Overland Match Making

[quadabaum]

As the title says, looking for like minded people I can go on rides and to events with that are in the South East region. I am starting a new schedule and will be able to go on (1) 4 day trip per month (I will get 1 weekend off a month and it'll be a 4 day weekend). My friends that I ride with currently don't have that flexible of a schedule and/or cant afford to go on trips. My wife's schedule also doesn't line up well with my new schedule so she will not be able to go camping with me as much. I don't want to adventure alone, been stuck too may times and being alone isn't always enjoyable, so I thought I would see who was out there. Think of it as Overland Match Making. I know its corny but given my location and work schedule its difficult to find people I can ride with. Typing this out seemed ridiculous but I figured what the hell, why not.

My schedule for the rest of the year is as follows (4 day weekends, available for most):
May 12th - 15th Open
June 9th - 12th Possible anniversary trip with my wife
July 7th - 10th Other possible date for anniversary trip with my wife
August 4th - 7th Open
September 1st - 4th Open
September 29th - October 2nd Open
October 20th - 23rd Open
November 24th - 27th Thanksgiving
December 22nd - 25th Christmas

Little about me:
Age: 26 years old
Education: BS in Chemistry
Job: Supervisor at a building materials plant
Location: Macon, Georgia
Gender: Male
Relationship: Married, 10 months
Pets: 2 60lb dogs, 1 cat, 1 bearded dragon
Interest: Small trips once a month, would like to make it out to Moab and the grand canyon at some point.
Vehicle: 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad Dual Cab Short Bed, currently with a chinese rtt, chinese 270 awning but looking at upgrading to a camper on the truck bed with a diy drawer system. I DD this truck and it is my only mode of transportation. Only actual off-road mod is some 265/75/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires.

 

[JK72450]

As the title says, looking for like minded people I can go on rides and to events with that are in the South East region. I am starting a new schedule and will be able to go on (1) 4 day trip per month (I will get 1 weekend off a month and it'll be a 4 day weekend). My friends that I ride with currently don't have that flexible of a schedule and/or cant afford to go on trips. My wife's schedule also doesn't line up well with my new schedule so she will not be able to go camping with me as much. I don't want to adventure alone, been stuck too may times and being alone isn't always enjoyable, so I thought I would see who was out there. Think of it as Overland Match Making. I know its corny but given my location and work schedule its difficult to find people I can ride with. Typing this out seemed ridiculous but I figured what the hell, why not.

My schedule for the rest of the year is as follows (4 day weekends, available for most):
May 12th - 15th Open
June 9th - 12th Possible anniversary trip with my wife
July 7th - 10th Other possible date for anniversary trip with my wife
August 4th - 7th Open
September 1st - 4th Open
September 29th - October 2nd Open
October 20th - 23rd Open
November 24th - 27th Thanksgiving
December 22nd - 25th Christmas

Little about me:
Age: 26 years old
Education: BS in Chemistry
Job: Supervisor at a building materials plant
Location: Macon, Georgia
Gender: Male
Relationship: Married, 10 months
Pets: 2 60lb dogs, 1 cat, 1 bearded dragon
Interest: Small trips once a month, would like to make it out to Moab and the grand canyon at some point.
Vehicle: 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad Dual Cab Short Bed, currently with a chinese rtt, chinese 270 awning but looking at upgrading to a camper on the truck bed with a diy drawer system. I DD this truck and it is my only mode of transportation. Only actual off-road mod is some 265/75/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires.

My buddy and I are planning to drive the Georgia Traverse October 20ish. It would be great to have some company. As the date got a little closer I was going to start trying to find more people. Looks like you may have found me. Hit me up.

Sent from my SM-G955U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[quadabaum]

My buddy and I are planning to drive the Georgia Traverse October 20ish. It would be great to have some company. As the date got a little closer I was going to start trying to find more people. Looks like you may have found me. Hit me up.

