Georgia Trail Riders Forum

MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: jd30005 on July 02, 2014, 11:15:27 AM

Title: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on July 02, 2014, 11:15:27 AM
I am doing this event in August with a couple friends from VA.  It looks like a pretty interesting experience - http://www.vermontoverland.com/vot/ (http://www.vermontoverland.com/vot/)

Check out the overview video from the 2013 trip at the top of their home page.  I will be a passenger in my buddy's JKU.  The 2 rig team is a JKU and XJ, both locked on 35's, winches, etc.  There will be 5 of us total between the 2 rigs. 

Curious if anyone has done this before or knows anyone who has?  I will be sure to post some pictures when things kickoff on 8/4.
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Danny Kinder on July 02, 2014, 04:12:28 PM
I remember you saying something about this before. Sounds freaking awesome!! Is there any sort of prize for the winner?
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on July 02, 2014, 04:16:43 PM
I remember you saying something about this before. Sounds freaking awesome!! Is there any sort of prize for the winner?
I believe there is a "trophy" that is awarded to each team that completes the 4 day trek.  The link I posted is a good read when you have a chance, it gives a great overview of the whole thing...
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tcdawg on July 02, 2014, 09:47:44 PM
Sounds awesome. Do some type of blog or something to track your progress, that would be sweet to follow
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Raisinhead on July 03, 2014, 08:16:00 AM
That sounds awesome!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on July 25, 2014, 10:20:52 AM
A little more than a week away from the start of this.  Here is a post from one of the guys who started this describing the day by day...


Day 1:  Longest day, most towns, very first trail is the hardest of the whole day.  This day is meant to separate the prepared from the ill-prepared, the women from the girls, the wheat from the chaff, the tire from the rim.  If your vehicle is not up to snuff, Day 1 will let you know it, and quickly.  Comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.  You'll be glad to get to camp and crack a beverage!

Day 2:  Most difficult day by far.   1st three trails are three of the hardest, if not THE three hardest, in southern VT.  That said, I've driven every inch of both trails in the taco without winching (a few times), so they're not that hard.  This day keeps hitting you in the face like rabbit punches and then ends with a remote campsite that's a challenge in and of itself just to get to.  Day 1 eliminates those not prepared and Day 2 truly tests those that are. 

Day 3:  Now we're settling in and getting truly in the groove.  Most of the day is moderate intensity except for one ridiculous hillclimb that will make you say, "NO WAY!!"    The nice thing is you'll be rewarded with one of the sweetest swimming spots I've ever come across.  After that, it's smooth sailing and all about the scenery.

Day 4:   The shortest day and the easiest for terrain, but you're still not out of the woods.   Each trail will have a little kicker to keep things interesting and there's a longer pavement section in the middle with stupendous views.   Who knows, if you play your cards right, you'll have time at the end of the day to grab a maple creamie and head to the local nude beach!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: clark123456 on July 25, 2014, 03:59:02 PM
Envy is high right now!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tcdawg on July 25, 2014, 06:54:14 PM

Envy is high right now!

X2

This sounds so cool
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: 94xjsport94 on July 25, 2014, 10:37:04 PM
Sounds like a blast!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tcdawg on August 03, 2014, 09:13:49 AM
John, this starts Monday 8/4? You must be up there ready to roll. Keep us updated if you can.
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 03, 2014, 11:24:34 AM
It starts on Tue. I'm in Alexandria, VA at my buddies place and we head out in an hour to western PA to stay at another guys place. We leave tomorrow morning from PA to head to Plymouth, VT to check in to camp 1 Mon night and the adventure begins Tuesday morning. I will post some updates. This is my buddy Nate's XJ
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/03/6y5avyga.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Scott F. on August 03, 2014, 12:25:33 PM
 //SLAMIN//

Sounds like it's going to be an awesome trip!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: clark123456 on August 03, 2014, 02:31:36 PM
Good luck!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 03, 2014, 08:10:47 PM
"Team XJK" is ready to roll tomorrow morning leaving from PA heading to Vermont.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/04/hy7yratu.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: LUVNMY06TJ on August 03, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
Nice! I'm excited for you. Have a great trip.  //SLAMIN//
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 04, 2014, 06:16:48 PM
8 hours on the road today. We arrived and have setup camp for night one.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/a6ejure2.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/tagyha2y.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/gu8e4yby.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: cru9 on August 04, 2014, 07:56:40 PM
Looking pretty cool. Make sure to take some pics of the wheeliing
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: DOUG on August 04, 2014, 08:54:53 PM
You must be missing your rig about now
Title: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 04, 2014, 09:02:36 PM
I am missing it. Some cool rigs here. Check them out
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/duju9yha.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/ehyma4yh.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/gadaturu.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/u5e2uze2.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/masa8yda.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/ure6apag.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Danny Kinder on August 04, 2014, 09:46:08 PM
Awesome Rover's! Especially the Defender 90 //SLAMIN//
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 05, 2014, 08:34:18 AM
Day 1 is underway.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/re4y4ume.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/je9y9any.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tjsahara00 on August 05, 2014, 09:25:05 AM
awesome
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: ranier1315 on August 05, 2014, 09:52:44 AM
awesome! This is now on the bucket list!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: cru9 on August 05, 2014, 10:00:11 AM
We need to make a georgia , Alabama and south Carolina version
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 05, 2014, 10:44:02 AM
Small stop for a photo opp.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/05/vavyraqa.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: ranier1315 on August 05, 2014, 11:37:26 AM
We need to make a georgia , Alabama and south Carolina version
This!!!! We definately need to make this happen. I'll start looking for sponsors......


Ahem. Danny. Oh Danny! :-)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: cru9 on August 05, 2014, 11:39:30 AM
We don't need sponsors we just need to plan a route and do it
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: mrmike1964 on August 05, 2014, 11:47:46 AM
I'm in for this! Set a time and date. I'll do what I can to help.  //SLAMIN//
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: cru9 on August 05, 2014, 11:55:01 AM
John let us know how many miles or hours. How ever your tacking each day
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tjsahara00 on August 05, 2014, 12:03:21 PM
Looks like fun but I don't know about driving
all that way instead of trailering......

I know that's the whole point right...
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Scott F. on August 05, 2014, 09:16:49 PM
We need to make a georgia , Alabama and south Carolina version

I like that idea. Lots of good scenery we could incorporate. GATR's own local ultimate adventure?
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 06, 2014, 01:54:05 PM
Haven't had cell coverage for almost all day.  90 miles and 9 hours in the Jeep day 1. Remote campsite. We are 23 miles in on Day 2 and we had to winch 6 times. Awesome rocks and then miserable mud. I'll send more pics when my coverage is better.
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tcdawg on August 06, 2014, 02:16:00 PM
Haven't had cell coverage for almost all day.  90 miles and 9 hours in the Jeep day 1. Remote campsite. We are 23 miles in on Day 2 and we had to winch 6 times. Awesome rocks and then miserable mud. I'll send more pics when my coverage is better.


I would love it until you got to the mud.  I just absolutely hate mud
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 06, 2014, 03:17:40 PM
Few pics.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/a4e5usa5.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/y3yzaru9.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/y5ematuv.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/u4aqevej.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/gesa3e6e.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/3yha9ubu.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/muta2u6y.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/07/ve9e7yty.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 07, 2014, 04:04:59 PM
Day 2 was 45 miles but really tough terrain. 6 winch pulls to finish the day. No breaks. Really remote camp location.

Camp location night 2
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/ruvyvyme.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/ejuqazy4.jpg)

Some trail pics and scenery.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/huvaza5y.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/qy4yhe4u.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/u4etu6ur.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/sumavy8u.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/7e7u6e5u.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/08/ebyzemub.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: mrmike1964 on August 07, 2014, 06:25:53 PM
Beautiful views!  //cheers2// Wish I could be there.   //SLAMIN//  //popcorn// //popcorn//
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: LUVNMY06TJ on August 07, 2014, 09:18:23 PM
I have to admit John, that I am really jealous right now... please enjoy yourself for all of us who would much rather be there than at work ... or really anywhere but there.
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: tjsahara00 on August 08, 2014, 04:19:24 AM
awesome thanks for the updates....
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 08, 2014, 04:21:52 PM
It's been a really cool experience. It's amazing how many people are "off the grid" up here in Vermont. A wide variety of trails over the last 4 days. Too much drinking and not enough sleep each night. We successfully completed it. Celebration party tonight and then the journey home starts tomorrow.

