WF ideas!

[Rev Den]

Guys and girls....

NOW is the time.....any suggestions are welcome, post them here so your BOD can see them and consider them.

Keep this one on track.

Rev

[FlexdXJ]

Mandatory CB. We had one hell of a time on Saturday on Green!

[HaleYes]

Organized runs Friday and Saturday.

[BOB]

Mandatory CB. We had one hell of a time on Saturday on Green!

X eleventygazillion!!!

BOB

[IllianaXJ]

Organized runs Friday and Saturday.

x2

[XJ Stryker]

I disagree on mandatory CB. I would keep them as strongly advised. I would not want to turn away a participant due to lack of CB.

I would like to see a More dificult green run though. Like Macgyvers on Friday.

Still a great Winterfest.

[FlexdXJ]

I would not want to turn away a participant due to lack of CB.



I don't know. At very least there should be a drivers meeting with your trail leader after the the main drivers meeting. To go over what to do along the trail.

[bmyohn]

x2

I agree, although having informal runs is kind of nice and relaxing. It may attract more people and people from other areas if we can advertise WF as a two day event.

[BOB]

things i learned...
I counted 33 at Robies...great turn-out!
I may be the oldest fart here...if not, top three probably.
Brad and Neal and their turkey fryer ROCK!
the time has come to break up Green to beginners and moderate.
we need to do a buddy system. New peoplke need one person they know they can go to for questions and answers.

more later...

BOB

[XJ Stryker]

I agree, although having informal runs is kind of nice and relaxing. It may attract more people and people from other areas if we can advertise WF as a two day event.

Agreed had a few people interested from MilitaryJeepers.com but the sissy's were saying they did not want to drive 4 hours for 1 day of wheelin.

I tried to sell the other stuff to them as best I could but no one bit. Had a few of my CFers there though. 89 Eliminator, Rewster, JakeWi and if I am missing a few I apologize.

[jester1084]

One idea to make things easier for the leaders and gunners. An extra color coded sticker to give a quick differentiation of builds so they know who is
in their group and where they should be placed in line. The leader would get a quick general picture of what the rig is built like. For example those little
colored circle stickers, just throw it on next to the inspection sticker:
http://static.www.odcdn.com/pictures/us/od/sk/lg/112995_sk_lg.jpg

Green - Mild build or stock, open open, no winch, small tires
White - Light build, at least one winch or locker, mt's
Orange - Medium build, at least one locker and winch, larger mt's
Red - Heavy build, fully locked, winch, large mt's

[RedHeep]

Organized runs Friday and Saturday.

xsomanyican'tcountthathigh

[RedHeep]

One idea to make things easier for the leaders and gunners. An extra color coded sticker to give a quick differentiation of builds so they know who is
in their group and where they should be placed in line. The leader would get a quick general picture of what the rig is built like. For example those little
colored circle stickers, just throw it on next to the inspection sticker:
http://static.www.odcdn.com/pictures/us/od/sk/lg/112995_sk_lg.jpg

Green - Mild build or stock, open open, no winch, small tires
White - Light build, at least one winch or locker, mt's
Orange - Medium build, at least one locker and winch, larger mt's
Red - Heavy build, fully locked, winch, large mt's

Different color tech stickers so the leaders know who's supposed to be there and who isn't.

This would require more stringent tech inspection, to include the actual build details of the rig. Then you don't have people where they don't belong.

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

I am in agreeance w/ the 2 day run as well.

Tighter tech inspections.

More will come to me after I have time to unpack and get unwound from the drive....

[RedHeep]

Some things we were talking about on the way home (which unfortunately requires more work, but you asked :D )

-Community involvement. Attica needs to know that 4-500 people are showing up for Winterfest, for multiple days. Working on the local government level to notify businesses that we're coming. Maybe things like a group rate at the hotel or discounts at the auto parts stores. Attica should be excited to bring revenue into the local businesses for a weekend event.

-Badlands involvement.

1. The operators of the offroad park need to make some concessions for our group and how large it is. If they're going to open for wheeling at 0900, we should be staging in the parking lot at 0800, doing tech inspections and staging trail rides. Driver's meetings with leaders and the big man can all happen prior to 0900 and then we kick it off when the park opens.

2. The MWC should try to get the operators of the park to agree to some sort of weekend rate for the winterfest weekend. I'm not opposed to paying the fees, but if we work out a group rate, include it into the WF registration and have folks prepay, then you eliminate the bottleneck at the registration office every morning. Something like $20 or $30 a rig for friday and saturday, tack on the $5 WF fee for paperwork and have people pay up front. Then the chapter settles up with the park.

-Trail signups prior to wheeling days. There are plenty of folks that have been there so many times, they know who needs what to go on what trail. We need registration, trail signups and tech inspections in the evening prior to trail rides. Then the morning stages are easy, rigs can go down in difficulty based on their tech inspection, but not up. Have different color stickers for different tech inspected rig ability levels.