Sent from my SM-G955U using OB Talk mobile app

Sounds great, love that area and definitely wouldnt mind exploring more of it.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Dave_brez]

Reviving this. I can make 3 day weekends work and definitely pull a few 4 day weekend trips a year.
2015 tacoma TRD sport.
3 inch suspension lift, 285/70/17 BFG K02’s, pelfreybilt bumper, winch + recovery gear, dif breather, cb. Currently camp in a truck bed tent.
I’m 27, work from home, getting married in july.

 

[Eric Neal]

As the title says, looking for like minded people I can go on rides and to events with that are in the South East region. I am starting a new schedule and will be able to go on (1) 4 day trip per month (I will get 1 weekend off a month and it'll be a 4 day weekend). My friends that I ride with currently don't have that flexible of a schedule and/or cant afford to go on trips. My wife's schedule also doesn't line up well with my new schedule so she will not be able to go camping with me as much. I don't want to adventure alone, been stuck too may times and being alone isn't always enjoyable, so I thought I would see who was out there. Think of it as Overland Match Making. I know its corny but given my location and work schedule its difficult to find people I can ride with. Typing this out seemed ridiculous but I figured what the hell, why not.

My schedule for the rest of the year is as follows (4 day weekends, available for most):
May 12th - 15th Open
June 9th - 12th Possible anniversary trip with my wife
July 7th - 10th Other possible date for anniversary trip with my wife
August 4th - 7th Open
September 1st - 4th Open
September 29th - October 2nd Open
October 20th - 23rd Open
November 24th - 27th Thanksgiving
December 22nd - 25th Christmas

Little about me:
Age: 26 years old
Education: BS in Chemistry
Job: Supervisor at a building materials plant
Location: Macon, Georgia
Gender: Male
Relationship: Married, 10 months
Pets: 2 60lb dogs, 1 cat, 1 bearded dragon
Interest: Small trips once a month, would like to make it out to Moab and the grand canyon at some point.
Vehicle: 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad Dual Cab Short Bed, currently with a chinese rtt, chinese 270 awning but looking at upgrading to a camper on the truck bed with a diy drawer system. I DD this truck and it is my only mode of transportation. Only actual off-road mod is some 265/75/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires.

Hey Quad, I'm thinking of planning a camping trip in May and the dates you state as open on your calendar 5/12-15 could work for me and possibly my wife.

Do you have any routes or areas picked out for yourself?

Please make a note, if it matters, that I'm a little older than you (bald face lie- I'm actually more than twice your age!) But if you're interested in getting out and don't want to be "solo" we may be able to set up something.

I've been looking forward to another trip around the Cohutta Wilderness loop of the GA Traverse. I've done it twice in the past 2 years but not in the spring time.

 

[quadabaum]

Reviving this. I can make 3 day weekends work and definitely pull a few 4 day weekend trips a year.
2015 tacoma TRD sport.
3 inch suspension lift, 285/70/17 BFG K02’s, pelfreybilt bumper, winch + recovery gear, dif breather, cb. Currently camp in a truck bed tent.
I’m 27, work from home, getting married in july.

Awesome, im about to make a thread for may 12th. Thats my next 4 day weekend. Id be down for a weekend trip (2 day trip, maybe 3 if people want).

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Eric Neal]

Since I'm retired I'll probably shop and fill the pantry bin and cooler for a 3 nite - 4 day trip and plan to come back on Tuesday.

I much prefer mid-week so i can avoid the much higher traffic over the weekends.

You know how it is living in or near a large city. If you think its a good idea, to go or do, at least 20,000 other ppl have had the same idea. Thankfully most won't actually make it out but enough will and that will typically have an impact on camp site selection, noise levels, trash, traffic etc. But being out in the forest now dayswill never be solo and alone again so might as well suck it up and go!

 

[quadabaum]

Hey Quad, I'm thinking of planning a camping trip in May and the dates you state as open on your calendar 5/12-15 could work for me and possibly my wife.

