RoverXchange 2011 Land Rover National Rally
PresidentialROVINGS
Rally 2011
Welcome to the Land Rover National Rally edition. I hope you’re reading this here at the Rally in Breckenridge; for those of you unable to attend this year, we will miss having you here. The high country has gotten a lot of late snow this year and some of the trails we were planning to run are still closed. Not to worry though, Colorado has lots to offer and we have a fair number that are open to run. A few members have also offered to lead some special unofficial runs: Matt Affolter is planning a geological tour to be run on Saturday, and Renee Freeman is planning a morning tour for wildflower identification. Our Wednesday night cocktail party will be in the Village at Breckenridge in the Forest Atrium, which is on the 2nd floor of the Peak 9 building. Two drinks and appetizers are included with your rally registration, and it’s a cash bar after that. The Friday afternoon Vendor Event will be held on the southeast side of town at the Ice Rink parking lot from 4-8pm. We will be having a BBQ there from 5-6:30 that includes burgers, hot dogs, soda and chips. The first part of our raffle will be held there as well. It will be a little different from previous years since we will have individual raffle bowls for the vehicle specific and larger items and a common bowl for the rest. We will also be collecting tickets for the 1995 Range Rover Classic raffle truck for which the winning ticket will be drawn during the Saturday night banquet. The Saturday night banquet will have a sideshow presentation/rally wrap up, so please share some of your pictures with us. We will raffle off the remaining prizes and of course announce the winner of the 1995 RRC. Please note that this is a cash bar event, and no outside alcohol is allowed. This is a great time to relax, enjoy conversation time with some new friends you met while at the Rally, and of course to start making plans to meet up again next year for the Land Rover National Rally 2012 in Moab, UT from June 19th -23rd.
RoverXchange The Rover Xchange is a mostly quarterly publication of the Solihull Society 4-Wheel Drive Club, Inc. All material in Rover Xchange, unless otherwise noted, is the property of Solihull Society and may not be reproduced without permission.
Solihull Society Contacts President Jeff Corwin president@solihullsociety.org VP Eugene Higby eugene.higby@solihullsociety.org Treasurer treasurer@solihullsociety.org Secretary/Membership Paul Donohue secretary@solihullsociety.org Trail Events Coordinator Jim Hall jim.hall@solihullsociety.org Special Events Coordinator Wendy Vaughan wcvsweetirish@gmail.com Rally Sponsorship Coordinator sponsorship@solihullsociety.org Land Issues Coordinator Jim Hall jim.hall@solihullsociety.org Newsletter Tate Crumbley tate.crumbley@solihullsociety.org Website Admins David Garbs admin@solihullsociety.org Dan Russo dan@solihullsociety.org Website – www.solihullsociety.org Newsletter Articles and Photos – Articles must be submitted in either Word (.doc) or text (.txt) format. Digital photos can be emailed or mailed on CD in JPEG, TIFF , PDF, or EPS files. The articles can be submitted either via email (newsletter@solihullsociety.org) or mailed on a CD to Tate Crumbley at the following address: 4503 Longs Ct, Broomfield, CO 80023. Materials will be returned upon request.
2
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
RoverXchange Volume 15, Issue 2, Rally 2011
IN THIS ISSUE A Brief History of Breck
4
In Memoriam: Todd Pfortmiller
7
Breckenridge City Map
8
Trails
10
Trail Map
14
2011 Rally Sponsors
16
Health and Safety in Breckenridge
22
Cover photo: Wheeling Wheeler Lake from John Putnins Back cover, top: End of the Line, Red Cone from Jim Hall Back cover, bottom: Eat My Dust from Tate Crumbley
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
3
A Brief History of Breck
by Sean Doyle
The perceptible legacy of Summit County’s Blue River basin is that of mining. The permanent settlement of towns of like Breckenridge, Silverthorne, and Frisco occurred as a result of Victorian era mining, as well as a rhythmic footprint of taffy colored Victorian downtowns, lonesome steel work buildings, and irrevocably altered topographies threaded through a lacework of gulches, streams, and river valleys. While it is true the 1859 Pike’s Peak Gold Rush marks the early horizon for non-Native American settlement and the beginning of the distortion of the Blue River Valley into its modern appearances, an uninterrupted period of relatively permanent human occupation had filled the valley thousands of years before the first pan was dipped into the creek. Human interaction in the valley also stayed after all of the mines had long closed their portals, continuing well into the 21st century with the growth of the ski and tourism industry. Between 10,000 and 8,300 years before the first gold seekers found their way into Colorado, a band of the Plano Culture people, late descendants of the First Americans, made the first human incursion into the Blue River Valley. Very few absolutes are known about these peoples, the details of their existence lost to the diffused mysticism of history. Through archaeology, however, we know they were nomadic hunters, leaving distinctly human remnants throughout the Great Plains while tracking great herds of bison, and they were the keepers of an elegant stone tool craft, distilled from what was then an already 8,000 year evolution of tool making traditions. The band set up a small, seasonal camp on a small natural bench overlooking the Snake River to the north and east of what is now Lake Dillon via the river valley known as the Porcupine Peak site. Whether the momentary settlement of Porcupine Peak was for purposes of curiosity or practicality is unclear, but it is clear they spent their time sharpening and manufacturing a complex array of tools defined by a broad fluted spear point with a graceful tang, fluted and ground out of the base to 4
RoverXchange
