Coal Mine Cruiser Classic 2007

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CMCC and Echo Valley campground opinion

I sympathize with the situation handed to the organizers of the CMCC this year. The fact that the event has been held at Paragon all these years has spoiled all of us, and the Red Ridge campground has spoiled everyone, too. The appeal of all the different levels and numbers of trails at Paragon is undeniable and I don't think those features are equalled anywhere. Red Ridge is a good campground, with adequate camping areas, decent infrastructure (showers, pavilion, store etc.), and its proximity to Paragon is not bad at all.

Consider that the Gotham City guys had their plans for this year's CMCC started before last year's event was over, and then had the bad news about Paragon laid on them. Think what their options were. To say they were between the proverbial "rock and a hard place" is an understatement. With Paragon being unavailable, Rausch Creek, in my opinion, is the only viable alternative for an event the size of the CMCC. Rausch Creek ain't Paragon, that's the good news and the bad news. Paragon offers more trails with more variety and many more miles of trails than RC has. This means less crowding with a given number of vehicles. Rausch Creek offers a less regimented mode of wheeling that appeals enough to some people to make it preferable to Paragon. Personally I like both places and have wheeled at both parks many times. I never had a bad day at either park.

Rausch Creek it is. For sure it was the only option for the organizers and it's where the CMCC will be held in a few short weeks. As far as campgrounds are concerned, the middle of June is, to put it mildly, smack dab in the middle of prime camping season. To have been able to secure a campground as close to Rausch as Echo Valley is is a feather in the hat of the organizers. Remember that most of the Gotham City guys live three hours away and be thankful that Mike Stevens did the legwork for everyone. There are other campgrounds as close or closer to RC as Red Ridge is to Paragon but Echo Valley has the room for us and I think will be fine. I am staying at the campground and can hardly wait until July 12 to see all the Toyota guys that get to this event.

CMCC is the primo event for Toyota guys in the northeast, I hope that never changes and that we all support the event as best we can. This year's event is going to be different than the last few years; understand and accept that fact and let's make the CMCC as good as we can. Losing Paragon should make each and everyone of us appreciate what we had for years, two offroad parks relatively close to each other which in my case are only 35 minutes away. I believe this year's event at Rausch will be fine and that I am going to enjoy my wheeling days in July. Let's all do our best to make this a suuccessful event!!!!! My two cents.................Gary S
 
Gotham had to shift gears big-time when Paragon was on the bubble several months back and they couldn’t afford to schedule this large of an event with the possibility that the major player (Paragon) might not be in business on the dates the event was scheduled. In an effort to provide something similar to Red Ridge Campground near Paragon, GCLC asked me to scout the nearby campgrounds looking for something that provided a central camping area, water, and bathroom w/shower facilities. Rausch Creek does not fit the bill for these needs as they have no fresh water and no shower facilities. Remember, this is a family event with wives and kids so providing more amenities helps to promote attendance.
Yes, Echo Valley isn’t Red Ridge and if it doesn’t work out this year or if there are problems or complaints, I’m sure the officers of GCLC will plan accordingly next year. In the mean time, EV is the “Camp Central” for the event. Most all will be staying there; the BBQ is there as well as the raffle. Also, the FJ Trail Team will be set up at Echo Valley, too.
Access to Rausch Creek from EV is easy and passes a gas station and food joint (sandwiches) in route. It’s less than 4 miles. It is also all back roads to Rausch and the driving time is less than 10 minutes (which will minimize your chances of being pulled over for lift or tire violations). Safe bet would be to leave your ‘not PA legal’ trail rig at Rausch and commute in your tow vehicle or with someone else.
Mike in PA
(working on my 2nd cup-o-java)


Sounding defensive there Mike :D
The people I'm talking about (and I) know, exactly what happened and why we're all set up where we are. None of us were criticizing anyone involved in planning.

They were understandibly scared of how this was all going to work out. It's a long drive for some if it turns into a cluster!

