Considering this was our largest attendance at 45 trucks...
the permit issues Jeff had to navigate, including our Ranger presentation and extremely tight inspection requirements...
the ability to have a fire confirmed two days before the event (we were lucky)...
and some mechanical issues which of course comes with larger attendance...
and the O'Brien store noting we are getting to successful to use their restrooms...
I'd have to say it went quite well.
***
some bright spots for me, and notes of interest:
First off, great to see the amount of folks returning. I mean how many times can you run that trail and still find immense pleasure?? Everytime for me.
Great to see the amount of 1st timers! That was awesome, many of whom this was also their 1st TLCA Event. I hope they found it accommodating.
The great attitude displayed by virtually everyone.
Running lead with Kief and Garett and Travis and Brian. We were expeditious in our manner and we breezed right along.
The forst service inspection. OK, neither Jeff nor I really knew what this was going to look like. They took us in groups of 8 to 10, did their speal about invasive plant species and of course, the port orford cedar root disease spore... but as noted, we felt sorry for those in the back of the pack. Obviously, if we do this again, we will try to have them talk during our drivers meeting, then perhaps they can simply inspect at the trail head.
For those wondering what I am talking about, they wanted no dirt (or in Ron's case, not even dust) under the truck or in the wheel wells, or even in the tread. The FS did note that our group (and other formal groups of educated OHV enthusiasts) were not the problem. They did not that Yahoos, and other idiots out there boony bashing without a care towards responsible back country use would eventually lead to the trail being closed.
These inspectiosn really broke our group into ... groups. This might have been a good thing.
Looking back for miles and miles, and seeing groups of trucks navigating the trail.
Folks noted this trail might no longer be Stock material. It took all my driving prowess (ya, I know, not much) to get my stock 86 hilux through with 31" tires.
How primitive this trail is. There are spots where you can barely see it. Grass and other flowers growing in the center, etc.
Great to see Garett run the sluice in his (highly) modified 80 series. Good Job. You are ready for Rubithon. also great to see the FJ Cruisers on this run, which I feel is an awesome run for these trucks with regards to trail difficulty and lack of biting rocks.
Yes, there were some 'soft trees' as Bud noted that might have caused some pin striping on Ross's truck, but most believe it was driver error, including Tina.
We have Sourdough campground virtually to ourselves. Good thing too as we rolled 45 trucks into that primitive campground.
Beautiful weather. I believe this made the event so successful.
Excellent Smith River and swimming. You had to be there to understand.
Excellent folks attending. Maureen and John McVickor, Ray and Alan, Ross and Tina, Ron and Candace, Kief and Jenn, Russ in the white 80, Russ in the gray 80, Brian and his son, the fine folks from Land Cruiser Specialties who made it in and out in front wheel drive, and many others who I feel I know personally but cannot remember their name now.
I should not even try to list names for I am embarrassed I cannot remember more.
the pot luck dinner again was a huge success. I have often wondered how big of an event you can do, with a pot luck dinner, but again it worked great with lots and lots of good food.
the raffle. I cannot express how much fun I have MCing the raffle.
Poor Andy Jacobson.
Lucky Andy Jacobson. Peace has returned to his world.
The PMC 10 year Anniversary plaque given to Jeff Bomke for his efforts towards the McGrew Trail Ride and continuing to present PMC as a vibrant club hosting many TLCA Sponsored events.
the PMC participation Raffle found 11 members present thanks to Bud Riley for paying his 07 dues. Andy Jacobson won the $100, taking it away from Bud, Jeff, Brian Busch, Bob Bulleri, Jerod Knox, Jeff Dirks, Russ Faulkner, Ron Safreno, Ross Woody, Ed Woods and I.
Bud Riley promptly offered to donate $100 to McGrew to cover the win, adding to the value McGrew brings to PMC.
The raffle. It was a lot of fun, but the McGrew raffle is kinda unique. You only get to buy two tickets, and if you win twice, you are done. Poor Andy. Bud won the Cash Grand Prize.
***
Yes, that was a lot of fun.
Fantastic run!!!! 
Chad
-- I was craving that!
