prepping for beat the creek 2026

[majin]

hey guys the yearly Beat the Creek event is popping off may 1,2,3. I'm heartbroken i didnt maneage to score camping tickets but we are camping at a different location about 12 mins away.
we typically bring too much lol but with the new sleeping situation things are different. we will be leaving a tent unattended. so there wont be much there lemme tell ya lol
still bringing a canopy and table to set at the back of the jeep to get some shade.
I'm bringing the Mule (scx6) and the wagon to haul our chairs and cooler around while were hitting vendors row.

i am gonna take the Mule down the scx6 trail this year,
bringing the ryft to hopefully trade for a nice vanquish
my sons basecamp
the wraith
Old man (element ecto)
the ascent18, both of the trx4m from @Doom!

if i can get a set of aluminum axles for the cen ill bring it and the trailer.


I'm on the hunt for a nice vanquish truck. i have thought about picking up a kit from teamknk, they have the carbon kits for like 300 bucks, but I'm hoping to trade the ryft for something fancy. been a rough year so dont have the funds that i typically have had the past few years. but we are gonna knock out a few traile we still havent managed to run yet even tho this is our 3rd time out!!

still bringing the tent, coolers, chairs, canopy. o snap!!!! i just remembered i need a new canopy! snap... guess what I'm buying next week instead of saving for the trip lololol. its more about the trip than the buys. but the deals are typically pretty awesome lol.

 

[Xraycer]

Too bad you're not close by. I have 7 of those pop-up canopies, of which you could use. Man, I would love to take part in those crawl fests you go to. I'll just have to be content living vicariously thru you.

 

[9x19]

Hope you have great weather this year!

 

[majin]

Hope you have great weather this year!

me too lol so far its supposed to be sunny

 

[CertifiedMike]

Nice! I thought you wouldn't be going this year!
Def hoping for no mud-fest for you this year!!!

 

[Burnzone]

Yeah I enjoy your mudslinging reports too! Always looks like loads of fun good luck to ya!

 

[majin]

been repairing and prepping
last night i replaced the wheel hexes on the ascent 18, and the blue bronco, got some wheels on the ax24, waitinf on driveshafts for the defender.
need to find better wheels and rims for all the minis. the 18 has powerhobby axles and the wheel stub is wider than a stock axle stub. i ordered the injora brass hexes with a 10mm offset specifically for the ascent18 but they were too small and would not seat. but i swapped some things around and its back to having the original hexes.
so far rtr we have the ecto, basecamp, ascent10, wraith, ryft (to trade possibly) 6x6 bison, scx6, gooseneck( to trade?),

tent has been aired out and repacked, gathered all the batteries and ran a pack thru a few each truck before they were deemed ready to rock.
have 2 new packs of AA for transmitters, hota charger and the amazon charger ( gotta use that one to charge the controller lipos as the hota wont charge just thru the balance cable i guess?) chairs aired out need to steam clean a few of them. tarps all laid out and repacked. secured off site camping 10mins away and probly gonna risk the biscuit saturday night and consider sneaking my tent in lol... probly wont gate crash my favorite even tof tthe year just because i missed my window lol
got coolers cleaned and ready, burnt firepit clean.

still need to replace the wood on the 1:1 trailer to pack it all,

 

[majin]

change of plans. in a good way tho,
i was about to pay for my camping spot off site, when i thought id try one of those websites for bookin rooms.
i found a room less than 10 miles away, a 20 min drive, for 50 LESS than the camping spot would have cost.
room is paid for and waiting. (not gonna lie, my back is rejoicing already lol)
still need to aquire a canopy, other than that we are set, not missing my chance for tickets again, have alarms set already to go off 2 weeks before camping tix go on sale.
but super stoked to have that worry off my plate.

 

[Xraycer]

(not gonna lie, my back is rejoicing already lol)

 

[CertifiedMike]

change of plans. in a good way tho,
i was about to pay for my camping spot off site, when i thought id try one of those websites for bookin rooms.
i found a room less than 10 miles away, a 20 min drive, for 50 LESS than the camping spot would have cost.
room is paid for and waiting. (not gonna lie, my back is rejoicing already lol)
still need to aquire a canopy, other than that we are set, not missing my chance for tickets again, have alarms set already to go off 2 weeks before camping tix go on sale.
but super stoked to have that worry off my plate.

Awesome find!!! Sounds like a good deal too! Are you sure you didn't book the room for like 1 hour on each day???

I'm sure they'll be super stoked to see you washing the mud off of 10 or 15 RCs in their hot tub!

You might need a bath too!!!

Lol! I'm actually a bit sad we don't have an event like this here in Maine.

Have an AMAZING TIME!!!!

