Proposed GTG for W.PA.C in APOLLO
 

Ok, for our GTG we need to meet certain criteria. Easy access, parking, nice rocks, etc.

The first area in Apollo that I scoped out might suffice. The Roaring Run trail has a huge parking area...they actually have two areas now and we will have no problem with parking. Both lots are paved. It's pretty easy to get to...go across the Apollo Bridge and turn right...the road ends at the parking lot.

I walked the bike path for a while and decided that it was too far to carry equipment so I turned around. I was looking harder on the way back and I found an area that might work.

This is only 4 minutes from the parking area. It is slightly harder to get to than the rocks we did at Casparis, but only because you walk uphill after leaving the path. Nothing that I think will hold anyone back.

The area may be better suited to the 2.2s, but we can probably get the Supers stuck on something.

This is on the far left side:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...7/03030001.JPG

...to the right:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...7/03030002.JPG

Hard to see here, but near the zig-zagged tree might be a Supers area:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...7/03030003.JPG

This is all the farther into the woods you have to go. The WHITE path is the disignated bike path...the DIRT ROAD is an access road and each way goes right to the parking lot.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...7/03030004.JPG

SECOND SPOT
This is a new trail that they built called the Rock Furnace Trail. It has more rolling hills, but it's still covered with pea gravel. The parking area is about 1/3 of the area, but we'd probably be fine.

First off...AWESOME SCENERY! This was off the path a little, but worth it:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...7/03030005.JPG

This spot took me 13 minutes to walk to. This was the BIGGEST rock I could find...there are some smaller ones though! This may be better for the Supers since most of the rocks are bigger and I'm sure the 2.2s could make it if we moved some of the smaller rocks around. Notice the mist in the air created by the rolling water.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...7/03030007.JPG

Across from the rock there was an area that I thought might work. The rocks in this area are VERY MOSSEY and you are right next to the creek. I don't know why I didn't take a pic?! I guess I figured that this may be too far to lug the equipment to. May be cool for just a couple people to visit though.

If we don't crawl there, I highly recommend you take a mountain bike ride on it...I know I'll be going back this summer.

mascman,
I like the second place you picked. Is the dirt road accessible with vehicles? You said that it goes straight to the lot.

I say we do it!!!

The only concern that was brought up is needing to go back to the trucks for charging batteries and such.

I like the spot though.

Everyone put in your .02...We need to finalize this by Monday.

The next GTG after this one will be in Polyophio's area. Brian, check out that Cabela's area if no good we are heading to the dam.

Thanks guys for all your help in finding spots.

John

No motorized vehicles are allowed. Like I said, it's about 5 minutes to your vehicle for spot 1.

Spot 2 would be a pain because of the 15 minute or so walk to the vehicle, but man was it beautiful there!

I'm new to the crawling scene and these are just my opinions on spots. I still like the Caspari area and tried to base my choice on that.

I say try roaring out atleast once. If not the first gtg spot looked better.I'll bring my mtb if i have to run back to my truck thats all

So are we saying it is a go????

I will post it on the Schedule..."thumbsup"

I'll go to roaring springs no problem.Probably the best place to meet done their is at cogos in the little plaza right as you come over bridge

Honestly, instead of going into that little plaza, just turn right as you come off the bridge. You will be at the parking area in just a couple minutes.

For the first spot, it is only 5 minutes from the vehicles so no bike is necessary...although I could show you that other spot and we could take a ride down there. Porta potty available too.

I'm a little nervous that not everyone will be happy with the spot, but at least I'm trying!

If anyone wanted to go check it out during the week we could meet there. I work Midnight shift and am home during the day.

are we all going to be meeting up at coles shop and driving to wherever the comp is going to be. im not sure where this place is so im not really sure on how to get there so any advice on how to get there will be very helpful

Here's some info with directions:
http://www.roaringrun.org/trail.html

thanks

Mascman,
Don't worry about it. The pics look great. This is why we are having these GTG before comps. I would like to find 2 or 3 great areas that we can then schedule the comps. Casprasis and the Wheeling area are going to be definites. We need to try some others. If it doesn't work out then we will walk to that second spot and take in some nature.

"thumbsup"

Confirmed Attendence on April 1st in Apollo

rckcrwlr
STEVESTOCK
kodiakman
crawln coles
razor rc
mascman
hazzzy
polyophio (65% sure)
LEWIS
LEWIS' (wife????) :razz:
Bustedcrawler
Phat Crawler
His buddy John???
stIck kIng
jrn
joen007


I will update as responses come in...

Click here for DIRECTIONS TO ROARING RUN.

When you get to the Apollo bridge, you will be turning right at the end of the bridge onto Astronaut Way. You will follow along the river and bear right onto Canal road. This takes you right to the parking area of Roaring Run.

If you want drinks or snacks, there is a small plaza at the end of the bridge.

I'm at about 65% chance of being able to make it. I will do my best to show up but can't promise anything.

StIcK kInG, Phat crawler and his buddy John( the one who broke my Nylint stick, he has a TLT now) will be coming with me.

I got a new rig to :!: "thumbsup" :-P

Can anybody guess what it is???????????????????????

This is going to get us in trouble if we feel the need to have a "new" surprise every GTG. I can't afford it.

Dang, if it was on the western side of pittsburgh I would probably be interested. If you guys come back with positive words I might be game for a 2.5 hour drive for a comp.

I think you mean Western Side...:roll:

That's what I said :roll:

Kinda looks like rain coming in on sunday.From the weather i,ve seen so far