Among Wolves...

[H2Finally]

A while back, I kindly invited (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1296908&posted=1#post1296908) the now infamous Jerry (moderator of Jeep Forum) to run with my H2. No answer from Jerry, but Ross was kind enough to accept. (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177213&page=14&pp=15)

On Sunday, we met up and ran John Bull Trail. I cut my off-road teeth on this trail just about a year ago. (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/5106011751/m/998103257/p/1)

To get to JBT, we ran an easy and scenic Gold Mountain trail. This is the end of Gold Mountain:

[H2Finally]

A while back, I kindly invited (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1296908&posted=1#post1296908) the now infamous Jerry (moderator of Jeep Forum) to run with my H2. No answer from Jerry, but Ross was kind enough to accept. (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177213&page=14&pp=15)

On Sunday, we met up and ran John Bull Trail. I cut my off-road teeth on this trail just about a year ago. (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/5106011751/m/998103257/p/1)

To get to JBT, we ran an easy and scenic Gold Mountain trail. This is the end of Gold Mountain:

[H2Finally]

JBT has no climbs, no mud, just lots of ROCKS (FUN! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif) The first section is still the toughest -- even with my new 37" MTRs, that big rock in the middle still shaved a few pounds of metal from my rear diff...

[H2Finally]

The trail is kept really tight and narrow. You can see even Ross' Jeep had to take hard turns...

[H2Finally]

My wider H2 tackled this turn...

[H2Finally]

a bit slower than Ross' Jeep... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H2Finally]

After the fun rocks, we break for lunch. While eating, a group of modified Jeeps passed by, followed by a seperate group of heavily-modified Yotas.

Everyone of 'em had the same http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif "HUH??" http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif look seing my H2 in the middle of JBT. One asked, "You came from there??? In that????" (shaking his head in disbelief) http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Even a deer decided to check out the strange (mostly) http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif STOCK H2 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H2Finally]

I must say, on the trail, everyone was great, politely curious, and encouraging. One guy said, "good job. Easy sailing from here on..."

To which I politely replied, "er, not for me. There is still... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif THE GATEKEEPER http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif...."

For those that are not familiar, that's where two trees grew really close together, with an off-camber rocky drop right between them. While smaller rigs prob don't even notice the trees, to Hummers, they are http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif THE-BODY-SCRAPER-GATEKEEPER http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[H2Finally]

Further down there was another "mini" gatekeeper, which was EVEN TIGHTER!! I in fact brushed my rear upper corner against this tree. Fortunately, my highly-waxed beautiful pewter skin came thru with just minor scratches. (It prob helped that the tree was skinny and "flexed" easily.. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

[H2Finally]

All in all, JBT has changed a lot -- it is now MUCH easier -- perhaps because of the recent rains; perhaps because I now have a year's worth of off-roading experience; perhaps because of my 37" clearance...

But I know for a fact, it's because a Jeeper was great in spotting and helping a fellow off-roader who happened to be in a H2, just because. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Of course, since this is posted in a Hummer forum, I cannot end this story without saying http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif PEWTER POWER RULES!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif (mostly) STOCK HUMMER H2 REPRESENT!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[DRTYFN]

Nice. Any pictures of the blinding Pewter doing the run? It's always funny when other drivers give that dumbfounded look and then say "How'd you get that in here?".

[dochummer]

Thanks for the pics H2Finally. So what was the final consensus at the end of the day?

[KenP]

Great job, buddy. Sounds like you all had a great time.

[H2Finally]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dochummer:
So what was the final consensus at the end of the day? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
1. A stock H2 can play and have fun with Jeeps

2. A stock H2 is ALWAYS underestimated

3. A stock H2 is LIKE NOTHING ELSE!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Personally, I am still curious (other than H1s), what other STOCK rigs can equal or surpass the H2's capabilities.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dochummer:
So what was the final consensus at the end of the day? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
1. A stock H2 can play and have fun with Jeeps

2. A stock H2 is ALWAYS underestimated

3. A stock H2 is LIKE NOTHING ELSE!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Personally, I am still curious (other than H1s), what other STOCK rigs can equal or surpass the H2's capabilities. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>A Prius being towed by an H1. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[DennisAJC]