Do you have any routes or areas picked out for yourself?

Please make a note, if it matters, that I'm a little older than you (bald face lie- I'm actually more than twice your age!) But if you're interested in getting out and don't want to be "solo" we may be able to set up something.

I've been looking forward to another trip around the Cohutta Wilderness loop of the GA Traverse. I've done it twice in the past 2 years but not in the spring time.

We started the GA traverse on New years but only made it to Elijay. I would not mind going back and seeing it again. I also have Talladega and Ocala NF on the list as want-to-see someday. My cousin has some interest in Talladega as well, for May 12th, so that might be where we end up. Age isn't a big deal, mostly trying to meet new people and explore with others. Me and my wife have done 2 solo trips and we got stuck big time on the last one, on accident of course, so I am not to keen on exploring alone (you shouldn't really anyways).

@Dave_brez Would Cohutta Wilderness work? May 12th.

Edited: A group on Tacomaworld is going to talladega June 9th so I changed the location to Cohutta., as Eric mentioned it as a place of interest.

 

[Eric Neal]

I've never been to Talladega so that may be pretty interesting too

Just let me know which seems better for you and I'll probably show up

 

[quadabaum]

I've never been to Talladega so that may be pretty interesting too

Just let me know which seems better for you and I'll probably show up

I will most likely be going on trips both weekends. May 12th is up in the air but hitting the GA traverse again sounds fun and I actually have a camera now.

June 9th will be talladega with tacomaworld, I dont see why you wouldnt be welcome but I did not host/post this event, I am tagging along in my tacoma.

I have not met anyone I will be going with (much like I havent met you, lol) but my cousin said he may also be free so he will be bringing his 4runner.

 

[Eric Neal]

I hear ya! Both trips (cover all the bases), from those folks I've met who are Toy owners I can't recall ever hearing or feeling anyone who remotely seemed "exclusive" about the brand. Of course there are always exceptions but my guess is that if I did show up in June in a different brand no one would be a jerk about it. Maybe some friendly jabs or remarks about a different brand vehicle but I'd bet they would go out of their way to make me, or anyone, feel welcome.

Having said that I do have to 'fess up' that I don't like rolling within a "group" event. Anything over 4 vehicles is outside my comfort zone. Just don't care to be looking out the windshield or mirror and seeing a string of vehicles with me just being one more jerk in the que!

Not saying I "never" go in groups but that is an exception in my case. I go out in my rig for the opportunity to decompress from city life and the overload of humanity. My relaxation comes from nature, wildlife, etc. Not a community and/or shared experience sort of thing. In short, I tend to be a loner FWIW.

So when you get a chance shoot me a PM (I think its called a "conversation" on this board) so we can begin to put times, meet-up locations, route selections into the planning cycle since it seems we have a date selected.

Do you know "Dave" who was in this thread earlier? If so do you know if he's going to join in during 5/12-15?

Talk to ya later

 

[Louisiana Overland]

I hear ya! Both trips (cover all the bases), from those folks I've met who are Toy owners I can't recall ever hearing or feeling anyone who remotely seemed "exclusive" about the brand. Of course there are always exceptions but my guess is that if I did show up in June in a different brand no one would be a jerk about it. Maybe some friendly jabs or remarks about a different brand vehicle but I'd bet they would go out of their way to make me, or anyone, feel welcome.

Having said that I do have to 'fess up' that I don't like rolling within a "group" event. Anything over 4 vehicles is outside my comfort zone. Just don't care to be looking out the windshield or mirror and seeing a string of vehicles with me just being one more jerk in the que!

Not saying I "never" go in groups but that is an exception in my case. I go out in my rig for the opportunity to decompress from city life and the overload of humanity. My relaxation comes from nature, wildlife, etc. Not a community and/or shared experience sort of thing. In short, I tend to be a loner FWIW.

So when you get a chance shoot me a PM (I think its called a "conversation" on this board) so we can begin to put times, meet-up locations, route selections into the planning cycle since it seems we have a date selected.

