This was an event that shared time between the National Forest Trails and private land owners offering everything from a casual Overland drive to 7/8 rated trails. We had perfect weather so slick conditions were not a concern here and the trails were pretty close to the ratings without any extra slop.
My friend and I decided to take on the Tour de Forest 3/4 trail on Friday and follow up on Saturday with Sherwood Forest rated at 4/5.
Tour de Forest had three guides which was pretty awesome. According to the Jeep Jamboree guide, "Tour de Forest • Group 2 • Blue • GMRS 21 – Trail Rating: 3-4 (Uwharrie National Forest) Take in the beauty of the Uwharrie National Forest as you spend the day navigating several of the OHV trails. This trail ride is the best way to see Uwharrie National Forest with easier trails. Enjoy the fall colors as you encounter hill ascents and descents along with some rocks and off-camber obstacles. After lunch you and your Jeep will conquer a challenging entrenched hill climb with rocks to contend with near the top. Time permitting the group will stop for photos at Poser Rock. These trails are the easiest of the ones in the Forest. 4 Lo and all terrain tires will be needed." We had a lead Jeep, tail gunner and also one in the middle helping people along the route. It made for a nice steady pace considering we had several stock vehicles out with us. Being a 3/4 rated trail, it was a nice ride with maybe three real obstacles mixed in. We got a great tour of the Notional Forest, learned a little about the region and how it came to be, and got to try out some of what our Jeeps can do. Here are a few shots of the day...
Day two was quite a bit more work, we wheeled pretty continuously from when we started out about 9:00 am until around 5:00 pm when we ended and headed back for dinner. We ran Sherwood Forest which was on private property and it was pretty exciting. The obstacles were numerous and much more challenging. We only had a single stock vehicle with us on this run and it paid the price loosing it's rear fender completely about halfway through the day. Skid plates and rock sliders really earned their value on this trail. The trail description for this one read "Sherwood Forest Trail • Group 4 • Green • GMRS 17 – Trail Rating 4-5 (BigCreek) Join us in a ride through Big Creek, where the scenery and experience brings thoughts of Sherwood from the Robinhood stories. With a picturesque wood setting, Sherwood has everything the Uwharrie National Forest has to offer, from ascents and descents, to off camber and rock gardens and leisurely, but very tight, technical trails in between. This trail was rated a 4-5 so not extreme, but a little challenging at times. There are “Winch” hill climbs at Sherwood that are very challenging and if you so choose to attempt them you must have a winch (hence the moniker). There are also some large rocks and rock gardens. We suggest that you have “Rock Sliders” or even good Nerf Bars. Plastic stock step rails stand a chance of being damaged. These are not required, but recommended. There are some obstacles that offer us a chance to get out and enjoy viewing challenging attempts if you would like to watch or take pics. We look forward to spending the day with you exploring and traversing Sherwood! We aim to show you a fun, challenging, and memorable experience. Our guides have many years of experience in the trail system. More personal hands on coaching and spotting will be provided with this group. Thank you for joining us! 4-Lo and 31” All Terrain Tires are required." The off camber takes some getting used to for me to be honest but we had a great time. I took the bypasses on two occasions and am glad I did after seeing some of the carnage that was dished out. @RetroRubicon is still my daily driver and had to get me home from NC to NJ without issue.
As a quick recap, we checked into the event Thursday night and they inspected the rigs and had us sign up for the trails. Each morning they served us a hot breakfast and provided a bagged lunch for on the trails and then we all got back together for a nice BBQ dinner in the evening where we met new friends and shared stories. Several vendors were with us for the meals and on the trails with us which was fun. At dinner on Saturday night they gave some awards away, had a few prizes and some live music. I think everyone had a great time and met some new friends.
As a second Jeep Jamboree participant, I can definitely say that I plan to go back next year. I am looking to hit either the Vermont Jeep Jamboree or the Maine one (or maybe both if I am lucky) and will possible try some 5/7 trails but I can't see running more than that in my DD.
I will leave you with this...
The factory skids do a good job of taking the beatings from the rocks but I am definitely investing in some stronger protection before I try any harder trails! My gas skid and some of my cross members picked up some new "tattoos" on this trip along with some rock rash on my sliders and wheels. Nothing major at all but something to note.
The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!
#jeeplife #rubicon #jl #wrangler #gladiator #jeep #jeepporn #retrorubicon
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