Hi everyone! The Weather is good, gas prices are easing up, and the summer is calling you. Your Patriot/Compass is itching to do jeep stuff and you may find yourself asking, "what IS the #1 reason for owning a Jeep?" TO TAKE IT OFFROADING!

Yep. This is my first trailride and I'd like to invite all Tristate MK's to come along and bounce around on the novice trails in Western Indiana.

We're going to the Badlands Offroad Park near Attica, Indiana. It's $20 per person. http://www.badlandsoffroad.com/map_hours.asp and an extra $7 if you camp, which is what I'll be doing. http://www.atticacamping.com/ratesandhours.html

We'll meet up near the resgistration office on tues 7/22/08 at 2pm local time. I got extra two-way radios if you need to borrow one. Cb radios will work good also. Can't wait, hope you can come!

Looks like I might make it. At least a 75% chance. If I do I will leave around noon on Tuesday. Not sure what time that I will be at the Park.

Looks like I might make it. At least a 75% chance. If I do I will leave around noon on Tuesday. Not sure what time that I will be at the Park.

That's excellent news, WWW! Travel time should be 2-3hrs but that's just a pathetic estimation. Try my cell when you get out there but my phone may not work at location. The tmobile site said the signal will be weak if anything. Holler at me on CB3 or Talkaabout3 or perhaps we will all just bump into eachother. Badlands website has a map posted in the FAQ section. C U soon!

we would really like to come and join you, but the wife has issues with heat and i don't have my lift kit on yet.

but maybe the NEXT time you come to 'these here parts' we can meet up with you and do the Badlands. looks like a neat place to ride some trails.

even though i had a TJ Unlimited, i'm still rather new at the trail stuff. hopefully my Compass will be able to keep up with your FDII's!!! ;)

hope you guys post some pics when you get back.......:smiley_thumbs_up:

Jeepster, I just drive an FD1. No skid plates, no lifts. And seeing that I still owe $22,000 on my Patriot- Ill be avoiding anything other than the "super easy" trails. We chose badlands because they're equipped with such trails. No devils backboning for me!

Sure you don't wanna bring your compass on tues?

Jeepster, I just drive an FD1. No skid plates, no lifts. And seeing that I still owe $22,000 on my Patriot- Ill be avoiding anything other than the "super easy" trails. We chose badlands because they're equipped with such trails. No devils backboning for me!

Sure you don't wanna bring your compass on tues?


we'll see what the weather is that day. if it's cooler than it has been, maybe i can talk the wife into it. of course, i'm normally working on Tuesdays, so i might have to come down with some kind of affliction.......'hey Honey, can i have some more TOMATOES? ;)

I think anyone who goes will have a fun time. If you're into hiking trails, remember Turkey Run State Park isn't too far away. They have excellent hiking trails and the surrounding area is beautiful.

Firemothjoe,

I think the fee is $20 for the vehicle and driver, plus $5 fee for additional passengers, if I am correctly reading the website.

We'll meet up near the resgistration office on tues 7/22/08 at 2pm local time.

What time is it in Indiana?

For everyone's information, Attica, IN is on Eastern Time.

What time is it in Indiana?

For everyone's information, Attica, IN is on Eastern Time.

Ah, so if its on eastern time, then local time is the same as my time! I am ALL ABOUT hiking! Perhaps ill take a look at Turkey run on wed while I'm over there!

Weather: so far it looks like there is a slight chance on rain tues morning, then clear with decreased temps and humitiy tues afternoon! PERFECT WEATHER! Hopefully, the park will be a bit soggy. I'd rather deal with mud than fine dust. I hate dust.

Here is a link to Turkey Run's hiking trails. Happy hiking!

http://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/hiking_trails/index.htm

Ok, I am definitly going to Turkey Run! Will do that on wed and Hike until my feet fall off. Another of my many hobbies!

Thanks for the info, Hoosiermud!

I'll be at Badlands between noon and 1PM. My buddys son might be out there with his jeep. It's not a patriot but he might be fun to watch him go through some of the hairy stuff there since it's pretty modified (has to trailer it there).

Hope you make it there too jeepster55 and wwworth. The more the merrier and should make for some great pics on the site.

