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fernweh
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
| Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Hi guys,
I'm starting a new Treffen-thread for you....
dalexa001 wrote on 8/14/2013: I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this.
Aircruiser on 8/27/2013: Has anyone run the Skyway? Its southern points are only a hundred miles away from me. I need to get off the beaten path soon, September?
It's more than a hundred miles away for me, but don't mind me - enjoy that adventure
Karl |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
fernweh - 8/30/2013 11:21 AM
Hi guys,
I'm starting a new Treffen-thread for you....
dalexa001 wrote on 8/14/2013: I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this.
Aircruiser on 8/27/2013: Has anyone run the Skyway? Its southern points are only a hundred miles away from me. I need to get off the beaten path soon, September?
It's more than a hundred miles away for me, but don't mind me - enjoy that adventure
Karl
Good call Karl!
If anyone is interested in a Southeast Treffen this Fall, let's hear your thoughts.
I'm going to Pre-run the Alabama Skyway Motorway this Sunday 9/1/13, will post a trail report and some photos.
Happy Trails!
Edited by Aircruiser 8/30/2013 1:04 PM
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
I ran the old track before it was paved in my 280GE about 27-28 yrs ago. I remember one very big and deep mud hole that required lockers to navigate.
I'd join you this weekend, but am getting the G and the Karavan ready for two weeks in UT and AZ in Sept. Still lots to do to preclude any breakdowns along the way. After all, it's a 14 yr old truck. |
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MudMonkey
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2013
Location: CO
Vehicle(s): '03 G500
Posts: 274
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Aircruiser - 8/30/2013 1:02 PM
fernweh - 8/30/2013 11:21 AM
Hi guys,
I'm starting a new Treffen-thread for you....
dalexa001 wrote on 8/14/2013: I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this.
Aircruiser on 8/27/2013: Has anyone run the Skyway? Its southern points are only a hundred miles away from me. I need to get off the beaten path soon, September?
It's more than a hundred miles away for me, but don't mind me - enjoy that adventure
Karl
Good call Karl!
If anyone is interested in a Southeast Treffen this Fall, let's hear your thoughts.
I'm going to Pre-run the Alabama Skyway Motorway this Sunday 9/1/13, will post a trail report and some photos.
Happy Trails!
I'd be interested in a meet/drive --- let's do it. |
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Aircruiser - 8/30/2013 12:02 PM
If anyone is interested in a Southeast Treffen this Fall, let's hear your thoughts.
I'm going to Pre-run the Alabama Skyway Motorway this Sunday 9/1/13, will post a trail report and some photos.
Happy Trails!
We've got some family in from out of town but i may be able to break away on Sunday for a ride.
Also interested in a bigger treffen this fall. |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
The kids and I did a test run on the Skyway Motorway in Eastern Alabama this last weekend, it was definitely worth the effort. 28 miles of quality dirt is getting harder to find. To get an idea of difficulty, I did a baseline. I have a stock 2000 G500 with worn out Yokohama's, low range, no lockers were engaged, I ran 38 PSI, I drove slow and picked easy lines with no wheel slip noted. I approached mud holes in wheel tracks at walking speed with no loss of traction, the deepest hole was probably 12" deep and at full pool after a rain probably around 18". If you wanted to pick harder lines and use lockers you could make it as challenging as you want. Airing down would have made the ride much more enjoyable. AT&T cell phone coverage was spotty but I did leave my travel plans with my wife.
HW 148 / CR6000 1 to the north on the Skyway Motorway to HW 77 was nice and scenic, unimproved gravel/rock road with minor/moderate washouts, little mud, a few blow downs(one required partial removal). This section offed some great vistas, camping, picnicking and photo opportunities, we didn't see another human for 2 hours.
The second section just north of 77 and Horn Lake Road to Gunters Town Rd. After you cross the RR tracks and Creek the road turns into Skyline Dr. This was a more technical section with larger boulders, moderate washouts and little mud. I really wanted to air down or use lockers but didn't need them with decent lines. It had just showered leaving the rocks slick and soil soft. Great driving and views. We ran into some local teens on four wheelers near the creek and had a nice conversation about Suzuki 4wd trucks.
The third section North of Gunters Town Rd to HW 281 was an easy drive having been recently graded but offered good veiws and solitude. We did share the road with one other truck, the first of the day! The Skyway Motorway continues to the left on HW 281 which is paved, we drove it to
Cheaha Resort State Park. They offer a restaurant and general store.
http://share.gps.motionxlive.com/shr/x/kmz/dd4b3fdbcb0e2c0ee46c7291...
Edited by Aircruiser 9/3/2013 10:59 AM
 (skyline overlook first.jpg)
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skyline washout 1.1.jpg (363KB - 0 downloads)
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skyline mud 1.jpg (377KB - 0 downloads)
skyline powerline1.jpg (336KB - 0 downloads)
skyline blowdown1.jpg (386KB - 0 downloads)
skyline workers1.jpg (366KB - 0 downloads)
skyline vista1.jpg (189KB - 0 downloads)
skyline ruts2.jpg (366KB - 0 downloads)
skyline ruts2.1.jpg (333KB - 0 downloads)
skyline gravel3.jpg (363KB - 0 downloads)
skyline dusk.jpg (175KB - 0 downloads)
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MudMonkey
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2013
Location: CO
Vehicle(s): '03 G500
Posts: 274
| Re: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Good times - thanks for posting the photos, looks like you had a lot of fun - definitely gotta get a meet going! |
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94rover
Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: 39.2036° N, 76.8569° W
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
Posts: 240
| Re: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Nice pics, Aircruiser. I enjoyed viewing the skyline panorama jpg. Thanks for sharing all images.