allow the point to be hafted into a socket crafted into the spear shaft. A reconstruction of the environment at the time depicts an untouched fertile place of a humbling scale, belittling the audacious travelers beneath an even grander alpine architecture than what is seen today, darkened by grazing millions of bison, antelope and deer. Excavations completed in the 1970s at Porcupine Peak revealed that the footprint left by the Plano peoples resounded for the next 8,000 years, and the Porcupine Peak site would be used by later nomadic Native American cultures until the Gold Rush, when occupation abruptly stops. Evidenced by camp like structures and changing toolkits, the Porcupine Peak site evolved into a semi-permanent campsite approximately 5,000 years ago. A period known as the Late Prehistoric is characterized by a number of cultures collectively known as the Woodlands cultures. Presumed to have originated in the Woodlands of the East Coast, the Woodlands people began moving into Colorado approximately 3,000 years ago and are considered the foundation culture for later, more familiar groups like the Sioux and Cherokee. Like most early native groups they were huntergatherers, however, the Woodlands people had the important innovation of pottery. The presence of pottery allowed the Woodlands people to begin growing their own food, an unheard of practice by earlier natives which inevitably lead to population growth and a complication of their culture to include great complexes of stone-lined hunting drives, the construction of pit houses, and a more functional toolkit. By the 18th century, at about the same time a handful of small European colonies on the East Coast declared independence from England, the Woodland peoples in the Blue River were replaced by the Utes, a nomadic group related to the Paiute of Utah. Unlike their more famous counterparts on the Great Plains, the Utes lived in small independent bands. Members of the White River band populated Summit County. Non-native settlement in the valley during the Gold Rush pressed the White River Utes to the northwestern portion of the state. During the 1870s this band would gain infamy for their participation in a bloody rebellion against the United States government, resulting in the death of public figure Nathan Meeker and the band’s final relocation to a reservation in Utah. Up to 1859, the Blue River Valley supported only ephemeral bands of itinerant native hunters who left little impact on the native grandeur of the West. The discovery of gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River (now Denver) in 1858 would affect a dizzying change on
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
the valley landscape, completely altering every aspect of life in the area. The gold discovery elicited the inevitable rush of ambitious easterners, and within a year had filled the ruddy unstable banks of the creek with tents, shacks, and cabins crowded with disease. Very quickly, the meager wealth of Cherry Creek was depleted, and prospectors began looking for another source. In the spring, a prospecting party of fourteen men led by former California miner Reuben J. Spaulding travelled to the vicinity of what is now Breckenridge to begin prospecting. The path the ‘59ers took to the area followed traditional trail used by the White River Ute bands (and presumably, the Plano culture) leading northwest from South Park, now known as Tarryall Pass. The party ascended the Continental Divide over a saddle dividing Boreas Peak and Hoosier Ridge, and then joined the Boreas Pass Road to descend into the valley via Indiana Gulch where they camped, choosing an eddy location at the confluence of Indiana Gulch and the Blue River. The choice of this location shows the level of experience on the part of Spaulding. Gold, while in its parent source, is found deep within veins bound into distinctive quartz “country rock.” High velocity waterways will free the quartz and carries both the country rock and gold downstream until a deviation in the channel slows the pace of the stream. This allows the heavy gold to sink to the streambed and deposit into a matrix of black dirt mixed with small quartz gravels. Known as Placer deposits, the stream-based gold was the primary source for gold prior to the 1870s. Spaulding’s expertise paid off, and the pit marked the first documented gold discovery in the Breckenridge location. The party took out claims and constructed a cabin and a fortified log encampment at the location. The following days yielded more and more gold, and news of their success soon travelled. By 1860 several camps were set up along the Blue River, boasting a combined population of 8,000 men. The largest of the camps was Camp Breckinridge—note the different spelling—approximately 1 mile north of the original Spaulding placer. Historians dispute the origins of the name Breckinridge, but the accepted lore is that the camp was named for the Vice President of the US serving under Buchanan. Breckinridge vocalized Confederate sympathies at the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War, and the Union-supporting camp changed the name to its current spelling, voicing their protest over the Vice President’s stance. The inhabitants of Breckinridge and the surrounding camps formed an independent government known as a Mining District, a participatory democracy in which all of the miners would draft a constitution governing life in the camp. The resulting district was titled the Breckenridge RoverXchange
Rally 2011
