PA Get Together in the Spring?

[captjeep]

Would Anybody be interested in some sort of meet and greet in the spring in Western PA??? Im in Johnstown. Id like to set something up as simple as meeting for dinner somewhere and checking out each others Jeeps in the parking lot. Anybody interested?

[bigwoody]

food and talk of jeeps....sounds like a good time. See who all is interested and pick a central location:D

[arclight]

Sounds good to me too.

[brushawg]

Seems like a good idea, would be a bit of a drive from Vermont for dinner. But jeeps are a different story!:thumbsup:

[iroc86]

That's a great idea. I'm definitely interested in attending an event.

A few years back (2003, 2004?) I went to a Jeep gathering in Johnstown sponsored by the Heritage Region Jeep Alliance (http://www.hrja.org/). They had a lunch, meet and greet, and trail ride. I don't recall the park we went to, but it was a pretty good time. Probably just the food and greet would be enough for a first-time FSJ meeting.

Nate, when we talked via PM you suggested a park. I think the HRJA went to Gallitzin State Forest in Seward, but an alternative place might be Forbes State Forest/Linn Run/Laurel Mountain near Seven Springs.

[captjeep]

All would work for me. was thinking of Keystone in Greensburg and Mingo towards Washington depending on where everyone is coming from. Would be nice to finally be able to put a face to some of the names on the forum. looking forward to it

[captjeep]

Ohiopyle might also be a good option

[chr1s]

I know its not right around the corner, but you guys might want to consider trying to make it to the annual All Breeds Jeep Show in York PA in July, its worth the trip if you can make it over.
Its a good time, lots of JEEPS, a good turnout of FULL SIZE Jeeps too, its almost getting to be like a family affair every summer!

Last years event... http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=114603&page=7

Im right outside of Philly so I probably cant make your meet and greet, but ya never know :rolleyes:

[Crist Clapper]

If you are keeping a list... Add me. I'm halfway between Johnstown and State College.
:drivin:

[Diesel YJ]

I am game. Just say when. My aliby is that I may have some sort of military training going on since it always happen something cool is going on too. So what dates are we thinking about?

[captjeep]

Was thinking late April maybe? Im out to sea the first 20 or so days of every month. If that works for everyone we can go ahead and set a date with location to be determined by where everyone is coming from. Thoughts?

[iroc86]

Was thinking late April maybe?

Sounds good to me. How about a Saturday? Considering your sea schedule, the 23rd or 30th would work. The weather ought to be pretty nice by then, too.

[captjeep]

Ill check the ol calendar to see when i get back to pa. 22nd sounds right but im not totally sure. This shindig is getting some legs under it. I like it. keep spreading the word

[chr1s]

keep spreading the word

I posted a link to this over in the "events" section!

[captjeep]

Cool! thanks chr1s. I was trying to make All Breeds Last Year but couldnt make it work. Maybe this Year?!? Hoping. Thanks for Spreading the word.

[captjeep]

Checked the Calendar. April 23rd and April 30th both work for me. Im good with whatever works for everybody else

[2ToneBluJ10]

I may be game also, depends on where it's held and how the winter/road salt season goes.

[brushawg]

566 miles for me, so need a lil bit of a jump start to get there.

[hornet_pa]

greensburg would be great. not far for me.

im a member of the heritage region jeep alliance "hrja" we have jeep fest every year in newcastle. august 20th. everyone is welcome. over 500 jeeps last year but i think a small get together with just fullsize would be better.

bob

[hookedup50]

Sounds like fun. As long as my Jeep isn't turkey hunting, I will go.

[captjeep]

Is it April yet?

[Diesel YJ]

I wish!

[91G-Dub]

Not trying to hijack this thread but...

The Mid-Atlantic Full Size Jeep Club will be holding our annual Spring Fling at Rausch Creek in late April. You're all more than welcome to join in. Stay tuned to the Events section for information.

[captjeep]

Rausch sounds cool. I will definitely try to make it out there. This pa thing is kinda just a low key well...Meet and greet i guess. It would just be nice to know whos around and whos in the area and then move on from there. Definitely be cool to have a stronger network of knowledgable resources in the area as well as parts, pieces, and tools etc...

[91G-Dub]

Rausch sounds cool. I will definitely try to make it out there. This pa thing is kinda just a low key well...Meet and greet i guess. It would just be nice to know whos around and whos in the area and then move on from there. Definitely be cool to have a stronger network of knowledgable resources in the area as well as parts, pieces, and tools etc...

That's how the Mid-Atlantic Full Size Jeep Club got started. Was going to be a meet-and-greet here in South Jersey. Kind of like Topsy, just grew from there.

[65americansw]

pm me if this is a go , live up by y-town,ohio bout 2 1/2 hr drive. If jeep is up to it i would be interested.

[captjeep]

Will do. Anyone ever been out to the trails at Nemacolin Woodlands? Gonna go try to check em out this month or next. Ill see if i can work out some kind of deal or something.

[iroc86]

Anyone ever been out to the trails at Nemacolin Woodlands? Gonna go try to check em out this month or next. Ill see if i can work out some kind of deal or something.

I'd be interested in hearing how you make out with this. Nemacolin is only about 40 minutes away from me and it's always helpful to find new areas friendly to off-road use.

[Rick78J10]

http://rockrunrecreation.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

You may want to try out this park. There are some cool trails up there.

[Rick78J10]

JEEPFEST is the event sponsored by Heritage Region Jeep Alliance is held in New Castle PA August 20th.


http://www.jeepfest.net/

I certainly would love to see more fullsize jeeps at our event!

[Rick78J10]

Jeep Jamboree is holding an event in September at Nemacolin.

www.jeepjamboreeusa.com (http://www.jeepjamboreeusa.com)

[arclight]

http://rockrunrecreation.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

You may want to try out this park. There are some cool trails up there.

There are some great trails there, but if anyone is going to wheel their FSJ they may find things a little tight. Even baby Chero's have to make 4-5 point turns.

[iroc86]

Rick78J10 and arclight, thanks for the link and info about Rock Run. I have a YJ that would probably work well there if the trails are narrow. :)

[Crist Clapper]

Checking in... Have we narrowed it down to a place or places as yet? Not too far from Johnstown I hope? :)

[captjeep]

nothing in concrete yet but im gonna go check out nemacolin woodlands and see what its like. theyve got jeep friendly trails out there + for anyone that doesnt want to wheel their jeep, they are supposed to have Rubicon rentals. Ohiopyle is also always a cool place to meet. I think everyone is still kinda open for suggestions and we will see what works best for the majority a little closer April. Suggestions???

[captjeep]

Couple things...would like to try to pick a location this week. Thoughts and suggestions on locations? Does April 23rd work for everyone? Heres what im thinking. Meet somewhere like a state park where we can check out each others Jeeps, + grill and get something to eat. Bring kids wives dogs whatever, all are welcome. After, if anyone wants to find a pub to knock a few back, im always game. Ive extended a few invites to some people with baby jeeps as well. I figure the more the merrier. Im looking forward to meeting everyone. I personally dont believe ive ever seen more than 5 fsjs in one place. Should be a good time.

[iroc86]

April 23 works for me.

In order to choose a location, perhaps we should add a poll to this thread to gauge who's coming from where and pick a suitable location. Alternatively, we can look at the profiles of those who've replied to this thread to see if they've listed their location.

The "geographically fair" place would be somewhere near the center of the state, but that doesn't help if the majority of people are coming from, say, entirely Pittsburgh or entirely Philadelphia.

Based on western PA, any of these places would be a great choice:


Keystone State Park - near New Alexandria
Ohiopyle State Park - near Uniontown & Connellsville
Forbes State Forest - near Somerset
Laurel Summit State Park - near Somerset
Linn Run State Park - near Somerset
Laurel Mountain State Park - near Somerset
Gallitzin State Forest - near Johnstown

Once this event has a date and location, my local 4WD shop has given me permission to put up some flyers in their store. It would be cool if others could do the same.

