29th Annual Rubithon 2017 (2 Viewers)

[Bad Coco]

I would like to take a minute to thank a few people in particular.

First, a huge thank you to Dion Mattei for all he has stepped up to help with at this year’s Rubithon. Not only has he taken care of the Marauder Bar for the last few years, when the past Cook Crew Leads had to stop handling the kitchen due to being out of school and in the work force. Dion stepped up and just asked… “what do you need me to do?” I can’t tell you all how much all of Dion’s and the rest of his PMC guys have done to help take stress off of me as Chairman!


Also, I’d like to thank Toys on the Rocks. They chipped in and purchased a case of Champagne for the RTF wine tasting fund raiser. I’d like to also thank specifically Jerry and Julie Reffner who went out and got more donations and even purchased some “Chocolate Splash” for all to enjoy. The Reffner’s played a huge role in getting our wine tasting off the ground in its first 2 years of the event. Last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank Jerry Schroeder who has been an absolute boss in procuring some great wines and raffle prizes for the event. Jerry S. has now taken over the lead for the wine tasting itself and his passion for the wine is apparent to all!


Also from Toys, I’d like to mention a huge thank you to Brian Kaiser who will be taking the lead of our Camp Crew again this year. We will certainly have our work cut out for us after this brutal winter. I have no doubt Brian will again do an outstanding job getting the Springs in the condition we are accustomed to seeing it!

I'd also like to thank John Evans for his very large donation to help make our kids driven activities even better. Thank you John, I'm glad you too value bringing the kids into our great sport!


Without the efforts of volunteers like these, we would not be able to put on such a great event. One of the great things of being a part of TLCA is the people. When work like this needs to be done, our guys always step up.


Thank you to all of the volunteers that help with the various Committee positions!

 

[Bad Coco]

Both Eric Smith and friends went in this weekend from Tahoma and here are their Pre-Run reports:

This first came in from Eric Smith:

We made it in from Tahoma. Cadillac is pretty dry for the most part. There was no water bar needed at the log. I found one bathroom on the way into the springs that’s a bit beat up and there a few in dirty dozen that need work/replacement. There are also a lot of downed trees in dirty dozen. We did a lot of clearing trees on the trail. It is definitely possible to make it through, but I wouldn't recommend it for those not as experienced. There are still plenty of spots with lots of snow and water. It is melting fast though.

Also, we have 4 rigs broken down on the trail including mine. Two blown motors (mine being one of them) and two with front end issues. We are trying to work on getting those out next weekend. . I am probably going to have to do an engine swap in there, I don't think I will be able to get mine towed out. Mine is at the bottom of Cadillac near the water hole on the springs side, there is another one on Cadillac and two more in the snowy parts near miller.

There were a lot of people that went from loon to buck just fine. Buck has so much water and it rises at night. It is best to camp higher up away from the water.

Also, when driving out Tahoma side, when approaching the big water hole that separates Cadillac from the Springs, people need to stay to the left through the trees, if you go straight; you will submerge your truck and in cases like mine, blow your motor.

The other is from Kade Hendrick “Pooz”

We made it in all the way to the Springs from Tahoma side. Looks like others have already gone in and cleared some of the trees. We had to cut it more like for buggies. Our rigs had 37” and 40” tires.

Two biggest issues:

1 – A 5’ bolder at the base of Morris Rock on Cadillac. We were able to crawl over it, but wagons would likely do a lot of body damage to get through.

To put things in perspective, I’m running 37’s and the drop is 2.5 times my tire.

This will need to be moved!

2 – There is a pool on the trail before the Cemetery, the area that is often a mud bug. Well right now it’s about 4’ deep.

There will be several work parties between now and Rubithon, so we should be good to go by then. If you go in early, be prepared, and I’d recommend using a long stick to sound the water before crossing.

Somewhat to my surprise, neither mentioned anything about crossing over Miller. Since they both go through to the Springs, I’m guessing it is ok, but cannot confirm.

Photos can be found on Rubithon's Facebook page. I'm having problems loading the videos.

 

[Bad Coco]

Happy to be able to say that TLCA is again refocusing on acknowledging the Member of the Year and Business of the Year.


While these are not Rubithon awards, we will be announcing and presenting plaques to not only the Hall of Fame inductees, but also the 2016 Member of the Year and Business of the year, since Rubithon is its hosted event.


We are working on having a tab put on the TLCA webpage that list all past recipients of these awards, but this will not be completed until after Rubithon.