District, and would represent the earliest Western Slope mining district. Existence in the gold camps was a harsh, hardscrabble way of living. Late arrivals most often lived in small, canvas tents with exposed earth floors often awash with a mixture of mud and manure washing in from the street during the daily Colorado monsoons. These tents would be steeped with the reality of 19th century work camp life. Lacking a municipal water source or sewer, the encampment would have been saddled with a tactile stench, consisting of a blend of campfire smoke, draught animals, human waste, and dozens of men sick or dying from cholera. Fresh produce and food was a non-entity. Those who came earlier would build a log cabin within their claims. Although much better than a tent, the cabins were intended as a temporary measure, and, even by contemporary standards, drafty and ramshackle clumsy affairs. The journey to the camps was equally as harsh, requiring inexperienced men laden with supplies to hike a minimum of 30 miles over the emasculating might of the Colorado Front Range, through snow drifts dozens of feet deep, in temperatures that were capable of ranging between 15º and 85º in a single day. As a consequence, the bulk of the prospecting horde was male, aged between 15 and 35, and single. Very few women found their way into the camps, and if they did, they were rarely there to mine. The evolution of mining in Breckenridge followed a different trajectory than that of other mining districts in Colorado. By 1864, placer deposits outside of the Breckenridge district had been all but fully depleted, driving mining operations underground. Miners in Breckenridge, however, continued to derive great wealth from a series of unique deposits concentrated along French Gulch to the north. Placer mining is often associated with the popular caricature of a prospector, bearing pickaxe, two teeth, and a ragged pan he abuses a hat-wearing mule into precarious gulches to pan for gold and comes out with little more than dog-eared pockets. This is, on a less entertaining level, true of the early placer mining operations, but as the wealth of the deposit became evident, miners in French Gulch adopted the dramatic process of hydraulic mining. Devised in California, water would be channeled through a complex of increasingly narrower aqueducts from a high altitude lake coming to a head at a www.SolihullSociety.org
5
monitor, or water canon. From the monitor, a great arc of water would erupt, dissolving away the mountain side and washing it into sorting sluices in the valley floor below. The resulting face of the landscape was stricken and denuded, completely devoid of vegetation and with more than half of each mountain simply washed downstream. The spectacle of this process is evident today in great fields of barren spoil covering the once verdant valley floors, and denuded knobshaped mountaintops. The Breckenridge miners also attempted subsurface mining during the 1870s, but ultimately returned to placer mining in 1898. The return to placer mining was marked by the introduction of the first dredge boat in Colorado, and second in the nation, which was installed on French Creek. Dredging, as opposed to hydraulic mining, used a large barge fitted with an enormous mechanical boom that was placed atop a placer deposit. The boom, similar to a conveyor belt, gathered up the gravel riverbed supporting the boat through a rotating array of scoops whirling around the arm. The first attempts at dredging failed, as the buckets frequently broke and the project was abandoned until 1907, when higher grades of steel became available. After 1907, dredging became the primary mining technique used in the valley, and by 1910, five dredges were in simultaneous operation. The dredges worked year round, regardless of season, eventually excavating large square ponds that the boat would come to rest on. These sites are recognizable by large, regular ponds surrounded by conical piles of gravel waste material dumped from the dredge boom. Crews manned these locations year round, resulting in large steel boarding houses and company stores, generally evident nearby. The gluttonous dredges tracked slowly through every possible exploitable crevice in the Mining District, eventually, and quite literally, consuming the original 1859 Breckenridge town site along with the ore. The appetite of the great machines filled the newly rebuilt town of Breck6
RoverXchange
enridge with incomparable wealth spurring the construction of neatly trimmed, calico Victorian mansions and storefronts now incomparably well preserved in the largest historic district in Colorado, downtown Breckenridge. The nature of gold is that it is finite, as is its wealth: by 1945 all of the gold in the valley had been extracted. The constant groan and thump of the dredge boats ceased, leaving the once humming valley in oppressive silence. People left the area with the same intent that they had come with, and the city that once boasted itself as the only permanent mining settlement in the western fields could now only cry of 250 permanent citizens. The people of the valley labored along the long curvature of economic collapse for the next 15 years, when town leaders issued a permit for the construction of ski slopes to the Rounds and Porter Lumber Company of Wichita, Kansas. On December 16, 1961 Breckenridge Ski Resort officially opened with only two lifts: a single T bar lift and a single double-chair lift. Despite the fact that construction of Interstate 70 had not yet extended into the area, the first season at Breckenridge recorded an astounding 17,000 visitors. The injection of new money into the town allowed for redevelopment and the designation of Breckenridge as an historic district. Throughout the late twentieth century the popularity of Breckenridge as a travel destination only grew. The charming hills, formed in the crucible of the mining industry, now draw well over 1.1 million visitors from around the world annually, garnering the accolade of the most visited resort in the United States. It can be difficult to see the hardscrabble past of Breckenridge and the surrounding valleys through the clean, almost whimsical palette and dressed stone of Main Street, or through the uncontrollable chapped grin found on over 1 million visitors each year. But as one of the longest continually occupied locations in Colorado, featuring the largest, and one of the best preserved historic districts in Colorado the deep and complex continuum of history evident the stones is honest and tangible, distinguishing this valley as a unique location amongst all other Colorado mountain resorts.
