[Mol]

how many of you would be interested in, and would seriously consider attending an annual or bi-annual event at http://www.thewilds.org/?

This event would be something like a 3-day ordeal - Friday-Sunday. Stay as long or as little as you like. Four-wheeling trails that are very friendly to newbies, and very family oriented (kids can ride along without being worried or scared), as well as a few that can offer a challenge to the more experienced driver. A large campsite directly accross the street from the wilds appeared about half-full (maybe) with 85-90 range rovers, trailers, and probably close to 200 people.

Across the street is The Wilds, owned by the Columbus Zoo, where you can mountain bike, zip line through the safari, take the actual safari tour where you come face to face with giraffes, Asian Rhinos, cheetahs, Bactrian Camel, Bactrian Deer, Sable Antelope, African Wild Dog, Southern White Rhino, to name a few. There is also a fishing safari.

The level of difficulty is beginner, in my opinion. It is very newbie-friendly, only getting difficult when it rains and turns into a slick mess (which from a self-proclaimed, noob Range Rover owner, is still a lot of fun). There are some steep-ish hill climbs perfectly manageable with stock land and range rovers (I saw first-hand), good for learning how to descend a hill without braking, some wooded areas with more "technical turns" through tight paths and small ledges. And one wooded trail that is more intermediate to advanced, depending upon how you drive it. It is a trail through a ravine and up a steep, slick hill climb. With volunteer work, the trails will continue to expand.

Would you consider, seriously, traveling for an event of this nature to learn more about our sport, to meet other enthusiasts, spend a fun weekend with your family or friends, and participate in some light, beginner-level off-roading? The Wilds is an added bonus when you have met your quota of trail-riding for the day

[Mol]

I have some better pictures of the property on my camera, but left my USB cable in the jeep which is locked up at the shop for the weekend. Sorry

[StephSH]

I might be, it's relatively close to me....

[Vin]

I could be into this. I just googled it. 9 hours and 4 minutes away.

[Mol]

Originally Posted by StephSH

I might be, it's relatively close to me....

Originally Posted by Vin

I could be into this. I just googled it. 9 hours and 4 minutes away.

Right on - happy to see the positive response, so far A few of my local Jeep friends have already expressed interest in volunteering on weekends, which would have to be coordinated with the Rover guys that basically run the trail side of the property...to get out there and start cutting out some more trail.

It really is a neat property, and seeing how well it goes over with the Rover group, I think it would be a succesful event with the far superior family of Jeep enthusiasts

[Mol]

Those of you that have voted, do me a favor and crawl this thread to help generate a little more exposure

[rubiwannabe]

possibly..12hr drive...more likely if I could find a few closer to me making the trip together...

[DrHolliday]

Simply too far for me, 48 hour drive.

When I do travel back to Ohio to visit family I'll be looking to wheel, but doubtful it would be at the same time.

[Mol]

Originally Posted by DrHolliday

Simply too far for me, 48 hour drive.

When I do travel back to Ohio to visit family I'll be looking to wheel, but doubtful it would be at the same time.

You need to man up, my friend Let me know when you do come this way - with enough heads-up, I'd be happy to put together a day trip.

[taoshum]

The animals are a draw, esp if Jeeps as well. Long, long drive though... would probably wanna mesh with some other stuff in the area. Never been to Ohio though. No big rocks would be a new experience. If you pick a date, pick a name... so it catches.

Where's the nearest RV Park with hook-ups? When is the weather best?

[Godholio]

From where I sit right now, that's 1001 miles...from where I'm moving to in a couple of weeks, add another 900 or so. As AWESOME as that looks, I'll have to pass.

[wmphoto]

Hey bud, I'd be interested. Depends on the dates as to if I could do anything...

[smcutter]

21 hours and 10 minutes is about twenty minutes longer than I'd be willing to go. But as stated elsewhere, I'd be up for flying in and hitching a ride with someone.

[Coolcatracing]

Sounds like a blast but it's a bit too far and I don't have a snorkel so can't bring the jeep. Lol

[67alecto]

I would, but not in 2012 - I've used all my vacation already.