Rubithon 2008 June 18th- 22nd, 2008

[pismojim]

Bummer Dylan,

I was really looking forward to seeing you and your wagon. I'll tell Andy when I see him.

I saw them off this morning. Everyone was looking good.

I made it in Sunday, spent a couple days at the Springs wheeled through to Loon last night. Got at shower at Robb's Resort (free wifi) and a Hamburger.

Lot's of stories on the pre-run double looker run. Stay tuned... My burger is calling.

Crusiers are everywhere!!!

Colorado guys pulled in this morning and are on the trail.

Cheers,

[CaliCruiser]

Hey Jim

Thanks for letting him know, I tried him on the radio but couldn't raise him.

see ya soon.

Dylan

[TOY350]

A huge THANK YOU to Larry YodaMan and the guys with him that helped us get out of the springs on Friday. Cadillac was much worse than I was expecting and they took their time and got us out safely. They even helped pack up our camp when we finally found each other.

We had to leave early due to my 4 year old waking up screaming with his ear in pain which continued on through the morning and off and on during the trip home. We couldn’t tell for sure what the problem was without looking into the ear canal. All is well as of now and we would rather be overly cautious than not.

The trip was short but great. Thanks to Big Jim, John, Eric, Patrick and sorry for forgetting names but the cowboy hat white pickup driver and the guy that teased my wife about rock stacking and not getting out in the mud to engage my winch. You guys helped spot, stack and guide us through the all day run in a manner that kept us safe, relatively damage free and didn’t make us feel rushed at any point. That’s for me in my 80 and my buddy in the FJ.

The whole straight through group was great and hope to see you all again, especially Chris and his son David and his friends that were with him.

Thanks to Andy Pollock for the medical advice and letting us take his son Jeff home to Sac. That’s right Andy, thank you! Jeff is a great kid and was an absolute joy to have onboard for the trip out. What a knowledge he has of the Cruiser world and he kept us entertained all the way to Sac with great conversations.

Thanks to Jerod for finding us out past the Dirty Dozen and helping us organize our earlier departure.

Thanks to Romer for the beer mug, is was great to meet you in person.

WOODY, thanks for spotting me… with your camera as I proceeded to high center in front of the Trail Team and the FJ run. Is great meeting you as well.

Tony, thanks for getting me to attend the event. Although we only experienced the trail and not the festivities it was well worth it. The trail was much harder than I expected and I learned a lot about driving during the run. I am proud to have run my 80 through it and that being said, the next time I run it I will be in my 40!

Thank you all again!

Garett

[Cruiserdrew]

Garett--Thanks so much for bringing Jeff home. They were 3rd overall at the qualifier and now are going to junior Olympics in Southern California. I really appreciate it, and hope you and your family will join us on another run.

Overall, Rubithon was a blast. Minimal damage in our group, though I know others were not so fortunate.

Many thanks to Tony Twiddy and the TLCA. This is a premier event, and anyone with a land Cruiser should do it at least once, regardless of the price of gas.

Looking forward to hearing how the exit strategy went.

[beno]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Garett--Thanks so much for bringing Jeff home. They were 3rd overall at the qualifier and now are going to junior Olympics in Southern California. I really appreciate it, and hope you and your family will join us on another run.

Overall, Rubithon was a blast. Minimal damage in our group, though I know others were not so fortunate.

Many thanks to Tony Twiddy and the TLCA. This is a premier event, and anyone with a land Cruiser should do it at least once, regardless of the price of gas.

Looking forward to hearing how the exit strategy went.

Jealous and I will be there next year, no matter what.

Just talked with CDan and he said that Rubithon blows away Moab.



I knew that already.



-o-

[peesalot]

Garrett, big props for the way you drove that 80. I was sorta heartbroke when the blue FJC opened the doors after getting stuck in the water hole and watch alot of water pour out. I felt for the wife and little girl. Good to hear Larry and Dion helped you out, 2 great guys to be on the trail with.

Carnage for me =

1 rear driveshaft twisted up good
1 1ton tie rod end tore off.
Truck finally started running proper at bottom of cadillac on the way out, figures.
Skunked at raffle again.