Hi All
Ran into some problems. I was to have received some parts for an upgrade on my Patriot Friday. The parts are still not here Monday and I have the console and dash apart waiting to install the parts. With the console apart the Jeep is in 4 wheel all the time so I do not want to take it on a trip under these conditions. The part is not on back order, I guess the shipping company is the problem. I had built up my hopes about attending and feel down about backing out. I hope you all have a great time. If the parts come in late today or early tomorrow and I can get it together in time I might try for some campfire time tomorrow evening --- fingers are crossed --. WWW

Will H.,

What part of northwest Indiana do you live? We live appx. 3 miles north of Wanatah, IN right on Hwy 421, in La Porte County. I grew up in Lake Station (East Gary); my mom still lives there and I have brothers and sisters in Porter and Marshall Counties.

HoosierMud,

I live in Dyer IN. about 1 mile north of U.S. 30 by the Illinois state line I've been in this area all my life. I was out in your neck of the woods yesterday in Hanna IN at Grand Kankaee Hunt Club shooting sporting clays. I go there about twice a month. So we are about an hour away from you. Going through where the mall is on 30 kinda sucks:(.

If it wasn't for my long drive to work I'd move out that way.

Will H and HoosierMud
I won’t make it tomorrow But just wanted to establish my connection to Indiana. My wife grew up in Gary, I had an Uncle Webb I was named after that lived in Frankfort all of his adult life, my brother Jack Has lived in Warsaw since the early 1960's His wife established the Worth Tax Service, My Mom & Dad moved to Warsaw after Dad retired and my oldest Daughter Susan lived in Fort Wayne for several years. I look forward to meeting you Gentlemen some day. I may not be a Hoosier but some times I feel very close to being one.
Webb W. Worth

ok guys.......looks like tomorrow is a "GO"! but i'll be 'soloing' it. i'm really looking forward to meeting up with ya'll.

now excuse me while i go get 'sick' for work tomorrow......:D

if you have any interest in military vehicles, here's something else you might like to check out while in the area:

http://ropkeyarmormuseum.com/

This gets worse... I really wished I could go before, we drove by that place on our way to Illinoise this weekend and we were in a hurry and didn't have time to stop. This is like salt on the wound. I hope you all have a great time tomorow! Stay safe and don't do anything I wouldn't!

See you guys tomorrow, I'll be in there around 12-12:30 Attica time (eastern)

See you guys tomorrow, I'll be in there around 12-12:30 Attica time (eastern)

.....and i'll probably be right behind ya! :smiley_thumbs_up:

just curious, since this is my 'rookie' outing, is there a "must have" that i MUST HAVE with me, besides the obvious, like FOOD, WATER and my JEEP MAGAZINE? oh yea, cell phone and camera too, i guess, would be nice......:doh:

You also have to have an orange flag on your vehicle that is two feet above the roof line. I bought a clamp at the harware store and connected a rod to it with a couple of hose clamps and made a orange flag out of some material like an old hunting vest would work. I clamp it right to the roof rack. They also have flags there at their store at Badlands.

Otherwise your good to go!:pepper:

thanks Will.......i think i'll try and come up with one myself. probably cheaper than buying one at THEIR store, huh?

Heading out early so I can make it by noonish too!

Jeepster, the main must-have is an orange flag 2 feet above the highest point of the vehicle. Park rules. They have those on location if needed. I made my own out of a hunting vest. A tow rope and fire extinguisher may come in handy but probably won't be necessary. My jeep will be loaded down with a "small" amount of camping gear. Heading out. C U in a few hrs!

[QUOTE=Jeepster55;87481 . . . .since this is my 'rookie' outing, is there a "must have"[/QUOTE]

For a trip to the Badlands, you probably won't need all items on this list. However, it gives you a good idea of what you should start collecting for any off roading you might attempt in the future.

Backcountry Equipment

The TEN Essentials (and more)

__ 1. Magnetic Compass/GPS/Topographic Map(s)
*Notice Compass comes before a GPS unit.

__ 2. Flashlights and extra batteries

__ 3. Extra Clothing
Winter Coat, hats, gloves, rain gear (large trash bag, if needed, can be used.)

__ 4. Sunglasses

__ 5. Extra Food/Water

__ 6. Matches in waterproof container

__ 7. Candles/Fires starter

__ 8. Pocket knife (Swiss Army knife style?)

__ 9. First aid kit (Snake Bite Kit, if Applicable)

__ 10. Space blanket (again, large heavy duty trash bags will do in an emergency)

Other Things
__ Duct Tape!
__ Medications/prescriptions you are currently taking
__ Bug Repellent
__ Extra 2 quarts of engine oil
__ Tool Kit (rachets/wrenches/screwdrivers)
__ Extra water/coolant for radiator
__ Toilet Paper
__ Small Army Type Shovel (with serated edge)
__ Dry Socks (wool best in winter)
__ Hose clamps (various sizes)
__ Tow Strap
__ Hiking Boots
__ Leather Gloves
__ Hats (wide brim best)
__ Zip Ties
__ Radiator Stop Leak
__ Multi-Fit Hose/Hose Patch (to repair broken radiator hose)
__ Cell Phone and Charger (They don't have coverage everywhere!)
__ CB/Ham Radio
__ WD-40

