Spring Mudfling IV @ Big Dogs Offroad Park (May 28-31, 2010)

[FJ Opus]

Quick Jump To:
Event Information and Sponsors | FAQ's | Registration | Hotel Accommodations
Camping Information | Event Shirts and Swag | Event Hat | GPS Directions (KML)
Event Schedule | Am I Registered?


Official Rig Count (as of 4/27): 74

The FJ Bruisers are excited to announce that our annual Mudfling event will be held at the exclusive Big Dogs Offroad Park (http://www.bigdogsoffroad.com/) outside Winchester, VA over Memorial Day weekend 2010!

This is an exciting opportunity for the off-road community as Big Dogs is not an open park – where everyone and everyone can come at anytime. Big Dogs only open their doors to events that are hosted on their grounds and have many, many trails for all ranges of drivers and abilities! They have trails that range from green to hardcore black and rock crawlers (the best way to compare it is to think of parks like Rausch, but on steroids!).

Like all previous Mudfling’s, the FJ Bruisers are lining up great sponsors and items to raffle off at Mudfling. Last year we had a lot of exciting items to offer and with a huge turnout this year, we can even go for better stuff to people to win!

Event registration is $100 per rig for all 4 days of the event, and full amenities camping on-site at Big Dogs is included at no extra charge. This is your entry and land use fees at a discount thanks to one of our secret sponsors.

   

     

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[FJ Opus]

Mudfling FAQ’s

Why the change of venue?

As much as we love to run George Washington National Forest for Mudfling, sadly the choice of trails has been limited due to closing throughout the year.   In reviewing Mudfling III, we determined that the limited number of trails (and range of difficulties) was not sufficient for our ever growing club and members of the off-road community

So why not Rausch Creek?

This was discussed as a possible venue, but one thing we kept coming to was costs when it comes to a three/four day event.  Also, the park will be open to anyone and everyone – something we’re not used to having for Mudfling.  In addition – there are several events at Rausch throughout the year between our and other clubs; we wanted something different.

Is Big Dogs better then Rausch Creek?

The question is really dependent on your own experience there.  When members of the Mudfling Committee took a tour of Big Dog’s over the summer we found it to be comparable, if not better then Rausch Creek.  It offers more trails for all ranges of drivers and amenities that we’re accustomed to having for Mudfling (camping, showers, parks, fields, etc)

Where is Big Dogs?

Big Dogs is located 20-30 minutes outside Winchester, VA.  For those used to driving to George Washington National Forest, it is a hour closer if you are coming from the north and east.

We’ll have full directions shortly but here is an overview of how to get to the park from Winchester, VA:


View Larger Map

What is so special about having Mudfling at Big Dogs?

We get the park all to ourselves – Big Dogs does not have an open door policy like Rausch Creek; they only host events that are planned. In short, we’ll have the ‘run of the place’ over the full weekend.

How much will this cost?

The short: $100 per rig

The long: The Mudfling Committee labored over the decision to charge for Mudfling since it is normally a free event to wheel.  However, like all private parks there is an entry fee to use the trails and amenities.  Thanks to the owners and a secret sponsor, we got the price down from the cost of $150 per rig to $100 per rig for the whole weekend.

What does it include?

Your entry fee covers land use, entry, and miscellaneous fees affixed to an event hosted at a private park.

Is camping extra?

No, camping is part of the event – there is no additional fee for camping.

Sounds expensive…

If you compare the price for previous Mudfling’s, this is actually less expensive overall.  George Washington National Forest was free to wheel in but you still had to pay a nightly fee at the KOA for camping; taken over three nights – it was more then the entry fee for Big Dogs.

Rausch Creek has entry fees of $35 per drive and an additional fee per passenger; if you times that by three/four days, then the cost of camping at facility that offers amenities.  Taken all together – you are paying more to run at Rausch then at Big Dogs.

Who is the secret sponsor?

Now if we told you – it wouldn’t really be a secret now will it.  Let’s just say it’s someone or some company we all ready know…

[FJ Opus]

Register Now for Mudfling IV and ensure your spot!

