Some thought's:

So are you saying that anything that can't take place with your exclusive knowledge won't take place at all? I thought there were 10,000 members on this board. Are none of them qualified/willing/able to assist?

I'm sure that gone will be an awesome event, but GOX was the only national Xterra event out there.

You said that nobody else has Ian's knowledge of CO in conjunction with experience planning these things. Probably true. However, I don't see the word "Colorado" anywhere in the GOX acronym. So I guess I don't understand why that would be the issue. There are thousands of miles of 4wd trails in California, Montana, Idaho and other states. Perhaps it's worth taking a look at.

I haven't been able to attend a national Xterra or Nissan event yet, but want to soon.

I don't see why, if there's interest, that an event would not take place. That is the MOST difficult part about getting an event together. If GOX just goes away, Ian's years of work getting people interested GOX just goes to waste.

If resources are a problem, maybe it would be helpful to re-open supporting memberships. There are a lot of people out there who would be willing to pay.

Dunno, I just don't want to see a good thing end.

Without Ian, GOX wouldn't be GOX. It was his event.

Having another event like GOX isn't a bad idea, but it wouldn't have anything to do with the original.

Using the same name would be pretty dumb too since it has nothing to do with Ian.

The toughest part about putting on an event like GOX (traditional or Colorado crossing version) is the unbelievable amount of time spent planning, organizing, and executing it. Frankly I think Ian was nuts for doing all of the work he did, but I sure appreciated it. I doubt anyone else is willing to put that much time or effort into something like that. That doesn't mean there can't be larger national events, but they aren't likely to meet the standard Ian set. I also believe GOX is a trademark of Ian's so some other event name would be required.

It is an enormous pain in the ass to do a large event... WestX died because I simply could not devote the time to it and the peopel that could devote the time did not have the same vision with regards to how the event should be handled. Big events only work with one "captain" and that person needs to have an amazing amount of time and patience

I hope someone picks up the reigns of a national event, but to be honest CO and/or moab are the only logical choices and moab already has gone, so CO is left as the only real choice.

It very will could be.

However, he may be willing to let the "Xterra Owner's Club" use it. Who else would have use for it?

Ian built this club. If you all are so concerned about honoring him, then don't let his ideas die, right?

No club keep the same leadership and members forever. It doesn't mean they can't continue to have events.

'

It was his event?

No event is anything without participants.

Ian put a great deal of work and planning into club events. Everybody who has attended XOC events should be thankful for this.

"Using the same name would be pretty dumb too since it has nothing to do with Ian."

GOX has EVERYTHING to do with Ian, regardless of who plans it. He started XOC and GOX. Now that he's gone whatever happens is his legacy.

Does nobody else think this is possible?

Because it is possible and realistic, whether or not it's called GOX, and whether or not you choose to believe it!

I agree that there should be another national Xterra event, though I don't think some one should claim "GOX" as their own.

If you're really serious about it, why don't you start planning it yourself?

Ian and Swampy seem to be the only people that can form large events, ask them for advice.

I agree.

So why are you saying that Ian doesn't want the club he founded to continue the event he founded?

I don't think Ian wants to keep the trademark for himself; it's pretty useless without the club, anyway. We can ask him.

I guess I don't understand why you are trying to "protect" the GOX name. You're not, you're killing it. As far as I'm concerned, Ian invented the event as a long-term club event, not some proprietary trademark he would hold onto long after he left. If that were his intention, why didn't he just delete the GOX forum before he left? While we're on the subject of trademarks, Ian has the trademark for XOC, too. Should we change it's name, too?

Why am I even entertaining this speculation? We can ask him ourselves.....

There is absolutely NO reason to ditch the name "Gathering of Xterras". With Ian's permission, why not keep the name(regardless of whether or not it happens this year).

I think something will rise.