 

[majin]

deciding which rigs to take is killing me!!!!!!!
i still gotta find space for the ryft and the wraith!!
changed the mounting and threw the gooseneck onto the bumper of the scx6,
i gotta figure out some sort of tie downs for the trucks on the trailer, gotta do it quick and fast, any ideas??
ill probly make a post about that, seeing if i can crowd source a viable solution asap

pretty stoked
i keep flip plopping on the goals for the shopping end.
on th eone hand i wanted to get my son and i matching trucks, but i just did that, then i got to thinking about what I'm missing.

i havent built a full on kit ( i buil;t the ryft from donor parts but no actual kit)
i dont have a lcg comp rig
dont have a boat
i DO have a lot of trucks that could use some attention in various ways

king sling- needs new front axle-
Young Man (yellow ecto)- all the brass, fusion pro motor, shocks, high clearance links, winch, good tires, overdrive gear
scx10- high clearance links, tire inserts ( tried 3d printing my own but their too firm), overdrive gear
Old Man (black ecto)- well if i had a truck that id call "finished" it would be this. i just repair if i break,
cenf450- needs aluminum axles, i can't keep a set on, have gone thru 3 sets and each one does the exact same thing
ascent10- needs high clearance links, overdrive gear, treal aluminum axles, rear more important.
wraith- body panel kit preferaably aluminum, brass down low in front,


if i get a kit, its probably going tovrd carbon, i just hear great things about it.

so I'm thinking i may try to score a kit, I'm on the fence about this. but REAAAAALLLLYYY leaning onto the build a kit

 

[Doom!]

You need to score some more bunjee cords to strap all of those trucks to the trailers.

 

[HPIguy]

They make scale ratchet straps, but they aren't cheap.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3176664192...110923501&abcId=9450103&merchantid=5698589348

Multi Packs available here

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...false&needSmbHouyi=false&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

 

[majin]

This is the trail that started it all! The “Original” Beat The Creek! This trail features a little bit of everything, from the woods, to the water, and to the rocks. Mother nature ensures this trail is different every single time you run it!

Must see features:

• The driveway crossing
• The moonshine still
  
  

Terrain: Dirt, thick forest, water (amount is contingent on weather), and LOTS of rocks!

Trail Marker Color: Blue; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 5/10

Scales: 1/6 & 1/10

This trail is what we commonly refer to as the “Scale Trail.” This trail is perfect for leaf spring trucks, with easier to traverse terrain, loads of scale buildings, and tons of great places to take the perfect scale photos.

This trail begins with the rock garden, if you decide that is too aggressive of terrain for your scale crawler then we recommend starting the trail at the large dirt mount that is located in the fence row between the campers and the vendor field.

Features:

• The most scale bridges of any trail
• 89ft of elevation change

Terrain: Mostly dirt, Forested area, a small rocky section at the beginning that is optional

Trail Marker Color: Yellow; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 3/10

Scales: 1/10 & 1/24 -NO 1/6

Wild and Woolly, It’s all in the name. No other way to put it aside from a nice walk through the woods. There are some mild obstacles and a few bridges located on this trail. This trail is a wonderful trail that will really make you appreciate the beauty of Kentucky! A perfect trail for the whole family!

Features:

• Includes Lawsons original red barn that has seen THOUSANDS of trucks.
• 93ft of elevation change
  
  

Terrain: Mostly dirt, Forested area

Trail Marker Color: Orange; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 4/10

Scales: 1/6, 1/10, 1/24

BEAT THE BARN, one of the most exhilarating trails that is NOT for the faint of heart! This trail begins with a nice cruise through the woods behind the day parking area, then leads you up to the infamous barn. Do you have what it takes to beat the barn? Or are you chicken….

Features:

• 600+ feet of chicken wire strung all over a century old tobacco barn
• The pond ferry ride
• The RC Trolley in the barn
• One of the shortest trails to walk
• 41ft elevation change
  
  

Terrain: Dirt, wood, and CHICKEN WIRE

Trail Marker Color: Red; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: Trail 3/10 Inside the barn 9/10

Scales: Recommended 1/10, can run a 1/24, NO 1/6

*If you have mobility issues the barn is a great place to run where you can have hours of fun. Ask any of the staff and they will be happy to give anyone with mobility issues a ride directly to the barn!

The Bent Carrot trail begins along side trail 6 and splits off shortly into the trail. This trail is the perfect trail to really enjoy the beauty of nature. This trail takes you towards the very back of the property which is a very quiet and peaceful area. Its the perfect trail to “stop and smell the roses.”

