Pyeatt Draw Trail (AZ) Nov, 18, 2006

[crawler#976]

Spike, I concure - there was absolutely nothing in that video that even begins to damage the trail. The spotting was effective for those that needed it, and I saw no wholesale stacking being done.

From what I've seen via pics, Pyeatt Draw is very typical of the rock trails in AZ. After the first major spring flood/monsoon runoff there is no evidence the area has ever been used. Having 2 to 3 feet of flood water moving at 20+ MPH tends to be a pretty effective eraser...

The video also clearly states the road in was slick. The area is typical of AZ - the roads get slick due to the high clay content or the materials used to "improve" it, yet the surface is wet only a 1/2" or so deep in most cases. The only time serious damage can occure is during the spring melt, and most roads are closed by the USFS if the area is sensitive.

 

[Robthebrit]

I come from a country where there is zero offroad drving, i am not talking about minimal, I am talking about none. Sure there are half mile dirt roads across the odd farmers field and a few worn out real roads but in both cases they are roads, the only place you can drive in trail like conditions are used quarries and things like that for which you have to pay for.

My opionion is that I don't drive trails for the sake of it, I drive them to get to where I want to go. Likewise, I don't drive on obsticales just for the hell of it, to test my axle flex or to generally show off. I don't do this in case I break the truck, get it stuck or tip it up and lose all the fluids, all of which have varying degrees of consequence for the environment. Finally I do not attempt to drive on anything where there is any risk of spinning a wheel, leave 'NO' trace means just that, it does not mean leave a little bowl at the bottom of every obstical where somebody was spinning their wheels. These bowls cause water to do more errosion than it normally would and in some cases has caused the trails to become one way.

The above does not mean I only drive dirt roads, far from it. What it does mean is if the weather is against me I'll take it easy or even turn around and make a note to go back when the conditions are better.

Since Pyeatt has been getting so much press it needs special care, above and beyond what is normal. It depressing to back to a once popular trail when everybody has moved on to the next cool place to find vandalism, trash, car parts, more car parts which have been shot up, oil slicks, ruts and black on rocks etc. I am not saying the people in the video were doing all of these things but we are all part of the problem and only we can fix it.

I am not here to argue, I was just stating my point of view so lets agree to disagree as everytbody thinks their opinion is correct.

Rob

 

[ShottsCruisers]

I did not have the time yet to watch the video but I sure plan on it.

I will say that on this trip coming up we will adhere to the Tread Lightly theme. With Zen-wheeler Scott Brady being a co-leader along with other off-roading enthusiasts attending, it will be our goal to have the maximum amount of fun, though within the boundaries of the Tread Lightly campaign.

Look very forward to this trip.

 

[crawler#976]

Hey Mr. B'Taco -

I'll be hollerin' on FWD 2 - got another Yaesu ordered today

...and I've come back to my senses and removed the BPOS from the classified


:sombrero:

 

[Robthebrit]

I have no concerns about the upcoming trip led by Scott and the guys on this group. I am sure it will be conducted well within what is acceptable by Tread Lightly.

Rob

 

[crawler#976]

Rob,

Guess we take our freedoms a bit too much for granted here in the Great State of Arizona. The opportunities we have for access to State Trust, BLM, National Forest, and even National Monuments and Parks is pretty amazing. I've got literally thousands of miles of dirt roads and trails in the 75 miles surrounding my home - from graded to stuff so extreme I'm happy to watch, but won't EVEN attempt to drive it.

The "wash" trails are examples of both the best and the worst of OHV use. When used properly, they provide a similar rush to any other extreme sport like rock climbing, back country skiing, or parachuting. When used badly, it make those of us who are responsible look very bad. I guess the same applies to other sports like hunting/shooting...

People like myself take great care to avoid environmental damage, and carry the same type of equipment mandated by SCCA road rally rules for contaminant mitigation/removal. We participate in cleanups, always take out others trash, and in general, leave the place in better shape than we found it.

I'd really like to have you come over and join us some time for an easy run - I think you'd enjoy it!

Mark

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Oh man...what a forecast we have for our trip!

HIGH TEMPS OF 65-73 degrees. Could we ask for anything more?

:1888fbbd:

 

[DaktariEd]

...Could we ask for anything more?

:1888fbbd:

Yes...we could ask for 1 more rig to pull out and let me come!!!

 

[crawler#976]

For you 2 Meter geeks...

here's a couple local area repeaters:

Mt Ord +147.360, PL tone 162.2, call W7MDY (verified active, part of the RIM LINK - I can easily contact Mesa/Scottsdale from Prescott!!)

Mt Ord -146.920, PL tone162.2, call W7MDY (verified active)

Mt Elden +147.140, PL tone 162.2, call W7ARA , Flagstaff Linked to Mt Ord 147.360 (verified active)

Payson +147.390, PL tone 100.0, call KC7YYM (???verified???)

Mingus Mt +147.220,PL tone 162.2, call W7EI (verified active)

I'll be scanning with simplex FWD 2 146.460 as the primary channel.

 

[MaddBaggins]

Yes...we could ask for 1 more rig to pull out and let me come!!!

You live in the east side of Tucson right? So do I. I think you should just follow me up there friday morning. I mean if you show up and anyone gets butthurt, you can have my slot and I will drive alone ahead or behind the group.

My humble .02

 

[seth_js]

You live in the east side of Tucson right? So do I. I think you should just follow me up there friday morning. I mean if you show up and anyone gets butthurt, you can have my slot and I will drive alone ahead or behind the group.

My humble .02

word. hell, i'll give up my spot first. i'm probably the newest guy here and I don't think anyone really cares for me anyways.

 

[articulate]

word. hell, i'll give up my spot first. i'm probably the newest guy here and I don't think anyone really cares for me anyways.

Awwww!

I care.
:huggie smilie:
:smiley_drive:

 

[goodtimes]

Awwww!

I care.
:huggie smilie:
:smiley_drive:

sheesh....next thing you know, 'yall will be sharing electric blankies and stuff....:yikes:

 

[seth_js]

sheesh....next thing you know, 'yall will be sharing electric blankies and stuff....:yikes:

Ah yes, the 12-volt heated variety.

Man, I'm looking forward to this trail. So just to clarify, there are bypasses for obstacles like the one that eats drive shafts and such? I really don't care for any more body damange or any busted components. I have trips planned for the next three weeks.

 

[seth_js]

For those that are camping Friday night, are we meeting you guys at the trailhead or at the parking lot?