Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 23:57:20 EDT
Reply-To: SyncroHead <SyncroHead@AOL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: SyncroHead <SyncroHead@AOL.COM>
Subject: Syncro Safari - 1999, How? Where? When?
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Helllloooooo Syncronuts!
I know that most of you haven't yet heard any details of how the Syncro
Safari, Moab ''98 went, but it's not too early to begin taliking about the
1999 event.
I think that there are three primary issues that I'd like to start discussions
and get other Syncronaut's input on: How, Where, and When?
HOW?
The first issue that needs to be defined is the format of the event. At the
"Moab '98" event, the trail rides were part of the Easter Jeep Safari and was
a "base camp with day trips" format. I enjoyed this event a lot, appreciated
all the gawks and questions from Jeepers, and liked that someone else (Red
Rock 4-Wheelers) handled the trails, and provided guide service. It was a
great event!
For 1999, I suggest that we have our own event instead of attaching to an
existing 4-wheeling event.
I suggest that we might switch the format to a multi-day trek from one
starting point to one end point. There are many issues to be resolved with
this type of format however, including: Access to fuel, access to food, food
storage, medical attention, repair facilities, etc. Another issue is that the
availability of a suitable multi-day routes is much lower than simply areas
which offer day trips. By "multi day", I'm thinking of perhaps three
4-wheeling days, with two recreation/relaxation days for a total of 5. I'm
certainly still open to doing a "base-camp" format again though.
WHERE? WHEN?
After deciding on the format, the location and date will need to be choosen.
These two seem to need to be decided together, since the location will be
quite dependent on expected weather. We certainly couldn't do a Sierra trip
in March, or a Death Valley trip in July! Another factor weighing in on the
location is accessibility to someone who might be able to provide local
information and check things out for the group. I can do this in southern
California, but certainly couldn't provide these services in New Mexico or
Washington for instance. We CANNOT rely solely on guide books. They are
often wrong, especially as the BLM, NFS, and other govenrment agencies
continue to close off-highway routes. It would be a bad thing to drive 1,000
miles to find our route closed to access, by the govenrment or made impassible
by damage from El Nino, or other factors. Still another factor could be
proximity to those who will be attending. I wouldn't expect to do a Syncro
Safari in a particular area if the average distance the event was too high.
Suggestions? Comments? Whatever?
Regards,
Jim Davis, SyncroSafarinut
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