A group of us are going to Badlands in Attica Indiana on Saturday Sept 26th. If anyone has ever wanted to check this place out and test their Patriot on some off road terrain this might be a good time to do so.

We will most likley meet up there between 9 and 10 AM EST (Attica time) at Badlands and have lunch out there if the weather permits. All you need is the time, a flag (they sell them there), and a place to be towed from incase of getting stuck a hitch will work. I know the rest of us have tow straps if you don't. This is always a good time!

Below is their website if you have any questions.

http://www.badlandsoffroad.com/

I'm ready to go...this will hopefully be my first outing w/ the RRO lift kit !! (if I receive the kit in time) :smiley_thumbs_up:

It's going to my first time there since I installed mine too among other things. But hey even if you don't get it done in time you can still go and have a good time the way it sits now.

I've been there four other times without the lift and it's still fun.:smiley_thumbs_up:

I think I might be able to make it this time. I will let you know for sure tomorrow.

Are there any good places to stay/camp near there ? I saw the one listed on their website but I'm worried it's probably a little played out for me. Any ideas ?

Are there any good places to stay/camp near there ? I saw the one listed on their website but I'm worried it's probably a little played out for me. Any ideas ?

Yes, Badlands has a campground and it seems that quite a few of the people stay there. It's grounds are kind of open and it seems that only the back of it has any trees for shade. but for overnight what the hey.

Turkey Run State park is about 15-20 miles away has a first rate campground and very beautiful sights and hiking trails too. I'm sure if you google it they have a site.

I think firemothjoe has stayed at both of these campgrounds and Turkey Run was much better but not as close. I guess it's a choice between convience or scenery.

Turkey Run State park is about 15-20 miles away has a first rate campground and very beautiful sights and hiking trails too.

A couple pictures from or nearby TRSP.

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/album.php?albumid=69&pictureid=373

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/album.php?albumid=69&pictureid=374

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/album.php?albumid=69&pictureid=364

I would love to come but my buddy is getting hitched that day and I am standing in, so I can't ditch. Maybe we can make it an other time, let me know when you are planning an other date.

If its sept. 26th I am in.

I will probably jusy stay at the campground on site for saturday night.

Hey Shcoat333 alright that's one more going. :smiley_thumbs_up: We will meet around 9-10AM EST since that's the time Attica is on. Either bring a lunch or they do have a consession stand that's not all that bad. I think I'll be going with the consession.

Just consulted the calendar and checked with the wife... I'm in for the 26th!
I'm getting to the rock quarry this time in my "wounded Patriot".

I'll bring my 2 radios and camera again. I need to get a bigger SD card so I can take more video.

Hey that makes two. :pepper: Glad to hear you are going Joe, I think you'll make it to the Quarry even if you have to drive there in reverse.:D Right now it looks like six vehicles going and three are Patriots. Now we need to hear from firemothjoe and see if he is in.

The raidos will help alot if everyone does not have one. Good Idea.

Hey that makes two. :pepper: Glad to hear you are going Joe, I think you'll make it to the Quarry even if you have to drive there in reverse.:D Right now it looks like six vehicles going and three are Patriots. Now we need to hear from firemothjoe and see if he is in.

The raidos will help alot if everyone does not have one. Good Idea.

I will bring 2 radios as well. I might have a friend coming along with me so he can help with video and spotting. If hes lucky, I might let him drive a little. :smiley_thumbs_up:

I'm in, me & my girl are gonna camp at Turkey Run SP that night & go hiking on Sunday. Thanks for the links to there wesite.

I'll bring my 2 radios as well.

Where can I get one of thjos Tri Stat MK's stickers?

See yall there :smiley_thumbs_up:

I have afew of the stickers here so I'll try and remember to bring them along with. Your welcome to some.

Great to hear that alot of people are making the trip and also glad many of you have the 2-way radios. I'm sure we will need them.

Hey that makes two. :pepper: Glad to hear you are going Joe, I think you'll make it to the Quarry even if you have to drive there in reverse.:D Right now it looks like six vehicles going and three are Patriots. Now we need to hear from firemothjoe and see if he is in.