As this is open invitation you can register by emailing our treasurer fjbruisers.treasurer@gmail.com or PM him (Tim aka Sandman - our treasurer) with the following information (copy and paste into your PM for easier use):

1) Name

2) Email

3) Forum Screen Name (if applicable)

4) Number of persons in your group

5) Are you a paid member of the FJ Bruisers

6) Communication Method: CB | HAM | GMRS/FRS | Cell Phone

7) Any additional comments:

8 ) Agree to the following:

For participation in THE BIG DOG 4 X 4 Offroad Trailrides, the undersigned hereby agrees to release and hold harmless any owners, sponsors, trail guides, workers, and owners of both public and private land where a BIG DOG Trailride is held. This shall also include officers, directors, agents and employees of the BIG DOGS OFFROAD, LLC. The above shall also be released from any negligent act or omission and shall also include any loss damage or cost incurred due to participation in this event. The participant shall understand and assume full responsibility and risk for any property damage, injury or death while participating in this event. In signing this , each participant hereby agrees to the following:

 (A)   That the owner/operator certifies that he/she has inspected this vehicle and that the vehicle is in good working order.
(B)   That each participant has informed himself/herself about the event and the trails involved in the event.
(C)   That he/she has read all the foregoing Releases and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement.
(D)   Participants acknowledge that trailriding is hazardous, dangerous, and unpredictable.

-------------------------

Payment ($100 per rig):

You can pay via check or Paypal:

Paypal
$100 + $3.30 (Paypal fees) = $103.30

Send to: fjbruisers.treasurer@gmail.com

Check
Make the check out to FJ Bruisers and send to:

FJ Bruisers
C/O Tim Areson
3221 Morefield Ct.
Manchester, MD 21102

We'll be launching our official sign up form on our main site shortly; if you have all ready registered using the method above you DO NOT need to sign up again.

[FJ Opus]

Accommodations Update!

Courtyard Winchester 300 Marriott Drive Winchester, Virginia 22603 USA Phone:  1-540-678-8822 [ Map ] [ website ]

We have secured a discount at the nearby Courtyard Winchester for those who wish not to camp during the event.

Original rate (per night): $109
Mudfling rate (per night): $79

When calling, mention FJ Bruisers Mudfling to receive the discounted rate

[Sandman]

Reminder to get signed up, no need to pay when you sign up. We are looking for payments by around May 1, 2010.

[FJ Opus]

Camping Information

As part of the event, camping is free to all registered participants.

The Cove Campground
www.covecampground.com

DISCLAIMER: There is no 4 wheeling at The Cove at any other time of the year other than a Big Dog sanctioned event

Directions

FROM BALTIMORE:   

Take I-70 past Frederick, MD to I-81 south. (Hagerstown)
Be sure to go south on I-81 across the Potomac River.
You’ll go from Maryland into West Virginia on I-81 south.
25-30 miles later take a right, exit 317 west.
See Exit 317 directions

FROM D.C.:   

Take I-66 west to I-81 north. 
I-81 north to Exit 317 west.
See Exit 317 directions
                                             
FROM PENNSYLVANIA:   

Take I-81 south to exit 317 west
See Exit 317 directions

FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS SOUTH:

Take I-81 north to exit 317 west
See Exit 317 directions

At Exit 317 West

Go ½ mile, bear right, stay on 37S-50W for four (4) miles. (Don’t take Rt 522 to Berkley Springs.)
Stay left and keep going another 2 miles to exit right for 50W.
A good landmark for Rt 50 west exit is the hospital on the left.
Go west for approx 11 miles and LOOK for the Gore sign.
If you miss the turn you will see the Gore Volunteer Fire Dept. (Gore is a little town of about 10 houses and the Gore Store.)
Turn left onto Rt 751 and find your way to Back Creek Rd.
Back Creek Rd for 4.5 miles and turn left onto the gravel road that says “The Cove Campgrounds”.  Take that all the way.
You will go past a Boy Scout camp & lake on your right.
Go 1.5 miles to the Cove camp office. 

[FJ Opus]

Spring Mudfling IV Event Shirts and Swag!

We’re now offering official Spring Mudfling IV event shirts and swag through Zazzle!