Todrick posted. uh, no. SXFC has 2 huge events a year with the next one Spring Rally coming up in March. We have a Group of Directors that represent the club equalling 7 BOD's. we all make decisions and get input from all of our members which is now 65 active members with dues paid. True it takes a lot of planning and information gathering but, with the amount of members in this club (XOC) should be able to make a national event somewhere. several clubs have yearly events and there is the ECXC, i never did attend GOX as it just never worked out, but i imagine it was fun especially for a flatlander like myself. I do however agree with Jeffw that GOX should continue in some manner, as Camp Jeep, Jeep Jamboree and so on all have founders and continue on. Think about it, how many people have we met due to this vehicle that we never would have met? Does this mean that larger portions of our community should not get a chance to meet because the founder has stepped down? I think Ian would want us all to continue on having fun and being safe while doing so. (why does it seem like he died the way I'm writing this?) Do we need another event? Yes. We are going to be getting a lot more newcomers in the next few months who are going to be reading posts here and asking questions about GOX and Gone Moab. We have a lot of regional clubs in this community that have a lot of knowledge of different areas of the country. Maybe here on XOC we should have a representive from each club that is active and vote on an area to have a national event for the year or multiple events one east of the Mississippi and one west of it. anyways just my .02

Ian gave me ownership of all the XOC GOX etc stuff, trademarks artwork bla bla bla.

Since I can not (at this time) set aside the time to try to put on GOX I do not want it to be directly associated with XOC. Thus I do not want the name used. Nissan has direct referances to it on their website and if I can not set the time to do it as Ian and myself would like it, it aint happening.

If the RMXC wants to have some event in Colorado then have at it. Nothing is stopping you from hosting one.

As of right now, RMXC has no plans of hosting a GOX type event. Even though there has been "campfire" discussions on hosting a GOX type event we have in no way shape or form solidified any ideas or plans. It is premature for anyone in RMXC to distrubute this idea on XOC and I would like for it to cease. If (and this is a BIG if) RMXC decides to host a GOX type event I hope it will be in conjunction with XOC and fellow Xterra clubs.

Thank you.

OK, gotcha.

You just clarified my earlier question.

I just want to make sure that I have everything straight.

You don't want to entertain any ideas of events (not even our club's most famous), unless you personally have the time to take on 100% of the workload and responsibility yourself.

Fair enough, you are the boss.....

Ian to Carlton -

"I have trained you well, Grasshopper."

Actually that was not ians idea.

Carlton got that on his own.

Ians idea was to have one big GOX that he ran with sevral smaller regional GOXs ran by others, he even had logos and everything for GOXwest(which became westX) but everyone on here bitched so it was never done.

:rolleyes:

That and the fact that it sucked :rolleyes:

Comparing WestX with GOX is like comparing a pop warner football game to the Superbowl. about WestX already.

Not what I said but if that is the way you want to take it fine with me.

Edit to add.

I don't give a rats ass if you want to have some national event. Go ahead do one. Having worked with Nissan for years on GOX I am not willing to stick that name on an event being completely done by someone I do not know.

So quit your bitching.. make up some name.. host an event.

Maybe next year there will be more time for me to collaborate with the legitimate board of RMXC to host a "GOX" event.

Whoa!

What bitching?

I just wanted to discuss it.

I thought that was the point of a forum.

I don't even care if there is a national event this year. Most of my camping is done alone. However, I was signed up for GOX (it seemed like a great event) last year, but a family vacation (previously booked) interfered with the dates selected. I was dismayed about not being able to attend, but was happy that many others would be able to......

I've only been a member for about a year (and change). I don't know any of the leadership of XOC or Ian as well as you do. I just wanted to express my opinion about how much of an asset a national, high-profile (thanks to the efforts of Ian and whomever may have assisted him) event may be to this club.

I have tried to be positive and constructive in this matter and only have opposed those who said to "kill" GOX.

I can now see that it was foolhardy for me to approach this issue, and some subjects, if not prohibited, are simply bad taste.

That's it, I will say no more........

Carlton, Vince: I apologize if I offended you.

Hey Jeff. You are more than welcome to come to the swamps down here in March for our Spring Rally. For most it will start on Wed. but for some it starts on a Mon. and lasts till Sunday. Good times, good trails and good friends....really that's what it's all about.