There is a group participating that has been blogging about each day. http://dirtroadtrip.com

Here are some more pics.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/09/4ytebyte.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/09/ubeduvep.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/09/nejapaja.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/09/zuteqyta.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/09/7yhyhe8e.jpg)
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Trail Duty on August 09, 2014, 07:08:38 AM
That looks like one helluva experience and a great time John. Definitely jealous, I think we need to get something going down here in the Southeast  //SLAMIN//
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Scott F. on August 09, 2014, 07:37:13 AM
I'm all about living off the grid.....looks like I'm moving to Vermont   //;D//

I like that class 4 highway sign, was that a state route/road?
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: clark123456 on August 09, 2014, 08:44:04 AM
For those ignorant of class 4 highway designation, or even that there were classes of highways, this helps a little...very little:  http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=19&Chapter=003
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 09, 2014, 05:47:08 PM
It's crazy, the class 4 highway is like the worst sections of Trey Mountain. Just got back to  VA and fly back home tomorrow. It was a great experience. Looking forward to sleeping in a bed tonight.
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 09, 2014, 05:59:40 PM
One of the coolest parts of the whole trip was the navigation used for the route.  There were PDF based maps with annotations that you load into an app called Avenza PDF maps. Due to zero cell service, we loaded these on iPads on both rigs and used an external GPS receiver. We would show up as a blue dot and could navigate based on each map (each day would have 10 to 15 individual maps. Here is an example of one of the maps.  The red highlighted route is what you follow.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/10/aga8ydej.jpg)

If you're interested in loading them to see (iOS or Android) I have posted the full "Welcome email"
VOT
More info....


- Nate

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: Peter Vollers <mail@BikeReg.com>
Date: July 28, 2014 at 11:49:22 EDT
To: <nhurto@yahoo.com>
Subject: 2014 VOT is here!!!
Reply-To: <pvollers@vermontoverland.com>

-------------------------------------------------

Hi all:

Welcome to VOT 2014!    I hope everyone and their vehicles are in top shape for VOT!!

Here’s the official map and crucial info email:


Dates:  Monday, August 4 thru Saturday, August 9, 2014.


Teams:  If you have had any team changes whatsoever (members, names, etc.), please reply to this email to confirm the changes with me.


Vehicles:  you must drive to the event under your own power.  No trailering.  This ensures that you have a vehicle that will be as reliable as possible for the actual expedition.


Campsite locations (see maps for details):

Staging campsite, Monday, Aug 4:  Camp Plymouth State Park, Plymouth, VT:

http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/plymouth.htm


No need to check in with the park. Just pull into the group campsite and come to the VOT registration table to check in, sign liability waivers and pick up your vehicle decals, caps and VO trail trash bags.    Additional caps will be available for $20/cap.

Day 1, Tues, Aug 5:  Lillie Brook Farm, Tuttle Road, Rockingham, VT.

Day 2, Wed, Aug 6:  Wardsboro, VT, GMNF.  NB:  PLEASE DO NOT SHARE WITH ANYONE YOU MEET EN ROUTE WHERE WE ARE CAMPING ON DAY 2 AS WE DO NOT WANT TO ENCOURAGE HECKLERS AND THE LIKE!

Day 3, Thurs, Aug 7:  260 Hebard Hill Road, Whitingham, VT.
Day 4, Fri, Aug 8:  260 Hebard Hill Road, Whitingham, VT.

Maps:

After countless hours of prerunning, planning, rerunning and replanning, the VOT maps are finally ready! 

PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THESE MAPS WITH ANYONE BUT THOSE DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH THIS YEAR’S VOT!!!

As you'll see on the maps, there are four days of routes (Tuesday, August 5 thru Friday, August 8).   Here’s a brief description of each day’s route:

Day 1: Longest day, most towns, very first trail is the hardest of the whole day. This day is meant to separate the prepared from the ill-prepared, the women from the girls, the wheat from the chaff, the tire from the rim. If your vehicle is not up to snuff, Day 1 will let you know it, and quickly. Comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. You'll be glad to get to camp and crack a beverage!

