1st Annual New to Offroad Driving plus Eat-n-Greet Event

Oh, CRAP!, Guys, we will be at the event & dinner....

I really want to go, and based on my current schedule, it looks promising, but it is hard for me to commit to an actual date, as I usually don't find out my travel plans until the week before I have to leave. Uhg. Anyway, I would say I am at least 75% sure at this point!

That's great Johnny. Look forward to see you again.

Johnny no problem i will add you anyway that way you just show up and its done...

As most know I'm just getting into the offroad world with the FJ. At this meet will I need to air down and if so will anyone have compressor capabilities to air me back up. I don't have the equipment yet although I'm slowly buying a little at a time and would rather not drive for miles with low air pressure at the cost of those tires......

The Eldorado Outpost has free air.  And I am sure there will be a compressor or two in some of the trucks including mine.  There probably wont be a need to air down for "traction" however the ride will be a bit softer if you do.  Personally I run mine at 12 psi ...just deadens the any sharp bump...

If air is available I will probably drop down for the same purpose.

X3

So Mike, what are the totals we are looking at here? Can you reveal details of expected attendance?

This is soo cool! What a great group! This seems to be shping up to be an AWESOME EVENT!!!!

Everyone should air down. Makes such a huge difference in the experience and driveablility on any trail (even the gravel!). Make sure you tell all the new folks this as most of the time "first-timers" dont air down because we never say anything about it or the benefits. Next thing you know (whoever)'s spouse hates wheeling because they were having their brains jarred out of their heads the whole day..... Outpost has free (quick) air so no reason not to.

Same with even wheeling in 4LO. There is always a new guy who does 75% of the trail in 4HI before we mention 4LO ATRAC on while offroad. Of course you can run it all in 4HI, but it is a big difference in the experience of driving these trucks offroad.


Wish I could make it... Moving to Virginia this weekend so it makes URE a real long haul.

iwashmycar wrote:

Same with even wheeling in 4LO. There is always a new guy who does 75% of the trail in 4HI before we mention 4LO ATRAC on while offroad. Of course you can run it all in 4HI, but it is a big difference in the experience of driving these trucks offroad.

In CO, I was running as tailgunner on a group from the FJ Summit heading up Imogene Pass. We came to a stop around 12k ft elevation on our climb to let a Jeep descend the mountain. When one of the FJ's attempted to restart, I noticed him having issues. After a struggle he was able to regain forward movement. It was this time I noticed smoke coming from under his vehicle. I called across the CB to ask to pause a moment. I approached his vehicle on foot, and my suspicions of the source of the smoke was confirmed...clutch smoke. When he had taken delivery of the new FJ, his salesperson had not taken the time to show him any of the operations of the vehicle. All he knew was there were multiple notches for the other shifter to move to.

I'm looking forward to being a part of this, as I want people who own these awesomely capable vehicles to be able to enjoy them in the environments they
were designed for. It just so happens that I'm not only a Toyota enthusiast, but work for a Toyota dealer as well.

Was his truck in transfercase neutral? Or something else??

6spd manual+ high range in transfercase seslected+ 20% grade + 12K ft Elevation= No Bueno

Once selecting low range it performed flawlessly.

I dont know if this question has been brought up or not, and I apologize if it was, but I dont recall seeing it. Is there a group rate at a hotel near by for those of us traveling far and staying the night? Im looking to make my reservations and I just wanted to check first.

Lacey so far there hasnt been a hotel selected.  I dont actually know how many folks are coming from a "long" way off.  If you would like to call around and see what you can find and then pass it on it would be greatly appreciated.  If you find something please let me know so that i can post it up...

Sent out a Tweet as a reminder for this event! Cant wait to see everyone!

Looks like I will be able to make this after all. I should be able to make both and have plus 1 for the dinner if I can talk my wife into going with me.

Update for our Event!!

I just got off the phone with Michael Morrison who is with Uwharrie Offroad Training Center.  He has informed me that we will have a much room as needed at the center to hold the classes prior to the actual ride.  He will also be enlightening us with all information that pertains to TREAD LIGHTLY.  This is great news as we now have a place to hang our hats so to speak.  As of right now the plan is to start the classes at 10am sharp.  This way we will have plenty of time to get the classes done before we hit the trails.  i will be posting this info over on the Facebook page.

My work has decided that I must be "on call" that weekend.  Looks like I'll be missing yet another awesome NCFJ event.    cry...

Damn spotts sorry you wont make it...hopefully next time

Lacey, I have stayed here a couple time for business travel. Fairly nice place and reasonable rates...and convenient to several restaurants.
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-albemarle-north_carolina-NC332

Matt and Calla will also be coming to this event. I just noticed they aren't on the list. Are we going to Mid-State Toyota. I can't seem to find the name of the dealership. 

I saw someone else is staying at the Hampton Inn that night and that's my plan too.

i dont think they have contacted me...there are several folks that are on the facebook page..but not here on the forum..so names sometimes get confused...midstate is in Asheboro...here is the address.

1636 E Dixie Dr  Asheboro, NC 27203

I would like to offer a discount on Toyota brand parts, and accessories for the event this weekend at 20% off. If there is anything you would like to order, we should be able to have it next business day. Also, we are typically very competetive on tires if anyone is needing new shoes, i'd be more than happy to get you a price.

Justin "JD" Dorton
Service Manager at MidState Toyota
MidState Toyota

Justin...im going to put your post up in the original post so that everyone will see it...as soon as I get home..