good MAR stories

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Author Message   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 09:54 am:    Now that things have settled down a bit, let's try this again... MAR was great. I brought the wife and two of our kids (our oldest didn't want to tag along, and had other things to do). This was their first Rover rally to attend. It was good because I got Laura to get out and drive a couple of the easy trails when we first got there... she had underestimated the Disco's capabilities up until then, she kept having a dawning realization that "This trail really isn't taxing the Disco, is it?" "It's not breaking a sweat at this, is it?" "My Disco is really made for more than this, isn't it?" After that, we had her ride shotgun in Jeff's Disco, and she got to be there when he got stuck in a mudhole (the same one that Dom pulled Ron out of in his video clip). She thought it was neat the way vehicles are recovered, having never seen it before. My son was giddy... he kept crawling out of the windows and back in, really enjoyed looking out the Rover windows to see fish swimming around the tires... he kept saying "Wow, Dad, I can see why you like Rovers so much now!" lol... Had a good time in the evenings sitting around the campfire in the chiminea, before heading to the hotel (since we had Abby with us, who's just a baby still, Laura didn't want to camp this year). It was also great getting to meet those of you who I hadn't met before, and to see old friends again. Laura was also glad to put faces with the names that I talk about, too... There were a few downs, like the amount of dust along the main road, and the waiting, but, when you've got over 300 registered vehicles, that's to be expected. All-in-all, though, it was really great, the whole family had a lot of fun. -L   trevorgriffiths Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:29 am:    We came down as a group on Friday late morning and set up camp on the island. When the mid-day sun was heating everybody up on the ridge, we had shade and a gentle breeze. I think the numbers are only going to increase which is going to take away from some of the fun, but, is it realistic to put a maximum number of vehicles on a 'fun' event? I find that this event is a great experience for new-comers and semi-experienced persons to have some fun and learn about their( and there vehicle's) abilities. I know this much, I will go back next year, regardless of the weather or the number of people. Everybody I ran into seemed to get into the spirit of things- The group that helped with the felling of the tree and the reinforcement of the bridge, to the group that pulled the wounded Freelander out of the woods, some were curious, some were now stuck in the woods, but all seemed cool with it. What were your experiences?   Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:40 am:    I have a funny story as to why I DIDN'T go to MAR. My wife had promised a friend of hers that she would assist her while she was in labor. My wife was a labor and delivery RN until about a year ago when she became a full-time SAHM. Well, the Tuesday prior to MAR, the friend's OB doc decided to schedule her for an induction on Friday morning. Since the wife had promised to do this, MAR was on hold for me until the baby was delivered. Since it was this person's third baby, I was still expecting to be able to leave sometime Friday for MAR. The truck is all packed by Thursday evening and then the phone rings. The hospital had to reschedule the induction for Friday evening at 6PM. OK, I'm still cool I thought. Maybe I can leave during the night and arrive at MAR early on Saturday morning, then catch a couple hours of sleep. At 4PM on Friday, the hospital rescheduled again, this time pushing the induction until 7PM on Saturday. The reality sets in... no MAR. I still didn't unpack, thinking maybe (praying) that the friend would go into labor on her own. Denial or wishful thinking? Saturday evening, she goes and and they start the induction. By Sunday morning, she hadn't made any progression whatsoever so they sent her home and told her to return a week from Monday. No baby, no MAR and no refund on MAR registration fees.   Greg P. (Gparrish) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:53 am:    Why didn't you just come by yourself and let the wife stay with the friend? We missed ya.   Curtis N (Curtis) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 11:31 am:    Greg P., I will help Steve out on this one: He said his wife is a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). Might that indicate that he would need to stay with his kids if mom was tied up with a delivery? As a dad, it sure is easy to tell who had kids and who doesn't Curtis   Greg P. (Gparrish) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 11:39 am:    hehehe....... I missed that one. I guess I probably should have already known the reason. On well, next time then. And yes, very astute of you Curtis. I have no kids.   