ColoradoFest?

[Fred]

Work, what's that? I'm planning on Sat night for the dinner.

 

[freerider15]

Justin, this was posted March 11. What is not clear?

We'll be at Chalk Creek this year.

http://www.chalkcreek-campground.com/

It's nice, with shade, picnic tables, and a great campfire ring by the creek.

I haven't worked out all the details as to where one pays. The rate they ask for is $10/night/person, but we are working on that.

We're planning on the usual dinner and raffle. We've talked about moving it to Sat. night. All input is welcome.

Fred, as far as Chalk Creek...what I meant was a follow up as far as what sited we'll be at exactly and what the exact rate it (last I see is "working on that").

Other things (these are actual questions I've received from people I tried talking into going, that I couldn't answer):

- Time, date and location of runs (this is the biggest one)
- How many people are there looking to be on each run
- Who is heading the run
- Exact night of the BBQ/raffle
- What will be raffled off
- How many people are going

When I can't really give them much info on the event besides where it will be (Buena Vista), and the dates...they've lost interest real fast.

The biggest one is establishing (or at least planning since yes things can change) runs. That can help to avoid getting to crowded on Holy Cross, or if I'll be the only one who can run Carnage, etc. As well if someone wanted to come up for Friday and Saturday, they could have an idea of what runs are being done to see if its worth coming up if it interests them. Some people might not want to drive/tow all the way out for run they're not interested in doing. Yes it might "change" at camp, but how would you feel if you came all the way out for x and y trail and it was either done already, or not enough interest leaving you to a trail your not really zealous about running.

Otherwise it starts to lose its muster as an event, and more of just people getting together and winging it like any other weekend.

I've got a lot of friends outside the XJ world since going buggy, and it's incredible some of the events they attend at how organized things are, the amount of people that show up etc.

I would like to see that be brought back to COFest. Soon enough at the rate its going...there won't be a COFest will attendance dropping off. I know it might rub some of the "longtime members" here the wrong way, but that is just the way it is. I've been with since I was 16, I'm 27 now. The problem I see is that when I started, we would get new people in all the time and thus help the chapter thrive, stay alive, and grow. Now looking around its those of us who've been around for a while, but not much in the way of bodies to "pass the torch off onto". I still see a LOT of interest in XJ's, we just need to get that in here. It is easy to try to get them to "just join", but as we all know what can really bring people in is events.

Now, as far as becoming VP...I dunno about that, I just want to help out with COFest next year

I really do want to restate that I'm NOT trying to talk down about anyone here past or present. All I want to do is help the CO chapter become more of what it was when I started (which can really start with COFest). I mean...do we REALLY want to be second class to the SOCAL Chapter

 

[jdxj]

Hey Fred, I keep forgetting to tell you BOD guys I'll donate a winch bumper/ or a gift card for one (depending on how much time I have to build one to send with you guys) for the raffle!

 

[old_man]

Fred, as far as Chalk Creek...what I meant was a follow up as far as what sited we'll be at exactly and what the exact rate it (last I see is "working on that").

Other things (these are actual questions I've received from people I tried talking into going, that I couldn't answer):

- Time, date and location of runs (this is the biggest one)
- How many people are there looking to be on each run
- Who is heading the run
- Exact night of the BBQ/raffle
- What will be raffled off
- How many people are going

When I can't really give them much info on the event besides where it will be (Buena Vista), and the dates...they've lost interest real fast.

The biggest one is establishing (or at least planning since yes things can change) runs. That can help to avoid getting to crowded on Holy Cross, or if I'll be the only one who can run Carnage, etc. As well if someone wanted to come up for Friday and Saturday, they could have an idea of what runs are being done to see if its worth coming up if it interests them. Some people might not want to drive/tow all the way out for run they're not interested in doing. Yes it might "change" at camp, but how would you feel if you came all the way out for x and y trail and it was either done already, or not enough interest leaving you to a trail your not really zealous about running.

Otherwise it starts to lose its muster as an event, and more of just people getting together and winging it like any other weekend.

I've got a lot of friends outside the XJ world since going buggy, and it's incredible some of the events they attend at how organized things are, the amount of people that show up etc.

