why didn't you go the GSW this year?

[BigDaveZJ]

While we still had an awesome time in Moab, attendance was down slightly this year. We've been guessing as to reasons why, but wanted to find out directly from you guys why you may not have attended.

I've put a poll in this thread, but feel free to expand on your reasoning in a post as well.

[Sudz]

my grad waving

[Fzcruzer]

I wanted to go this year and meet everybody but had three graduations to attend.

[WKTrailrunner]

1) Not enough other "old folk" ,
2) Too much snow in the Ouray area to continue the trip, and,
3) I signed up to help for this trip at last years meeting and nobody contacted me.

Looks like you all had a great time.....maybe next year. Great pics and trip reports everyone.

[Jeep Whore]

I graduated high school, had school and other school bullshit

[AgitatedPancake]

Don't want to have to trust the jeep for the 1600 mile round trip, and didn't have a truck or trailer to get myself out there. I want to see if I can borrow my uncles dodge deisel next year...hmm

[cowboy63b]

i didnt trust mine either, and the funds wernt avaliable.

[PaperTowels]

My reason is my jeep is not ready yet still. I need control arms, CV Driveshaft and rear main seal done on it.

[FishPOET]

My busy season every year is from mid May to mid June. If GSW ever gets scheduled other than my busy season I'll be there.

[jfowlzj95]

I checked distance/gas/and not having a working heep as they are big factors, but the main reason why I haven't been able to make the trip, and probably won't for a while, is having to take summer school. I have hopes of making it out there some day, but honestly that probably won't happen until I graduate and have been at least a couple years out.

[BMB]

Just started a new job and the heep is also having issues. Have had a great time in the past at GSW and GSSW. Looking forward to attending next year.

[TN_WJ]

1683.2 looooong miles

[Pitch]

My current Jeep looks too much like a CJ7.

[Ken L]

I have 2 weddings to pay for this year.

[5.9 ANDY]

im in an infantry battalion, they dont let us take time off other than pre-deployment, and post-deployment leave, and hollidays.

[just1more19]

1,361 MILES + No Tow Vehicle + Jeep not ready to be on the road again + 3 month old newborn = ANGRY Wife and NO moab. Hoping I'll be able to have a good tow vehicle and my trailer completed next year also maybe have the jeep about wrapped up sometime this year. ( MAYBE ) It's amazing how life changes with a child

[ajmorell]

2 reasons really. The first was that I had to burn time off for a wedding this weekend and even more time in July...I don't have much built up yet. The Jeep wasn't really ready, but I could've wheeled it with the lp30 and d35. Unless something big comes up I will make a significant effort to be there next year. Hp30/8.8 swap will be done and I'm hoping to have front LAs by then too.

[K2]

2 reasons really. The first was that I had to burn time off for a wedding this weekend and even more time in July...I don't have much built up yet. The Jeep wasn't really ready, but I could've wheeled it with the lp30 and d35. Unless something big comes up I will make a significant effort to be there next year. Hp30/8.8 swap will be done and I'm hoping to have front LAs by then too.

If you are swapping in an 8.8, do long arms there too. You are already going to have to fab up parts, do the arms too. I have long arms out back and not in front for that reason. Did the 8.8 to handle the stroker. Good thing, now I need a new drive shaft.

[96RedZJ]

All these 1600 miles complainers.

2,157 mi <<

Maybe next year when I get the tow rig, Ill show you west coast boys how us east coast boys wheel?

[Steel City ZJ]

Was spending time with family because I just returned from a deployment.

[Sudz]

Location?

maybe it's time to mix it up a little

[BigDaveZJ]

We talked about switching it up from Moab a couple years back, and there's really nothing out west that compares to it. Nowhere else has that many trails that close to town. Most of the trails that they ran at FJ Summit last year barely even require 4wd too. We had GSW in Aspen back in 01 and it was a good time, but the trails were considerably easier and further apart than Moab. The Buena Vista has come up a few times, but even then some of the other trails in the area are 45 plus minutes from town.

[goldensd]

Please don't leave Moab!!

I WILL make it. Spent almost 2 weeks in Peru in May, and am in the middle of starting a new project were my factors. Basically, I f'd up the list of priorities.

[ajmorell]

We talked about switching it up from Moab a couple years back, and there's really nothing out west that compares to it. Nowhere else has that many trails that close to town. Most of the trails that they ran at FJ Summit last year barely even require 4wd too. We had GSW in Aspen back in 01 and it was a good time, but the trails were considerably easier and further apart than Moab. The Buena Vista has come up a few times, but even then some of the other trails in the area are 45 plus minutes from town.

Farmington. Can't really give you a 1st hand experience-based review but I know some guys out here who are serious into wheeling, one of which moved to NM almost exclusively for the wheeling out here. I've been told by several people Farmington is the crawling mecca of the US. I should have some first hand reviews by the end of the summer.

[Sandy R]

Farmington. Can't really give you a 1st hand experience-based review but I know some guys out here who are serious into wheeling, one of which moved to NM almost exclusively for the wheeling out here. I've been told by several people Farmington is the crawling mecca of the US. I should have some first hand reviews by the end of the summer.

Moab is tough to beat for the reasons Dave stated but when you check it out please report back on anything that you can find out about:
How many trails available for 4 days of wheeling?
Are there trails from mild to wild suitable for all Grands for 4 days? In other words, something for everybody?
Is there adequate close by affordable lodging and decent food and drink within walking distance of lodging (we want people to be able to party without having to drive afterwards)?
Are there adequate parts stores close by and available?
Is there a closeby park where we can have a Saturday night pizza party?
Is there plenty of closeby grocery shopping?

I would love to go to New Mexico one of these years, if not for a Grand Slam, at least with other wheelers. A Grand Slam West in New Mexico has tough competition to beat Moab, which would be the only reason I would want to switch if it could beat Moab. BUT, maybe you and some locals can start a Grand Slam Farmington or Las Cruces if the key needs (ok, wants) are available?????? I'm interested!