Thank you to the lady camped on the island for wearing the bikini

[beno]

Originally Posted by peesalot

Thank you to the lady camped on the island for wearing the bikini

Useless without pics!

[TOY350]

Not the pics you wanted Beno sorry

Me stuck at Buck Island in front of Woody and crew.
Post Rubicon Trail at the staging area and my worst damage from Cadillac.
Knoll slightly before getting tugged over the rock and letting out all the water from inside!

Since the 80 isn't hitting the 'con again I am looking for a set of passenger side flares, preferably Moon Glow Pearl!

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by peesalot

Thank you to the lady camped on the island for wearing the bikini

That was nice, even if plastic. Looking for a repeat in 2009.

[PKP80]

A HUGE thank you goes out to Tony for putting this event together so successfully and Andy for heading the Wagon run. On a more personal note, thank you Bob @ Bengels offroad, Slomo, and Pablo for helping to get my rig together so that I was able to make this fantastic event.

It was a great pleasure seeing all the old friends and putting faces to the MUD names particularly all of the Colorado guys and gals that made it out. This years Rubithon was so big that I didn't get to see several groups of rigs, but non the less great trail and fun times. I look forward to doing it again next year.

A few highlights:
- Almost flooding Andy's 40 with my bow wave b/c he had to stop in the middle of crossing the river to get into the springs b/c Alvaro was having some issues getting out of the water
- The French Man rowing the "USS Rubicon" for the Belgin Waffle
- Pucker on the slabs and off camber slopes
- Loosing a rear spring because of too much flex and not enough retention, and them reversing through the obstacle and Rick just placing the spring back in place.
- Pismo Jim and his Vitamin T

Cheers

Ready to go



40" stuff


Gas Can


Steve (619TOY)



Joe


Alvaro


Me

[TRT2]

Sam, I had no idea that was your rig... very nice, a real head turner. And thanks for the kind words!


2008 Rubithon Hall of Fame run is virtually in the books now... although I honestly don't know if Bill, Mike, Dale, Big Jim, Jpr Ron and Mudrak are even off Cadillac yet. This years exit will be known as the busted knuckle stud exit. Was the Exit Strategy still a success??? I would say yes. We had no broken pinions which committee do have the ability to minimize, but knuckle studs are beyond their control to avoid breaking. Two trucks with virtually back to back (within 5 minutes of each other) knuckle stud breakage did add a couple hours to the exit. But thanks to Mudrak and Jeff Acquistapache (and others), repairs were made as fast as they could and we were on our way.

The threat of rain right before dinner and the raffle on Saturday had Raffle Chair Dave Thomas and I pretty concerned and even though we did discuss a rain fall back plan, Mother Nature and I are pretty tight even thought she dumped some big drops on us right as we started the ceremony.

Ross Woody oversaw the entire Kitchen effort this year transitioning from Terri Henle. Ross noted we had never planned and executed as many meals as we did this year, around 400 breakfast and dinners. He also assured me we had plenty of beef and you should have seen the disbelief in his face when he came up to me and noted we were out of beef! Huge round of applause to Ross and our entire kitchen crew.

Bob Garrett and George Rice (whom the Hall of Fame run was dubbed for) did find their way in Friday night and everyone got to meet them express their appreciation during the Sat night ceremony. They were first out Sunday and we all hope they had an excellent time, carrying on a tradition they started so many years ago.

and we acknowledged both MTA and Toys on the Rocks for their support of Rubithon in the early years, and Greg Leal who notes having attended all 20 Rubithons! Oh by the way Greg, I would offer its time for a front locker, and quit waiting to win one in the raffle.

As Chairman, I presented Chairman's Awards (the highest honor) to my team leads Bob Brown, Geoff McGuire and Bruce Shoff. Three key individuals whom I wanted to specifically thank for their years of hard work, dedication and volunteering.

Friday night's Committee awards went very well, at least I think so, and we had some fun doing 'Lets Make a Rubithon Deal' before handing out 30' snatch straps to all whom had volunteered two or more years. For those 1st time volunteers, your committee sweatshirt will be in the mail.