See you in 18 days, and it’s not too late to sign up! Here’s the link: Rubithon Registration | The Official Toyota Land Cruiser Association Annual Event


Eric

chairman@rubithon.com

530-401-0800

 

[Bad Coco]

Glad to report that Eric Smith and friends were able to get all 4 of their rigs out this weekend.

Eric reports that snow is melting fast, but still very deep water. Also to be careful, that several snakes were seen.

Pictures can be found on our Rubithon Facebook page: Rubithon

 

[Jetboy]

FWIW - I'm headed from SLC, UT Tuesday sometime in the afternoon to join the wagon run. I have a small trailer 4x8 (3,500lb not HF) that I could deliver something if anyone needs it. I don't want to take it on the trail so you'll have to have a secure place to store it during the run, but if you need something delivered PM me and we can figure out logistics.

 

[Bad Coco]

Ok, so here is the secret ingredient this year: Mandarin Oranges and possibly Cuties.

As in years past, you will be judged on 2 savory dishes and 1 desert. You will be judged on Taste (up to 5 points,) Originality (up to 5 points,) and presentation (up to 3 points.) Plus the 2 possible bonus points listed below.

You can earn up to (2) bonus points by also having an adult beverage that also features the ingredient. One for having the ingredient in it and can taste it and the second if it pairs well with the dish you are serving.

Past winners have figured out it helps to keep the judging crew properly lubricated while you are preparing the food. For that reason, I’m going to try something new this year. While the teams can only have 3 preparers, I will allow you one extra person to help with the influencing of judges via libations while you toil away in the kitchen. One of the cook crew must serve the dish and describe what we are judging; the extra person cannot do this.

Judges shall not discuss what specific scores you are giving, however it is ok to discuss the foods or plates nuances or something that really stands out. But the scoring shall be kept private!

We still have space for 1 judge, so first to hit me up for it in the Springs gets it.

Now get those menus planed and try to get entered for next year’s Championship of Champions

 

[jcardona1]

Posting this for visibility, from the Auburn Jeep Club page two days ago

Hi folks!

We just received word form Rubicon Springs that the water crossings near the graves at the bottom of Cadillac Hill is NOT PASSABLE. We have been asked by RTF and the Springs to not bring a group through that area. The water is over 40" deep and rising with the warm weather. Rigs are getting stuck in the deep water, and winching is the only way out. Please Run Option B and come in from Loon Lake. For those of you who have hotel rooms in the Tahoe Area, you can go down to South shore and catch Hwy 50 to Ice House and come in that way if you would like, or come down I-80 and come in through the Auburn side. We will be meeting at the Raley's parking lot at the Foresthill exit in Auburn at 8:00 am on Friday if you want to caravan to the Rubicon.

Note: If you still want to run Option A from the Tahoe side, you will do so at your own risk. There will be no AJC assistance if you choose to come in that direction.We are sorry for the inconvenience, but mother nature has a different plan for us.

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact us here on our website.

We look forward to another fun filled weekend at our home on the Rubicon Trail and look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

[surfpig]

Posting this for visibility, from the Auburn Jeep Club page two days ago

Thanks for that. It's been really tough getting any information about that issue.

 

[Bad Coco]

Don't worry about the exit via Cadillac. The issue is under control and we will be fine. They are pushing that out to keep as many rigs off that side as possible as there is an event up there this weekend.

The water is not going to be an issue and the mud problems has been taken care off. That being said the issue is the deep area that is (as coming from Tahoma) just after Miller Creek and the small section that goes up in the the woods to the left. It's that area that has 3 routes. You will want to take the one to the far left.

As with any water and mud you may encounter, go slow, don't plow it up spinning your tires. Either get a tug, our use the winch. That's why we have them. Don't be "that guy" that only worries about how you are going to get through and make it that much more difficult for the next!

 

[surfpig]

Who is heading in Tuesday or Wednesday from the Tahoe side? I would like to tag along. Wednesday might be my preferred day at the moment, but I think I can do Tuesday.

Eric, I believe you have my phone number. And I think I can carry at least some of whatever cargo you need hauled in.

Let me know.

 

[Bad Coco]

There is a group of about 9-10 of us going in. Planning on being at Staging around 10 am.

I thought you were going with the wagons. Steve has your stuff and the magnet that you don't have to display for medic.

You have my number, call if you like. I'm headed back out to finish packing the cook crew stuff.

 

[Bad Coco]

Well it’s finally Rubithon week! I will no longer be accepting online registrations to the event. You are more than welcome to still come join us and register at the event. You will have to be a current TLCA member, but we can take care of that in the Springs as well. To save time in this process, you can still go to the print version of the registration and bring it in with you. You can find the registration form here: http://www.rubithon.com/registration/pdf/29th-Registration-Form.pdf

Please don’t make any payments via PayPal, as I cannot see this in the Springs. You will need to pay in cash or check. No credit cards accepted in the Springs.

