2007rally edition

Solihull SocietyPO Box 480864Denver, CO 80248-

Photo: Black Bear Pass Uncompahgre National Forest Pointing West Toward Telluride, CO

LAND ROVER NATIONAL RALLYRoverXchange Special Edition 2007

Montrose, Colorado

� RoverXchange A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados

RoverXchangeThe Rover Xchange is a 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 COntaCtSPresident – Larry Grubbs [email protected] – David Garbs [email protected] Jenny Burris [email protected]/Membership Beth Dyson-MuskopfTrail Events Coordinator Ralph Brandt [email protected] Events Coordinator Larry Grubbs [email protected] Sponsorship Coordinators David Bennet [email protected] Ali Vali [email protected] Issues Coordinator Jim Hall [email protected] Dave Lane [email protected] Admin David Garbs [email protected] – www.solihullsociety.orgNewsletter 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 either a JPEG, TIFF or EPS files. The articles can be submitted either via email ([email protected]) or mailed on a CD to David Lane at the following address: 106 Estack Place, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Materials will be returned upon request.Advertising – $25/issue or $100/year for 1/4 page ads. Payment must accompany all camera-ready ads. Make check payable to Solihull Society. Free classified ads to members. $5/issue to non-members.Club Membership – $60/year includes membership in the Colorado Association of 4-Wheel Drive Club, their newsletter, the Rover Xchange newsletter, and all the trail rides you can take! Make check pay-able to Solihull Society and mail it to the address on the back of this newsletter.

PresidentialROVINGSLRNR 2007

Welcome Land Rover National Rally attendees! This is the 16th Annual Land Rover National Rally and looks to be the best yet. This year we have over 350 attendees from all over the US as well as Canada and the UK. We have an exciting event on tap this year. To start we will be running some of the finest trails Colorado has to offer. Some important points to remember about Colorado, currently we are in our Monsoon season which basically means it can rain at any time. In fact you should just expect it to rain while in the mountains on the trails. You should be prepared for this by bringing along some rain gear, as well as fleece and other clothing to keep warm. It can get quite cold in the mountains after rain and it’s actually not unheard of to encounter snow at high elevation trails in the summer! Please be sure to do a vehicle safety check each morning and afternoon after the trails. There is nothing worse than a vehicle failure that could have been prevented. Plan on arriving at the staging area each morning ready to go, meaning fueled up with plenty of water and something to eat as lunch will not be provided. Speaking of water be sure to bring at least one gallon per person in your car. Make sure you drink water constantly as well, if your not from Colorado you will be highly susceptible to altitude sickness which will ruin your vacation.

Each night we have something exciting planned for everyone while still allow time to catch up with old acquaintances, or make new ones! Thursday evening is our Social Event at the “Turn of the Century” club. Be prepared for a unique experience as we step back in time for an evening of cocktails and appetizers. Friday evening is our Annual Rover Expo at the Elks Lodge. All sponsors and vendors will be on hand showing off their products and services. In addition there will be drinks and BBQ provided by the sponsors. And as if this isn’t enough we will have entertainment for kids on hand as well as a Dunk Tank for your favorite trail leader! Notice I didn’t say Rally Coordinator;) We finish up Saturday night back at the Elks Lodge for the banquet and raffle. We will have tons of items at this years raffle and tickets will be available for only $1. 100% of raffle proceeds (and Dunk Tank) will go to the Montrose County Search & Rescue who will be on hand to collect their donation. So please bring your cash and donate to a good cause, you never know when you might need their help, and who knows you might come away with something cool in the process.

Most importantly, have a good time. If there is anything our staff can do to help you out please let us know. We welcome pats on the back as well, remember we are all unpaid and volunteer our time for this event. We look forward to seeing everyone in Moab next year for the 60th anniversary of Land Rover.

Larry GrubbsRally Coordinator, President

RoverXchange LRNR2007 www.SolihullSociety.org �

IN THIS ISSUERoverXchange

Land Rover National Rally 2007

Presidential Rovings 2Welcome to the 16th annual National Rally!

