Moab, Mecca, Gods Country, that cool place where sprockets and gear heads collide. A town established on the eastern edge of Utah, Moab is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Moab offers just about everything for just about everyone. From hills to streams, mud (when it rains) to sand climbs and yes, slickrock, its no wonder this town has been a destination spot for four-wheelers since the invention of the axle.
Every March, just prior to the gigantic Easter Jeep Safari, the Bronco Registry of Northern Colorado (BRONCO) travels out to the high desert of Moab. While many drivers choose to camp along the shores of the Colorado River, some stay in cabins offered at the KOA, or in the numerous motels that dot the area. There is even a Hostel for those on a real budget ($8 a night for a cot, shower, and roof).
First to arrive for the 1999 BRONCO rally in Moab was Len Marks, Brian Crabtree and Matthew Grow, all from the Metro Denver area. The 6-7 hour drive from Denver goes extremely fast due to the fantastic scenery. Later that week more would join the group, such as Sean Halsey and Robbie Theobald from the Breckenridge area, Terrorist Tony Everhart and Coby Hughey would also arrive on scene, as well as Tony’s grandfather Rathers, driving his '77 EB as the original owner. There were also others with the group that brought along a Suzuki Samuri, a full size Bronco, and a stock Toyota 4-Runner.
The first night proved to be challenging, and the group didn’t even hit a trail. Not even 100 yards into town, Brian Crabtree’s left rear tire got too excited about being in Moab and decided to beat the rest of the convoy into town. At 30mph, the tire departed the vehicle, passed Len, and bounced off a parked car on the other side of the road. Brian’s truck stopped right in front of a Century 21 office, where the agents inside looked on in amazement. Offering there assistance, they provided a ride to a gas station, and a phone call for a tow truck. The truck was towed to the local Big A Auto Parts, where the counter help were extremely friendly and helpful. Actually for first impressions, it seemed that the entire town turned out to help Brian’s malady. As best as we can figure, the lugs were overtightened at a tire shop, and stressed the studs. Brian has a D44 rearend with disc brakes, so the truck plopped down on the rotor, but caused no other damage. We swapped out the broken lugs for new in the Big A parking lot, and the truck was good to go. By then it was dark, so finding and setting up camp was a challenge. So much so that Matt and his rider Jonathon couldn't setup there tent, so they used it as a tarp and slept under the stars the first night.
