If you think about it from maybe a different angle; "people who want to do something that looks cool, but have no idea how to even start", then the Expo is a great idea. Yes, I had an amazing time with truck I bought for $4000, a gazelle tent with a buddy heater, my $100 fridge, and my LLBean mud boots. But, Joe Overlander has desire and a bank account, they need trailers, campers, titanium toilette seats, special camp chairs, special wheel rims, handcrafter tool rolls, Camp Chef kitchens, etc etc etc. Its all good for the economy to have people willing to spend money on stuff many of us will just smile politely and walk on by.
Many of the attendees bought a brand new XYZ vehicle, and started modifying it based on internet knowledge. But they really have no clue what they got and why. So at least they come to an event, whining and bitching, but show up. And in my limited experience in the 5 classes I did, they where hungry to learn. There is always an asswhole in every class that shows up to spew his narrow minded non-sense, but we had standing room only on some classes and people where asking a lot of questions. And many of them had no idea how to deal with the extreme weather, and more bitching and whining. It was amazing to see some poor bastard push a stroller in the mud, I can't even fathom how they missed the fact that the stroller wouldn't move.
So, for experienced overlanders (or whatever you feel comfortable calling what we do), the show can be skipped, nothing new for you. I go because I enjoy providing training, its free, and they pay me. But what I really would challenge this group to do is attend the Appalachian Rendezvous, that is an event geared more towards what we would enjoy. And this year the T/J ratio (Toyota to Jeep) was very large, lots ofyotas. And I personally would like to see more, but would also want all of you to try it out, because I know you will truly enjoy it.
Many of the attendees bought a brand new XYZ vehicle, and started modifying it based on internet knowledge. But they really have no clue what they got and why. So at least they come to an event, whining and bitching, but show up. And in my limited experience in the 5 classes I did, they where hungry to learn. There is always an asswhole in every class that shows up to spew his narrow minded non-sense, but we had standing room only on some classes and people where asking a lot of questions. And many of them had no idea how to deal with the extreme weather, and more bitching and whining. It was amazing to see some poor bastard push a stroller in the mud, I can't even fathom how they missed the fact that the stroller wouldn't move.
So, for experienced overlanders (or whatever you feel comfortable calling what we do), the show can be skipped, nothing new for you. I go because I enjoy providing training, its free, and they pay me. But what I really would challenge this group to do is attend the Appalachian Rendezvous, that is an event geared more towards what we would enjoy. And this year the T/J ratio (Toyota to Jeep) was very large, lots ofyotas. And I personally would like to see more, but would also want all of you to try it out, because I know you will truly enjoy it.
Titanium overland stroller skids. Patent pending now!