Event Schedule 6What is happening and when.

Montrose City Map 7Where to find what in the city of Montrose.

Required Equipment List 8What you need to have to run trails

Trail Difficulties 9How hard are you going to push yourself this year?

2007 Land Rover National Rally Trail Map 10-11

Membership Application and Renewal 12Application, information, and benefits of joining the Solihull Society.

2007 Land Rover National Rally Trail List 15Every trail that is available to run and a short discription about each.

Preparing for the Colorado High Country 18Just some tips and suggestions to help avoid common pitfalls of a tourist to Colorado.

Required Equipment 19What you have to have to run trails, and what to have to ensure your return.

We would like to thank the 2007 National Rally vendors for thier continual support.

Cimarron Creek Inc. Rovertym Engineering


We at the Solihull Society would like to thank our Sponsors for their continual support of the rally.


Land Rover National Rally 2007 Event Schedule

Wednesday, August 15th Check-in at Best Western Red Arrow Conference Room - 4:00pm-8:00pm. Thrusday, August 16th Check-in at Best Western Red Arrow Conference Room - 6:30am-8:00am. Meet at Montrose County Fairgrounds for Trails at 7:00am. See map for details. Trails: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Cocktail Party: Turn of the Century, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Registration available as well for late arrivals. See Map for details. Courtesy Shuttles will be provided to/from Rally hotels from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Friday, August 17th Check-in at Best Western Red Arrow Conference Room - 6:30am-8:00am. Meet at Montrose County Fairgrounds for Trails at 7:00am. See map for details. Trails: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Rover Expo: Elks Lodge, 5:30pm-8:30pm, Registration available as well for late arrivals. Alcohol to be provided by OffRoving (www.offroving.com). BBQ will be provided by our vendors. Sponsors and Vendors will be on-hand with the best aftermarket accessories for your Land Rover available for purchase. Rover Swap. Bring out those spare parts to get more spare parts. Non-Commercial only. Courtsey Shuttles will be provided to/from Rally hotels from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Saturday, August 18th Check-in at Best Western Red Arrow Conference Room - 6:30am-8:00am. Meet at Montrose County Fairgrounds for Trails at 7:00am. See map for details. Trails: 8:00am - 5:00pm Annual Banquet at Elks Lodge starting at 6:00pm. Food provided by Land Rover North America. OutdoorRafflefollowingthebanquet. Raffleproceedstobenefitlocalcharity. Courtesy Shuttle will be provided to/from Rally hotels from 5:30pm-10:30pm.

Photo: Black Bear Pass6

RoverXchange LRNR2007 www.SolihullSociety.org 7

Smash-A-Car Event


Item StatusFirst Aid Kit MandatoryCB Radio MandatoryRecovery equipment incl strap and rated shackles MandatoryFire Extinguisher MandatoryFront & Rear Recovery points MandatoryMinimum Tire Size StockRock Sliders PreferredMinimum Tire Size 30” diaWinch OptionalFront Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) OptionalRear Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) PreferredPre-trip inspection and approval by Trip Leader MandatoryMinimum Tire Size 31” diaWinch OptionalFront Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) OptionalRear Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) MandatoryPre-trip inspection and approval by Trip Leader MandatoryRock Sliders PreferredMinimum Tire Size 32” diaFront Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) PreferredRear Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) MandatoryRock Sliders MandatoryWinch PreferredPre-trip inspection and approval by Trip Leader MandatoryMinimum Tire Size 33” diaFront Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) MandatoryRear Traction Aid (ie Air Locker/Detroit Locker) MandatoryWinch MandatoryPre-trip inspection and approval by Trip Leader Mandatory

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2007 Required Equipment List

Below is a required equipment list for the various trail ratings encountered on the trails of Colorado. Items listed in the 1-5 Rating category are also required for all trail levels. It is up to the sole discretion of the trail leader to inspect your vehicle and determine its trail-worthiness for a specific trail. These guidelines are for your own safety and enjoyment and for the consideration of fellow rally participants.

