Midwest Owners,
I know this is premature, but too much going on this winter, so it is done real early. Whew....Ok, this is what Chris and I have come up for Midwest Xterra Gathering. Some things may change a bit ,but is the core of it.
We are still working on the itinerary that will be worked out shortly. All the information on campgrounds, lodging, and the area is there for you to go over.

Thank you, Dan

Midwest Xterra Gathering 04'
May 6th to 9th

After old man winter lets go of the northwoods, the MadcityXOC annually heads north for some much needed wheeling, camping (or lodging), and beers by the campfire. There are three main reasons we head up this time of year, no tourist, the Wisconsin blood sucking state bird is not out, and we have the trails to ourselves!

In a past thread on XOC Midwest forum some X'ers expressed it would be great to have a Midwest Gathering. This would unite the Midwest Owners and hopefully begin an annually event for Midwest Owners to gather in the Midwest. We are inviting all Midwest Owners and their families to our playground for just that purpose. We have set the dates as 6 though the 9th. To extend this longer, I will be heading north on the 5th, I have to make what I missed last Fall. Anyone is more than welcome to join me just outside Milwaukee for the trek north, for some early wheeling and camping. Remember, "It is better to be lost in the woods, than found at home!"

In the following pages you will find information you need on this gathering. If not, please contact us on any additional information you may need.

Dan - MadcityXOC Member (aka Excelagator on XOC Board)
Chris - MadcityXOC Pres. (aka Maximusdelirious on XOC Board)


Chequamegon National Forest

The Chequamegon National Forest is a special place of the northwoods. Offering you the wild and scenic wonders of its diverse landscapes. Totaling nearly 850,000 acres, the CNF was formed by ice age glaciers that sculpted the land surface. Planning off hilltops and producing small lakes from the huge blocks of melting ice left in the retreating glacier's path. Explore the forest for an endless variety of trails and recreational experiences it has to offer.

The Chequamegon National Forest offers all types of offroading to do. Everything from logging roads, to technical trails. In our trips to there, we have only scratched the surface and continue to find more and more challenging trails. The wheeling we have done and do in this area is legal. The rangers are more than happy to tell where to get your X dirty!

Background - Chequamegon is pronounced SHO-WAH-MA-GON, the name is derived from the Ojibwa Indian language and means"place of shallow water". The reference is to Chequamegon Bay which extends north from Ashland, Wisconsin into Lake Superior

Camping, Lodging and Provisions

- Two Lakes National Campground
North of Cable is Two Lakes National Campground. It lays in between Two Lakes, hence the name. The facilities are limited, but quite beautiful views from what I gather. So well worth the stay. These campgrounds fill up fast so reserve early.

- KOA of Hayward
We had the campgrounds much to ourselves this time last year. It is not your typical KOA , the campgrounds are set in a established tree farm. They have showers, a laundry room, and a small store for provisions if needed. The campsites range from tent sites to full hooks for campers. They also have small cabins available if that is your preference.

- Lodging
In Seeley there is a rustic looking lodge called, Lenroot Lodge. Built in the 1930s as a one room school, now converted into a lodge. The Lodge's exterior features recycled material including huge log columns rescued from blow-down areas, heavy beams from the town's former garage and telephone poles that now serve as handrails. Great find guys!

. Provisions
Hayward and Cable is best place for gas, food, and BEER!! Hayward does have a Wal-mart if you forgot something…like your tent, or your toothbrush.

Camping, Lodging and Provisions Links & Phone Numbers

Two Lakes Campground http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/wi/twol/newindex.html

Hayward Ranger Station Number 715-634-4821

•KOA of Hayward http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/wi/49146.htm

•KOA of Hayward Email www.winkles@hotmail.com

•KOA Phone number 715-634-2331

•Lenroot Lodge http://www.seeleywis.com/lenroot.htm

•Hayward Chamber of Commerce http://haywardlakes.com

Chequamegon National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/

Map of Chequamegon National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/general/onlinemap/index.html

"Hotspots" in the area

Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association
Camba is the local Mountain bike club. They maintain over 300 miles of trails. They vary from dual track to single track, easy to difficult. Some of the best trails in the midwest are here. You can also hike these trails. The maps are updated more regularly than Wisconsin topo maps. Camba maps are $5 and available online and at New Moon Bike shop on the northside of Hayward on Hwy 63. We found these maps are great for wheeling also.
Camba http://www.cambatrails.org/
New Moon Bike Shop http://www.newmoonski.com/