Eric N (Grnrvr) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 12:30 pm:    I had a great time. It was my first MAR and the first time camping with some folks from ROVERS that I joined last year and have never been on an outing with them. Bill, Trevor, Gary, Tate, John, Drew, Alee (sp), Rick, and the rest of the folks I was with (sorry forgot some names) were a great bunch of folks. I'm looking forward to next year. However, I didn't agree with some of the things that I saw other people doing (people that weren't part of our group). But, that happens anywhere you go when there are large numbers of people. All and all I had a good time.   Greg Davis (Gregdavis) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 12:51 pm:    Well, I had a great time. Travelled up with three other vehicles, and met up with Paul and Greg P. Didn't get to spend as much time with Paul and Greg as I would have liked, but when there's that many people around, there just isn't enough time. Spent some time around David Gage. Wow! What a good guy. He imported my rack for me, and still gave me a great deal. Plus, he had a DII front diff guard. When I inquired about how well it would work, he told me to put it on and try it for awhile. If I didn't like it, I could send it back. If I did like it, I could send him the $$. Where else can you find someone that lets you try out the equipment before paying? Anyway, unless something drastic happens, I'll be there again next year. If for nothing else but the fellowship and meeting of fellow Rover enthusists. All in all, it was a great time. Highly reccomended.   TPH Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 12:56 pm:    Hi- Sorry for butting in but I just realized that I am a "SAHD" and never realized it. Anyone else out there presently holding that dubious honor?   Greg P. (Gparrish) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 01:48 pm:    I'm not a "SAHD", but I'm willing to be a kept man if there are any rich, rover loving women out there......... ;) hehehe kidding   Curtis N (Curtis) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 02:15 pm:    It is good to hear some positive stories from MAR. My impression of the event thus far has not been too good. However, I think Greg D and others mention an important element with the comraderie. TPH - I am sort of an SAHD. I take the kids in the mornings and work into _late_ evenings. My wife works _very_ early mornings and takes the kids while I work. I guess that qualifies me as SAHD. It is a blast of an experience and one that I think all dads should do Curtis   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 02:26 pm:    Leslie, what happened with the last MAR stories thread?!   Eric N (Grnrvr) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 02:28 pm:    it got deleted due to a picture that was in poor taste and could have gotten some folks in some trouble.   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:00 pm:    Gosh! See what I miss when I'm traveling!! J/K   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:06 pm:    Yeah. So, the goal here is to relate "family-oriented" stories, and light-heaarted humor, trail reports, etc. etc.... don't want this thread to go where the other one did..... lol.... I still think one of the funnier things that happened that I saw was when Alex met gp, he just ran up and hugged him.... lol..... Oh, there was also when Paul (different Paul than our V22guy) was handing the fellas around the campfire cigars, and passed by Alex... so Alex jumped up and stuck his hand out "Can't I have one?" lol... he didn't realize that it was cigars, he thought it was elk jerky..... sheesh..... -L   Greg Davis (Gregdavis) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:26 pm:    MAR was a great event Curtis. Don't think that the majority of folks were acting in the same way as a VERY SMALL minority of previously mentioned people were. It is a wholesome environment to have your family in. With the exception of the individual mentioned before, I saw no other evidence of like behavior. Just a bunch of people enjoying each other and thier Rovers.   gp (Garrett) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:58 pm:    yeah leslie and not even a hug from you. man.....where is the love. well i will just have to keep on eye on the boy.   Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 04:00 pm:    Curtis, you assumed correctly.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 04:14 pm:    The wife was watching, gp, so I had to behave.... -L   Tom Rowe Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 12:01 pm:    Steve, don't feel bad, the last TWO years I was registered, including sat dinner tickets, and then couldn't go at the last minute because of sick chilluns...Yes, I wouldn't leave my wife to deal with sick kids by herself. But I made it this year...should I consider that a *positive* side of divorce? Anyway, I was fortunate that it was the boys' weekend to be with their mom so I could go :-)   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 10:13 pm:    Tom, Bring the boys! They'd love it! Mine did.... -L   Neal Glessner (Nealg) Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 10:26 pm:    Tom, Don't let the stories about drunk minors make you think that MAR isn't an event for families. I can't wait until my boy gets bigger so I can take him.   