[captjeep]

April 23rd Itinerary

11:00-Meet at Linn Run State Park in Rector. I have directions for anyone that needs them or can meet people off of Route 30 in Ligonier.
Grill some food, Drool on Jeeps, Meet some people
2:00-Convoy up to the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset, PA.
Pay respects, its something everybody should see
???--Possible Trail ride Iroc86 has info
6:00-Dinner at the Alley. Bar/Restaurant with Pool tables, Darts, Indoor Cornhole and shuffleboard and Arcade games. Family Friendly place up til 9 PM or so.

Whos in? And how many people are you bringing?

Gonna set Keystone State Park as a backup if the weather decides to be inclement on us. They have a whole bunch of nice pavillions.

[iroc86]

The possible trail ride that captjeep is talking about is a short trail near the outskirts of Linn Run State Park. It's marked on the trail map (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/linnrun/linnrun_mini.pdf) as Felgar Road, so I'm fairly certain it's legal to drive on. Those of us who live in PA know just how difficult it is to find DEP-friendly places to take our vehicles. :(

Anyway, Felgar Road is about three miles long and runs into a gas pipeline hub. There are numerous trails that branch off of it, but most are too narrow for a vehicle. The main road runs parallel to I-76 and is passable by a stock vehicle, especially a FSJ. Some sections are rutted, but it's not difficult to straddle the ruts and make it through. There's a neat old cemetery along the road, too.

This would be a short enough trail ride to fit nicely in our itinerary. I figure it would last maybe two or three hours at the most.

It's been about four years since I last visited Felgar Road, so I'd need to do some scouting to make sure it's not gated up. I can also check with the PA DCNR to ensure legality, and map it with my GPS.

To gauge interest, here are some pictures of the trail from 2007. What do you all think?


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1515.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1518.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1519.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1526.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1535.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1538.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/Felgar%20Road/100_1542.jpg

[captjeep]

It has been brought to my attention that the 23rd is Easter Weekend. In hope of more people attending, I'd like to go ahead and change the date to April 30th. Hope to see yall there

[arclight]

April 30th works for me. Hopefully one of my Jeeps'll be driveable by then.

[Crist Clapper]

Been kind of holding back... It's unlikely I'll have the GW on the road by the date. But... May I drive in with a newer Jeep? :confused:

[captjeep]

Most definitely

[91G-Dub]

Check out the Event Section for information about this year's event

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=137269

[captjeep]

Checking Interest??? Who's In and Who might be in?

[iroc86]

Checking Interest??? Who's In and Who might be in?

Still in for April 30...

[Diesel YJ]

I am IN!!! Cant wait.

[Frank]

... got a lot on my plate now but perhaps I can break away. It wouldn't be too far for me - I'm near Scranton...

Frank

[arclight]

As far as I know (the wife hasn't said any different) I'm in.

[87 Money Pit]

I am going to try ot be there.

[bigrubbers4x4]

I'm not sure why Arclight hasnt mentioned this but, our club "Big Rubbers" has its own 180 acres of wheeling property in Windber Pa which is very close to Johnstown. I am sure he wouldnt mind showing you guys around there. we have a really nice gathering area to cook and hang out at with a big fire pit with nice log benches all the way around it. our trials are full size friendly, we got all kinds of trails from nice and easy to downright nasty. If you guys dont have a nailed down location yet, why dont yall check it out if Arclight would like to go there and show ya around. We call it Doe Valley. you can see some pics of the place at www.bigrubbers4x4.org (http://www.bigrubbers4x4.org), about half way down the home page is a short video of some of the rocks we have and if you look in the forums look up the wheelin trip pics and look for any thread with Doe Valley or DV in it.

