OK, before we go any further, I’d like to show where we came from and what you can look forward to. If you’ve never been to a SSGR event, I’d like you to take a few minutes to browse through the post-rally multimedia threads from years past:
2013:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?114102-Official-2013-Ga-Rally-multimedia-thread
2012:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?96264-Official-2012-Ga-Rally-multimedia-thread
2011:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/ga-rally/76699-official-2011-ga-rally-multimedia-thread.html
2010:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/ga-rally/59085-newer-2010-ga-rally-multimedia-thread.html
2009:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/ga-rally/42451-new-2009-ga-rally-multimedia-thread.html
2008:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/ga-rally/26931-2008-ga-rally-multimedia-thread.html
2007:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/ga-rally/14448-offical-ga-ss-rally-multimedia-bs-thread.html
Now that we’ve covered where we came from, let’s cover where we are:
The SSGR event consists of Historic Military Vehicle (HMV) displays, off-roading and trailrides, swap meet, authentic Military Kitchen Trailer (MKT) provided meals, camping and the opportunity to meet your fellow SS members and HMV enthusiasts. You can expect everything from WWII Jeeps to the latest FMTVs to be in attendance.
The rally takes place October 8th-12th, 2014, rain or shine, in Union Point, Ga. at Durhamtown Plantation (D-town). D-town is a resort in Eastern Ga. which caters to the hunting, motocross, ATV and offroading markets. They have thousands upon thousands of acres which they have cultivated into hunting, ATV/motocross tracks and several years ago, they expanded into the fullsize vehicle offroad market by cutting trails and obstacles through over 1,200 acres of land. D-town has a restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner, cabins and RVs available for rental and they’ve set up RV hookups in our field along with wi-fi. So you can surf SS while you’re roughing it.
The owner of Durhamtown has greatly supported us in putting on our rally, allowing us into restricted areas and giving us greater hours of access to the trails, provided porta-potties in our field free of charge, given us our own area for our rally and has even come over to our campfire to eat with us. All the employees of Durhamtown love having us there and are outstanding people. The enthusiasm we have received from everyone from the owner all the way down the chain has been nothing short of outstanding. We are guests of Durhamtown and need to respect the facilities and employees.
IMPORTANT: A note about Durhamtown-they don't put on the SSGR; we do. If you call them and catch one of their customer service representatives, they may have no idea what you are talking about when you tell them you are coming to the "military vehicle show". Please keep this in mind. Although most of their employees know about our event, someone new to the facility will not see us on their schedule since we, SS, not D-town, put on the event. So they may say “We don’t have an army truck event scheduled”.
7.15.2014 UPDATE: Per the head of operations, D-town has specified a reservation code: "STEEL SOLDIERS". Telling them the code should let them know which event you are a part of and will help ensure you are sent to the right place on the right date.
8.16.2014 UPDATE: People trying to organize ride shares to the rally can organize here:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...o-GA-Rally-Texas-and-potentially-other-states
Directions:
Follow this link to the D-town website page that covers directions:
http://durhamtown.com/directions.htm
Please make sure you pay careful attention to their directions page. See where it says “Using GPS or MapQuest will take you on unnecessary dirt roads! We recommend using our directions.”? Well, it’s the truth. This place is in a very rural area and it’s easy to get lost. Cell phone reception is very poor in this area so make sure you know exactly how to get there and make sure you have Durhamtown’s phone # so that if you get lost and you manage to get a signal you can call them.
Arrival:
Once you get to the rally, the first thing you need to is check in with Durhamtown and pay your fees and get your armbands. Every single attendee will get some kind of armband: Either a driver, passenger or spectator armband. This is how D-town ensures that everyone has checked in and signed waivers of liability, has paid camping fees, etc.
Here are the fees:
The spectator band and the passenger band are the same. The normal prices on Drivers are $25 for the first day but we're getting $20 for first day and $15 for consecutive days.
The spectator/passenger band is the same for our group and normally the rate is $10 for the first day but for our group it's $5 for the first day and $4 for each additional day.