Marauder Bar... Hey, what goes on at M-bar stays at M-Bar... Too much Fun. and thanks Don for letting me dance with your wife... she is such a sweatheart.

I forgot to announce our horseshoes winners. But why you folks come up to me after the ceremony (and not during the ceremony) still leaves me confounded. I forgot.

The helicopter rides were awesome. I took my first ride after all these years and yes, it was very cool.

'So Jerod, after your first Rubithon, what do you think? Are you coming back??' ... 'No.'

With Sincere Appreciation -- To Todd Kaderabek, without a doubt one of the strongest driving forces for me behind Rubithon, (and many other TLCA events I am involved with) for all these so many years. Thank you so very much Todd, and being to express that appreciation at the event itself was priceless.

Rising Sun - all the way out here this year in force with custom shirts. Having you folks attend also added to the atmosphere of this years event. We are all so glad you attended and had a great time. and don't fret that knuckle studs Chris, it is all part of the adventure. Although I have no idea where the notion that cheesehead and I look the same (however, he is a handsome guy).

My Heroes? There are many... but it has to be Bill Jackson and the knorr Brothers... Trail committee on Thursday, Breakfast committee all day Saturday, working Cadillac Hill all day Sunday. I doubt anyone on committee gives more to this event than you guys do. Thank you so very much and I promise to some how, some way make it up to you.

And the most unplanned, spontaneous event... when we acknowledged our active service men who were present at Rubithon (with some returning to foreign nations soon). The standing ovation and applause given by everyone present gave me goose bumps and brought a tear to me eye. Thank you and return home safe!

those are just a few highlights from me...

[TRT2]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Many thanks to Tony Twiddy and the TLCA. This is a premier event, and anyone with a land Cruiser should do it at least once, regardless of the price of gas.

Andy... I have a trail leader appreciation plaque for you which I was unable to present personally Saturday evening. It acknowledges your support, leadership and creativity with regards to leading the wagon run. Please accept my cyber handshake and I'll forward it along to you. thank you my friend.

[woooody]

Mudrak, Jeff, Bill Jackson, The Knorr's and I all made it to the staging area before 4 PM. I was the last rig, with the exception of the mog crew. Bill was towing both the Knorr 40 and Clint's jeep

Had a good time. Lot's of carnage for me. Looks like I'll be rebuilding the entire front end. Sector shaft is twisted, shackle broke, bushings wasted, ears cracked on my knuckles, letting them turn too far left. Gotta restore a manual pump, electric pump just vapor locks, and looses prime.

Need to acknowledge all of my great help in the kitchen - Terri and Jim Job - Bill Jackson, the Knorr brothers, Pighad, Manny, Neil, Glenn and Cita, Clint, Rick, Stayner's daughter Crystal and his nephew Jesse, Linda Johnston (Mrs Cruzila), Yodaman, Dion and his son Spencer, Don and Sheila, Craig Park, Pismo Jim, Mudrak, Geoff, Dave West, the two guys that are friends of Glenn and Neil (forgot their names, sorry) and I even had help from Mike (Zornff) and his wife Lindee (sp?) from Colorado! I know I'm forgetting someone, but I didn't get in until 12:30 last night (this morning), so if I DID, please slap me and forgive me.

It's hard to try to fill the shoes of someone as great as Terri, and it was even harder doing for a record crowd. Hopefully, everyone got to eat, and like what we had. Linda and Terri came up with some creative ideas for using up some extra breakfast items, including Terri's "Rubithon Hash" and Linda's Italian sauced sausage balls -- They even used Ketchup packages when one of the jars of sauce was bad.

I knew Terri worked hard on this, but really had no true idea how monumental of a task it is. I learned a lot this trip, and hope that I can make next year even better.

[peesalot]

Do tell what happened to the Knorr 40 and Clint's heep ?

[woooody]

Originally Posted by peesalot

Do tell what happened to the Knorr 40 and Clint's heep ?

Knorr 40 was overheating, and Clint's injectors weren't firing.

[Romer]

Originally Posted by TRT2

Rising Sun - all the way out here this year in force with custom shirts. Having you folks attend also added to the atmosphere of this years event. We are all so glad you attended and had a great time.

