answering Klif01
Let's take a moment to examine the 'Bypass Issue'. There are all sorts of bypasses. Before venturing into the possibilities, I will attempt to answer one question posed:
Klif01 Today, 02:49 PM
On the issue of illegal bypasses, how are people supposed to know that a bypass is illegal?
I've written elsewhere regarding such a query. The fact is that if anyone is to 'blame' for such confusion, look around you. The first "illegal bypass' is created by those who came upon the obstacle and couldn't make it. OR, made it once, and found it "too boring" for the 3 1/2 - 4 - 4+ rating (since they were overbuilt relative to the obstacles actual rating). Short version is that the first through the "x number" of vehicles which followed in their wake *knew* full well they were leaving the trail and creating a "new bypass". They are the ones to be blamed, and should well know that. They obviously are the one's who should then remain present 24/7 to inform all others who wonder "which is the real and actual route?". The subsequent users of some days/weeks/months/years later can not be held culpable (providing it's not been marked otherwise or blocked off) for their travel on these bypasses. Of course at places like the Rockpile (as one example) they could have taken some time to 'repair' the section just enough to make it passable (as RR4W have done on it/ Widowmaker/ etc. etc.). But then again... we care and find that to have value and meaning. We also find that is within our scope of interest. I would suggest that others might try the same, but they're far too busy *enjoying* themselves to care about the enjoyment of *other 4-wheelers other than themselves*. I.E. - they are plain selfish. It's as simple as that.
Oh... they're on a limited time-frame.They cannot find it conceivable to temporarily fix it/make passable, or go to a different trail, or worse yet, to *give up and drive away licking their wounded pride, if they don't/can't do the trail*.
As far as blocking 'illegal' routes, that's a whole 'nother can of worms, and one which generally fails dismally. We've done that...Blocking it with boulders and Tree snags, only to return a day or week later and find the blocking dead tree snag turned into a pile of toothpicks and the place twice as hammered (needlessly) as before. BTW, I personally hate the painted thing which proclaims in foot-high letters "Not A Route". It's just as ugly IMO.
If only Leavenworth had such active types who can turn large boulders into smaller cobbles and gravel as those who visit here.
Klif01 Today, 02:49 PM
Like the rockpile on pritchet, there isn't any markings, for someone who has never done the trail, or isn't informed about the bypass, they are in the wrong, but they didn't know. I have been flamed for being on bypasses, I made a mistake, and didn't know that it was wrong to be on it, and I am sure that many other people are not aware they shouldn't be on it, and if they knew better, they wouldn't!
When RR4W marks a trail, or has decided upon not marking one (or a specific area of a given trail), it is based upon several criteria.
1) The trail is unpopular, not attracting the heavy-foot crowd; and is regarded by the Administering entity as not being a 'trouble spot/trail' which requires marking.
2) There is a hope that when trails are marked, that a minimum number of trail indicators would suffice to make the route clear. This has often failed dismally. (I've touched upon this in other posts). We don't want a forest of carsonite signposts and paint marks if the desired result can be achieved in a less obtrusive way. That fails dismally as well. SOME people - it would seem - NEED a marker every vehicle length to *possibly* keep them on a trail. Naturally, those who actually *need* such an overkill situation as that, are also the ones to totally disregard the signs anyway.
3) Pritchett, or other trails or sections of trails: It seemed *obvious* where the trail was. I mean, in many confined areas or very narrow trails, we (and the BLM) figured "Well, Gee... where else could they go? Where else might one even think the trail is?". Guess what? We underestimated the *ingenuity* of the careless. :-/
Klif01 Today, 02:49 PM
I think more needs to be done rather than everyone getting on their soapbox to preach about how were doing crappy.
Have you any *viable* suggestions? Have you gone out there and put forth any time/effort/money in a constructive manner? I'm listening.....
