TLCA 32nd Annual Rubithon Official Thread, Date Change - August 18-23, 2020 - EVENT CANCELED (1 Viewer)

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reddingcruiser

Practicing for retirement
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Important Notice:

These are indeed strange times. Who would have believed last November that the economies of entire nations would slow to a trickle in just four months? Or that the news cycle would be nonstop COVID-19? It is a fact that the effects of COVID-19 are global and have impacted virtually every form of social interaction, including many of our favorite pastimes. Many events, including major sporting events, have already been cancelled, rescheduled, or are on the verge of being cancelled or rescheduled. Many of the fabulous vendors who support our event year after year have been (or may soon be) impacted by the economic downturn.

For those of you who thought for sure this was coming, you were right. For those of you who were hoping it wouldn’t, I apologize. I can assure everyone that the thought of moving the Rubithon dates two years in a row was not something taken lightly, and I seriously considered forging ahead with the June dates. However, after careful consideration, advice from folks I respect greatly and the need to secure alternate dates while they are available; I have decided to once again move the Rubithon to August.

One of the variables I cannot predict is the effect COVID-19 will have on the resumption of school for K-12 students, and their parents. Along those lines, the odds of all school systems across the country starting at the same time are slim, at best.

To wrap it all up, I thought it best to go with the dates that were available to secure Rubicon Springs, and far enough out to reasonably assure the Rubithon could be held this year. Ultimately this was my call and if anyone is upset you can be upset with me. To borrow one of the new terms used in this COVID-19 era, it was done “out of an abundance of caution”.

So, having said all that, the 32nd Annual Rubithon has been moved to August 19 – 23, 2020. There as still many logistical issues to overcome, and plenty people and things to coordinate. As always, we will do everything we can to ensure everyone enjoys a first-class off-road experience, and leaves with enough memories and new friends to last for years.

If you have already registered but cannot attend on the new dates, we will provide a full refund.

If you haven’t registered and still want to enjoy the Rubithon, then register and join us in August. The water is warmer, the mosquitoes are fewer and nights are more pleasant.

Sincerely,

Dick Thompson,
Rubithon Chairman


As usual, I expect that Trail Leaders will be setting up their own Rubithon threads to keep their folks informed.

You can reach me at chairman@rubithon.com

Stay tuned for more.
 
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Yee haw! I hope I have my rig back together.
 
OMG! Rubithon registration is OPEN!

Use the link below to register.
2020 Rubithon Registration | The Annual TLCA 4D Event
It's about time! Feel free to check in and get in line. I'll have more details as we get closer, but feel free to ask questions as we move towards June. As always, I expect that some of the Trail Leads will start their own threads here on 'Mud or set up ways to communicate with folks on their respective runs.

All the usual TLCA rules for vehicle safety will apply, but incase you forgot (or didn't know):

On the Rubicon Trail (and Rubithon), minimum tire size is 33", anything less will not be fun for the driver or those behind. As always there can be exceptions, but you should contact me or your Trail Leader to discuss your rig and expectations. All runs from any given departure point take essentially the same route, but there are some 'line' options depending on your skill level, frustration level, or desire to prove a point. Leaving from Loon Lake is a longer trip, but includes the complete Rubicon Trail experience and absolutely worth the trip for first-timers. Most runs are at a pace suitable for novices. Trail Leaders and Committee Members are there to see everyone gets through safely. Everyone has had a 'first time' on the trail and it's expected. If you want to reach out to a Trail Lead to discuss their particular run just send me a PM or email, or call me.

The double locker run is fun, if equipped as required, and does require a nod from Mudrak.

FJ Cruisers, stock 40's and 45's make it through all the time, though it takes a little more effort than a "well prepared" trial rig. Still fun, nonetheless.

Just for the record, here's the official lingo for running the Rubithon:

From the inspection sheet: The minimum vehicle requirements which, if not met, may disqualify a vehicle from participating in the event:

If your vehicle does not meet some of the requirements listed below, discuss the issue(s) directly from the Rubithon Chairman so you hit the trail informed.


Vehicle must be street legal or green stickered with current registration and proof of Liability Insurance.

Battery secured (no bungees)
Either a single locker or lower gearing will make it easier - but not everyone is locked or re-geared.
Minimum 33” Tires (must have at least 2/32” of tread)
Spare Tire must be fully inflated and within 3” of other tires. Tires over 37” (a tube / bailing wire / repair kit will suffice)
Tires on the ground must be aired down to a maximum of 15 psi prior to safety inspection
Hi Lift Jack capable of lifting vehicle
Tool capable of removing lug nuts (don’t forget any wheel locks)
Front and rear recovery points
A tow strap (no chains or metal hooks.) Rated for twice the vehicles weight
Extrication Hardware (tree strap, clevis, dowels, snatch block)
Service Brakes: Must be able to stall engine when idling in High Range 2nd gear (1st gear if 3 speed)
Parking Brake: Must be able to stall engine when idling in High Range 3rd gear (2nd gear if 3 speed)
Head Lights, Running Lights and Brake Lights: Must be functioning properly
Roll Bar: Any open vehicle must have a roll bar firmly attached to the vehicle
Seat Belts: Required for driver and each passenger
Steering: Check play in wheel, condition of column and mounting hardware, knuckle arms
Fire Extinguisher: Must show full charge on gauge and/or have seal intact
First Aid Kit: Recommended to be as complete as is reasonably possible
Antenna Length: Not longer than 54", unless both ends are firmly attached to the vehicle
Hoses and Lines: Please do not bring a vehicle with excessive leaks to an event. This is damaging to the environment.
Exhaust System: Must be intact. No open exhaust, excessive noise or excessive smoke