Other Things Continued

__ Waterless Hand Cleaner
__ Off Road Tire Patch Kit
__ Extra Coat Hanger (you’ll find a use for it!)
__ Extra pair of glasses, if you wear them!
__ Binoculars
__ Bungee Cords
__ Can Opener
__ Spare Key (on person)
__ Tank Sealant Putty
__ Hand Held Mirror

Will H,

Know the Dyer area really well. Many, many, many years ago, I dated a girl from Dyer. Then many, many years ago, I dated a girl from Schererville. Then, many years ago I dated another girl who was originally from Dyer.

My son is on the Hanna (Noble Twp) Volunteer Fire Department. He is a First Responder for La Porte County. If you see any members of the FD, my son's name is Tyson.

WWW,

I was born in Gary and knew the city like the back of my hand when I was kid. My dad delivered fuel oil and I would go with him on his route during the summer and winter breaks at school.

My work has a number of different customers in the Warsaw area, so I am familiar with that area also. Today, I was in the Columbia City/South Whitney areas at work.

We'll 'knight' you as a Honorary Hoosier.

"Be careful out there".

As long as you use the flat of the sword and not the sharp edge LOL.
I really tried to make it to Attica but a part for my Pat that was to have been in last Thursday finally came in at 3:20 this afternoon and I just finished putting the Pat back together at 5. Just too late to start. Next time.

i win, i win!! :banana:

well, i'm just the first one back, that's all! :icon_rolleyes:

just THREE of us made it....."firemothjoe", "Will H" and myself. we've got lots of pics. just wanted everyone to know they missed out on a great adventure.

i'll let Joe tell the story and pics..........he said he should have it posted by tomorrow night.

and thanks to Joe and Will for inviting me to tag along.....i really had a great time! :smiley_thumbs_up:

I'm second had a great time too and have some pics fiemothjoe is gonna be the one to tell the CJ story though. Here is one pic of the three vehicles atop one of the hills. It was great to meet you guys.

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Just got back! Gotta sort through everything. Pics and full report coming soon!

Just got back! Gotta sort through everything. Pics and full report coming soon!


JUST GOT BACK??? slacker.......:D

Glad to see you made it back firemothjoe. How was the campground and Turkey Run State Park? Here are some pics of you and jeepster and one extra.


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JUST GOT BACK??? slacker.......:D

Yeah yeah! As soon as I woke up, I went right over to Turkey Run SP and hiked for 4 hrs! Then drove 3.5 hrs to get home! Good times! Ok, here comes the full report, I chose 17 of the best pics but I may have to chop it up into several posts. Hold your replies until you see the "sunset pic," please!!

First let me start by saying that this was hands down the coolest thing I have ever done in my life.... period. Cooler than riding in a helicopter, and way cooler than swimming in the ocean at night. This was even funner than two girls and a Joe! Well- maybe tied with that one.

The weather conditions were excellent. No precipitation, but the area wasn't bone dry either. Like I hoped, there were plenty of puddles and mud holes to play in. The temp and humidity were bearable, but I look forward to going out there in autumn. The park wasn't crowded at all. Gotta love the weekdays!

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Myself (black), Will H (green), and Jeepster in his kaki compass were in attendance. Will was by far the most daring of the three of us. I'm very glad he went. His off roading tips and knowledge of the park made the adventure very fun for myself and Jeepster.
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We were also accompanied by a big CJ and a little ATV, both friends if Will's. It was a blast to travel as a big pack of offroaders. The CJ later ran into transmission trouble and became stranded! Will to the rescue! His little Patriot towed that big CJ all the way back to the parking lot! He tugged it through some extremely rough terrain. It was quite a sight to see! The MK is a rough tough 4x4 and don't let anyone say otherwise! If they do, tell them of the Patriot that towed a monster CJ through an entire offroad park!
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edit: ^ look closely and you can see the tow cable between Will and the CJ

