VERMONSTER 4X4 - Bradford Mud Races - May 2011

Vermonster and the Bradford Mud Races in Bradford, VT sounded like fun so Kate and I went to check things out.  Mud Racing, Deep Mud Competition in "The Trench", Rock Crawling, Rock Racing, Monster Trucks, etc.  There is open entry for trucks but I can't see my truck screaming through mud several feet deep, going over 3 foot high rock formations, or winning a drag race. 

Kate and I were on the road by 7:15AM heading to Bradford, VT.  We arrived around 9:30AM and walked around for a bit looking at some of the show trucks that were set up.  Some were very nice.  We saw an F650 which was even more impressive in person than on their web site.  www.f650pickups.com/  This one was 4 wheel drive.  I was told the tires on it cost $1800 a piece.

We sat in the top row of one of the bleachers.  It turned out to be a good move as it was pretty crowded and I was high enough to take pictures.  I was wondering what type of crowd would be at an event like this.  It turned out there were no wild crowds and it was very family friendly.  One of the more interesting people I saw was this person sitting not far from me. 







There were drag races behind the trench.  Fun to watch but hard to see.  They raced in mud which made ruts and they had large cement blocks as a barricade to protect others participating in the other events in case of a crash.  Some of the races were very fast.  There were different entry classes; 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, and 8 cylinder.  There were also tire size guidelines.  I could have brought different tires for my Silverado and entered the competition. 
There was a rock crawling course set up.  Some navigated the course real well while others became hopelessly stuck or tipped over.  When a crawler became stuck someone would use a hi-lift jack to raise the vehicle so they could try to continue.  (I can see danger in that job.)  If that didn't work there was a backhoe to help lift them off the pile.  There seemed to be lots of breakage in rock crawling. 
The deep mud competition in "The Trench" was lots of fun to watch.  Some of the trucks were FANTASTIC.  They looked great and roared like lions.  The trucks cross the starting line into the trench.  Staff judges move along the top of the trench timing the run and measuring the distance travelled once the trucks get bogged down.  Most trucks didn't make it through the deep mud to the finish line.  It sure is fun watching them try.  The crowd was really into it.

Once stopped, there were 2 guys that would jump in the mud (sometimes neck deep) to hook a cable to the back of the stuck truck (I can see danger in that job also) so a bulldozer can pull the trucks backward and up the side of the trench.  Even after sitting in deep mud and water most trucks just started right up and were driven back to the pit area.

One truck rolled on its side.  The staff moved pretty quick to make sure the driver wasn't pinned in his vehicle under the mud.

Throughout this post I have some Before, During, or After pictures.  I had a lot of fun taking pics but it is really hard to choose what to post.

Many vendors we set up selling food, t-shirts, off road equipment, etc.  We had a cooler with food and drinks.  I bought Kate and Kevin a shirt.  I wish they put bleachers on the far side of the field.  It would give more room to watch and we could be closer to the drag racing. 

Damage: We saw several drive shafts hanging on the ground, heard loud engines ... pop ... then silence (could be any number of things), one engine fire, a rear axle broken, a blown transmission, fenders hanging, trucks on their side, one rock crawler rolling onto its roof, etc.  All the people participating know it's part of the sport.

The whole experience was very kid and family friendly.  If you like trucks, four wheeling, rock crawling, and MUD, I would recommend showing up next year.

Search Blog Archive: September 2012, May 2012 & September 2011 - for more Vermonster 4X4

New England Patriots Players

We met some New England Patriots players last weekend. 

This is Kate with Danny Woodhead (currently a running back on the NE Patriots).  He is a fan favorite rushing for 5.6 yards/carry in 2010. 

I looked up his pre draft 2008 stats, he ran the 40-yard dash in times of 4.33 to 4.38 seconds which would have been the second-fastest among all running backs at the NFL Combine in March 2008. He posted the best pro-agility time of 4.03 seconds, the second-best vertical jump 38½ inches and the best 60-yard shuttle time 11.2 seconds. 

I am confident I could post similar times in the woods of New Hampshire if I was running down hill, had a tail wind, and a bear was chasing me. 

