2008 Mid Atlantic Rally! Oct 2, 3, 4, 5

[WNYDiscoIIErik]

I've never met Charles, but he's feeding you a bit of shit here. Either that, or you're relaying the information with a bit of shit interlaced.

Here is a color coded map of the Cove. The Red lines are the "hard trails" that would offer people like "Justin" a challange. We took Allen Skillman down many of the Black trails with his D2 that only has a 3" lift and tires. I think Allen had a blast.

The D2 that actually broke was on a Blue trail. The Jeep that broke was on a Red trail.

I kept hearing that the trails at the Cove were too "hard core" for a Rover group. Now I'm hearing it after the trip from people who were not even there. Out of 30+ trucks at the Cove, two went home with body damage; the truck that rolled and Allen. Allen got his damage on a Red trail during a night run.

Bottom line is, the Cove trails are not "too hard core". If you stay on a trail that's within reason for your truck, you'll have a great time. Just don't put a stock D2 on a black or red trail............

Where were we camped in reference to that map?

 

[D Chapman]

Where were we camped in reference to that map?

Camp 3

 

[WNYDiscoIIErik]

Cool. Did you get the email I sent you?

 

[galen216]

CJ-5 hill.

 

[J. Toronado]

And there were Jeeps at the Cove too........

fuck yeah. i hopped in that jeep w/ jimmy on thurs at midnight or whatever and had a killer time. of course, the only difference from MAR was that the jeep was at the back of the pack! that rubicon handled really well too on the boulders and i was pretty impressed until he came down hard on that obelisk and blew his u joint to hell.

good times... the cove was perfect for the series. we even took a little swim.

 

[cptyarderho]

A few from the Rovertym challenge.

 

[1920SF]

A couple of random shots, some stolen from Tommy (Skydiver)'s SD card...


Great to see everyone. Many thanks to Will T who was, thankfully, right in front of my truck on Friday afternoon and gave me some good advice help with my 'little' cooling issue...
r-
Ray

 

[nosivad_bor]

I wish there were pics of that Rave Party. It was just weird that being in the middle of the woods. Lasers all over the place and some thumping music.

Hell even Rob D. was doing the reverse cross over dance in super slow mo. That shit was ballin'.

That shit was baller of me wasn't it, too bad you didn't stay up for the jam bands the next night we had a hoe down dance competition - I was winning until Hunter did the worm. I just gave up after that, with my trick knee and all.

 

[adamsclarke]

Any pics of Mikes 1 ton Series?

 

[JBailey]

He bent/broke a spring on the first day so I doubt there will be too many pic's of it.

 

[galen216]

you mean this "Series"?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Land...304877171QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250304877171

 

[Doug C]

wtf ?

I kept hearing that the trails at the Cove were too "hard core" for a Rover group. Now I'm hearing it after the trip from people who were not even there. the Cove trails are not "too hard core". /quote]

You twisted what I said-not sure why. If anything my only complaint with ORE was that the trails seemed very easy-the place would have been awesome with a little rain on that red clay though. What I said was that my friend indicated the Cove offered more hardcore trails for the modified trucks. As an example the same friend was having trouble figuring out if his new rear ARB was locking- there was absolutely no where he needed to use them. The 90 went right up one of the biggest obstacles "cj5 hill" open.

 

[jdcline78]

I have to say CJ5 was not one of the bigest obsticals there was alot more challenging stuff than a slick rock

 

[D Chapman]

Now that MAR is over, let's review some of the things that ROAV told us and see how things add up:

Where did all this Oak Ridge stuff come from? The question was should there be guided rides.
I just love the way things grow and evolve around here.

Oh, BTW - there will not be any vehicles on the trails at the 60th except Rovers. Yes, that means no Jeeps.

Haha

As you just stated for everyone, the fee structure at the Cove also played into ROAV's decision. $111.00 per person, 3 days. The MAR is 4 days. Prorate this out and fees for a 4 day event for you, your significant other and Jr Wheeler come to $444.00 in fees that need to be paid to the Cove. Never mind insurance (not a probably, BTW) fees, meals, porta johns, etc. etc. and WOW!

My 4 night, 5 day cost was $120.00 for two people with two trucks. (I got there a day early)

Total truck and driver cost was $55.00
Each additional camper (adult) was $45.00

$444.00??? ut:

The MAR has always been an event unequaled in North America. The 60th Anniversary Celebration will raise the bar even higher.

We are also in discussion concerning night runs.

Entertainment - Each day live bands and entertainment at the main stage!

Was there?

