[m3dragon]

The following trip report covers the two Pre Runs of the poker run trails for the Deuces event. The initial trail was based on an old VORRA map and looked promising for a great run. Between the two different days of trail runs, the ROC team covered over 300 miles of trails and had zero issues. In some stretches of the trail, the crew was able to run up to 100 mph, while in other stretches the ROC crew suffered through 10 mph crawler trails.

Below are some of the highlight images of the Pre-runs.

Here is the video of both days of Pre-running:

https://youtu.be/9afhIDYbVQA

Pre-run 1 - The start of the trail was not horrible, but was a bit of a climb. There wasn't anything too crazy, but little did the crew know what was in store. Keep in mind, this was after the BIG rain storms in Reno and the crew was out there while some lingering showers were still around.

After the initial climb and a short flat section the crew came to what is quoted as the start of the "soul sucking trail" sections; slow crawler trails that the jeep guys love, but Raptor and Truck owners hate.

After the first of these soulless trails, the group hit some great flat trails before starting the second set of climbs. This turned into a second set of soulless trails, but did offer a great view of the valley that the main course will be run on.

Coming out of the last climb section, the trail opened up and hope was restored that some of the day would not be a total loss. The trail started off so so, and then ended with a fast trail as storms raged all around the crew. Lighting could be seen striking a lake bed, which was awe inspiring and kind of nerve racking all at the same time. After 140 miles, the crew exited the trail feeling gloomy because the route looked so promising but ended up as a painful endeavourer. But more on the fix next.

 

[m3dragon]

With sun rising on a new pre run day, it brought hope of better trails and a run that would be memorable in a good way. Leaving way too early, two Raptors and a bone stock F350 headed up the hill to meet the NV members of the ROC crew to pre run the new trail.

The crew meet up at the planned starting point to top off with fuel and head to the trail head. 14 miles of pavement and the crew was there. Everyone aired down and snapped a quick group photo before hitting the dirt.

The first part of the new planned route started off fast and fun. There were still some remnants of the big rain storms with small washout bumps and some gullies that you needed to take easy on, but there were no major issues. After some fast trails, the crew turned off to a side trail that was technical but still fast and fun.

Following the technical trail was a fast county road trail. The crew was able to make great time and had some fun drifting around some corners. Reaching the first check point, the crew took a group photo in front of the "Aeromater" windmill. Not spending too much time there, the crew hit the trail to checkpoint 2.

On the way to check point two, the crew went on what I like to call "adventure trail." The reason for this is there is a trail... kind of. It was faint, but you could see it and it was a different change of pace to desert blasting. After this short adventure section, the group split into two. One group took the main route and the other group took the hook trail around the mountain. This section was added to the planned loop for everyone and made for a great canyon shot. This route also lead to finding a lot of "ass" on the trail. Coming out of this section, you could see the dry lake bed that the trail was making a big loop around.

The two groups met at check point two and had lunch. The back half of the trail was a mix of FAST and easy turns. You still had to be on guard for wash outs, but over all they were fast and fun trails. Waiting at check point two, I was able to get a pick of the 2001 F350 bone stock with 250K on it. We affectionately called it "stage coach," as it just kept going. Bear in mind, the trail was no powder puff trail. On one major wash out, the driver had to work to get in and out because it was that steep.

 

[m3dragon]

 

[m3dragon]

At the end of the trail, the crew made a quick stop at the Nightingale Mine. Our group likes to go out to find things vs. just running in the desert. So this was one of the many areas we have mapped to go check out. After taking a quick group photo, we explored the area for a bit. There's not much left as you can see, but the mine shaft was still open as were a few others. Watch your step.

From the mine, it was a short 30 mile run to the end of the trail. Covering 145 and 165 miles, respectively (the group that split did more, HAHA), we averaged 40 mph and a few members were cruising in the 90s at points. This run promises to be a lot of fun and offer a great mix of terrain for a day run. See you all on the 18th and remember the deadline to sign up is the 14th so that decals can be made and the restaurant can be notified of how many people to expect.