Just to let y'all know, Andy (Desert Rat) is leaving from the Chevron on Friday the 4th at 2:30pm. I am meeting him there.

From what I read on Swanky, Dan (DBAX) is planning to meet at 4:00-4:30 ish. Correct me if I am wrong.

Of course, arriving later is always an option.

Should this be made a sticky thread.

I should be able to make the 4 / 4:30 meet up, I leave work at 1, then head home to pack the X and get movin.

Yeah, big 10-4 on the 4:30 departure I'm going to be there at 4:00, and will be going Norte' on CB 17.

Should this be made a sticky thread? If not, then bump.

Prolly gonna make the 2:30 depart time, but not sure yet.

May head up earlier if Bren takes the day off.

BUMP
OFFICIAL FAT TIRE INFO LINKY

okaaaaaay...So, Preston and I are going to be joining the herd of xterra animals (you guys) after I get off work. Our departure time from Scottsdeezy is 10:00pm on Friday night mountain standard time. This is goin to be a roto rootin tootin good time I simply can't wait!
Jason out-

As they are talking about leaving at 6am on the Saturday morning, I'm considering staying in a Motel in Flagstaff on Friday night, then meeting you guys at 6am. I won't be leaving town until the wife gets off work at 4pm, so won't be meeting up with you guys for the trip up there, doubt we will get out of town until 6pm. Hardly seems worth emptying the truck of camp gear and sleeping in it, or setting up our tent for the short time we will be at base camp.

Hell, I'm starting to rethink even going at all. Seems like only trucks that can carry riders / bikes are needed, which kinda rules me out with an X full of family & camp gear.

Last year was awesome fun tho. But from the attitude I read into the posts on N4W I just get the feeling familes aren't really wanted.

Hey Roger, just wanted to let you know that Preston, Travis and I were thinking of joining you and Ty at end camp and helping out as needed if you are still thinking of doing that. The reason for doing this is because we wouldn't be arriving until really late friday night.

Yeaa, I feel a bit better about it now that is the plan. Plus working Sag 3 for me is probably a good idea.

If anyone wants to run the trail in reverse on Sunday I'm in!

Kiddo & I are planning to go. If need be I can carry a couple of riders even with camping gear & toss the bikes on top. I can certainly hand out water, tubes & bandaids.

I keep hearing about how much fun last year was, but it almost sounds like were not wanted.

Free beer is cool & all, but that's not what it's all about. The social & charitable aspects should be the primary focus. I think the 'powers that be' should think inclusive instead of exclusive.

Setting up at end camp & driving to the start Saturday morning sounds like a good idea. I can make either the 2:00 or 4:00 meet times, just haven't decided which yet. I figure once I get to camp somebody will tell me what to do. We'll have our fun on Sunday.

Bren and I are both off Fri, so we are going to head up noonish and setup camp at end point.

Great charity event, and alot of fun. Bring some cash for the raffle after dinner. Some nice prizes, and all goes to Toys for Tots.

I think we're going to skip this event this year. I thought we would break our boycotting of it and give it another shot, but based on the posts in N4W I think we'll pass again.

I'd also throw out there, that maybe this event should be taken off the yearly calendar. If we can't bring our kids/family/pets etc and they want to complain about us, we should probably find something else to do and just let the people that enjoy Fat Tire go on their own?

Mark/Shannon, I hope you'll reconsider.
Look (everyone), the bottom line is this is a support effort for a charity event. We're asked to help because of our prior experience in these types of events, and because the organizers like us . Nothing has changed from years past. We go up, and assist the riders when necessary, we sweep the trail, and head into camp. Party. That's it .
I hope to see everyone who's offered to help either at camp Friday, or at the end-camp on Saturday. Let's get up there, do our part, and then, have some fun.