-Make WF an event. Multiple days, multiple trail rides. The trails are too short to get a good ride in without jumping from trail to trail, so there should be rides put together ahead of time like orange to red or green to white or green to green backwards. Forget lunch in the quarry. There's too many guys that don't have quarry capable rigs that are stuck watching or on their own at 12, when they should be out wheeling with MWC folks until 3 or 4. Find a way to organize the trail rides so that you're out for 6 hours with your groups, then get them out before the park closes.

-Driver's meetings. We can't hear you. Pony up for a megaphone or a speaker or something. I spent enough on raffle tickets saturday night to buy one. Make a list, then make sure you hit all the important points.

I'm also a big fan of the cb requirement. It's not a lot of money and it's a million times easier to talk to someone. This is a hobby that requires preparation and oftentimes some duckets in your bank account. I think this is an item that should be added to the safety list. Brian saved my ass from rolling by picking up his microphone and talking to me at the same spot Sean rolled 2 hours later.

[mrmikey32]

Some things we were talking about on the way home (which unfortunately requires more work, but you asked :D )

-Community involvement. Attica needs to know that 4-500 people are showing up for Winterfest, for multiple days. Working on the local government level to notify businesses that we're coming. Maybe things like a group rate at the hotel or discounts at the auto parts stores. Attica should be excited to bring revenue into the local businesses for a weekend event.



This was actually brought up to me on my tow home from the tow driver. He is the only tow truck/scrap company in the town. He brought up how the people of attica love the revenue that the badlands bring in.

He even said talk to him if we did this again to arrange for tows, or even parts from his scrap yard.

I would venture to say talk to a parts store, and they would be glad to deliver knowing how many people/stuff will be broken.

[bmyohn]

I completely agree with you Josh on all points. Very well put.

[95' heep]

I am in agreeance w/ the 2 day run as well.

....

I agree, I will be there if it will be like that! probably make the Friday trails more on easy side but on saturday its more of a challenging day?


Tighter tech inspections.

....

like no Dana 35!!!!hasta

[bmyohn]

like no Dana 35!!!!hasta
But swapping out axles with you in the midde of the night was fun!!! :wave1:

[Rev Den]

The PA system for drivers meetings and registration is being addressed.

The rest of the ideas...keep them coming guys, we ARE listening.

Rev

[mrmikey32]

what about a food sponsor for a lunch?

at one of the larger local meets, we where able to arrange for jimmy johns to be delivered, and got a nice price/nearly free

[89eliminator]

tighter tech
getting badlands staff to let us in earlier
have a set location for the group pic, and let it be known

[95' heep]

Section 3: Required Equipment for Event Participation

:NAXJA: VERY HIGHLY recommends that all event participants have a CB Radio.
__________________


to

Section 3: Required Equipment for Event Participation

:NAXJA: REQUIRE that all event participants have a CB Radio.
__________________



I am deaf but doable without one though. I can have one of my passenger (like my dad) to use the CB and let me know whats going on, etc.

[HaleYes]

More organized/tigher Tech.
This was partially my fault and is being addressed with WF Staff and MWC BOD.

[97XJ2]

More food? I mean the dinner was good, but a wing and a leg?

Yes there were seconds to be had but, I think you know what I mean.

Someone tell me if I'm out of line, I'm sure it was it was a slight undersight but for $15... Idk.

[XJ Stryker]

More food? I mean the dinner was good, but a wing and a leg?

Yes there were seconds to be had but, I think you know what I mean.

Someone tell me if I'm out of line, I'm sure it was it was a slight undersight but for $15... Idk.


Agreed they were very skimpy on the servings for 15 bucks.

I love Red Heeps Ideas. But I think Badlands will still need to see everyperson for the waiver signing unless they can trust NAXJA to do it for them.

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

The rest of the ideas...keep them coming guys, we ARE listening.

Rev

Yes we ARE listening. I have a spread sheet set up and we can only make this event better if we get input from the attendees. The WF Staff and BOD are listening and will look into the feasability of each item. As some items/requests may be out of our control, all of them will be looked at and given the same consideration until deemed otherwise.

Cheeseman-OUT!

[Fore Wheeler]

this needs to be a longer event. the money spent preparing for and driving to, not to mention camping fees for a mud hole, we need more time. which means more fires too :D.

Required CB's for the hard group is not as much of a need as it seems for the larger groups, but not a bad idea.

we need to split groups more.

we made enough money to buy a megaphone which is an awesome idea.

the campground needs to drop their rates because it's becoming a sh!t hole. the shower/toilet house is horrable, they need to clean while we are there or we need to find another campground. I will drive from summers, which if they knew that we have this many campers now they may open early.

[GoSlowGetStuck]

Brad and Neal and their turkey fryer ROCK!
the time has come to break up Green to beginners and moderate.

Thanks for bringing the turkey Bob, and thank Dawn for carving them for us. The rest of it is the easy part.

I agree that green was too big this year. We had two groups last year, and it seems like more people ran it this year so I don't know why we only had one. Nature kept trying to split us into two groups anyway! I am suggesting that we might split it by people who are attending WF for the first time and may not know all the rules (such as "clearing" people before they head over a hill) and people who have wheeling experience but don't have rigs capable enough for orange or who just want an easier trail ride that day.

tighter tech
getting badlands staff to let us in earlier
have a set location for the group pic, and let it be known

Set location and time for the pic would be awesome. Almost missed it last year because I had no idea where it was happening or when. And then this year I was there early only to find out that we were taking the picture from the other side. Not a huge deal (it's only a picture) but could easily be solved at the morning meeting on Saturday.