Do you know "Dave" who was in this thread earlier? If so do you know if he's going to join in during 5/12-15?

Talk to ya later

Hi there Eric,

I am planning a second trip to the Georgia Traverse sometime between May 18 and May 28. Ill be bringing my gal along this time. Im flexible on dates so far between the 18th and 28th and Ill likely try to find an airb&b to stay in one night along the trail. If the trip you are hinting about the week prior takes place please provide a trail report as I have read some of the roads we took were closed lately. Also company always welcomed but especially on the Trey Mountain ascent. Id probably benefit watching an experienced offroader choose a line. Mine wasnt so good when I went with you.

Everyone else... if you get an opportunity to meet Eric, do so. He has the science of camping, cooking, packing, and driving offroad down pat. We did a good portion of the traverse one rainy week back in February and my time learning from him has certainly prepared me better for my next adventure.

Safe travels!

 

[Eric Neal]

Hi there Eric,

I am planning a second trip to the Georgia Traverse sometime between May 18 and May 28. Ill be bringing my gal along this time. Im flexible on dates so far between the 18th and 28th and Ill likely try to find an airb&b to stay in one night along the trail. If the trip you are hinting about the week prior takes place please provide a trail report as I have read some of the roads we took were closed lately. Also company always welcomed but especially on the Trey Mountain ascent. Id probably benefit watching an experienced offroader choose a line. Mine wasnt so good when I went with you.

Everyone else... if you get an opportunity to meet Eric, do so. He has the science of camping, cooking, packing, and driving offroad down pat. We did a good portion of the traverse one rainy week back in February and my time learning from him has certainly prepared me better for my next adventure.

Safe travels!

Jeff, thank you for the kind words in you post. I wish I had it down to a science LoL

Good to hear from you regardless. Also glad to hear you're thinking of a repeat trip - perhaps with a little less rain. I believe most of the gated roads are closed so that the trails-tracks won't get so rutted up since they've been waterlogged for several weeks.

We only started the Cohutta loop last time we rolled together. You may have gone on further in the loop after we split up but I seem to recall you were heading a bit further north then grabbing a hwy to head home.

I'll check with my "co-pilot" to see if she's available during your next trip to N GA. If so we'll probably make plans to join up for a coiples camping trip.

One extra note: we adopted/rescued a dog since i last saw you. She's an 11 m/o mix breed of Jack Russell and Italian greyhound. She's about 20-25 lbs and full of energy. We're trying to (gradually) get her used to hiking, 4x4 riding without going from window to window, and being calm at night at night in the tent. The process is going well BUT we're not "completely there" yet.

Touch base w me in the next few weeks to let me know how your travel plans are coming together.

BTW, i thought your line while going up Tray Mtn. was fine. We both made it up, "no recovery required" even though we didn't always keep all 4 wheels on the ground LoL. Could we have improved our line? I'm sure! But then we'd be left with nothing to work on or improve upon so since we aren't perfect - we get to do it all over again - yay!!

 

[quadabaum]

I hear ya! Both trips (cover all the bases), from those folks I've met who are Toy owners I can't recall ever hearing or feeling anyone who remotely seemed "exclusive" about the brand. Of course there are always exceptions but my guess is that if I did show up in June in a different brand no one would be a jerk about it. Maybe some friendly jabs or remarks about a different brand vehicle but I'd bet they would go out of their way to make me, or anyone, feel welcome.

Having said that I do have to 'fess up' that I don't like rolling within a "group" event. Anything over 4 vehicles is outside my comfort zone. Just don't care to be looking out the windshield or mirror and seeing a string of vehicles with me just being one more jerk in the que!

Not saying I "never" go in groups but that is an exception in my case. I go out in my rig for the opportunity to decompress from city life and the overload of humanity. My relaxation comes from nature, wildlife, etc. Not a community and/or shared experience sort of thing. In short, I tend to be a loner FWIW.

