Topic: Saline Valley, Cerro Gordo, and Swansea Trip

[Oz]

Ahh sweet I  almost forgot, I get to stake claim to possibly one of the few or only SCCX winch recovery??

I've winched a couple guys but haven't posted as to not make them feel bad

[Bobby B.]

Winching happens.  Not a big deal.

[Kyle J. Thompson]

Well, Oz I posted Becuase we all seemed to be great buds  on the trip and it was a moment of excitment and adventure...

I have been winched before, i have had to winch myself, and I never felt bad.....

Yah i get razed and its a funny moment. But its not a big deal... at least  to me...

Im sorry if i hurt any ones feelings. it was not ment that way at all...

[Oz]

Oh don't get me wrong - I hope I didn't infer that you shouldn't post that. I was just saying that I don't do it so the 'recoveree' dosnt feel like I'm razzing them. I've taking a strap before too.

[mark1107]

I think it was the SXR's run - SILVER XTERRA RUN to Cerro Gordo.

Mark

[Kyle J. Thompson]

mark...and one Knight Armor....who was in back the whole time...

Oz it is ok, I just really want to make sure no feelings were hurt.

[XterracerX]

Nothing against the wincher or the winchee, but I LOVE seeing winching pics! Just as much as water crossings and other extreme condition shots.

As rare as these recovery tools are used, as noted by Paul, it's one of those things that you "don't really use all the time but good to have" kind of tool, especially for the outdoor off-road adventure we do.

I think the pictures are a good learning tool also, not just for proper winching techniques, but also to get a good idea of the seriousness of the terrain in case one may venture out there... off the beaten path.

I wish I can post some winching pics myself... but so far, the Warn winch I've been meaning to install is still in the box. Just have to find the time or weekend to install it.

[Paul]

Oh a winch fetish!

Most times a tug rope will work and we tried one but since Kyle was forced to tug up-hill over some very loose rocks with no firm bottom and Scott was hanging the rear right wheel way over he couldn't get enough traction to get out and Kyle couldn't get enough more than to keep his truck moving alone. We dug and dug and that still didn't help. We tried to set up a yoke and a pulley to split the load to both sides of Scotts truck but had to go with one side and the pulley. About ten minutes (they're slow) of winching and moving Kyle's truck up the trail a bit and Scott was free.

We can set up a demo of proper/safe methods if anyone is interested. I practiced with a dead bug (VW) in the hills above my house pulling the thing out of a gulley and they dropping it back end for another run at it. I've also done self-recovery from the near-by school parking lot.

[Kyle J. Thompson]

Paul that is a great idea!!!

I think a lot of people don't really practice winching until well u need to be winched! Haha

It might be an idea to possibly cover other recovery methods... the strap, higlift, good winch anchors, self recovery??

Id definetly be down for a day like that?

[XterracerX]

What a great idea Paul!!!

I've heard of 4WD clubs doing basic winching techniques and classes and I thought this would be a great opportunity for fellow SCCX members if we can all get together, talk about self-recovery topics and practice on some basic winching skills such as:
1) Properly strapped on a tree (with a tree saver strap and a snatch block)
2) Attached to another truck through a shackle or bumper
3) On sand (with a pull-pal, sand ladders, etc.)
4) Steel wire vs Synthetic rope | Roller fairlead vs Hawse fairlead
5) And most importantly... safe winching techniques.

Perhaps we can schedule our very first SCCX Self Recovery Xcursion during a trail run (or just a plain winch clinic). We can discuss other self recovery tools, winch preference (hydraulic vs mechanical) and all other extreme conditions gear.

Sign me up!

[GUANO]

I'm going to come just to get stuck so you guys can get your winching fix and when I get my own winch you guys can get stuck for me.