GSSE-W 2011

[ATL ZJ]

The GSSE-W planners have been discussing this event, and right now we're leaning very strongly toward the last weekend in February. That would make the dates of this event Feb 25-27.

We've talked about several locations. We like the idea of a small park to keep the groups closer to each other (although not crowded together) and able to have more interaction. Windrock was a lot of fun last year, but its size and layout prevented groups from being able to tag along and watch other groups out on the trails.

There has also been some interest in making GSSE-W a traveling event, meaning we hold it at a different park each year. Since the abundance of private parks makes the Southeast US pretty unique, holding the event at a new place every year would let us wheel new trails and patronize different parks. We're open to your input on that idea, as well as anything else that you guys want this event to be.

Here are the parks we're looking strongly at:

[ATL ZJ]

Hale Mountain

website: http://www.halemountainohvpark.com/
location: Elora, TN (close to Chattanooga)
cost per day: we would likely rent the whole park at a cost of $15/person per day
camping cost: included in wheeling fee
ammenities: primitive campground, restrooms, shower house
trails: 450 acres, wide variety of trails and obstacles ranging from very mild to extreme

[ATL ZJ]

Crusher Ridge

website: http://www.crusherridgerockcrawlerpark.com
location: Hartselle, AL (close to Birmingham)
cost per day: $15/person per day
camping cost: included in wheeling fee
ammenities: primitive camping only, included with wheeling cost. hotels are available within a few miles of the park.
trails: the park has 50 trails, mostly advanced to extreme in difficulty

[ATL ZJ]

Golden Mountain Park

website: http://www.goldenmountainpark.com
location: Sparta, TN (between Nashville and Knoxville)
cost per day: varies by day but $25 for first day, $20 thereafter, plus cost for passengers. Full rates are here: http://www.goldenmountainpark.com/rates/
camping cost: $10/day for primitive camping or $50/night for bunkhouse.
ammenities: primitive camping available, bunkhouses can be rented. Restrooms and showers available but they charge $3 for every shower you take. They also have pavilions, lakes, sports fields, etc. think abandoned summer camp.
trails: wide variety, stock to extreme, but more trails for built rigs than stockers

[rstrucks]

Anybody?

I like all three options. I lean towards GMP because it's closest to home for me and it has bunk houses on site. It does cost a little more though.

Hale and Crusher Ridge look badass too so I don't think there is a bad option.

[SirFuego]

I vote for Crusher Ridge.

Simply because it's probably a bit further than I'd like to drive, so I wouldn't go there anyways. Since I'm not going to make GSSE-W this year, I want Golden Mountain to remain an option in subsequent years

But seriously -- I don't know that I really should have a "say" since I'm not going, so you can ignore this if you want

[BigClay]

I am still trying to convince the wife to let me go... our first baby is due in December so she is not too keen on me going away for a long weekend in February haha

[rstrucks]

I am still trying to convince the wife to let me go... our first baby is due in December so she is not too keen on me going away for a long weekend in February haha

You need to arrange a "family" weekend. Invite the mother, sister, aunt, best friend, whoever and let them have some time to bond with little one. Good luck.

[scott]

All 3 look good to me, i actually just got back from GMP about an hour ago, we went down on friday night, crusher ridge looks a little extreme for the little jeeps but still good.

[zj95maxx]

The last one is the closest so thats my vote.. 9 hours is still pretty far.. I dont know if I will go if its over 8

[chadjans]

Seems like you guys have experienced what we are seeing for our events here in Arizona. The planners have outgrown the "typical Grand Crowd."

Pick something you all like and maybe some will follow.

[ATL ZJ]

Any other interest or comments? Based on the discussion so far it looks like GSSE-W 2011 will be at Golden Mountain the last weekend of Feb.

Bring on the objections and celebrations

[SirFuego]

The last one is the closest so thats my vote.. 9 hours is still pretty far.. I dont know if I will go if its over 8

What's another hour?

Windrock and Harlan are about an hour difference for me and to be honest, I didn't notice a difference. When you are talking about a trip that long, an extra hour isn't going to be a big deal.

[rstrucks]

C'mon February!

[BigClay]

Just got the OK from my baby mama to-be!!!


So February looks good for me. So if we go to GMP, what is the bunk house like? Is it individual bedrooms or one big room with bunk beds?

[BigClay]

Just checked out the site and answered my bunk question. There are 5 individual bunk rooms with private bathroom, minifridge and microwave.

[scott]

Golden mountain sounds good to me! the bunkrooms are nice, def. worth the 50 bucks for a hot shower and a bed to sleep in, plus they sleep 3 people

[biggoofy]

I dont see myself making this one the rig wont be ready till march or early april. I doubt a 2" bb and 31s will allow me to do much.

[UTChavok]

Hales 5 hours from us, but everything else about it sounds awesome. The idea that wed have the whole park and its only $15 a person rocks. Money plays a factor for almost everyone in our club. Crusher ridge looks a little much for my full bodied zj on 33s but I cant say much, never been.

Either way If the location isn't extremely far I'll be able to plan this trip as our February trip for the club and make sure we all make it there.

[ATL ZJ]

Ronnie, compared to GMP, what you'd save in wheeling fees you'd pay in extra gas to get to Hale. We are really leaning toward GMP because it has a nice variety of trails and it's a little more centrally located for the normal GSSE crowd. Glad to hear you guys are hoping to join us.

If you guys are bringing a lot of people we might even consider doing a group meal... they have pavilions available for that kind of thing. Or we could all just convoy over to that awesome little restaurant right by windrock for some BBQ and fat tire

[BigClay]

I dont see myself making this one the rig wont be ready till march or early april. I doubt a 2" bb and 31s will allow me to do much.

Build faster!

[slim616]

Ill have to play this one by ear and see how the funds are.

[biggoofy]

money only comes in so fast and I'm not able to work on my jeep till jan at the earliest due to the shoulder surgery I just had.

[SCJeeper]

all 3 look good to me, they are all about the same distance from me.... and i really want to try that new wheelbase out!

[BigClay]

all 3 look good to me, they are all about the same distance from me.... and i really want to try that new wheelbase out!

Pics??