I took my friend Jane and her 11 year old daughter out to a local area so she could try out her 2002 Kia Sportage. She did very well for her first time and I was impressed at how well the Kia did with the little stock 205 all-season tires.

She took to the mud like a duck to water but on any slightly off-camber situation she seemed pretty terrified of rolling. That's understandable and just requires a little more familiarity with the vehicle. I think they both had fun and I hope we can see what else the Kia and its driver can do! She joined this board so she should be around. Sounds like she wants to modify it somewhat - at least bigger tires.

Here are a few pics, there are more here: Jane's First Outing

<img src="http://dogwater2.netfirms.com/images/2002_10_20/jainwake01.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://dogwater2.netfirms.com/images/2002_10_20/jainhill01.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://dogwater2.netfirms.com/images/2002_10_20/dogwake01.jpg" alt=" - " />

Greg, whats it look like for next weekend? Any old trails will do. I just want to get away for a bit.

Guy, next weekend looks good. I'm pretty sure Cojo is up for next Sunday. I'm still planning to scout east and northeast of Bennington. It's really not that far from my house if I take the back way. There are two promising looking areas on the topo. There are definitely some interesting trails around here and that trail I went on today has some fun deeper spots, a nice little rock ledge, etc. We didn't go all the way but I went ahead while they lunched and the water is back up. There are 2 outings on my site under Bennett Road(wet - spring) and BR Revisited (dry - summer). There are other trails nearby, too.

Looks cool I can't wait to get my pathy and wheel again. I don't know exactly when this week since the bank made a account deposit mistake and it is taking longer than anticipated to get my money for the repairs. Due to someone elses error... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" />

Greg, Was this the same area where we wheeled in in the rain August? Looks a lot wetter now - the groundwater must be coming up. It sounds as if your friend enjoyed herself. Good thing it didn't turn into a "Shouldn't Have Accompanied Dogwater" trip.

Anyway, I'm up for this Sunday. I may even bring Heidi with me - she actually seemed a little disappointed about not wheeling last weekend.

Colin

That KIA looks cool kickin ass...
Is there any aftermarket for KIAs?

Cojo - I don't remember it raining then (that was notown) but it's the place where you, Shad, Devinchi and I went near Putney. Yeah, the water is up almost as deep as when Shad and I went in the Spring. It would be a slightly different run now! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

CTrooper - I guess they do have some aftermarket for them. She says she wants a body lift for bigger tires. I said I'd help if she wants but we'll see...
C'mon out next sunday if you'd like.

Here's a Kia that's modded somewhat:
<img src="http://www.pegados4x4.cl/fotos/Paseos/20020928/bigimages/Dscn0096.jpg" alt=" - " />

What city, state are you guys wheeling next sun??

Wouldent KIAs motor be a bit weak for bigger tires??

<small>[ October 22, 2002, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: CTrooper ]</small>

Southern VT, probably between Brattleboro and Bennington.
She should be able to turn something larger than she's got on there.

<small>[ October 23, 2002, 12:04 AM: Message edited by: dogwater ]</small>

Sorry too far for me... make sure to take some more pics though... have fun <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />