I would volunteer to spot/plan a trip to suit the needs of the group that I was assigned to. I am sure others would as well. I mean, who wouldn't follow a Lexus that broke this year? 
GSMTR 2013 Poll (Take 2) - Where do you wanna take your truck?
- Thread starter Hugh Heifer
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- #43
I think guided trail rides for Newbies or the less adventurous would be a great idea. I often think, "If that truck can do it I know mine can!" Since I do not ride as much as many of you, I watch every line taken with interest in hopes of learning - sometimes learning what not to do but learning nevertheless.
There was an attempt at an "easy" trail ride this year and although it was pretty easy, we had a couple trucks that were not able to make it (for whatever reason).
My running club has a rating system we call "shiggy factor". Shiggy is a word that came from a combination of s*** and icky. The higher the shiggy factor the more mud, the more hills, the more garbage and hills etc. Maybe a couple rides that are guided for various levels but especially newbies would be apropos.
Certainly people realize they could do damage every time they hit the trail but no one should shun those who are a little concerned about tearing up their junk.
But before you tell me if I am too concerned about damage blah blah....
I just know I like to make it home on Sunday.
There was an attempt at an "easy" trail ride this year and although it was pretty easy, we had a couple trucks that were not able to make it (for whatever reason).
My running club has a rating system we call "shiggy factor". Shiggy is a word that came from a combination of s*** and icky. The higher the shiggy factor the more mud, the more hills, the more garbage and hills etc. Maybe a couple rides that are guided for various levels but especially newbies would be apropos.
Certainly people realize they could do damage every time they hit the trail but no one should shun those who are a little concerned about tearing up their junk.
But before you tell me if I am too concerned about damage blah blah....
I just know I like to make it home on Sunday.
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Interesting
As someone who's wheeled from both perspectives - 1) newbie with a fresh frame off stock restoration on 33's with no winch, no PS and a rear locker installed at McNabb campground during my first GSTMR (and a huge fear of even one scratch), to 2) don't care, hammer it, see where it will go (e.g. sometimes you need an outlet, sadly my 40 was that and the Land Rover was spared), I can appreciate both perspectives.
Hands down - I miss Tellico - that was a true vacation for me, just the sheer beauty of Tellico made it worth the drive. Few days with the UC folks sightseeing (ok - breakfast, and then drinking and hiking to waterfalls, wheeling the powerlines, etc.) and then a full week on the River (damn good times). Earlier years - we used to get up before sunrise - drive all the way across 1 to Murphy and on up to Tsali to MTB for 3 or 4 hours, race back to wheel, eat/drink and repeat....glorious times. Later years - even though we camped along the River and did our own thing - I always felt like we were part of the bigger event - and getting to know everyone was just as easy, even if we weren't all "puddled" into the same campground. It's a Cruiser thing (my point here is you don't need everybody centrally located).
GSMTR is the only weeklong wheeling event on my calendar. Otherwise it's Choccoloco or a few secret spots for long weekends. I'll go anywhere and try anything new - it's about the same driving time for me. GM can be kinda boring - we've done almost all of the trails, several times - including days that were 10 times wetter/muddier than this year (no - I've only done the bypass on Bounty and that was enough for me
), but there's something to be said for knowing you can break and be back by the fire in a matter of minutes and it's pretty easy to either trail fix - or just drag your junk back to camp.
To me the plus side of a larger venue is putting the respect back into the trails - truly appreciating wheeling and being outdoors versus being at a Disney styled event. When you're 2 hours from camp you know that the difference between winching and taking a 3rd try could mean a couple of hours wrenching on the trail versus just having a good time (this from someone who broke 4 rear pinions at Tellico - two at Slick Rock which is a bazillion miles away). The downside is just that - for some of us, it's kinda fun to just let it go and see what happens.
I'll go with the flow - hope there's enough challenging trails, maybe there's more interesting sightseeing, waterfalls, cliffs, nearby historic downtowns or attractions, or other interesting things at the other place - that alone would make it worthwhile to me....
P.S. The whole thing about a few 40's getting dinged doing a night ride or stockers (i.e. $$$$) "choosing" to tackle one slippery ledge versus a better alternative is just silly. You take your junk out at night (believe it was mentioned a few drinks were had to boot?) or an expensive 80 or 100, and it's not all a golden highway is just hilarious. I can remember not being able to go up Schoolbus my first year because I couldn't get past the first little obstacle due to a Rochestor that didn't like angles - I was totally ashamed. I'm with Rick or whoever was posting pics of the easy trails at Tellico - they were easy, but bumpy as all get out - and you'd be on some loops for a few hours (don't get me started on the traffic jams between the River crossing and Fains Ford). Somebody just needs to get in touch with anyone who didn't like the event or inadvertently damaged their junk and shame them into coming back, paying more attention and learning what they can or can't do....that's really what it's all about.