Overall though I can't complain, I think things went very smoothly.

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

The announcement (or lack there of) of the afternoon photo in the quary is 100% my fault because I forgot to mention it at the morning drivers meeting. I realized that after everyone had disbanded for their trails. My appologies. I was running around like a chicken w/ its head cut off trying to get things going and simply forgot. I will have a "checklist" that I read off next year at the drivers meeting so we dont leave as many things out as I did this year. With the shear size of the event and the number of attendees, it was much larger then any one we have had in the past, so there will always be a few "hick-ups" along the way. I believe that everyone had fun, no one got hurt and a good time was had by most. We, the WF Staff and BOD will continue to listen to any comments or concerns that will help to better this event for future reference. Thanks again for everyones participation in the event as well as in this thread. It is the people that make this event and this chapter what it is. :thumbup:

Cheese "the people are still speaking, and I am still listening" Man

[bmyohn]

Hey cheeseman while you're listening. Make sure you make atleast 20#s of bacon explosion next year. I'll pitch in for the extra pig :D

[BOB]

Thanks for the comments on "portion size".
Robie's is a good place. They have worked with us for more years than I been coming here. In their defense, the did offer "seconds" after everyone was served. And, it was announced by Tyler.
Robie's will take constructive criticism just as we will. We can discuss "portion size" with them in preperation for next year.

I also think Robies can work with us as far as location goes for next years dinner and raffle. It seems clear to me we have out grown the VFW. Maybe a place that has our own bartender.

keep the comments coming!

BOB

[mrmikey32]

i would have to agree on a beginner group.

this was my first time wheeling, let alone driving a truck in the mud.

i honestly had no idea what i was doing. I did figure it out very very quick though.

thanks again for all the help too

[Rev Den]

More organized/tigher Tech.
This was partially my fault and is being addressed with WF Staff and MWC BOD.

NO!

This responsibility fall squarely on MY shoulders, no one else.

That said, yes, we are addressing it.

Rev

[Fore Wheeler]

maybe a summer event to teach newb's how to wheel?

and as far as the dinner, I don't think that was a problem. It was good food and for a meal of this nature it was fairly priced. and we had seconds, with dessert.

[XJosh95]

maybe a summer event to teach newb's how to wheel?

X2 :thumbup: Some of us make it down to Attica on a regular basis throughout the year, Dan. I'd like to hang out with first/second/third timers to get them through things. Even riding shotgun with them would be fun.

[FlexdXJ]

I agree with Dan too. There are a lot of us within a couple hours of the badlands. I need to follow someone who knows the trails a little better though! :D

[XJosh95]

I agree with Dan too. There are a lot of us within a couple hours of the badlands. I need to follow someone who knows the trails a little better though! :D

Maybe you can just replace them little BBs with some big brass clankers? :dunno:
At any rate, some of the hang-ups I had in my group were something little like a bit of the wrong line or just turning the wheels a different way. It's good to get these guys a bit more seat time to see the line they want to go and remember where their wheels are pointing.

[cardboard]

I think we need a longer run on Saturday. We start on the trails at 10:00 and then break at noon for an hour for pics and lunch. I would suggest start trail rides at 10:00, break for lunch with your trail group on the trail then meet for pics at say 5:00 or so.

I also think we have out grown the VFW although I dont know where else in town we can house all these people for a dinner and awards. You may talk to Kyle at the Badlands and see if we can use the large barn that we use for Toys For Tots in December.

One last thing, Mission Impossible is over there. We can get at least 2 groups running over there. That property is not ALL hard core it can be a fun couple of hours for a moderate group.
Cardboard

[macgyvr]

One last thing, Mission Impossible is over there. We can get at least 2 groups running over there. That property is not ALL hard core it can be a fun couple of hours for a moderate group.
Cardboard

This has been discussed we didn't forget about it :)

mac 'we're on it!' gyvr

[REWSTER]

maybe a summer event to teach newb's how to wheel?



the newbie run last year was fun, I think mac started the thread a bunch of people showed up, maybe we can do it again


:cool:

[95' heep]

Ever think about go to a different park?

I'd recommend a old park that was closed, its at Rockport Off-Road park. I remember that park was said to be open to a BIG group. I believe that we certainly will elgibile for that. They even have very nice buildings and overall of the park. Very nice area too. I cant find any info on that park at rorp.com any more but Hannibal Rocks definately is an optional too.

[Fore Wheeler]

Ever think about go to a different park?

.

NOT going to happen. this is winterfest. this is where winterfest is held.


i'm open for a summer event somewhere else, like in michigan.

[jester1084]

Ever think about go to a different park?

I'd recommend a old park that was closed, its at Rockport Off-Road park. I remember that park was said to be open to a BIG group. I believe that we certainly will elgibile for that. They even have very nice buildings and overall of the park. Very nice area too. I cant find any info on that park at rorp.com any more but Hannibal Rocks definately is an optional too.

