Well, I did it. Broke down and took my only ride, a 3 week old JK Unlimited S out to Raush Creek in PA with NJJA. My wife and I met up out there around 8:30 with a bunch and we hit the trail after airing down and getting our paperwork sorted at the office at about 9:15 or so. We finished up around 4pm.

It was really a blast and I took my stock jeep without a locking rear and no disconnect on stock tires places I didn't think I could get into let alone get out of. NJJA, especially Rob who was a very patient and knowledgable guide and teacher, did for us well on our first outing and we just had a great time.

Bonus... I still got my running boards attached and undamaged and no damage of a visible nature beyond a scuffed rim... the armor under neath on the other hand, yowza.

Vids can be found here (couple of JKs in the fray)... they are mostly big, like over 200mb so right click and save as (if someone knows how to convert to a smaller file size send instructions or send them to me and I will repost).

Sorted outing pics can be found here.

For a stock jeep we did a little bit of everything. Mudholes (shallow), mud, rocky trail (green mostly if not all), descents including one really steep one that puckered me up for a few minutes, one or two short but steep climbs, couple of small bits of camber, etc. I think there was even a bit of blue trail we got onto after they scouted it out for us and we got through a-okay though we did take the bypass around two mud pits on that loop (and a couple of toher times too).

 

Sounds like fun. Check out our Barnwell Mtn trip pictures. I am mostly stock. 2" BB on stock duelers and went just about everywhere the high lifted 35" tire guys went. It was a combo of all that yall had. Tons of fun. Even bone stock these JKs are impressive. Glad you had a good time. Now go spend some money and start modding that thing

 

Sweet! Looks like it was fun.
You're infected by the offroad bug now.
If you're like most of us, now all you will think about is what to modify next!
...and how you're going to pay for it!

 

Yes, infected I am. It's called a tax return

My wife, shock of shock, actually said our tires sucked and we need new ones... she doesn't even want to go again (at least right now, she's a big city girl) but she picked that up right away on the trail when she drove, heh.

Nope, need a few bits of armor, look for some tires, stereo and light upgrades.

 

Patrick, it was great having you guys out with us. I'll be posting some pics here in a bit.

 

GNNR- congrats!

looks like you got into the mix. def check out nj jeep assoc (in my sig) - i'm relatively new to their group but everyone has been super solid as you probably saw at RC.

good luck on your rig!

 

Looks like a great time. I can't wait to get mine out! x2 on the lift and tires before the stereo!

 

The first trip out is so much fun! And it is only the first of many great adventures to come. Thanks for sharing.

 

Always have to consider the wifey approval factor. She's a musician and singer and we both like our tunes (with some volume and a bit of bass).

Interestingly enough, one of the first things she said after getting done and asking if I liked it and wanted to do it some more was that the tires sucked and I needed better if I was going to continue. So I got that going for me.

 

So you didn't like my trail music selection! Little Lamb of God mixed with some Elvis

In all seriousness, a couple meetings, rides, etc with the other ladies in the club, your wife will feel right at home.