The BadLands Offroad park is perfect for the MK's. Much of the park consists of "sand dunes," which are more like giant hills of pea gravel. Bottoming out and scraping the undercarriage wasn't an issue at all on the dunes because everything was sloped, there were no boulders and few bumps. It was a challenge making it up the giant mountain of gravel but with proper piloting, the MK's battled their way to the top. I couldn't help but give a hoot and holler each time one of us made it all the way up the perilous slope of quicksand! It felt very much like an unstoppable toy car in a giant sand box. Handling reminded me of driving through a foot of snow. The tires did ok but I look forward to an upgrade. ESP had to be fully disabled, 4x4 locked and the autostick at position 1 at all times. Low rpm’s mean you're going to slow and you get stuck, but high rpm's make you dig in and get stuck also! Like a kayak, you must be constantly in tune with what your Jeep is doing to keep it straight and in motion. It is a workout for both the body AND mind.
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After we got our fill of the dunes, we went into the mud and rocks area. I accidentally scraped my unprotected undercarriage more than once but fortunately the chassis caught brunt of it and there was no damage. Sheoooww! I need some skid plates pronto!
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Most of the action pics were taken from the driver seat while in motion. Dangerous? Naaa, I had one hand on the wheel at all times. Bluegrass is the best music to listen to while offroading -in my option. Topped off my tank in the charming town of Attica before the ride. A full day of offroading used only 1/8 tank of gas! Heck yeah!

In the end, the rough band of MK's walked away with no trail damage, T-shirts from the gift shop and over 100 pictures. Not bad. We wondered if there could possible be a better place than Badlands... for the distance (1hr for Will & Jeepster, 3 hrs for me). Whatever the case, we're doing this again! Soon! So let's get planning!

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This last pic is of my Patriot and the sunset as we retired at the campground for the night. What a day!

looks like a great time.

looks like a great time.

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:smiley_thumbs_up:

Excellent report firemothjoe, I'm up for going again in the fall. The colors of the trees there are very nice and cooler weather is always better for the vehicles. Took my Jeep to work dirty today to show off my new trail paint job.

Maybe we'll have the trans in the CJ fixed by then and his dad and brother will bring their Cherokees too they have fixed up. Hopefully I won't be needed for towing services soon:D.

:beerchug:

I cannot wait until we go again! Although with fuel costs.... I'm gonna have to:mad:!

The camp was what it was. Not much to do out there but go to sleep, so thats what I did! Tried sleeping in the back but kept waking up with dead arms! Not comfortable at all. Ended up crashing in the driver's seat and slept great for the rest of the night.

Turkey Run was Amazing! Here's some pics.
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Hiked on trails # 9,5,3,4,1,2. Probably about 60% of the trails and got a view of all the best attractions. About 8 miles, I'd estimate. Took about 4hrs. Was drenched in sweat when it was all over. That's how you know it was fun. A lot of Amish out there. They must of been on a field trip. I estimate about 50... all dressed the same! They hiked the same trails I did, barefoot... that's hardcore! Also dozens of chicks in bikinis playing in the river. Must be an Indiana thing. Almost took a picture of both specticals but wussed out.

:beerchug:

A lot of Amish out there......Also dozens of chicks in bikinis playing in the river.

so, i take it that the chicks weren't Amish? OR were those Amish bikinis? :icon_rolleyes:

thanks Joe for the pics and story. you got some great shots.....if only numbnutz had brought the right spare batteries for HIS camera.....:doh:

Trying to talk my wife into paying my way to the Badlands for my birthday in August. Heck, I can stop and see my daughter at Purdue on the way there!

Glad everyone had a good time!

Look like you guys had a great time!!!


If i can get some better tires i would definately be up for coming out next time. I dont think the goodyear street tires on the stock 16's would do so good offroad tho.

Congrats on a great meet, guys. Excellent photos, Joe. With three members attending, I think you hold the record. At our first get-together here, only two showed up, but we still had a good time.

Looks like a lot of fun guys...
Starting to wish I had gotten a 4x4 just in case, oh well. I will live vicariously through you guys....

but maybe we can push the limits of a 4x2, and Joe can tow a fellow Joe when I get stuck.

Glad you had a good time at Turkey Run. It has to be one of my favorite Indiana State Parks. It is beautiful and has great hiking trails as you experienced.

Canoeing on Sugar Creek is a lot of fun too.