Features:

• 3 different small creek sections
• Reaches to the far edges of the property
• Great opportunities to spot some local wildlife
  
  

Terrain: Mostly dirt with some rocky sections

Trail Marker Color: White; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 6/10

Scales: 1/6, 1/10, 1/24

What can we say, its all in the name. This trail reaches to the back of the property and has a very remote section that is the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch and give those trucks a break! This was the first trail that was designed specifically for 1/6th scale crawlers. Sue Hauke was the brains behind the trail, with a ton of help from 23RC with building the trail and the obstacles.

Features:

• A creek section
• Very quick elevation changes
• A nice secluded picnic area
• Very steep inclines that can be physically difficult to traverse
  
  

Terrain: Mostly dirt, a rocky creek section, can be physically difficult to traverse

Trail Marker Color: Black; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 7/10

Scales: 1/6 or 1/10 high clearance/comp recommended

Welcome to the Jungle! This trail is a great trail to warm up with and test those fresh builds. This is one of the shortest trails, but still features a nice little creek section. A great start to get a feel for the bigger trails, or a quick run after a long day to squeeze in just one more trail for the day.

Features:

• Features the longest covered bridge on the property
• One of the shortest trails
• A nice creek section
  
  

Terrain: Dirt, rock

Trail Marker Color: Green; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 5/10

Scales: 1/10 recommended, but can also run 1/6 & 1/24

This is a great trail to break out all those small scale crawlers! Its the perfect trail for the kids to get the feel for their new crawlers! Some great scale obstacles that are just perfect for the smaller scales, and tons of great places for photo ops!

Features:

• A few nice log crossings
• The tunnel - if you’re up for the challenge!

Terrain: Dirt

Trail Marker Color: Pink; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 2/10

Scales: 1/18, 1/24, 1/30 - NO 1/10 or 1/6

We added this trail on the 9th year, we named it the extreme creek because we hadn’t found trail 10 yet! This trail still holds its own and is certainly worth it! This is a nice length trail with lots of elevation changes. This trail starts out with a cruise down vendor row, and then features an amazing view as you descend down into the rocky EXTREME creek. This trail is an absolute blast!

Features:

• Begins with a cruise down vendor row so they can admire your rig pre-carnage
• Amazing views at the beginning of the trail
  
  

Terrain: Mostly rock with some dirt sections

Trail Marker Color: Brown ; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 8/10

Scales: 1/6 & 1/10

I double dog dare you to try this trail! We didn’t know any other way to express how EXTREME this creek is other than to name it the Really Extreme Creek! This is the most difficult trail we have to offer! This trail starts out alongside trail 1 and splits off shortly into it. This trail is the newest addition and certainly one worth bragging about beating! We recommend to bring parts and tools! This is NOT a trail you would want to take the whole family on as there are a lot of difficult to traverse sections.

Features:

• Big rocks and steep inclines
• This trail ends in vendor row (the place you’ll want to be after running this trail!)

Terrain: Rocky, with some dirt sections, can be physically difficult

Trail Marker Color: Gold; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 10/10

Scales: 1/6 & 1/10 high clearance/comp

 

[majin]

 

[xjtorc]

Man...that crept up fast! Looks like such a blast. Seeing the breakdown of all the trails is awesome.

Hope you have a blast and we're all crossing our fingers for good weather!

 

[Doom!]

 

[CertifiedMike]

This is the trail that started it all! The “Original” Beat The Creek! This trail features a little bit of everything, from the woods, to the water, and to the rocks. Mother nature ensures this trail is different every single time you run it!

Must see features:

• The driveway crossing
• The moonshine still
  

Terrain: Dirt, thick forest, water (amount is contingent on weather), and LOTS of rocks!

Trail Marker Color: Blue; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 5/10

Scales: 1/6 & 1/10

View attachment 272693

This trail is what we commonly refer to as the “Scale Trail.” This trail is perfect for leaf spring trucks, with easier to traverse terrain, loads of scale buildings, and tons of great places to take the perfect scale photos.

This trail begins with the rock garden, if you decide that is too aggressive of terrain for your scale crawler then we recommend starting the trail at the large dirt mount that is located in the fence row between the campers and the vendor field.

Features:

• The most scale bridges of any trail
• 89ft of elevation change

Terrain: Mostly dirt, Forested area, a small rocky section at the beginning that is optional

Trail Marker Color: Yellow; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 3/10

Scales: 1/10 & 1/24 -NO 1/6
View attachment 272694

Wild and Woolly, It’s all in the name. No other way to put it aside from a nice walk through the woods. There are some mild obstacles and a few bridges located on this trail. This trail is a wonderful trail that will really make you appreciate the beauty of Kentucky! A perfect trail for the whole family!