David Thomas (former NE Patriots, currently New Orleans Saints) is a tight end.  He earned a super bowl ring with the Saints in 2009.  I took a picture of David in the Patriots/Dolphins game in my September 08 blog post. 

Don Davis was a linebacker and Special Teams monster.  He earned 2 super bowl rings with the New England Patriots.

I saw Ben Watson but Kate and Kevin weren’t around so I didn't take a picture.  He earned a super bowl ring with the New England Patriots.  And … Yes I remember Ben's HUGE hit on Champ Bailey in the Denver game.  It was the best ... Always Give 110% ... Never Give Up ...

You Talkin to me?? Ogunquite, ME

We headed to Ogunquit, ME to walk the Marginal Way.  We parked at Perkins Cove and walked toward Ogunquit beach.  It was sunny, in the 60's, with a wind advisory  It turned out the wind wasn't too bad as the shoreline blocked much of the wind.  There are plenty of benches to sit on and relax, read, enjoy the rocks, waves, etc. 

As we were walking some kind of a weasel ran across the path in front of us going from the brush to the rocks.  I did an internet search and found it was a short-tailed weasel called an Ermine.  It was white with a short tail that had a black tip.  (In the summer it turns brown)  I thought it was real neat looking but it scared Pam.  Was my camera ready … NO … it disappeared in the rocks and I wasn’t able to see it again.   

We continued our walk.  I saw a seagull close to a bench.  It looked pretty content so I though I would take it's picture.  Not a big deal right ... I mean, how many people have taken pictures of a seagull?

Just as I was ready to take a picture the bird mouthed off to me.  What was this disrespectful bird trying to say?

You talkin to me ...

Not another picture ...

Yawn ...

Cheese ...

You want a piece of me ...

I took a second picture once it stopped mouthing off.  I figured it must have been a teenager ...

Damaged Goods ... That Loud Hissing Sound

Outdoor Blogger Network (OBN) was prompting us to write something about “Damaged Goods”.  How we broke our own stuff.  What to choose?  My multi tool being knocked off the dock while fishing in Canada … backing into a tree with the tailgate down … snapping the tip of my fishing pole off in a car door … stuff like that. 

Years ago I had been hunting in Vermont with my hunting buddies.  Early on a Sunday morning I drove my Toyota Landcruiser (FJ60) a half mile down a logging trail and backed into a place just big enough for me to park.  When we got out I heard something I didn’t want to hear.  I heard that loud hissing sound of air escaping from my left rear tire.  I slit a sidewall on the rocks on the trail.  Damaged Goods  …   It wasn’t light yet and the guys said we would hunt until late morning and worry about it then.  Sure … Right … My Thought Too … NOT …

Late morning we arrived back at my truck.  How about “AAA+” I said … I was laughed at since we were in the middle of the woods of Vermont a half mile from any real road. 

I didn’t have a 4-way with me so I had to use the tire iron that came with the truck.  We had a hard time securing the jack in the mud so we put rocks under the jack to get the truck off the ground. 

The lugs were very tight.   When I tried to losten the first one I couldn't keep the tire iron straight so I ended up shearing off a lug nut.  I skipped one and sheared off a second lug nut.  Not good.  (now I use Anti-Seize and carry a 4-way when I go off road)  One of the other guys drove off and came back with a 4-way.  With the 4-way we were able to get the others off.  I sheared off 2 of 6 lugs but at least they weren’t together.  The spare tire was under the truck.  It hadn’t been raised or lowered by me in years so the crank was frozen with rust.  We couldn’t break the spare free and lower it down.  

We had no choice but to take my tire and head 30 miles south to the nearest town that would have a garage open on Sunday afternoon.  When we arrived I wanted to buy a used Goodyear Wrangler tire to match my others but no luck.  I settled on a used Firestone for $40.  He told me he had used tires coming in the next day and may have some used Goodyear’s then. 

The next day I packed up and headed for home.  I stopped at the garage on my way by.  I noticed they did receive a big pile of used tires that morning.  The man looked through the tires and ended up finding a Goodyear Wrangler that looked like it was in pretty good shape.  $50 … I told him I’d take it.  He took the Firestone off and put the Goodyear on, replaced the valve, then pumped it up.  In a matter of seconds I heard that loud hissing sound again.  It was coming from the sidewall … IT WAS MY OLD TIRE ... The guy tried to sell my old tire back to me … DAMAGED GOODS  … Needless to say I had him put the Firestone back on and I continued home. 