Dan - For sure, we definitely support the event. We just had a really bad experience up there our first time. We came up just to lend support for the race. We had to be back Sunday morning so we couldn't even stay the weekend. Drove up Friday night, broke camp before dawn, sat in one spot all day cheering on riders and trying to be useful for anyone, and then the organizers (the biker girls who were running the thing) treated us like crap that evening, and were especially rude to Shannon. Plus, they totally and unfairly rigged/screwed up the charity raffle at the end. (And I'm not just bitter because I didn't win, we bought like, one ticket. But I know some people put in like $100 so...I'd at least like it to be as advertised not changed at the last minute after everyone bought tickets)

So anyway, thats my rant. We were going to give it another chance this year, as I know its an event everyone always loves, and we really wanted to get out and camp with you guys. But, turns out that weekend is the last in a series of races Shannon is in, so she isn't going. I thought about coming up with just Kaelyn, but as Roger said, some of the posts on N4W have been less than friendly. I agree we're up there to help out and especially help a great fundraiser for Toys for Tots. But we volunteer at a lot of different charity events, and while many of them are boring as hell, at least the people are appreciative

Sorry if this post comes off super harsh or uncaring. I know this is a beloved event for the group, and I totally support it. I just wish the organizers would remember that while we're happy to come donate our time for a good cause, we aren't cattle either.

Mark

What is posted that is unfriendly on N4W? Marshall just posted up facts about the thing, and he laid out the code of conduct while we're out there supporting this. I see this as good information, and not being 'unfriendly'.

The rules of conduct were only posted to avoid any issues that have occurred on past events....nothing major, but they were worth mentioning.

Yup, agreed. Talked to Marshall, and I definitely lost my head a bit with that post. Anyway, I think we'll hang around here Saturday morning for Shannon's race and then we're going to spend the night up in Flag at a friend's empty apartment, get some hiking in on Sunday, and come back. So maybe we'll see you guys on the drive home!

Have fun up there!
Mark

Wfe is trying to get off work early and I have Friday off, so hoping to meet up with the 4/4:30 group. Where is this Chevron? I'm most likely going to be heading up Scottsdale Road to Carefree Hwy, then accross to the I17, to avoid the insane rush hour traffic around the 101 / I17.

FYI - I'm going to be leaving around lunchtime on Friday. I plan to take a side trip up Oak Creek Canyon on the way up. I'll be in the Meany, so the trip up the hill will be kinda slow.

That said, if anyone wants to caravan, just let me know.

I'm at 480 540 1606.

Andy, isn't Oak Creek all messed up because of those land slides?

It was closed earlier this week, but so far it's open now

Hey guys.

I need a few of you to start from start camp with us Saturday morning.

Ty is going up and camping at end camp and as a sweep vehicle doesn't need to be ready to go at start camp until after 7.

Ty and another vehicle are going to sweep the course and will be the only support to drive the fun bottom before SAG1.

And I need at least two of you to come with me leaving start camp by 6-6:15. You will be above SAG1. Rinky is going right to SAG3 from end camp where he will setting up camp Friday night.

So I need three of you to speak up for a spot and the rest will be doubled up or assisting at the SAG's dpending on who all we have.

1. To sweep with Ty

2. for postion 2

3. for position 3

Don't foget a bunch of banana's for the riders, check those first aid kits, some extra water and an old blanket or two for a cold wet rider would be good.

My bet is that we will have wet riders in our trucks again this year.

If you are camping at end camp YOU NEED to check in with me at start camp.

I'm going up with Desert Rat so I should be up there before you guys. FR222 just about seven miles from Flagstaff, after Snow Bowl on your left. Yellow signs "TOY for TOTS" which will have glow sticks on them at night.

CB channel 17.

Put us where you need us.

Looks like we'll be riding up with the 4:00 group. We're going to camp at the end camp, mainly because I'm lazy & don't want to setup twice.

Making a run to Walmart tomorrow for supplies. I usually take a 5 gallon can camping. How much water should I bring? Cups or bottles? I don't want to offend the treehuggers. :p

Okay Pluvo. You do realize it is over an hour back to the start right?

Want to take the other sweep spot with Ty?

Stone, I am good for anywhere you need me. I will caravaning up with Andy on Friday so I will be staying at the start point.

Okay defib, I am putting you down for postion 2, leave with us from start camp.

I'm going up with the Rat too.

Joannie and I are going up Friday Evening, but aren't going to be caravaning. We'll hopefully find ya'll at the start camp, Keep your Ears on CB 17.

Put us where you want us Stone, we aren't picky and just want to do our part.

Thanks and see you guys tomorrow or Sat.

Okay Adam, I have you camping at the start camp and Position 3.

