2017 Southwest Colorado off road adventure Aug 4-6

[okartguy]

The time draws nigh, and I've been doing my best to get my bus prepped in spite of the oppressive heat (even late at night!). The last things on my list are a new O2 sensor, fresh VCGs, and a new fuel filter.

Looks like my daughter Katy and I will hit the road early Thursday morning to beat the heat. We'll head out 412 through the OK panhandle and on up through Raton pass, with plans to meet up with BusBoyJake and camp somewhere around Alamosa on Thursday evening.

Looking forward to meeting y'all next Friday!
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JJ
Tulsa, OK
'79 Westfalia / 2.0 + dual DRLA 40s / 16" steelies

'75 Westfalia "Project Orange Peel" https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=10164122#10164122

[vwwestyman]

I decided to try out the Off Road Park at Tuttle Creek Reservoir this evening for a little practice...

I'd driven the bus down there in the past, but only when it was dry. Today we had a lot of rain so it was pretty muddy with thick, sticky clay. The trail down the hill was flint rock and not too bad.

Well, I got stuck down there for a bit! I knew the mud would be challenging as I got down there and saw just how mucky it was. So I tried what I thought would be a good turn around spot. Nope! The mud was slippery enough that I couldn't steer properly and it got stuck in some plants.

Luckily I was eventually able to reverse out of there and to a flattish spot that allowed me to get enough momentum that if I kept the engine revving, the wheels would spin enough in the mud fast enough to crawl along. Whew!

Once I made it back to the rocky part, the bus climbed up with no problem. If I hadn't switched to the AT2 tires I'd have been sunk for sure!

Because I was flustered about being stuck, I didn't bother to take any pics. But I did stop both on the way down and at the top of the hill.

As long as we aren't slogging through sticky mud, I think we'll be fine! And no more off road park in the Bus if the ground is wet and sloppy!

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Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[mtnbus]

nice photos ! You'll be good..

[vwwestyman]

Jackson is also excited! He loves camping in the bus and off-road driving! Look at that smile! (And look at that front wheel!)

I'm getting a little nervous about the camp and stuff for work, but still optimistic that I'll be able to make it! I've had to be the mean boss and yell at (not really, but I have had to be a little stern...) them to get the paperwork and client's meds in and all that so we can be all ready to go.
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Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[cdollar]

WOW! This trip is going to be epic with all these busses! We're planning to head out early Friday morning, so we should be at the meet-up spot before noon. Can't wait!!

[richparker]

[mtnbus]

Volksaddict is coming in his badass 1958 DD WT !

[big bus mike]

[Manfred58sc]

Serious rain and flooding here in Fremont County. Are you getting the same? Concerned about wash outs and high water crossings...
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Fat chick owner/operator

[richparker]

It's been raining here just about everyday for a month now. That's one of the reasons I decided to change the start time to 9 and changed the route from Bolam less to Roaring Fork. The water crossing Is fun and really shouldn't be a problem.

How the day go with your bus, did you get it running better and the 1/2 shaft replaced?
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’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build

[KCW]

[Manfred58sc]

Made progress yesterday, had to install a used 1/2 shaft as the one I had done at the machine shop had a frozen end (I'm not happy). Cleaned the carburetor out so I should be ready to roll. Have to deal with flooding issues today at rental property. The real issue is getting enough miles on the engine before I go over mountains and valleys. I may end up bringing my Rat truck , its sort of Baja style. Would it be welcome?
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Fat chick owner/operator

[Manfred58sc]

It has a stinger exhaust now, its pretty tough. SB pan, so clearance in stock...honest opinions please

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Fat chick owner/operator

[Manfred58sc]

OF course I'll have the good taste not travel with the Bus pack. I'll be at the end of the line (picking up cig butts and trash) as not to mess up any pictures...
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Fat chick owner/operator

[richparker]

[Manfred58sc]

I'm out, my shit's all fucked up right now. Have a great time!!
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Fat chick owner/operator

[busboyjake]

[big bus mike]

[richparker]

[mtnbus]

bummer Manfred..