Day 2: Most difficult day by far. First three trails are three of the hardest, if not THE three hardest, in southern VT. That said, I've driven every inch of them in the taco without winching (a few times), so they're not that hard. This day keeps hitting you in the face like rabbit punches and then ends with a remote campsite that's a challenge in and of itself just to get to. Day 1 eliminates those not prepared and Day 2 truly tests those that are.

Day 3: Now we're settling in and getting truly in the groove. Most of the day is moderate intensity except for one ridiculous hillclimb that will make you say, "NO WAY!!" The nice thing is you'll be rewarded with one of the sweetest swimming spots I've ever come across. After that, it's smooth sailing and all about the scenery.

Day 4: The shortest day and the easiest for terrain, but you're still not out of the woods. Each trail will have a little kicker to keep things interesting and there's a longer pavement section in the middle with stupendous views. Who knows, if you play your cards right, you'll have time at the end of the day to grab a maple creamie and head to the local nude beach!

Here's the map link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/woawh9jlei7tfds/AADbNHmNhj9rgS_kdcdOk-Rra

To download the maps to your device, here's the procedure:

1)  Download the Avenza PDF Maps app onto your device from your app store.

2)  Open this email ON YOUR DEVICE.

3)  Click on the map file link above.

4)  Download the file to your Dropbox (if you have a Dropbox account, sign in and the file will save there; if you don't, simply go through the registration process; it's free and easy).

5)  Then go out of Dropbox and into Avenza PDF Maps on your device and click on the little + at the upper right, click on the “Download from Dropbox” button, click on your file in Dropbox, then click "Select all" at the bottom left and let the files download in bulk to Avenza on your device (***you'll need to keep Avenza open to do this and it'll take about 20 minutes for all of the maps to process***).

Also, here’s a video that will help if you’re still having trouble:



/>
PLEASE STUDY THE EVENT MANUAL AND THE MAPS!  The notes on the Event Manual and the annotations on the maps are absolutely crucial and you must be familiar with each and every one of them to successfully complete each day's route.  Please let me know if you have any trouble whatsoever downloading the maps.

FINAL CELEBRATION!  Whatever you do, don’t forget the final night’s celebration and awards ceremony on Friday, Aug. 8 at the Day 4 campsite farm.   Kim Vollers will be cooking up a storm, so it’s not to be missed!  BYOB as always.   Seriously, folks, don’t even think about driving home on Friday.  You’ll be way too tired and you really don’t want to miss the final celebration and awards ceremony.    We’ll be awarding beautifully-crafted, custom-made (and quite useful if I may add) trophies to all of the finishers as well as prizes for our Team Spirit Award, Best Camping Setup Award and, of course, best Camel Trophy Mustache Award!

Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: cudruln on August 10, 2014, 12:35:23 AM
I would so be down for a southern overland experience. Count me in on that for sure. Looks like you had great time John.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: Danny Kinder on August 10, 2014, 09:02:25 AM
Glad you had a good time. That trip looked amazing! The trails looked a little harder than I thought they would be. How did the Land Rovers and older yota's do?
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on August 10, 2014, 09:55:28 AM
Some of the "challenge" trails were harder than I expected. It made for lots of fun. There were several breaks for Rovers and FJ Cruisers and a team with 2 AEV JKU's.  You can read a day by day summary and the breaks here - http://dirtroadtrip.com

We were team 13 and we were out first each morning along with 2 other teams of all Jeeps. It was awesome as the 6 of us finished first each day.

It was a great experience.
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jd30005 on November 05, 2014, 01:02:02 PM
The guys from Dirt road trip finally pulled together a 4 min video of the 4 day adventure. 


http://dirtroadtrip.com/blog/trips/2014-vermont-overland-trophy-video/ (http://dirtroadtrip.com/blog/trips/2014-vermont-overland-trophy-video/)







Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: cru9 on November 05, 2014, 01:05:50 PM
Great video!
Title: Re: Vermont Overland
Post by: jgerhard on November 05, 2014, 02:21:32 PM
Thats awesome dude!