Damn fun event this year - about as good as GM probably has to offer.
Ramble off
As someone who's wheeled from both perspectives - 1) newbie with a fresh frame off stock restoration on 33's with no winch, no PS and a rear locker installed at McNabb campground during my first GSTMR (and a huge fear of even one scratch), to 2) don't care, hammer it, see where it will go (e.g. sometimes you need an outlet, sadly my 40 was that and the Land Rover was spared
), I can appreciate both perspectives.Hands down - I miss Tellico - that was a true vacation for me, just the sheer beauty of Tellico made it worth the drive. Few days with the UC folks sightseeing (ok - breakfast, and then drinking and hiking to waterfalls, wheeling the powerlines, etc.) and then a full week on the River (damn good times). Earlier years - we used to get up before sunrise - drive all the way across 1 to Murphy and on up to Tsali to MTB for 3 or 4 hours, race back to wheel, eat/drink and repeat....glorious times. Later years - even though we camped along the River and did our own thing - I always felt like we were part of the bigger event - and getting to know everyone was just as easy, even if we weren't all "puddled" into the same campground. It's a Cruiser thing (my point here is you don't need everybody centrally located).
GSMTR is the only weeklong wheeling event on my calendar. Otherwise it's Choccoloco or a few secret spots for long weekends. I'll go anywhere and try anything new - it's about the same driving time for me. GM can be kinda boring - we've done almost all of the trails, several times - including days that were 10 times wetter/muddier than this year (no - I've only done the bypass on Bounty and that was enough for me
), but there's something to be said for knowing you can break and be back by the fire in a matter of minutes and it's pretty easy to either trail fix - or just drag your junk back to camp.To me the plus side of a larger venue is putting the respect back into the trails - truly appreciating wheeling and being outdoors versus being at a Disney styled event. When you're 2 hours from camp you know that the difference between winching and taking a 3rd try could mean a couple of hours wrenching on the trail versus just having a good time (this from someone who broke 4 rear pinions at Tellico - two at Slick Rock which is a bazillion miles away). The downside is just that - for some of us, it's kinda fun to just let it go and see what happens.
I'll go with the flow - hope there's enough challenging trails, maybe there's more interesting sightseeing, waterfalls, cliffs, nearby historic downtowns or attractions, or other interesting things at the other place - that alone would make it worthwhile to me....
P.S. The whole thing about a few 40's getting dinged doing a night ride or stockers (i.e. $$$$) "choosing" to tackle one slippery ledge versus a better alternative is just silly. You take your junk out at night (believe it was mentioned a few drinks were had to boot?) or an expensive 80 or 100, and it's not all a golden highway is just hilarious. I can remember not being able to go up Schoolbus my first year because I couldn't get past the first little obstacle due to a Rochestor that didn't like angles - I was totally ashamed. I'm with Rick or whoever was posting pics of the easy trails at Tellico - they were easy, but bumpy as all get out - and you'd be on some loops for a few hours (don't get me started on the traffic jams between the River crossing and Fains Ford). Somebody just needs to get in touch with anyone who didn't like the event or inadvertently damaged their junk and shame them into coming back, paying more attention and learning what they can or can't do....that's really what it's all about.
Damn fun event this year - about as good as GM probably has to offer.
Ramble off
Can you night wheel at CC?
Couple more.
When would you schedule the event. Second weekend in May?
SFWDA Trailfest I assume is the first weekend in may next year. If you did it the second would STLCA members be willing to do two weeks back to back? Would you be able to get as many STLCA volunteers if it wasn't back to back? Also Mogfest looks like it's the 3rd weekend. So does that mean GSMTR would be on the second weekend which is mothers day? That might be a problem with some of us who are married and would like to stay that way.
If you do it the 4th weekend in may then your into Labor day and that might be a good thing or bad thing as most families plan vacations around that.
Couple more.
When would you schedule the event. Second weekend in May?
SFWDA Trailfest I assume is the first weekend in may next year. If you did it the second would STLCA members be willing to do two weeks back to back? Would you be able to get as many STLCA volunteers if it wasn't back to back? Also Mogfest looks like it's the 3rd weekend. So does that mean GSMTR would be on the second weekend which is mothers day? That might be a problem with some of us who are married and would like to stay that way.
