Winter Romp

**Firemanshort** · 01-25-2010, 11:55 PM

OK ... OK... OK... I sound a little like a sally - but I am actually excited to test this out - it will be like my own little TOP GEAR trip to the North Pole.

**J.McKelvey** · 01-27-2010, 06:51 PM

One of my Prof's just told us that we're going to have a midterm Saturday the 13th of February. So now I can't make it.

I think I'm cursed...

John

**Tim Smith** · 01-27-2010, 07:01 PM

Originally posted by J.McKelvey

One of my Prof's just told us that we're going to have a midterm Saturday the 13th of February. So now I can't make it.

I think I'm cursed...

John

I bet if you plead your case to the professor, you might be allowed to take it early.

**Jeff Aronson** · 01-27-2010, 07:15 PM

What's the course? I'm sure we can come up with a thesis that would involve your participation in the Romp.

Jeff

**stomper** · 01-28-2010, 08:26 AM

I'm considering coming, and perhaps doing some of the "softer stuff". I have the gear required, but I don't have recovery points on the front or rear of the rig yet. The galvy frame is solid though. Will this be enough? How rugged is the trek? I saw some videos on youtube that have me a little concerned. My rig is a standard 1966 IIA, which I don't want to destroy. I also don't have a CB yet.

**Jeff Aronson** · 01-28-2010, 10:14 AM

My II-A is quite stock and I've been able to get through the course several times without damage. All the trails have bypasses built into the route - you don't have to do sections that make you uncomfortable. The videos posted of the event are often taken on the most extreme trails, which are identified in advance so Rompers can choose their preferred experiences.

I've seen fully restored Series Rovers particpate, completely stock, and be quite successful. Since their owners did not want to trash their cars, they chose the simpler but challenging trails, with far less chance of damage. No matter what the trail, you're going quite slow in woods, so body damage is far less likely.

I've also gotten stuck several times, to the delight of enthusiasts who either have towed/winched me out or watch the proceedings. It's part of the Romp experience and a great way to improve your own skills. Sometime the trails get so rutted up that your Rover gets "high centered" - the frame rests on the snow/ice as the tires spin in the air. Except for maybe a lift kits, there's no "fix" for high centering, It can happen to any Rover, regardless of how it's kitted out. Someone gives your car a yank with a tow rope or a haul out with a winch.

If you have a solid frame, then you have "recovery points" at your front spring hangers and at your rear crossmemeber [the PTO hole} Mounting rings on the front bumpers or a pintle hitch at the rear makes the recovery task easier, that's all. If you have a high lift jack of any sort, and a tow strap and shackle, then you're all set. Lots of participants have winches and straps and they'll be happy to help you. Many have helped me in the past, too

.

Tires are the biggest help. If you have only "all season" tires on your Rover, then you'll have more problems, regardless of the other equipment you have on your car - unless you have chains. You'll want an agressive mud and snow tire, and you're going to air down the tires to 10 - 15 psi anyway. There's an air pump at Bruce Fowler's shop to bring the tire pressure back up at the end of the day.

A CB and/or handheld radio makes things more fun, but if you don't, you'll be put in a convoy with people who do so you're not out of communication.

Trails that have the potential for damage are identified as such in advance. The entire convoy is broken up into smaller groups that travel trails based on your experiene level and equipment level. Listen at the drivers meeting on Saturday morning and you'll find the group right for your equipment and confidence level.

Hopefully, you'll come to the Riomp!

Jeff

**stomper** · 01-28-2010, 01:51 PM

Thanks Jeff for setting my mind at ease. I assumed everything you stated, but hearing it from a past participant makes me more comfortable in planning to attend, and knowing I will have a great time. In watching the videos (I know extreme videos always make the cut) I was a little concerned that it was a bit over the top for what I plan to do with MY rover!

**J.McKelvey** · 01-28-2010, 01:54 PM

Its one of my core Engineering courses which I put off till my last year. I tried everything but it's a no go.. Was really looking forward to going this year

John

**amcordo** · 01-28-2010, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by Jeff Aronson

If you have a solid frame, ...

A what?

**stomper** · 01-28-2010, 04:21 PM

LOL Amcordo, I know it is a rarity, but they do exist. Are you planning on driving up from Ohio for the event? If so, I'd like to put a request in for a blonde.

**amcordo** · 01-28-2010, 04:32 PM

Not this year, but in the near future yes. I need to get a new galvanized frame before I do anything intense like this. I already sized up a new engine and transmission (Vortec 3700 from a hummer & aisin manual transmission from a gm Canyon) and am in the process of building a completely modern relay/fuse/wiring system for the whole car so I'm getting closer and closer to when I take off two or three weeks in a row, don't sleep, and just do everything. $300.00 saved up, $9,700.00 to go!

Originally posted by stomper

LOL Amcordo, I know it is a rarity, but they do exist. Are you planning on driving up from Ohio for the event? If so, I'd like to put a request in for a blonde.

**Jeff Aronson** · 01-28-2010, 04:39 PM

One year a fellow from Maine attended in a Series Rover and pushed his car quite hard. By the end of the weekend he found he had a crack in his frame above the front wheel on one side. The crack was so severe that the two parts came close to splitting. His solution was to bum a comealong and connect it to frame holes in each side of the rail. He then tightened up the comealong and drove home to southern Maine.

I understood that he made it just fine and he has returned in subsequent years

.

Jeff

**uralrover** · 01-31-2010, 10:05 PM

Heading to the romp....

OK, well I am new to the North East (sort of) and am heading out from way-way upstate NY towards MAine in my rattle trap series III. Where is the best place to meet up with someone on the 12th to find my way there. Going North and heading into Maine through Canada. Would rather car pool for safety sake.

**rwollschlager** · 02-01-2010, 05:50 AM

Originally posted by uralrover

OK, well I am new to the North East (sort of) and am heading out from way-way upstate NY towards MAine in my rattle trap series III. Where is the best place to meet up with someone on the 12th to find my way there. Going North and heading into Maine through Canada. Would rather car pool for safety sake.

I'm not sure exactly when or where, but Justin from Lucky 8 LLC (vendor of off-road upgrades for our coiled bretheren) I believe is from upstate NY and will be attending romp. You may have to travel south to meet up with another convoy. Best of luck to you and see you in 2 weeks!

-Rob

**Bruce Fowler** · 02-01-2010, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by uralrover

OK, well I am new to the North East (sort of) and am heading out from way-way upstate NY towards MAine in my rattle trap series III. Where is the best place to meet up with someone on the 12th to find my way there. Going North and heading into Maine through Canada. Would rather car pool for safety sake.

Try Posting your request on Winter Romp or OVLR forum, might
connect you with the folks traveling from the great white north.

Also a heads up if dropping down from Canada into Maine. I think the gas
station in Eustis closes at eight during the winter. Make sure you refuel in
Sherbrooke. The next stop is Madison a little over a hundred miles from
your Canadian stop.

Wouldn't want you to repeat one attendees camping experence at the Eustis
gas staion in minus thirty degree weather.

Winter Romp

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