Rubithon 2009

[Cruiserdrew]

It's impossible to describe all the good times had during Rubithon week, but here are some highlihgts:

-My son Jeff made his probable last appearence at Rubithon. He starts college in the fall and will likely have better things to do next summer. He and I have done every Rubithon together since 2001.

-We had an outstanding group of individuals on the wagon run. Good thing since we had 18 trucks! Everyone was compatable and the rigs were well prepared. The only breakage was a broken rear axle on one FJ60 quickly repaired by the owner and Robbie Antonson.

-The Oregon guys. A cool group of 3 Cascade Cruisers came down-Boots4, Port62, and Dirtgypsy. They brought wives, dogs, brothers-in-law and a great attitude. All 3 trucks got basically no damage-I could not believe it! Oh yeah-Boot's build thread is outstanding and so is his truck.

-Cruiserdan came within a hair of flipping over my FJ40 at the top of big sluice. I hope someone puts that picture up.

-Weather....Interesting that every day it looked like it was going to rain, and every day it held off. Cold, though, for Rubithon.

-The reverse run was awesome. We had a small group of trucks and ran the whole trail in reverse before the start of the Rubithon event. This has been a tradition the last 4-5 years and always a great adventure.

-Beno does not remember the events that transpired at Buck Island Lake, and I think that's best. It involved mud, rock, and lots of tequila. No driving, fortunately.



Thanks to Tony and Cindy for an outstanding event. I'll look forward to next year.

 

[green73]

There was a a few of us that left at 7am just before the Wagon Group on Saturday morning. When we got to the parking lot there was a ton of G-Wagons and Mogs. We were thinking that would make for some interesting traffic for anyone exiting through Cadillac Hill. Anyone know how that went?

 

[TRT2]

that group only went to the lookout...

 

[OGBeno]

-Cruiserdan came within a hair of flipping over my FJ40 at the top of big sluice. I hope someone puts that picture up.

You mean these?

 

[FJ40_owner]

My apologies to the person I was short with operating the radio link Saturday night. My diabetic blood sugar was <35 and I was running on fumes.

If anyone would like a refresher on using the radio link I would be happy to help.

BigJim

 

[PKP80]

Thank you to Tony and everyone for making this event possible and to all of the sponsors who stepped it up despite the harder economic times. I look forward to hopefully being able to make it next year.

 

[wagon4wd]

There was a a few of us that left at 7am just before the Wagon Group on Saturday morning. When we got to the parking lot there was a ton of G-Wagons and Mogs. We were thinking that would make for some interesting traffic for anyone exiting through Cadillac Hill. Anyone know how that went?

Wasn't really a problem for me, I pulled over for them after the observation point. They didn't seem to be in a big hurry.

The biggest problem is I couldn't stop drooling over the white U1250 doka. If he took that thing down cadillac, I want to see pictures.

 

[wagon4wd]

wagon4wd - Kevin? Thanks again for the option of the air up, but we filled up at a gas station and made it home safe too. I'm glad you guys had such a good experience. I've always had a good time too. It sure does seem to go fast though, doesn't it. Good meeting you guys, even though you were in a Jeep! Excellent driving by the way...

You're welcome and thanks.

It was nice to meet and hang out with you guys/gal.....

Next year you'll come with a Toyota right?

Absolutely

 

[cruiserdan]

You mean these?

When is a flop a flop?

It was on it's side, against a rock, which prevented further tippage. I think that is fairly close.

Andy hinted that he might be thinking of selling it and I almost bought it from him right there....

Last year I swore once was enough but my memory faded and we went back. Sarah drove her truck again and came through with a wacked tierod (like last year) and the same dent on the passenger dog-leg as last year, at the same part of the trail. Her rear pinion seal also surrendered to the muddy water crossings above Cadillac Hill.

My thanks to Andy, Tom F, Alvaro, David, Jeff P, Robby, Chris G, Beno, Rick C and everyone else I did not mention.

D-

 

[wagon4wd]

When is a flop a flop?

