Looking to make requests for vacation time during 2004 and I would like to know if the discussion/thoughts are to hold this during Easter week or pull to a less expensive week.

Todd

Ya, less expensive ...less crowded... sweet!

I'll put in my vote for sometime other than during Easter Jeep Safari.

Well the official RR4W Easter Jeep Safari is April 3 - 11, 2004.

I've enjoyed visiting Moab in early spring; the times I've been in early Sept & Oct have also been nice.

I think the original GONE creator; CALMINI wanted the event to revolve around the Safari since they were going to be there anyway.

Maybe we could hold the gathering at least part of the week prior to the Safari with a slight overlap say March 31st – April 6th ? This way things will be less crowded, accommodations cheaper (usually go up mid week), sponsors still kill two bids with one trip, and those that want to can stick around for the show.

Brian

The week after may also be a good time, since all the trails are clearly marked with black rubber

Starting on the 8th allows people to still visit the EJS show at the rodeo grounds and watch Big Saturday.

Add another to the week after EJS.

My vote is for the week before EJS. The trade show and Big Saturday are great but the worst sort of people show up Friday and Saturday (and spend Sunday puking in the streets).

I like the idea of some type of overlap with EJS. That way we get to experience some of the big event feel (vendor show, potato salad hill, etc…), and some of our own event feel (not having to weave every one of our runs around EJS).
I vote for the latter part of EJS week with the following week, 8th to the 14th or 15th.

Doug

The official date will be during EJS. The vendors who support goneMOAB will be there supporting you and they can't take time out for two trips to Moab for a small event.

EJS is a crowded time but we are not the only people avoiding the sanctioned EJS trail runs and throwing our own party, easily half the people in town do the same thing. We haven't run into any crowding issues on the trails on the past, and I don't expect any this year either.

Now, if you can get 100 trucks to turn up, then we would reconsider moving the date.

Are you going to at least limit who can run Golden Spike?

Like I did last year, when no one paid attention ?

I wont be leading Golden Spike this year, I plan on bribing UXOC members to head it up.

I've seen what those trail runs turn out like, all the newbies thinking that since they have mud tires and a lift that they can make it.

You never know who may show up.

Ivan you going to take that?

Where was that picture taken ?

You bastard. That was not at gone. That was at gox on poughkeepsie when my truck gave birth to a tire. Damn you kerensky. One of these times I am gonna manage to take a trip without screwing something up.

Boy the boss is going to be bent out of shape after March and April. Spring break, then two weeks later GONE, then two weeks later I'm trying to get to Washington DC for a conference.

Then, I wanted to take a long summer vacation again this year....Hmmmm, how do I earn up all that time off......

Well, damn them for everything....too many choices, not enough time off.....

I was actually refering to the two nutjobs that were a part of our group that day. Maybe somebody can drag out the video Carlton got of the other guy bashing his Xterra into the rocks.

Speaking of Moab, a few days after that picture didn't you have trouble on Hells Revenge because of the Parking Brake? :p

Edit: Found the video, Right Click and Save . People Like this make me think Golden Spike should be and invite only run.

Actually the problem with the parking brake was at gox on poughkeepsie and it is my excuse for not making it up the hard line. On hell's revenge I had an issue with locking the hubs. I basically ran most of the trail in 2wd cuz I am a moron.

Are you kidding, do you think they would be so prepared to have a lift kit? Last year we had at least one stock with AT's.

One problem stems from people driving beyond their limits, but not the limits of their Xterra.
A stock Xterra is capable of Golden Spike with a bit of cheating at the crack. Still it's not something someone without several years of wheeling experience should be attempting.

People who can't drive Golden Spike without spotting themselves shouldn't be driving it. I saw far too many people who had no idea how to make it over dozens of obstacles without being shown.

I've done it in 7 hours, with a lot of photo stops, there's no reason it should take 13 hours like it has the last 2 years.

Wasn't it more like 6H and 45m ?

It was late September, and the sun was here, when we got to Body Snatcher.

I remember at GOX 1 the sun was dropping below the horizon as we finished up Gold Bar Rim, by time we got to the highway it was dark.

That's why I think it should be an invite only thing or a rule that you must have run trails at a past GONE before. It's not that I think people should be excluded, but it's not fun holding somebodies hand over every ledge (and there's alot of them on that run).

With??

Well, liquor and porn are out of the question... so let me think about it

That was great, truly understanding us Utah folk!!!

Ian, you still owe me a beer for fixing your hub on the trail, and if you offer burning a big box in the fire, and trying to convert lesbians, i'm in.

That was a good time.

I don't think Mike would need much bribing, he wants to go down so bad anyway.

A few thoughts regarding getting trail leaders for GONE.
What about passing the hat around before or after the trail. Everyone puts in a few bucks (or a few beers), no set amount, just what you can afford.
What about a special trail boss sticker or patch for GONE?

Doug

Is that retroactive for all the trails I've lead over the years

Anybody have Way Points for the trail heads or points of interest

Just trying to be pro-active instaed of reactive when I get lost

What you need- MOAB GPS WAYPOINTS

Stu's great, helped him map some primitive lands out here for state maintenace.
Check out his '98 Sahara Wrangler; Clean, Custom, and Capable..

THANKS... just what I was looking for

They are also available on the goneMOAB forum.

Ian, thanks.... did not even look there Us Texans like to do things the easy way... sorry!

I was checking on 4x4now and they rate Golden Spike as a 4+:
4 + We can hardly improve on the original description written a few years ago by Jack Bickers: "with driving by World Class Yahoo Jeepers not much concerned with vehicle durability or personal safety." It is common to have as many as 10 percent of the vehicles experience major mechanical failures (gears, axles, driveshafts) on these trails.
Is it really that tough?

Not really, we've taken stock Xterras through it. However, it's unlike anything you have ever driven.

This year will be different with minumum requirements, which include 31" tires, a rear locker and spare parts for steering.
Recommended requirements include upgraded steering and suspension or body lift.

No more 13 hour days on Golden Spike.

So wtf? Are the dates april 4th - april 10th? I can assure you being the fuckin new guy I sure as hell wont try somthing I cant handle. I have seen that happen in my choice of sport. I dont wanna be the dumbass you guys talk about next year.

That's what everyone said last year

April 4th-10th is goneMOAB. I'm a bit behind but will be updating the site near the end of January.

I know the few fuck the majority. Mass punishment that was the way of the Army. I for one can reconize my limitations, and if I cant my wonderfull understanding wife can, which she has poignantly done for this trip. I dont let her dictate to me, I swear I am my own man!
I failed to mention that I am very sensitive and I dont like for people to talk bad about me.

Do you guys have a list of "suggested" mods for running Moab, Golden Spike, etc?
I'll have my T-case gears, steering setup and new 33" trxus MTs installed by the end of this month. By April I should have everything tested at Paragon and Rausch Creek and settled in.

Will I be able to run Golden Spike without a locker?

Any info would be appreciated..
I cant wait to go.
Thanx
L8r

Probably, but not with the group. A rear locker is a 100% requirement this year, we've had too many problems with people in the past.

Steve Kramer is leading Golden Spike this year, so those who are going better brush up on your driving skills and common sense, I'm not sure if he'll be as forgiving as me.