Almost everything is all packed up and we hit the trail on Tuesday morning. We will monitor Rubi from about 9am until 9 or 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

One bit of news that has changed, I have been advised the correct path through the area where the deep water and mud was an issue just pass the Miller Creek crossing near the Springs, is to take the right line when coming from Tahoma. The others have been taped off. Please respect this. Mark and Maria did a ton of work to make the route passable to ensure we have a successful event. Please let them know how much you appreciate it!

I again want to thank everyone that has helped us get everything in to the Spring’s this year. If it wasn’t for your efforts Rubithon would be a mess this year!

Safe travels and don’t be in rush. Enjoy the time on the trail and don’t be “that guy!”

Eric

 

[Chartdog]

 

[Bad Coco]

Just in case you haven't figured it out yet. We like to feature one of our participants rigs on the backs of our T-shirts.

If you would like a chance to be featured on next years T-shirt, take a picture of a good action shot or a beautiful background shot of your rig in action. Email it to chairman@rubithon.com and even if you don't make the T-shirt, we will post it here on our Rubithon page.

Keep in mind, be on the trail and be representing TLCA in a good light!

Thanks for everything and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this week. Now off to finish loading up and hopefully getting to bed early...... RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[surfpig]

 

[reddingcruiser]

We are on the way........

 

[surfpig]

Well, I'm heading in from Tahoma tomorrow in the am sometime...

 

[TRT2]

Back from Rubithon... another most excellent event. Everyone noted it seemed very casual, no major incidents or accidents (hurray), excellent weather, only a few mosquitoes, and no meat bees. Kudos to Eric Agee on excellent job he is doing as Chairman! PMC won most attendance as usual, and Dion won award for his herculean efforts in support of Eric and Rubithon. Well done Dion, you deserve it my friend. Marauder Bar was fun fun fun, and dinner was very good.

Always great to see our TLCA friends and family at this premier event!

I also took the opportunity to run the entire trail from Wentworth Springs where I camped with Radio Dave Sunday night. I left Ellis at 1 PM and arrived in the Springs at 3, staging at 4:30. Goes fast with barely anyone on the trail and every group let me slip on thru.

I also heard that Gary's run was dubbed the Double Leisure Run. Ross tried to leave camp with his tent still erected. and when I asked Radio Dave to contact Cindy he noted he did not give himself that nickname and was unable. Andy Hagin thru his back out but recovered. Great to have Yotaman back on the trail!!! Don Gatton brought the entire family this year and Courtney won the PMC participation prize. Tammy Larson brought in her new truck... sweet. I camped with Marty Boersma and Jerry Schroeder... what great people. Oh ya, Bob was there too. Thanks for feeding me you guys!!! Got to really get to know our upcoming Chairman Dick Thompson... just as I thought, great guy and going to do a great job. He covered for Rock Chef in which Ross Woody's team won.

Bring on the 30th!!! Going to be epic I am sure!

 

[reddingcruiser]

The 29th Annual TLCA Rubithon is in the books. Many thanks to Chairman Eric Agee for yet another great event! As I became a little more involved this year, I have a whole different appreciation what Eric and the other Committee Members have to do to put on this excellent event. I'm sure most folks can only guess at the level commitment and coordination involved to make the Rubithon a premier off-road event. I can assure you, from my most recent peek behind the curtain, it is substantial.

I have to say I'm already looking forward to next year's 30th Annual Rubithon event, and working with Eric through the transition as Rubithon Chairman. There are some pretty big shoes to fill, when you consider Eric and all of the other past Rubithon Chairman. But heck, four wheelin' is all about taking on new challenges and over coming obstacles.

Again, congratulations to Eric, all of the Committee Members and volunteers (yes, you too Binky) for an excellent Rubithon!

 

[Bad Coco]

Sorry for not posting up sooner, but had a ton of wrap up items that needed attention first. I want to thank all of the participants that came out and enjoyed Rubithon this year. I know the date change and the reports of the potential water issues kept many from being able to attend this year. Those that were able to make it were treated with perfect weather and a nice cozier event.


There are tons of people to thank, but I’d like to start with Mark and Maria, the caretakers of the Springs, that went in early and made short work of the winter damage in the Springs. They also corrected the water and mud issues that had us all a bit nervous of a Cadillac exit. That leads me to thank the members of the Tahoe Hi-Lo’s that again joined us and made getting out Cadillac a breeze! I especially want to shout out the guys at the hairpin that helped with a tug and helping me to get my winch rope corrected.