Jay Hobbs (Jayxd) Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 11:47 pm:    Don't have a story from the actual event but on my way home my alternator decided to give out, about 60 miles east of Knoxville, TN. First plan was to get to LR Knox. and leave the Disco in their lot but when we got their we found nice big iron gates blocking our way. We were very tempted to stack my buddies 6 spares from his trailer so I could drive over the gate but being illegal and all we decided against it (that would have made a good story though - and good pictures). So instead I drove on to Gallatin, about 240 miles I think, on two Optimas.   Kyle Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 07:31 am:    Les , lets also not let it stray too far from the truth either... I see people in this thread placing all the drunks in one place and actually making one peron in particular the sole drunk at the "party". We both know that is neither accurate or fair to that individual. Enough booze was carted into that event to float a battle ship in. I am quite sure all that booze was not consumed but a hand full of individuals.. The stories continue to roll in VIA E Mail by the way.. Talk about your "Good" stories all ya like but dont insert bullshit here and there to suppress some of the facts that were stated in the last thread.. Alot werent stated by the way ... Kyle   Northerner Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 08:01 am:    Hi-- Many have mentioned bringing their children to MAR. The drunkenness scares me a bit when combined with driving ect. I admit I am completely naive on the event in general, so enlighten me if you can. I mention this because in the next couple of years I hope to have a Rover capable of making the trip. I have never traveled farther south than Boston in my life and I would really like to attend a big event such as this, and especially visit the southern regions with my Rover obsessed family. I realize how a couple small events can be blown out of proportion because 20 years ago I was the young clown doing the trouble!   Eric N (Grnrvr) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 08:04 am:    Sure there were people drinking all day long and all night too. Not as many as people would think though. I only saw a few folks during the day while we were out on the trails actually drinking on the trails. Beer coozies around the neck is hard to miss. I don't know if they were driving though. I didn't see (personaly) anyone drunk and falling down or doing stupid crap that was due to drinking or being drunk. I think most of the drinking that went on was at night when people were at camp.. Of course you could here a lot of sheet metal getting messed up on the trails at night so who knows if people were getting hammered and then hitting the trails after dark. I was at camp drinking and enjoying a cigar. I brought plenty of beer with me and I also brought most of it home with me to. But, on the same note it was a big place so maybe I just didn't see people doing it. But, from what I did see it wasn't that big of a deal. Hell, there are more drunk people on the roads around home at noon then there were at midnight in MAR. There was drinking though no doubt about that.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 08:37 am:    Kyle, Yes, I consumed beer. About half of the adults at the campsite also drank beer, but I didn't see anyone around our campsite get drunk. Yes, there was beer and other alcohol at other campsites. I'm sure that some people did get drunk, but, I can honestly say that *I* didn't see anyone who was obviously drunk. I saw a LOT more drunks on the street in Knoxville on Boomsday than I did at MAR. I saw a LOT more drunk at the USMC Birthday Ball than I did at MAR. And I can go on and on.... MAR really is a GOOD event. Sure, some people behave irresponsibly, but NOT in large numbers... I have no qualms about bringing my family back next year, I'd feel MUCH safer there than in DC and day.... IMHO, FWIW... -L   Greg P. (Gparrish) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 08:58 am:    Well, I feel lucky to be alive personally. I say that though, not because people were drinking at MAR, but because we stopped at a WAWA next to I-95 in Fredricksburg on the way home......... Sniper territory. I don't think we even thought about it, but that was right when it was all starting. Scarry stuff.   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 09:16 am:    I don't think I saw a single person that was falling down drunk or acting obnoxious. Working at a college....I'm used to it, but I can also spot the 'symptoms'. We took a lot of beer too and didn't drink all of it mostly because the heat of the day would have made me sick. I would like to hear some of the stories though...maybe I missed some great stuff being over on the island! (somebody email me!) But seriously, it was a great time...if I had kids I would take them! Partying is a personal choice, if you have the energy to and the time/place...I say go for it...but we were busy taking care of the dog and getting refreshed from the heat Saturday. Again I say: MAR was a great event, I will definitely go again and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to all sorts of people. Hell, next year we might be in the middle of that 'party crowd' now that I know some of ya'll!!   Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 09:40 am:    I have a neat MAR experience..... On Friday afternoon, I got to ride shotgun in a Series 1. Unlike my D2, this machine was not equipped with a cd player, air, carpets, a V-8, or fancy ETC / ABS / HDC computers. It is an off road machine in the purest sense. Anyway, riding with Steve Hoare, we followed two other Series Vehicles from the ROVERS club through the East River trail and the West Powerline Trail. We witnessed new vehicles getting buried, or stuck as we motored through effortlessly. Yes Evan, I have Series Envy now..... One neat thing about the MAR was the ability of someone to wander around and see 50 years of Rovers in different shapes, sizes, and configurations. I would say that 99% of the folks there would either take you for a ride or talk about their vehicle with you when asked. Paul '00 Pig   Jason Johnson (Discomojo) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:01 am:    I had an excellent time at the event, saw a lot of unique rovers (including the green rangie that had about 6 inches of lift- at least). MAR is still truly a family oriented event IMO. I do have some comments though about proper trail etiquette. A certain individual from Texas (this is not a rant about Texans just identifying the driver) driving a D90 showed really poor taste on the trails. He entered the deep creek crossing (I think that's the east crossing) with one driveshaft and said he was going to cross the creek and climb the other side (which would have been near impossible with both shafts working). He got about 10 yards into the creek when he got stuck and had to be recovered. He initially tossed us an open ended hook strap which is dangerous to begin with. As we pulled on him he red-lined the 90 in reverse like an idiot and drove over his own strap nearly ripping his bumper off. He then tried again and got stuck again. We strapped him again and brought all four wheels out to the sand. He then said he needed to be recovered some more to which I responded all 4 wheels are on the sand you are ok. He said "I don't know how much wheeling you've ever done...". I'm no offroad guru I admit but I told him that is wasn't the dumbass that went into the creek with one driveshaft and that a group of us voluntarily recovered him. I also happen to know this guy hit the drainage ditch on the island at about 40mph and got all 4 wheels in the air. Oh and take make it worse he had had a few drinks himself. Anybody else meet up with him?   E Snyder Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:42 am:    I guess if enough people bad-mouth MAR, less people will show up. Kind of reverse psychology for those of us who have been going for years, love the event, work to make it happen, think it is the premier rover event of the year, but worry about it getting too big and attracting the wrong crowd. It would also be great if some of the people bashing the event would come and experience it for themselves. Unfortunately, bad press usually keeps the right people away, and invites the wrong people... MAR is a great event, for anyone who loves the marque, and Rover people in general. The rather tiresome threads that have been posted here CERTAINLY do not reflect the flavor of the entire event. My first and last 2 cents. Enoch Snyder Charlottesville, VA   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:48 am:    Well said, Enoch..... -L   Michael Noe (Noee) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:50 am:    Quote: The rather tiresome threads that have been posted here CERTAINLY do not reflect the flavor of the entire event. E: It was only my first MAR, but I have to agree. BTW, sorry to have missed you there.   Neal Glessner (Nealg) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:56 am:    Was his d-90 white? If so he was an ass! He was drunk as shit. I saw him break his rear axel trying to climb that hill. I told him that he broke an axel and he basically told me I was wrong and to stick-it. After he played with his gear box for a while he then realized that he didn't have power to either axel and had to be towed out of the water. We were sitting on the creek bank making freinds and telling them about all the axels we saw break. Then this 10 year old boy came up to us and said that day. Then The guy in the white d-90 sent a 10 year old little boy over to tell us that he was going to "kick our asses" for talking about him. I would have to say he was the biggest JACK-ASS at MAR.   