Moab 'Zu XIII May 11, May 15, 2010

[Moncha]

Sooooo...we'll be discussing this over breakfast then?......

We can't get too organized due to the fact that the state wants all sanctioned "organized" trail rides/events to be insured.

IIRC, that's how it became a loose gathering of known associates who just happen to show up at the same time every year & accidentally pick the same trails to run.

Maybe someone who knows more about the finer points of that generality would care to throw in a couple cents worth?

Yeppers! You are correct sir, hence the simplicity part ('member, who's brain is speakin')... As long as we don't charge for entry, don't avert in their local region and we don't actually have outside sponsors, we should be good.
I was thinking more on the lines of doing very simple things, like a costume contest, geocache, ('dub's idea) Parts swap/sale, line and shine, stuff that is disorganized yet something that if someone happened to do well at, we could through a little prize at them.

If need be, we'll take it to another thread. But that was why I though we would handle it there. Time's pretty short for this year.

[ZEUS]

That's a good idea Scott!

[tomdietrying]

Idea #1. What about doing a night float on the Colorado River? I've heard there is a company that takes people out at night on a patoon boat and you experience the different sounds at night on the river. I think they feed you too.

Idea #2. I've heard the locals go on a night hike (during a full moon) to one of the famous arches in Arches National Park.

Any other ideas?

Peace.
Tom

[Triathlete]

I believe I am be partly to blame... This deal needs to be advertised and promoted and I've not done a good job of that.

This year, I propose, to those that are interested in expanding the event, and since we are in one place and we can actually bounce things off each other real time (Not literally * Catch it before it starts *), how about trying to figure a way for better organization? (For lack of better word choice)
I don't want to get it to the point of committees and all the BS that goes with but, just thinking about promotion events or the like prior to the event. Then some actual organized things to do along with trail runs during the event.

Even though 4x4ing is the main focus for Moab, we loose a lot of possible attendees due to the lack of other things to do. I love to wheel just as much as the next guy but, I'd like to be able to attract those that don't want to wheel just the same. I think that we can meld the two together without f'n it up too bad

I know that it will bring a lot more hassle to events (I'd love to keep it to a minimum) so, I'd only be looking for those that would want to help, to help.

Big Swede and those that go WAY back know that it can be a PITA to try and organize these things then, all of the problems that are associated , I propose to keep it very simple. In the least, I would like to have some ideas regarding the promotion of the event so we can get our numbers up.

I don't want to jack this thread or even really start another one so, between now and then, if you are interested in adding a little more to the event outside of just trail rides, write down your ideas and bring them with. When there's a sober minute or two then we could sit and discuss some future variations. If you have ideas but, are not planning to go, email me and we'll throw them into the pot.

I now return you back to your regularly hi-jacked thread....

Easiest sollution...
Everyone attending find another VX that isn't attending, attach tow strap and drag them to Moab!

[ZEUS]

Yeah, I was waiting to mention it - but there is an outfit at the airport to skydive over Moab... I would LOVE to have a group willing to sign up for that!

[MSHardeman]

Mark...VERY glad to see you back in the "YES" column....

Dubilicious....like you, the Fam Gath is the high water mark of my year and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Booked in room 116 at the Red Rock....can't wait for The Stoop frivolity to begin.

Gonna be pulling the "Ice Cream Social" together for Monday night again this year, so everyone keep that in mind (I'll start a thread later).

EDIT: as you can tell from above, I still haven't gotten the whole quoting someone elses response down yet.

[VX crazy]

Idea #1. What about doing a night float on the Colorado River? I've heard there is a company that takes people out at night on a patoon boat and you experience the different sounds at night on the river. I think they feed you too.

Idea #2. I've heard the locals go on a night hike (during a full moon) to one of the famous arches in Arches National Park.

Any other ideas?

Peace.
Tom

Tom both of these sound like something I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do!!

[BigSwede]

We can't get too organized due to the fact that the state wants all sanctioned "organized" trail rides/events to be insured.

Yes, that's the primary reason that Todd kept the destination of the VX run off the 'net, so The Man wouldn't show up and harsh our mellow.

The rest of the week, runs are smaller and are informally organized around the campfire/on the stoop the evening before, which seemed to work fairly well last year, better than 2 years ago IMO. Just remember to network with all the Zus you see around town as to plans for the next day, and also stop by the stoop at Red Rock Lodge and/or Portal campground for the latest info.

Speaking for myself, I am thinking about doing Elephant Hill again, it's been a coupla years and that trail is so unbelievably scenic I like to do it periodically. Also, had a blast on Kane Creek last year and probably will do it again.

[pbkid]

Easiest sollution...
Everyone attending find another VX that isn't attending, attach tow strap and drag them to Moab!

ill drag a few coloradians out with me

Also, had a blast on Kane Creek last year and probably will do it again.

i'd love to do kane creek with you... count me in.. one of my most favorite trails... shoudl be interesting with a longer wheel base though

[JoFotoz]

Havent done Kane Creek yet...

...so thats a good'un as far as I'm concerned.


jo

[pbkid]

just wait jo.. its a freakin awesome trail. as long as you dont mind getting your ride a little wet

[VX crazy]

I thought Kane Creek wasnt doable for a stock vx........I dont want to get into lots of water myself

[VX KAT]

I'm really big on "scenic" so BigSwede ya got my attn with Elephant Hill. Looks amazing, length would be really good- 5-6 hrs, 22 miles.

With my handy dandy skid plates, looks like I'd be OK according the book....but no pets ...how will I explain that to Nikki & Bandi? Dang!
K-E-N-N-E-L

And definitely count Dave & I in for the night float on the river! WoW! Not sure if I could do the hike to the Arches but Dave would love to. Excellent ideas Tom!

[BigSwede]

For Kane Creek I think a little lift would be a good idea. The water isn't an issue, usually only a few inches deep, although it is crossed like 50 times. There is a possibility of brush scratches on yer paint, lots of tamarisk trees in the canyon bottom. There are a few rockpiles where a LSD or locker comes on handy, or a strap.

[BigSwede]

I'm really big on "scenic" so BigSwede ya got my attn with Elephant Hill. Looks amazing, length would be really good- 5-6 hrs, 22 miles.

Moab is amazingly scenic, the Needles District of Canyonland NP is even more so. Here is a good description of the trail, by some guy named Todd Adams...
http://www.4x4wire.com/trail/report/ut/elephanthill/
Also mentions the Joint Trail hike, which is a nice thing to do while you are there, as well as the Confluence overlook hike.

With my handy dandy skid plates, looks like I'd be OK according the book....but no pets ...how will I explain that to Nikki & Bandi? Dang!
K-E-N-N-E-L

You'll be fine. But yes, no pets off the pavement at Canyonlands.