meeting spot to air up in the frigid cold we watched Rob’s truck loaded onto the flat bed for its ride back to the ferry.

Other than the disabled Commander there was no other breakage on this mid-January trail ride. All had fun and were glad to once again get out and wheel with friends.