RICHLAND Rd. on Saturday Sept. 15th

For those staying overnight and coming back down toward Charlotte or Raleigh on Sunday, you might want to try old Hwy 105 from Linville falls down to I-40. Nick and I did this run last year and its hidden gem. Scenic overlooks of Linville gorge in a couple places that will drop your jaw. If the leaves have any color, this ride is a must-do. Trail is easy, rock-dirt road, no crawls but some narrow places with switch-backs and steep descents. Nothing your average pickup couldn't handle.
I submitted a long trail report on this last year if you want to see pics.
Directions from Blowing Rock are Hwy 221 south (west?) down past Linville to Linville Falls. Then you pick up old Hwy 105 at the parking area to the Falls. Head south 18 miles and the trail turns back to state highway below the gorge near Lake James state park. Then on local roads (pick your own path) you wind your way back to I-40 between Marion and Morganton.

If anyone takes this way back to 40, post a report and some pics.
Good Luck

Can you post the link to the trail report you did? Would love to see the pics!

http://forum.ncfjcruisers.com/t476p15-nov-19-old-hwy-nc105

Great write up and pics! Whenever you go back I'd be more than interested. The wife probably will too seeing that linville falls is where I proposed to her!

That looks like a better trip than Richland. Definitely need to do that one sometime this fall.

yeah i agree...but richland has a little more challenge to it..i would however like to do this linville trip when the leaves start to change...

Oh yeah I just finished my right side ome expedition install, and my light speed racing uca install. Already did my rear last sunday. I also met with darrell and got my obfd rock rails they are primed, and have 1 coat of green on them. I was gonna go olive drab, but with the black it was too dark. I went with a satin enamel green that looks military, but a little more green. Can't wait to beat those rails up and see what darrel has to offer. They look great and I really like the weight. VERY BEEFY.

Just got a call from Darell he is getting me my sliders tonight! Gonna start priming ASAP.

BT wrote:

Just got a call from Darell he is getting me my sliders tonight! Gonna start priming ASAP.

You and me both!

Sorry Guys, but I have to be the guy that backs out. My wife got an opportunity to do something and need I to watch the two little ones. That would be to hard to do on the trail ride. Hopefully I will see a few of you on the Gulches trip.

Brian wrote:

Sorry Guys, but I have to be the guy that backs out. My wife got an opportunity to do something and need I to watch the two little ones. That would be to hard to do on the trail ride. Hopefully I will see a few of you on the Gulches trip.

you suck!! LOL...just kidding...sorry to hear this ...have fun with the kiddies...either way at least the wife gets to do something she wants ...

Yeah, and she is good about letting me play when I want to. So I don't mind watching the kids for her when she needs to do something.

Brian wrote:

Yeah, and she is good about letting me play when I want to. So I don't mind watching the kids for her when she needs to do something.

Good man!

I will be bringing my 18 month, and my 4 year old. I will not be bringing our 8 week old though. He already did hurricane creek though.

unfortunately i have to bow out of this trip..i have found out that i have a job that i have to plan for...if in fact this goes thru i will be gone for weeks at a time...and i have to prepare the home for my being gone for a long period of time..and be with the family...so i apologize but i have to bow out

Whats the job mike?

Congrats Mike, hope it turns out like you expect.

So... with Mike and Brian both aborting, is there anyone left on the going list that is familiar enough with the trail to ensure we stay on the trail?

Unfortunately I'm out too. Looks like I have a bad bearing inside the idler pulley. Looks my FJ is out of commission for the weekend. I wa really looking forward to this too.

BT wrote:

Unfortunately I'm out too. Looks like I have a bad bearing inside the idler pulley. Looks my FJ is out of commission for the weekend. I wa really looking forward to this too.

Damn, I didnt even commit and two bowed out, then as soon as I mention going, there goes another, anyone else?

And still wondering if anyone still going is "trail guide" qualified (knows where we're going)?

I'm in Boone already so I'm still going! Never been on the trail though!

Take the path of least resistance and you will be on the trail.

I guess now its just up to Colin! Don't let us down man!

Brian wrote:

Take the path of least resistance and you will be on the trail.

Famous last words! HaHa! Just want to be sure we adhere to DB's guidance and stay on the right road!

I have not been there but we should be fine. It is a easy trail to follow in my understanding. We should have 0 problems. Just finished my lift and damn it is stiff as heck. I fell like I'm driving a lowered civic with no springs? It passed the road test, and alignement seems ok. Were gonna have a ball. What is the attendamce count now? I have my buddy derek going with a diesel fj60 a sweet ride.

Still meeting at Walmart in Lenoir at 9:30?