The raidos will help alot if everyone does not have one. Good Idea.

what are the other three?


I was hoping I would be able to get the lift before this but thats not gonna happen. The 28.5" procomps should help a little with the ground clearence tho. :smiley_thumbs_up:

If it has been raining as much in Indiana as it has here, Id bet the badlands are a muddy mess right now.

If it has been raining as much in Indiana as it has here, Id bet the badlands are a muddy mess right now.

Not so much mud (there are a few spots)... a lot of pea gravel quicksand though. Damn that pea gravel quicksand! You've got to have 4WD for that.

what are the other three?


I was hoping I would be able to get the lift before this but thats not gonna happen. The 28.5" procomps should help a little with the ground clearence tho. :smiley_thumbs_up:

If it has been raining as much in Indiana as it has here, Id bet the badlands are a muddy mess right now.

FJ Cruiser, Cherokee lifted and not stock, Wrangler stocker, also possibly a CJ7 lifted and lots of mods, and a Subaru Outback.

I don't think that it will be all that bad. Most of the water will be in the lower portions of the park (orange trail swamp) and we aint going there. The quarry is a lot of rock and sand. It's still a ways off so alot can change but heck we been there during a downpour and it wasn't that bad.

Not so much mud (there are a few spots)... a lot of pea gravel quicksand though. Damn that pea gravel quicksand! You've got to have 4WD for that.

Thats should be interesting. This will be my first "real" offroading experience with my patriot so I may get stuck. :doh:

We'll just have to set up a shot of you tugging me out with your 4x2 ;)

Had to be on a weekend, eh? Sadly, this is the one and only reason I can't make it :( x 1000 I work weekends. I don't trust anyone to cover my post.

Still anyone considering going should go. I have had an amazingly-good time everytime I have been. Also, those who are deifintly going should be excited. Will H shall show you the way and it will be a great experience. If anyone plans on camping, I suggest a 20 min drive south to Turkey run State Park. It's cheaper and better than Badland's campground.

Definitely agree Turkey Run is the way to go.

Had to be on a weekend, eh? Sadly, this is the one and only reason I can't make it :( x 1000 I work weekends. I don't trust anyone to cover my post.

Still anyone considering going should go. I have had an amazingly-good time everytime I have been. Also, those who are deifintly going should be excited. Will H shall show you the way and it will be a great experience. If anyone plans on camping, I suggest a 20 min drive south to Turkey run State Park. It's cheaper and better than Badland's campground.


Thanks for the tip. Cheaper and nicer sounds good to me. :smiley_thumbs_up:

Had to be on a weekend, eh? Sadly, this is the one and only reason I can't make it :( x 1000 I work weekends. I don't trust anyone to cover my post.

Still anyone considering going should go. I have had an amazingly-good time everytime I have been. Also, those who are deifintly going should be excited. Will H shall show you the way and it will be a great experience. If anyone plans on camping, I suggest a 20 min drive south to Turkey run State Park. It's cheaper and better than Badland's campground.

Hey sorry you can't make it Joe. Some of us guys from where I work started this trip and picked the 26th. I just got back from a 4 day vacation so I'm glad to see everyone is still on board. Can't wait to go!

I just got back from a 4 day vacation . . . .

Don't rub it in:(

are socialist, left-wing Democratic voting Americans welcome to go too or is it just 'your' kind?:icon_rolleyes:

are socialist, left-wing Democratic voting Americans welcome to go too or is it just 'your' kind?:icon_rolleyes:

sure, no politics are involved. Just mud ;)

sure, no politics are involved. Just mud ;)

so there'll be plenty to sling....:pepper:

thats litterally an hour drive from me so i may consider coming out...dont have any good tow points on the pat atm, maybe ill throw a hitch on so i can play, either that or bring the rubicon :)

I know what they 'say' but I took my Compass 4x4 up there with NO hitch and NO tow hooks. good news is that I never got stuck. had a blast. :banana:

you will too.....just use your head and if you have a 'bad feeling' about a trail or mud pit, then DON'T DO IT! :wow:

you may get ridiculed by others as a wimp, but at least you won't be going home on the back of a FLATBED! :p

thats litterally an hour drive from me so i may consider coming out...dont have any good tow points on the pat atm, maybe ill throw a hitch on so i can play, either that or bring the rubicon :)

Come on out. I dont think you have to worry too much about having a tow point if you have at least a 4x4.

