Astrofari Expedition 2012

[ihatemybike]

Well my mind has been going since this

I'm envisioning a west coast top to bottom Astro Expo tour next year; who's with me?

and this

I wouldn't be opposed to doing a location event either though. During ownership of my FJ cruiser I was privileged to attend several events in Sedona AZ and Ouray CO.

Who else would be interested in an Astrofari gathering?

Would you want it to be travel or location based?

Where would you like an event to go or be?

How many days should it be?

What time of year should it occur?

I've personally been to Ouray, CO (without van) and Moab, UT (with van) and know that there is plenty that even a stock vans can do. I'm always willing to visit both again.

Ouray is just awesome, but most of the trails are usually only open for a few months beginning in July. The thought of a line of vans coming down Black Bear Pass into Telluride tickles me so. FYI, Black Bear is more of a head trip than anything, it's good to have a spotter for reassurance.

Our last Jeep trip to the Moab area spent several days in Canyonlands National Park, no facilities, pack it in/out. I must say the campground at The Dollhouse is breath taking and worth the trip. Previously, I completed 7 Mile Rim (Level 3.5) in Grumpy driving solo, bypasses and rock stacking did come into play.

Let me know your thoughts.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/63297-Astrofari-Expedition-2012
http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=7363

 

[Ray Hyland]

The ExPo/Adventure Trailers/Overland Journal Open House and Bar BQ is July 9th in Prescott AZ. We'd love to have an Astrofari convoy show up!

 

[ihatemybike]

Open House noted and I encourage anyone that can do it this year to do so.
AT & OJ Open House July 9th

Unfortunately, it looks like I'm done with major trips this year due to the Jeep needing a new engine.

I'm hoping that by starting the planning of a 2012 event now that we can have a good showing.

 

[rotor]

If you plan it, they will come.

A year in advance should be plenty of time for people to set aside vacation time, travel expenses, and the like. If someone wanted to plan a route that would be great. Although, a location based event would be a lot easier to plan. Once location or route is pinned down, I think that would determine the time of year or date. Canyonlands sounds fun, but I would be game for what ever as long as its kept within 1k mile give or take of Washington.

Rotor

 

[Ozarker]

Well, that gives me a year to find something and get ready. Is there any rally that circumnavigates the country? If scheduling could be accomplished, a group could take off from any location. Along the way anyone could peel off as needed and others could join in along the way. Say the group were to be at Moab for three days from 11th to 12:00 am on the 14 th and they would take off to the next destination. Going the whole route would take you around the states, while others could do just the southeast leg.

Just a though, I've never heard of anyone doing that, but as an organizational group, it would be a circumnavigation around the country. :smiley_drive:

 

[dsw4x4]

Haha yes black bear can be a head game with a bigger rig. I was looking but I cannot seem to find it. Somewhere out in cyberspace is a video of about 5 or six eb vans going down black bear. I would think an astro would be a walk in the park I have done it in smaller vehicles explorers and jeeps and it is a enjoyable drive. I have done it in a few full size rigs one was a full size blazer on 44s that takes the enjoyment out of the view when you are always worried about if it will fit. Have not had my van on it. Last time I was there, there was a big colorful rock that less loose and landed in the road, you had to squeeze around it to cliff edge that rock was the whole spectrum of colors from rockers being drug around it and over it. I would think they cleared it by now that was two seasons ago. That spot would be creepy in a low clearance astro.

 

[jeffryscott]

Hmmm, my mind is spinning gears even more now .... Great idea!

 

[ihatemybike]

T.Low has requested on ASV that it doesn't take place in July or August.

I'm hoping that I can attend the BABE Rally the first week of June next year, and would like to have a week before and after at home.

Ouray, CO is usually good through mid October, but trails can get snowed in earlier.

Moab, UT was cool, but pleasant when I was there mid-November last year. Good bundle up in the blankets to sleep weather.

 

[RocKrawler]

Having considered both options, I'd be more likely to side with a location event initially, and go with a road trip / rally event once established with some regulars attending. Having been to Ouray I agree its a beautiful place, but will toss in votes for Sedona AZ or Grand Canyon to make the initial run easier to make for beginners or new owners not yet used to the vans capability (PERSONALLY I have a new to me van that I have never driven off road yet, and although I have run trailsl in the Hammers with prevous rigs, I have no idea how an AWD van with no low range... yet... will do off road and would like to do something scenic befopre challenging). I havent been to Moab yet so that might do as well. I will never do Black Bear (hate heights) but Ouray would be a possibility, but not a first choice. I'm in for helping plan next year events, let me know if I can help!

 

[jeffryscott]

Sedona is a great base, has a variety of trails close by from easy to more challenging, plus destinations like ruins that one can take back trails to and from or regular dirt roads. Easy days drive to the Grand Canyon, etc ...

We are going up for a week in a month, I will keep such an outing in the back of my mind as we are exploring in the Land Cruiser, unless an AWD drops into my lap before our trip (I am not always patient once an idea starts churning)

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I know a couple of great spots that an AWD Astro wouldn't have an issue getting to in Sedona. There are lots of trails in the area or within 30 mins drive from mild to wild. Keep in mind about working with the Forest Service however, as this can turn into a PITA for events.....expensive permits needed for the area, plus limits on numbers.

You may want to consider going the old-school Sedonafest route and reserve the group campground...its in the middle of the city but still secluded and away from other campgrounds. Depending on how many people actually show there are limits here on parking.

We may be interested, although we wouldn't be running any trails in the Tiger, depending on the time of year. I'm planning for RAGBRAI next summer so thats the big thing on my calendar. Good luck!

 

[Basement Yeti]

Count me in when this event goes down. I have no preference when and where, I am completely mobile and free.

After taking Marshmallow through Rabbit Valley a few days ago in Colorado and Pike National Forest I am setting some funds aside for a few pieces of equipment to help me off road, namely an air compressor, full size spare, etc.

 

[RocKrawler]

Thanks weezer, having done the first two sedonafest events that's what got my wheels turning about an event like this for the Astros now that my FJ is gone. The trails like greasy spoon would be challenging for the vans, and curious if Broken Arrow could be done with a lifted Astro on 31" tires. Which trails did you think appropriate for us vanners?

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt.

 

[ihatemybike]

I'm thinking about a week long Moab scouting run from Nov 13-19, since I have a week of vacation left to take. Others would be welcome to join me of course.

 

[RocKrawler]

I wish I had the vacation time to join you - take lots of pics and video!