“Slick stuff” best describes what was encountered at the trail cleanup this past weekend. As scheduled, the group headed out to the trails in Columbus. The group consisted of 1 D-90, 1 Range Rover, numerous Discoveries, a Jeep and a stock Freelander. Vehicles ranged from highly modified, to the stock Freelander which served as a ñtest-rigî for the muddy proving grounds.

Goals for the day were to make the trails ready so that beginning and novice drivers could traverse all the trails and not damage their vehicles in the process. Upon arriving, the group split up and went in different directions with plans to meet in the middle.

It was quickly noticed by all that we were going to be in for an interesting (muddy) day. As the group made its way along the trails, we realized that some of the easier challenges became tougher with the fresh coat of rain applied earlier that morning. Limbs were cut back and trails were cleared so the new vehicles wouldn’t encounter any additional pin stripping! Some deep ruts were also filled in too make some of the ascents and descents a little easier and safer.

Some of the noticed highlights of the trip were:
1. MUD, MUD, MUD. Michael was the first to challenge the big mud hole (going from the reverse direction) and low and behold……he got stuck. The problem was the ruts in the mud hole high centered his discovery. This lead to the next highlightƒƒ

2. Doug’s demonstration of some useful gadgets he has in his arsenal of recovery equipment: “Tire Claws” (I hope I got the name right Doug).

These were 2 devices in which Doug drove the tires of his Defender onto. They, in turn helped the vehicle dig into the earth and not slip while winching the stuck Discovery. They worked great.

Everyone wanted some! Doug later informed us that the company was out of business and he bought one of the final sets. Nice score Doug!

3. I also decided to challenge myself and my vehicle. I attempted the “big mud hole” from the normal direction. Well……low and behold…I got stuck. This was to no surprise as I was actually intending to test the limits of my vehicle. Another goal was to get some winching practice in since I am somewhat new to the winch and self-recovery.

4. Steve McDonald also got some tire changing practice as one of his tires encountered a slow leak. With help from his highlift jack and “the team”, he was back on the road in pit-crew fashion.

5. Ken Mendez was involved in one of the highlights as well. Upon departure for our second go-round of the track, Ken was having a tough time with the first hill. After numerous attempts, it was decided that his highly modified Discovery was going to be unable to conquer the slick hill.

Since there were stock vehicles to follow, Ken was redirected to a different line and all that followed made it up... even the Freelander. (On a side note: Ken was wearing girl’s mud boots. Maybe this was the reason he was unable to make the hill. We’ll never know!)

Due to wet and cold conditions, the second pass became the final pass.

The day ended with a group lunch at one of the area restaurants. We all had a great time and hope to see everyone out at the dealer outing in Columbus on February 23rd.

-- Kai Dussling

Trey's pictures available on Page Two - Click here!

Michael's pictures available on Page Three - Click here!

THANKS to Kai and Trey for providing the pictures and narrative for the Web site!

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