[arclight]

Very true. Kinda slipped my mind, but always an option.:banghead:

[captjeep]

Im game for what everybody else wants to do as long as it happens. Im hoping that this meet and greet is the first of many. I ran into one of the bigrubbers guys at harbor freight in Johnstown a few years back and he invited me up. Just havent been able to make it up yet. There is an itinerary further up in the post that I put together but if everybody would prefer Doe Valley, Im game. I think the convoy up to the flight 93 Memorial would be something really cool though and am hoping that we do that. Either way Bigrubbers and arclight, really appreciate you guys making the offer.

[iroc86]

I'd be interested in hearing about the other trail location. Can anyone post some pictures or additional info? Are there trails suitable for stock rigs?

Over the next week or two I'm planning on taking a dry run of the trail at Linn Run to make sure it's still open. I can post back what I find.

EDIT: just saw the post above with the club link. I'll check it out. :)

[arclight]

There are a few trails for stock rigs. If they're total street rigs, not so much, at least very few I'd take my wife's WJ on. There is a huge fire ring, some benches and we're working on a pavilion, although I'm pretty sure it won't be done by the 30th. Either way I'm looking forward to meeting some new Jeep people!

[captjeep]

Are we any closer to a verdict on where? Would like to kinda sure things up and if need be, get a pavillion at Linn Run for the morning. Im game for whatever you guys decide but I think the sooner we have all the ducks in a row, the better turnout we will have. Additionally, Im hoping this becomes a fairly regular thing so whatever we dont do this first time, we can do next month or in June.

[arclight]

I'm good w/ the original plan, of state forest, 93 memorial... we can hit DV anytime.

[captjeep]

April 30th Itinerary Repost

11:00-Meet at Linn Run State Park in Rector. I have directions for anyone that needs them or can meet people off of Route 30 in Ligonier.
Grill some food, Drool on Jeeps, Meet some people
2:00-Convoy up to the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset, PA.
Pay respects, its something everybody should see
????- Possible trail ride? Working out details
6:00-Dinner at the Alley. Bar/Restaurant with Pool tables, Darts, Indoor Cornhole and shuffleboard and Arcade games. Family Friendly place up til 9 PM or so.

Bring your own food and anything you need to BBQ Charcoal Style. I will call Linn Run to see if I can reserve a specific area today.

Everybody is welcome. If youve got buddies that wanna bring their baby jeep, their ford bronco, or their prius, bring em.

I was thinking that if anybody needs any specific parts/pieces they could post what they need up here and see if anybody coming can help em out. additionally, if anybody has any parts/pieces they wanna sell or give away post em up. That way you only bring what you need/want to.

If anybody needs any additional info send me a pm. Ive got directions and Id be more than happy to give out my phone number via pm if anybody needs it for the day of (gets lost etc...).

If the weather does not cooperate, I would still like to designate Keystone State Park as an alternative. The Pavilions there offer more cover from the elements. Linn Run and Keystone are within 30 minutes of each other.

Little more than three weeks to go...Been looking forward to this!

[Diesel YJ]

Awesome!!!!!!!

[arclight]

Sounds good... just 1 question: What's indoor Cornhole?

[captjeep]

hahaha. Bean bag toss or whatever the heck youd call it. The bags are filled with CORN. They are thrown at a wooden board with a single HOLE at an arbitrary distance. Probably known as Bean Bag Toss to most.

[captjeep]

Finally got in touch with one of the Rangers at Linn Run. He suggested the Adams Fall picnic area but additionally offered the snowmobile lot for parking. And then he asked if he could bring his Cherokee Sport.

Also spoke the Ranger at Flight 93. The Overlook is open so that you can see right down onto the crash site. Also the permanent facility is currently being built and can be observed. The Museum will also be open on April 30th.

And Last but not least, I spoke to the owner of the Alley sports bar. I was unaware that they had a no one under 18 policy in effect all day. If anyone is planning on bringing children under 18, let me know so that I can find an alternative. If not, its a pretty neat bar that will have live music that evening. Would like to try to accomadate as many as possible.

Linn Run also has cabins for rent if anyone is interested in staying overnight.

[iroc86]

That's really cool. The Adams Falls area would be good for a meet, since it's near the entrance to the park and should be easy for most people to find. I've frequently seen that area packed with people, so the snowmobile lot sounds like a nice alternative if there isn't enough room.