You wonder why not many of our club SXFC post here, not that many here care, but it's the attitude of the few that drive away many people here.

Ego's need to be checked at the door or when you turn your computer on. It's a truck...get over it.

All the "where do we go", "what do we do" talks's . Anyone interested in putting their trucks abilities, as well as their own behind the wheel, to the test should sign on for AZRUN-V. The threads been in other events for 2 months now and almost no interest has been shown. For you old-timers who enjoyed the original events, you might wanna' come down and see our desert...It's being put on by the fine folks at Nissan 4 Wheelers (or SWANKy as we call 'em down here) It's the fifth year for the event and these guys know what their doin'. This should be a trip to remember

gee mike, theres the "no shit" comment of the year...

and we are only in January... you should be proud.

BTW, since you missed the subtlty... that was partly my point... WestX was a bitch. I can not even fathom how much work GOX must have been.

It's been the "no shit" comment for about the last 3 years. Stop whinning about it and it won't be for '06.

Well being relatively new to the boards although I have owned my X for over 4 years, One event that I have always wanted to do was a GOX... But Now I guess I will have to set my sights on the AZ-V runs, and DBAX is right the SWANKY GUYS know their Shit. Its a shame to see that one person can have such a effect on forum/club with as many members on the XOC. Its like the originator sells his truck and the whole event status become non existant. such a shame.

AZ Runs are overland. No cushy motels, etc. to stay in...just what you bring - much like the last year's GOX. We're in our 5th year and average about 20 trucks per year, which is fine with me.

This year nearly every truck on the run has at least one end locked up, so we can step it up a notch. Many are geared and many are SAS'd. There are a couple easy days out of the 6, along with some gnarly ones.

To DBAX's point, no one here has shown any interest in a true hardcore run.

GONEMoab is fun. Carlton will do well with this as long as he doesn't get lost It should be better this year when there aren't thousands of other people out there to share the trails with. My only gripe with moab is that theres only limited places you can camp along the trails...otherwise you're stuck staying back in town. I like roughing it a bit more than that.

AZ-IV was described to me by someone who went as "The best experience of my life". I'd say that's a pretty strong endorsement!

maybe i have been under a rock for some time but what happened to Ian???

Tim

Ian got tired of running the site and is busy with other things..

I (Carlton) took it over.
That is the short version.

That really blows.. this was one event I REALLY wanted to attend. sonofa

really short version

Well- the waypoints that Ian collected are still on the site. I'm sure that you could find an Xterra owner (or a Jeep owner) who'd like to hit these incredible trails again.

Mile-Hi Jeep Club has a large offroading event in Gunnison, CO from July 23-30 this year that looks like a lot of fun. It appears as though they allow any kind of 4wd vehicle. It ain't cheap though and they limit the number of vehicles attending (pre-registered only).

http://www.mhjc.org/calendar.htm

Dave

I know, I know.. I think what some people don't seem to understand is the fact that it was an Xterra event.

I know I'm the minority with my views, especially in SCCX, but part of my attraction twards the X was the X clubs and events, where proud Xterra owners could relate with other proud Xterra owners.

I guess I'm just saying it wouldn't be quite the same.

Nothing against you at all Dave, you are a kick ass person, and I would gladly go wheeling with you anywhere. I'm just pointing out what some people seem to be missing.

Uh, what? The largest national Xterra event is ECXC, has been for a while now. ECXC 2k4 had 53 trucks in the woods last year. This year over 60 people have already signed up and the event was just announced last week. It's called East Coast because that is where it is located, but it is still open to any Xterra owner.

I am sad to see GOX go, and would be willing to do what I can to see it continue on. I know within MAXC there has always been a negative attitude towards GOX, but if I recall properly, our Vice President was there last year, he even left ECXC early to attend! Unfortunately I can't really do much more than give advice in forming events like this, but I'm willing to help the brave sole that steps up and take control.

I've heard lots of people complain about the lack of events out there, but there are very few people out there actually doing anything about it. Instead of complaining about losing GOX, get out there and start a new one. Even if the name has to change, there is no reason GOX's spirit can't live on.

