Marengo Swamp run

[JACKSTAND]

Well, I got back from helping mark trails Sunday, and I'm still sore. The swamp is drier than last year, which means the mud is gonna be thick. The first few miles the mud was as hard as concrete but after a few 100 bikes go through spreading the water around it should loosen up. Be sure to bring mosquito dope they are bad this year. Most of us on the trail crew are pretty accomplished riders and I don't think any of us got through without getting stuck atleast once. Don't get me wrong just because it's a little dry doesn't mean there's not plenty of mud. After all being on the trail crew we're just trying to get in and out (not play) and we still got nasty. We have new pics in Wish I Could album under 2008 Marengo of the trail marking run. Wish I Could of Northeast Louisiana - 2008 Marengo

[Roger S]

Somewhere in all the links, I saw a video of the west side field, the one farthest away from the gate and the only one likely to have room on Friday. It was a big field, like crop field, had trees only on the border.

[boncrshr]

Quick question for those who have seen the camping area at Marengo...Are there many trees in the camping area? Reason I ask is that I was thinking of getting a military jungle hammock instead of bringing a tent. They are about 35 bucks, have mosquito netting, and should hypothetically be cooler than sleeping in a tent.

I have been watching the Accuweather forecast for Hebert, La. and at first it looked like there was going to be a mild cool front with temps in the mid-60's at night. That has now been revised way upward. Just thinking...

[Roger S]

Too much trouble for me, need 4 trailer tires, argo's internal exhaust needs work to run in that heat, only a one day ride, a 1000 miles, crowded trails, etc. I'd be happy as a spectator this time.

[boncrshr]

Man, you sure that will still be fun for you without your ride?? I know it would be extra gas, but maybe just bring it and decide when you get there and see what's up? Although a dedicated video guy would be nice. I might have a buddy coming that will ride with me...

[Roger S]

I think MightyMax and Mudbug are camping Fri nite, so can be at the entrance early Sat morning, like at dawn. If I come I'm leaning toward driving to Shreveport and riding with Mudbug and being the dedicated camera guy. I keep trying to imagine what this'll look like. 4000 quads on one 13 mile trail. A cross between the Oklahoma land run and a Rawhide style cattle stampede

[boncrshr]

I sent in my registration yesterday, plus 3 raffle tickets. Now I just need to get that day pass thing.

BTW, if we decide to tent camp, I'll be glad to bring some beans and tater salad Texas style. Maybe cook some chicken too once I get there.

[JACKSTAND]

Dan ,

I don,t see why Roger should have any problem bringing his Argo 8x8 . I talked to a man who goes there just about every year , and at last years event , they let a Polaris Ranger 6x6 through the gates of the park . I know this machine has to weigh over a 1,000 pds .

Roger shouldn't have a problem getting in. Polaris Rangers show up every year and they are wider and heavier than the Wildlife and Fisheries allow in thier rules. Wish I Could doesn't have rules, we just go by the LAWF rules that already exist. We get the LAWF to lift the tire rules for this ride and nobody is going to way your Atv. The only tires that are not allowed are AG tires, DOT tires, and tracks.

The only issue with the length and width is there will probably be some tight places that could be hard to manuver.

Also, Roger posted a link for Wish i Could's web site that has a map on how to get to Marengo, but incase anybody missed it Wish I Could of NorthEast Louisiana

[mudbug3]

Dan ,

I don,t see why Roger should have any problem bringing his Argo 8x8 . I talked to a man who goes there just about every year , and at last years event , they let a Polaris Ranger 6x6 through the gates of the park . I know this machine has to weigh over a 1,000 pds .

[mudbug3]

I talked to a guy who has a 2004 Max IV who plans to go , along with his friend who has an Argo Bigfoot He also told me that 2 - 4 Max II,s might go as well .

[Meinfield]

Thanks, mightymax. I want to bring a machine if I come down, and I might just weld up the axle and hope it holds. I will call it a few days before the trip.

[mightymaxIV]

marengo

I would have loved to see you Meinfield-If you want to ride with someone i am sure we can work that out. Boncshr-concentrate on making your machine work properly and don't worry about the little stuff that takes time away from the mechanical part.

[Meinfield]

Hey Guys,
I had planned to come down, but I tore up an axle on the 980 today, and it does not look like it will be back together in time. Take lot's of video!
Chris

[mightymaxIV]

Camping

Hmmm....that is a tough decision, as far as when to start, we could keep up with the quads on trails like that, but it would be hard driving...not too worried about the trails being torn up, although I have never been on a trail ride like this, I just don't see us having as much of a problem in the muck.

I just figured I'd get us thinking about lodging arrangements, I'm excited to meet everybody that's coming, and would definitely hang out with you guys the night before. Camping might be a little warm...but oh well. Hotel would be okay too...I'm easy and cheap, so they tell me.

Another question for the brain trust, don't want to jinx myself but I am coming to the end of the Hustler re-assembly, about 1 hard day away from cranking it up. My question is that I do not have a front attachment point for being winched out....I do have a very secure trailer hitch in back. Is this an issue? If it is a big issue, I can fabricate something before, I'm just running out of time and gumption and I don't want to worry about non-issues, but also want to address any important stuff.

EDIT: I will be bringing my video cam, and provided I have a back seat in by then, I will be glad to have any passengers that need a ride.

I plan to get there friday afternoon and camp as close as I can get. Roger if they let Rhinos in I don't see why they would have a problem with your vehicle. Call Jackstand and talk with him directly! Bonsure don't worry about the front end we will pull you out from the rear,push you, or what ever needs to be done. (besides I don't think you will get stuck except for the sucide hole) I don't think you'll be able to get a hotel room unless it's about 100 miles away. Roger call Jackstand at 318-728-2300.

[boncrshr]

Hmmm....that is a tough decision, as far as when to start, we could keep up with the quads on trails like that, but it would be hard driving...not too worried about the trails being torn up, although I have never been on a trail ride like this, I just don't see us having as much of a problem in the muck.

I just figured I'd get us thinking about lodging arrangements, I'm excited to meet everybody that's coming, and would definitely hang out with you guys the night before. Camping might be a little warm...but oh well. Hotel would be okay too...I'm easy and cheap, so they tell me.

Another question for the brain trust, don't want to jinx myself but I am coming to the end of the Hustler re-assembly, about 1 hard day away from cranking it up. My question is that I do not have a front attachment point for being winched out....I do have a very secure trailer hitch in back. Is this an issue? If it is a big issue, I can fabricate something before, I'm just running out of time and gumption and I don't want to worry about non-issues, but also want to address any important stuff.

EDIT: I will be bringing my video cam, and provided I have a back seat in by then, I will be glad to have any passengers that need a ride.