Sat, Apr 29, 2017

Jeep Club Trail Ride & Cookout

Flagpole Knob Trail Ride

About this event

Join us Saturday April 29th, for a combined asphalt and dirt/rock road Spring time Off-Roading Drive & Dine Trail Ride event.  John Young of Northern Virginia Jeepers Association (NVJA) will lead us up into the Allegheny Mountains 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, Macans and other approved off road capable vehicles and is limited to 10 PCA drivers 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 a couple with spectacular 360 degree views.

All vehicles must pass a tech inspection per the Pre-Reg Requirements 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/Macan 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 your vehicle 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 under 15 mph 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 conditions. Minor Clearcoat/Paint abrasions from spring growth are possible, but the trail is quite wide and we will be pruning as go.

At the same time, a small group of NVJA members will be taking a much more difficult route to Flagpole Knob for lunch and they 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 us. 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 PCA drivers. 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 vehicles must pass a visual tech inspection on the morning of the event at the Rally point. Cayennes/Macans with stock suspension/exhaust systems will be acceptable. All vehicles are recommended to bring a full sized spare tire as doughnuts may not suffice on the trail, and must be pre-approved by the Event Coordinator. At least one full size spare tire for Cayennes will be available to the group.

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 equipment). 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.
  • At least one full sized spare tire will be provided for the whole group of Cayenne’s.  If you have a full size spare you can bring for this ride let the event coordinator know about it.
  • PCA and/or 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 basic toiletries and essentials for privacy, but please plan accordingly for your own needs.
  • Off roads are bumpy roads. Store and secure all gear with adequate netting or tie downs.

APPLICATIONS/ACCEPTANCE

  • Our events are open to all marques, although at this event Cayennes/Macans/Jeeps are preferred.
  • You do not need to be a PCA member to participate.
  • Online registration usually opens in early February. Registration closes on Thursday April 27th at noon. This event has limited capacity to ensure adequate cooking times for grilling in a public park, our NVJA Trail Guides, 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 “confirmed”, or "wait listed" if the event is filled to capacity. When needed, 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 MSR website for your status.
  • Due to limited capacity of the event venue, walkups are discouraged from attempting to join the event. Special consideration may be given to those who preregister but are wait listed at a future event.
  • IF YOU CAN'T PARTICIPATE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CANCEL.

CANCELLATION

  • You must cancel please be courteous and cancel as soon as you can in order to allow others from the wait list to attend.
  • 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.
  • You must cancel at least two days before this event in order to not be billed. Billing shall be done on the day before this event. There are no refunds for cancellations after billing is done.

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 period. 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

Event over!