10th Annual Aussie Run - Bill Moore Lake - Sept. 30, 2017
10th Annual Aussie RunSaturday, September 30, 2017
OK, here we go again! The tenth annual Aussie Run will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017. We will be meeting at 9:00 am in Empire and run Bill Moore Lake, returning to Empire at the end of the day. If you want to go wheeling and have an empty seat or two, this is a fun event!
What is the Aussie Run?
Well, as some of you know, I’m an elementary school teacher. In 2006, I participated in a teacher exchange to Australia. Basically, an Australian teacher and I swapped jobs and houses for a year. While my wife and I were there, we were constantly amazed at how people went out of their way to show us their favorite parts of that incredible country. When I got back, I vowed I would do the same thing for the Aussies on exchange to Colorado, and the Aussie Run was born. I got a few willing volunteers together (you awesome folks) who had a few empty seats in their rigs, piled in some teachers and their families, and had a great day wheeling in the Colorado mountains.
How does it work?
I compile a list of volunteer drivers who have available seats in their rigs, and passengers who want to ride along. We meet in an easy-to-find place, match up passengers with drivers, and head out for the trails. It’s usually a full day with lunch on the trail, and returning to the meeting spot around 4pm. After that, people have often stopped for dinner or drinks on the way home, but that’s up to each individual.
Things to be aware of:
Every year, we have had more empty seats than passengers. This is intentional, as unexpected things happen and it would be really disappointing for someone to drive up there and not get to go. Having a few extra seats also provides a safety margin in case a vehicle breaks down. What this means for drivers, however, is that you might be wheeling by yourself. Rest assured, though, that there will be time to meet and chat with the exchange teachers at the meeting spot, photo stops, lunch, and possibly dinner.
If you do get a passenger, be prepared that they might not be Australian. I organize the passengers for this run through the Colorado International Teachers’ Exchange League (CITEL), and all members are invited. This means that the passengers may be teachers here in Colorado on exchange from another country (not always Australia, though the majority of exchange teachers are Aussies), or Colorado teachers who, like me, have been on an exchange in the past. I’m sure you’ll find that all of them are adventurous and thankful for your time and willingness to help out!
Also, please be aware that this is NOT a hardcore wheeling run. Most of the passengers have never driven on anything more difficult than a dirt road before, and what may be a routine shelf road to you may be at the limit of their comfort zone. The emphasis is on conversation and having a good time, not conquering a rock garden or avoiding a near-rollover. The safety of passengers and drivers is a priority at all times during this event.
How do I sign up?
Simply message me with your real name (first is OK), what you drive and how many empty seats you’ll have, a good cell phone number, and email address. I’ll send you an email with a map to the meeting spot and any other information needed for the trip, and I can answer any questions you may have.
One more thing:
THANKS. I could never say it enough. I cannot run this event without awesome people like you who want to share our beautiful backcountry with others, and are willing to do it without compensation of any kind other than a handshake and a smile. You rock!
Kyle
PS - this event is cross-posted on Colorado4x4.org, but most of the drivers come from this forum these days!
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Send me a PM if you think you can make it.
