Took advantage of the finally warmer weather yesterday to pick up and install the ARB awning I got from Slee Off Road. The install actually turned out to be a super easy job, thanks in part to the Eazi-Awn brackets I picked up from my pal Paul at Equipt Expidition Outfitter in Salt Lake. Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers powder coated the brackets for me.
All in all it took about an hour to install the awning. I haven’t had a chance to test it out, but sure there will be plenty of time as we head into the warmer months:).
Mounting brackets for the roof rack from Eazi-Awn.
Instructions and hardware. 10mm bolts.
Ready to mount to the awning.
Brackets mounted to the awning.
Brackets set to the width of the roof rack.
Tightening down the brackets on the roof rack.
All finished. I’ll post images when I can with the awning folded out.
Yesterday, my Dad joined me for a drive down to my friends place above Sapinero, CO. His shop, Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers is located in Orchard City, just outside of Delta. Coming from Denver, it helps with the drive getting the runner to Jeremiah and Chandra’s place above Sapinero.
After topping off the tank in Poncha Springs, we started the drive over Monarch Pass (11,312ft), not too long after coming upon a line of stopped vehicles. Turned out an avalanche had just closed the pass. So, Dad and I turned around, had lunch in a balmy 39deg Salida then headed back home.
I broke off from driving back with Dad in South Park, turning off on the road to Weston Pass. Winter weather was setting in so I didn’t get many pics, but it sure felt good to get the 4runner out. First time since Slee Off Road installed the winch.
The images I did get from yesterdays outing.
Finally feeling like Winter. Views from Weston Pass road.
This past Sunday, my club, the Rising Sun 4×4 Club of Colorado hosted it’s annual “Snow & Pizza Run” ( the “Snow & Burrito Run” this year). We always go above Central City to a place called Yankee Hill. The trail is not that difficult and doesn’t have any ledges to worry about. A good place to go play in the snow and get stuck. I rode along with my pal Jackson. When we got to the meet up spot Sunday morning, we were surprised to see so many vehicles already there. In total, we think about 40 rigs showed up. I love riding along for this run to take pictures. I ended up in the back of the group with my friend Alex, so didn’t get as many as I planned but still a great day.
Naturally this run is a bit slow, as someone always seems to need a tug out of the snow. But this year even more so with the group size and trail conditions (slick!). All things considered, everyone seemed to have a fun time and enjoyed the burritos. It felt good being back out on the trail hanging with friends, though we definitely need more snow!
At the meeting spot above Central City. A big turn out this year!
Scott Yoder our leader for the day, giving the drivers meeting.
A good variety of rigs this year.
My pal Treeroot (shotgun) and his Dad driving.
Waiting for folks to make the first icy hill climb.
Jackson and Treeroot.
A lot of this during the day.
Jackson trying to ruin my shot.
Mike in his nice FJ40 making the climb. This hill seemed to fight everyone this year.
Jackson’s second attempt. He took the right line for his first attempt and had a fast and fun bobsled ride back down the hill.
At the second big hill climb. Tim, Jackson and Treeroot watching others make an attempt.
Chains definitely helped on this day.
My friend Dave putting the low gears in the tcase to work.
Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.
I rode with Alex for the rest of the trail as Jackson took off early. We were making good progress up the hill until this spot. Traction boards a useful tool to have.
A super slick section of trail. We ended up using the traction boards to help counter the ice.
Mike in his 3rd gen 4runner almost made it up this spot.
Alex needing a tug.
We stopped for a group shot just below Yankee Hill. The rest of the group was far ahead of us.
Such a beautiful day to be up in the hills!
Treeroot and his Dad coming from Yankee Hill to great us.
Couldn’t pass up a few photos of Ken’s FJ40 and the views.
And an end to another great day out with the club.