Town of Seeley
If drive by it and blink, I'll miss it. The Sawmill Saloon is small bar in the northwoods. They also serve breakfast at 7am if you didn't go home! Mooselips Java Joint would a good place for coffee, if you didn't go home! Man, what would your mother say?
Sawmill Saloon http://www.seeleywis.com/saloon.htm
Mooselips Java Joint http://www.seeleywis.com/mooselips.htm

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
Located in Hayward. If you fish this is a must see for the fisherman
http://www.freshwater-fishing.org

Points of Interest Along The Trek North

Taliesin - Frank Lloyd Wright's home/school just outside Madison in Spring Green.
Link http://www.taliesinpreservation.org

Leinenkugels - Makers of the beer of the Northwoods located in Eau Claire. Free tours and samples. "free beer"
Link http://www.leinie.com/

Wisconsin Travel Great for current weather, road conditions, coupons and other interest around the cheese state
• Link http://www.wistravel.com

Precautions

In Wisconsin We say, “ If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!” We had great weather for last year's gathering than we could hoped for. Just be prepared for what Wisconsin weather can bring, especially when camping.

Temps for Cable in May http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/daily/USWI0108?climoMonth=5
Temps for Hayward in May http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/daily/USWI0310?climoMonth=5

Please use caution driving in Northern Wisconsin at night. Deer are all over the place like grass on a lawn! Last year, We counted 20 plus deer in two miles after some night wheeling. Reducing speed at night is a must and extra lights are helpful.

Black Bears can be found here. In fact, the worlds record for the largest Black Bear killed was in Glidden, Wisconsin. We have never seen or had a black bear come into our camp on our trips. When camping do not store food in your tent. Rather hoist it in a tree branch with a rope. Another thing is make sure you clean up well after cooking, so there is no remains of food or smell in your camp or on you. Also, If you have to come across a mother and cubs this is not a photo op! Any bear mothering her cubs is the worst situation you could be in. Strange noises to them will help keep them away from you and your camp. Just as a precaution, be aware of your surroundings in the forest.

Xtra Xterra Equipment

A stock X can easily do 99% of trails. Here is a list of things at a bare mininium traveling offroad there. Also below is a optional list.

Should have List
- Full tank of gas before heading out
- FRS Radio ( channel 10 )
- A good tow strap
- A cooler for drinks and lunch - Micky Ds and Subway is a bit of a distance away.

Optional things

- Remove the stock steprails and mudflaps - Better safe than sorry!
- Tools that you think you may need

Da bump bump!!

I just bumped this to stay at the top of the list all the time.... and Dan everything looks good!

Erik

Thanks EAP! We be the will doing the itinerary the next couple of weeks. I do have some suggestions for outdoor activites like hiking, mountain biking, and maybe get togethers for dinner and or saloon. Any good suggestions will added. Also the itinerary is just an outline. We will not punish anyone too badly not following the itinerary J/K
Dan

good luck. When WestX was first starting it was originaly named "GOX West" but some members freak(understatement)

more power to you. Have fun.

Thanks for the info If some of the members "freak" we can rename it.
Dan

LOL, thats what happened to me... it was easier to rename it.

Hmmmm...

Why would anyone pitch a fit over using GOX in another X gathering? Does Ian have GOX copyrighted or patented? Jeep Jamborees(sp?) are all called the same thing, why can't a Gathering of Xterras be called the same thing? Just seems kind of silly to me...

If you haven't heard from Mr. Firth yet, I would guess he just doesn't care.
But can we change the name to GONE? Gathering Of Nissan Enthusiasts(sp?)
That way I (who likes Nissans) can show up and not feel bad about wheeling with you guys.

I could see if it was just GOX, but Midwest GOX is another. I could also see if we were charging for this, but we are not. If they freak, we can change the name to:

"GONE Northwoods"
"The Reckoning of Xterras" - ROX or TROX

BN300 I don't see a problem with you coming, no matter what the name is. I also don't see a problem a few coming that do not have an X. We regularly wheel with Jeeps, a Trick Liberty, and Tacomas.

BTW, If anyone uses ROX or TROX for an Xterra event. They owe me $5 per head per event all payable in small bills!

If you want to make a GONE event, I would recommend contacting Steve Kramer at CALMINI.

I didn't have an issue with GOX West originally, and even made graphics for it, but after more thought it seemed better that it be renamed.

Jeep Jamborees are all named the same because they are hosted by Jeep. GOX is GOX because I host it. GONE is GONE because CALMINI hosts it.

You may want to consider an original name though, so as not to confuse people. Maybe Great Lakes Xterra Gathering or something, because the event is really a long way from the mid-West.

True that. In the end, all any of us want to do is go wheeling, meet people, and maybe have a beer.
Forget about the name thing, just tell me where to be and when.
I'll be there. Might even be able to drag along a white and a yellow X.