Fr222 is like 8 miles on HWY 180 from Flagstaff on your left.

Look for the yellow toys for tots sign. At night it will have glow sticks on it.

Sure, I'll sweep with Ty.

I don't have a CB, but I do have FRS. Channel 14.00 as usual?

Pluvo, you have a PM

Looks like I'll be sweeping with Ty.

I'll also have more flyers with me if anybody needs 'em.

Yes - I need a couple of hundred of them. Chris & Brown & Brown said he would be happy to have them inserted with the Xterra owners manuals for the New Xterras they sell.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CHEVRON PLEASE???? Where is the Chevron that we are meeting at 4 / 4:30?? I17 & ???

Roger,

The Chevron is just east of I-17 on Carefree Hwy.
I am headed up fairly early, noonish or sooner, so see you up there.

Jason & I will head out from here around 10:30/11pm friday night. So please parden the 2:00am interupution that we may cause upon arrival at start camp.

We will be waiting for ya.

chit, scott, sorry, i meant to call you. I will tomorrow after 11am.

No, worries Dan, call the cell. I will PM it to ya.

I'm assuming that all the wood up there will be wet, so I'm bringing a ton of dry stuff from my Fig tree that had a major prune job recently. I have way to much to burn in the yard in our little fire pit.

T - 11 hours

T - 4.25 hrs

Okay Pluvo and Ty are going to be at the start by 7 Saturday.

Everyone else will leave with me from start camp by 6:15.

DONT FORGET to fill up your gas tanks. The guys making the long haul from end camp to start camp fill up in Tuyasan before you come down.

Rinkster I have your flippin chair!

Drive safe everyone, see you all tonight.

It is MY flippin' chair.

Okay FINE!

I'm bringing my own flippin' chair!

T - 4 hours (Hopefully) until I get the hell out of here. Went to get a Stretch net for the Yak Rack so I could bring a pile of lumber - We'll be warm at end camp tonight at least!

X is half packed - Just gotta pack the cooler, camp stove, clothes & snacks. Diet is going out of the window this weekend.

Have fun up there everyone. Woo rain! Lots of good mudding will be had on Sunday I think...

See everyone at the next meeting!

Mark

coochie coochie cooooo!

Tarps. Bring lots of tarps.

Tarp. I love tarp mmmmmmmmm.

Got home around 1:30. Decided to take the 64 to Williams, then the I40 over to the I17. Seemed a much faster route than screwing around with Down Town Flag.

Awesome time was had by all, we'll be there again next year.

Fantastic time as usual. Marking the calendar for next year.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy"

I need another Skinny Dip. :p

I'm not even going to ask about the skinny dipping...

Glad everyone had a good time. We're still up in Flag, probably head home in a few hours...Good seeing everyone if only for a split second passing by on the 180...

Saw you too Mark We all had a blast. The weather was perfect day and night and the company was the kicker. Most never used 4wd the whole trail although it seemed like it might have been necessary for one or two of the mudholes if approached directly. Fantastic time and a definite event for next year. It'll be the 10th anniversary for one of the best charity events going.

I don't care if you all are tired or if your trucks are muddy and you want to wash them off. I want to see some f-in pictures....

Thank you very much guys, could not have done it without you.

And nobody left a chair this year!

Don't forget there was this guy, I swear, out in the woods.....

My camera didn't see much action and I heard some horror stories about exploding batteries and all sorts of weird stuff with other folks cameras. Rainbow colored disposable film cameras, courtesy of the Miata owners club president were the order of the day, which unfortunately don't provide instant gratification.

My truck was probably the cleanest of the bunch, as I didn't run many miles, here's what she looked like 5 mins ago outside. With about 50Lbs of mud hanging on the sliders and under the arches too.

1- She bought the camera.
2- I own a miata.
3- While I'm not a member of any mazda club, I am the president of your club.

Oh, I turned in that pos at Walgreens today and will have pics to post manana. Hopefully the one of Alan getting airborne over the cows watering hole thing came out good too.

I got some that I will be posting up in a bit along with a story of the trip home after we all parted ways.

Kiddo & I had a great time. We stopped for lunch in Flag & got home about 2:30. I still haven't unloaded the rig yet, just the perishable stuff. I'll post some pics later this week when I get to work.

