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Thoughts on MAR 2004
- Thread starter cptyarderho
- Start date
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LRover
Guest
Ok yeah, let?s talk about the camaraderie around the campfire or the organized children?s activities or the Ladies Trial ride hosted by Bill Burk or his tech sessions. How about the AMT or the RTV or even the Rover Skittles. Did folks like those events? Should we expand them?
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Kyle
Guest
Of course talk about that as well. AS I said before , this is a small slice of attendance , but a pretty good slice of the Discovery attendance...
Kyle
Kyle
I missed the Ladies trail ride! 
We were out with some friends...but I managed to join in the last hundred yards!
Bill Burke was great, I met him and chatted with him about mods, etc at the 4x4 connection trailer. I wish he had done his winching session out on the trail...maybe even on Andretti's Hill!
Rover skittles was cool. The set-up and organization was the best this year of any. The auction was fun, but god love him, Rob Davis isn't much of an auctioneer. I missed having the band after dinner. Loved the T-shirts and we bought the MAR video. Also, why was the Teeter Totter roped off? I wanted to try again this year!
One suggestion, we attend a Bluegrass festival at Graves Mountain where they have a trailer set-up with showers. You pay $1 for a shower and it's GREAT! I talked to quite a few people who said they'd be willing to do that at MAR. Actually, you could charge more than that! I'm not sure who furnishes something like that, but it's a good idea.
We were out with some friends...but I managed to join in the last hundred yards!Bill Burke was great, I met him and chatted with him about mods, etc at the 4x4 connection trailer. I wish he had done his winching session out on the trail...maybe even on Andretti's Hill!
Rover skittles was cool. The set-up and organization was the best this year of any. The auction was fun, but god love him, Rob Davis isn't much of an auctioneer. I missed having the band after dinner. Loved the T-shirts and we bought the MAR video. Also, why was the Teeter Totter roped off? I wanted to try again this year!
One suggestion, we attend a Bluegrass festival at Graves Mountain where they have a trailer set-up with showers. You pay $1 for a shower and it's GREAT! I talked to quite a few people who said they'd be willing to do that at MAR. Actually, you could charge more than that! I'm not sure who furnishes something like that, but it's a good idea.
I am hearing alot of good points being made here, and for once I am hearing Kyle explain why it is he rags on MAR every year, and surprisingly, I agree. I attend MAR for the social comraderie and the opportunity to see some really well put together Rovers, meet some new people, and visit some vendors. Wheeling there is one more thing, but not so high on the list that I would call this a wheeling trip. We all know its crowded and the trails especially tight when Mother Nature limits use of all of the facilities, so I go out a few times, wheel with some pals, go back to camp and enjoy some beers around the grill as campfires aren't permitted. We had 40 or so in our group, we brought a smoker along and had soem ribs and BBQ and really ate quite well. We drank together, except for a few who wanted to get in some "night ops" and they took along some passengers who had a few drinks but knew better than to drive. On the whole, I saw alot of responsible behavior. Far more in fact than negative behavior that the event seems to be getting characterized with here. I heard about 3 rolled vehicles and one of them seemed to be alcohol related stupidity. It's unfortunate that it only takes ONE such occurance to color the event, and I'm sure there was more than one. Regardless, I had a great time at this social event and will most likely be there again next year with the same expectations....but I'm still baffled by the lack of waving and smiling.....is it that way out west too?
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Kyle
Guest
Actually , for as much Banter that goes one between East and West you never have an issue like that. We have run into just about every make there is and have never recieved anything other then waves and some chit chat. There were some words at Rocker Knocker in Moab one time (Probably my fault) but aside from that I dont recall one time when the folks werent really open and nice.. Now the Burbs in CA is a whole other Story that we shouldnt get into............
Kyle
Kyle
L
LRover
Guest
Sorry you missed the Ladies Ride, we hope to have an expanded PA system next year which will help get the word out. I thought Bill did a winching demo on Andrettie?s hill?maybe someone can confirm. We had a lot of feed back about the band interfering with the awards and auction so we moved it to Friday. If there is enough demand maybe we can move it back. We will definitely have a professional auctioneer back next year. Would love to have running water and showers or at least a shower truck. Good suggestions keep-em coming. Oh and we just plain slipped up on the teeter-totter. We ran it on Friday and meant to do it on Saturday and it got away from us.