We did that once, in '07 I think, it just wasn't the same to me. I think the Badlands and Attica is part of what makes Winterfest so personally I think it should stay put where it is.

[FlexdXJ]

Ever think about go to a different park?

I'd recommend a old park that was closed, its at Rockport Off-Road park. I remember that park was said to be open to a BIG group. I believe that we certainly will elgibile for that. They even have very nice buildings and overall of the park. Very nice area too. I cant find any info on that park at rorp.com any more but Hannibal Rocks definately is an optional too.

WF is not going anywhere!

NOT going to happen. this is winterfest. this is where winterfest is held.


i'm open for a summer event somewhere else, like in michigan.

We did that once, in '07 I think, it just wasn't the same to me. I think the Badlands and Attica is part of what makes Winterfest so personally I think it should stay put where it is.


What they said.

[95' heep]

ok, I just want to throw this out thats all. probaby this time we should talk to Summer Carol about let us to camp on their ground for a discount price as Attica campground is basically a mudpit.

[95' heep]

NOT going to happen. this is winterfest. this is where winterfest is held.


i'm open for a summer event somewhere else, like in michigan.

I definatley want to check out Bundy Hills Park

[95' heep]

Ever think about let other Jeep models or even other brands of vehicle to join the event? I know a couples that will be more than happy to join.

[95' heep]

Like my good friend- Steve

http://zr2usa.com/mboard/uploads/1232028447/med_gallery_54_2485_67056.jpg (http://zr2usa.com/mboard/uploads/1232028447/gallery_54_2485_67056.jpg)

[HaleYes]

WF is open to anyone that has the guts to show up. :D We're not brand/model specific at all when it comes to attendees. Anyone is welcome. All that we ask is that they meet the minimum requirements that everyone is asked to meet.

[XJ Stryker]

I personally prefer a XJ/MJ group. Helps when you need parts or pointers on your type of rig.

[WI88XJ]

I really come to this event with an open mind and an easy going attitude. I'm trying to get away from the every day grind and headaches and that means going where there are like minded people with the desire to wheel and to have fun. No drama no BS. So with that I can't really complain at all. I can just slightly imagine all the hard work it takes to make an event like this come off without it turning into a disaster.

With that being said...

The VFW is getting kinda crowded but where else can it be held? The portions weren't grand but I'm on a diet anyway. :laugh3:

Lots of good suggestions already being laid out here. Def like the idea of a two day event. Friday could be a mild event for most and then the big shebang on Saturday. Lots of planning and expense for just one day.
Tighter tech? Guess I don't understand. My rig got looked over real well. Battery tied down correctly, fire extinguisher, 1st aid kit, etc. Then I got the sticker. So... :shrug:

The only other thing about having the event two days is it would be a lot more work and take a lot more level headed volunteering to pull it off.

Just my 1.5 cents for the moment.

[95' heep]

I believe for the group that will hit the harder trails should have the requirement of having everything strapped/secured. I'd hate to see a tool box bust a window, or even hit one of our heads. I personally think we should probably enforcen the fire extinguisher properly mounted by have a way to make it easy to reach and can be removed quickly to use it.

I personally would have failed both of the requirement I just suggested above. I said that anyway because I can see these things can be a potentinal problem when some conditions get met then the disaster occurs.

now, enough with the jeep requirements, I strongly believe that we need to make sure everyone tread lightly and clean up any mess we make.

Good example-when I was done replacing my axle shaft on my D35. I picked up all dirts and leaves, etc that was saturated with gear lube into a 5 gallon bucket to contain them so I can properly disposal them.

I almost want to pick all of these trash tires in the entry if the pink trail. We can make the NAXJA more welcome by clean up after ourself and tread lightly and pick up any trash as we go by.

[FlexdXJ]

I strongly believe that we need to make sure everyone tread lightly and clean up any mess we make.



I was doing that the whole trip, Just ask Brendan. :dunno:

[seanR]

We are pretty limited for campgrounds and meeting halls in Attica.
There are a few of us who would find it impossible to get to and from Summer's Campground. We searched high and low for a dinner place and that is all there is, there ain't no more....

I didn't think the VFW was too crowded. I did find it disturbing that we as a group left it looking like a bunch of hogs were in there. there were clumps of mud everywhere! I think we could have knocked the mud from our shoes better. While some went to the fire, others worked for an hour cleaning the place.

We would be lucky to find anyone else to take us if that is how we treat their hall....

I am done now.

[95' heep]

I was doing that the whole trip, Just ask Brendan. :dunno:

I didnt pointed to you or anybody in any way! I want to ENSURE that everyone did what I just posted.

If a enivormentist try to bust our ass but they find that we are not what they're looking for to screw with because we enforced that we tread lightly (make least of damage to travel the trail) and not litter the area and bunch of pics/videos to prove.

[WI88XJ]

Maybe next year we can ask for volunteers a week or so in advance of the event for clean up. Better then hoping for some folks to step up at the last minute. I picked up my plate and junk and I did try to knock off the mud on my boots but I probably wasn't that successful.