From your description, I think it might actually be *better* than red ridge / paragon in that it's not main roads, food and gas is on the way (how many people have had to run all the way out to get gas and/or food and making to staging in the morning? raise your hand?) and even SHORTER maybe???

I think (and maybe I should contact Held on this) that if this is the case, some much more VERBAL clarification and description should be given to our populace to set their minds at ease. Maybe even something in the Trails as well? (thinking out loud)

Anyway, I'll do my part and let my particular people know what the real deal is (they have already decided to go, and I think have paid and registered also)

Maybe we should start a new main thread in Mud titled "don't worry about CMCC! It might just be BETTER!" and let everyone know what's up!


Looking forward to seeing everyone!
 
Safe bet would be to leave your ‘not PA legal’ trail rig at Rausch and commute in your tow vehicle or with someone else.
Mike in PA

oh I forgot,
I actually suggested this as a possible option but the immediate answer was "there's no way in $#@* I'm leaving my open buggy sitting in a non-secure non-locked lot overnight up there!"

Made sense to me. In an area where everyone wheels and some elements might be a bit unsavory (SOME I said!) a buggy standing in the dark with a bunch of ratcheded stuff and tools is ripe fruit...
 
oh I forgot,
I actually suggested this as a possible option but the immediate answer was "there's no way in $#@* I'm leaving my open buggy sitting in a non-secure non-locked lot overnight up there!"

Made sense to me. In an area where everyone wheels and some elements might be a bit unsavory (SOME I said!) a buggy standing in the dark with a bunch of ratcheded stuff and tools is ripe fruit...



Most people trailered to PAP and then back to Red Ridge at past events (no one I know left their rigs there...) no difference really from echo to Rausch in comparison....

Chris, are you bringing the 40? got a skid plate?
 
I was hoping to drive mine this year to and from the trail. I was told that the road is not traveled that much by the local police. Is this true ??
 
Look for a whitesh color 40/45 thing in camp. We have a trailer somewhere there in the camp grounds .
 
Look for a whitesh color 40/45 thing in camp. We have a trailer somewhere there in the camp grounds .

you forgot one.... i think you mean whitish color 40/45/minitruck thing :D
 
Paypal sent
FTO submitted
app and waivers mailed

looks like I'm a goin'!
:bounce:

everyone camping Wed night???
 
well I have off Wed so I'll try to get up there in the afternoon...

I'm ALWAYS on time though.... Hopefully I get there before dark and (more importantly) Jeff is passed out!
 
I tried to swing it but there is no way I can make it before fri night. Despite the rant from Mike I can't justify paying the money for one night and day. I will be checking out Seans new camp sites and catching up with every one sat morning. Hopefully I can plan and take some vaca next year.
 
CMCC come on!!!!!

Matt Reed and I have reserved a camper at Echo Valley and we'll be at the campground Wednesday. I work that day so probably won't get to the campground till 5 or 6. I have vacation Thursday and Friday and will wheel both days. Need to work Saturday but am gonna return to the campground after work for the BBQ and raffle.

Jeff- bringing beer? What a dumb question. Brian Koerner won't be there, though so the home brew from BK will not be available.

I am hopeful that this will be another great cruiser classic- all the previous ones were certainly memorable. I believe the raffle this year will be better than ever and the chow Saturday is always good.

See you guys Wednesday!!!!!! Gary S
 
I'll bring an extra beer for you Gary. I wouldn't want you to dehydrate without BK's brew.
 
Who are the day-trippers?

Hey, I'm trying to work out how I can come up for just Saturday, perhaps. Who is planning to go just for a day but not for the whole dealio? Chris--did you say something about this?
 
Saturday at CMCC

Here's a thought- I'm paid for the full amount for the CMCC and won't be there to wheel Saturday. If you want to use my Saturday registration you can have it, as long as it's OK with the organizers. The only glitch I could see is if Matt Reed wants to wheel my pig Saturday while I'm working but I suspect he won't wheel it that day. Thoughts? Is this kosher?

Gary S
 
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