The Mog Crew, while Mog less this year because of the date change, still came to the plate and made sure we got everything in. We had to ask others for help this year so thanks to Bill Stayner and Heather Royston we got all the PA equipment in. Larry Allen for bringing in supplies beforehand. FOTR Tahoe Lead John Briggs for helping to bring raffle and some cook crew material. And last but certainly not least, Desmond Caravella. Desmond and his wife Gayle in his monster Toyota on 49’s pulling a converted Marine Corps trailer not only brought in all the cook crew boxes, water and stoves, but then went back out Thursday to bring in my wife and Steve Morris, the perishable cook crew goods and 300#’s of ice. Then brought it all out for us Sunday. I truly can’t thank you all enough!


Thanks to Brian Kaiser for leading all of the camp committee guys and want to welcome our newest TLCA convert. Andrew “Binky” Rotchstein, a young man that contacted me early, that just wanted to come in and help make the Springs ready…. Even though he drives a J@@p. Binky had a thick skin and really helped to make everything ready. He even says he now wants to get a 40 and that our crowd is more what he has been looking for.


I can’t thank Dion Mattei enough for stepping up even more than normal this year. He took care of all the aspects of the Marauder Bar and was willing to take on the Cook Crew Lead and knocked it out of the park. There are so many that came to the plate to help make the Saturday dinner a success that it’d take a page in itself to thank individually, but know each of you are greatly appreciated.


I’d like to thank Jerry Schroeder for organizing the RTF fundraising wine tasting and my awesome wife Karen for making up the tasting notes for it as well as all the other things she does to make my life easier during the lead up and at the event itself. I’d also like to thank RTF VP Ken Hower for coming down and talking about the goings on of RTF and in particular the RTF property. Ken answered a lot of questions at the wine tasting and I dropped the ball and was going to introduce him to the entire crowd during the awards, but got behind and plain just goofed up. Very sorry Ken and thank you for spending your time to come down. I’ll post up soon about the RTF totals from the wine tasting.


Steve Pryor with the help of his sons and others did a spectacular job bringing in the Wagon Run. This was Steve’s first time being a lead and all the participants said he did an amazing job. Thank you and very glad to hear you are excited to lead the Wagon Run again next year.


Thanks to Brain Bettencort of Keith’s Alignment and Brakes for helping us out with a much needed part and Matt Hall for being willing to bring the part in and other “important supplies” for our special guest, Steve Morris. I love hearing the stories from Steve and learning more about the Springs and the trail itself. Steve has agreed to come out again for the 30th next year. If you have not got to hear Steve’s talk yet, you won’t want to miss it. Steve is a shareholder of RSSI, a previous ROCK Award recipient and was the very first President of Cal4Wheel. Most everyone has heard of Morris Rock at the Top of Cadillac. It is named after him because he use to go up early from Jeepers Jamboree and would be the winch point at the top. He has some great info on how to use your winch and what not to do if you don’t want to rip your frame in half from years of doing it. Steve should be in the Off Road Hall of Fame and I hope we can help make that happen.


I also need to thank all of my other Trail Leads and Committee. You guys did an awesome job as always and I can’t express my gratitude enough. To finish the trips off, Marlin again ran the Sweeper Run and actually was able to make it in before the Committee meeting this year!!!


I’d like to thank Joel Moranton for his continued hard work and dedication to make Rubithon’s raffles one of the best around! Without his hours of work, our raffle would not be near what it is. I would like to try to find some help for him for next year. Just with making some phone calls and follow up emails. We don’t need to cold call or walk in to any shops, so if interested, email me and I will get you two together.


Brian Flynn and Jason Winkle killed it this year with the kids’ activities. It was awesome to see how much fun they were having and I’m pretty sure some of the adults wanted to be in on the kids’ raffle! A huge thank you to John Evans for contributing so much to help take the raffle to the next level!


I’d like to thank my replacement after next year Dick Thompson and his lovely wife Kathleen for coming in early with us and starting to learn all the how to’s and what nots with being the Chairman. He has already expressed ideas on some small changes and that makes me happy to know that he is chomping at the bit to make Rubithon even better. I think that should be the goal of every Chairman, to continually try to make improvement, be it small or large, to make TLCA’s hosted event better each year and to keep its participants excited to come back for more.


Please send any pictures you would like considered to be put in Toyota Trails or on our Facebook page to chairman@rubithon.com If you would like it to be considered to be put in TT, please add a short description and the name of who took the photo.


Thanks again for making Rubithon such a great event!

Eric