[FlexdXJ]

I didn't think the VFW was too crowded. I did find it disturbing that we as a group left it looking like a bunch of hogs were in there. there were clumps of mud everywhere! I think we could have knocked the mud from our shoes better. While some went to the fire, others worked for an hour cleaning the place.



Yeah that was not a good call on many people's part(including mine) I did make sure my trash was picked up and the chairs were pushed in. I would have gladly stayed and helped sweep if i was asked to.

[macgyvr]

summers campground doesn't open until mid april...that's not winterfest...
plus if you have four people split a site $20 a night isn't that bad...

for a climate controlled place that robbies will cater to, we are limited. i think a couple more tables may have helped...or put a limit on dinner?...any place else will probably be more expensive...if you can find some place else...

mac 'back to the garage' gyvr

[HaleYes]

The hall was a mess, no question there. It did look like a hog lot.
It was dissapointing to see nearly everyone leave and not help out.
You'd think that the "staff" would know that they're expected to lend an hand at the very least.

[FlexdXJ]

Once again I apologize for not staying and helping sweep up the mess. Someone should have smacked me for that!

[macgyvr]

The hall was a mess, no question there. It did look like a hog lot.
It was dissapointing to see nearly everyone leave and not help out.
You'd think that the "staff" would know that they're expected to lend an hand at the very least.

i had to make a few phone calls and when i got back inside it was well under control...i did mean to help...i asked and was told i could leave :)

mac 'haven't seen that much mud ever at the vfw' gyvr

[HaleYes]

I'm not pointing fingers guys.
Just making observations that could be improved upon.

[IllianaXJ]

Tighter tech? Guess I don't understand. My rig got looked over real well. Battery tied down correctly, fire extinguisher, 1st aid kit, etc. Then I got the sticker. So... :shrug:


Some were checked more thoroughly than others, not for any particular reason, it just happened. That level of inspection needs to apply to all vehicles.

The VFW is getting a little tight, but there's not really anything else and they have been good to us. We did make a mess of the floor.

[WI88XJ]

I'm not pointing fingers guys.
Just making observations that could be improved upon.

I think it's just a bit of guilty soul searching that some of us are going thru. Other then my mess, I didn't think of anything else. 'Course, 3 or 4 Crown Royals w/beer chaser didn't help the thought process any...:wierd:

[FlexdXJ]

I'm not pointing fingers guys.
Just making observations that could be improved upon.


I know you aren't i feel like a jackass for not helping when it was expected of me. I WON'T leave until its cleaned up next year.

[HaleYes]

i feel like a jackass

.....and how is that different from any other day?

:laugh3:

[XJ Stryker]

As far as cleaning the VFW. Tess and I stayed for a lil bit and pushed in chairs and what not. But there was very lil direction and we had no idea what needed to be done. I actually felt bad leaving it the way it was and wanted to do more.

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

no worries Rob, we got it under control. I even have a picture of Sean running the vacuum! :D There were only so many brooms and mops to go around, and they were all in use. We actually left the place in better shape then when we got there...the bingo crowd left a bit of a mess when we first arrived and Camille, Jeremy and I had to clean up ash trays and wipe the tables down before the event even started.

[FlexdXJ]

.....and how is that different from any other day?

:laugh3:

Touche` Mikey! :yelclap:

[jester1084]

Another one that would be interesting, being that March is usually the membership drive time. Make a small perk for being at Winterfest as a paying member (red name) ie: an extra raffle ticket, small registration discount, something of that sort. Just a small gratitude to thank paying members\encourage being a paying member.

[99SJ_Ex]

I wasn't there this year....

However

After reading a lot of these posts, I agree on a couple things.
First, having WF a two day event would be spectacular. You could stay for both, or just be there for one of the days, trails may be less crowed that way...
Second, a summertime 'training camp' or something of that nature would indeed be a cool thing to do, especially since it would give those who cannot make WF a second chance to meet up will a lot of people.
Third, I would not make CBs mandatory, however, have we looked into th possiblity of running personal two ways?? Most everyone has at least a set around somewhere, and most if not all should be compatible with one another... Just a thought...

FINALLY, the BoD and WF team work their hearts out and deserve congratulations on a job well done, this is the biggest WF to ever go down and they did a spectacular job! I'm enjoying all the pictures and vids that have been posted!

tEx

[GoSlowGetStuck]

I wasn't there this year....

However

After reading a lot of these posts, I agree on a couple things.
First, having WF a two day event would be spectacular. You could stay for both, or just be there for one of the days, trails may be less crowed that way...
Second, a summertime 'training camp' or something of that nature would indeed be a cool thing to do, especially since it would give those who cannot make WF a second chance to meet up will a lot of people.
Third, I would not make CBs mandatory, however, have we looked into th possiblity of running personal two ways?? Most everyone has at least a set around somewhere, and most if not all should be compatible with one another... Just a thought...

FINALLY, the BoD and WF team work their hearts out and deserve congratulations on a job well done, this is the biggest WF to ever go down and they did a spectacular job! I'm enjoying all the pictures and vids that have been posted!

tEx

Eh for the money, CB is the only way to fly. It's handy any other time you're wheeling and if you're driving your truck there you can flip to channel 19 and try and keep the smokeys off your back.