I would like to see that be brought back to COFest. Soon enough at the rate its going...there won't be a COFest will attendance dropping off. I know it might rub some of the "longtime members" here the wrong way, but that is just the way it is. I've been with since I was 16, I'm 27 now. The problem I see is that when I started, we would get new people in all the time and thus help the chapter thrive, stay alive, and grow. Now looking around its those of us who've been around for a while, but not much in the way of bodies to "pass the torch off onto". I still see a LOT of interest in XJ's, we just need to get that in here. It is easy to try to get them to "just join", but as we all know what can really bring people in is events.

Now, as far as becoming VP...I dunno about that, I just want to help out with COFest next year

I really do want to restate that I'm NOT trying to talk down about anyone here past or present. All I want to do is help the CO chapter become more of what it was when I started (which can really start with COFest). I mean...do we REALLY want to be second class to the SOCAL Chapter

The nomination was nothing against Dutch. We are always looking for help and fresh blood. We struggle each year on where to hold ColoradoFest. Many of us have run those same trails a dozen times. Heck, I was in Buena Vista just a couple of weeks ago and ran Chinaman's. We need some fresh trails and ideas along with some people who have the want-to and the time to help. Some of us around here have to work for a living:gag:

 

[retarius]

I'm planning on heading up on the 8th for a day of wheeling. I'm with freeride though, it would be nice to know what were running each day. Im on 35s and dont mind boddy damange but after seeing some pictures of the exit on carnage, I know I wont make it. That leaves really chinamans or holy cross as a draw for me.

Regardless, I'll be in the area the 8th so if you see a bright blue xj, flag me down.

 

[freerider15]

The nomination was nothing against Dutch. We are always looking for help and fresh blood. We struggle each year on where to hold ColoradoFest. Many of us have run those same trails a dozen times. Heck, I was in Buena Vista just a couple of weeks ago and ran Chinaman's. We need some fresh trails and ideas along with some people who have the want-to and the time to help. Some of us around here have to work for a living:gag:

Hey now...I work for a living too

Yeah unfortunately there's not much of a better place I can think of offhand than Buena Vista, as Buena Vista is still incredibly scenic and offers everything from mild to wild.
- Ouray is nice, but its pretty far and really is just more "scenic" driving. Me personally, when it comes to scenic driving I tend to prefer doing that with maybe a couple other vehicles max, not an entire group (allows for doing what you want, stopping where you want, etc.)
- Montrose/GJ area has some great wheeling, but once again its further and the trails tend to be more on the harder side. This would be a great area for people with minumum 33's and locked F&R, but anything less would just be a potential headache.

One thing that has made me want to slap people in the Chapter over the years has been the fact that people want something fantastic that isn't too much of a drive...just look and the M&G's

"Yeah I want to go the the M&G. Oh, its like a whole hour drive away!? Maybe next time or if its right by me"

 

[old_man]

Sounds like you have a pretty good grip on the situation. I just get tired having done the same run a dozen times in the last 15 years.

 

[DutchVDub]

Yeah, hard for a nomination to be an insult to me when I made it.

That pretty much is the issue. People seem to think the BOD can magically make things happen yet don't bother to show up when we do try to organize things.

Between work, family, and my military career I'm not motivated/dedicated enough to stay on the BOD. I only came back on because Justin resigned and nobody was willing to step up. Heck, I don't even own an XJ anymore and have no desire to either.

There really isn't a lot you have to do as VP either, I'd say the rest of the BOD would be happy to have you if you just focused on COFest.

 

[freerider15]

Sounds like you have a pretty good grip on the situation. I just get tired having done the same run a dozen times in the last 15 years.

Yeah I've been around long enough Tom .

Yeah it can get real old, but getting members to go farther seems to be even worse.

I'm going to look into other areas (montrose) to see if I can't get an exact feel for trails in the area from scenic to wild and see if people would be willing to do that. I'm going to be doing a bit of research to see what we could do, where to stay, etc.

 

[old_man]

Heck, I voted to have ColoradoFest in Moab one yearirate1:

 

[freerider15]

Heck, I voted to have ColoradoFest in Moab one yearirate1:

Its funny you mentioned that...it crossed my mind as well.