Land Rover National Rally


2007 Trail Difficulties


There considerable personal interpretations of opinions regarding Colorado trails. Therefore, the below requirements should be used, by you as a participant, as a guide only. If you have any questions about the suitability of your vehicle to attempt the trails or your own driving experience/ability, discuss your situation with the organizers or trail leaders before over-committing yourself to a trail. The rating definitions below are used by the Solihull Society (with a little of the other trail ratings thrown in to help) and should be used as a starting guide only. There is a wealth of information to be found on the Internet about every trail. Spend some time and do the research. You may find it a useful way of deciding which trails are the ones for you.

DifficultTo attempt a difficult trail you need to have total confidence in both yourself and your vehicle. It is not the sort of trail to attempt if you are inexperienced or have a vehicle that is basically stock standard. If you are inexperienced or your vehicle lacks preparation then you can easily place man and machine in danger.

Medium–DifficultFor those of you who have been driving off road for some time and have gained a modicum of experience. Some trails will allow stock standard vehicles to pass unpunished however, it is recommended that improvements to vehicle capabilities be contemplated prior to attempting these trails. The better prepared your vehicle and the more experience you have the easier these trails will seem.

MediumStock standard vehicles with fairly inexperienced drivers can attempt. We would highly recommend that inexperienced drivers have attended some form of off road driver training and awareness course for their own safety. This year we are offering a off-road training class for those who wish to learn more about driving in this terrain and the equipment used when going off the beaten path.

EasyThese trails are suitable for bone stock vehicles with completely inexperienced drivers. Most trails are little more than dirt roads with very minor obstacles. The chance for vehicle damage is minimal.

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12 RoverXchange A Newsletter for Land Rover Aficionados

Application for Membership/Renewal Please print all information clearly.Name:__________________________________________________________________Email:_________________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________City:_____________________________________________________________State____________________________________________Zip:_________________________Home Phone:_______________________________________________Cell Phone:___________________________________________________________Occupation:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Present Land Rovers:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Past Land Rovers: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________May we share the above information with other club members? Yes No

Type of Application: Type of Membership: New member Single (S) -- $40.00 Renewal 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 dam-age, 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 Email to member Check # Roster Quicken Member card # Deposit slip Welcome packet

Membership Information

RoverXchange LRNR2007 www.SolihullSociety.org 1�

The Colorado Denver East Dealership offers Solihull Members:

The Colorado Flatirons Dealership offers Solihull Members:

The Colorado Springs Dealership offers Solihull Members:

Our members receive exclusive discounts at Denver area Land Rover dealer-

15%Service and Labor is only $97.50 per hour. Regular rate is $115

15%

15% DISCOUNT ON PARTS & LABOR

DISCOUNT ON PARTS

DISCOUNT ON PARTS

DealershipDISCOUNTS

10% DISCOUNT ON LABORParts typically 10%-20% cheaper than list.

JC’s Rover offers Solihull Members:


Do you have stuff that you need to sell? Did you know that classified ads are free to club members? Simply send an e-mail with a description of what you’re selling along with asking price and contact information and we’ll run it for free in the RoverXchange classifieds.

Send it to: [email protected]

CLASSIFIEDS & ANNOUNCEMENTSPRESIDENT - shall preside over all membership and Executive Committee meetings and be present at all events when possible. He shall be the executive officer and shall have the duty to carry out the policies and decisions of the Board of Directors.

VICE PRESIDENT - shall, in the absence of the President, serve in that capacity. He shall also serve as a Parliamentarian and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

SECRETARY - shall keep and preserve all records and minutes of the meeting of the regular mem-bership and the Board of Directors, shall keep a file system of membership and shall receive and answer all general correspondence pertaining to the organization.

TREASURER - shall keep accurate and complete records of the funds and accounts of this organi-zation and shall collect all dues and maintain a record thereof. He shall make only such disburse-ments from the funds of the organization as are directed by the Board of Directors and Article VII hereof.