Features:

• Includes Lawsons original red barn that has seen THOUSANDS of trucks.
• 93ft of elevation change
  

Terrain: Mostly dirt, Forested area

Trail Marker Color: Orange; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 4/10

Scales: 1/6, 1/10, 1/24
View attachment 272695
BEAT THE BARN, one of the most exhilarating trails that is NOT for the faint of heart! This trail begins with a nice cruise through the woods behind the day parking area, then leads you up to the infamous barn. Do you have what it takes to beat the barn? Or are you chicken….

Features:

• 600+ feet of chicken wire strung all over a century old tobacco barn
• The pond ferry ride
• The RC Trolley in the barn
• One of the shortest trails to walk
• 41ft elevation change
  

Terrain: Dirt, wood, and CHICKEN WIRE

Trail Marker Color: Red; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: Trail 3/10 Inside the barn 9/10

Scales: Recommended 1/10, can run a 1/24, NO 1/6

*If you have mobility issues the barn is a great place to run where you can have hours of fun. Ask any of the staff and they will be happy to give anyone with mobility issues a ride directly to the barn!
View attachment 272696
The Bent Carrot trail begins along side trail 6 and splits off shortly into the trail. This trail is the perfect trail to really enjoy the beauty of nature. This trail takes you towards the very back of the property which is a very quiet and peaceful area. Its the perfect trail to “stop and smell the roses.”

Features:

• 3 different small creek sections
• Reaches to the far edges of the property
• Great opportunities to spot some local wildlife
  

Terrain: Mostly dirt with some rocky sections

Trail Marker Color: White; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 6/10

Scales: 1/6, 1/10, 1/24
View attachment 272697

What can we say, its all in the name. This trail reaches to the back of the property and has a very remote section that is the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch and give those trucks a break! This was the first trail that was designed specifically for 1/6th scale crawlers. Sue Hauke was the brains behind the trail, with a ton of help from 23RC with building the trail and the obstacles.

Features:

• A creek section
• Very quick elevation changes
• A nice secluded picnic area
• Very steep inclines that can be physically difficult to traverse
  

Terrain: Mostly dirt, a rocky creek section, can be physically difficult to traverse

Trail Marker Color: Black; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 7/10

Scales: 1/6 or 1/10 high clearance/comp recommended
View attachment 272698
Welcome to the Jungle! This trail is a great trail to warm up with and test those fresh builds. This is one of the shortest trails, but still features a nice little creek section. A great start to get a feel for the bigger trails, or a quick run after a long day to squeeze in just one more trail for the day.

Features:

• Features the longest covered bridge on the property
• One of the shortest trails
• A nice creek section
  

Terrain: Dirt, rock

Trail Marker Color: Green; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 5/10

Scales: 1/10 recommended, but can also run 1/6 & 1/24

View attachment 272699

This is a great trail to break out all those small scale crawlers! Its the perfect trail for the kids to get the feel for their new crawlers! Some great scale obstacles that are just perfect for the smaller scales, and tons of great places for photo ops!

Features:

• A few nice log crossings
• The tunnel - if you’re up for the challenge!

Terrain: Dirt

Trail Marker Color: Pink; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 2/10

Scales: 1/18, 1/24, 1/30 - NO 1/10 or 1/6
View attachment 272700
We added this trail on the 9th year, we named it the extreme creek because we hadn’t found trail 10 yet! This trail still holds its own and is certainly worth it! This is a nice length trail with lots of elevation changes. This trail starts out with a cruise down vendor row, and then features an amazing view as you descend down into the rocky EXTREME creek. This trail is an absolute blast!

Features:

• Begins with a cruise down vendor row so they can admire your rig pre-carnage
• Amazing views at the beginning of the trail
  

Terrain: Mostly rock with some dirt sections

Trail Marker Color: Brown ; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 8/10

Scales: 1/6 & 1/10

I double dog dare you to try this trail! We didn’t know any other way to express how EXTREME this creek is other than to name it the Really Extreme Creek! This is the most difficult trail we have to offer! This trail starts out alongside trail 1 and splits off shortly into it. This trail is the newest addition and certainly one worth bragging about beating! We recommend to bring parts and tools! This is NOT a trail you would want to take the whole family on as there are a lot of difficult to traverse sections.

Features:

• Big rocks and steep inclines
• This trail ends in vendor row (the place you’ll want to be after running this trail!)

Terrain: Rocky, with some dirt sections, can be physically difficult

Trail Marker Color: Gold; Trail markers will always be on your right hand side

Difficulty: 10/10

Scales: 1/6 & 1/10 high clearance/comp

View attachment 272702

Thats CRAZY that your "track" is best seen by satellite!!!

You're not coming back, are you?