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Graves Mountain Rally (Virginia), Labor Day Weekend 2022

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CGarbee

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It's that time of year again!
The dates are set and the registration form has been updated...
Now, I have to update the event's website...and we have to design a shirt...

This year we will be gathering for the 14th consecutive time over the Labor Day Weekend at Graves Mountain from September 1 - September 5, 2022.
If you want to come early, please do so. Just let the organizer (me) know so that I can alert the locals... No guarantee that we will chase the resident horses out of the camping field real early, but we will figure that out based on how many of you show up early. :)

If I have done things correctly, the registration form should be attached to this post...
 

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Blake

Blake

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The Virginia rally is a great family friendly event and Cabell is an excellent host. The family farm is 1000+ acres with a rolling meadow for our rally area. This is a “working” rally so there are special once-a-year opportunities to drive our military vehicles on off-road trails, convoy on local scenic mountain roads, or park in the display field. In previous years, participants have come from as far as 700 miles away and many from South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio.
Lodging in the graves lodge/cabins or meals at their farmhouse style restaurant are also available (reservations are to be made direct with them) - https://www.gravesmountain.com/
The local towns also offer some nice restaurants, artisan shops, and wineries.
Primitive camping/ military vehicle entry is included in the rally registration as well as a homemade group buffet supper on Saturday night, one of cabell’s famous specialties. Showers and flush toilets are onsite for campers use. The weather is typically warm in the afternoon and cooler at night. Rally T-shirts will be available for purchase. The meadow has a rock base under the grass so stable for large military vehicles/ tow vehicles/ trailers and motor homes with capacity to spread out.
Graves market and tackle is adjacent to the rally and has made to order deli sandwiches, seasonal milkshakes, drinks/snacks, ice, local artisan wares, fishing supplies, and light groceries- perfect for lunch on the go or picking up small items that were left at home.
Trail rides are planned throughout the day and led by a local/ seasoned off-road team. Trails vary from a grassy ride in the Apple orchard to extremely challenging. Most rides are a mid level challenge. The terrain varies between rocks, inclines, dirt, and fresh mountain river crossings. A local road convoy will be planned If there is interest from the “show Jeep” participants. The closest gas station is in Madison, VA so fill up before you get there and good idea to bring some extra gas. There are many opportunities to drive and enjoy your vehicle.
The rally goes on rain or shine. Even in the rain, the participants can gather under the registration tent until the showers pass. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend in the blue ridge mountains and enjoy your military vehicle with other friends, the Virginia rally is your place!
 

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Bulldogger

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Hey Cabell, might you bring a 3 burner Coleman stove with you? I have a 2-burner, but am still envious of my in-laws 3-burner they've had since their wedding registry days 35 years ago.
Still planning to be there.
Bulldogger
 
C

CGarbee

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We will be having a work weekend (trail clearing/trail preview) during the days leading up to the 4th of July. We will also have a event preparation weekend shortly before the event in August. Individuals who can join us for four combined complete days of volunteer labor during either of these work weekends will receive a TRAIL CREW shirt and other recognition at the Trailrides and Rally. You must register with me in advance (send me a message/email) for the work weekends so that we can coordinate volunteers and ensure that everyone is provided an opportunity to work and earn their Trail Crew membership.

The Graves family will once again have a massive fireworks display on the 4th, along with activities that afternoon. The show last about 45 minutes and they shoot off 3" to 5" shells, then the neighbors have about an hour long "battle" utilizing fireworks purchased during the year from states that are a tad more lenient about what can be purchased without a liscense than Va or NC...

I'll be at the farm from the morning of the 2nd through the morning of the 5th...

Hope that some of you can assist in getting things ready.
 
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CGarbee

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Since I haven't heard from anyone concerning the work weekend over the July 4th weekend, I'm calling it off...
Our first work/preview weekend will thus be later in July and will coincide with "Peach Day" at Graves Mountain during the weekend of July 23/24...

Meanwhile, enjoy Celebrating our Nation's Birthday this coming weekend,
 
C

CGarbee

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Some of you will have noticed that I mailed the letters with the information letter and a blank registration form for this year last week on my way to a conference in Nashville...
So, don't panic if you already sent in a registration, it's just easier on me to mail it to everyone...
 
C

CGarbee

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Location
Raleigh, NC
CGarbee said:
Since I haven't heard from anyone concerning the work weekend over the July 4th weekend, I'm calling it off...
Our first work/preview weekend will thus be later in July and will coincide with "Peach Day" at Graves Mountain during the weekend of July 23/24...

Meanwhile, enjoy Celebrating our Nation's Birthday this coming weekend,
Click to expand...
So, even though I cancelled the official clean up...I need to give a big thanks to Steve and Matt from RockRidge Offroad Jeep Club for coming out and clearing a bunch of trails so that they are drivable over the 4th of July weekend...
We've got a bunch more to do to get the trails all opened up, but we are off to a good start...
 
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