Just stick to the easy stuff. :smiley_thumbs_up:

I have a hitch but Im still going to try and keep out of anything that looks sticky.

are socialist, left-wing Democratic voting Americans welcome to go too or is it just 'your' kind?:icon_rolleyes:

Yep, but like stated only a different type of mud slinging is allowed.;)

thats litterally an hour drive from me so i may consider coming out...dont have any good tow points on the pat atm, maybe ill throw a hitch on so i can play, either that or bring the rubicon :)

Hey no problem, there is plenty of not too crazy stuff there and if you see somthing in question just watch the others and/or go around no peer pressure. I'm going to be letting the wife drive some and I know that she will not be wanting to get too crazy. I'm sure that she will like the dunes.

But then again if you bring the Rubicon it's always nice to know that if I'm behind the wheel there is another recovery vehicle there.:D

Ok we are in the final week before we head to Badlands and I was wondering who we have going Saturday? So I'll start the count and if you are going just add to the list. I hope we can get a new record number of Patriots this trip :banana: the old record being set at four. I know there will be a 2 or 3 other Jeep vehicles along with us.


1. Will H
2.

1. Will H
2. JoeBecker

I plan on being there.

im out, was planning on it with the girl, but we have to go to Boston for the weekend last minute, have fun! catch you all next time since its so close to me.

1. Will H
2. JoeBecker
3. Schoat333

I will be attending.

I do have a question tho. Are we meeting at 10:00 Central?

Its a 6 hour drive for me, so I have to figure out what time to leave saturday to get there on time. ;)

1. Will H
2. JoeBecker
3. Schoat333

I will be attending.

I do have a question tho. Are we meeting at 10:00 Central?

Its a 6 hour drive for me, so I have to figure out what time to leave saturday to get there on time. ;)

I think that they are on the same time as you are EST. Anyway we are planning on 9-10AM EST. That means I have to leave a little earlier.

I think that they are on the same time as you are EST. Anyway we are planning on 9-10AM EST. That means I have to leave a little earlier.

Indiana is so confusing for time zones.

Yeah that means I will have to leave a little early too. I'll have to leave my house at 4 a.m. to get the by 10. :doh:

I might look into coming halfway friday night, and crashing in a hotel. :smiley_thumbs_up:



As for preparations.

My friend, whom was going to supply the radios, is not able to come with me, so I'll have to see if I can find my radio.

I did pick up a tow hook for the hitch, and a tow strap yesterday. I still need to get an orange flag tho.

I did pick up a tow hook for the hitch, and a tow strap yesterday. I still need to get an orange flag tho.


They do sell the orange flags there at Badlands if needed. I'm not too sure on the price though.

They do sell the orange flags there at Badlands if needed. I'm not too sure on the price though.

I did see that on the web site. I think they are from 14-20 dollars depending on what size pole you want.

How do you mount it to your patriot?

How do you mount it to your patriot?

I have the short pole one.
It has a plastic window clip that goes over the top of the window.
Roll down the window a bit, put the flag on, and roll the window back up.
http://images46.fotki.com/v1482/photos/6/694959/5187709/AprilJoeBecker-vi.jpg

The flags they sell a Badlands clip on the side window and you roll it up to hold it there. It's the same setup like people use to show their support of their favorite sports team sticking out the side of vehicle.

I made my flag from an orange piece of cloth and a fiberglass rod. I attached the rod to a plastic clamp like the ones used to clamp a tarp down. I connected the rod to the clamp with a hose clamp. The flag just clamps on to my luggage rack.

The flags they sell a Badlands clip on the side window and you roll it up to hold it there. It's the same setup like people use to show their support of their favorite sports team sticking out the side of vehicle.

