Here is the report I did on FB for this mornings run.
Trail Report – Sunrise run to Four Peaks 7-22-2023
This trip started with a “what do you think of this idea” question from Graham. What I thought was “are you crazy?” After a little back and forth we agreed and the run was announced. Now all I had to do was convince Kari that she “wanted” to get up at 2:00 AM.
Well as you probably know we don’t get anything done except for the last minute so a 2:00 AM run was going to require a little extra for us. We actually had to get everything together a day early, gas up the vehicles and have everything packed the night before.
Usually we’re like hey, the plane leaves in two hours, we should probably do some laundry real quick and pack
So, the 2 AM alarm was as obnoxious as I expected it to be. Although with a Bronco run in our sites, getting Kari up at this early hour wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. It’s amazing what a positive influence you all are on her.
Up and loaded by 2:30 we headed out the door and on our way. To our surprise we see another Bronco on the road. They must be going with us I thought as nobody in there right mind would be out at this hour otherwise. Mike called out on the radio and said good morning.
We proceeded down highway 87 towards Payson. In short time we were turning off the highway toward the trailhead. Our group of three Broncos was the first to arrive. We quickly started up the airing down process. While tires were deflating, Michael and I set up the Rough Country street light I bought Kari for Christmas. Wow this thing lights up a whole parking lot!
One by one others started pulling into the lot. Then more kept coming until finally 15 Broncos had made the early morning trek.
With everyone aired down, we had a quick drivers meeting and we loaded up for the drive up to the summit. With our tires aired down, the rough washboard road was no match for the amazing Broncos. With no traffic on the road and only a lone camper on the side of the road we made good time. I’m sure they were like WTF it’s 4:30 in the morning, where did all these people come from and don’t they know it’s time to sleep?
After passing the camper we only came across one other vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. It was most likely broken down but it didn’t appear to have anyone nearby. Although this road isn’t technically challenging with fifteen vehicles on the trail the dust is pretty thick and some of the ravine on the side of the road were a challenge. That and a few very narrow areas required skill to get around without hitting a rock wall or washout.
About an hour and fifteen minutes we were up at the summit. With everyone taking a spot in the parking lot we quickly proceeded out of the vehicles to get our views of the sunrise. Luckily since nobody required a potty break on the way up we made it just before sunrise with about five minutes to spare.
Out came the drones, cameras, and cell phones to capture this moment. Café Taylor broke out their coffee barista costumes and offered up refreshments for those so inclined.
About thirty minutes later we decided that it was time to head back. Several expressed interest in continuing over the mountain down the other side and having breakfast in Pumpkin Center. Roll Call was taken and four of the group decided to make that trek.
With those four gone, the remaining eleven headed down the mountain. With the sun at our back and sufficient light for the trail we made good time getting down. We came across a couple of tour groups and a couple other random vehicles along the way.
We passed the trailhead and headed across the highway to air up at the upper Sycamore pulloff. The hoods went up and so did the air pressures. In short time, everyone was back at street pressures and we said our goodbyes.
Graham asked if anyone was interested in joining them for Breakfast at Broken Yolk at Southern and Gilbert. When we left the lot there was ten people headed to breakfast. It was a great opportunity to wind down and get some nourishment after our early morning adventures.
Thanks to all those who made the early morning adventure with us. It was truly a surprise to see such a large turnout for this event. Until our next get together,
Happy Trails!
Trail Report – Sunrise run to Four Peaks 7-22-2023
This trip started with a “what do you think of this idea” question from Graham. What I thought was “are you crazy?” After a little back and forth we agreed and the run was announced. Now all I had to do was convince Kari that she “wanted” to get up at 2:00 AM.
Well as you probably know we don’t get anything done except for the last minute so a 2:00 AM run was going to require a little extra for us. We actually had to get everything together a day early, gas up the vehicles and have everything packed the night before.
Usually we’re like hey, the plane leaves in two hours, we should probably do some laundry real quick and pack
So, the 2 AM alarm was as obnoxious as I expected it to be. Although with a Bronco run in our sites, getting Kari up at this early hour wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. It’s amazing what a positive influence you all are on her.
Up and loaded by 2:30 we headed out the door and on our way. To our surprise we see another Bronco on the road. They must be going with us I thought as nobody in there right mind would be out at this hour otherwise. Mike called out on the radio and said good morning.
We proceeded down highway 87 towards Payson. In short time we were turning off the highway toward the trailhead. Our group of three Broncos was the first to arrive. We quickly started up the airing down process. While tires were deflating, Michael and I set up the Rough Country street light I bought Kari for Christmas. Wow this thing lights up a whole parking lot!
One by one others started pulling into the lot. Then more kept coming until finally 15 Broncos had made the early morning trek.
With everyone aired down, we had a quick drivers meeting and we loaded up for the drive up to the summit. With our tires aired down, the rough washboard road was no match for the amazing Broncos. With no traffic on the road and only a lone camper on the side of the road we made good time. I’m sure they were like WTF it’s 4:30 in the morning, where did all these people come from and don’t they know it’s time to sleep?
After passing the camper we only came across one other vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. It was most likely broken down but it didn’t appear to have anyone nearby. Although this road isn’t technically challenging with fifteen vehicles on the trail the dust is pretty thick and some of the ravine on the side of the road were a challenge. That and a few very narrow areas required skill to get around without hitting a rock wall or washout.
About an hour and fifteen minutes we were up at the summit. With everyone taking a spot in the parking lot we quickly proceeded out of the vehicles to get our views of the sunrise. Luckily since nobody required a potty break on the way up we made it just before sunrise with about five minutes to spare.
Out came the drones, cameras, and cell phones to capture this moment. Café Taylor broke out their coffee barista costumes and offered up refreshments for those so inclined.
About thirty minutes later we decided that it was time to head back. Several expressed interest in continuing over the mountain down the other side and having breakfast in Pumpkin Center. Roll Call was taken and four of the group decided to make that trek.
With those four gone, the remaining eleven headed down the mountain. With the sun at our back and sufficient light for the trail we made good time getting down. We came across a couple of tour groups and a couple other random vehicles along the way.
We passed the trailhead and headed across the highway to air up at the upper Sycamore pulloff. The hoods went up and so did the air pressures. In short time, everyone was back at street pressures and we said our goodbyes.
Graham asked if anyone was interested in joining them for Breakfast at Broken Yolk at Southern and Gilbert. When we left the lot there was ten people headed to breakfast. It was a great opportunity to wind down and get some nourishment after our early morning adventures.
Thanks to all those who made the early morning adventure with us. It was truly a surprise to see such a large turnout for this event. Until our next get together,
Happy Trails!
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