1) count me in for helping with the planning, and for potentially leading a trail run or two
2) With the concerns around making sure we have plenty of qualified trail leaders who have run these trails before, we are really narrowing our choices down to Big Bear or the Anza Borrego / Ocotillo Wells area. Either one is fine with me. I live almost exactly halfway between the two locations, so "scouting" will not be an issue for me.
Between the two, it's a tough choice. I know we want to "wow" our guests with a cool area, but in 2012, I seem to remember only having a few out of state folks in attendance. To answer JeffBett's question about the ratio of who comes, it really seems to be about 90%-95% locals to the state, and 5% to 10% guests of varying skill levels and rig capabilities. I only remember meeting two people from AZ on the 2012 trip, and one was bone stock and the other was highly modified. It always seems like folks from the other states are really excited about attending, and then fall out toward the actual dates (that includes us CA folks traveling to AZ or NV, too).
I kind of like the idea of AB/Ocotillo, because we can establish a big community campsite and those who are "less social" can hang out on the outskirts. If I've learned anything from my favorite trips with this group, it's that the food and fun in camp is what makes the trip. This is where we can really shine, because we do that stuff really good. A big community breakfast or a pot-luck style dinner is easier achieved in a big desert setting than it would be in a mountain established campground. If we do Big Bear and camp somewhere like Hanna Flats, we end up in designated campsites and have to wander around to be together. It tends to lead to little cliques hanging out together instead of one big fun group. Plus, depending on who our neighbors end up being, we can get a little too loud for them. Those guys from the other states do see a lot of the desert, but they also like to wheel in the desert. AB/Ocotillo is some world-class desert, with plenty to see and do. I think the area is capable of keeping even the most desert-savvy folks nicely entertained for a few days.
So I'll make my vote official: I suggest camping just outside of Anza Borrego Park, the weekend of 10/5, 10/6, 10/7 and 10/8. We could do a big group camp Friday and Saturday nights, with an optional Sunday run and even an optional Sunday night camp if anyone wants to stay the 3rd night (I'd think most people will probably go home on Sunday).
I'd also like to suggest a pot-luck style dinner on Saturday night, where everyone just makes a signature dish/item and ensures they have enough to feed themselves/their crew, along with a few more. Not everyone needs to make enough food for the entire group, but if everyone makes a little more than they need, there will be PLENTY of food and we'll all get to try something new and see cool ideas/recipes from other people. I'd be happy to take the lead on planning/coordinating the pot-luck if you guys want.