I think that's a question best left for BK.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

When is a flop a flop?

It was on it's side, against a rock, which prevented further tippage. I think that is fairly close.

I don't think it's a flop when you can drive out of it. So in this case, only a flopetta.

 

[wapitidon]

Kevin? sounds like you might have been in the wagon right behind me coming up the hill. I was in the little blue 40 with my daughter. Hope you were ok coming around the turn. thought about it driving home and realized I should have stayed back closer to the rocks before I stopped. You seemed to do fine cruising up the 2nd half to the lookout.

The Mogs are just another part of the entertainment

 

[OGBeno]

Andy hinted that he might be thinking of selling it and I almost bought it from him right there....

And Andy and I were laughing the entire time--though I did see some green bills in Andy's eyes as you tipped further towards a new-to-you FJ40

 

[wagon4wd]

Is there a pics/video/tall stories thread up yet? I need mah fix! Glad to hear it went well, hopefully I can try again to make it next year.

Check out the 60 series rubithon thread under the 60 forum. One of the Oregonians (Clint?) posted up a BUNCH of pics.

Kevin? sounds like you might have been in the wagon right behind me coming up the hill. I was in the little blue 40 with my daughter. Hope you were ok coming around the turn. thought about it driving home and realized I should have stayed back closer to the rocks before I stopped. You seemed to do fine cruising up the 2nd half to the lookout.

The Mogs are just another part of the entertainment

Yup, I was the cherokee. Guess I've been outed. No worries, you were plenty close enough. Just close enough for me to follow your lines and stay out of trouble

 

[woooody]

Just wanted to post up a short THANKS to all of the Kitchen Crew that helped yet again. They are the reason things turn out the way they do. I think this was the least stressed I've ever been for the dinner. Lower numbers helped that, but even if we did have more to feed it would have been OK.

I suspect a number of people missed dinner, but we had plenty of food.

Thanks to (in no particular order):
Jim Job and Teri Henli
Glenn White and Clinton
Bill Jackson
The Knorr Brothers
Pighead (Greg - I can bring your stuff to the Swap Meet)
Rick Dias
Dion Mattei and Spencer
Mr Manny
Mudrak
Yodaman (Larry)
Jim Job's buddy Mike (from Windsor)
Roger Taylor and Tim Werher

I know I missed one or two... But without all of you, it never happens!

 

[Dunkane]

Sad to not be with you this time...i've read you had a lot of fun , hope everything was good

special message to the norcal wagon team , andy, alvaro, samy and all the others , i hope to be with you in november for the surf N turf, really ...else i'll try to participate to the next Rubithon...in 2010 with maybe my own car ? (i can dream..it's...expensive without sponsoring..but one day... one day i'll make it !!!!!)

argggghhh lucky guys !!!
Prenez soin de vous les mecs !

 

[bkcruiser]

When is a flop a flop?


D-

In my mind ( whats left of it ).

A flop is when your rig has fallen to one side far enough to need outside assistance to be righted. It's not a flop if you are still moving or can drive out of it

 

[Pighead]

A flop is when your rig has fallen to one side far enough to need outside assistance to be righted. It's not a flop if you are still moving or can drive out of it

The master has spoken.

 

[cruiserdan]

In my mind ( whats left of it ).

It's not a flop if you are still moving or can drive out of it

OK then, I'm still flop-free...............

 

[FRIZZLEFRY]

In my mind ( whats left of it ).

A flop is when your rig has fallen to one side far enough to need outside assistance to be righted. It's not a flop if you are still moving or can drive out of it

Cool!

Then I didnt flop three times at the bottom of Cadillac Friday night

I cant begin to say how awsome this event was and how way beyond cool everyone was!I didnt know anyone before going on this run and was a little worried.But I met alot of great people and made alot of new friends!This was my first Rubithon and first all Toyota event ever and I hope to be back next year.

A huge thank you to the TLCA and all its members and sponsorers who made this event come together

And a special thanks to Andy for putting up with me and my fat pig on the trail for three days ;p

And to Pighead,
Nice Jeep