Driver, one day = $20
Driver, weekend = $35
Driver, 3 days = $50
Passenger, one day = $5
Passenger, weekend = $8
Passenger, 3 days = $12
Spectator, one day = $5
Spectator, weekend = $8
Spectator, 3 days = $12
Once you have checked in with the D-town lodge, you can come on down to the rally field and check in with the SSGR Registration Tent (RT). When you get to the RT, you will be checked in to the rally, your HMV will be stickered so that we know we’ve know it’s been counted, you’ll be given a flyer that has a brief overview of the event and you will be shown where the major fixtures of the event are (First Aid {FA}, RT, MKT, Swap Meet {SM}, etc.). A brief overview of the event will be covered verbally so that we can ensure everyone knows what to expect and how to conduct themselves. Swap meet vendors will be sent to the swap meet area, where they will be directed to an appropriate spot. Campers will be directed to the camping area(s) so that they can claim a space and begin setting up.
Post-arrival:
Once you’re there and you’ve registered with D-town and SSGR RT, then you are free to take part in any of the festivities: you can wander around and look at all the vehicles on display, you can hit the swap meet and spend all your hard earned money, you can hit the trails either by yourself or with the groups or just relax and socialize. We always need volunteers, so if you find a way to become bored, go to the RT and ask if you can help.
Alright, let’s get on to the individual components:
Lodging:
Primitive camping: You can camp in your truck or in a tent or I guess a hammock. This is what Durhamtown calls “primitive camping”. This costs $25 a night and this fee covers 3 people. Although somewhat confusing, this does not mean if you’re alone you can pay $8.33 and be good. No, you’ll pay $25 and then you’ll need to get a couple people to share your truck, tent, hammock, etc. and then pay you their share.
Cabin and RV rentals: You can rent a cabin or an RV from D-town. The cabins are………… well, they’re cabins. Think of the wood sheds you can buy from Home Despot, then imagine them with electricity, beds, microwaves and hot water. All joking aside, clintogf and I have been renting a cabin since 2009 and we like them. Pets require a small deposit and cabins vary in size, occupancy and cost. Most cabins are located approximately .5-.8 mile from the rally field, behind the lodge or across the street from the lodge.
RV’s-so D-town has taken some pull-behind campers, parked them permanently and built awnings over them, so most of them have sort of a “front porch”, most with tables. Same thing as the cabins: heat, a/c, running water (hot and cold).
Cabin and RV pricing and reservations can be found on D-town’s website here:
Food:
Our own SCSG-G4 owns the MKTs that feed hungry rally goers. He and his crew of MKT volunteers are the hardest working people at the rally and possibly the world. They will have hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Depending upon arrival time, there may be a little Wednesday evening grub and Sunday morning breakfast, but no guarantees are made. If you want to prove your manliness to all the world, volunteer at the MKT.
Once we have some feedback and recommendations on food, the menu and prices will be placed here. So tell us what you like! I’ll post an example below as one of the first “suggestion comments”.
Durhamtown also has an in-house restaurant, but it’s more of a cafeteria. They have traditional southern staples, like burgers, hot dogs, fries, macaroni and cheese, green beans, etc. Costs are what you would expect ($5-$7).
Costs:
The SSGR doesn’t charge anything for attendance to the rally. The MKT charges very low prices and we use what little profit we make to buy more MKT equipment, like the hand washing stations, tents and tables. None of us get paid.
But you will need to pay Durhamtown: You’ll either pay them for staying on their property in terms of primitive camping fees, RV or a cabin rental. What if you aren’t staying on D-town’s property-you’re staying with friends or family nearby, or you have a hotel somewhere? You’ll still be paying them, in the form of a spectator fee.
You’ll pay for a driver’s armband if you want to drive on the trails, or you’ll pay for a passenger’s armband if you’re just riding along.
One way or another, if you are at the SSGR, you need one armband: You should have either a spectator, driver or passenger armband, no matter what. If you do not have an armband, you need to proceed directly to the D-town lodge to get one.
Armband costs:
Driver, one day = $20
Driver, weekend = $35
Driver, 3 days = $50
Passenger, one day = $5
Passenger, weekend = $8
Passenger, 3 days = $12
Spectator, one day = $5
Spectator, weekend = $8
Spectator, 3 days = $12
MKT costs are above in the food section and the D-town restaurant costs are what you would expect.
Lodging costs: See the above paragraph "Lodging"-you have your choice of camping, cabins, RV rentals, RV spots, etc.
Swap meet:
If you wish to be a swap meet vendor, there are no fees and we do not limit the size of your space, but please be considerate of rally organizers and other vendors. Do not take up a football field if all you have is 3 field jackets for sale. We reserve the right to shrink the size of a vendors footprint. There will be a swap meet leader helping vendors get positioned properly. You can ask the leader for assistance in finding a space.