Ballots shall be issued to each membership at check in.

A Letter From the EditorHello all and welcome to Montrose! We at Solihull Society have planned an exciting weekend of fun and off-roading. Wheeling by day, party by night. Live music, food, and drinks have all been planned out for your enjoyment. Please look through this newsletter for special information. In particular, please look over the list of essential equipment to have for the Colorado high country. Also, please give a huge thanks to everyone of the members in the club that have helped with the rally. We are all volunteers. None of us get paid for this. We do this for the love and enjoyment of our precious Land Rovers. I would like to also thank my wife, Cyndi, for helping me with this newsletter.Dave [email protected]

Photo: Poughkeepsie Gultch


The following os a list of the four-wheeling trails that are scheduled to be run during the National Rally 2007. Please note that not all of the trails will be run every day. In addition, this list is subject to change. The traditional Colorado trail difficulty is listed beside each trail name, as well as the Nation Rally interpretation of the trail difficulty.

Alpine Loop (Animus Forks, Engineer Pass, Cinnamon) - Rating 3 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumThese trails follow high alpine ridges and shelf roads. While the roads are steep and narrow in sections, they are all very well maintained. This not the trail to try and cure your agoraphobia. Many of the shelf roads are several hundred, if not thousand, feet off of the ravine floor. Please ensure you under-stand how to do proper engine braking. Other than this technique, enjoy the absolute stunning views of some of the highest roads in North America.

Animas Forks, Cinnamon Pass, Carson - Rating 4 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumThe road from Silverton to Animas Forks is passable by 2wd vehicles in all but the wettest weather. It is a pleasant drive along the Animus River that pasts many old mine sites, cemeteries, town sites, and even a tram way. This trail forms the southern half of the Alpine Loop. Cinnamon Pass is at 12,600 feet. The climb up to the pass is steep and rocky at points but passable by any vehicle with low range. This side trail off the Cinnamon Pass trail climbs south to the Carson ghost town, located on the Continental Divide.. Parts of the climb are steep and loose. The Town Site is very well preserved with a number of buildings still standing. Well worth the trip.

Bangs Canyon - Rating 7 Solihull Trail Rating - Medium-DifficultThis trail located just West of Grand Junction shares a few similarities of Porcupine Rim in Moab. This trails also leads to an extensive network of remote trails that boarder the Utah and Colorado border. Much of the trail is based on the slickrock like Moab. Shelves in the playground offer those wishing to test the limit to do so. Easy bypasses are available for any vehicle that wished to attempt this area.

Black Bear Pass - Rating 5 Solihull Trail Rating - Medium-DifficultThis trail, located on Red Mountain Pass, is probably one of the most famous trails in the area. So famous in fact that we have had to make special accommodations to handle the interest. This trail is not to be taken lightly and is not for someone with a fear of heights. Starting at about 11,500’ at the Red Mountain Pass, the one-way only Black Bear Pass Trail climbs up the switchbacks and quickly back above timberline. Being a one-way trail makes it easy to run, since there are very few spots to pass by on the trail. Also, the top switchbacks would not hold 2-way traffic, as they too are narrow and steep. One word of caution: if you are leery of cliff trails, this trail is chalk full of them and not for you. The trails rating is directly related to the narrow, steep switch backs. The switchbacks coming into Telluride are notorious, but so worth the ride! Vehicles MUST have lo-range, good brakes, and good tires. Almost every summer, someone drives off the edge, the results are fatal. Anything other then a short wheel base vehicle is going to need to make multi-point turns on the switch backs. The views from this trail are amazing. Ingram Lake, Black Bear Mine, and Bridal Falls are just some of the sights.

