Uwharrie National Forest
Sept 2006

Uwharre is a fun little place to ride with a few major obstacles, a lot of rough dirt trails with enough small obstacles to keep one from getting bored. Great place to just get out for an easy weekend. This was the Labor Day weekend official trail ride for the Low Country Jeep Club. The weather cooperated by staying only warm during the day and cool enough at night for nice sleeping. Unfortunately, no rain, but at least there was enough rain the day before our arrival, compliment of TS Ernesto, to keep the dust down all weekend.

Since my friend Brian was hauling his brother-in-law's Cherokee (Robert), I double hauled a CJ-5 on the front of the trailer with the Scrambler on the back. Made for a tight fit but was worth the effort. After arriving at Uwharrie and setting up camp, the Stephanie, Jessica and I rode around and realized we had to find the high pitched rattle. After going back to camp, we discovered the passenger side engine mount loose at both the frame and block (one bolt at the block actual was out but, laying on the block plate), upper rear shock nuts loose, and a few other bolts loose. Took it for another test drive only to discover the rattle was still there. To tired to worry about it, we went on to bed.

In the morning, while waiting on the girls, I was looking over the jeep again we I found the upper passenger caliper bolt was completely out but held in place by the brake line. Had to remove the tire to get it reinstalled but at last the rattle was fixed. Of course, this last minute repair job meant I arrived at the staging point 2 minutes after we were suppose to depart for the trail. Good thing I was the trail boss because everyone was still there waiting on an embarassed trail boss.

After a quick introduction of every one and a few trail rules, we were off. We had two newbies with us but since they had decent modified vehicles, we started with Daniel, probably the best Uwharrie has to offer. Every one made it up the first obstacle, a 4' almost vertical ledge, without winching. Would say without incident, but one of the Robert managed to pull a front wheel about 3' in the air, almost rolling. The vehicle gently rode it out and he came out smiling and ready for some more. At the second obstacle which is a 750' long and steep hill climb, we ended up pullng cable for the two Robert and Brandon rather than risk breakage so soon in the day.

We continued up Daniel, then on over to Rocky Mtn loop and up to Kodak Rock. While trying the major lower obstacle, I managed to get the Scrambler high centered on the left and the bumper snug in front of a rock. Only solution was to winch myself up the obstacle. A non-club member started spotting Robert up a line that he wasn't ready for nor could afford the high risk of damage, so I stopped him to explain the situation. After careful explanation of what he had to do and his chance of damage, the Brandon wisely choose the easier route which was still a challange. One of the rubicons then tried a tough line and bent his tie rod in the process. Luckily someone else had a spare which was quickly installed. The group then turned on Sawmill and exited via Wolf Den to head back to campground. A night run was planned for 7:00.

While relaxing, several folks went down to the lake for a cooling swim while others just chilled at the campground or went to town for dinner. At 7:00, those interested in the evening run met. The run went in Wolf Den, up Slap Pile, then down Dutch John and finally back out Wolf Den. The run was completed by about 9:00 without issues but a lot of fun. At 9:30, those that didn't make the scheduled night run, left for a run of their own. Just as Brian and I were covering our jeeps, Brian's cell phone rang with a call for help. Seems that one of the jeeps slipped on Posing Rock and was wedged on a tree. We arrived on the scene to find Linda's jeep tight to a tree and the wheels pinnied to the rock and being turned hard right. A great relief to see an easy rescue. Hooked up my winch to the passenger frame and with an easy tug while turning the wheels to the left allowed the wheels to swing over pulling the vehicle clear of the tree. A little jockeying allowed her to clear the stump behind her. The rescuers headed back to camp closely followed by the night group as they had had enough.

Sunday morning came to find three wanting to sleep in so only six of us started running the trailsd. It was a long day with only two scares. First was after Stephanie spotted me up a hard line at Kodak, I let Stephanie try the same line. At the top, the right rear tires dips as the left rear tire climbs a rock making for a nice show. Only problem was when Stephanie climbed, her front tires were slightly to the right of where Eric had driven. This allowed the left tire to climb higher on the rock before the right tire started to climb. This made for a close call as the front tire climbed high in the air and the jeep leaned over to the right. She was able to back up and a rock placed under the right rear tire allowed a graceful exit. By the end of the day, the group had run in Wolf Den, down Falls Dam, Green Pond connector, up Dickey Bell, Slap Pile over to Rocky Mtn, past the parking lot going completely around the loop, up Slap Pile, back in on Wolf Den, up Dutch John, over Rocky Mtn Loop and finished up the day run by going down Daniel. This meant the group ran all the trails except Sawmill.

I was convinced to lead another night run to cover Sawmill and Slap Pile. This allowed Brian, Robert, Stephanie, Jessica and myself to claim having covered all the trails in a single day.

The trail map so you have an idea on where we went.

Trying one of the hardest lines at the bottom of Kodak. Ended up getting caught by the rocks and needing to pull winch line. First time on Kodak I didn't make a line I picked out.

Stephanie finally softened Brian up enough that he finally let her drive the 5. And it was over one of only two obstacles on Falls Dam.

Steve making short work of a set of rocks in his 99 TJ.

Stephanie not having fun finding out the Scrambler will lean a lot more than you like. She was actually higher than this picture shows. Plus, the ground isn't flat in front of her, but at about a 15* side slope.

Hill climb just a bit much so Brandon has to wait on a little assistance with Jessica ready to receive the strap to hook on.

Robert tryin his best, but Daniel hill climb isn't very forgiving to open f/r vehicles.

(c) 2006