On behalf of the entire Rising Sun Group, we want to thank you, your Committee, your sponsers and your volunteers for putting on an outstanding event.

We had a blast

[TLCA_Paul]

I had a great time as always. Yes in case anyone didn't know I did ride the My Mt Bike down Cadillac from the first lake. The van would have went further, but I lost the 4wd linkage somewhere between exploring Lake Mead, and where I wanted to shift in. Oh well. I will make it better. Down in the dark on a Mt Bike was sketchy. My headlamp was not bright enough. I kept outrigding it. the rocks come fast when you only light up 5 feet in front of you.

I took my time getting back. Took some pics of the lake. Waterfalls, Vista points. I almost took the gravel road thru Death Valley into Scottys Junction, but it would have been dark and I would have missed it. I did find Convict Lake.

It was great to see everyone. I over slept and missed my ride with Pismo. But I wasnt getting up untill I felt like it. So I got a ride with the Rising Sun gang. I even got to drive the rock buggy! LOL the RC Crawler. Somoen else also let me drive a while. Thanks.

Had a blast as expected. Always a top notch event. I only wish I could have hung out more. Great Job Tony with the even. Not so great job with the Dancing friday night!


and I leave you with this pic

[pardion]

Another great Rubithon for me, that makes #17, Thank's to our medic's for the Thursday anckle repair. Cadillac Hill exit mode was great, but a definate reminder for all to pack a few more vehicle spare parts. Thank's to all and good time seeing and meeting new folks in the right enviornment. See ya next time, John Pardi Now let's get back to the white easy up photos.

[CA Annie]

I dont even know where to start!

I'm not sure it could have planned it better: Brian Woody and Robbie Antonson leading the Toyota Trail Teams through Rubithon! What incredible guys, I cannot say enough good things about these men. I could not imagine I'd be running with men with such experience, wisdom, and humor. Your first Rubithon is very much a trip of a lifetime. It would not have been the same without them, and I cannot thank them enough!

I'd like to thank Ross Woody for sharing his wisdom... he is truly a kind, wise gentleman and I'm happy to have finally met him in person. I hope we can coordinate a local run sometime soon.

I was honestly honored to shake Mr. Marlin C.'s hand on Saturday night. I'll make him proud to see his work with the FJ Cruiser.

Many thanks to Gary and the Mudrack crew on Cadillac Hill. Once up, the exit could not have been smoother! Every Cruiser came out quickly, and without a winch or a scratch. Gary installed my lift kit last January, I know I'm lucky to have access to such an icon...

Loved the Maurder bar... What a nice group of guys, and the MTA folks made a point to make us feel at home that night.

As a group, I know I can say the FJ Cruisers were all proud to attend the Ruththon's 20th Hall of Fame run. I cant thank TLCA and the Rubithon Committee enough for making us feel so welcome. I've not met a nicer group of people.

See you next year...










with my new CRAWLER!

[chappysfj40]

Big thanks to Andy and Joe and Rick on the wagon run, super great guys who helped me and my wife drive our sprung under FJ60, sagging/ dragging rear end make it through the whole event with much drama, sure there was issues but nothing major we did not handle... heck we even made 500 mile trip there and back driving the cruiser too..... thanks again guys pics to follow soon
cheers

[wngrog]

Awesome event boys and girls!! More fun that I have had in a long time. It was great seeing everyone!!

Woody, since there are at least 20 "sends" from Pirate to Mud each week, forgive me for this one back the other directions please

Story from the event...

Pirate4x4.com - The largest off roading website in the world.

Main photo album (after being thoroughly picked over by Kaderabek for Trails

Rock Midget Motorsports- powered by SmugMug

Enjoy!

[pjohnson]

On behalf of Mountain Transit Authority (MTA), an enormous Thank You to Tony & all the Rubithon volunteers for an awesome event. Everyone in MTA had a great time.

A special thanks to the EMT crew and thier assistance with Sarah's ankle injury. Even with the injury, she came back from the hospital to make the best of the situation and finish the weekend.

Phil