Just so you guys know, EVERY WHERE that I lead us was legal. I even pointed out the spots that were marked off limits and kept us out of there. I have to agree with Drexel's rant in this case. In all my experience being in the woods, the places that you should not be are usually CLEARLY marked. In this case, there was no posting anywhere around Jermiah hill. Knowing that it is not legal to ride there, I certainly will not go back. To get bunched in to a group that I am most certainly not a part of because a a mistake is horse shit. I have LIVED in the pine barrens for 27 years and have nothing but respect for the land. I am 32 years old and do not go out there and act life a child. I understand your concern Jay, but just change your approach. We are out there trying to do the same thing that you do with you group every weekend and that is have fun. I personally would not have lead the group that way... I didn't even know about the hill, but while following, I kept an eye out for all signage to see if we should have been there or not. Whatever, I am done, I know that I respect the pines and the land just as much as you do and I certainly know what I am doing out there.

I can live with the fact that I made a mistake and went somewhere I wasn't supposed to go. Lesson learned.

 

I'm not blaming anyone I was just stating what I saw. The last run I guided everyone on I specifically said where you could and could not go especially around high crossing. Then I see pictures after having the discussion on site in person then in the tread for that run. So this is not the first time I have said something. More like the third time. I will no longer post a negative response wether it be I see legal or illegal ride pictures.

Only other thing I would like to say is that videos are great but they should be posted on private site that is only accessible to those granted permission. YouTube is not a good place. Law makers tree huggers and PB activists use YouTube for legislation to stop and limit offroading. It just so happens that pic showing the water hole and jeep stuck in it was used on a news cast showing that exact hole with a jeep stuck spinning wheels and tearing up the hole more and the video was taken from YouTube for the news cast.

Just my 2cents.

I will not comment in this thread any further. Anyone wishing to discuss further pm me.

 

All this bickering sounds familiar to another forum,if you dont have a badge dont police anyone or what they do,have fun out there fella's!!Im all for responsible wheeling but if a few guys made a bad choice no harm no foul and from what i read here it don't sound like it will not happen again.

 

Here's my advice . . .

Download the Google My Tracks app on your smart phone and use it when you're on the trails. It will keep track of your location even if you lose GPS reception and allow you to view the route you took on Google Maps. You can utilize the Satellite view module from Google too to give you even a better idea of where you were.

It can be downloaded here: http://mytracks.appspot.com/download

When you look at your routes, if it doesn't link up to a named and mapped road, you were most likely somewhere that is off limits.

Biggest thing people tend to forget when driving in Wharton - you are not wheeling on "trails". You are driving on roads. The only reason you are allowed back there is because you are operating a legal and registered vehicle on a legal and enforced road. Keep your head out there and wheel smart.

 

From the outside looking in, it seems the issue here isn't the route, it's with the line. Think of it this way - if you're driving down the A/C Expressway, there's plenty of dirt & green stuff in the median and off the shoulder that your vehicle is more than capable of driving over. You may get away with cutting through it, but if you get caught .

 

thanks man! That's the most clear explanation I've heard yet.

 

We have a wonderful, FREE place to play with Wharton. I'm sure a good percentage of people on this site have to travel far and pay to use private riding areas. I sure as hell don't mind playing by the rules to keep the trails closest to me open.

 

ain't that the truth. Thanks again man.

Maybe we'll see you out on a ride soon.

 

I'm actually leading a Polar Bear ride on January 21st. 10:30am at the Ranger Station. Doors off, tops off.

 

Saw that, looks like a blast.

Unfortunately I'm working a beer festival that day near Philly. I definitely want in on the next one.