Rubithon 2010

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I remember, back in '05...looking at the clouds over the hills to the East of Sac, thinking that those fools on the Rubithon must be having a terrible time with the weather. So I thought long and hard about signing up for this one. I don't particularly care for snowwheeling or snowcamping. It's cold, it's slow and it burns gas real fast. The Rubicon is hard enough on a good day with perfect weather.
So I'm looking at this Rubithon as serious wheeling, not the week-long party I'm used to. Going light on the luxury items, heavy on the survival gear. I've asked GF (and her little dog, Toto, too) to stay at home. I waited 'till the last minute, but my app is in the mail. If this check don't bounce, I'll be in the Wednesday Wagonrun.
And I've got an open seat if you think you're tough enough.
No matter the weather, I still think a bloody Mary bar is a good idea.
I don't know how far in we'll get, don't know which way we're getting out.
Sounds like more of a challenge than usual, I'll just try to be ready.
 
I remember, back in '05...looking at the clouds over the hills to the East of Sac, thinking that those fools on the Rubithon must be having a terrible time with the weather. So I thought long and hard about signing up for this one. I don't particularly care for snowwheeling or snowcamping. It's cold, it's slow and it burns gas real fast. The Rubicon is hard enough on a good day with perfect weather.
So I'm looking at this Rubithon as serious wheeling, not the week-long party I'm used to. Going light on the luxury items, heavy on the survival gear. I've asked GF (and her little dog, Toto, too) to stay at home. I waited 'till the last minute, but my app is in the mail. If this check don't bounce, I'll be in the Wednesday Wagonrun.
And I've got an open seat if you think you're tough enough.
No matter the weather, I still think a bloody Mary bar is a good idea.
I don't know how far in we'll get, don't know which way we're getting out.
Sounds like more of a challenge than usual, I'll just try to be ready.

This is my take as well. I am going up Sunday and checking out the Tahoe side, and if impassable, swinging around to the Loon side and heading into at least Little Sluice and then back out to get the Wagon Run on Wednesday. It could be a very interesting time, or it could be far better than we expect given how warm it is now.

A good attitude and a willingness to roll with the punches will go a long way this year.

Bring bug spray--lots and lots of bug spray.
 
Status as of 6/1 - no meals, no frills.

Rubithon attendees, Trail committee and other interested folks...

Rubithon will occur this snowy year with changes!

There will be no meals provided. There will still be a raffle.
Friday night will see Raffle and M-Bar (if we have the bar, still need to confirm).
This will allow Saturday and Sunday to exit back via Loon Lake, or hearty enthusiasts can tackle the unknown Tahoe side (Rubithon Donner Party).

After reviewing the current snow conditions, the long term weather forecast and polling many interested and experienced folks, Rubithon will go on but not as originally planned.

I am also offering full refunds to anyone interested. I will also be reducing the price of this years event to acknowledge the loss of meals.

Inexperienced drivers are encouraged to pass on this years event... I'd rather you attend when you can fully enjoy Rubithon, and the Rubicon Trail.

I will be setting up a conference call for Trail Committee to discuss, and I or trail leads will be contacting all registered participants.

So... Yes, we having Rubithon! No, we are not providing any frills and only focusing on hosting the raffle.

Thank you!

Tony Twiddy
Rubithon Chairman
 
Hey -- Maybe we should have the 1st annual Rubithon Pot luck after the raffle? Bring your own Meat?

Just a thought
 
Phil had suggested each formal group arrange their own pot luck...

the issue obviously is safely accessing the springs with the Mog. At this time, we just don't see it.

***


Nevermind.
 
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yikes !!

Now let me really razzle you...

turns out I have two weekend options in August that we could postpone to. ????

Man thats not good ! vacations are set in stone ! what ever you decide Tony , I support you !
 
Your vacation dates are solid Knorr Bros... as stated before, no postpone.


Phone calls are happening right now...
 