If you do it the 4th weekend in may then your into Labor day and that might be a good thing or bad thing as most families plan vacations around that.
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As long as you have a permit, CC is open 24/7/365
Southeast Overland
Get lost! Go explore!
I'll try to keep this short and sweet.
Southeast Mog Fest was at Coal Creek this year the same weekend as GSMTR. That could be a scheduling conflict.
Many if not most trails turn to mud bogs or slick as snot when wet. URE and Beasley are the same way.
Wheeling at night opens up a whole new kit-n-kaboodle of 'experiences.' Things look different, you seem to break more, fixing your junk is much harder, and wheeling overall is more difficult. Compound that with inexperienced drivers and drinking and you have the formula for bad news. If one takes out inexperienced drivers at night or if you are inexperienced and you go wheeling at night on unfamiliar trails after drinking then you have to be ready to deal with the consequences. Not raggin' anyone but that is the simple truth of the matter.
I am not familiar with the facilities at Coal Creek. With that said I love the facilities at GM. The GM facilities make the event much more pleasurable.
Having long trails to wheel (all day trips) at CC would be great but people will have to be responsible and equipment both with the knowledge, tools, and spares to fix their junk when they break miles away from camp. At GM you can walk back to camp from anywhere on the trails if you break but the flip side is you don't have as many trails.
With all that said, and as I've said before, Southeast Overland will be at either location for GSMTR next year.
Southeast Mog Fest was at Coal Creek this year the same weekend as GSMTR. That could be a scheduling conflict.
Many if not most trails turn to mud bogs or slick as snot when wet. URE and Beasley are the same way.
Wheeling at night opens up a whole new kit-n-kaboodle of 'experiences.' Things look different, you seem to break more, fixing your junk is much harder, and wheeling overall is more difficult. Compound that with inexperienced drivers and drinking and you have the formula for bad news. If one takes out inexperienced drivers at night or if you are inexperienced and you go wheeling at night on unfamiliar trails after drinking then you have to be ready to deal with the consequences. Not raggin' anyone but that is the simple truth of the matter.
I am not familiar with the facilities at Coal Creek. With that said I love the facilities at GM. The GM facilities make the event much more pleasurable.
Having long trails to wheel (all day trips) at CC would be great but people will have to be responsible and equipment both with the knowledge, tools, and spares to fix their junk when they break miles away from camp. At GM you can walk back to camp from anywhere on the trails if you break but the flip side is you don't have as many trails.
With all that said, and as I've said before, Southeast Overland will be at either location for GSMTR next year.
Well all sorry I missed you guys this year. Unfortunately I had other engagements. As many of you know I cut my teeth in the 80 at GMP. Coming from a newbie perspective I love the place. Like Steve said you don't have to worry about being miles away from camp if you make a mistake or something breaks. I did go into this whole wheeling hobby with the knowledge that stuff happens on the trail, stuff breaks and dents happen. GMP does need a good trail rating /marking system. Conditions are always changing due to weather and traffic. I do alot of hiking and scouting to be sure my stocker can make it through. I was told by Brian Dugan at ACC before my first trip to GMP to expect body damage. Wether its a scratch from a branch or side sliping and bouncing off of that same tree,you gotta be mentally prepared to accept it. Only pinstripes last year, but I did break a linkage ,well bent it beyond repair!
I do on the other hand feel that GMP doesnt offer that "sight seeing" style easy trail for the faint at heart.
To my knowledge all the "easy trails" did have some obstacle that would be pucker factor for a noob. A ledge , a big rock, mud bog . Something always seemed to require good traction and the right line. This is where the Trail Leader needs to step up before the outing and communicate with everyone.
That being said:!!!!!
No matter the location I and my father plan to attend GSMTR every year as long as it exists. Hopefully those plans materialize each year.
I do on the other hand feel that GMP doesnt offer that "sight seeing" style easy trail for the faint at heart.
To my knowledge all the "easy trails" did have some obstacle that would be pucker factor for a noob. A ledge , a big rock, mud bog . Something always seemed to require good traction and the right line. This is where the Trail Leader needs to step up before the outing and communicate with everyone.
That being said:!!!!!
No matter the location I and my father plan to attend GSMTR every year as long as it exists. Hopefully those plans materialize each year.