Tom Rowe Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 11:15 am:    Oh, I take my kids to events, they are just little, well, 5 & 7, and don't do so well yet with long drives. As for the "drunks" I'm not afraid of exposing my kids to such things. I'm honest with my kids, I talk to them, and I explain to them what I consider what's right and wrong and why it is. I also don't let them wander off where they could get run over. I was more concerned about people driving too fast for conditions in congested areas than I was about anyone drinking. The upshot is, I wouldn't hesitate to take my kids to MAR...ok, one hesitation, I wouldn't be able to do any night rides. ;-)   Jason Johnson (Discomojo) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 11:24 am:    Neal, that doesn't suprise me at all. That was the same guy with the white 90. To think he came all the way from Texas, he had an opportunity to make some great contacts at the event. Instead he decided it was more important to piss on everything and mark his territory. As for ass kicking, I doubt he would have gotten very far against a group of sober men. In reference to the other comment made about MAR bashing- I certainly am not bashing the event- it was great and I know a lot of work goes into making it happen. I don't think expressing disappointment in a fellow driver is out of line though- he was IMO a liability to the event.   Eric Ratermann (Ericrat) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:53 pm:    There is always one in a crowd. I decided to go at the last minute. I packed the truck Thursday night, went to work Friday morning and wrapped a few things up, made some lame excuses and bolted by 11:00 a.m. I didn't know a single person there beforehand. I met some folks camped around me Friday night and wheeled with them Saturday. I met some other folks and ran with them for a while. Everyone I met was very amiable and I am looking forward to next year.   Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 11:23 pm:    Jay, When you broke down, was it on a Sunday? I broke down in Nashville on a Sunday back in April bringing a Kharmanghia back home with a friend. We ended up patching ourselves back up as best we could and limped home. It seemed that everything is closed in TN on Sundays.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 11:34 pm:    Pretty much.... You can go to Wal-Mart and Advance Auto, or to a restaurant, and the malls would be open til 6, but you're not gonna find a regular shop open on a Sunday.... -L   LR Max Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 04:21 am:    MAR was great and I really hate how there are a few people that just try to ruin the fun for the rest of us. As said before, there seems to be always a few people that try to act like they know it all and are just better. Fortunately, I was able to just walk away from these individuals and go talk to some real people . It seems like everyone is more than willing to help you when you need it. When my shifter broke, the only gentleman (he is a gentleman for welding my gearshift lever back on ) in camp with a welder was more than happy to help me. And when my truck died in the creek (East little ford) on Friday night, a whole pack of people decended upon me to help. I just wish I could for a change help someone else! All I've did was help someone install their towbar on their 2A! It seems that all I ever do is break down and get stuck, usually both at the same time . On another note, I would like to say for the record that I could get up that enbankment that no one else can get up...With the help of my little electric friend on the front of my rig . But without winch, it would be a no-go . LOL Max T. Winch is good   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 06:50 pm:    We had a great experience with a man in a white D90...and unfortunately I never got his name. He was british...in a '94. He helped to get our 'lead' friends out of the mudhole...and also helped coach me across the river and up the bank. If I can figure out how to post his pic...it would be nice to know who it was.   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 06:53 pm:    This was him!   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 06:59 pm:    Ummm....I don't know how to make it bigger and clearer!   Sus (Susannah) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 07:05 pm:    One more try...   Ross Thoma (Rossthoma) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 07:12 pm:    As of April 10th I to will be a "SAHD" Mabe I will see you all next year Ross Thoma   Ronnie McKinney (Ronnie) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 09:40 pm:    Susannah, which college are you an admissions counselor for? If I was at work, I could probably figure it out on my own.   Thomas Dahbura (U352) Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 10:29 pm:    I have to add some postive things to this thread. Well after I agree with you all on the ass in the white D90. And I think that was the only ass I saw the entire weekend which is pretty good considering how many people where there. I came away from MAR with a bug!!! I need a Rover. I want to belong to the club. Its not the car but its the people that makes me want a rover. I think you guys are great and I look forward to being a member soon. ohhh-I did meet one other ass at MAR. It was the guy who got me down there to catch the ROVER BUG. I won't mention any names(NEALG). Cheers,   Neal Glessner (Nealg) Posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 - 11:09 pm:    Very funny Thomas.