The Hollister syncro event went really
well, but it felt like we only scratched
the surface when it came to exploring
the trails and taking advantage of the
location and facility.  So, next year,
we will be better prepared.

We'll reserve all of Area 5 for the base
camp.  And we'll do it on a weekend (3
day) when there is not a motocross at
the GP track, which will cut the traffic
on Cinega Road to nearly nothing.
(there was a steady flow of trucks early
in the a.m., not too bad, but it took
away from the otherwise quite beautiful
setting).

Area 5 will easily accommodate 20 vans,
most will have a covered picnic table
and fire ring.  There are flush toilets
and water, and a stage, too.  Free warm
showers are only 5 minutes away.  Other
than that, it is a natural setting
complete with wild pigs, wild turkeys,
quail, raccoons and nice surroundings to
hike or mountain bike.  There is a gate
to the 25 miles of park 4wd trials at
one end and there are even some neat 4wd
trails on a hill within area 5.  The
main 4wd trails range from easy to stuff
you won't even consider, unless your
name is Tom and you're from Oregon, or
Derrek from NYC.  The views are
spectacular.

Peter Buettner brought a floor jack, and
Mark Drillock brought tools.  Those guys
were swapping springs, air springs and
shocks like it was a pit area...then off
to the trails for a test ride.  This was
one of the neatest parts of the weekend.
It would be nice to have different
wheels to test next year.

The weather is too hot to do the event
in the summer; spring or fall is best.
It seems like a nice spring event, so i
am thinking around April-May next year.
Area 5 books up quickly so i'll be
reserving the dates well in advance so
people can plan better.
Steve

Coyote's photos from the event if you
haven't seen them:

http://www.vanagon.com/journeys/gatherings/04-09-2000/