$105.00 Registration fee!!! ? Registration fee includes 1 Land Rover and as many persons as there are seats! If you trailer your truck in, there is a separate secure area for complimentary parking of the tow rig and trailer.

I heard about some $55.00 MAR tickets floating around. If I had already paid 105.00, I'd be pissed.

I'm certain that people will not be sitting in trail traffic at the MAR and that they will be as challenged as they want.

Chris and Carla do know every trail guide that is a part of Trail Experience. These people are trained and certified in medical and offroad techniques, and are all a part of the Trail Experience team.

RUMOR: Only trail guides can recover a vehicle.
FACT: This is a FALSE statement. The recover vehicle and gear will not necessarily be guides. The owner can self recover or gain assistance from any person in group under the supervision of the guides The guides are there to keep things safe and provide assistance as required.

Hmmmmmm, should I quote more?

 

[galen216]

RUMOR: Only trail guides can recover a vehicle.
FACT: This is a FALSE statement. The recover vehicle and gear will not necessarily be guides. The owner can self recover or gain assistance from any person in group under the supervision of the guides The guides are there to keep things safe and provide assistance as required.

We were told each time we went on the trails that guides were in charge of the recovery. But on CJ-5 hill they did ask if I wanted to use my winch or the Jeep that was set-up to pull. I let them since he was in place with line spooled out.

Overall it was not as bad as predicted, it was a good event in fact, but ROAV needs to look ahead 2-3 years because the place is going to get boring fast.

 

[roverover]

So you offering to setup and run MAR next year Dan??

I agree with Galen the Trail guides were excellent, at least the ones we had. The trails were not extreme but they were more than most would want. There were some issues mainly with staff attitude, and some logistice but a great first attempt

 

[JBailey]

keep in mind not all the trails were used so there is still more to be had trail wise. This was due to timing issues I believe.

Again as stated in other threads.. The event was wonderful overall. There will always be room for improvement no matter what.

The trails at Pearls Pond are pretty lame when they are dry also. So not really a good comparison.
NOT ONCE did I hear of anyone not being able to recover themselve if they chose to do so. On some of the known trouble spots(only one place I remember) winch trucks were setup only to allow quicker recovery to keep groups moving.

The organization of alot of the events at MAR could be handled better if ROAV could require/encourage more preregistraiton. Offer a discount for preregistered vehicles would be easiest. Really hard to plan if you cannot pin down how many people are attending. I believe attendance was over the 250 mark but not certain.

I had an outstanding time. Best people and A LOT of GOOD TIMES. If I want a wheel'n challenge I know were to find it. At some point some of you will realize that MAR is not intended to be an exclusive wheeling event but more. ROAV is doing an excellent job of getting back to that.

 

[hamsquatch]

MAR was not a total bust. I'd say the "hard" trails were the best with a couple of pucker moments. nothing too crazy. The RTE challenge stuff looked impressive (of the one or two obstacles I saw) The trail guides were pretty cool overall, we did have one who was kinda prickish.

For us the Cove was just too far this time around being that some of us had family commitments, it was a short drive from Richmond which was our primary factor. We'll hit the Cove next year for something different.

The big downside was the trail schedule, having to sign up and wait etc. The trail network was extensive so I appreciate the need for guides. We would have been lost. We're going to wheel again in a few weeks becuase we feel like we did not 'scratch our jones.'

It was too spread out. Good to have the room but it's also cool to roll around after hours and mingle etc. without having to hike forever.

No night driving was a negative but in hindsight it probably was better...that's when we see the most damage.

We'd do it again if there is no other option. At least we'd know what to expect. On a scale of 1-10 I guess I'd give it a 6 or 7. Pearls Pond is a 10.

There was a small band playing to an empty tent on Thursday night. That's the only music I remember.

 

[Roverlady]

Does ORE offer any other area on the grounds for camping?

Seems like being in the 'infield' could get pretty hot if the weather turned like it has in the past?

Oh, and what did most people do after 5pm? Dinner on Friday night and the never-ending auction took place as usual I guess...?

 

[galen216]

One note on the guides, a quick run down for them on Land Rovers (by either ROAV or some Rover people that know TE) would be helpful.

Several times I heard them ask if a truck was in 4wd or point out a rock to watch for on your diff (wrong side b/c we weren't in Jeeps). I don't expect them to know everything about a Land Rover but was surpised they knew so little. I assumed before this event that people into off-roading knew the minimum about other vehicles on the market. Several guides commented on how impressed they were with Rover's ability. Almost like some of them assumed Rovers were big overpriced incapable vehicles. Most of them were great guys/gals and very nice.