I made my flag from an orange piece of cloth and a fiberglass rod. I attached the rod to a plastic clamp like the ones used to clamp a tarp down. I connected the rod to the clamp with a hose clamp. The flag just clamps on to my luggage rack.

Im probably going to try an make something myself. $15 for a flag is a little much. I can probably make something for $5.

1. Will H
2. JoeBecker
3. Schoat333
4. kbfurlong


Are we meeting at Badlands or somewhere else before hand ?

This will be my first trip there.

I will be driving half way on Friday night & camping at Turkey Run on Saturday night.

Last time, we just met at Badlands.

http://cdn-0.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/badlandsoffroad/badlands_map_v8600.jpg

The entrance off of the main road is at the bottom of the picture.
The big area off to the left of the road is the camp ground.
Farther up on the right is the registration building (the cluster of 3 symbols).
Once you go into the park, there is a big parking lot down at the bottom of the hill (the P in the center of the circle of roads).

Like Joe said we meet at Badlands (between 9-10AM EST 8-9AM CST) I think any Patriot you see will be one of us most likely. We either find each other in the parking lot down from the registration building or at the building its self.

If you see a large red/white Suburban with yellow mars lights pulling an orange trailer he's with us too. It should have an XJ on the trailer.

Most times when a few of us get there we will go cruise around the park a bit and then check back time to time and see if the rest of the group has arrived. So one way or another we always manage to meet up.

Good to see we will have at least 4 MK's coming out.

I did post the info over on JF just incase there are some MK owners over there that would be interested.

So my wife has decided to come along.

We are going to drive to Dayton after work tomorrow, crash there in a hotel, and finish the drive saturday morning.

We should get to the badlands around 9-9:30 on saturday.

Sounds great! We have lots of wives going this trip so she won't be alone. I think that makes four wives going now and I know I'm letting mine drive there some. So we now officially have 4 Patriots, 1 Wrangler, 1 Cheerokee, and 1
CJ7. Plus a couple of ATV's going.:banana: :banana: :banana:

Sounds great! We have lots of wives going this trip so she won't be alone. I think that makes four wives going now and I know I'm letting mine drive there some. So we now officially have 4 Patriots, 1 Wrangler, 1 Cheerokee, and 1
CJ7. Plus a couple of ATV's going.:banana: :banana: :banana:

Sounds good.

Are you going to try to keep up with the big jeeps since you have all the goodies on your Pat?

The Patriots can do just as well as the Wrangler, XJ and the CJ in the dunes part of the park. (sometimes even Better) But they got us beat hands down when it comes to deep mud or clearence issues. I think that they will be doing the same stuff we do for the most part. It should be a good time and if you feel uncomfortable in doing something it's no big deal.

It is nice to have some other vehicles with us that are set up with winches and all the goodies though. Bring your appitite the wife is making two huge sub sandwiches for lunch I just found out.

Looks like we may be getting wet again.... maybe that will keep some of the bike lunatics at bay... no wait... :doh:

Im heading out now. See you all tomorrow morning in the parking lot.

I'll be in the silver Pat. ;)

Drive safely.

I have been so busy at work, this weekend just crept up on me! I guess I knew about the meet, but it didn't dawn that this Saturday was the 26th:-((.

I'm going to blame it on being a senior moment.

Schoat: See you tomorrow drive safe.

Joe: There is a chance we might not get rained on if the weather is correct.:icon_rolleyes:

Hoosier: There's still time to join in Just do it.:D

Schoat: See you tomorrow drive safe.

Joe: There is a chance we might not get rained on if the weather is correct.:icon_rolleyes:

Hoosier: There's still time to join in Just do it.:D

Wifes driving so I pulled out the blackberry.

We're about 45 mins from our stopping point for tonight.

You all be careful driving tomorrow.

P.s. My name is Scott if you were wondering.

P.s. My name is Scott if you were wondering.

That's OK, I was just going to call you Schoat333 and Mrs. Schoat333. :D

My name is Ralph by the way.

Will, you know it has been proven that the weather forecast is right 60% of the time everytime... just like Sex Panther cologne.