There is a thread up that is our "buy/sell/trade" thread. You can go there to post up what you're after and what you have for sale before the event.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?127438-Official-2014-SS-Ga-Rally-buy-sell-trade-thread
Trail rides:
Trail rides can be taken on by yourself with your own group of friends or with the official trail rides, run by the rally trail ride leaders. Rally trail ride departures will be announced 30 and 10 minutes beforehand via the public announcement (PA) system located near the MKT. There will be (official) trail rides Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There will be night rides as well.
This should go without saying, but several things are sacrosanct on trail rides:
The trail ride leaders are in command. If they tell you to do something and you ignore it, you’ll be asked to leave the event. The trail ride leaders are reasonable people and their utmost concern is the safety of rally attendees. If you are behaving in an unsafe way, you’ll be asked to turn it down a notch and if you find yourself unable to do so, you’ll be asked to leave.
Absolutely, unequivocally, no driving will be allowed if we think you’ve been drinking.
Safe recovery procedures will be used for vehicles which are stranded. Spectators need to be able to see the action but we can’t have people near a ½” wire rope that has 15,000 lbs. of tension on it. If something were to break, too many people could get hurt. We cannot accept risks like that.
The Trail Ride Leader is Steve6x6x6 and his assistants are Squirt-Truck, Dumpster, Mdmorgan & Mdmorganwife
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/member.php?31848-steve6x6x6
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/member.php?1087-Squirt-Truck
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/member.php?6586-Dumpster
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/member.php?11050-mdmorgan
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/member.php?18996-mdmorganwife
The off-roading ranges from easy to very challenging and provides in some areas a level of difficultly for the most adventurous operators. Nobody gets left behind and the Trail Leaders are there to ensure everyone’s safety and they have authority over all activities on the trail. We have several highly experienced professional off roaders and recovery experts, so getting stuck isn’t an issue.
Every year Durhamtown has opened new areas to explore, so we aren't recapturing the same trails every time.
Hardball Convoy:
The whole idea of the hardball convoy was to let attendees get some awesome pics and video of their rides along with 30+ other military vehicles and to let attendees who aren't participating in the off-road activities have a chance to play with their trucks. Last year, we had 36 military vehicles participate in the convoy and the pictures and video were amazing. A convoy of almost 40 MV’s is over a mile long so on straightaways, all you could see was green (and a little tan).
Hardball Schedule
At 10:30am on Saturday, 11-October, we will depart the SSGR AO for Heavy's BBQ, a local BBQ place which is 22 miles away. Lots of hills, curves and straightaways, so the opportunity for good pics will be outstanding. Only 2 turns between D-town and Heavy's. Very rural, with very little traffic, so our slow moving convoy will not inconvenience anyone. As long as your HMV can manage 40 mph, you won’t have a problem, so folks with WWII vehicles can participate.
We anticipate 30 minutes of travel time, then arrive, get parked, order lunch, eat and return to D-town. This year’s plan allows attendees the opportunity to do both the Hardball Convoy and Saturday trail rides. We anticipate returning to D-town at approximately 1:30pm.
The menu and prices at Heavy's are as follows:
Rib plate. $10.75
Bbq pork or chicken plate. $9.50
Combination platter. $13.75
Child's plate. $8.75
Bowl of stew. $4.40
Bowl of slaw. $3.10
Half a chicken. $6.00
Bbq sandwich. $3.85
Rib sandwich. $5.00
Chicken sandwich. $3.85
Slice of pie. $2.75
Whole pie. $11.00
Sweet potato, lemon, pecan & coconut
Sweet tea or lemonade $1.85
Can drinks. $1.00
A map of our route can be seen at this link:
http://tinyurl.com/9mvrznj
The restaurant does not have enough interior seating for all of us, but they do have multiple park style benches and tables outside. I am sure a hardy group such as ours can make do.
NOTE: I need volunteer photographers and videographers to shoot the convoy! Please pm swbradley or post in the Ga Rally volunteers needed thread for more info!
Call for Volunteers
SSGR is run by volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talents to make this event happen. We are not paid, have full time jobs and are driven by a passion to help Steel Soldiers and the Military Truck hobby grow and prosper. Please keep this fact in mind when you have complaints, or feel that the guy camping next to you snores to loud.