-Michael

Holy Dead Thread Batman!

As a member of the local club that Ian had, and as a friend of Ian personally, this is a dead subject.

A new thread should be started, and let this sleeping dog lie. Getting these feathers ruffled isn't a pretty sight (and any other applicable metaphores).

This is definately the event to be at! I've been twice now and I'm registered for the third!

Michael does a heck of a job! I can't wait!

As an added bonus, you'll get to meet alot of SOXC members!

While I'm sure driving between trees and through mud puddles is fun for you 60-odd people, there's no camparison to driving the slick-rock of MOAB or crossing the Continental Divide at 12k feet+. Your participatory turnouts are obviously due to the fact that there is a higher X ownership population in that area. If wheeling through Jersey was so great, people would refer to it as the "mecca" for 4 wheeling, like MOAB, or the Rockies. Real wheelers I know, have driven from the coast (as you've stated) out to the western events because they know, there is no comparison. Sorry, nice try.

while usually I agree with you, this time I must say you are just following what others state about comparing west to east coast trails. what are we supposed to do? not buy an Xterra or Frontier or Jeep or whatever just because we don't live near Moab or many other locations over there? this is a bs topic and you know it. come over here and try Tellico or Uhwarrie or Paragon, or many other places. yes the mountains are vertically challenged but a 10' hill can still roll an X. Florida we have swamps, mud and sand. nothing I can do about it. sign up for ECXC next year or this one. or attend one of the two big SXFC events like next week and i'll invite you as my guest. don't forget the snorkel though

And the bilge pump. Can't forget that!

Please consider some type of therapy or psycho-evaluation for your own good
Not at all. To me, it's all about the lifestyle. My truck enables me to enjoy the activities I do, go the places I go
Agreed.


Soo true
True, done that too...
I will be going to GONE, and there's plenty to do here locally. With AZXC alone, I'm out at least once a week.. I will look into the ECXC further (no real disrespect intended (Swampwrecker )) and take your offer into consideration . I'll have at the gears at least by then, and I've gotten smart enough to generally avoid snorkel necessity .

i knew you we're just ribbin us Rednecks.

I think you missed my point. JeffW commented that there were no other National Xterra events. I was pointing out that he was missing the largest one, ECXC.

I'm not trying to compare any events against each other. Re-read my post. I made no comparison between the two events or any other events. That's pointless, since we all have the same objective, they are just in different locales.

I put together an event that people enjoy and attend year after year. Many people have attended all 4 and are signed up for the 5th. I live on the east coast so that is where the event is. PA offers the best 4wheeling that our trucks can handle on the East Coast. 4wheeling comes in all flavors. We wheel the terrain available to us. It's not my fault that Moab isn't in PA.

To insult an event because it isn't held at Moab or in the Rockies is pretty immature. So are you saying the Jeep Jamboree held in the New Jersey Pine Barrens or at Paragon AP in PA aren't true Jeep Jamborees because they aren't in Moab? I think there are a lot of Jeepers that would disagree. There are a lot more Jeep Jamborees outside of Moab than in Moab.

Besides, you've never attended ECXC, so you have no basis for comparison. If you are up for the challenge, sign-up and come out.

-Michael

Dbax,
You should try some east coast trails (if you havent already) ECXC offers some of the best wheeling on the east coast. Totally different from the Slick rock of Moab. GoneMoab last year was great and I wish my clutch would have permitted me to run more trails.
It was weird offroading and actually having traction.
We're not used to traction while rock crawling on the east coast.

It's what we've got to do
Meh :rolleyes: don't sweat it..

Said it and I meant it .

For me it's easy, Arizona has a neverending array of offroad recreational challenges. Just like you said, all the flavors you like The bitch is, there're Utah and Colorado due north, and the California coast just hours away. While I agree the Eastern United States are beautiful country, and something to be proud of, there's nothing like wheeling in the great West. Hoo-Ah!



Edit to add-
JeffW's a dork .

Hi Ken
I will, I will.