Bolam Pass, Scotch Creek - Rating 4 Solihull Trail Ratting- Medium Bolam Pass is a fairly easy pass road and climbs to 11,180 feet. Views of the Lizard Head and San Miguel Mountains. The trail started as a foot path used by the Ute Indians long before miners arrived in the 1860’s. In 1881 the route was surveyed as a railroad route. During WWII the road was improved to better gain access to the Graysill Mine. This mine produced Uranium for the first atomic bombs. Scotch Creek Historic trail travels through the southern mining district as it climbs back up to Bolam Pass.

Calamity - Rating 9 Solihull Trail Rating - DifficultThis is a hard-core trail located in the Dry Creek area west of Montrose. This is to be tried by only those extremists wish to push their rig to the absolute limits. Or just come out to watch the carnage.

Coal Canyon - Rating 8 Solihull Trail Rating - DifficultAnother trail outside of Grand Junction, this trail only gets its rating from the one obstacle, “The Monster”. The obstacle is optional as is entertaining coming to watch the big rigs attempt to tackle it. Coal Canyon is in the Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area, comprised of 26,525 acres of beautiful land. Within this large area is the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area. 80 to 120 wild horses roam free and are easily viewable from the trail. This is one of only three areas in the United States set aside for wild horses.

Hells Kitchen - Rating 6 Solihull Trail Rating - Medium-DifficultModerately difficult trail in the Grand Mesa National Forest. Portions of the trail feature water crossings, and mud holes.

Imogene Pass, Ophir Pass - Rating 4 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumThis trail being the second highest pass in Colorado, has spectacular views of some of the highest mountains in Colorado. The tight shelf roads cut right out of the rock face make this an unforgettable trip. At it’s highest point you will pass an elevation of 13,114 feet. The trail is easy for a stock four wheel drive vehicle with lo-range but is considered dangerous due to the narrow shelves, rockiness, and steepness. There are a number of famous mine sites along the trail including Tomboy. The Tomboy town site was once one of the most active mining towns in Colorado. There are a number of dramatic over-looks along the trail as well as numerous waterfalls.

2007 Trail List



2007 Trail List


Long Slough - Rating 6 Solihull Trail Rating - Medium-DifficultThis trail begins in the high plains just Southeast of Grand Junction. During the first part of the trail, you follow an easy meadow road going in and out of aspen grooves. Then you reach the reservoir of Long Slough. After this point, you enter the tight and wooded Grand Mesa National Forest. Pin striping is almost guaranteed. Mud bogs and wet tree roots during the last half of this trail give it every bit of its rating, and then some. Some have even described this area as “jungle like.”

Last Day Mine, Red Mountain Mines - Rating 4 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumShort steep trail just north of Silverton. Pleasant, fun drive that meanders through some old mining areas. Yankee Girl Mine, Long Fellow Mine, National Bell Mine, and Brooklyn Mine just to name a few. There are many historic mine buildings still standing in the area. The trail climbs to above 12,000 and features many scenic overlooks.

Mineral Creek, Animas Forks, Picayune, California Gulch - Rating 5 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumMineral Creek is a moderate trail at the north end of the Silverton trail network. After leaving the paved highway it quickly begins twisting along a nar-row shelf. The road is very rocky, but can be passed by any stock high clearance vehicle. There are a number of mines and waterfalls along the trail.

Mineral Creek , Poughkeepsie Gulch, Corkscrew Gulch - Rating 7 Solihull Trail Rating- Medium -DifficultThis trail is the most technically challenging trail in the Ouray area. It connects Mineral creek on one end to California Gulch and Corkscrew Gulch on the other end. Though it is short it will take awhile, especially if it’s wet. The high rating is because of one difficult area in the middle. If you travel starting from Engineer Pass you will tackle the obstacle uphill as it is meant to be traveled. There are many routes through the obstacle area, from dif-ficult to really crazy. There is no bypass for this obstacle that is not as hard (if not harder) than the obstacle itself. Easy-Moderate trail climbs away from the highway through old mining country. Mineral has a couple of switch backs and steep climbs. Passes between Red Mnt 1 and Red Mnt 2 and features breath taking views of the red rock landscape. Especially beautiful at sunset.


