Posted by dave horvath on Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8:28PM :
Here's a little info on the Mid-Atlantic Power Wagon Rally to help you decide if you're still on the fence about coming.
It's relatively small, with mostly local friends and their trucks. Last year we had 10 trucks and 40 or 50 people. Hoping for a few more this year, but we're hot on the heels of the Vermont Rally, so we'll see. Lots of spouses and kids.
The trails are mostly forest roads. There are a few overhanging branches that may scratch the nicest trucks, but nothing serious. Friday evening we will probably head down hill from the camp and try out a power line that my son and I scouted a little bit. Saturday we will have a 2-3 hour trail ride that includes a combination of secondary roads, forest roads and really big mud holes. There are options to go around all of the worst mud holes. There is one really deep, steep bath tub like pit that only Tim's truck attempted last year.
Guys I'm pretty sure are coming so far:
Mark M. (WV), Tim H. (VT), John S. (PA), Kieth (WV), Chris (KY), Mike (KY), Mark (PA), Jim (OH), Nick (WV), Joel (PA). I also hope we'll see Jim M. from PA, Don T. from MD, and Terry from Baltimore. Of course we want as many folks as possible (the dining hall seats 200), even if you can't bring a truck so check your calendars!
It is alot of work, but I have alot of help from friends and family. I have to rent the space, which costs about $200 for the weekend. This is petty much covered by the entry fee ($20) and the generous donations and sales of raffle tickets for some great PW related prizes. Last year's sponsors included Dave Butler of VPWs, Dennis Sherman of PowerWagons Plus, and Paul Mireop of Moose Creek Maple Products. LinK and Terry from CT donated a few Vermont Rally shirts which were much appreciated!
Last year, Michael Verst won a nice "Dodge Job-Rated Truck Sales and Service" sign that I donated to the raffle. He displayed it with pride in his garage all year. This year, Michael is returning the sign to the rally to be won again and go home with someone else for the year. Thanks Mike for starting a great tradition.
I have to hire a caterer so we charge for all the meals except Friday night. Friday night we'll have venison chilli or venison kabobs, or venison burgers, etc. It's a great way for me to share the harvest with friends and save a little money on the cookout. Last year my friend Deb did a great job of the catering. Haven't screwed up the courage to ask her to do it again yet, because it is alot of work.
Last year we broke even and even managed to donate $100 to the Coopers Rock Mountain Lion Sanctuary. On Sunday, we have a road rally to a scenic overlook (yes, I know lots of fog last year!). If we have a bunch of new folks this year, we'll schedule another trip to see the big cats. If not, we may have a short hike to an old iron furnace or another trail ride. The sale of T-shirts helps out alot, so you might think of getting one whether you can make it or not.
The sooner you register the better, so I know I have enough folks to cover my upfront costs. See you on the trails!
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