Rubithon 2008 | June 18th-22nd, 2008

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Hi all,

Well my local independent Toyota shop installed the last of my skids, the transfer skid from all Pro was a bear, so I had them do it and they did a great job.

If you are ever going through Denver, Comprehensive Repair on Evans is a great shop, inexpensive and they know Toyota Landcruisers and 4runners and now getting familiar with FJCs. Tell Joe, Chris Davis Sent you.

Fridge arrived today.. Found some of those military fuel and water cans, what a tough find those were.

I am going to try to find a kit that will allow me to mount the fuel can behind the spare tire? Is that legal, as long as it is empty on the highway??

[woooody]

Mtbcoach previously said:

Pack'n the FJ tonight for departure tomorrow morning. Ready for the big drive across this amazing country. I've done the check list but I know that I'll forget at least one "mandatory" item. At least I'll have plenty of time to think about what that item might be as I'm cruising through the flat lands of Kansas.

I'll be checking in as I make my way across, if you happen to think of your favorite item to forget, post it up just in case I still haven't remembered by the time I arrive on the West Coast...

Things I've forgotten in the past

Towel for shower(s)
Wash cloth for end of the day, when you can't take a shower.
Swim Trunks - The "rapids" are a nice Jacuzzi.
Marshmallow sticks.
camp chair
pillow

[CA Annie]

Thanks for all the info, Ross. I'm writing it all down. I tell you, I didnt plan this hard or long for two weeks in Europe. Freakin A!

Can I ask, are we the last group into the Springs Friday? Are the campsites sectioned off, or is it first come - first serve? Is there plenty of room to camp, or is this going to be a tight fit with the number of people in our group?

Also wondering, is the FJ group the red-headed stepchild of the groups (no offense to red-headed stepchildren)? People seem more worried about us, I'm hoping we're not considered a burden.

These are the things that run through my head as I'm not sleeping at night. I'm already way excited about this trip. I cant imagine getting much sleep next Tuesday.


7 days, 2 hours, 55 minutes till RUBITHON!

[woooody]

CA Annie previously said:

Thanks for all the info, Ross. I'm writing it all down. I tell you, I didnt plan this hard or long for two weeks in Europe. Freakin A!

Can I ask, are we the last group into the Springs Friday? Are the campsites sectioned off, or is it first come - first serve? Is there plenty of room to camp, or is this going to be a tight fit with the number of people in our group?

So, yeah, there's a lot of planning. I'm going in two days before your group, so increase the needs by 50%...

You may or may not be the next to last group. Marlin's groupd will be the last. There are no formal camp sites per se, but we all have our "spots".

There are 3 main areas

1 - The Springs -- Bad place to be on Wednesday, great place to be on Friday. The reason is the dust that is raised by all of the vehicles. You'll have less hiking / driving to do if you camp in the springs. All of the activities are there. Makes the stumble back from Marauder bar and the Saturday night raffle easier.

2 - The Bluffs -- Past the Springs, used to be the out skirts, but has become the desired area due to less dust, and easier access to the river. You'll do a lot of hiking, as it's usually faster by foot than by vehicle. A little exposed during the day, but nice at night.

3 - Dirty Dozen -- Farther down, a little rowdier, and usually crowded, but nice, under the trees. You have to cross a stream to get in.

CA Annie previously said:

Also wondering, is the FJ group the red-headed stepchild of the groups (no offense to red-headed stepchildren)? People seem more worried about us, I'm hoping we're not considered a burden.

There is a reason they are their own run.

Seriously, the first Trail Teams run caused a lot of heart ache, as they were spotting everywhere, due to Toyota/Saatchi instructing them "no damage". They tried to stay up, but there was a traffic jam behind them on the first day, got better the 2nd day.

Last year was better, they could take a little damage, and made it through with no dents (maybe a couple of tiny ones). They pulled out of the way, and kept a good pace.

This year, by having an FJC run, it should keep the group moving, as you will have a similar vehicle to watch for the proper line. Can't stress enough about how important it is to keep both vehicles in sight (in front, and behind). If you all stay "close" you'll make good time.

Tony indicated that "I am cutting off the FJ Cruiser run at 10 trucks. I think we have captured the folks who really want to go, and again, want to keep this group small and extremely mobile (read keep them moving). We have good trucks in this group, and good attitudes by the drivers. I am reminding the Trail Leaders that they need to pull over Thursday morning and let Big Jim's group pass."

This just means that you will have a casual start to your day Thursday. That can be a "good" thing.

CA Annie previously said:

These are the things that run through my head as I'm not sleeping at night. I'm already way excited about this trip. I cant imagine getting much sleep next Tuesday.


7 days, 2 hours, 55 minutes till RUBITHON!

Yeah, just imagine the thoughts going through my head, as I try to wrap my head around the idea of serving 360+ breakfasts, and 380+ dinners on Saturday... I don't think I'm going to drink too hard Friday...

[woooody]

You guys must be getting tired of seeing me post, but I thought I'd link this:

Rubithon: the official TLCA event

Lists everyone on formal runs...

[JDEMELLO]

mir207 previously said:

It's probably something really simple like a fuel filter or MAF failure. I'm waiting to hear from the dealership.

If you are running the oil K&N filter I would say it's the Maf I have seen a couple go out because they were covered in oil. You described to a T what the truck will do when that goes bad or out.

[CA Annie]

No, we could never get tired of you!

So 10 FJ's but three of those are trail teams leaders? Wow... Guess they just heard about my wonderful beer selection.


Doesn't look like a lot of chicks are registered to drive?? Are there usually a few?

Yeah, just imagine the thoughts going through my head, as I try to wrap my head around the idea of serving 360+ breakfasts, and 380+ dinners on Saturday... I don't think I'm going to drink too hard Friday...

I cant even imagine! I'll save a c*cktail for you for SATURDAY night!

[sbechtold]

woooody previously said:

Things I've forgotten in the past

You forgot your famous quote... "bring your utensil, you'll need them for breakfast and dinner"

[woooody]

sbechtold previously said:

You forgot your famous quote... "bring your utensil, you'll need them for breakfast and dinner"

Breakfast will be available via a burrito shell, so, technically, you can get by without the utensils for breakfast.

Dinner, you could theoretically use your fingers, but the cole slaw would be messy.

But I've never forgotten utensils

[Mtbcoach]

woooody previously said:

Things I've forgotten in the past

Towel for shower(s)
Wash cloth for end of the day, when you can't take a shower.
Swim Trunks - The "rapids" are a nice Jacuzzi.
Marshmallow sticks.
camp chair
pillow

Oooohhh, marshmallow sticks, good catch. Got everything else on your list. Thanks...