New Year's Day - Bunce School Road

[a_brick_short]

Max previously posted:

[dr350jja]

a_brick_short previously posted:

[dr350jja]

Max and Derek have some awesome pics from today. Thanks a bunch

[dr350jja]

And so it begins...the first run of the year brings in the NEW 2014 Wheeler Badges

[sunk]

Wow, big group. Looks like a fun time! I'm jealous, when is the next snow run!

[The StRanger]

Wished I could made it.. Oh well.
Thanks for the pics, Ill make next time..

[94ToyBear]

Had a good time ! Nice meeting everyone !

[Jim]

sunk previously posted:

[Max]

The group was a bit big for this type of run. I didn't see the last few people in line pretty much the whole time, and I only got pictures of the rigs that I was close to.

What is the solution? Break into two groups and go on different trails? Have each group go different directions on the same trail (as long as there's room to pass going the opposite direction)? Limit the run to a certain number?

[Jim]

I could see, as a couple folks did, split into a Bunce/Ironclads group set (realizing other trails would not offer the flexibility).

I think I saw the "max vehicles" feature in the forum software - I'll take another look and may activate it, with a high default rigs number (15) and people could limit it down if need be.

[ExplorerTom]

I would guess you'd also need to have enough knowledge of the trail to know that it couldn't handle that many rigs ahead of time. There probably aren't that many trails that can handle that many.

[Jackie]

Max number has been discussed on here before... It's probably easiest for the planner to limit the number right from the first post saying "I'd like to limit this run to 5 rigs" (or whatever). A second group could always form and just plan a later start than the first group just to keep it simple... Could always meet up later...

[WW2AVG]

My two cents...

I like the idea of limiting it. We had a great turnout, but probably too great! If the organizer could set a hard limit, that might be handy. It seems reasonable that the organizer should be able to limit how many vehicles he/she is willing to deal with.

In hindsight, we probably should have broken into two groups: one started on Ironclads and one on Bunce. Then maybe "swap" after? Easy to say that now, but as it unfolded I don't think we had a good feel for how hard that first obstacle was going to be.

Another option/idea might be to break into several groups when we realize interest is high and stagger the starts as Jackie suggested. I don't see there being any way to make a hard and fast rule. It would seem that each organizer just needs to make a call and decide which way is best. I suspect that is a lot easier said than done though!

I had done Ironclads once when there was no snow. I didn't remember enough about it to know how hard it was. Since it was dry when I had done it before I wasn't terribly worried, but a lot depended on how much snow we had. I didn't have a good feel for what to expect there and how much more difficult it would make the trail. Early on I was "elected" to break the trail. (That was actually quite fun!) There were (IMHO) two difficult obstacles. Once we got past those I think it went pretty smooth. As the lead vehicle, I spent a lot of time parked waiting for people to catch up. I'm sure it was similar at the other end of the line! I didn't stay for all the winching at the first obstacle, but I was there for two uses of the winch plus watched 2 or 3 more go up on their own. With a large group, it might be worth borrowing an idea from "The Ultimate Adventure" and after a few tries out comes the winch? Again, no way to make a hard and fast rule, but maybe just some ideas to keep in mind if we have a large group on a difficult trail (Ironclads isn't "usually" difficult, but the snow bumped it up a few points!).

One last thought and then I'll be quiet! Limiting the number of vehicles is a start. IMHO, I think the organizer should be free to put any conditions on the run that he/she feels necessary. So, my question is: Should the organizer also be free to specify things like tow points, winch, lockers, radio, etc?

I had a good time just the same. I was the first one up the first obstacle. It took front and rear lockers, but I made it. However, I will mention that it was not totally easy and I actually backed/slid(?) into a tree on the first attempt. I seemed to touch very gently as my son told me I was on the tree (I didn't feel it). However, it was enough to push the tire carrier into the tailgate and crunch it a bit! I'll try to get a carnage photo later and post it!

As I said I was as the first obstacle for maybe the first 5 or 6 folks up. Then it was time for me to press on. I will say that while shoveling, winching, and pushing people up there was no shortage of volunteers! Everyone was chipping in and doing what needed to be done! Everyone was helpful and pleasant. I really enjoyed the crowd!

[JAB]

Had a good time meeting everyone yesterday, looking forward to more of the same this year!

[94ToyBear]

JAB previously posted:

[Jim]

threadjack...

Regarding limiting trucks:

With the questions of "how many trucks would x trail handle" and "what options are there for a large group" those questions would be best handled in the planning thread. If the organizer does not know the info, likely someone else will pipe up.

Should the organizer wish to limit trucks (and/or list options for splitting a group), that can simply be listed in the calendar info (and likely the planned run thread).

[Max]

A downside to limiting the amount of rigs on a trail is if someone backs out at the last minute, it may be too late for anyone else to go.

[jdawg33]

Looks like a great run, sorry I missed it. I really need to get my JKU out on some trails soon.

[Cr33p3r]

Good pics and videos thanks for sharing everyone.

[dr350jja]

WW2AVG previously posted: