Moab VIII Banquet Awards

[Swordy]

I'll send your video to the seniors center next year.....

(just kidding) Sorry you didn't have a good time Bob. Part of the goldbar run has always been sticking around to watch the end of the golden spike group. You know that.
It was pretty hot that day. I saw you up on the rocks for a while and then later wondered where you mosied off to. Last time I did the gold bar trail, the tail gunner (Me) led those that didn't want to stay to watch, back down the hill early. Maybe this is something that should be standardized? Please re-consider your descision. I would miss you too much.

[Green Dragon]

I'll send your video to the seniors center next year.....

Part of the goldbar run has always been sticking around to watch the end of the golden spike group. You know that.
Last time I did the gold bar trail, the tail gunner (Me) led those that didn't want to stay to watch, back down the hill early. Maybe this is something that should be standardized? Please re-consider your descision. I would miss you too much.

Exactly my point! I have been on a couple of Gold bar Rim trips most I ever waited was 1.5 hrs The operative words in your post are" stay to WATCH" Both the trail leader & tail gunner left & after numerous failed attempts to contact the leader by CB on the assigned channel we gave up. A long time later we watched from the top of the hill as the group from Golden Spike came into view. A short time after that our trail leader & the white Range Rover came into view. Both stopped at the bottom of the hill & as I stated before watched the Stinky Fab show. It was a full 15 minutes later that the rest of the Gold Bar Rim vehicles came into view (So much for keeping the guy behind you in your mirror).

If the trail leader & others wanted to try Golden Splke . Then that's the trail they should have signed up for, not take the easier route up then switch over.

GB

P.S. I Don't visit the Senior Center as too many of those nice ladies of advanced years hit on me & barbara doesn't like it.

[Locomigo]

Bob,

Sorry to hear about the issues that I have read within this post. This is very dissappointing to read your thoughts as you have turned into a regular staple of the event and 'zu crew.

I can not comment as to the occurances or exactly what had happened, and I assume the Jeff you are referring to is Marmot (Jeff Bathke), and this behavior is very much not like him. Perhaps there is more to it than you were aware of?

Typically the Gold Bar Rim trail is ran on the same day as Golden Spike and ran in such a way that the GBR leaves later so that the more capable vehicles/drivers can drive into the Million Dollar Mile of GS backward once to the top of GBR, cross the Golden Crack and turn around and run through the MDM with the GS crew, picking up the lesser capable vehicles and drivers that ride in with the others to the crack. Its something of a tradition, and I am surprised you were not aware of this, and were not apprised of the situation. Very much does not sound like Jeff.

I do understand that the possibility of carnage is exceptionally high through that drive, hence the name, Million Dollar Mile. Any breakage can and does take longer to get back, and from what I understand, that is exactly what happened and the numbers of the group, along with breakage/carnage caused the exceptional delay. Sounds for the most part there was a lack of communication.

In reading the posts, I am shocked that you would have not joined that group to run that aspect of the trail and run the MDM.

I do hope you will reconsider and I have fwd a link of this to the board members and Jeff. I hope things will be straightened out.





Oh, point of order... Fernando was the best spotter, I am nowhere within that ballgame with my spotting skills.

[Triathlete]

GB
I to hope you reconcider and make it out next year. I really enjoyed sharing the trail with you this year. I think better communication would be the key to cure this problem. Maybe designating a leader to take an early group back in the event of a longer "play" delay.

[Todd Adams]

I for one would have liked a detailed explanation of what the agenda was so I knew what to expect. This should have been done at the start of the trail over the CB. (Since I was on the Spike I have no idea if this was done but due to Bob's reaction I'm guessing it was not) I am sure part of the delay was in the late departure of Spike. Also because of the lateness in the day I bypassed "Double Whammy" since I was last and would have kept the group even longer.
I know part of the problem was the lack of trail selection after talking with Bob the night before.
So Bob since it fresh in your mind, what would we need to do to improve the event.
Todd
PS I would miss you.

[Green Dragon]

Bob,
In reading the posts, I am shocked that you would have not joined that group to run that aspect of the trail and run the MDM.

As most people know, I had run the MDM in previous years.I really don't think of myself as a Rookie thus I believe that I am knowledegible as to what USUALLY happens at the end of Gold Bar Rim trail. I chose to go on Gold Bar this time just to relax ( no white knuckles- no carnage), get back to the Hotel early, sit in the Spa have dinner, it didn't turn out that way. Since there appears to be no standard policy as to what occurs at the end of Gold Bar, I suppose MY expectations based on MY previous experiences can be interpreted as invalid & without merit.

It is not my intent to detract (but to inform) from what otherwise had been a great annual experience( I attended last 5 years). I highly recommend that anyone that has the opportunity, attend the Isuzu fest at least once. You hear all the talk about the trails & the scenery but for the most part, at least to me it's about the people that attend.They are friendly, always ready to help & make for a fun time. I can't think of a better place for a NEWBE to learn how to 4 wheel. I learned a lot & I will always remember & appreciate the many good times & the assistance given.
GB

[BumbleV-X]

Grandpa...

As a newby to the driving aspect of Zuzoo this year I can understand your point, to a point. As a third year participant again I can understand your point. HOWEVER... I know that you have done The Golden Spike Trail. You've now been on BOTH sides of the trail.
The first year we did Gold Bar Rim was unlocked. We went (we, meaning me as a passenger) down to the crack and watched the guys (over an hour later) go over the crack and went back up the MDM trail. MDM trail took it's toll. Bruce, our leader broke down on the golden stairs for almost 2 hours. (All was well when he bought all of us beer that night.) When we did get back up to the other vehicles it was at least 3 hours later. The following year Swordy was tail gunner and took those who didn't want to wait back down the hill.
My suggestion is this.. Rembember these are all volunteers. Voice your opinions to the right channels. You, my friend are a dang good driver, and loved by all. You would be truely missed if you wern't there next year. Volunteer to be a trail leader next year.
Another thing would be to know what to expect. MDM is expected brakage. I'm sure you knew that, you've been there done that. Keith/Locomigo pointed out to me after a trail this year that you have to know your expectations of the trail prior to going on it. I went on one "3" rated trail and "expected" obstacles.... there wasn't one. The trail was an awesome trail, company was terrific, and the view was better than I think I'd ever seen, but looking for obstacles on a 3 trail was my mistake.
Bob I hope you reconcider not going again. Lifes too short to hold grudges (unless it's against Tone, and I'd say that's ok ). *smurk*
Looking forward to sharing dirt roads with you again,
Deby