Day One. Hell's Revenge. Yikes.

We were up early after a good night's sleep and headed over to register for our trail runs. Our 1st trail was Hell's Revenge - rated a 6, which is the offroad equivalent of a black diamond ski run. How bad could it be? Wow.
There were roughly 35 Jeeps in our group and 1 lonely Land Rover. Amazing what that 16 year old driver could do with that Rover! As far as built Jeeps go, Marc's was on the small side. We headed out from the meeting place to the trail head and everybody aired down (reduce tire pressure to about 12-15lbs from 35 - this allows for more tread hitting the terrain and rocks giving better traction, etc). Now - to the trail.
The start of the trail - THE START! - is a hairy climb up and down a fin with about 3 feet on either side of the Jeep. If you slip, you roll down the side of the fin and your day is over and your rig is toast. Marc was a little nervous - "what? This is nuts. This is the start? Oh sh*t". Marc made the pass no problem, then we proceeded to a series of steep climbs and descents over the slick rock, up and down and winding around, areas you felt like you were going to tip over, spots we stalled out on the climb and slid down, all in all some tough spots but Marc made it.
Things didn't get easier from there. We encountered some very difficult and technical spots that took their toll both on the Jeep and on our nerves. It's absolutely amazing what a Jeep can do. Some spots you think there is no way in hell's revenge you're getting up that, then somehow the little Jeep that could would crawl his way up. We by-passed some of the really hard obstacles to save our nerves and keep the Jeep in one piece, but Marc also did some things I wouldn't have done! As the day progressed, Marc's nervous energy (and fear!) turned to confidence and a better understanding of what his rig was capable of on this terrain. We missed a by-pass near the end of the trail and were faced with getting thru "Rubble Trouble". Wow. Hairy scary incline with loose rock, steep ledges and large rocks to navigate thru and over. Thought we weren't gonna make it without getting winched up, then our spotter showed Marc the line to take and clank-bang-whack we were up it!
It was a great 1st day and a heck of an educational one. The Jeep did what it was supposed to do and the armour did its job to protect what it was installed to protect.
The scenery in the backcountry in and around Moab is unreal. We took lots of pics and great video and I'll post pics right after I sign out of this post.
It was a 7 hour adrenaline rush. We were spent and ready for some rest to prepare for day 2 and our run with the Canadian 4x4 mag guys on Tuesday morning.
We survived day one, we're ready for what lies ahead.

Life is good.

The Thorup Brothers.