Agreed that this WF was a great event, the only reason people are filing complaints here is because Rev asked for them! :D

[RedHeep]

Just a thought after reading a few more pages:

Keep in mind that if you're going to negotiate with the park for early arrival times, discounts on camping, etc. (if that's the direction the MWC wants to go) you HAVE to be willing to pull the trigger on another park.

As long as the old guard of the MWC continues to say "this is where winterfest will be held forever," you have nothing that the badlands wants that it won't get by sticking to its guns. I personally think that there should be much more of a partnership than there is, but unless they're concerned about losing the revenue we generate, they're not going to make any concessions to bring in our business.

I think that the tech inspections were conducted according to the requirements that were posted, but I think the focus should be on difficulty levels. I don't think anyone made it out on the trail without meeting the requirements (although not being able to put a strap on dude's front bumper was a little frustrating), we just need to come up with a better process to segregate rigs into the appropriate trail groups.

I know it's not Hale's intention, but the vibe you're putting out tells me you think everyone bailed on cleaning the VFW. If you don't solicit volunteers prior to dinner, then mention it to the 50 or so people left after the raffle, you're probably not going to get much help. We threw our trash away, pushed the chairs in and saw what everyone else did: no one in charge.

Perhaps in the future, you could have dinner at 7. Give everyone a chance to get off the trails, put some cleaner clothes and shoes on and then come to dinner.

But then, I guess if you're really interested in passing liquor around the campfire, you don't want to have dinner later.

I think that the operating hours of the park is probably the biggest restriction to having more fun at WF. I've been night wheeling at a couple places, that's a whole 'nother bunch of fun. You can't do that there. Get people out on the trail all day and people will make the trip for it.

I wish I could do more than make suggestions. You guys just have to wait 6 more years and then you can put me in charge of something like VFW cleanup :D

[GoSlowGetStuck]

Even if there's no discounted entry to the park, even having the entry fee as part of pre-registration would save a lot of time Saturday morning. I didn't care that much since I got a 3 day pass on Friday, but I know for the people showing up Friday night it'd be nice to have a pass ready. Maybe talk the campground into selling Saturday park passes since the park office closes at 5?

As far as the dinner, I fell short there (as did others it seems) and should have stuck around to sweep and clean things up better. If everyone sticks around though I think it will just complicate things (people running into each other). Maybe next year solicit people in advance, or commit WF staff to do it, or even offer some free swag to people who want to stick around and help. Just seems better to have a small group ready in advance than to have everyone running into each other.

I don't see the Badlands allowing night wheeling anytime soon, though I would love the opportunity to do more night wheeling myself.

[mrmikey32]

it wont happen. i know that the people around the park already complain about the noise as is

[GoSlowGetStuck]

it wont happen. i know that the people around the park already complain about the noise as is

Sure my exhaust is loud but I'll guess those complaints are more towards the ATV/bike people...

[RedHeep]

I wasn't suggesting we night wheel at the badlands, because I know that won't happen. i was simply making an observation that if push came to shove, there are other places to have winterfest and being able to wheel outside banker's hours is a negotiating point.

The MWC is huge. Most folks are centrally located around a place to wheel, hence the reason you get so many folks at winterfest at the badlands. You're probably not going to get someone that lives 12 hours away to show up unless he's a dumb jarhead that doesn't know any better.

If there's another naxja sponsored official event on the calender, considerations should be made for people who aren't located in indiana/illinois/ohio and it should be held at another wheeling venue.

[beer_goggles_009]

I know that the Badlands has allowed night wheeling for Zukimelt. It was an organized run for a limited number of participants but it was allowed. orange trail is a blast at night.

jim

[99SJ_Ex]

You're probably not going to get someone that lives 12 hours away to show up unless he's a dumb jarhead that doesn't know any better.


Careful what you say there, there are a fair share of us that make a commitment to a 8-10+ hr drive one way...

As for other venues, MN/WI doesn't have much, tho there is a place in WI I'm trying to work with for a M&G/Wheeling event....

Most of us go more for the M&G anyways, wheeling is just a perk...

tEx

[HaleYes]

Just a thought after reading a few more pages:

Keep in mind that if you're going to negotiate with the park for early arrival times, discounts on camping, etc. (if that's the direction the MWC wants to go) you HAVE to be willing to pull the trigger on another park.

As long as the old guard of the MWC continues to say "this is where winterfest will be held forever," you have nothing that the badlands wants that it won't get by sticking to its guns. I personally think that there should be much more of a partnership than there is, but unless they're concerned about losing the revenue we generate, they're not going to make any concessions to bring in our business.
----------------
I know it's not Hale's intention, but the vibe you're putting out tells me you think everyone bailed on cleaning the VFW. If you don't solicit volunteers prior to dinner, then mention it to the 50 or so people left after the raffle, you're probably not going to get much help. We threw our trash away, pushed the chairs in and saw what everyone else did: no one in charge.




I can't speak for Kyle (park owner) but I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to work with us. He knows that WF is a long running event and in the past has been all ears when I was talking with him on WF realated issues back in my MWC Presidential days. I truely don't believe that he's got the "I've got them by the sack!" mentality. He's just not that kind of person.