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
References Ubbelohde, Carl, Maxine Benson and Duane Smith (1976) A Colorado History, revised edition, Pruett Publishing Company, Boulder, CO Cassells, E. Steve (1997) Archaeology of Colorado: Revised Edition, Johnson Books, Boulder, CO. Simms, Steven (2008) Ancient Peoples of the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (2011), COMPASS Database, electronic database available at: http://www.historycolorado.org/oahp/compass, (restricted access). Vail Resorts Management Company (2011), History of Breckenridge, electronic document available at: , http://www. breckenridge.com/town/breckenridge-facts/breckenridge-history.aspx#1950to2000#Top Stone, Wilbur Fiske (1918) History of Colorado: Vol. 1, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill. Sagstetter, Beth (1998), The Mining Camps Speak: A New Way to Explore the Ghost Towns of the American West, Benchmark Publishing, Denver, CO. Twitty, Eric (2002), Riches to Rust, Western Reflections Publishing Co., Lake City, CO. Photos US Deptartment of the Interior (2009), http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/prog/bcc/points/hellgap.html Ring, James (1880) Gold Sluicing in Dillman Town via Wikipedia Commons, image available at: http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/File:Gold_sluicing,_Dillman_Town,_West_Coast,_188-%3F.jpg Huff, L.C. (1950) Gold dredge east of Fairplay, CO via Wikipedia, image available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ File:FairplayDredge.jpg
In Memoriam: Todd “Thor” Pfortmiller by Thom Robinson
I first met Todd at the annual Solihull Society Christmas party that was held at the Mount Vernon Country Club. It was a cold afternoon with a little snow on the ground already. I was in the room socializing and out of the corner on my eye I see a tall guy walk into the room with a big smile on his face and wearing shorts. “Well it is Colorado”, I think to myself. As he starts talking to a few people, I see that he is wearing bright orange Crocs! “OK, whatever floats your boat,” runs through my head. As he mingles a little more, he finally makes his way over to me. “Hi, I’m Todd Pfortmiller,” he says. I introduce myself and we Todd at the wheel of his built Rangie, Sir William make some small talk and discuss what Rovers we have. He asks me where I live and I say, Highlands Ranch. He says, “me too.” He says, “What part?” I say “Firelight” and he says “me too.” I ask who the builder of the house was and he tells me it was the same builder of our house. It turns out we lived a street apart from each other! What are the odds of that? It didn’t take long to become good friends—he was like that. He was a gregarious guy whom everyone seemed to be drawn to. A quick wit, very funny, lots of stories, lots to say, very even tempered and always a positive attitude but he had quite a bit of history to him. Look up his user profile on the forum page sometime. Thor seems to suit him…. Dr. Todd Pfortmiller, Todd, Thor, Husband, Dad, friend. You touched a lot of people, but your time with us was far too short. You fought hard to stay with those you loved and your love of life kept you going. I am glad I knew you. I think about you all the time. You are missed. RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
7
Breckenridge City Map
8
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
Village at Breck 535 South Part Avenue Breckenridge Police Department 150 Valley Brook St (970) 453-2941 US Post Office 305 South Ridge Street (970) 547-0347 City Market 400 North Park Avenue
He’s only got one horsepower, but his gas mileage and traction control are fantastic. Photo by Brad Allen
(970) 453-0818 BRECKENRIDGE AUTOMOTIVE CARE INC. 1805 Airport Road (970) 547-1304 Airport Road Auto Repair 1700 Airport Road (970) 453-1823 A-1 Auto Repair 0156 Huron Road (970) 453-4653 CARQUEST Auto Parts 795 Blue Ridge Road
This photo was taken in Colorado near Breck. Was it taken in July or February? Photo by Tate Crumbley
Silverthorne, CO 80498 (off map) (970) 468-8900 F-LOT NORTH GONDOLA LOT - TRAIL STAGING Trail Staging Parking Lot Stephen C West Ice Arena 189 Boreas Pass Road (970) 547-9974 Loaf 'n Jug 7-Eleven Breckenridge Medical Center 555 South Park Avenue, (970) 453-1010
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
9
Trails! Argentine Pass — Easy (3-4) A fairly easy trail south of Georgetown, which leads up to the old Waldorf townsite and Santiago Mine. Portions of the trail used to go up the river for a ways, but this has been changed a few years ago. It is a very scenic trail which goes above timberline, and has great views and several side trails.
Browns and Breakneck Passes — Easy (3-4) These are mostly mellow trails which are below timberline, but which have nice scenery. There are a couple of slightly difficult spots and an old mine along the way. They are reached via the Weston Pass road. The trails can have heavy undergrowth in a few spots, so pinstripes are a possibility.
Boreas Pass — Easy (1-2) This is an easy trail that connects Breckenridge to Como. It generally has a lot of potholes. There are many historical sites along the road, along with a restored water tank that used to service the steam train that followed this route.
Chihuahua Gulch — Moderate (4-5) This is a trail off of Peru Creek. It is a moderate trail which is fairly rocky. It crosses the edge of a marshy area, so please stay on the trail in this section. It ends at a little over 11,000 feet. The trail has very limited parking at the end. The trail is more challenging when wet and has some great scenery.
Crystal Lakes — Moderate (4) This is a shorter trail just out of Breckenridge. It travels along, and sometimes in Crystal Creek. The trail doesn’t go much further past Lower Crystal Lake, but gets much rougher as it goes towards an old mine. From Lower Crystal Lake or a side road going top Mayflower Lakes, one can hike to Continental Falls.
Deer Creek/Saints John — Easy (3) These trails are often run as a loop although Deer Creek connects to other trails such as red Cone/Webster Passes and Radical Hill. They start and end in the town of Montezuma. Deer Creek is a mellow trail, while Saints John has some rougher and fairly steep sections, and shouldn’t be run by inexperienced drivers. Mountain goats are often seen along this trail.
Georgia Pass — Easy (3) While this trail is normally fairly easy, abundant rain and snow have eroded and softened the ground. The trail may possibly be closed until repairs can be made. It is often run in conjunction with other trails as it starts in Breckenridge and ends in Jefferson. It gets up just below timberline and connects with Glacier Ridge trail.