2007 Trail List


Rattle Snake Canyon, Colorado National Monument - Rating 3 Solihull Trail Rating - EasyThis trail is for you shutterbugs. If you don’t fill up memory cards, we will be surprised. The trail passes through the Colorado National Monument, then out onto the cliffs of Western Colorado. Here, you can see many sandstone arches. This area is only rivaled by that of the Arches National Monument in Moab for Arches.

Rough Creek, Rough Canyon - Rating 8 Solihull Trail Rating - DifficultExtreme canyon and rock terrain located in the Billings Canyon area West of Grand Junction.

Yankee Boy, Governors Basin - Rating 7 Solihull Trail Rating - Medium-DifficultThe lower portion of this trail is fairly easy, but the upper features some steep, rocky climbs, and narrow areas. Yankee Boy Basin is one of the most popular destinations in the Ouray, Telluride areas. Some of the more popular spots along the trail include Drinking Cup overlook, Sneffels Town Site, the Twin Falls, Atlas Mill, Camp Bird Mine and the Blue Lakes at the end of the trail. The Yankee Boy Basin is one of the most historic mining areas in the San Juan Mountains. The basin is surrounded by numerous 13 and 14,000 foot tall peaks that remain snow covered. Governor Basin is one of the more difficult trails in the Telluride area. The final climb is up to 12,800 feet. It features steep loose climbs, narrow shelves, and off camber sections. There are a number of scenic overlooks along this short trail. Also a number of side trails of varying difficulty. At the top of the trail are the Mountain Top Mine, Humbolt Mine, and Virginius Mine.

Grand Valley OHV - Rating Varies *Solihull Driver Training Solihull Trail Rating - Easy to DifficultThis area directly North of Grand Junction has everything from mild to wild. If this place gets wet, it is a mudder’s paradise. If it is dry, you can tackle everything from steep hills to articulation point that will test any rig. The drivers training class we be held in this area. This will allow us to practice a wide variety of techniques in a short period of time. Or just come to play around.

Ophir Pass - Rating 4 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumOphir Pass is the easiest pass leading into Telluride, but it still features some narrow steep sections. There is an interesting old trestle bridge on the west side of the pass. Early in the season there can still be as much as 20 feet of snow in the area. There is a nice side trail leading to the Carbonero Mine.

Peach Valley Road - Rating 4 Solihull Trail Rating - MediumThis trail climbs up to an amazing view of the Gunnison Canyon. The trail is moderately difficult but the views are well worth it.

*Driver Training ClassThis is the first year that the Solihull Society has attempted to provide a driver training class during the rally. For the class, we are going to go through some basic techniques to help a driver evaluate an obsticle, choose a line that suits his or her vehicle. Show how choosing specific lines can be the difference between coming through an obsticle flat, or near the point of roll-over. Then we will talk about several tools to use off-road. Technical details on hardware and what you should know when shopping around to help your rover, and your exerience, be better off the beaten path. Then we will work on getting you more aquantend to your rover. Understanding your limitations, as well as your rover’s. This class is designed for the new as well as the older rovers. We hope that you will join us if you are interested.


2007Prepairing for the Colorado High Country


Welcome to the Colorado High Country. If you are coming from far away and much closer to sea level, we have some tips and advise for you to consider while enjoying the state. During your trip here, you can change elevation in excess of 16,000 feet in one day. So please consider the cautionary tips on how to handle this altitude.

WeatherThe Colorado High Country can have extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the day, especially at higher altitudes. To keep yourself comfortable, we suggest you bring clothing you can layer on and off to accommodate these weather changes.

* Under Layer - Breathable materials are best. Avoid all cotton material as it can be very cold when wet.* Sweater / Fleece with hood.* Rain Gear - Poncho or rain suit. We are in the middle of a Monsoonal Flow. This means that heavy rains are likely.* Change of socks.