We had a great time guys. Hope Travis made it home alright and the Dealer doesn't give him s**t about the Alternator. For that Matter, I hope the Wife still lets him out to play.

We'll be there next year for sure.

Manana...

Did Travis kill his alternator?

Maybe think about putting a Nissan one in there dude!

what is travis driving now? An FJ?

Travis, and Allan came over last night to clean off their trucks (that was a lot of mud). Travis' truck was charging and didn't seem to have any issues after he cleaned out his alternator. Here are a few pics. Sorry, they were on pavement but we were in trucks driving 90% of the time.

Ty and Myself


Travis and Allan
URL=http://img419.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000611jq7.jpg] [/URL]

Preston


Dan and Jessica


Jason


Adam and Joanie


The group (minus Rinky) at Taco Bell. Of course their were a few people not with us who had other things to do.


Back of my truck.

cool pics. that's a nice shot of your rear.

here's what the throwaway did-















"you can't keep that guy out of a mud puddle.."

Didn't realize everyone was meeting at Taco Bell, I guess I need a CB before the next trip. Last I heard Dan was heading to Williams, which is the route I took home anyway to avoid Flagstaff. I stopped at Dairy Queen at Cordes Junction for lunch.

Here's my favourite pic from the weekend, from the proud father of a little girl who spent her day picking flowers

Nice picture Rinky.

Jason, was that your X I saw on the back of a flatbed going south on Cave Creek Road around 4:10PM Monday?

I just happened to be heading home and saw a white X covered in mud, had a custom rack on top, and I did not get a good look other than this (some trees and cars in the way).

If so, what happened?

You mean this guy?

Nehh!



Check point at the bottom of the devil women's wrath.



Grilling some snausages



My Pine Cone!!



Straight-Up Gangsta!



Of course, the scratching rendezvous at taco bell.



"Hey there big boy"

Then we decided to swing on by Table Mesa and play on the white wall.





....This was one of Rhino's last breaths for the day.....

Soo, what's a flatbed haul from Table Mesa to Scottsdale run these days anyhow?
What'd you break, and will it be repaired by this weekend? (Payette Draw)

Sorry I missed it Had to work FTL. Hope you guys had a blast and hope to make it to the next event. After I fix my driveshaft lol.

Presto actually towed me to a farm in cavecreek and we left it there for the evening. Preston got the flatbed from his work and towed it back to his place the next day. So, it was free. Good stuff, good stuff...

It's good to have people in trucks..

Shit the bed! It's Ivan. Get your junk running, we'll show you around.

Yep, that would be the guy. The second I saw it, I figured it was someone from the group and your X was the only one I could think that was white (and was going). The mud sort of gave it away to being a club member coming back from Fat Tire.

Hope your X turns out okay. On a positive note, at least you were sort of close to home.

Jason, what happened to the truck?

Yeah, whole thing shut down. I thought it was my alternator. Tried jumping it and battery wouldn't hold a charge. Later discovered the alternator was fine and the battery had a retarded short in it. It really was retarded... When you think about it we (Preston) went through all that work to discover that everything would have been fine had we just replaced the battery. Oh well...... We laughed about it later that night..

That is cool. Better than the tranny or alternator being out.

Finally got some pics to post.

Ty working hard:


The unofficial AZXC postcard:


A dirty x is a happy X:


I saw this poser on I-17 just past Carefree Hwy:


I've got a few more, but these are the interesting ones.

Nice pics. Well, I got hit by the repair bug. Discovered that my battery was bad. So after testing at Autozone, I bought a new battery. I didn't get the gel because of the cost and other expenses but it comes with a 7 year warrantee so I will take it and run.

MUTHA' F*#KA'!!

I see a lot of folks had electrical problems after playing in the mud! I'm now officially making that my reason for staying out of the mud, as my truck has had zero electrical problems since that weekend. Still gotta fix my t-bar tho, and my alignment resembles this: .

But I'm glad to see everyone made it home alright and the pictures turned out really good!

I'll see you guys out on the trail!

Payson tomorrow. Lets hook up on Sunday.

Dan, I'm working on Sunday. Any other day during the week (after 3pm) is real good for me.