Another great time!

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JoeBecker, Schoat333, and Will H

I will post some more pictures and video later.

Yes, a great time had by all. Now I have to get the wife to download our pics so I can see what we have. Joe you really surprised us with the 4X2 (wounded) Patriot. There was no stopping you for alot of the stuff we did today. Good job! :smiley_thumbs_up: The 4X2's can play pretty well.

I know we have the pics to prove it too. :banana::banana::banana:

Joebecker boldly goes where no other 4X2 has gone before....



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A few more pics.....


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Didn't realize that my driver side rear tire was so far off the ground. That really hurts getting power to the ground... oh wait that's one of my "wounded legs"... nevermind.

That is a great shot of you taking on that hill. The video definitely does not do the angle justice.

Have put together a video, just waiting for it to finish publishing and then I will upload it to youtube, where we will have to do some more waiting...

Just made it home safe and sound.

Im going to post a few pics in a little bit.

I think everyone had a good time today and the weather turned out good too. Scott and his wife are a nice couple and I hope they can make another trip out sometime in the future. Next time though let's not invite those @#!%&*!@ bees to lunch! They are a rude bunch! Here's a couple more pics.

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Just uploaded the video...
Good job on the taking of most of the video Mrs Schoat333!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L3RStSADrh4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L3RStSADrh4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Heres a few pics that I uploaded.

The Sign

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/schoat333/badlands/frontgate.jpg

On our way in. (Damn windshield crack!)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/schoat333/badlands/goingin.jpg

Joe on the gravel dune.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/schoat333/badlands/joeondunes.jpg

The only time Joe got stuck all day. (This gravel is like quick sand.)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/schoat333/badlands/joesunk.jpg

Quick tug out, and we were back on our way thru. :smiley_thumbs_up:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/schoat333/badlands/rescue.jpg

Of course, heres the poser shot.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/schoat333/badlands/pose.jpg

Good video! I didn't know you had the wives catching you on video with your camera. Now there's video and picture proof of the 4X2 playing in the dirt. And doing it quite well I might add. :smiley_thumbs_up:

I definitely had to fight that dune.
I almost made it all the way up in 1 try.
Then I backed up a little and tried again.
Backed up some more and tried a different line.
Dug several big ruts going side to side.
Backed halfway down the hill and finally made it to the top.

The other dunes were too much for me. I could never get up enough speed in the really deep pea gravel and the dunes were quite steep. I found myself sinking like in the picture where I finally got stuck. Several times I did not move until I had dug down to something solid and then it would finally take off. Once moving, I did not slow down. I was almost as crazy as those ATVers... but not an AH like one of those guys.

Great pics Schoat, I think you were the only one today that wasn't pulled out of a "situation". I guess there's always next time. ;) We had a great time today, even when we broke into Danny's truck. Next time I hope he brings the right keys. Thanks for having the magic touch to get the door open Joe.

I definitely had to fight that dune.
I almost made it all the way up in 1 try.
Then I backed up a little and tried again.
Backed up some more and tried a different line.
Dug several big ruts going side to side.
Backed halfway down the hill and finally made it to the top.

The other dunes were too much for me. I could never get up enough speed in the really deep pea gravel and the dunes were quite steep. I found myself sinking like in the picture where I finally got stuck. Several times I did not move until I had dug down to something solid and then it would finally take off. Once moving, I did not slow down. I was almost as crazy as those ATVers... but not an A like one of those guys.

We were waiting for that ---hole to come back up the hill. I had the Pat in reverse and had it throwing pea gravel right in line of the path he was taking up the hill. He never came back up for the face full of fun I had for him so we just left and figured it was for the best.

Looks like ya'll had a great time! I sure was glad to see that the wives came along this time too. Now maybe I can convince the wife to come along next time I'm free to head that way. I had such a great time the only time I went and really hope to sneak back over again soon.
Go wives!!

