Ernie n Tara
Well-known member
Hi,
We've just attended the 2012 All4Fun rally in Empire Colorado. We had a good time and I thought it might be interesting to compare with the FMCA 4 by 4 Rally we attended in Moab this spring.
Consider that we are relative newby's with a new 2012 Rubicon and a total of four rallies (two were basically trail rides) attended over the past two years.
Rally Style - Defined as how its run and the amenities vs. cost
FMCA - Basic rally ($50 per rig - you pay the park) orientated toward trails, but with several fun get together's, comparable prizes and fewer, but similar meals. This is more of an adult experience (nearly all attendees are members) in that music is more C&W and the meetings are more talk (war stories). We felt more comfortable (and welcome) here.
A4F - Much more activity orientated ($325 per rig - boondocking); something happening every night and FREE BEER (kinda - remember that $325). It is much more youth orientated; movies (including pirate), Junk Style Karaoke (not knocking; just not our thing), Pop Music (band and Dance) Friday night. Prizes for everyone Thursday night. No apparent effort to welcome newbies; no name tags, etc. They do have a lot of children's activities Wednesday (the kinda off day).
Runs - All ratings are 1 to 10 with 10 more difficult (impossible?)
FMCA - Overall slightly more difficult (by rating) is our impression. The difficulty was more accurately defined (probably because its Moab) We ran relatively easy stuff here like Fins and Things (4) and Poison Spider (5 or 6?) and bought a 2-1/5 inch lift after Spider. Groups were small and well led. Frankly Moab is unique and we like it better!
A4F - As noted we found the trails easier relative to rating (this may have something to do with the lift and more experience). We ran Kingston Peak (rated 5, probably 3 at Moab) was a fun run with nice views. Cascade Creek/Saxton Mountain was rated 6 and probably a 3/4. On the other hand; Red Elephant Hill/Mill Creek was a true 6 and provided quite a challenge for some (this one is in the woods). Finally, we ran Argentine Pass/McClennen Mtn. and found it an easy 6. Leaders were competent, but seemed to be less well trained/experienced.
Overall we preferred Moab over Empire, but the Jeeping was great both places and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend either (and we do plan to attend both next year). If you have children, the edge may go to A4F since they do provide a lot of children's activities. The same may apply for activities if that's your interest.
These are just our impressions, and we'd be interested in hearing those of others who may have different perspectives.
Ernie
We've just attended the 2012 All4Fun rally in Empire Colorado. We had a good time and I thought it might be interesting to compare with the FMCA 4 by 4 Rally we attended in Moab this spring.
Consider that we are relative newby's with a new 2012 Rubicon and a total of four rallies (two were basically trail rides) attended over the past two years.
Rally Style - Defined as how its run and the amenities vs. cost
FMCA - Basic rally ($50 per rig - you pay the park) orientated toward trails, but with several fun get together's, comparable prizes and fewer, but similar meals. This is more of an adult experience (nearly all attendees are members) in that music is more C&W and the meetings are more talk (war stories). We felt more comfortable (and welcome) here.
A4F - Much more activity orientated ($325 per rig - boondocking); something happening every night and FREE BEER (kinda - remember that $325). It is much more youth orientated; movies (including pirate), Junk Style Karaoke (not knocking; just not our thing), Pop Music (band and Dance) Friday night. Prizes for everyone Thursday night. No apparent effort to welcome newbies; no name tags, etc. They do have a lot of children's activities Wednesday (the kinda off day).
Runs - All ratings are 1 to 10 with 10 more difficult (impossible?)
FMCA - Overall slightly more difficult (by rating) is our impression. The difficulty was more accurately defined (probably because its Moab) We ran relatively easy stuff here like Fins and Things (4) and Poison Spider (5 or 6?) and bought a 2-1/5 inch lift after Spider. Groups were small and well led. Frankly Moab is unique and we like it better!
A4F - As noted we found the trails easier relative to rating (this may have something to do with the lift and more experience). We ran Kingston Peak (rated 5, probably 3 at Moab) was a fun run with nice views. Cascade Creek/Saxton Mountain was rated 6 and probably a 3/4. On the other hand; Red Elephant Hill/Mill Creek was a true 6 and provided quite a challenge for some (this one is in the woods). Finally, we ran Argentine Pass/McClennen Mtn. and found it an easy 6. Leaders were competent, but seemed to be less well trained/experienced.
Overall we preferred Moab over Empire, but the Jeeping was great both places and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend either (and we do plan to attend both next year). If you have children, the edge may go to A4F since they do provide a lot of children's activities. The same may apply for activities if that's your interest.
These are just our impressions, and we'd be interested in hearing those of others who may have different perspectives.
Ernie