Hey Dan.
How's Shoki?

Doing great, he's "blowing his coat" right now. It's a ceaseless fight against the evil of hairballs..

Haha kool. He's such an awesome dog. I hope you have black carpets at your place. Thats gotta suck to clean up. My little terrors are doing well, (Soco and Jack Daniels).

I think we're a wee bit off-topic.. LOL

Black Carpet?
No.
I don't know if you can tell, but the Vacuum is stuffed full with just hatir from between 3:30 and 7:30 today. One shedding season (which they do twice a year ) I stuffed nine (9) brown paper bags with hair from that dog.

Dan. give us about 2 weeks so you can see us u-boat commanders in action as our 7 day Spring Rally kicks off next monday at Osceola National Forest here in Florida. Myself, i don't do to well on off-camber situations, i'm getting better though. to use to the flat lands down here. hope to see some of you guys out here someday, really look into Paragon, Tellico or Uhwarrie and read up on the trails there.

That sux!!
You can always shave him. He'd probably lose like 20lbs easily too just from the fur.

They say 2 of 5 "double-coated" dogs coats won't grow back in properly if you shave them . I looked into it as, well, as having an Akita in Arizona could be misconstrued as some type of animal cruelty I just keep him happy by getting into the mountains as often as possible. To stay on topic, there are mountains upwards of 12k here, and with all the rain as of late, the terrain is constantly changing. See my pics in AZXC from last weekend . Headed to Sedona this weekend for some more of that slick rock too

Get lots of Video of that Spring Rally too! Wanna' see that for sure!

Is that so wrong?

that was ME!!! although that comment did come from a pathfinder owner :p

I have always been curious about GOX and really admired it's last style which was similar to the AZ runs. I have no words to describe the way the AZ run had effected me other than I literaly plan my year around it. (ONLY 5 days and we are GONE!) The mexico donation trip was a very very very close second.

Just to throw some kinling into a burned down fire...

a quick search of the US Patent & Trademark Office shows no references to "GOX", "Gathering of Xterras". It's not trademarked...

Ok. Discuss:

You don't own an Xterra yet you spend alot of time here on the Xterra board..

OK. Discuss.

It does not have to be registered with the trademark office to be protected.

I think porsche's posts are just more controversial...he only has 450 posts.. heck I have more posts and I don't own an Xterra

Ken's already left for Rally. I'm leaving today. If there is one thing we always end up with, it is tons of video.

Myself, I'm looking forward to my first real 4x4 trip.

Plenty of pics to follow, I'm sure.

Re: the dog. I thought we were busy chasing fur around the house with one dog and three cats. I think our central vacuum system would have been toast by now if we had your dog.

Yes, and no. It would be protected in Colorado, since that's where it's been used before, if it's an unregistered trademark. However, technically, it could be used in all other 49 states, by anyone that wants to use it, without any permission from the XOC, or you.

http://profs.lp.findlaw.com/patents/patents_2.html

I'm just suggesting you register the trademark, before some joker comes along in a few years, realizes it's not registered, and nabs it up. Hell, I'll even donate to help pay for the registration, if you'd like.

Really, I'm not a completely bad person...

(BTW, I hang out on this site, because I have a Frontier, and the D22 Chasis frontier and WD22 chasis Xterra are virtually the same, except for the body parts. I also would like to buy a WD22 Xterra in the future, when I can convince the woman to drive one... She won't right now; she wants a 350z. If it's a problem for you, to have me around, then just say so, ban me, and get it over with. Otherwise, just quit your bitching...)

Like what?

....

Since we're bringing up dead topics...

That article is not correct. A registered trademark is protected nationwide, not just geographically. The Lanham Act provides nationwide protection. Unregistered marks are protected, too. The only difference is that Ian/Carlton could not bring a lawsuit up without registration. (So in effect, yes someone *could* use it without permission.) The fact that it has been used for the actual event would preclude someone else from trying to snag it on their own.

*however* - with GOX not happening, one could argue abandonment of the trademark.

OK, I'll run GOOX.

Great Outing Of Xterras.