Excellent pics and videos folks. Keep up the good work!:smiley_thumbs_up:

Great pics Schoat, I think you were the only one today that wasn't pulled out of a "situation". I guess there's always next time. ;) We had a great time today, even when we broke into Danny's truck. Next time I hope he brings the right keys. Thanks for having the magic touch to get the door open Joe.

HA yeah I guess I wasnt trying hard enough. ;)

Next time I be a little more daring now that I know what the patriot can do.

Thanks Joe and Will for showing us around, and an all around great time! :smiley_thumbs_up:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kD_URnlV8ME&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kD_URnlV8ME&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

The underside of my Jeep after kissing the ground. I took just a little mud with me.
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5369&thumb=1&d=1254016492 5384

Will way up on the hill in the quarry.
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Will's wife taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.
She made some great subs for lunch. They were so good that even the bees wanted to eat them.
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Just got done cleaning the Pat. Jeeeez was there alot of mud under it from that mud hole. I had enough to fill a couple of flower pots at the least! Oh well it only took four hours to get it some what looking clean.

Anyway it was a great time and I'm ready to go again. I'm just not going back in that darn mud hole.

Sorry, I know this has nothing to do with the Badlands, but have you guys checked into having an event at The Tire Rack in South Bend?

They host club meets all the time and book them months in advance. They have a small paved 'test track' as well as an 'off road' course. The cost for the use of their track is.....FREE!

If you schedule an event during the week, they'll give you a tour of their facility too. If it's on a Saturday, then they DO have their showroom open so that you can view their wheels, tires and other accessories.

If anyone is interested, PM me and I can give you the contact info.

now we have a new question about BLD.

does the 2wd have any BLD features at all with the ESP system? What happens if one of the two strong legs goes in the air Joe?

Most 2wd's would be standing still. does yours?

I don't know how to answer that question because I don't really understand what the goal of the programming is. Here is my experience:

I was driving around with ESP off. In the sand climb video, my passenger wheel was spinning like crazy when it got up in the air. I dug a pretty good hole (both sides - where I got stuck) in that gravel so my tires were definitely spinning. In fact, I don't think there was a time that my wheels weren't spinning (never experienced revs without spin). It had no problem revving over 2000 RPM when I wasn't actually going anywhere.

There were a couple of times that I forgot to turn ESP off and it definitely led to getting stopped easier - in those cases I was not getting wheel spin (I think). It definitely felt different.

Yes, when I got a wheel up in the air or lost my momentum I was done. There just isn't enough power in 1 wheel at all and 2 won't do you any good on a steep incline or deep gravel.

Sorry, I know this has nothing to do with the Badlands, but have you guys checked into having an event at The Tire Rack in South Bend?

They host club meets all the time and book them months in advance. They have a small paved 'test track' as well as an 'off road' course. The cost for the use of their track is.....FREE!

If you schedule an event during the week, they'll give you a tour of their facility too. If it's on a Saturday, then they DO have their showroom open so that you can view their wheels, tires and other accessories.

If anyone is interested, PM me and I can give you the contact info.

Hmmm, I work about 5 minutes from Tire Rack.

Hmmm, I work about 5 minutes from Tire Rack.


Well.............there...........you.............g o...............:)

I don't know how to answer that question because I don't really understand what the goal of the programming is. Here is my experience:

I was driving around with ESP off. In the sand climb video, my passenger wheel was spinning like crazy when it got up in the air. I dug a pretty good hole (both sides - where I got stuck) in that gravel so my tires were definitely spinning. In fact, I don't think there was a time that my wheels weren't spinning (never experienced revs without spin). It had no problem revving over 2000 RPM when I wasn't actually going anywhere.

There were a couple of times that I forgot to turn ESP off and it definitely led to getting stopped easier - in those cases I was not getting wheel spin (I think). It definitely felt different.

Yes, when I got a wheel up in the air or lost my momentum I was done. There just isn't enough power in 1 wheel at all and 2 won't do you any good on a steep incline or deep gravel.


From what I could see, both tires were always spining together.

I think your right tho. If one tire was in the air, it would have spun freely on its own.

Luckily the patriot is heavier in the front so you almost always had both front tires on the ground. The back tires are the ones that lift up usually.