Good point about the band on Friday-better idea....just sorry I missed it.
I knew about the Ladies ride b/c I read the board, but just didn't make it back from a trail in time.
There was actually so much to do, I missed a good bit. But we also wanted to just hang out with friends.
I agree with Randy that this is not a wheeling event primarily. We were just as happy riding with some other folks b/c we know we can hit trails another time...although I'd love to try more at MAR. It's a combination of all the factors that make it a good Rover event.
I knew about the Ladies ride b/c I read the board, but just didn't make it back from a trail in time.
There was actually so much to do, I missed a good bit. But we also wanted to just hang out with friends.
I agree with Randy that this is not a wheeling event primarily. We were just as happy riding with some other folks b/c we know we can hit trails another time...although I'd love to try more at MAR. It's a combination of all the factors that make it a good Rover event.
Gumarcel said:
"Credo nos in fluctu eodem esse (I think we're on the same wave length here)"
That is the translation - admittedly I had to look it up.
Interesting, and amusing, thread.
Here are my impressions.
I had a great time, though my two hour ride that turned into 5 on Sunday I could have done without, but I made the choice to do it, so it's my lookout.
I left the Rally twice, and the Rover people I met on the road waved back.
Friday night my ignition died on the west river trail, but after no diagnostic luck I ran a jumper from the battery to the coil and drove back to camp fine.
Spent hours Saturday morning trying to diagnose the problem with a complete stranger (bugger, I forget his name!) who is well versed in electrickery only to find it was a blown fuse (NOTE: '95 Discovery owner's manual has the fuse panels mislabled).
(Whoever came and got the Jerry cans sat morning, sorry I was so distracted)
Sunday I got a really great deal on two DII front prop shafts ($50 for two, one almost new, the other needs a u-joint)
I wasn't crazy about spending two or three hours directing traffic in and out of the meadow, but I volunteered to work and do what needed to be done. (Ya pays your money and takes your choice).
My Zodi shower was once again heaven, and the people I let use it are sold on it
In part the trails were so crowded because so many were closed, or nearly impassable, as compared to other years.
Rolling a vehicle, at least in the one I helped recover, was a matter of mere inches one direction or the other. Shit happens.
The roll on the East Powerline was COMPLETELY and 100% due to driving too fast. I'd done the same spot not and hour before, and again right behind the person. I told the people it was fine, but didn't stay to make sure they stayed on the trail and in my rear view mirror I saw them going off trail to bypass it. A failure on my part.
So in a nutshell, I had a great time. The very few negative events were far overshawdowed by the positive.
The most major negative was that I kept leaving my camera in camp, so only have a handful of crummy pictures. Haven't looked at the video I shot yet.
Here are my impressions.
I had a great time, though my two hour ride that turned into 5 on Sunday I could have done without, but I made the choice to do it, so it's my lookout.
I left the Rally twice, and the Rover people I met on the road waved back.
Friday night my ignition died on the west river trail, but after no diagnostic luck I ran a jumper from the battery to the coil and drove back to camp fine.
Spent hours Saturday morning trying to diagnose the problem with a complete stranger (bugger, I forget his name!) who is well versed in electrickery only to find it was a blown fuse (NOTE: '95 Discovery owner's manual has the fuse panels mislabled).
(Whoever came and got the Jerry cans sat morning, sorry I was so distracted)
Sunday I got a really great deal on two DII front prop shafts ($50 for two, one almost new, the other needs a u-joint)
I wasn't crazy about spending two or three hours directing traffic in and out of the meadow, but I volunteered to work and do what needed to be done. (Ya pays your money and takes your choice).
My Zodi shower was once again heaven, and the people I let use it are sold on it
In part the trails were so crowded because so many were closed, or nearly impassable, as compared to other years.
Rolling a vehicle, at least in the one I helped recover, was a matter of mere inches one direction or the other. Shit happens.