So when you get a chance shoot me a PM (I think its called a "conversation" on this board) so we can begin to put times, meet-up locations, route selections into the planning cycle since it seems we have a date selected.

Do you know "Dave" who was in this thread earlier? If so do you know if he's going to join in during 5/12-15?

Talk to ya later

I have not met @Dave_brez before, but I am glad this thread got a little traction since it looks like most of weekends off my wife has to work and I would be traveling without her. I also have an adopted shelter dog, hyper ~6yr old american bulldog, that I will be trying to bring along. His hyper spurts only last a few minutes since he is getting older and he has been good with other dogs so far (we have a husky at home also). He has gone on trips with us before but I have not ran a solo trip with him and we have not taken the dogs on trips separately, yet. He is a hard sleeper though, snores like a grown man and ready for bed by 8 or 9pm.

Cohutta is near our end point from the New Years trip we took. I will look up my gpx files and see exactly where I left off and post them up. I have been using the Gaia maps free year trial to track trips this year.

I can completely understand about the groups, I do enjoy being away from society and others but I prefer to have at least 1 other vehicle on the trip with me, just in case. I dont mind 'larger' groups but over 5 rigs gets to be a bit much so I try to stick around that number as the max.

 

[Louisiana Overland]

Jeff, thank you for the kind words in you post. I wish I had it down to a science LoL

Good to hear from you regardless. Also glad to hear you're thinking of a repeat trip - perhaps with a little less rain. I believe most of the gated roads are closed so that the trails-tracks won't get so rutted up since they've been waterlogged for several weeks.

We only started the Cohutta loop last time we rolled together. You may have gone on further in the loop after we split up but I seem to recall you were heading a bit further north then grabbing a hwy to head home.

I'll check with my "co-pilot" to see if she's available during your next trip to N GA. If so we'll probably make plans to join up for a coiples camping trip.

One extra note: we adopted/rescued a dog since i last saw you. She's an 11 m/o mix breed of Jack Russell and Italian greyhound. She's about 20-25 lbs and full of energy. We're trying to (gradually) get her used to hiking, 4x4 riding without going from window to window, and being calm at night at night in the tent. The process is going well BUT we're not "completely there" yet.

Touch base w me in the next few weeks to let me know how your travel plans are coming together.

BTW, i thought your line while going up Tray Mtn. was fine. We both made it up, "no recovery required" even though we didn't always keep all 4 wheels on the ground LoL. Could we have improved our line? I'm sure! But then we'd be left with nothing to work on or improve upon so since we aren't perfect - we get to do it all over again - yay!!

I exited Cherokee NF at the hydroelectric plant a bit east of Cleveland and only had an 8.5 hour drive home from there. Im leaning towards starting again with the eastern portion of the traverse. Id like for her to experience all those water crossings. It was all easy trails except that day we did trey mtn. I have to admit, I was exhausted from the terrain already before that thick fog rolled in and kept me at a crawl. Still, I had a great time and indeed left with tons of confidence in the 4runner. I had hoped to get a fridge installed before this trip but after researching further I will need to swap to a larger deep cycle battery which will involve a new battery tray and some wiring mods and so I will be holding off on that awhile yet. No fridge isnt all bad though because it will leave us the option to empty the truck and sleep in it if the weather makes the tent unattractive. She would love to bring her dogs but one of them gets pretty anxious on car rides so Im not sure how that would work out.

Ill definitely be in touch.

 

[Dave_brez]

Hey all sorry for the radio silence.
Work has been hectic this week. Unfortunately, I'll be on a "mothers day" camping trip May 11-13 with the in-laws .

I am planning on taking a day this weekend May 5 or 6, to go find some trails down in the Chattanooga area. If anyone is interested or has suggestions let me know.

Feel free to tag me/ message me for any other upcoming trips. Looking forward to getting stuck with y'all soon! Post up some pictures of your adventure!