Summer 2007 Meet - Dates and Location
Moderator: stevec
Summer 2007 Meet - Dates and Location
We're a little later than usual in getting this started, and I want to get the dates nailed down for next year's meet soon, so people can start planning, request days off, etc. In the past, the last week/weekend of June has worked out well for us, so I'd like to plan it for then. Please post here if you are planning to go, and let me know if you have a preference for a midweek vs. weekend meet, and also if the last part of June does not work out for you. Let's get confirmed dates in the next week or so!
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
Probably around Red Lodge or Cooke City, Montana. I've pulled a few articles out of old 4WD magazines, and done a little research of the area, and there are a few "Jeep trails". Most, if not all, are pretty mild, like the Alpine Loop area, with a few "optional" obstacles. I'm trying to get a good map of the area that shows the trails/roads. Lots of alpine lakes, with good trout fishing. The "potluck" dinner may end up being a fish fry if fishing is good!
It's also just a few miles from the NE entrance to Yellowstone, so people can stretch their vacation and see Yellowstone if they want. I'll probably go to Yellowstone before the meet, so I'm good and close. (Don't want a repeat of the 2005 meet!)
It's also just a few miles from the NE entrance to Yellowstone, so people can stretch their vacation and see Yellowstone if they want. I'll probably go to Yellowstone before the meet, so I'm good and close. (Don't want a repeat of the 2005 meet!)
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
That depends on how well built your tow rig is. Since a majority of the rigs at these meets are stock, I try to look for places a stock rig can go, without much fear of breakage. Optional obstacles are fine, but not the first priority. If you look for a place you can break your rig, I'm sure you'll find one!
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
- Glen Friesen
- LJ Enthusiast
- Posts: 170
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:01 pm
- Location: Nanaimo B.C.
Montana eh, that would be fun. Don't think I'll be able to make it this year as I'll still be in school. Rick might be able to make it but I'll leave it up to him. If he does go he might have a few friends with sami's go along too. Weekend will be best for him though. Heck if it's a weekend and Rick goes I might even fly out, who knows...
1979 LJ-80, toyota drivetrain, 33" tires, aussie locker, 5.29's etc...
Let's plan it for the weekend then, either June 23-24, or June 30-July 1. Anyone have a preference? If we do the latter, people who want to extend their trip will probably have the following Wednesday off (Fourth of July); people who have other plans for the Fourth can extend the week before. If we do it earlier, it shouldn't be a problem for anyone getting home by the fourth. If you have a preference, post up - we should get this finalized soon!
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
My preference is for the later weekend as well. Remember, when I was in Yellowstone in June 2005, on the way to the CO meet, we got snowed on! It is unusual to get snow in Yellowstone that late, but it is possible. Of course 3 days after it snowed, it was close to 70*!
Anyone else have a preference?
Anyone else have a preference?
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
One more thing: I heard there's a motorcycle rally the weekend after the fourth, 40-50,000 motorcycles heading for Sturgis, so if you're into that, it's a good reason to hang around! I'm sure we'll see a lot of bikes when we're there, as a lot of riders will be touring Yellowstone, but I don't think it'll be too crowded.
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
Any other votes? So far Suzy and I are calling for June 30-July 1, and Jimny prefers June 23-24.
Jimny, I ran mapquest from Joplin to Cooke City, MT, and the shortest distance is about 1225 miles. If you want interstate freeway the whole way, it's about 1350 miles, either of which could be done in two days, even if you have a child with you. You could also make it three easy days, getting back during the day on the fourth if you wanted to stop at a lot of places, but I don't think there's a whole lot to see on the way home!
Jimny, I ran mapquest from Joplin to Cooke City, MT, and the shortest distance is about 1225 miles. If you want interstate freeway the whole way, it's about 1350 miles, either of which could be done in two days, even if you have a child with you. You could also make it three easy days, getting back during the day on the fourth if you wanted to stop at a lot of places, but I don't think there's a whole lot to see on the way home!
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
It's about an 800 mile drive for us, and we could do it in a day, but it would be a long day, so we'll probably split it into two. Good thing for us is that all but about 100 miles is I-90.
Heck Jimny, you're certified, right? Why don't you just bring the fireworks?
Heck Jimny, you're certified, right? Why don't you just bring the fireworks?
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
Well yes I am, I could do that. I found a great place to get the Class B (Display Fireworks) for a very good price. Mmmhhhh I might just do that. They are not the hugh ones like the city has but they are so much better then any that you can buy at the stands. It would take too much work to set off the large ones.
I'd rather be driving my LJ!
I got this email back from the Cooke City Chamber of Commerce this afternoon:
Whadda y'all think?
Should we push it forward another week or two, into July? A lot will of course depend on the snowpack this winter, but if we want it later, we should decide now, so that people can make vacation plans. Having it the week after the fourth may be difficult for those who need a couple of days to get there, since most of us are up late that evening watching fireworks. (No one is gonna want to get up early and drive after partying the night before). I would therefore suggest shooting for the following weekend, the 14th-15th, or leaving it as June 30-July 1. I also know that Yellowstone NP gets busier after the end of June, so those planning to extend their vacation will have bigger crowds to deal with.Steve,
Thank you for your inquiry. I've printed off your e-mail and I'm going to check with some people around the area who knows the trails better then I do. I want to make sure the vehicles your talking about will work up on the trails. I can say that the trails if not snow covered will be muddy. You most likely will not be able to cover all the trails. I'm sending along with our brochure to you the list of campgrounds and the dates of last years openings. Typically, the 4 wheelers do not go up on the trails till the first of July. All of this information may help you decide, I guess it all depends on the weather. A little later in the summer will ensure that the trails are clear.
Please let me know if you have any other questions after this e-mail or the mailing. We would love to have you in town!
Whadda y'all think?
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
Nah, it'll blow itself out sooner or later... And as long I have people like you to push me up hills until it does, I'll be fine!Suzy wrote:You afraid of getting mud up your exhaust again ? Hell I thought we were LJ's. Whatever I'm good for a holi anytime.
John
Sounds like we should just leave it as is? She did say the jeeps start heading up on July 1st, which is the second day of the meet, and one day won't make that much of a difference... There's a webcam in Cooke City, so I'll keep an eye on it next spring, in case they have a larger than average snowpack.
The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude
- Rick Friesen
- LJ Enthusiast
- Posts: 426
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 4:43 pm
- Location: Cranbrook B.C.
I don't know yet, Suzy would be okay with the drive but I might need a different co-pilot. Apparently it is a little cramped with all the camping gear. I'd also have to make sure I don't meet the same cop as I did last year in the road check just east of Princeton. He only gave me a week to get new tires and they are still on there and going strong. Trailering would definitely be more comfortable (a/c, cruise, air ride) but my trailer is 40' which is a killer on and off the island. Of course if Aaron can line up a bunch of 81's for me to bring back home it might be better :)Rick Friesen wrote:
John, are you planning on driving Suzy that far or are you going to trailer it this time?
John