Glacier Ridge Trail — Moderate (4-5) This trail starts at the top of Georgia Pass, and follows a northerly route along the ridge and continental divide. It has one connecting trail, SOB Hill, which is usually run in the other direction, and which has serious boulders. Glacier Ridge however has it’s own loose rocky hill climbs, and some narrower sections and steep dropoffs. It is a moderately difficult trail which ends at Glacier Peak at 12,853 feet.
Holy Cross — Difficult (7-9) This trail is west of Breckenridge, west of Vail, and is one of the harder trails in this area. Lockers and lots of ground clearance are mandatory! Vehicles should have at least 34” tires if not larger, and an experienced driver. The trail follows many rocky sections, crosses French Creek which is a major obstacle. It goes up to Holy Cross City, which is private property, and has an even harder section past this.
10
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
Trails! Indiana Creek — Moderate (4) A short trail just out of Breckenridge that is used to connect to Boreas Pass or turning onto FR 597, goes towards the old mining town of Dyersville and the Warriors Mark Mine.
Keystone Gulch — Easy (2-3) This is an easy trail which winds it’s way up Keystone Mountain over the course of 14 miles, ending at the Erickson Mine. There is a fantastic view from the top, and a minor water crossing on the way up.
McCallister Gulch/ Ptarmigan Pass — Moderate (3-6) This trail is usually run in conjunction with Ptarmigan Pass, forming a loop. They are accessed from the east side by Shrine Pass Road. The trails offer some wonderful sub-timberline scenery and have a moderately easy rating. Rain can make some of the hills harder as they get muddy.
Mill Creek Trail — Moderate (3-4) This trail is usually run in conjunction with Red Elephant Hill or Bill Moore Lake trails. It is a moderate trail with rocky sections and two water crossings. The exits from the water crossings are somewhat challenging with wet tires, and the second rocky section, if traveling west, is more difficult than the first.
Mosquito Pass — Easy (2-3) This trail goes between Alma and Leadville. It is a moderately easy trail which passes by the old North London Mine. It is the highest pass in Colorado which can be driven over. At the summit is a memorial plaque for Father Dwyer. There are great views of the surrounding mountains from this trail. The east side is harder than the west. It is often extremely windy up top and cool, so be prepared.
North Fork & Middle Fork Trails — Moderate (4-5) These two trails can be combined to form a loop, or run with several other trails in the area. They both start from Breckenridge and meet a little south of Radical Hill up above timberline. They are both moderate trails with some moderately steep climbs/descents and great scenery. Mountain goats frequent the area around where they meet.
Peak 10 Trail — Easy (3) This trail wanders up among the ski runs high above Breckenridge, and provides a great view of the Blue River Valley below. It ends on peak 10 at around 13,360 feet, but a hike can take you up to the 13,633 foot summit. This is an easy trail.
Peru Creek Trail — Easy (1-2) This is an easy trail out of Montezuma, and it leads to several more difficult trails such as Chihuahua Gulch. there are many old mines along the trail and a cabin or two. As with other trails in the area, it has great scenery. It is more rutted than usual, most likely from the recent rains.
Radical Hill — Moderate (4-5) This shorter trail is run along with a variety of others such as deer Creek, Red Cone, and webster Passes. It has some off camber sections, a steeper narrow climb along a very steep hillside, some rocky sections, and has an old cabin. Mountain goats are on this trail and surrounding hillsides, and especially along the top ridge. It is a moderately hard trail.
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
11
Trails! Red Cone — Moderate (4) This trail starts at the base of Kenosha Pass, and is one way, ending at the top of Webster Pass. It has many rocky sections, some steep climbs, and most notably, a very steep descent with drop offs on either side. Going off here would ruin your day. It is a moderately difficult trail and good clearance is helpful. It has great views as it goes above timberline. It is usually windy up top.
Red Elephant Hill — Moderate (4-6) This trail is by the town of Lawson. Though not terribly rocky, it is challenging with some steeper hills that can be extremely difficult if muddy. It connects to Mill Creek and Bill Moore trails. The trail stays in the pine and aspens.
Santa Fe Peak — Easy (3) This trail starts out in Montezuma, not far from Peru Creek, so you may want to air down at the Peru Creek trailhead then come back to start the trail. It has many switchbacks and sections of exposed shelf road. There are two mines along the road, but the Silver Wave mine, on the other side from the top, has very limited space, so groups should not go down. Some sections have a severe dropoff, so this trail shouldn’t be attempted if it has snow. However, in general, it is an easier moderate trail with great scenery.
Shrine Pass — Easy (1) This is more of a road than a trail, but is used to access McCallister Gulch and Ptarmigan Pass. It is off of the top of Vail Pass. Be careful as sometimes there are sheep (domestic, not big horn) along the road.
Spring Creek — Difficult (6-8) This hardcore trail starts in Lawson and ends at the top at Saxon Mountain Trail. This trail has very large boulders in the “Rock garden” as well as other difficult areas. I am told it is harder than normal, probably due to the excessive rain of late, and that even those with 44” tires have a hard time on it. Damage is not uncommon.
Twin Cone — Moderate (5-6) This trail starts at the summit of Kenosha Pass on the east side, and winds its way above timberline to the 13,000+ foot summit. It has difficult rocky sections, a steep loose hill climb, and usually water in several areas. The windy and cool view from up top are well worth the trip, making you feel as though you are on top of the world. This is a fairly difficult trail, though 32” tires, and a good driver can make it. Body damage to sills is possible depending on clearance.