Thanks for the call Tony. I really want to go and to be honest the harsh conditions are something that makes it sound all that much more desirable to me. This could be one of those epic adventures in life. However, I'm not traveling alone so I'll have to see what the group wants to do.
 
hearty enthusiasts can tackle the unknown Tahoe side (Rubithon Donner Party).


Thank you!

Tony Twiddy
Rubithon Chairman

Tony, are you saying I can lead a run this year? :-)
 
Tony, are you saying I can lead a run this year? :-)


sure, let's all play follow-the-leader with BK....

"OK everybody, flop on your driver side!"
 
i'll be there leading my group thru as usual if this does happen.


however, i do have some concerns.

1) nobody has made it tothe springs yet, not even buck for that matter.
2) water depth in the flat section before the springs?
3) vehicle parking at loon?

my concerns are not with the experienced drivers and well set-up rigs but with the newbies and most of the wagons. even if they make it to the springs, will they be able to get out on their own? there's going to be a ton of winching going on, which usually leads to more injuries........so i'd expect lots of trail plugs and very few chances of getting around them safely; either to help with the extraction or to get rigs thru so they can continue on.
are the rangers going to be cool with tow-rigs being parked in areas where they normally would'nt; assuming that the road to the spill-way will not be open yet? i doubt icehouse resort will be open?!
not trying to shut this gig down, just voicing my concerns.

maybe the raffle could be held in a location that's more easily accessible for everybody there?!

no biggie on the food although i will miss the tri-tip. group pot-luck style grub sounds like a solid alternative.

see you guys in two weeks.

georg
 
valid points Georg.

I do believe much of the trail head area will be clear, but I have been recommending folks pay a few bucks and park at Ice House. Folks camping at the trail head need to also be careful. Suggest entering the trail and camping right along trail, immediately after trail head.

Because no one has made it yet is why I am offering full refunds.
I am also encourage novice or Rubicon newbies to skip this year and come next year.

I am also hoping our trail leaders will help escort their groups back out to loon. If the trail leader is not heading to loon, these folks should be able to jump in with another group. Again, most folks coming are experienced.



as noted, no guarantees, no idea what this will turn out to be.

refunds available.

Phone calls have been made thru the S's. I did call Eric due to the distance he is traveling. I have not called any trail committee... as noted, they are experienced and most likely coming in regardless.

Another reason we want to host some type of event is to help the rock bucket brigade in moving materials. TLCA will also be pushing a work weekend later this summer (details still being developed).

There is only one regular membership person whom I did not call and offer a refund... that poncho wearing bandito. I absolutely need him to be present this year after missing last year.
 
my concerns are not with the experienced drivers and well set-up rigs but with the newbies and most of the wagons...
georg


Chopped for clarity.


Snifff..wagons have feelings too...Sniff :crybaby:


I just have to say this: There has been plenty of talk over the years about how the wagons are slow and will hold people up or be trail plugs. It hurts me because it's unfounded. Also, because it is a possibility, that is the reason I have asked Tony to let the wagons go on Wednesday, since most of the participants in a real hurry are on Thursday and Friday runs.

The objective reality is that the wagons have never held anyone up, have always arrived to Buck Island and the springs earlier than expected, and have not yet caused a "trail plug". In fact most trail plugs are FJ40s that break pinions, or poorly maintained rigs that shear knuckle studs.

In fact, for such a large run, the wagons have done exceptionally well with minimal breakage. Like anyone from insanely built 40s, to cobbled together minitrucks, breakage can, and will happen. It's the nature of it. Just don't single out wagons, it's undeserved.

I think this year will be a challenge for everyone. I also think it's time to.....

End wagon racism now!


:grinpimp:
 
Ice House is open and has room available as well as parking

I talked to Julie at Ice House Resort this morning. She indicated they are open and will have room for trailer parking etc. No snow there ....

Nocent
Don Burkard
 

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