Fellow SSers is there a newbies guide for the Rally?
As long as you read everything in post #2 (linked below) you should know 99.9% of what there is to know about the rally
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...-Info-thread&p=1348866&viewfull=1#post1348866
Several of us up here in North Alabama / South Tennessee are interested in attending. I have read the older posts. Things to bring, stuff to do, spots that need help, etc. this would be the first rally for any of us.
I am obviously biased, but you really can't go wrong with this event. The cabins and RVs that you rent are decent-don't get me wrong, it's not the Hilton and the room service is.......non existent, but they've got beds, heat & a/c, hot showers, sinks, etc. They'll keep you dry if it rains, if you're not feeling well, you can lay down in a bed, etc. It's a big step up from sleeping in a deuce!
I think what you'd need to bring would be obvious stuff like a few changes of clothes, plus:
hat
sunscreen
lawn chairs
flashlight (it gets dark at night)
*I can't believe I just typed that*
camera, with extra memory cards or your laptop/tablet so you can download the pictures so you can take more
firewood-even if you're coming in a Jeep or a 1009 and have no space, 1 log helps. We go through a lot and since the rally lasts several days, we need several days worth of firewood.
cooler with drinks
snacks for in between meals
Stuff to do:
The rally has vehicle displays, but they're very casual, it's not like an MVPA rally or a cruise night. Just feel free to walk around and look at everyone's stuff! Last year we had 106 military vehicles and over 50 military trailers, so it's a big event
Trailrides: There are very easy trails for the less adventurous and it can become as challenging as you want. Do not hesitate to go out in the woods with the group: There are no points that you have to harder/farther than your comfort level.
Swap meet: Decent swap meet and gets better and larger every year. Yes, you can bring your own stuff to sell and there are no fees for getting a vendor spot.
Hardball convoy: On Saturday morning, about 1030 hours, we'll load up and head out for lunch at a barbecue joint about 20 minutes away. Last year we took 39 trucks on the convoy and the pics and video were quite impressive. It was fun (my Dad and I both took a deuce).
Spots that need help: We always need help at the MKT, setting up, but especially cleaning up at night and taking it down Sunday morning. This would really help us out. The registration desk can always use some help in getting people directed to wherever they need to go when they arrive. Don't feel obligated to do any of these things, but we'll never turn help away!
I'm considering bringing my wife and daughter. She is 4, would that be a bad idea?
I would see no problem. My buddy brought his 4 year old and stayed 4 days with no problems. If your wife gets bored, Athens is less than an hour away and there's plenty to do there. The rally is kid friendly and plenty of people bring theirs.
Also we are looking at getting one of the RV's there. How is the bath house?
New bath house is pretty nice.
What is the cost for the meals from the MKT?
See:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...-Info-thread&p=1393401&viewfull=1#post1393401
Are there trails for people that don't want to go slamming there trucks to pieces?
As I said above, there are really easy trails and when you get to difficult obstacles, there are "walkarounds" that let you bypass the difficult spots. I am not an experienced off roader and the worst thing I've ever done is bent a mirror arm in 2008.
How do we know where and when we could assist where ever needed.
When you get there, the first thing you'll hit is the HQ registration desk and the staff there can direct you to everything and everyone.
Is there a needed supplies list for the overall event? I saw firewood, radios, etc.
See above where I listed the firewood and other stuff.
Sorry for all the questions. There would probably be atleast 3 vehicles and maybe as many as 7.
No problem, we're happy to have ya'll! We know you'll have a great time. I've been to a lot of MV events and this one stands out in so many ways.