Altitude SicknessWe have many participants who will be coming from low elevations for this year’s rally, and many have not been exposed to high elevations and its effects on the body. Although most people will not be affected by this illness, there is a potential health related symptoms ranging from minor light-headedness to serious complica-tions such as High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), or brain swelling. Thankfully, HACE is extremely uncom-mon at elevations found in North America; most cases occur above 15,00 feet. In fact, most people can travel comfortably by car to elevations above 10,000 feet without experiencing impaired judgement and coordination, upset stomach, vomiting, and in insomnia. Elevation sickness is also more often triggered by strenuous activity, so you may want to leave rock stacking to the highlanders. If you do begin to feel symptoms, notify your trail leader and they can help you assess your situation.

With Montrose’s elevation of 5800 feet, most will sleep at this lower elevation and this will help your body get prepared for the trails over the high mountain passes. To avoid any symptoms, follow these guidelines:

* Drink plenty of water; hydration is one of the most important tips for those who will be traveling to higher elevations.* Eat smaller, carbohydrate-rich meals. Limit fat, salt, and protein intake.* Avoid alcohol.* Finally, in cases involving serious symptoms such as severe headaches, decreased levels of consciousness, unsteady gait, repeated vomiting or seizures, travelers should immediately descend to a lower elevation to seek medical attention.

For those who do come down with less serious symptoms, take Motrin for headaches and trips to lower eleva-tions to enable the body to recover.


2007 Required Equipment


Below is a list of items you are required to bring with you everyday. Your trail leader will be asking if you have these items every morning to ensure you have them. If you don’t, you may be asked to obtain them before being allow to join the group on the trail. These items in many cases are not for your safety, but for those in the entire group. In certain circumstances, you may be the closest person to a situation, and you might be the only person that can react quick enough to help.

Recovery Gear (Required): D-Rings Gloves Recovery Strap Optional Equipment: Recovery Chain Extra length of winch rope Hi-lift Jack Pull Pal Snatch Block Tree Strap

Essentials (Required): Lunch! (You will be having lunch everyday on the trail) Water! (Bring enough for everyone in you party, and then some) First Aid Kit (The bigger, the better) CB Radio (Every trail leader uses these to communicate) Spare Tire with changing tools Extra Clothing (complete change of cloths) Fire Extinguisher

Vehicle Preparation and Suggested Tools-Parts ListWe all know our Rovers never break down, leak, or need tuning right? Well, just in case, use this list to do a check of your Rover before you begin a trip out to the back country. Courtesy of Bill Burke’s 4-Wheeling America.

Air FilterBatter - water level, charge level, corrosion, loose cables, secured.Engine Oil and FiltersBrakes - pedal play, fluid level, leaking cylinders, debrisEmergency brake holds, properly adjustedHornLighting - head (high/low beams), tail, brake, back up, directionalCooling system hoses and connections, anti-freeze/coolant level, radiatorDrive belts - (fan, alternator, pumps); wear and tensionPower steering fluid mechanism (ball joints, tie rods, gearbox, pump)Auto Transmission fluidTires - pressure, damage, wear, same size/type on all wheelsSpare tire - same size/type, rotate if necessaryWheels, rims, hubs, bead locks, lug nut torqueTire changing equipment-make sure everything works

Wiring - loose, dirty, broken wiresShocks - bounce test, leaks, mounting hardware intactSprings - loose or cracked, spring hangersWindshield fluid level, blades and armsRadio, HF radio, cell phone - communications checkInstrument and gauges showing normalExhaust pipes, muffler, mounting; leaks looseness, debrisFuel line and fuel filter. Leaks and change filter if necessaryFull tank of gas and spare gas in proper containerDriver’s license, insurance, medical cards, permitsSeat belt systemRecovery/tow points and frameEmergency equipment-Fire extinguisher, First-Aid kit, hazard road warningsWindow glass clean, no cracks. Mirrors adjusted and cleanAuxiliary equipment - checklist and inspection

2007rally edition

Documents

rover xchange newsletter

property of solihull

david lane

finest trails colorado

solihull societypo box

colorado roverxchange

club membership

colorado association