You're partially right on the VFW cleanup.
It's not my intention to put off that vibe. I shouldn't expect everyone to stay, and I don't. I do think that part of the issue was the "shock factor". In the past, we wiped off tables, pushed chairs in, and ran the dust mop over the floor and we were done. This year was a different beast. We had more people this year than ever, and it sorta through us for a loop as far as the clean up goes. Yes, we should have thought of that but, we didn't. I know I didn't anyway. Another thing is that the VFW wasn't really prepared for us either. The lady workingthe bar had no idea we were going to be there from my understanding. The VFW knew.....they just didn't relay the message. I think all we'd have to do is ask and they to would accomidate us with some more folks behind the bar.

Having dinner a bit later is a good idea and I do think it would help. Just us simply talking about here I think is good. Folks now know what it took to clean that stuff up and might be a little bit more aware of it next year.

Thanks for your input Josh. I/we do appericate it. :wave:

[HaleYes]

Careful what you say there, there are a fair share of us that make a commitment to a 8-10+ hr drive one way...

As for other venues, MN/WI doesn't have much, tho there is a place in WI I'm trying to work with for a M&G/Wheeling event....

Most of us go more for the M&G anyways, wheeling is just a perk...

tEx


You've never met Josh have you? :D

[RedHeep]

Thanks for your input Josh. I/we do appericate it. :wave:

I appericate you too :smootch:

[HaleYes]

I appericate you too :smootch:
My fingers get ahead of my brain sometimes.:moon:

[bmyohn]

My fingers get ahead of my brain sometimes.:moon:

*keeps smart ass remarks to himself* :angel:

[Rev Den]

The portions will be addressed with Robies.

the VFW hall is it, there was room for additional tables, and the bartender issue has been addressed already.

Winterfest will ALWAYS be in Attica, we learned from our mistake, and wont make it again.

I also like the idea of a two day event, that way we can get off the trails early enough on Saturday to allow everyone to clean up for dinner.

We will also be working with Badlands to allow us to set up registration before the gates open so we are ready. they let us in early this year.....but not early enough...they asked what time we wanted to be in, and I told them, I whoopsed.

Rev

[REWSTER]

my only suggestion is to turn down the heat at the VFW a bit, damn i was hot

[HaleYes]

my only suggestion is to turn down the heat at the VFW a bit, damn i was hot
Heat was off.
Air was on.

[jakeWI]

josh kept making me open the door. i kept closing it because it was hard to hear haha.

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

I am still taking notes everyone. If you have ideas or opinions, please keep them coming. We can only make this event better each year if we get the input from you, the attendees. I am not directly addressing some of the suggestion in an open forum due to many reasons, but have faith that your suggestions and opinions are being heard and will (or currently are) being discussed by the WF Staff and the MWC BOD. Thanks again for the input. I personally believe that the WF staff did an outstanding job in putting this event together and overall it was a great success. There were countless hours of work and phone calls/emails put in to pull this off, and it was all done by VOLUNTEERS who got not a single thing in return. I personally came into office in January and most the hard stuff was already planned, so my input was minimal from the stand point of the new position. I do really appreciate the help that was given by the WF Staff, The MWC BOD and the additional volunteers that stepped up in any way to help out where needed. Whether leading a trail or picking up more firewood, all help made this event what it was.....one to be remembered!! Thanks again.

Cheeseman-OUT!

[REWSTER]

Heat was off.
Air was on.

Wow were some hev weight mofos huh :D

josh kept making me open the door. i kept closing it because it was hard to hear haha.


i asked if you wanted to switch seats :D


REW 'sweating like a fat kid chasing a ice cream truck' STER

[87manche]

so. Most everything has been mentioned.

Regarding the CBs. Maybe we can pick up a few chapter cbs. some cheap midland jobbies (I paid 25 bucks for mine) and some mag mount antennas. They would be nice to have for the noob run as well.

Megaphone is on the list. I will be purchasing one the next time I get to Mansfield and donating it to the chapter. Tyler just isn't loud enough!

staging: I'll admit that lining up the Jeeps in the staging area was a bit chaotic. I wasn't prepared, and we didn't have enough space. Really was overwhelmed there. I think we need to setup some sort of staging area where we can do tech/staging and then line them up farther down the parking lot. We need to have a choke point so all rigs get inspected before they join the sea of jeeps at the bottom of the hill.
I also saw someone mentioning colored dots denoting a rigs build. This is a great idea. I felt really bad for sending the guy with the welded D35 on the hard run and it caused issues. My fault.

I would like to volunteer to setup a more organized staging area/tech inspection. I will work with whomever is doing tech next year so we can get the staging crap sorted out in a timely/organized fashion.

[discosteve]

a no pants trail run? anyone? anyone?

[HaleYes]

a no pants trail run? anyone? anyone?
We did that last year.
I kept getting tripped up everytime I went to get in the Jeep.

[FlexdXJ]

a no pants trail run? anyone? anyone?

