Sun, Apr 19, 2015

Jeep Club Trail Ride & Cookout

Flagpole Knob Trail Ride

About this event

This event has been updated. Non-Cayenne vehicles may now join this event!  Join us Sunday April 19th, for a combined asphalt and dirt/rock road Off-Roading Drive & Dine Trail Ride event.  John Young and Eric Rose of Northern Virginia Jeepers Association (NVJA) will lead us up into the Alleghany Moutains for a cookout at Flagpole Knob (elev. 4200 ft) located in George Washington National Forest along the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This unique event is for Cayennes prepped for Off Road conditions and is limitied to 10 Porsches plus our Jeep Guides. We also have a limited number of seats for Ride Along Passengers to join the NVJA Jeeps who will take them on more "interesting" trails where the Cayennes wont go. Ride Alongs may also get a chance to drive the Jeeps over a portion of the trail! This tour will include several of the highest points in the Northern half of Virginia, all above 4,000 feet including one with spectacular 360 degree views.

All vehicles must pass a tech inspection per the requirements listed below and we will be observing Tread Lightly principals. This event is for both Drivers or Ride Along Passengers who want to experience the trail.

The dirt/rock portion of the route is well within the capabilities of any Cayenne and is safe provided all drivers follow instructions as given. The dirt/rock road and is about 7 miles in length (round trip) including a short excursion for a hill decent/hill climb demonstration that will highlight the full capabilities of the Cayenne off road. All roads are owned and maintained by the U.S. Forest Dept. Speeds on the off road portion of the trip will be 12mph or less, usually much less. NVJA will be providing experienced guides and spotters along with cooking our lunch! Some mud and dust can be expected depending on weather. Clearcoat/Paint abrasions from spring growth are possible, but the trail is quite wide with no impeding brush however new spring growth could cause light pin striping depending on your line choice.

At the same time, a small group of NVJA members will be taking a much more difficult route to Flagpole Knob for lunch and the have offered a limited number of seats for Ride Along Passengers. They will be leaving from the same rally point at the same time as the Cayenne’s. On a space available basis registered members who would like to ride up to Flagpole Knob with NVJA may do so. They will be offered a chance to drive the Jeep they ride in over some of the obstacles on the route. Only one PCA member per NVJA rig. NVJA ride alongs would meet back up with the main group at Flagpole and ride out with the Porsche’s.

Drivers/Ride Along Passengers will receive instruction on the following topics prior to the off road portion of the trip:

  • Working with Spotter, hand signals, verbal cues.
  • Brake, throttle and clutch control (its not the same as road or track).
  • Left foot braking and torque converter energy management.
  • Line selection
  • The importance of precise tire placement
  • Using berms, ruts, rocks and slopes to your advantage.
  • The proper and improper use of momentum.

There will be one experienced spotter from NVJA for every 3 Cayenne’s. Stopping, getting out and walking the road ahead to plan a line at several points along the route will be encouraged, not so much because it is essential for safe passage but rather to assist in building basic skills in line selection and tire placement.

Event requirements

All adult participatants, to include driver's and passengers, must agree too and sign the PCA Release and Waiver form on site at the beginining of the event. All driver's must also attend a brief safety meeting immediately prior to the start of the drive.

All vehicles must pass tech inspection on the morning of the event at the Rally point. Cayennes with stock suspension/exhaust systems will be acceptable, all other makes/makes are recommended to bring a full sized spare tire, or dougnut, and must be approved the Event Coorindator. All partipants must read & sign the PCA Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement.