[iroc86]

Nate (captjeep) posted a poll to see who's coming to this event. If you're coming, let us know!

This past weekend I visited some of the trails at Linn Run. They're only a few miles long and easily doable in a stock vehicle. It's not hardcore stuff, but I figured a short trip through the woods would be fun. Hopefully there will be some foliage by the end of April, too.

I still need to check with one of the park rangers to see if it's alright to take a convoy of Jeeps (versus a single Jeep) on these trails, but I don't expect any problems since the roads are legal.

[arclight]

How far is the entrance to Linn Run from rt30? I'm prety sure I rode by it years go when I had the motorcycle.

[captjeep]

7-8 miles tops. Ill post up some directions this week.

[Hippie Metal]

would like to..but 6.5 hour drive isnt looking to nice:(

[captjeep]

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=route+30+ligonier,+pa&daddr=adams+falls+linn+run+state+park,+rector,+pa&hl=en&geocode=FVD4ZQIdbApH-ylh7MDI8ICEhzElz0X4FW8Z_w%3BFWHLZAId1wdH-yGnOlE3tagQJw&mra=ls&sll=40.198745,-79.22853&sspn=0.145277,0.363579&ie=UTF8&z=12

[captjeep]

Linn Run Webpage
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/linnrun.aspx

Flight 93 Page
http://www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm

[captjeep]

Per channel 2 Kdka weatherman spectacular saturday on the way. Hope to see you there!

[arclight]

Per channel 2 Kdka weatherman spectacular saturday on the way. Hope to see you there!
Gladi8r is down, Wife's working, but as long as I can hold the CJ together, I'll be up! Can't wait.

[iroc86]

Yup, Saturday looks like nice weather. The park ranger confirmed that we're allowed to take a convoy of Jeeps on Felgar Road, so we should be good to go for a mini trail ride. Can't wait!

[hornet_pa]

im out. selling a car saturday plus too many other plans. maybe next time. sorry.

[arclight]

Sorry guys, just got the call one of our customers in Breezewood had a well go down. This job thing is pissing me off.

[iroc86]

So there's like three of us now? :eek: Oh well, even if nobody shows up at least it'll be a nice day in the park.

[Crist Clapper]

Did you guys make it over to the Flight 93 site? Good timing the day before yesterday's historical event!

http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab291/clapperc/flagusa.gif

I tried my best to make it... But after knee-surgery my leg swells when in the down position too long. I know I know... http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab291/clapperc/sign23.gif

http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab291/clapperc/sorrysign.gif

[iroc86]

Nope, we didn't make it to the memorial. Besides Nate and his family, I was the only other person there! :rolleyes:

We had a good time, though... ate some burgers, talked about Jeeps, and took a little trail ride in Forbes State Forest.

Here are a couple shots from Saturday. I believe Nate is planning on posting his pictures this week.


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0178.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0180.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0186.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0189.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0190.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0194.jpg

[captjeep]

I intended to post pics today. Started to unpack and can't seem to locate my camera. They'll be up as soon as I find the darn thing.

[Mike7009]

i just saw this, it would have been cool to go with you guys. are you planning on doing it again somtime? i'd be interested in going depending on what money i have for the gas

[captjeep]

Finally made it home and found my camera. Sorry for the delay.
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/6ccec40c.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/2fb29045.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/3dc9d1ff.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/6ce4b2c8.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/9175f895.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/461dbbcb.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/c579c887.jpg

[captjeep]

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/7a0824b1.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/52e1bb82.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/3865b2d4.jpg
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/nathanielhough/meet%20and%20greet/01572265.jpg

[iroc86]

Thanks for uploading the pictures, Nate! They look great.

I looked through my photo album and came across a few more shots that I forgot to upload. Here they are... :)


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0175.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0181.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0182.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0184.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0185.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/tehintranets/FSJ%20Linn%20Run%20-%204-30-11/DSC_0191.jpg