Recommended additional items:
Leather gloves and eye protection
Oil spill recovery kit (can be picked up at the Kiosk an no charge (provided by El Dorado County)
Personal toilet and wag bags. At least one person in group must have this. Remember “Pack it In, Pack it Out!”
Body Protection (skid plates and sliders)
Spare: fluids, belts, plug wires, parts
Tire gauge, tire patch kit, means to inflate tires
Tool kit / especially any special vehicle specific parts or tools
Ham or CB Radio
Winch
Rags, Hand Cleaner, Litter Bags
Axe, Shovel
Flashlight, Spare Batteries, Spare Vehicle Key

Everything else we'll get to as we move along.
 
Alright!!! Let's get this party started!! Wagons Ho!

Edit: and I'm registered!
 
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It's on my calendar!
 
Good talking to you tonight Dick, looking forward to the run! For anyone on the fence about signing up all the folks who I have dealt with seem super friendly and helpful. Should be a fun trip. My little first gen pickup will love hanging out with all the cruisers :)
 
A little late, but the winner of the extra Grand Prize Ticket for the month of January is Dave Schenker. Dave is an 80 owner and will be joining us for his first Rubithon, which will also be his first trip across the Rubicon Trail. He will be making his trip as part of Steve Pryor's Wagon Run.

Congrats, Dave :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
 
In case you have already registered and are waiting for your Confirmation, don't fret, they'll be out soon. I am waiting for confirmation on pricing for a portion of the air ambulance service we typically encourage each of you to take advantage of before you hit the trail.

As was the case last year, Air Med Care Network (AMCN) will no longer allow us to collect your information and send your payment in with our group. We will however still be entitled to the Rubithon Group discount. The discount code for Rubithon is 11148 and the rate remains at $65 for the entire household vs the non-member price of $85.

AMCN and Care Flight are no longer reciprocal partners, and there is no way to ensure which air ambulance is dispatched in an emergency. It’s simply a matter of which aircraft is closest and available.

I have been in contact with Care Flight and I am working to secure the same price as last year. The group price for the household air ambulance plan was $30 vs. their normal price of $55. The coverage is different than that of AMCN. With the Care Flight plan, they will bill the insurance first and then cover the remainder. If you do not have health care coverage, they only give you a 20% discount on the medical flight.

To sign up for the AMCN plan, you can wait until you sign up for your Rubithon confirmation where the information will be included, or if you need it sooner, you can email me at chairman@rubithon.com

With regards to Care Flight plan, I will be providing a link to their website as well as a PDF once I am assured the pricing will remain the same.

There will be more information in the coming shortly.
 
Well, for all of you 'sheltering in place' and wondering about how the Coronavirus may affect this year's Rubithon, I thought I would throw a few things out for consideration:

-Ross Woody put out a statement on TLCA's Facebook page regarding TLCA-Sanctioned events that have been (or may be) affected by the Coronavirus. You should take a few minutes to read it over.

-With regards to the Rubithon, there are no plans to reschedule at this point, but, 'out of an abundance of caution', contingency plans are in the works for an alternate date in the event that this thing gets drawn out past the end of April. I'm sure by the time this is over we'll all want to head for the hills.

-One of the major unknowns is how schools across the country will handle this, and what impact, if any, it will have on summer vacations. Here in California we have a pretty good idea of what the schools intend to do, and right now it doesn't appear it will impact the Rubithon. This may be different depending on what portion of the country you are in, individual state policies and how your respective school districts elect to react to the situation. We'll just have to wait and see. Considering last years rescheduled dates that ended up on the first week of school, I want to avoid a repeat and ensure families can attend.

-I'll try to keep everyone up to date on what's happening with regards to Rubithon. As always you can reach me at chairman@rubithon.com if you have a question you don't want to ask on an open forum.

Lastly, when the world hands you lemons, you make lemonade. We've adjusted to unplanned changes before and we will again. I hope to see everyone in June!
 
Let me save you the trouble of looking for the FB post:

A NOTE FROM TLCA PRESIDENT ROSS WOODY
I’m writing today to respond to numerous questions regarding the cancellation and rescheduling of several TLCA events due to COVID-19 restriction. There is declared a national emergency by President Trump, the CDC and the World Health Organization which has resulted in cities, towns and states issuing travel bans and closures.

