Gitout.com - Topic: Off Road Trip Report: Rubicon Trail 2009 <br /> Marlin Crawler Round up http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up Simple:Press Forum Version 4.0.1 Rodeoclown on Off Road Trip Report: Rubicon Trail 2009 <br /> Marlin Crawler Round up http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p271 4WD Trip Reports http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p271 That is a very well put together video. I love watching the videos from your trips. Headbang

]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:35:15 +0000 Ah Yeah on Off Road Trip Report: Rubicon Trail 2009 <br /> Marlin Crawler Round up http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p264 4WD Trip Reports http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p264 Thanks!  It keeps getting better as I've done more of them.  They are fun to do but rather time consuming.  :)

I like being able to share our trips so other people can enjoy it too.

]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:23:12 +0000 Ahtz on Off Road Trip Report: Rubicon Trail 2009 <br /> Marlin Crawler Round up http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p263 4WD Trip Reports http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p263 Great video!  You've gotten really good at putting those videos together

]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:02 +0000 Ah Yeah on Off Road Trip Report: Rubicon Trail 2009 <br /> Marlin Crawler Round up http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p262 4WD Trip Reports http://www.gitout.com/forum/trail-reports/off-road-trip-report-rubicon-trail-2009-marlin-crawler-round-up/#p262 September 10-14, 2009 - Off Road 4wheeling Trip Report Destination: Rubicon Trail - Lake Tahoe, California Distance: 952 Miles Attendees: Peter, Rich [vimeo clip_id="7012429" width="585" height="435"] Our expedition began September 10th; we hit the hwy after making final adjustments and checking everything on the Toyota 4runner.  Our destination was the Rubicon Trail entrance where we planned to camp for the night.  We stopped briefly for additional supplies, gas and lunch in Eugene.  At this point we had fallen behind schedule but we were determined to camp at the Rubicon.  We drove non-stop until after midnight when we finally rolled into camp.  We setup camp in the dark and slept like a rock or was that on a rock.  :) The next morning Friday September 11th we broke camp and loaded up the 4runner.  After doing safety and mechanical checks we discovered the rear elocker wasn't engaging.  Who needs a rear lock for the Rubicon anyways?  I've never driven a trail with so many people!  It was an off road traffic jam. [caption id="attachment_578" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Rubicon Trail 2009"]Rubicon Trail 2009[/caption] The first sections of trail were fairly easy and required limited technical ability to navigate.  Our truck was fairly well equipped with 35" BFG KM2 tires, gears, front elocker, broken rear elocker and armor.  I can imagine driving this trail with an IFS rig on 33" tires would be intensely challenging.  About 1 mile into the trail our rear axle seal blew out.  We decided after considering our options to continue on rather than turn around. The Rubicon Trail earns it's difficultly rating.  The trail is a relentless non-stop rock garden.  Here in the Pacific North West our trails may have are several obstacles whereas the entire Rubicon trail is an obstacle.  Many consider it the ultimate test of a vehicle. [caption id="attachment_579" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Rubicon Trail 2009"]Rubicon Trail 2009[/caption] It was dark for the final hour of trail driving which increased the challenges drastically.  Thankfully we survived and made it to the Marlin Crawler Event camp.  We setup camp and enjoyed sleeping on a rock slab. The next morning Saturday September 12th we ventured into camp to ask if anyone had an axle seal.  A couple campers suggested we find Marlin.  Marlin is an amazing guy.  He dropped everything to come look at my truck and  then proceeded to help replace the bad wheel bearing and axle seal.  He truly saved the day.  Beyond that he wouldn't accept any payment.  Thank you Marlin!  www.marlincrawler.com [caption id="attachment_580" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Rubicon Trail 2009"]Rubicon Trail 2009[/caption] We drove out of the camp via "Cadillac Hill" which is anything but smooth.  Thankfully we survived the entire Rubicon trail.  We camped out at the Tahoe Valley Campground which boasted a heated swimming pool. The next morning Sunday September 13th we hiked the Vikingsholm Castle trail (about 2 miles).  We had a great time and enjoyed the views and beautiful sunny weather.  We stayed a second night at the Tahoe Valley Campground. [caption id="attachment_581" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Vikingsholm Castle - Lake Tahoe California"]Vikingsholm Castle - Lake Tahoe California[/caption] The next morning Monday September 14th we woke up early and began the 13 hour voyage back to Portland, Oregon.  Thankfully our return trip was uneventful.  This trip is certainly an experience that won't be forgotten! [caption id="attachment_582" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Sunrise over Lake Tahoe California"]Sunrise over Lake Tahoe California[/caption] Share your comments and feedback.  :) ]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:33:03 +0000