Technical Inspection/General Information (off the asphalt): Equipment & Preparation

  • Suitable Tires: all-terrain tires or all-season tires with sufficient thread depth
  • Stock Factory ground clearance is acceptable.  (No loose or hanging metal or plastic pieces)
  • Cayennes must have at least ONE recovery lug for your bumper (included w/ stock wheel jack equiptment). All pulls will be done with TWO lugs. Be willing to share.
  • Every vehicle needs to be equipped with an FRS (Family Radio System) radio (walkie-talkie). NVJA and PCA Potomac will bring radios, but you may use your own if you have one.
  • Vehicles must have full fenders
  • US Forest Service approved exhaust systems (stock) and must meet all local
    sound control ordinances.
  • Two full size spares will be provided for the whole group of Cayenne’s if needed.  If you have a full size spare you can bring for this ride let the event coordinator know about it.
  • NVJA will provide recovery straps if needed. (30' 20,000lbs tow strap)
  • If you have a medical condition, serious allergy or carry any rescue medications let someone in your car know about it. If you are alone write this information down and put it in an envelope marked “Medical” and place it in your glove box. (See the linked emergency medical form)
  • There are no restrooms off road. NVJA will bring toiletries and essentials for privacy.
  • Off roads are bumpy roads. Store and secure all gear with adequate netting or tie downs.

DRIVING Off-Road TIPS

  • Watch your rearview mirror. If the person behind you disappears, STOP and wait for them to catch up. 
  • Don’t worry about catching up to the person in front of you. Go at the speed that YOU are comfortable at. The group will wait.
  • If you need assistance use the radio or honk your horn.
  • Listen to and be patient with the spotter. Sometimes the advice seems obvious, other times it seems counter intuitive. If you’re not sure about something talk it through until you are comfortable. 
  • Don’t tail gate. Keep at least 3-4 vehicle lengths back. You need to see the road well ahead so you can pick a line through, across or over any “obstacles”.

You must get fuel after arriving in Harrisonburg. There is a Sheetz on the right a couple of stop lights after you get onto RT33 from I-81. You can also get gas at a Shell station next door to the Food Maxx.
From the I-495 (Beltway)/I-66 junction it takes about 2 hours to get to the Food Maxx. Plan accordingly.

All drivers must be at least 18 yrs old and have a valid drivers license.

APPLICATIONS/ACCEPTANCE

  • Our events are open to all marques, although at this event Cayenne/Jeeps are desirable.
  • You do not need to be a PCA member to participate.
  • Online registration usually opens in early February. Registration closes on Wednesday April 15th at noon. This event has limited capacity to ensure adequate cooking times for grilling in a public park, and for the safety of all participants. (late registrations are risky due to capacity). Watch the website for revisions.
  • We notify you of your status by email. You are responsible to update your profile in the MotorsportReg.com website to include your current contact information.
  • We initially list all registrants as “New.” We will change your status as soon as possible. We will provide formal notification of acceptance into an event by email prior to an event. If you haven’t received any notification, check the website for your status.
  • IF YOU CAN'T PARTICIPATE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITIY TO CANCEL.

CANCELLATION

  • You must cancel online BEFORE WE BILL YOU, which for this event should be by Friday April 17th before the event.
  • If you cannot cancel online, you must notify the Registrar by email BEFORE YOU ARE BILLED and receive an ACKNOWLEDGMENT by email to verify that you have cancelled.

PAYMENT

  • Potomac accepts only credit cards for payment. You are responsible for maintaining VALID CREDIT CARD INFORMATION in your profile.
  • Billing problems result in notification by email with limited time resolve the issue due to the short billing peroid. If the issue is not resolved, we may cancel you from the event.
  • Credit card and billing information uses secure connections and is encrypted by MotorSportReg.com. You are the only person who has access to your card number. We only see the last four digits for billing purposes.

REFUND

  • Cancel before you are billed and there is no charge.
  • Cancel after you are billed and you forfeit your entry fee.
  • Contact the D&D Chair to discuss special circumstances. THE D&D CHAIR IS THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN AUTHORIZE A REFUND OR CREDIT FOR AN EVENT.
  • If you are authorized a credit for an event, you must use it before the end of the calendar year. We will not carry credits over into the following year. Credits may only be used for other PCA Potomac events. They can't be used for other clubs who also use motorsportreg.com.

Flagpole Knob Trail Ride

Harrisonburg, VA

Organizer

Fun Run/Tour organized by

PCA - Potomac, The Founders' Region - Drive & Dine

Registration closed