You put a FREAKIN tear in my eye bro. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Way to represent! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Proud to wheel with the Pimp Daddy. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif



***PEWTER! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif***

[KenP]

I can't wait to see what he posts on the JP forums. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wilfred]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
JBT has no climbs, no mud, just lots of ROCKS (FUN! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif) The first section is still the toughest -- even with my new 37" MTRs, that big rock in the middle still shaved a few pounds of metal from my rear diff... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Other than the 37", what other mods do you have? Also, do you have the rear air suspension on your H2? If so, do you think that would've made the difference? I am very curious because I know I will run this trail one of these days.

[H2Finally]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wilfred:
Other than the 37", what other mods do you have? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>LOTS & LOTS OF BLINGS!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

For JBT, I highly recommend upgrading your undercarriage protection. Though the drops (onto rocks! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif) are a lot less severe this year, I still scraped the bottom pretty good.

Other than those, my H2 is bone-stock.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Also, do you have the rear air suspension on your H2? If so, do you think that would've made the difference? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I do not have air, but air would definitely help since clearance is the key for JBT. If I have air, I prob wouldn't upgrade from my beloved stock ATs..

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am very curious because I know I will run this trail one of these days. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>As long as you go with someone who can spot competently, JBT is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! LOTSA FUN! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Btw, SoCal boys, there is a super-cool run (http://h2club.org/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/8756030324/m/3731062951) this Sat (8/20)to our adopted trail, the 2N17X. I heard this is one of the toughest/funnest trails around nowadays!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Would love to meet'cha'y'all! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[h2co-pilot]

"I send you out as sheep among the wolves" http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif


Way to represent H!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif or "http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif"

Chakra-khan Chakra-khan let me me rock you Chakra-khan..... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

Very kewl! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Looks like a pretty good trail! That trail you say is "easy" looks more hard core than the things I see around here! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[HummerNewbie]

Great job representing Hummers and of course, Pewter Power http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

If he posts anything about your trip on the Jeep Forum, could you lets us know what he says.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
Personally, I am still curious (other than H1s), what other STOCK rigs can equal or surpass the H2's capabilities. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The H3 of course http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Think clearance could be an issue on JBT though.

[Orbital H2]

Horace:
nice job on the pictures, I think that you did a better job this year with showing the challange of the trail.
What time and where are you meeting up on Saturday? I might try to make it out.

[H2Finally]

VT, don't get me wrong. JBT this year is easi-er, but still one of the toughest around here -- at least for a stock H2. It's tough because the obstacles are continuous with no bypases. Once you begin, you really must continue to the end.

Orbital, I'll let you know here once its posted. You may also want to check the linky.

Here's the refreshingly friendly (somewhat http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) cross thread (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185033) on this run at Jeep Forum.

Ross is a great guy. He certainly knows how to have fun too -- plenty of battle gauges on his $35K modified Jeep.

[CO Hummer]

Nice photos and great job! I'd like to do that trail some day, but it's a loooong way from Colorado.

[VTSTOMPER]

Very kick ass H2Finally.

I went over to the Jeep forum via your link, and they are just happy to see that H2 there! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Sounds like both sides of the table agree! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Here the tails are T-I-T-E tight! I would like to check something like that out sometime!

[VTSTOMPER]

H2Finally,

Do the 37's rub at all? Did you do anything to make it work?

[H2Finally]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
Nice job again H.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CO Hummer:
Nice photos and great job! I'd like to do that trail some day, but it's a loooong way from Colorado. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I left JBT at 5pm, ate dinner and got home at about at 11am (2 time zone changes on the way) http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Driving throught to Utah at dawn was nice. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS YOU'RE A CRAZY BRIT!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

VT, I got lucky, minor rubbing, no trimming (talking 'bout the 37" MTRs!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

[PARAGON]

I have the same, 37" MT/Rs and have minor rubbing while off-road. No mods. FWIW some people had rub issues with their stock tires, so a little rub is not a huge issue.

[PARAGON]

BTW, way to represent ma peeper. U da mane!