NOW:
Let's say that you've a showroom new /stock equipped rig and the experience to match. You're out on some 'nothing' trail and there is something the size of a street curb or grapefruit sized rock which you fear will shred the tire or worse yet, rip out the oil pan. What do you then do? Well, naturally you drive a little to the left or right and "ramp" up the trail - crushing some plant or three - in the process. You 'logically' figure:
1) That's too tough... *nobody* could drive that.
2) The road has eroded away; let me do everyone a favor and eliminate that problem and their subsequent fear. Save 'em so time, so they can continue to breeze along at 25 MPH.
3) Sure beats ripping out the oil pan or tearng off my front air-dam.
Then there's the other end of the spectrum. 35" - 37" - 40 " tires attached to 400 cu.in. and all the goodies. You're out on some noted trail of some established 'difficulty' rating. But alas....
1) This trail is too boring. Let's try that wall over there.
2) I've done that route 2 times already... I need something more exciting.
3) Maybe I can impress someone who I hope will be looking and interested in what I can do.
4) You know you've *ALL* the goodies, but your "pal" ran out of $$ and time before he could install the framus or widget. Maybe, he'll break something, much to everyone's glee. Better still, maybe someone can photograph or make a video... wouldn't that be soooo cool... SA-WEET! (ho-extra-hum)
Need I explain that if you've done your rig up in such a manner, that you should ask yourself why? Is it because:
1) You didn't want to stand the chance of breaking something while out in the boonies (all alone? Do you do that? ever?) and didn't want to walk back - if you could - the 25 miles or more to some forlorn area of I-70 or I-80?
2) You felt the need to upgrade, because no matter what you've had, you always somehow manage to break it on even the most rudimentary of obstacles?
3) You're into 'conspicuous consumption', and don't want to appear like some plebian noob?
Now, in many cases, we here in Moab were often the last ones to 'upgrade' or rigs with ameneties like Lockers and what-not. But then again, many here have built up skill and experience by the good fortune/ design of being permanent residents in an area where 4-wheeling is a way of life and not some weekend warrior type of thing.
I've led plenty of trails where the guy who had more rust than vehicle outdrove the guy with the Hummer or the TJ and Gold Rolex with every vehicle upgrade imaginable. I've even seen a RR4W member who with a rented Farabee *stock* Jeep, outdrive with dignity, grace and aplomb more than one super outfitted rig. The super outfitted broke both Driveshafts and had to leave the trail (early, I might add... waaaay early) for repairs in town. The most able and skilled lady completed the trail, had a great time (plus the not so hidden satisfaction in her knowledge) and returned the vehicle unscathed back to the rental outfit, needing to do no more than to fill the gas tank.
This leads to the question (not for me... I've already seen many unsatisfactory performances) of how many could drive any number of lesser trails if they didn't have Lockers F&R, 37's, Dana 60's, Small-block Chevys or Dodge Hemi's, 98:1 Gear Ratio. 6 1/2" lift, etc. etc.just by skill alone. Of course there are many "Rockcrawlers" who actually started back in the 'dark ages' and had 'door-slammers' at one time, developing skill and technique as they progressed. Some of them still actually "Rockcrawl" and are not of the new *RockSlamming* school. To those persons, I tip my hat in full respect of their knowledge, skill and ability. (I in fact know some of them personally and have done trails with a number of them) For the others, I have no comment.
So... if you want a thrill... try doing it without all the bells and whistles. You'd be amazed at how satisfying (and maybe even terrifying) that could be.....
On the other hand, if you're trying to impress someone, the only ones impressed are SUWA and the entities (BLM/ Forest Service) who must answer to the thoughtless wanton destruction and who will eventually address such issues accordingly.
Of course, you could also take one final snapshot of Johnnies Jaw-Drop - when he's informed that all outdoor 4x4 activities have been permanently prohibited - as a final momento of the "good old days". Perhaps satisfaction will be derived from that. Then you can say: "Didja see the way Johnnies jaw fell clear down to his feet when he heard that? Wow... That was SWEET!"
:-|
Capt. Picky