Volunteering makes the Rally happen. Please use your gifts and talents to help where you are comfortable and can make a difference. If you do volunteer, you are making a commitment and as fine men and women of Steel Soldiers you need to honor that commitment. Please PM swbradley or post in the Rally volunteers thread if you are committed to helping and making a difference.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?125172-2014-Ga-Rally-volunteers-needed
Volunteers Needed:
MKT: Military Kitchen Preparation and Cleanup. There is always preparation for each meal and clean up after the meals where assistance is needed. On Sunday morning SCSG-G4 and Wreckerman have an epic morning getting the MKT prepped for the ride home. They are there for us, let’s be there for them.
Registration: We also need volunteers to man the front gate and check in rally attendees and familiarize them with the layout of the field. Kenny can't stay there the entire time; he needs time for trail rides, convoys, social time, etc. We are looking at 3-4 hour blocks of time dependent on the number of volunteers. This is a great way to meet everyone and make a difference.
Radio command post: Anybody that has a radio system, 8+ hand held and can coordinate communications among the Rally Staff please PM swbradley. With over 200 vehicles and 300+ attendees we are in desperate need of better communications.
Logistics: There is always a need for pickup of ice, moving this item from point A to point B, finding something and many other items. Attendees who can volunteer for 3-4 hour blocks to be available for running around and odd tasks are welcome.
We will have other needs and I will post them as the need comes up.
Weather:
The last 10 years weather on this weekend:
2013 temps: 53/82
2012 temps: 45/74
2011 temps: 49/81
2010 temps: 46/79
2009 temps: 51/80
2008 temps: 46/61
2007 temps: 59/77
2006 temps: 32/59
2005 temps: 48/65
2004 temps: 56/67
Please prepare accordingly-the weather could be perfect Southern fall weather, requiring nothing more than a t-shirt or it could be very chilly and rainy. At night around the campfire, you will likely want some kind of a jacket and perhaps hat, gloves, etc.
Communications:
Durhamtown is in a rural area and cell phone reception is spotty at best. We have found text messaging to be a viable alternative to calls. Your phone will send the message when it catches a signal and the recipient will receive the message when possible.
FAQ:
Is the rally child and animal friendly?
Yes-but as in all aspects of life, please show consideration for others. Aggressive dogs or constant barkers should be managed in a respectful way and poorly behaved children will be muzzled. The SSGR is a family friendly affair, so behave accordingly.
How many people will be there?
It’s safe to say we should have over 250 attendees and at least 90 military vehicles, plus trailers. Last year’s turnout was over 109 military vehicles, more than 150 if you count trailers.
Do I have to be a member of www.steelsoldiers.com to attend? What if I don’t own a (or can’t bring my) vehicle?
No, you have to be interested in the historic military vehicle hobby! If you do not have a vehicle, this isn’t a problem. We can probably even find someone to let you ride with on the trails if you wish to go.
Is there electricity at the rally?
Yes and no. In the general camping field, no. There are 12 spots in the main field you can rent from Durhamtown for $25 a day that have power and water. Some of these have 3 pin/30A power, and some have dual 3 pin/30A as well as 4 pin/50A power. All have water spigots, but they do not have a sanitation hookup, so if you are hooking an RV to this, you’ll use your brown/black tanks for this. Two of these are taken for the MKT.
Do I need to bring firewood?
YES!!!!!!! Bring an entire forest! We cannot have enough. Gimpy and Jerry like a BIG campfire. Let's give it to 'em.
Pallets and other debris are not allowed. It has to be firewood-nothing that will leave behind glass, steel, nails or other fragments.
Release of Liability
The website
www.steelsoldiers.com and/or Durhamtown Plantation, and any person acting in conjunction with those entities will not be held liable for any injuries to anyone attending the SSGR or damage to personal/private property during the SSGR. All persons accept this personal responsibility and releasewww.steelsoldiers.com and their agents (rally organizers, volunteers, etc.) and/or Durhamtown Plantation and their agents (employees, etc.) from all and any liability resulting from injury or damages to property from or by attending the rally. Attendance at the rally is and will be understood to signify acceptance of these terms.
The Steel Soldiers Georgia Rally is a Family Friendly Event. Violators will be asked to leave.
Going to need to run up to the U.P. that weekend to help send off an old Marine (my Uncle) in the style that he wanted. 