Why Zazzle?  Because you can choose your own colors and sizes and have them shipped directly to you!

Also, you can go here (http://www.zazzle.com/coupons) for some discount coupons on your order!

Official Event Shirt	Kids Tee	Baby Tee
Event Coffee Mug	Doggie Tee	Travel Mug

[FJ Opus]

Spring Mudfling IV Event Hats!




Spring Mudfling IV sponsor, 4x4 Embroidery, is offering pre-orders on official Mudfling IV event hats to be delivered at the event.

These hats come in the following combination and prices:

Adjustable Hats $15.

   1. Black (Yellow Border)
   2. Khaki (Black Border)
   3. Red (White Border)

Fitted Hats in 2 sizes S/M and M/L $20

   1. Black (Yellow Border)
   2. Khaki (Black Border)
   3. Red (White Border)

They can be customized with your name/handle as well!

You can order these by using this download form.  [/color][/b]

Download Form Here

[Bueller]

So we met with Daniel and Willis from The Cove as well as John from Big Dogs to iron out the final details for camping. They have a huge crowd on Memorial day and have managed to set aside a newly developed loop between camp 6 and camp 7. We walked this area and believe this will provide us with all the space we will need. This is a site they have been using and are still developing. They will keep the grass mowed and they will set up two porta johns for us/campsite. In an effort to keep this simple and keep us all in a singular area, we are giving up electrical hook ups which would be about a half mile away and incur additional costs. Should you absolutely need electric you are welcome to bring a small quiet generator. This is not a KOA and the bath houses are very basic, but they will get the job done. They will also have 6 more showers online by the time MudFling happens. This site will give us the ability to have our raffle, meals and camp all as a group without having to up root and go somewhere else. This is camping just like at Green Ridge but with showers.

Just 30 more days!!!!







 

[Bueller]

Unlike in the past, this event comes with guided trail runs, meaning Big Dogs will be suppling trail guides for each run, we will be tail gunning on each run. There will be a separate staging area a short distance from the campsite. Here, John from Big dogs will set up markers with trail difficulty ratings, using the rating system below. Your responsibility is to line up in the particular level of difficulty you want to tackle.

From John Hunt:
"Now, 1-5 are an easy range to understand.  What I tell anyone who comes to Big Dog country for the first time is to under-do-it the first day.  There is plenty of time to step up the next day or subsequent weekends.  That way no one over does it and incurs unnecessary damage.  So, if you think you can do a 5, do a 4 on the first day. The 6’s are probably your best overall max. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E is your max and do-able by your best drivers.  7ABCDE are really 8’s."


Big Dog Trail Ride Recommendation 
and Difficulty Scale
 
Trail rides will be limited to 12 vehicles.   
 
The following is a general listing of the various levels of trail difficulty that will be
run at all events.

The higher the number the harder the trail!
 
Trail rides 1 thru 4 are stock to lower intermediate.
Recommended equipment: a little larger tire and a slight lift.
 
Trail rides 5 thru 7 are intermediate to advanced intermediate.
Recommended equipment:  3-4” lift, 33”or larger aggressive tires, locker(s) and
at least one winch.
 
Trail rides 8 thru 9
Winch, 35”or larger aggressive tires, 2 lockers.
 
Trail ride 10
Winch, 35”or larger aggressive tires, 2 lockers
 
Trail ride 11
Winch, 35”or larger aggressive tires, 2 lockers, EXPECT EXTENSIVE
BODY AND DRIVE TRAIN DAMAGE (Easy access for spectators to view the
action!)
 
NOTE: No alcohol or firearms allowed on the trails!
 
Dogs are allowed on the trails!
 
Children must be properly supervised and kept away from moving vehicles or
vehicles attempting to move!



I am including the following Trail Matrix as provided by Big Dogs, this being our first time out I think it will make more sense after we all have a day there under our belts.

                                       Big Dogs Trail Matrix                                           
       A.         B.           C.         D.             E.            F.          G.           H.             I.           