OK so I am going to step up on my professional soap box. Here are my credentials... I have a BA in Geography and worked for Rand McNally in the Digital Cartography department for over 4 years so I think I can speak in certainty and say that Wisconsin is part of the Midwest. If it wasn't then we have to rename our club as well as the conventional understanding of what and where the Midwest is. Just check any dictionary...

As for the name, who cares, I think since Dan and Chris are putting this together they get to name it. Just make it sound cool!

lol, funny but it was Ian who suggested it.

even made a logo for it.

it was "hardcore" purists that said "it spoils everything that is 'gox' to have it diluted into regional events"

------edited to add------

ok that'll teach me to read more of the thread before responding.

good luck guys

Ah righty then.. We will not use GOX or GONE since that might confuse some. We really can not use Great Lakes Gathering, that covers too much area east. We have the following names:

ROX Reckoning Of Xterras
TROX The Reckoning Of Xterras
GOMX Gathering Of Midwest Xterras
MWXG Midwest Xterras Gathering

Hey guys vote for one, or come up with one. I am up for it?
Dan

I like the last two. As for the acronymn, I like keeping it to 3 letters, so I would suggest making the last one MXG. Just my .02....

Well it is changed to Midwest Xterra Gathering, MXG for short. I guess it was up to us to decide the name, Erik! I guess some of the MadcityXOC are . Maybe Mr. Ian could be so kind to give us our own forum for this gathering like the others??
Dan

XOC would do it; just send him a PM and let him know. Not so sure if he reads this forum.

He already replied once so I imagine he does

Sounds like a good idea. I love the nrthern part of Wisconsin. I will have to see if I

1) Still have the Xterra then (rubicon is yelling my name)
2) What plans are for that weekend as the time grows near.

Paul,
The itinerary is still in the rough stages and may change. This is what we have.

Thursday - wheeling

Thursday night - Heat & Meet
Meet at a campsite (TBA) everyone warm up cook your food, warm up and meet everyone campfire style.

Friday - Road trip to Apostle Islands area. really cool area of the northwoods on Lake Superior, It is like the "Florida Keys meet the Northwoods" Do some wheeling in the northern most region of CNF. Stop at "Deep Waters" for dinner in Ashland. Below are some links on the area.

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center www.northerngreatlakescenter.org/
Bayfield www.Bayfield.org
Apostle Islands http://www.nps.gov/apis/
Madeline Island Ferry http://madferry.com/ferryschedule.html
Madeline Island http://www.madelineisland.com/indexf.htm
An insight to Ashland's past http://www.jsonline.com/dd/destwis/oct02/85482.asp

Saturday - wheeling
Saturday Night - TBA

Sunday - wheeling

I also have some "wacked awards for the weekend", a driving test to get your co-pilot involved, and maybe a scenvenger(spelled wrong, I know) hunt planned just to break things up a bit. I am also working a getting some door prizes, hopefully!
Yes, when I go north, I usually do not what to come back! I almost moved to the Ashland area, We pasted it due to the our kids in pretty good schools here. BTW, you are more than welcome to bring a jeep, if that is what you will have then.

If anyone has a GPS we could look into doing some geocaching. I have yet to do one and I really would like to try do some if possible when we are up there!

Good idea! DOH! Some of us have them. I have a GPS and never done one. What do we need???
Dan

I've planted several caches and I've found several as well. Its a hoot...

To PLANT a cache:
1. You need a good WEATHERPROOF container (no tupperware). We're talking about a 5 gallon bucket with a good screw down lid with an o-ring or gasket. Snow and Ice are very destructive to most containers.

2. You need "stuff" to put in the cache. My thinking is, the more remote and harder to find, the better the stuff inside the cache should be. Good things are: shot glasses, decks of cards, scratch tickets, starbucks gift cards worth 5-10 dollars, etc. Bad things include McDonald's happy meal toys, food of any kind (bears WILL rip apart a cache for potato chips), hard candy, candles (they melt), etc.

3. You'll need a spiral notebook and a pencil (complete with a small pencil sharpener) so people can log their visits. some folks put a disposable camera in there and ask visitors to snap a pic of themselves. A year later, its fun to develop the film and see who's been by.

4. Mark the spot with your GPS and log it into the Geocaching.com website! you'll get an e-mail anytime anyone visits the site.

To find caches, all you need to do is go to the Geocaching.com website and do a search of caches located within a 25 mile radius of the zip code you'll be staying in. Write down the locations, enter them into your GPS, and go hunting.

Hope that helps.

Looks like PNUTMNM has just volunteered to be the Geocaching guide for the MXG.