The first Camp Jeep trail work day was yesterday at big Boulder/Jack Frost. Having gone to Camp Jeep last year, I thought I'd offer a few comparisons and opinions.
We divided up in to four groups yesterday, each with two chainsaws, to clear the trails after a bad winter up there. Charlie from BMJA led a group of all DeJA Jeeps (besides his) of myself, Paul, Jason and Ian. We had a few riders from other clubs as well. We rode what is called Lehigh Gorge Trail to those familiar with the Jeep Jamboree trails. It will be one of the easier trails at Camp Jeep this year. That's the bad news. The good news? It would be a Blue trail at Paragon or R/C, maybe even a Blue 2, and much better than either of the "Intermediate" Trails we ran at CJ last year. At some point the trails will be assigned letters according to difficulty, I'll make another comparison then. If this is truly one of the "easy" trails, a stock Jeep with smaller tires would have a tough time. My YJ made it (31's), but it wasn't "easy"... fun? Yes. Lots of rocks, but nothing big like Chicken Run for example, more like a river rock bed. A little mud, a little mud with leaves, a few trees to go over, but sorry to say, no stream crossings.
Joe (joelove) went with another group... Joe post about the trail you rode.
We were told that CJ just got too big last year, and they had lots of complaints about the trails. With Jeep going to more regional Camp Jeeps this year, this one will be about half the size (Jeep-wise) of last year's. Apparently there will be four trails starting at Jack Frost, and four starting at Big Boulder next door. I overheard (not official) that there would also be a TRAIL "X" ride by invitation only. Really hardcore, and you have to interview with that Trail Guide to be ASKED to participate.
Before yesterday, if you asked me if I'd pay to go to Camp Jeep again, I'd say "no, the trail rides were crap". After yesterday, I'd suggest you go if you're thinking about it. A smaller event with better trail rides will make it really nice again.
All in all, a great day for a trail ride. I left Jack Frost at 3:30, and made it to the DeJA meeting by 5:45... not bad... all downhill helps!
DrJ