Webster Pass — Moderate (3-4) This pass is usually run along with Red Cone. At the current time, it is still snowed in with 30+ feet of snow, so it may not be open for the rally. It has a long section along a steep dropoff, and often has eroded sections making it even narrower. Not for those who don’t like heights. It has a water crossing or two and travels past an old mine on it’s way to meet Red Cone or get to Hwy 285.
Wheeler Lake — Difficult (5-7) This trail, off of Hoosier Pass, is a moderately difficult trail. It has several obstacles, and all but Bowling Ball Hill have various level of difficulty bypasses. There are several water crossings, and with all the rain, most likely a mud pit. There is an old mine off of a spur road to the south, just below Bowling Ball Hill. The trail ends at a beautiful alpine lake, Wheeler lake of course.
Text and most photos from Jim Hall Other photos from TrailDamage.com and wikipedia 12
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
13
Solihull Society National Land Rover Rally 2011 Rally Roads
White River National Forest
American Gulch/Humbug Hill Argentine Pass Bill Moore Lake Boreas Pass
VAIL
Browns & Breakneck Pass Chihuahua Gulch
DI
Crystal Lake Deer Creek/Saints John Georgia Pass
FRISCO
Glacier Ridge/North Fork Holy Cross
Shrine Pass
Indiana Creek/Dyersville
ger District
Kenosha Backroads Keystone Gulch
BRECKEN
McAllister G ulch
McAllister Gulch
Ptarmigan Pass Peak 10
Middle Fork of the Swan Mill Creek Mosquito Pass
Cry stal Lak e
Holy Cross
Indian Dye
North Fork of the Swan Peak 10
ger District
Peru Creek
Wheeler Lake
Ptarmigan Pass Radical Hill Red Cone Red Elephant Hill
Mosquito Pas s
Santa Fe Peak Saxon Mountain/Cascade Creek Shrine Pass
LEADVILLE
Spring Creek Twin Cone
San Isabel National Forest
Webster Pass
nger District
14
Wheeler Lake Forest Boundaries
RoverXchange
Browns & Breakneck Passes
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
Mill Creek
Bill Moore Lake
Arapaho National Forest
Red Elephant Hill
Spring Creek
GEORGETOWN
ILLON
Saxon Mountain/ Cascade Creek
Argentine Pass Chihuahua Gulch
Breckenridge Fun Fact:
Peru Creek Santa Fe Peak Deer Creek/ Saints J ohn Keys tone Gulch
North Fork of the Swan
Radical Hill Red Cone
NRIDGE
Middle Fork of the Swan
American Gulch/ Humbug Hill
Webster Pass
Pike National Forest
For a short time around 1999, the Breckenridge police drove Land Rover Discoveries. Photo by Jim Hall
Glacier Ridge/ North Fork Georgia Pass
Kenosha Back roads
na Creek/ ers ville
Twin Cone
Boreas Pass
FAIRPLAY
Map courtesy Ralph Bradt
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
15
2011 National Rally Sponsors Platinum JC’s British & 4x4 We’ve changed our name to JC’s British & 4x4 (formerly JC’s Rover & 4x4), but that is all that has changed. You can expect the same honestly, expertise and customer service as always. No matter what Rover you own, from the newest LR4 and Range Rover to an older Discovery or Series truck, we can help you maintain, repair or modify your vehicle. Our staff consists of previously factory trained Land Rover Master & Certified Techs, as well as ASE Master Techs and ASE Certified Techs. The JC’s British & 4×4 team are committed to quality service, honesty, and fair pricing. We have over 30 years of combined Land Rover experience and over 45 years combined automotive service experience. Owner: Jeffrey Corwin has been working on Land Rovers since 1999, and has an AAS Degree in Automotive Engineering. An avid off roader, and member of the Solihull Society. Leif Pederson: Service advisor and Manager, has over 10 years Land Rover experience. I met Leif for the first time as a coworker while working for Land Rover Denver South. He has since worked as both a service writer and technician for both the dealership and for another independent shop that worked on Land Rovers and other high end European vehicles. Dave Adkins is an ASE Master Technician and prior Land Rover Master Technician, with close to 15 year Land Rover experience. He just left Lexus to join our team, and worked with Ryan at the Denver East dealership for many years. I met Dave when I first started at Land Rover Denver South, where I was impressed by his work ethics and personality. Ryan Getto is an ASE Master Technician and prior Land Rover Certified Technician, with close to 15 years Land Rover experience. Ryan also has factory Acura experience as well as independent repair shop BMW and Audi experience. Eric Bell: is an ASE certified technician with prior Land Rover factory training, going through Land Rover’s Apprenticeship Program. I have worked with Eric at both Land Rover Denver South, and at Pep Boys before that. Brandon Fike: Technician with over 3 years Rover experience working for me previously, and has just returned to the shop. Brandon has over 10 years experience in the automatic transmission field as well. We carry both Land Rover Genuine parts as well as high quality aftermarket parts to ensure the job is done right the first time. We back that with a full 12 month, 12 thousand mile warranty. Extended warranties welcome.
