UPDATE: After several hectic weeks with family and work, I finally had some free time tonight and thought I'd work thru some emails and PM's from folks about the trip, and post some updates on the various forums.
We are looking at two nights "on the road". I had been thinking Fancy Gap and Spruce Pine, but several people have recommended Meadows of Dan, just a few miles North of Fancy Gap, as a better place for the first night. I am going to do some research on that. I still need someone in each area to check out the campgrounds and get some more information. Also, some folks may want to camp near Waynesboro, and again at Cherokee at either end of the trip, so some input on camping in those areas would be great. I hope to have campsites firmly set in the next few weeks so folks can start making their reservations. From past experience, most campgrounds allow two vehicles and two tents per site, so I'd recommend that everyone try and buddy up with someone on your "home" forum (ecj5, cj2apages, etc) when making your reservations...both to leave sites for others, and to cut your nightly costs.
I really don't have any idea of of how many participants there will be, and we really won't know until the ride is over...I'm not planning on any fancy registration, etc....just show up and ride, and folks can make their own campsite reservations. From the survey and emails, it looks like most participants will be camping instead of using motels. From the responses I have received...maybe 30 people (vehicles) have said that they are "definitely going"...from past experience, it could be a tenth of that, or double. Many more don't want to commit to the logistics of the full length, and are just talking about riding part of a day.
If someone wants to do something like a t-shirt to commemorate the event, feel free. Just design, post, and sell. I got no objections. Remember is not a site/forum specific ride, other than operating under the auspices of the ECWA (East Coast Willys Association) "Adventure Rides". Contact the ECWA for permissions first if you are want to consider using their name/logo/etc as part of a design, though.
Each day will be mostly "play it by ear"...the morning start time being the only scheduled item. With 40-60 year old Jeeps, we could easily be wrenching on the side of the road, towing to the next camp (or a safe place), making a parts run, or whatever. We will try and "guestimate" waypoint times during the day, for those that want to meet up along the way. We need someone good with GPS/mapping/websites to create a method for some sort of an interactive reporting of where we are (for those trying to meet us, and to torment those at home).
I know space is limited in the little Jeeps. We'll be tight with 2 people and a big dog in the CJ-5. Personally, I am hoping to have my jeep-sized trailer built by September. If anyone that is Jeepless has an enclosed cargo trailer and would be willing to help by hauling camping gear (maybe limit to something like 1 duffel bag and 1 rubbermaid tote per person?), then maybe we can work out a contribution to your gas bill (on an individual basis).
If you have any ideas, suggestions for must-sees, side trips, a good place for a "family" photo (likely on Saturday), etc, let me know. There are threads going on several Jeep/4x4 related forums, and, of course, the "home" forum for the trip at the ECWA. I try and summarize information on the page
http://jeeptour.sanlee.com
DP