I have attended the past 2 GSMTR's at Golden Mountain and could not imagine having any better facilities or trails. In response to the comments about the need for more beginner trails, i have to say that i remember my first major dent, winchfest, clutch failure, blown head gasket, tire damage, numerous flops, birfield/locker field repair, etc. It's all about getting out and trying challenging obstacles with a smile on your face and not worrying about rock chips, brush stripes or Trail 2.
Toyota's are for wheelin'
Toyota's are for wheelin'
- Thread starter
- #50
1300 views and 40 votes. 
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
I voted and viewed it several times to see where the totals were.
Sent from my phone using IH8MUD
Sent from my phone using IH8MUD
40 voters x [15] days of discussion is 600 views (assuming a rate of 1 view per voter per day). Yes, I'm assuming a bit for the sake of math, but it adds up quicker than you might think. Not sure how thread view counts work, but if some check this thread more than once a day to follow the discussion, then it could easily top 1300.
I don't think it's going to matter much to the majority of attendees where it is located next year. I'm pulling for y'all to produce an even more successful event. I have a feeling it will be more like the Tellico days where everybody is on the trails all day and then meets back at camp at the end of the day. Fewer trips back to camp in the middle of the day and crossing fingers you don't break too badly to get back to camp.
I don't think it's going to matter much to the majority of attendees where it is located next year. I'm pulling for y'all to produce an even more successful event. I have a feeling it will be more like the Tellico days where everybody is on the trails all day and then meets back at camp at the end of the day. Fewer trips back to camp in the middle of the day and crossing fingers you don't break too badly to get back to camp.
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
BINGO!
If ya'll told me we were to meet in the dumpster behind Applebee's I'd say "see you there!"
I voted instead of just lurking!!! My first GSMTR (1993 Black T-Shirt?) I showed up with the prettiest Desert Tan 1978 fj-40 this side of a showroom floor. Drool flowed like the Tellico river. I was told to park it and I rode shotgun the first day. Had a blast! Saw what my cruiser could do and thrashed the hell out of it the rest of the week! Ask Rob - he lead a group of newbies all over Tellico including coming down Gaurd rail at night!!! Those memories can only be made not bought
... This year I let my new found buddy Lee(GSMTR 2011) Drive my junk allover GMP( including being my designated driver on the night run) - I had a blast just watching him smile from ear to ear. (He's at home building a rig as we post!) I also handed out birfields and 3rd members like there was no tomorrow, even burned up my winch motor on my 8274 during a crazy recovery. Made more new friends, reconected with some new friends from last year, and grew closer to my Local club buddies (Despite the low lifes that they are). The Party is where you make it. We came to Wheel!!! Like Joe dirt says" Lifes a Garden Dig It!!!" P>S> I know where you can get some new sheetmetal if you need it...........Shameless Plug.
... This year I let my new found buddy Lee(GSMTR 2011) Drive my junk allover GMP( including being my designated driver on the night run) - I had a blast just watching him smile from ear to ear. (He's at home building a rig as we post!) I also handed out birfields and 3rd members like there was no tomorrow, even burned up my winch motor on my 8274 during a crazy recovery. Made more new friends, reconected with some new friends from last year, and grew closer to my Local club buddies (Despite the low lifes that they are). The Party is where you make it. We came to Wheel!!! Like Joe dirt says" Lifes a Garden Dig It!!!" P>S> I know where you can get some new sheetmetal if you need it...........Shameless Plug.
- Thread starter
- #58
Bump....
Sent from my thing with Woody's junk.
Sent from my thing with Woody's junk.
So many good posts in here that to quote and respond to them all would be so long of a post that nobody'd read it!
I agree with most it seems, that wherever it is, I'll be there. That being said, I think the only way to really decide if CC is going to be better than GMP in the long run is to just go for it and try it. Do it this year, get all the opinions of the organizers, drivers, riders, guests, families etc, and then make the call for future GSMTR's. Maybe start an "after thoughts/opinions" thread as soon as the event starts, and maybe also have an opinion/suggestion sheet either in the driver's packages or hand them out at the raffle.
I agree with most it seems, that wherever it is, I'll be there. That being said, I think the only way to really decide if CC is going to be better than GMP in the long run is to just go for it and try it. Do it this year, get all the opinions of the organizers, drivers, riders, guests, families etc, and then make the call for future GSMTR's. Maybe start an "after thoughts/opinions" thread as soon as the event starts, and maybe also have an opinion/suggestion sheet either in the driver's packages or hand them out at the raffle.