Due to family expansion … several months later I had to sell my Landcruiser and buy a mini van (man card please).  With no truck I felt like Damaged Goods …

Shooting with Matt

A several years ago Mr Pete and Matt invited me skeet shooting at the local gun club.  Pete and I brought our 12 gauge's and Matt had a 20 gauge.  Matt had never been skeet shooting before. 

I was on a rifle team in school and consider myself a pretty good shot with a rifle and pistol.  I don't have much experience with skeet shooting.  That being said, Pete and I really coached Matt.  We gave him our words of wisdom on what to do and not do, how to stand, etc.

Pete and I ended up being pretty consistent hitting 16 - 18 out of 25 clays (5 shots at 5 different stations).  We said "See how it's done Matthew?" 

As Matt proceeded to shoot his 20 gauge, Pete and I sat behind him on the picnic table watching ... he moved through the stations and hit 23 of 25 his first time out.  Pete grumbled ... I did too ... nothing to throw at him ... not close enough to bump him.  We may have tried to make a loud noise each time Matt would shoot.  I don't remember but that was probably Pete's idea.  Anyway, Matt was consistent with scores of 23 to 25 of 25.  We both decided Matt's success was due to our stellar instruction and training.  Kudos to both of us.

Last year Matt joined the US Marine Corps.  He was thinking about becoming an MP.  While in basic training he was recognized for his shooting ability.  Ultimately he was selected and put on a special team.  Matt has had much more training (not by Pete and Me) in the Marines.

Matt came home last week before being deployed.  Pete, Matt, and Amanda decided to go the an indoor range to shoot pistols.  I was working and couldn't get away.

Friendly competition ensued.  Pete shot ... Amanda shot ... Matt shot ... Pete frustrated ... Pete shot some more ... Matt shot ... Pete frustrated ...Pete shot some more ... Matt proceeded to shoot several bulls eyes ... Pete frustrated ... Pete shot some more ... Matt proceeded to shoot the staples that were holding Pete's target on the cardboard backing ... Pete's target falls to the ground.  PETE REALLY FRUSTRATED ... Matt and Amanda LAUGHING at Pete ... POOR PETE ...

I wasn't there but wish I could have seen that. 

How do you trash talk someone who shoots like that?   I challenged Matt to a competition when he comes back from Afghanistan.   I told him I wouldn't be nice and let him win like his old man did ... Hmm ... that wasn't effective trash talk as he laughed at me. 

At this point, I need to develop a strategy to avoid being crushed by Matt in competition like Mr. Pete was.  I am open for suggestions!!

So far:
I may feel sick that day.
My pistol is with the gunsmith.
I broke my index finger so I can't pull a trigger.
Pete and I may be training others that day.
My contacts went bad and I broke my glasses.
The shooting range has run out of staples.

Pray for our Troops ... Pray for Matt.  His team deployed to Afghanistan on March 14, 2011.

East Coast Snocross Series

Kevin and I headed to Rockingham Park for the East Coast Snocross Series on Saturday.  We went to a SnoX event in January 2009 and had a good time.  This was the first time we watched at Rockingham.  The track was large and I liked the set up with the big jump at the start/finish line.  It was nice to be able to go inside to warm up, get some food, shop from the vendors, etc.

There were several heats leading up to the final race in each racing class.  The pros really moved and some could really jump.

I grew up in Arizona and had several motorcycles.  I loved to jump.  A couple of these guys were really good.  All were racing in the ESC Challenge.  In the finals, 1st place went to #27, 2nd to #312, and 3rd to # 51.  I would give my "Huge Air" awards to #51-Matt Piche, #193-Matt Pichner, #27-Matt Morin, #312-Danny Poirier, and #808-Jason Stone.  It was fun taking pictures of these guys.  Tough figuring out which shots to post though.  Jumping a 200 pound motorcycle is definitely easier to handle vs a 600+ pound snowmobile.  I would love to try it ... maybe once ... or twice ... or more ...