First, I want to share with you how our lives have been impacted over the past week. On Thursday, March 12th, our family and friends were packing and making final plans to attend our son’s wedding in Hawaii. On Friday, March 13th, the DOD issued a travel ban on all military families, which cancelled their wedding. California Governor Newsome had issued a ban on public gatherings, and my company had closed our San Francisco office. After talking within our family Saturday, our son encouraged us to make the trip in spite of the cancellation, and just make it a family vacation. Saturday and Sunday brought the announcement of closures to public facilities, parks, memorials and restaurants across Hawaii. Late Sunday evening our family decided that we shouldn’t risk travelling, and we would have to cancel our flights, hotels, car rentals, etc. It’s a shot to the gut because we’ve planned it for almost a year.

The COVID-19 restrictions issued locally and countrywide have led to the cancellation or rescheduling of 5 TLCA events. In most cases, events were full, and registrations were closed. The host clubs have spent some of the registration funds in order to put on these events. In most cases, the club spent a significant portion of what has been collected through registration towards the overhead of the event, as their “profits” come at the end from the raffle proceeds. Issuing full refunds right now could break a club.

In the cases where the event is rescheduled, our hope is that you can attend the new dates. If not, there is no choice but to work with registrants to refund registration fees. If you can’t make a rescheduled event, please let the registration contact know. Please have patience with the host club to allow them time to assess the monies spent, merchandise on hand, and their ability to issue refunds.

Over the next month, TLCA will be working with the event organizers to determine what can and will be done for our members that are asking for refunds. Our SOPs cover this topic under Event Cancellations, but it was written from the point of view where the registrant is cancelling. We don’t specifically cover an event being cancelled so we will need to address this with each event host.

I would like to make sure that at the end of this, our members are happy, the host clubs are happy, and the Board of Directors are happy. Please give us time to work on this once the “curve has flattened” and we can focus on a resolution. I know that we as a Board understand the significance of these registration refunds to our members and the clubs, and working together we will make it right. Just give us time to review it and determine what we feel will be fair to all.

To conclude my family’s tale of woe due to COVID-19 cancellations, even though we bought trip insurance, and have travel insurance through our credit cards, both coverages have exclusions for epidemics and pandemics. We are essentially quarantined to our homes, and can’t fly, even if we wanted to, but the insurance coverage won’t cover our any of our costs. The airlines are issuing travel credit, but if we can’t reschedule our trip, we will be out over $5000 in airfare. Our son and his fiancé are out several thousand in deposits and payments for things like flowers, cake, wedding dress, etc. I say this not for your pity, but just so that you know that I know how devastating this can be for everyone and that I feel your pain and anguish. I feel that if we are calm and use some understanding, we will get through this together.

I encourage you to use this time to write about your experiences right now as content for Toyota Trails. Write an article on an event that never was, or send an article about the project you completed as a result of extra time you may have due to closures and quarantines. The TLCA community will appreciate these stories more than ever.

Thank You,
Ross Woody
TLCA President
 
Once again,

These are indeed strange times. Who would have believed last November that the economies of entire nations would slow to a trickle in just four months? Or that the news cycle would be nonstop COVID-19? It is a fact that the effects of COVID-19 are global and have impacted virtually every form of social interaction, including many of our favorite pastimes. Many events, including major sporting events, have already been cancelled, rescheduled, or are on the verge of being cancelled or rescheduled. Many of the fabulous vendors who support our event year after year have been (or may soon be) impacted by the economic downturn.

For those of you who thought for sure this was coming, you were right. For those of you who were hoping it wouldn’t, I apologize. I can assure everyone that the thought of moving the Rubithon dates two years in a row was not something taken lightly, and I seriously considered forging ahead with the June dates. However, after careful consideration, advice from folks I respect greatly and the need to secure alternate dates while they are available; I have decided to once again move the Rubithon to August.

One of the variables I cannot predict is the effect COVID-19 will have on the resumption of school for K-12 students, and their parents. Along those lines, the odds of all school systems across the country starting at the same time are slim, at best.

To wrap it all up, I thought it best to go with the dates that were available to secure Rubicon Springs, and far enough out to reasonably assure the Rubithon could be held this year. Ultimately this was my call and if anyone is upset you can be upset with me. To borrow one of the new terms used in this COVID-19 era, it was done “out of an abundance of caution”.

So, having said all that, the 32nd Annual Rubithon has been moved to August 19 – 23, 2020. There as still many logistical issues to overcome, and plenty people and things to coordinate. As always, we will do everything we can to ensure everyone enjoys a first-class off-road experience, and leaves with enough memories and new friends to last for years.

If you have already registered but cannot attend on the new dates, we will provide a full refund.

If you haven’t registered and still want to enjoy the Rubithon, then register and join us in August. The water is warmer, the mosquitoes are fewer and nights are more pleasant.

Sincerely,

Dick Thompson, Rubithon Chairman
 

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