The roll on the East Powerline was COMPLETELY and 100% due to driving too fast. I'd done the same spot not and hour before, and again right behind the person. I told the people it was fine, but didn't stay to make sure they stayed on the trail and in my rear view mirror I saw them going off trail to bypass it. A failure on my part.
So in a nutshell, I had a great time. The very few negative events were far overshawdowed by the positive.
The most major negative was that I kept leaving my camera in camp, so only have a handful of crummy pictures. Haven't looked at the video I shot yet.
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syoung
Guest
Kyle- once again we have a failure to communicate. I defend MAR because it was a great experience, better than ever. Sure, it's different from when I go with 5 friends and run some quiet backwoods trails, but variety is good. Many people had a great time, so why try to take that away from them or paint them as being somehow defective because you don't like the event.
So big deal I rolled my truck at MAR... it could happen on a private trail ride or a large event. Those things happen, it goes with the territory when you get into the hobby. Is it the fault of MAR or ROAV? Hell no... I "defend" MAR because I like the event. If someone paints the picture of a drunkfest of carnage, they either weren't there OR they were the drunks. I only saw three problem trucks full of problematic people- it was always those three running too fast and acting like asses.
Everyone was friendly except for one or two people with attitude problems who had to comment on how everyone else did everything wrong.
Oh yeah- Tom, did you get your t-shirts or do I owe you?
So big deal I rolled my truck at MAR... it could happen on a private trail ride or a large event. Those things happen, it goes with the territory when you get into the hobby. Is it the fault of MAR or ROAV? Hell no... I "defend" MAR because I like the event. If someone paints the picture of a drunkfest of carnage, they either weren't there OR they were the drunks. I only saw three problem trucks full of problematic people- it was always those three running too fast and acting like asses.
Everyone was friendly except for one or two people with attitude problems who had to comment on how everyone else did everything wrong.
Oh yeah- Tom, did you get your t-shirts or do I owe you?
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Actually a dog was hit by a truck driving a bit fast on the back camping hill. According to others, they saw the dog the next day, seemed ok.Roverlady said:
I had a blast at MAR. It was my first time for me and honestly, I didnt mind that I didnt even have my truck with me. Got to meet a lot of people I have been chatting with for some time on various forums and meet some new faces I had never talked to before. While most of my time was either in our camp or up at the main strip, I was pretty content with being a passanger to the event.
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Kyle
Guest
"So big deal I rolled my truck at MAR... it could happen on a private trail ride or a large event. Those things happen, it goes with the territory when you get into the hobby"
This statement right here is the shit I am talking about. You rolled your truck at MAR and because of that it must be the norm and something that is just expected in the sport. Yes , the possibility always looms over us all but in no way no fucking how should you be rolling a truck at the MAR When you make that statement that is the standard you set. And thats how its broadcasted to the new folks watching. Thats bullshit.. Thats like "ON this trail you will get body damage" that we hear so much... Meaning "I cant get though this trail without bending my shit so you cant either" . Set the bar higher then that man... YOu dont roll your shit at the MAR.... Especially in a low to the ground sports car.....
Kyle
This statement right here is the shit I am talking about. You rolled your truck at MAR and because of that it must be the norm and something that is just expected in the sport. Yes , the possibility always looms over us all but in no way no fucking how should you be rolling a truck at the MAR When you make that statement that is the standard you set. And thats how its broadcasted to the new folks watching. Thats bullshit.. Thats like "ON this trail you will get body damage" that we hear so much... Meaning "I cant get though this trail without bending my shit so you cant either" . Set the bar higher then that man... YOu dont roll your shit at the MAR.... Especially in a low to the ground sports car.....
Kyle
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ducati
Guest
Tom, that master of electrickery was Kevin Willey from Ottawa Canada. Lots of fun to wheel with and a great guy all around.
Mike Mcaig: MAR 2004 was excellent. I have only been to 2003 and 2004, but from my perspective this was the better event even though less trails were available. It was better organized, having the trails marked directionally helped a great deal (although I still think the direction should be reversed on some trails on Saturday to mix it up), and even though adversity (rain/flooding) caused some snafus it really worked out well. I really enjoyed working as a volunteer again this year, working the event gives you a much different perspective, I think, of what it takes to put it all together. The ROAV bucks were a very unexpected and appreciated bonus, thanks for that ROAV board.
