Jeeps,Jeeps

The Ocala Jeep Club of Florida

Jeeps, Jeeps, and More Jeeps by Ron Westcott

Anyone who missed this month’s trail ride missed one of the best rides I've yet been on with the club. We had the most participants that I've seen so far...I heard 35... a combination of members and soon-to-be members. Obviously 35 Jeeps is a bit unwieldy and makes for one big conga line, but that's what we had going east on 316 until we got to Eureka. Joe Smith, running in the tail gunner slot, commented on the CB that it was an awesome sight crossing the Eureka bridge, Jeeps as far as the eye could see! Once we got to the first pit we split into 2 groups, half going to the Eureka pit and the other half continuing on to UFO pit. After about an hour each group switched pits and as the UFO group was heading to Eureka. Aaron and Sara Shuler's TJ decided to develop a wild case of the front end death wobbles. Those big new Thornbirds wanted to each take off in different directions and threatened to shake the Jeep apart in the process. After considerable head scratching and suggestions, Aaron found that his trackbar bushings were worn badly and was allowing too much play. It was super-tightened and he was on his way again. At Eureka the pit on the right side of the road was great but the one on the left bit Troy McCall's YJ. Seems when the front axle is dangling off in free air the front driveshaft becomes a little too short! By this time it was lunch time so both groups joined up and went to T-Rex pit where repairs were made to Troy's Jeep and everyone chowed down on whatever they brought with them. After a quick ride around T-Rex it was off to Whoop-ti-do pits 1 and 2 (or Woo-ti-do, since it was Ray Woo who discovered them). Ray and Scott Montgomery provided the entertainment by playing follow the leader over the worst stuff Ray could find. The afternoon was just about over but a quick ride-by of the infamous "Mud Road" was quickly organized. Joe and Pam Smith took us in on a new and a much safer approach that paralleled Mud road. The road still lives up to it's reputation and was measured at least 4' deep in the ruts. The Jacksonville group decided to head back to Hwy 19 and home, but I think the fun for the rest of the group was not yet over. The last thing we heard was "I think we need some assistance here... we're in the creek." Or maybe it was "Up the creek"! Anyway, 5 pits and a respectful look at Mud Road. What a great Sunday!