 

[old_man]

I'm hoping to be able to get off enough time to do a Waltz across Colorado run later this year. A different camp every night, with a trail in between. Low key, low stress, no broken parts, time to fish, time to take pix, time to sit around the campfire.

 

[freerider15]

I'm hoping to be able to get off enough time to do a Waltz across Colorado run later this year. A different camp every night, with a trail in between. Low key, low stress, no broken parts, time to fish, time to take pix, time to sit around the campfire.

I hear you on the low stress trails.

Next rig (once I sell the '98 that been sitting around) I'll be looking to build a mild camper/wheeler for long weekends in places like Ouray, Moab, etc.

I'll always have the buggy but sometimes its nice to just take a long, winding drive a look at purty things

 

[ColoradoRaptor]

The nomination was nothing against Dutch. We are always looking for help and fresh blood. We struggle each year on where to hold ColoradoFest. Many of us have run those same trails a dozen times. Heck, I was in Buena Vista just a couple of weeks ago and ran Chinaman's. We need some fresh trails and ideas along with some people who have the want-to and the time to help. Some of us around here have to work for a living:gag:

Exactly why I suggeated what I did earlier and had little to no response. I live in the area and know those trails blindfolded.... I am one for a change from the usual BV! Dont get me wrong the trails are good, I am just tired of doing them all the time. Between my DOJ and DOD careers I have little time for anything else and my family comes first but if I can I am willing to help with what ever including BOD stuff. :cheers:

 

[freerider15]

Exactly why I suggeated what I did earlier and had little to no response. I live in the area and know those trails blindfolded.... I am one for a change from the usual BV! Dont get me wrong the trails are good, I am just tired of doing them all the time. Between my DOJ and DOD careers I have little time for anything else and my family comes first but if I can I am willing to help with what ever including BOD stuff. :cheers:

I can feel ya on a change from BV, but in reality I don't think Ouray is appealing to many on a large scale. I've been wanting to spend some time over there, but like many I know, not with a large group.

I think in reality it would almost be worth it to do more of a "long" group trail run if you will if people were interested in that (see Tom's post). Ouray just seems to be to far for many to drive for a "limited" variety of trails.

I'm dying to go out there...but it will probably be some random long weekend. I'm not trying to knock you at all, just looking at the reality of things when it comes to "the masses".

If there were enough lead time and planning, I think a COFest on the Western Slope would be doable. But, dates, times, who, what, where, when, etc. ALL need to be decently established EARLY in the year to give people a chance to put in for the time off at least 6 months ahead of time.

 

[ColoradoRaptor]

I can feel ya on a change from BV, but in reality I don't think Ouray is appealing to many on a large scale.

I have to disagree. I think you would be suprised just how many people would find that appealing. There were well over twice as many at the 11 CoFest as compared to 13 CoFest. I for one enjoy all aspects of offroading, not just the rock crawling. There is some rock crawling in the Silverton/Ouray area, poughkeepsie gulch is one that offers some and there are others. Not only that but if you want to put your Juggy to the test take it through Boulder Alley outside of Gunnison! Atleast we do agree on the fact that CoFest needs overhauling. The same thing year in and year out is getting old. The only thing that appeals to me right now are the people and the social aspect.....

 

[in4aride]

Aren't the other chapter events usually held in the same area over and over. Maybe they should change fall fling location?

 

[DutchVDub]

Aren't the other chapter events usually held in the same area over and over. Maybe they should change fall fling location?

I honestly don't see a problem with BV every year. Sure, I almost never go down there but I do hit the same trails over and over again. Unless you're willing to go out of state its eventually going to happen. I can't even begin to count how many times I've done Spring Creek or MSV/Coney. Unless we're going to start having COFest in Idaho I think we're bound to be repeating trails.

 

[in4aride]

Ya I was being overly facetious.

 

[ColoradoRaptor]

Yall win..... I get it, you like your vacation and wheelin like your politics ..... the same ole SHIT :twak:

No wonder everything is stuck in a pathetic rut ..... lets just have the next CoFest at the local mall parking lot:dunno:

That is where it is headed anyway......