I suppose it's not some folks cup of tea, but I really enjoy meeting new Rover fiends, seeing lots of neat trucks in one spot, getting ideas by looking at other folks rigs, and the comraderie that exists between friends. Everyone seemed very helpful and nice, with only a few exceptions. Whenever I took the opportunity to wave I always received a return.
After watching the DVD from 2003, I really wish you guys had one made up this year... It was certainly an interesting year on the trails
My suggestions/comments:
1. Onsite showers would rock, as would ice. I'd prefer the showers
2. I personally enjoyed the band on saturday
3. Perhaps we can have less small items in the auction? Or maybe just items more appropriate to offroaders, like tow straps and the like (which we had a bunch, but seemed well-received). After a bunch of Rover coffees and air conditioner dryers, people's attention seemed to wane. Although I understand you get what you can from the vendors.
4. A whiteboard with current trail conditions. Perhaps you can have some of the marshals run the trails and make a "grade" so to speak. I was asked this question more than any other when circulating. I think this is a better idea than a marshal at the trailhead "judging" vehicles. I think it's up to folks to self-police themselves (and their groups) here.
5. Having Bill Burke there was just awesome. Well, well worth whatever you paid for it. Worth it's weight in gold. Bring him, or another Rover personality, next year (we brought Tom Collins to a local event and had similar results).
6. The recovery sessions with Bill and Mike were awesome, as well. For the folks that took the time to attend, I'm sure even the most knowledgable learned something.
7. The projector (thanks steve) was an awesome idea, I had a great time watching wheeling videos and Bill's Camel Trophy slideshow.
I'm already counting down to next year, please thank all the ROAV board members for me and my Ohio contingent.
Mike Mcaig: MAR 2004 was excellent. I have only been to 2003 and 2004, but from my perspective this was the better event even though less trails were available. It was better organized, having the trails marked directionally helped a great deal (although I still think the direction should be reversed on some trails on Saturday to mix it up), and even though adversity (rain/flooding) caused some snafus it really worked out well. I really enjoyed working as a volunteer again this year, working the event gives you a much different perspective, I think, of what it takes to put it all together. The ROAV bucks were a very unexpected and appreciated bonus, thanks for that ROAV board.
I suppose it's not some folks cup of tea, but I really enjoy meeting new Rover fiends, seeing lots of neat trucks in one spot, getting ideas by looking at other folks rigs, and the comraderie that exists between friends. Everyone seemed very helpful and nice, with only a few exceptions. Whenever I took the opportunity to wave I always received a return.
After watching the DVD from 2003, I really wish you guys had one made up this year... It was certainly an interesting year on the trails
My suggestions/comments:
1. Onsite showers would rock, as would ice. I'd prefer the showers
2. I personally enjoyed the band on saturday
3. Perhaps we can have less small items in the auction? Or maybe just items more appropriate to offroaders, like tow straps and the like (which we had a bunch, but seemed well-received). After a bunch of Rover coffees and air conditioner dryers, people's attention seemed to wane. Although I understand you get what you can from the vendors.
4. A whiteboard with current trail conditions. Perhaps you can have some of the marshals run the trails and make a "grade" so to speak. I was asked this question more than any other when circulating. I think this is a better idea than a marshal at the trailhead "judging" vehicles. I think it's up to folks to self-police themselves (and their groups) here.
5. Having Bill Burke there was just awesome. Well, well worth whatever you paid for it. Worth it's weight in gold. Bring him, or another Rover personality, next year (we brought Tom Collins to a local event and had similar results).
6. The recovery sessions with Bill and Mike were awesome, as well. For the folks that took the time to attend, I'm sure even the most knowledgable learned something.
7. The projector (thanks steve) was an awesome idea, I had a great time watching wheeling videos and Bill's Camel Trophy slideshow.
I'm already counting down to next year, please thank all the ROAV board members for me and my Ohio contingent.
antichrist said:
That was me... and you looked deep in thought.
Nice doing business with ya!
-Tommy