Gold Stay the Trail The idea for Stay The Trail Colorado was born in 2003 when a small group of off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts decided a new approach to land management issues was needed in Colorado. This new approach was to educate the public on responsible OHV use and to develop a sense of stewardship for our public lands among OHV enthusiasts. Since our first brochure was published in 2005, the program has grown into a resource that both the public and the land management agencies can count on to educate the public and protect our natural resources in Colorado. www.staythetrail.com
16
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
2011 National Rally Sponsors Gold Suncor Energy In 1967, we pioneered commercial development of Canada’s Athabasca oil sands — one of the world’s largest petroleum resource basins. Since then, Suncor has grown to become a globally-competitive, Canadian-based integrated energy company with a balanced portfolio of high quality assets, a strong balance sheet and significant growth prospects. Across Canada and Colorado, Suncor’s downstream operations market the company’s refined products to industrial, commercial and retail customers. We have refineries in Edmonton, Alberta, Sarnia, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec and Commerce City, Colorado. We also sold about 15% of all petroleum products sold in Canada in 2008. Our Lubricants business is the largest producer of quality lubricant base stocks in Canada. www.suncor.com
Tread Wright TreadWright, Inc has a long history of making retreads. It began with grandpa Joe Hawkins in Colorado Springs, co-training young Rick Hawkins at 13 years old. Rick remembers hearing, “If a jobs worth doing, do it right!” and tried to always keep that in mind. He valued his customers and liked to treat them well and is greatly rewarded when he sees them return again and again. www.treadwright.com
Silver Premium Parts for LAND ROVERS
Final Version "S": 93 Helvetica Neue Black Extended w/ Horizontal Scale of 175% 1. PMS-287 2. Black 3. White
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
17
Bill Burke’s
4-Wheeling America 970-858-3468 … bb4wa@bb4wa.com
Premier Training for all users of 4-wheel drives and all skill levels. Driving Techniques. Recovery. Safety. Environmental Awareness. Getting Prepared. Trail Spotting. Navigation. Field Fixes.
“Amazing. Incredible. Far beyond what I had expected. All these things come to mind to describe my weekend. For me, the biggest thing I took away was safety. Seeing the more serious rigs and what they could do was awesome, and practicing the techniques to overcome obstacles was incredible, too, but being safe in doing it is the glue that holds it all together. The other thing I was impressed with was you as a person. We’ve all met people that are experts in one area or another that are totally unapproachable and can’t be bothered talking to a beginner. You taking the time to explain things made all the difference.” Pat Munhall, On the Road...Maine
www.bb4wa.com We hold BLM & USFS permits to operate on public lands.
●Private Instruction One-on-one with Bill Burke.
●Group Training Comprehensive training programs that include all you need to know about going into the remote back country safety.
●Industrial & Government Training Programs
“Just a quick note of thanks for a truly great trip. All of “A few of us had the chance to spend the our expectations were exceeded; everyone from my weekend with Bill here incame the 4-year old to mywheeling wife and 4-wheeling friends Northeast…. I have to say it's time well away with a whole new perspective and appreciation and one of the best forspent all things “off-road.” There wasinvestments something foryou everymake your wheeling experience body!can Hard core for wheeling, camping and sightseeing all blended seamlessly under Bill’s guidance.” and knowledge.” David M., ‘03 Nick Vanoff, Private Training Moab
DVDs by Bill Burke ●Getting UNStuck
●Getting PREpared
Safe recovery techniques. Real life situations!
Watch this DVD before you head out! Includes 8page booklet!
Custom safety programs for organizations that use 4WD vehicles in their operations.
●Trail Leader Training Trail leading is serious business not to be taken lightly. It is also fun if you are prepared for all situations. Learn skills needed to safely lead clubs, friends, and other groups.
18
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
MembershipInformation Application for Membership/Renewal Please print clearly.
Name:
Email:
Address: City:
State:
Zip: Cell Phone:
Home Phone: Occupation: Present Land Rovers: Past Land Rovers:
How did you learn about our club? _____________________________________________________________________ May we share the above information with other club members? Yes Type of Application: New member Renewal
No
Type of Membership: Family (F) -- $50.00 Out of state (O) -- $30.00
Waiver:
I/We, in consideration of my/our participation in the Solihull Society Land Rover Club, [hereafter referred to as club] do hereby release Solihull Society, its members, officers, sponsors, successors and assigns from any and all responsibility or liability for any and all claims, arising from or related to the activities and my/our participation in and all events sponsored and/or involving the club. I/We understand and acknowledge off-highway driving is a hazardous activity with inherent dangers, which can result in severe property damage, serious bodily injury and/or death. With full knowledge of such risks, hazards and potential for damage, injury or death, I/We voluntarily and knowingly assume such risks and hazards and agree, that the club, its members, officers, sponsors, successors and assigns shall not be liable in any way, to me/us for any claims for damages, injuries or death resulting from my/our participation in the club’s events. I/We acknowledge my/our vehicle is in good mechanical condition, and said vehicle is insured for bodily injury liability insurance and personal injury protection insurance and/or medical payment coverage, as required by its' state of registration. I/We are advised to consult with our insurance broker/agent about availability of and adequacy of present medical payment coverage should I/We and/or our passengers sustain bodily injury, while operating my/our motor vehicle. I/We further acknowledge the driver/operator of the vehicle is licensed to operate a motor vehicle and the license is not under suspension. This waiver/release of liability is binding on our heirs, insurers, personal representatives or assignees.