Now your talking Rev's language! :D

[Rev Den]

Nate....the BOD is in process of getting a PA system, thanks anyway.

Rev

[87manche]

will the knob go up to eleven?

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

not only that...it will go to eleventy......

[87manche]

not only that...it will go to eleventy......
eexxxxcellent

[95' heep]

I felt really bad for sending the guy with the welded D35 on the hard run and it caused issues. My fault.



Sound like me.

We shouldnt wheel the D35 on hard trails anyway even I made up the exact same rock climb 3 months ago on the D35.

Other thing,

I actually feel kinda upset on how the WF staffs treated dozer XJ when his front driveshaft and a couples of other things broke on his XJ then the staff (leader or so) refused to help. I am upset that the staffs decided that dozer XJ passed the inspection but eventually changed mind when dozer XJ was in a very rough position! you leader should've suck it up and pulled him off the rock face then ask him to get off the trail (he has to anyway as the damage was bad) to get the tow points fixed.

Your tech inspections are :bs: so please make your decisions FINAL and STICKS with IT at the parklot, not in the trail when that person's 4x4 needs the help the most.

[discosteve]

We did that last year.
I kept getting tripped up everytime I went to get in the Jeep.


yea. brings back bad memories now that i think abt it. id step on my unit everytime i pressed the clutch pedal in.

[bmyohn]

Sound like me.

We shouldnt wheel the D35 on hard trails anyway even I made up the exact same rock climb 3 months ago on the D35.

Other thing,

I actually feel kinda upset on how the WF staffs treated dozer XJ when his front driveshaft and a couples of other things broke on his XJ then the staff (leader or so) refused to help. I am upset that the staffs decided that dozer XJ passed the inspection but eventually changed mind when dozer XJ was in a very rough position! you leader should've suck it up and pulled him off the rock face then ask him to get off the trail (he has to anyway as the damage was bad) to get the tow points fixed.

Your tech inspections are :bs: so please make your decisions FINAL and STICKS with IT at the parklot, not in the trail when that person's 4x4 needs the help the most.

this issue has been dealt with

[FlexdXJ]

Sound like me.

We shouldnt wheel the D35 on hard trails anyway even I made up the exact same rock climb 3 months ago on the D35.

Other thing,

I actually feel kinda upset on how the WF staffs treated dozer XJ when his front driveshaft and a couples of other things broke on his XJ then the staff (leader or so) refused to help. I am upset that the staffs decided that dozer XJ passed the inspection but eventually changed mind when dozer XJ was in a very rough position! you leader should've suck it up and pulled him off the rock face then ask him to get off the trail (he has to anyway as the damage was bad) to get the tow points fixed.

Your tech inspections are :bs: so please make your decisions FINAL and STICKS with IT at the parklot, not in the trail when that person's 4x4 needs the help the most.

It has been taken care of. It was missed on inspection, It happens. What the trail leader saw was sub-par and i have a feeling he knows what he is talking about. There were so many people there that it made it through by accident. Rest assured it won't happen again. One side pull on those hooks and they could have broke off and injured someone.

[95' heep]

right....

However like I said, its staff's fault for missed the "unqualified" tow points and should've suck it up and pulled him over the ledge rather than just tell him figure it out himself (basically getting him screwed)

[FlexdXJ]

right....

However like I said, its staff's fault for missed the "unqualified" tow points and should've suck it up and pulled him over the ledge rather than just tell him figure it out himself (basically getting him screwed)

It was no question but it was pretty hectic those couple days. The trail leader didn't feel it would have been safe and what he says goes. Tough cookies for him but rules are rules. He was broke anyways so pulling it up the obstacle doesn't make much sense to me. It was all blown way out of proportion. I find it hard to believe that if asked he wouldn't have been helped. Hell, you pretty much had guys tripping over themselves helping you swap your axle.

[95' heep]

Ok, I dont know what EXACTLY happened to dozer xj so I dont want to talk about it anymore.

I am very thankful that many guys helped me.

[FlexdXJ]

Ok, I dont know what EXACTLY happened to dozer xj so I dont want to talk about it anymore.

I am very thankful that many guys helped me.

Neither do I, We can agree on that! Glad they got you all fixed up so you could beat on that Jeep a little more! :cheers:

[Rev Den]

Last word:

it was NOT the trail leaders fault.

it was NOT the tech persons fault.

it was NOT the organizers fault.

it was MY fault, and as said before, it has been addressed and should not be an issue going forward.

I am very proud of the leaders for keeping this event safe, no one got hurt, even during a fairly hard roll. The sole reason we can Monday morning quarterback this is due to the judgment and actions of the leaders and gunners.

This issue is now addressed, lets move on.

Any further comments on this subject can be PM'ed to me and I will be happy to answer any questions.

Rev

[Rev Den]

It has been a week since the event, we have gotten a bunch of really good feedback from all of you, thanks.

rest assured that YOUR BOD has taken your advice and is currently starting to act on it, there will be changes for WF 11.

I have said it before....without the feedback from the membership this chapter would die a slow death. I am very happy that we have gotten some great information from you all, and we have a direction for the future.

The BOD was elected to follow your direction, and you have given that to us, we will now act.

Rev