The background for this adventure is set in Maine’s own North Maine Woods, a 3.5 Million acre area that encompasses the northwestern most part of Maine on the Canadian Border. This area is some of the most remote in the country and sustainability for days upon days is the setting for an epic adventure that some may not return the same from.
This expedition will challenge both man and vehicle as we wind our way throughout hundreds of miles of tote roads, logging roads, two tracks and the like. The stability and capability of both machine and driver will be tested as there is literally nothing along the way that can provide help or solace in a time of need. All items should be carefully thought of when brought along as the balance of items that will break vs. the extra load and space they take up is a futile battle in ones mind. One should have a fully capable rig and ensure that most wear item parts are replaced prior to their eventual demise if they are worn or not up for the task of the harsh environment that this neck of the woods can offer.
The terrain will challenge everything your vehicle has on it from electrical to suspension, from washboard sections for miles to water crossings that could leave your rig stranded and abandoned for days.
But the trip is one for the ages. The rewards of scenic views from atop of mountainous ranges where your vision can soak up hundreds of miles of untouched territory, to the rich history of some of the planned stops along the way that will be embedded in your mind for years.
This expedition is a culmination of many trips that the NEO staff has attended for years and we’ve decided to combine the knowledge of all parties and create a challenge that we believe will be epic.
What: Northeast Overland's Moose on the Loose Ride
When: Thursday, June 19th to Sunday, June 22nd, 2014
Where: Piscataquis and Somerset counties in Maine.
Meeting location: Route 16 in Bingham/Mayfield, 5pm. (N 45 06.167 W 69 45.689)
What to bring: Your street legal and well maintained vehicle (4WD required), warm clothing, basic extrication equipment, camping/sleeping provisions, food/water/fuel, spare parts/tools/knowledge, camera/batteries, etc.
Required equipment:
•5 tires & tools to change (this means a full-size spare)
•Front and rear tow points
•Working CB radio
•Fire extinguisher
•Basic First aid kit
•Fuel container (5 gallon recommended)
•Current Maine Gazetteer ('09 or newer, 11's and 13's are available)
•At least one handheld GPS per team
•Basic tool kit
Recommended equipment (in addition to the required list):
•Another full-size spare tire (for a total of six)
•Tire repair kit, fix-a-flat, and/or compressor
•Spare parts for CB (radio, mic, cord, antenna)
•Vehicle specific parts + tools
•Anti-bug stuff (spray, netting, permethrin clothing)
•Toilet paper
•Snacks & water
•Compressor, shovel, Hi-Lift
Ride fees: $125 per vehicle, two vehicle teams (total $250 total, not including NMW fees below). Tickets will go on sale Jan 2nd, 2014. Tickets will be sold as team packages, so please have your team decided prior to purchase. There is a 10 team limit, so be ready to get your spot!
NMW fees: There is a fee for access and camping in the North Maine Woods. For this trip; Maine residents: $24, Non-residents: $36 (Sat day, Sat night, Sun day) Fees are per person and collected at the checkpoint as you pass. US funds recommended. For fee schedule and other information, check out the North Maine Woods website.
What to expect: We will be traveling mostly on well built logging roads and some old grown-in roads (Some more closely resemble ATV trails). 4WD is required, bring something with high ground clearance and skid plates. This area is very remote and that needs to be respected. No cell service, no parts stores, complete self-reliance. This is why we are doing teams. This is for your safety.
This won't exactly be full-size friendly. A full-size truck will fit, but the trees on the side of the trail are encroaching, and "pinstriping" is likely, especially with a larger vehicles. Day one will involve trails/roads that are narrow in spots. Day three may include obstacles that are easier with a shorter wheelbase. Any vehicle is welcome (subject to NMW rules), but be aware.
Inter-rig communication will be by CB radio. Channels will be assigned Thursday evening.
Expect to be sharing some of the roads with large over-sized, over-weight, speeding trucks that will not move from the center of the road.
Gather your equipment well ahead of the event so that you know how to use it. We will not quiz you on your stuff, you are responsible adults. A GPS used incorrectly can send one off-course. Cell phones are useless in Northern Maine and cannot be relied upon. Other navigation tools: a 2009 or newer Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, a compass, daily maps given to participants.
Generally the roads can be very dusty if dry or very muddy if wet (surface only, from the wet dust/silt). Some of the lesser quality side roads may have very poor and unstable surfaces (read: you will sink to your frame before you can say "oops!"). M/T tires are preferred due to the terrain, though A/T tires will suffice. 30" - 33" are the norm. We recommend you bring two spare tires...flat tires are common.
Camping will be point-to-point style, meaning that we will be in a different location each night... plan accordingly. The first night will be Northeast of Bingham (Maine Gazetteer map 30). Participants will be given coordinates for Thursday night early spring. We plan to stop to get last minute supplies and top off the fuel on Friday afternoon.
Fuel and food available in Greenville at market price, Pittston Farms sells fuel at above market price.
Bring an article of blaze orange... We want you to be found if you wander off.
Last edited by MtnClimber on Wed Jul 15, 2015 9:47 am; edited 15 times in total (Reason for editing : Added coordinates)