Signature
Date
Club Use Only: Cash Check # Quicken Deposit slip
20
RoverXchange
Email to member Roster Member card # Welcome packet
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
DealershipDISCOUNTS
Our members receive exclusive discounts at Denver area Land Rover dealerships
The Colorado Denver East Dealership offers:
15%
DISCOUNT ON PARTS & LABOR
Includes courtesy vehicle. Will install customer parts. Contact dealer for details.
The Colorado Flatirons Dealership offers: Flatirons
15%
DISCOUNT ON PARTS & LABOR
Superior, Colorado
The Colorado Springs Dealership offers:
15%
DISCOUNT ON PARTS & LABOR
JC’s British & 4x4 offers:
10%
RoverXchange
DISCOUNT ON LABOR
Parts typically 10%-20% cheaper than list
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
21
Health and Safety in Breckenridge Accute Mountain Sickness (AMS) (High Altitude Sickness)
Mine Safety Mining Legacy:
AMS usually causes symptoms at least 8 to 36 hours after ascent. Symptoms of AMS can include, but are not limited to: •Headache that is not relieved by OTC pain relievers •Nausea or vomiting •Dizziness or lightheadedness •Weakness or fatigue •Difficulty sleeping •Loss of appetite
Colorado’s heritage is mining. It’s what led many people to the state in 1859 and was the most important economic activity for many years. Over 23,000 hazardous mines and 1,300 miles of streams are impacted by past mining.
As your body makes the normal adjustments to adapt to a higher altitude, you may experience a few symptoms that are bothersome but are not cause for concern. These include rapid (but still comfortable) breathing, shortness of breath with strenuous exercise (i.e. hiking, climbing, or mountain biking), occasional short pauses in breathing during sleep, and frequent urination. The last two symptoms are caused by a lowered carbon dioxide level which triggers adjustments in the brain and kidneys. More serious symptoms are caused by a lowered carbon dioxide level in the blood stream, and adjustments that are made by your circulation system and the assistance that may help alleviate the symptoms. If you begin to show symptoms of moderate AMS, don’t go any higher until the symptoms decrease. If symptoms increase: Go down, Go down, Go down!!! Keep in mind that different people will acclimate differently and at different rates. Make sure everyone in the party is properly acclimated before progressing higher. STAY PROPERLY HYDRATED!!! ACS is commonly accompanied by the loss of fluids, so drink PLENTY of water (at least four to six liters per day). Alcohol and sugary drinks may quench your thirst but can increase dehydration. Urine should be clear to faint yellow. Take it easy: don’t over exert yourself when you first get to altitude. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because sleep respiration decreases, exacerbating the symptoms.
Mine openings may seem safe to explore but are dangerous and can contain unstable soil, unsafe roofs and ladders, deadly gases, poisonous snakes and dangerous explosives. Abandoned Mine Safety The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) reminds everyone that abandoned mines are dangerous. The DRMS has been safeguarding abandoned/ inactive mines since 1980. Of the estimated 23,000 abandoned mines, 6,127 have been made safe by the DRMS. Be Smart: Stay Out Of Abandoned Mines And Stay Alive Last year, 22 people died nationwide while exploring abandoned mines. Victims of mining accidents have encountered deadly odorless gasses, fell down holes that opened under their weight, drowned in near-freezing pools of water at the bottom of shafts, and were buried in unpredictable cave-ins. Many people are injured and killed every year while “just exploring” abandoned mines. Don’t be a victim. Stay Out. Stay Alive. http://mining.state.co.us
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and any depressant drugs including; barbiturates, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, opiates (such as dihydrocodeine), and cannabis based drugs. Eat a high calorie diet when at altitude! Forget your diet...the rest of your health depends on these foods. Remember: •AMS is worsened by overexertion, dehydration, and alcohol •Besides moving to a lower altitude, you can treat mild AMS with rest, water, and pain relievers.
22
RoverXchange
A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados
STTposter_2.ai
10/4/10
11:37:49 AM
Keep Your Wheels Where They Belong Going around obstacles widens trails, impacts vegetation and causes erosion. Challenge yourself by staying on the trail. Use caution when going over obstacles and remember to be courteous to other trail users.
Get Dirty
No Shortcuts
Go straight through mud puddles while maintaining a steady speed. Don’t get stuck.
Switchbacks are designed to maintain the stability of a trail, cutting them destroys their integrity.
Rock N Roll
Stay In Line
Rocks are natural obstacles and part of the off-road experience. Go over them, not around.
Riding single file on tight, narrow trails will avoid braiding and trail widening.
Get Over It
Stay On Course
The challenge is going over the tree. If the tree is too big, go back and contact the land manager.
Stream crossings should be made by crossing them directly at 90 degrees and staying on the trail.
Whoop it Up
Be Sensitive
Go over the whoops (bumps on trails created by constant use). If you want a smooth ride, stay on the highway.
Wetlands are important and sensitive areas for wildlife and people. Please avoid them. © 2010 Responsible Recreation Foundation, All rights reserved. “Stay the Trail” & “Keep Your Wheels Where They Belong” are registered trademarks of the Responsible Recreation Foundation
Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition
RoverXchange
Rally 2011
www.SolihullSociety.org
23
®
Solihull Society PO Box 480864 Denver, CO 80248-0864