Driving Skyline drive from Maryland to NC is on my bucket list. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| You're Nominated
To lead a Treffen there this Fall during Color Season. Sign me up |
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MudMonkey
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2013
Location: CO
Vehicle(s): '03 G500
Posts: 274
| RE: You're Nominated
DUTCH - 9/4/2013 9:09 AM
To lead a Treffen there this Fall during Color Season. Sign me up
That'd be cool, to head up there during color season --- probably going to be an awesome one this year, after all the rain we've had. Let's get it done!
Anyone propose a date? How about we meet up on Saturday, stop somewhere Saturday night to hit a bar + hotel, and then drive some more on Sunday morning then head home at mid day? |
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| RE: You're Nominated
Great photos! I'm really sorry I missed that. Looks like the kids had fun too. Glad to see that Skyway is worth it.
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 9:27 AM
That'd be cool, to head up there during color season --- probably going to be an awesome one this year, after all the rain we've had. Let's get it done!
Anyone propose a date? How about we meet up on Saturday, stop somewhere Saturday night to hit a bar + hotel, and then drive some more on Sunday morning then head home at mid day?
Weekend of 10/26, or 11/02? We should finally be getting cooler temps and changing leaves by that time. Talladega Superspeedway and a big Honda plant are nearby so there should be plenty of hotels to choose from.
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MudMonkey
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2013
Location: CO
Vehicle(s): '03 G500
Posts: 274
| RE: You're Nominated
WEBIII - 9/4/2013 11:02 AM
Great photos! I'm really sorry I missed that. Looks like the kids had fun too. Glad to see that Skyway is worth it.
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 9:27 AM
That'd be cool, to head up there during color season --- probably going to be an awesome one this year, after all the rain we've had. Let's get it done!
Anyone propose a date? How about we meet up on Saturday, stop somewhere Saturday night to hit a bar + hotel, and then drive some more on Sunday morning then head home at mid day?
Weekend of 10/26, or 11/02? We should finally be getting cooler temps and changing leaves by that time. Talladega Superspeedway and a big Honda plant are nearby so there should be plenty of hotels to choose from.
I say we shoot for earlier than that, and save another weekend for a rain date or something. How about 10/19 for primary date? 11/2 backup? |
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MudMonkey
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2013
Location: CO
Vehicle(s): '03 G500
Posts: 274
| RE: You're Nominated
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 11:09 AM
WEBIII - 9/4/2013 11:02 AM
Great photos! I'm really sorry I missed that. Looks like the kids had fun too. Glad to see that Skyway is worth it.
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 9:27 AM
That'd be cool, to head up there during color season --- probably going to be an awesome one this year, after all the rain we've had. Let's get it done!
Anyone propose a date? How about we meet up on Saturday, stop somewhere Saturday night to hit a bar + hotel, and then drive some more on Sunday morning then head home at mid day?
Weekend of 10/26, or 11/02? We should finally be getting cooler temps and changing leaves by that time. Talladega Superspeedway and a big Honda plant are nearby so there should be plenty of hotels to choose from.
I say we shoot for earlier than that, and save another weekend for a rain date or something. How about 10/19 for primary date? 11/2 backup?
If we decide on a date, and get a rough headcount, I can call around there and see if I can find a hotel that will hook us up with a special on a block of rooms...? |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
10-19 Works for me! |
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fernweh
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Looks like a great trail, nice adventure....
BUT, do not forget the little tool you see in my picture 
Karl
 (Hi or Low by H Pietschmann.jpg)
Attachments
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Hi or Low by H Pietschmann.jpg (175KB - 0 downloads)
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| Re: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Karl, I have the same tool! Don't leave home without it.
As for 10/19, I had previously agreed to purchase tickets to the Alabama game that day. So if that's the date that works best for everyone, then I'll just have to figure out a way to make it work.
-Winston |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
fernweh - 9/4/2013 2:21 PM
Looks like a great trail, nice adventure....
BUT, do not forget the little tool you see in my picture
Karl
Who needs a Chainsaw when they have a nine year old with a broadsword?
I did have one as a backup. |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| RE: You're Nominated
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 11:10 AM
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 11:09 AM
WEBIII - 9/4/2013 11:02 AM
Great photos! I'm really sorry I missed that. Looks like the kids had fun too. Glad to see that Skyway is worth it.
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 9:27 AM
That'd be cool, to head up there during color season --- probably going to be an awesome one this year, after all the rain we've had. Let's get it done!
Anyone propose a date? How about we meet up on Saturday, stop somewhere Saturday night to hit a bar + hotel, and then drive some more on Sunday morning then head home at mid day?
Weekend of 10/26, or 11/02? We should finally be getting cooler temps and changing leaves by that time. Talladega Superspeedway and a big Honda plant are nearby so there should be plenty of hotels to choose from.
I say we shoot for earlier than that, and save another weekend for a rain date or something. How about 10/19 for primary date? 11/2 backup?
If we decide on a date, and get a rough headcount, I can call around there and see if I can find a hotel that will hook us up with a special on a block of rooms...?
The state park has rooms and of course camping, not sure about availability though. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: You're Nominated
MudMonkey - 9/4/2013 11:09 AM
I say we shoot for earlier than that, and save another weekend for a rain date or something. How about 10/19 for primary date? 11/2 backup?
There won't be any color yet; and on a minor note, I'm not available that early. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen?
Aircruiser - 9/4/2013 1:39 PM
10-19 Works for me!
Not available. I'm out. Have a good run! |
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