Looks like a lot of fun guys...
Starting to wish I had gotten a 4x4 just in case, oh well. I will live vicariously through you guys....

but maybe we can push the limits of a 4x2, and Joe can tow a fellow Joe when I get stuck.

Glad you had a good time at Turkey Run. It has to be one of my favorite Indiana State Parks. It is beautiful and has great hiking trails as you experienced.

Canoeing on Sugar Creek is a lot of fun too.

I am with you on the 4x2. I think judging from the pics we could still have a good time even on the dunes. I keep my jeep spotless and scratch free but I would still enjoy some of those open areas without the rocks or trees.

Look like you guys had a great time!!!


If i can get some better tires i would definately be up for coming out next time. I dont think the goodyear street tires on the stock 16's would do so good offroad tho.


What type of Goodyear tires do you have on your vehicle? We ran fairly tame trails in CO on the Goodyear RT/S with no problems.

I think the tires you have Schoat333 would be fine as long as you have 4X4(less aggressive is better). Driving 4X2 might be tough on some of the pea gravel dunes being they are soft and create alot of drag. From talking to other people most motorcycles don't even like riding in it cause it's too soft and hard to stay in control.

Look like you guys had a great time!!!


If i can get some better tires i would definately be up for coming out next time. I dont think the goodyear street tires on the stock 16's would do so good offroad tho.

got a set of 17"'s for sale......make ya a deal!!! :D

I am with you on the 4x2. I think judging from the pics we could still have a good time even on the dunes. I keep my jeep spotless and scratch free but I would still enjoy some of those open areas without the rocks or trees.

Lets put some tow hooks on and make it in august. Gotta have the tow hooks if we need to pull you out.

I think the tires you have Schoat333 would be fine as long as you have 4X4(less aggressive is better). Driving 4X2 might be tough on some of the pea gravel dunes being they are soft and create alot of drag. From talking to other people most motorcycles don't even like riding in it cause it's too soft and hard to stay in control.


Agreed x100! I got stuck several times and had to reverse out of the quick sand each time. Were it not for the 4x4, I'd be quite screwed. If you 4x2's wanna chance it, I'll always have my tow rope on me. Warning: At least install a trailer hitch so I can tug you out backwards.

I am with you on the 4x2. I think judging from the pics we could still have a good time even on the dunes. I keep my jeep spotless and scratch free but I would still enjoy some of those open areas without the rocks or trees.

i'm the same way, even though you wouldn't know it from the pics. for the most part, the trails we were on were wide open and we didn't have to be concerned about throwing rocks to damage the paint. it had some great hills to climb, mud to drive through and all so it was a great place for us to drive our 'daily drivers'.

as for your tires, i agree with the other guys......my "M/T's" were TOO aggressive in my opinion and i would have been better off with the OEM Goodyear SR-A'. the BFG's would pull me DOWN sometimes if i wasn't careful. the one pic of me at the bottom of the hill, i tried 3 times to climb that and each time got to the very top, only to bury myself, so i had to back down and try again. finally i drove up a less steep incline with no problem. of course if i had had more speed coming down the OTHER hill i may have made it on the first try like Will and Joe. again, chalk it up to the inexperienced driver...:doh:

jeepster your tires were the ticket for the muddy portion though. The SR/A's just hold too much mud in the treads but they did get me through it.

Yeah yeah! As soon as I woke up, I went right over to Turkey Run SP and hiked for 4 hrs! Then drove 3.5 hrs to get home! Good times!

My wife, daughter, and I spent Monday at Turkey Run hiking a couple of the trails. We did a couple of the moderate/rugged ones. The two of them were very understanding as I lanquished behind them, due to the arthritis in my hip--but I completed everything! It is such a nice park, one has to get on the trails to enjoy its beauty.

We took our daughter back to her apartment near Purdue. On Tuesday, my wife and I hiked a couple of moderate/rugged trails in Shades State Park, not too far from Turkey Run. I haven't been there since I was a kid. What a pleasant surprise this park is. We were there the week the kids started back to school, so we only saw one other couple on the trails. Nice solitude.

http://robert.omnux.com/gallery/shades?page=1

Note: I just found this link with some nice pictures of Shades. Warning: There are a couple trails that you don't want to attempt if there is rain/thunderstoms in the area. When we were there, the creek beds were dry, but were in deep valleys that could quickly flood. You can see some of these in the pictures at this link.

Sounds like an ideal time to be there.