We watched 4 guys do tricks.  I was panning watching one guy who did a trick as the guy right behind him did a backflip.  Unfortunately, I only got the tail end of it as he is swinging around toward the landing.  I was zoomed in to close and didn't know it was coming.  A neat picture but I wasn't set up like I would have liked.  It turned out to be the only backflip that I saw.  NUTS ...

The final races were fast.  More excellent jumping and some serious speed.  Kevin and I had a great time.  I enjoyed taking action shots and experimenting a bit with my camera.  We will be back next year.

Search Blog Archive: January 2009 - for more Snocross racing

NH Ice Fishing Derby - Lake Winnipesaukee 2011

Rick and Steven stopped by my house on Friday to pick up fire wood.  They were staying at David's over the weekend.

I would head up with Kevin early Saturday morning and meet them on the ice.  Kevin had been out of school and running a temperature so he ended up staying home.  I planned to be on the road by 6:00AM.  I woke up at 4:30AM (no idea why!).  I loaded up, stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee, and headed north. 

Jed, John and their crew were going to Spindle Point.  I met Rick and Steven just after the bridge on Moultonborough Neck. 

I parked off the road. I was hesitant to drive my truck on the ice although there were other trucks out there.  The morning temperature was 6 degrees.  The sun came out briefly but was blocked by clouds much of the day. 

Steve and Rick were set up when I arrived.  They had just finished drilling the holes in the ice and the tip ups were out.  Steve made his famous breakfast sandwiches on the grill.  We had lots of food in case others showed up. 

We met Chris and his son David fishing next to us.  They had come up the night before and set up.  They were sleeping in an ice shanty with -40 degree bags and a propane heater right out on the ice.  If you have the proper equipment it would be fun.  They caught several cusk and some perch but none big enough for the board.  Rick caught a very nice salmon that he quickly released as salmon are protected this time of year. 

There were some interesting ice houses on the lake.  As usual, the game warden stopped by to check licenses and the number of traps we had set up. 

Enjoyable afternoon.  It warmed up to 31 degrees however, the wind picked up so it felt much colder. 

Late afternoon I ended up driving my truck on the ice.  As I parked I was talking to Chris and David and the ice made a huge popping noise.  I remember long ago what Doug said "If we go through the ice just follow your bubbles!!"  David said that was the ice settling.  eek ...

One truck on the ice got stuck near us.  The driver was trying to keep up his momentum as he passed us but the back end of his truck started bouncing around as he passed by.  As the truck continued to bounce the ice around us started to move up and down also.  That was a very strange feeling.  We ended up pushing him to get him moving again.  Many of the houses near shore had their docks raised so they wouldn't be crushed by the ice. 

There wasn't much fish action for us.  We packed up around 4:15PM.  Rick and Steve headed for David's house to start making their big spaghetti dinner.  The crew from Spindle Point was joining them.  I couldn't stay so I headed home.  Hopefully the gang will have better luck Sunday.  Rick said they may fish near One Mile Island tomorrow. 

I stopped at the board on the way to look at the fish that had come in for the day.   There were some big fish in each category.  The rainbow trout were very colorful.  There were lots of ice huts, people, snow machines, and ATV's on the ice.  They had helicopter rides also.  It would been fun to take Kevin up so we could see the lake and Red Hill from the air.

Ice Fishing is relaxing and fun especially with friends and family. Get out there and take your family fishing ...

Search Blog Archive: February 2012, January 2010 & February 2009 - for more Winnipesaukee Ice Fishing.

Hunting Adventures Update

In 2009, Derek took two very nice bucks.  One was 10 point, the other was this 13 point. 

Derek had both deer mounted and finally got his Big 13 point measured for the NBBC (Northeast Big Buck Club). He was told if he had his buck scored before the 2009 deadline, it would have been the #1 deer for the typical category (missed a plaque and trophy). It measured 165". They told him he will be in the record book somewhere around 12^th to 15^th  spot for biggest typical taken in MA. Derek will also get a separate Pope & Young score for that club.

He will have the 10 point scored soon.

Great job Derek …

Search Blog Archive: November 2010, November 2009, & November 2008 - for more Hunting Adventures