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Perry Mack
Snow Wheeling Apex Mountain
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By Perry Mack
In my mind I had a premonition of the YJ rolling down the mountainside through rocks and snow when Steve lost traction and slid sideways at the steep icy section at the top.
The morning started like most mornings, I was up at 4am, drafted a few articles for our boating and RV magazines, got cleaned up and ready to head out for the day. But today was special. There’s a narrow window of opportunity at Apex mountain for snow wheeling. An early snow gave us the opportunity for a Remembrance Day run, November 11th. It’s a narrow window of opportunity because we want enough snow to make it fun but not so much that the cross-country skiers take over the trails we need to access to our trails.
I had a right seat reserved with Bryan Irons in his ’88 YJ. He picked it up for $500, basically for the frame and engine, $15,000 later and with countless hours of his own time rebuilding everything else, he had a terrific rig for summer and winter wheeling. We met at Timmy Ho’s in Penticton and began the drive up to Apex with a half dozen other rigs from the BC Jeep Club. There were quite a few other folks who wanted to join us on this run – but stock JK’s on 31” tires wouldn’t have made it.
The rigs were an eclectic mix of home built and serviced rigs owned by a down to earth, grass roots group of off-road enthusiasts. Jason and Megan showed up in a $1000 Jeep Cherokee with an old set of almost bald 37” MTR’s that could almost pass for a set of racing slicks. When I first saw them I didn’t think we would be tackling challenging trails. Good thing I kept my mouth shut.
After I threw my gear into Bryan’s rig we left Timmy’s on our way up to Apex. Down at lake level there wasn’t any snow but as we climbed in elevation the snow began piling up. This would continue to be the case as we made our way higher through out the day - making the trails more and more challenging.
After airing down, between 4 to 12 psi, we found the access point to ‘Plain Hard’ and dropped into the trail. It’s a twisting, challenging trail that got all the drivers arms warmed up cranking steering wheels through the forest. There are a couple of steep pitches and a lot of branches. If you’re concerned about your Jeeps paint, this is not the trail for you. In fact, there wouldn’t be a trail today for you. Bryans quick tip was put a heavy coat of car wax on ahead of time. This makes it easier to clean of the tree sap and helps the branches glide over the cars’ exterior. Regardless, you’re going to end up with some ‘BC pin striping’.
Iver brought his chainsaw to clear the downed trees. It’s a shame that other user groups aren’t more inclined to share the trails with clubs like this. I have no doubt that given more access and an open dialogue between user groups, this club, like many other 4WD clubs, would help keep the trails more clear of deadfall, to the benefit of all user groups.
At 11am we pulled over to the side of the trail (not that their was much ‘side’ to pull over to) and stopped to observe a minute of silence for war veterans. I was impressed at how the group observed that moment in the forest. Snow falling gently through the pines, no whisper of wind, and the kind of silence that you can feel. We exchanged a few stories of family members who had served our country (and the opposing side) and were thankful that we didn’t have to endure a world at war. And thankful that because of their sacrifices, we were able to enjoy this day among friends doing what we love.
Plain Hard ended without incidence and Jason continued in the lead, taking us to Green Draggin’. This was the beginning of our uphill climb and my utter awe at Jason’s ability to drive with on virtually bald 37” MTR’s. There’s no doubt in my mind that having the right gear helps you get the job done, but there is also absolutely no doubt that gear doesn’t replace talent. Where newer more expensive rigs were challenged getting enough traction to climb, Jason (and Megan) did a great job of leading us steadily up the mountain.
We stopped once or twice to winch a rig, clear the trail and for some rigs to air down even further. Getting below 10 psi, even better below 6, has a dramatic improvement in generating a large footprint for traction - and the difference between sliding off the trail and winching – or using your driving skills to climb. Better to burp air over an obstacle and have to re-inflate than be stuck and winch.
The snow became steadily steeper as we climbed and more of the rigs were having challenges along the trail. Start, stop, start, stop was the pace as the afternoon went on and the day grew shorter. Front lockers became important to assist the low air pressure in the tires.
Our goal was a clearing at the top of the mountain, a place to stop, grab something to eat and enjoy the panoramic views of Apex ski resort on the other side of the valley. Although the day started out overcast, occasional brilliant, golden rays of sunshine poked through the clouds, lighting our way to the top and providing hope for the perfect rest at the summit.
It was not to be. As we approached the final climb, the skies grew darker and the snow started to fall. This was the steepest and most challenging part of the trail. Some of the drivers had to take a couple of runs at the more challenging section only to forfeit, losing to the mountain and having to take the easier route. There were a few edge of the seat moments as they pushed themselves and their rigs to the top, but happily everyone made safely to the summit.
We broke out food and beverages as the wind and snow picked up and the fog moved in to obscure any view. Although chilled and shivering, there’s warmth generated by the camaraderie of a good group like this that the weather just can’t dampen. As we climbed back into our rigs, engines running, heat on full and began our slow descent, the snow stopped, the fog lifted and though the sun didn’t shine, we were rewarded with the panoramic views of Apex Resort that we had hoped for.
Jason chose a different return route, at times it seemed more of a goat trail than a 4WD trail, including switch backs requiring four point turns, taking us slowly down the mountain. A tunnel of green boughs laden with snow through the forest so narrow it almost folded the mirrors in on both sides of the Jeep.
We ended in the resort parking lot and began airing up as daylight faded, signaling the days end. A few more laughs and stories, tech talk of existing and future mods and then final farewells, thanks and ‘see you next time’ for a great day of wheeling.