Sam, I had no idea that was your rig... very nice, a real head turner. And thanks for the kind words!
2008 Rubithon Hall of Fame run is virtually in the books now... although I honestly don't know if Bill, Mike, Dale, Big Jim, Jpr Ron and Mudrak are even off Cadillac yet. This years exit will be known as the busted knuckle stud exit. Was the Exit Strategy still a success??? I would say yes. We had no broken pinions which committee do have the ability to minimize, but knuckle studs are beyond their control to avoid breaking. Two trucks with virtually back to back (within 5 minutes of each other) knuckle stud breakage did add a couple hours to the exit. But thanks to Mudrak and Jeff Acquistapache (and others), repairs were made as fast as they could and we were on our way.
The threat of rain right before dinner and the raffle on Saturday had Raffle Chair Dave Thomas and I pretty concerned and even though we did discuss a rain fall back plan, Mother Nature and I are pretty tight even thought she dumped some big drops on us right as we started the ceremony.
Ross Woody oversaw the entire Kitchen effort this year transitioning from Terri Henle. Ross noted we had never planned and executed as many meals as we did this year, around 400 breakfast and dinners. He also assured me we had plenty of beef and you should have seen the disbelief in his face when he came up to me and noted we were out of beef! Huge round of applause to Ross and our entire kitchen crew.
Bob Garrett and George Rice (whom the Hall of Fame run was dubbed for) did find their way in Friday night and everyone got to meet them express their appreciation during the Sat night ceremony. They were first out Sunday and we all hope they had an excellent time, carrying on a tradition they started so many years ago.
and we acknowledged both MTA and Toys on the Rocks for their support of Rubithon in the early years, and Greg Leal who notes having attended all 20 Rubithons! Oh by the way Greg, I would offer its time for a front locker, and quit waiting to win one in the raffle.
As Chairman, I presented Chairman's Awards (the highest honor) to my team leads Bob Brown, Geoff McGuire and Bruce Shoff. Three key individuals whom I wanted to specifically thank for their years of hard work, dedication and volunteering.
Friday night's Committee awards went very well, at least I think so, and we had some fun doing 'Lets Make a Rubithon Deal' before handing out 30' snatch straps to all whom had volunteered two or more years. For those 1st time volunteers, your committee sweatshirt will be in the mail.
Marauder Bar... Hey, what goes on at M-bar stays at M-Bar... Too much Fun. and thanks Don for letting me dance with your wife... she is such a sweatheart.
I forgot to announce our horseshoes winners. But why you folks come up to me after the ceremony (and not during the ceremony) still leaves me confounded. I forgot.
The helicopter rides were awesome. I took my first ride after all these years and yes, it was very cool.
'So Jerod, after your first Rubithon, what do you think? Are you coming back??' ... 'No.'
With Sincere Appreciation -- To Todd Kaderabek, without a doubt one of the strongest driving forces for me behind Rubithon, (and many other TLCA events I am involved with) for all these so many years. Thank you so very much Todd, and being to express that appreciation at the event itself was priceless.
Rising Sun - all the way out here this year in force with custom shirts. Having you folks attend also added to the atmosphere of this years event. We are all so glad you attended and had a great time. and don't fret that knuckle studs Chris, it is all part of the adventure. Although I have no idea where the notion that cheesehead and I look the same (however, he is a handsome guy).
My Heroes? There are many... but it has to be Bill Jackson and the knorr Brothers... Trail committee on Thursday, Breakfast committee all day Saturday, working Cadillac Hill all day Sunday. I doubt anyone on committee gives more to this event than you guys do. Thank you so very much and I promise to some how, some way make it up to you.
And the most unplanned, spontaneous event... when we acknowledged our active service men who were present at Rubithon (with some returning to foreign nations soon). The standing ovation and applause given by everyone present gave me goose bumps and brought a tear to me eye. Thank you and return home safe!
those are just a few highlights from me...
