Hi Rick - I'm happy to see that you're thinking about joining in our event, I saw that you posted another more question related post in another section. I'll hit most of those questions here and would encourage you to look for the section on the Fall Classic. there is a "what this is about" thread that has links to several trip reports that can give you the flavor of it... For me the first and foremost has always been for this event is low key and fun. In the beginning, this was the end of the season event meant to have less form, less structure, and be more of a hang out; do interesting things vs. structure, schedules, etc. (albeit some years have definitely had more structure and form) With that in mind, this is really a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts to share their zeal for all things Suzuki.
OK, for the questions...
1 - no costs to attend, you will want money to be self-sufficient (Self-sufficiency is key for this activity)
2 - We have in the past met up and then caravan into camp. The last few years we have not done that but if you have a group, I can arrange something to make that happen
3 - Weather is completely out there! We've had weekends in the 60's and times when it's been below freezing all weekend. Snow for sure?, Rain very possible.
4 - It'd be wonderful to meet some fellow Idahoans. One thing that we ask is that people don't bring motor homes, camp trailers, and haul to the camp... But to help facilitate longer travel people, I"d suggest hauling to LaPine, OR unloading there and using that as a base camp then driving into the wilderness with your camp gear etc. on your Suzuki. This is a OHV friendly town with Hotels, restaurants, Gas, Groceries, etc..
5 - Fuel is fairly easy. 200 mile range and we go by gas stations a couple of time during the weekend.
6 - Food, we'll do a pot luck one night, a couple of restaurants are about 6 miles away in a very, very small town call Ft. Rock. for one night, All the rest is on one's own.
7 - Sleep in tents, vehicles, hammocks, We'll base camp so there won't be a need to pack up. It does get cold at night.
8 - Comms, we use FM radios and the MURS channels if someone in your potential group has a CB, rip it out of there rig, toss it into a garbage can and get them to buy a FM radio.
9 - Medic, yes we have one, sometimes two medics, plus several that are trained as part of their employment. Bring a trauma kit if you have it just in case.
10 - What do you need vehicle wise? To be very honest, a stock 4x4 Suzuki will have no trouble most years. One thing I can't stress enough is this statement and philosophy of an adventure event. We are here to go places, see things, experience the outback, and do unique stuff. None of that has to include hard, impassable obstacles. If something is too difficult for the group or an individual, we go around and find another way. Having said all of that, sometimes the weather makes travel hard and sometimes there is some cool wheeling to be had on the way to a point of interest that lures us in and we partake in difficult wheeling situations.
I was at a Zukimelt in Indiana once, it was cool, large, confined to an offroad park, and quite organized. Except for the cool part, the Fall Classic is not like that at all.
We enjoy each other's company and have fun... That's it really.
Check out some of the stories to get a flavor...
Hope to see you and your wheeling buddies there. Remember it's the weekend before Thanksgiving.
-Eric