                                                                Funnel                                 Ovlook     Mud
1.   Rocky   High        Mtn      Moose     Mine       Persim   Main      Camp 8     Pit

2.   Pinnac   Canyon   Rocky   Swamp   High        Mtn       Moose    Mine         Funnel

                                                                Ovlook   Mesh                    Dn
      Middle  Persim     Main     Camp 6  Camp 8   Mash     Log         Sissy         Middle

      Dn          Dn          Up        Dn           Mud       Dn         Low       PLAY        K2 or
3    Snake     Loop 10  Dyna    Twist      Pit           Mesh     Pucker   AREA        Sissy

      Up 5      PLAY      Dn         Up        Dn          Up          Log        Up             Mud
4    U-Hard  AREA     U-Easy  Mtn      Winch     Sissy      Bridge    Mesh        Pit           

                     Up                         Dn        Dn         Up           Up         Dn             Mud
5    Swamp   Sissy      Nasty      Squeal   Snake    Loop 10  Dyna     Twist         Pit

       Trickle   PLAY    Up         Dn         Up         Up 5        Dn
6     Q sand   AREA    Sissy     K-2        Winch   U-Hard    U-Easy  Look at ET

6A  Horse     Boulder  Death Valley       

6B  V Trail    Up Canyon         Dn Pinnacle         Look at Bunny & Insanity     Dn Pin

       Up          Dn          Up         Dn          Up                       Dn          Up
7     Wahoo    Middle    Cobra    Winch    Sissy   Nasty       Mesh     Squealer

          Dn          Up        Dn        Log         Dn        Up
7A     Squealer  Pucker  Mesh   Bridge     K2        Wahoo

7B     KGB Trail                                                 Extra Trails Not Used Above:   
                                                                            - Camp 8 Trail
7C     Hard Rock Crawlers Trail                         - Obstacle Course (Play Area)   
                                                                            - Mud & hill near blue dumpster
7D     Horseshoe Death Valley   Dn ET             - Behind Camp VI
                                                                            - New 1-2 trail off top of Log Bridge
7E     Corum Special                                           - Pinnacle to the top

8       Gulch, Pennsyltuckian Trail                                             
                                                                                                 
9       Xtreme Crawlers Trail                                                         
                                                                                                             
10.    ET        Hell Hole        Insanity        Bunny Trail           

 

[Sandman]

Are you camping onsite or staying in a local hotel during Mudd Fling.

We are try to keep a count on how many people we have camping verses staying in Local Hotel. I will assume everyone is camping. So if you are camping I do not need to hear from you. But if you are staying in a hotel please PM or email me so I can track this list.

Thanks,
Tim

[FJ Opus]

If you are using GPS to get to the event, here is a KML file you can add with checkpoints from Winchester to the Cove Campground entrance/registration

Download KML (zip) file

[FJ Opus]

Hi everyone!

We are finalizing our event schedule and it is looking great - 2 full days of wheeling all over the park (Saturday and Sunday) and lots of opportunities to make new friends and hang out with old ones (All four days!).

Please bear with us as we ensure the event schedule makes it possible to explore this new venue and gives everyone an opportunity to have fun!

[FJ Opus]

Event Schedule

Friday, May 28th
3:00 – ? ? ?    Registration

Saturday, May 29th
8:00 am – 9:00am    Registration
9:00 am    Meet at staging area with Big Dogs – break into groups
9:30 am    Drivers Meeting
10:00 am – 5:00 pm    Trail Runs (pack your own lunch)
5:00 pm – 7:00pm    Dinner
6:00 pm    Raffle

Sunday, May 30th
9:00 am    Meet at staging area with Big Dogs – break into groups
9:30 am    Drivers Meeting
10:00 am – 5:00 pm    Trail Runs (pack your own lunch)
5:00+  Dinner on your own

Monday, May 31st
Pack up and head out

[Bueller]

Remember registration does not open until 3:00 on Friday 5/28. The Cove campgrounds will not have a list of attendees until that time. If you arrive before 3:00 you may not be able to get in.

[FJ Opus]

To get to the park (if you cannot use the KML file) you can point your directional methods to:

980 Cove Road
Gore , Virginia 22637

http://tinyurl.com/2vth2jk

See everyone at 3:00PM Friday!