Things I wish I knew before going to a Bronco Off-Roadeo - add yours

[UNBROKN]

Bring your GO PRO!

Yes!! I bought a fairly inexpensive camera to take. it worked great. I used the 3m command strips with velcro to atach the camera to the windshield. The folks in TX loved the idea. I keep forgetting to pass this on. We have great video of everyone in front o us but not much of us. Wish the person behind me had a camera.

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[jimmyu]

I’m thinking about doing Texas in the spring my wife since it will be her Bronco. My plan is to do a long weekend and stay in Austin proper since there’s a lot to do there.

 

[UNBROKN]

I'll be going to the Austin one and bringing my Bronco.

You will love it! We had so much fun. Mike drove everyone on the Funhaver course at "35" mph... wink, wink...
Stick around after and chat with the people that work there. We tried not to keep them too long so they could go home but we stayed about an hour after everyone else left.
Those Broncos never get out of 4 low. When we got in and it had between 3/4 and full on the gas gauge, it showed 60 miles to empty. That cracked us up.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Marble Falls. Breakfast included. only about 15 minutes away.

 

[Visitor]

It's very clear to me from the comments that the most important thing to remember is that your specific experience may vary! In general you can know what to expect, but some minor things may change.

They leave soft tops up to save on cleanup time and their are no manual transmissions avial. The reason being that people always overestimate their skills and they end up slowing everyone down

Completely accurate on the Automatic-only, to my disappointment. Our guide encouraged us to put the top back and enjoy the lovely weather. A little dusty inside, but totally worth it.

OF COURSE pets would not be allowed at an event like this. What's the deal with people taking their little damn dogs everywhere these days?
Inside restaurants and stores is ridiculous. I leave my real size dogs at home.

Someone in our group was about 30-60 minutes late because after they checked in, their hotel called them to say that their dog was howling. The couple were able to have the dog with them the entire day (although in general, I think this is pretty much forbidden). My suggestion? Make sure you have someone to watch your dog off-site, whether you bring them on the trip or not. Seems simple!

The trails are no joke but the guides are good and the Bronco proves it’s up to the task as you will be.

If you have a second person, they can and should drive too. My wife did great and really enjoyed participating rather than spectating.

I don't completely disagree with this, but remember you're sharing a vehicle for the day. Anything they do in the driver's seat, you're missing out on.

The trails are no joke but the guides are good and the Bronco proves it’s up to the task as you will be.

This is the biggest takeaway for me. I'm not a huge off-roader, so it's good to know that the limitations of the vehicle are way higher than my mental limits. It was eye-opening to see what's actually possible, and how easily it went.

 

[Bdisco]

Vegas. Confirmed they do NOT have a shuttle last week.

Was a little shocked. As a guy who has organized events in the past - I just assumed everybody did this. One of the advantages normally to staying at the recommended hotel.

No worries. I've already reserved a rental car. I've got all day Sunday to kill so it will allow me to explore a little.

You will learn that the Bronco is a capable off road vehicle but remember…

“Nothing handles better than a rented car. You can go faster, turn corners sharper, and put the transmission into reverse while going forward at a higher rate of speed in a rented car than in any other kind. You can also park without looking, and can use the trunk as an ice chest. Another thing about a rented car is that it's an all-terrain vehicle. Mud, snow, water, woods—you can take a rented car anywhere. True, you can't always get it back—but that's not your problem, is it?" - PJ O’Rourke

be sure to opt for the extra insurance.

 

[JB4Bronco]

How was the lunch/dinner ? Is there enough Vegetarian friendly options for my wife or should she pack her own ? Headed to Vegas if it makes a difference.

 

[MCStrayer]

There are several reasonable hotels/motels if you go to Moab. While you do not need to stay at the "host" hotel, I did for convenience. It was pricey but worth it to me as it was set in one of the most beautifule settings in the area right on the Colorado River among dramatic red rock formations. And of course you did not have to drive to the venue as you were already there. We returned recently and would have stayed at the same hotel but it was booked up. So we stayed at the Canyonlands Best Western which was cheaper and very nice. If you stay in town in Moab, you are right in the middle of the restaurants, nightlife, shops, etc., as opposed to being away from the action so to speak at the host hotel.

Agreed on MOAB, also I'd stay for an extra day or two to make the travel worthwhile. I flew out the next day out of necessity and would have gladly stayed 2 or 3 more days. Make a list of questions, you most likely wont get a better chance. Exchange numbers and pics with other drivers. If you have an old back bring some painkilers.

 

[CT203]

Yes!! I bought a fairly inexpensive camera to take. it worked great. I used the 3m command strips with velcro to attach the camera to the windshield. The folks in TX loved the idea. I keep forgetting to pass this on. We have great video of everyone in front o us but not much of us. Wish the person behind me had a camera.

MIght be worth it if they are inexpensive to get a couple and put one on the Bronco in front or behind you. I know you can rent GoPro's - they're so common now, you could probably borrow one from someone too.

 

[Sassy51]

Vegas is great everybody there is very knowledgeable and super friendly and very willing to teach you all they know …..#1. keep in mind it is NOT in the desert it’s in the mountains …this time of year It’s probably going to be cold so dress appropriately. There is a long dirt road to get to the entrance, you should be OK in a rental it’s not that crazy. They are going to ask all kinds of questions every time you answer even if it’s not correct, you get a sticker or some thing for your participation be involved in those discussions and it will pay off…. I was super burnt out and hardly participated at first but then I got the idea but there are a lot of great giveaways if you are involved in the discussions. Get lots of sleep the night before because it’s a long and awesome day. Have lots of fun and follow up with us. Let us know what you think. I’m sure you’re going to have a blast…..

Thr Red Rock casino/hotel isn’t bad and it’s on the highway that takes you right to the off roadeo…. It’s probably too late to cancel your reservation there but don’t trip. The place is not bad at all …. I stayed at the Mandalay Bay and it was just a quick little drive but you do travel way up into the mountains on that road …and if you say you have time the next day, then the red rock National park is way worth checking out it’s off that same road… and it actually has a paved road that wraps around the whole area so if you’re just in a little rental then you’re OK.

 

[mikec426]

So the $200-250 credit to spend in the store is for FE owners only?

 

[bhb]

So the $200-250 credit to spend in the store is for FE owners only?

I had a$200 credit w/ a black diamond.

 

[Beach_Bum]

So the $200-250 credit to spend in the store is for FE owners only?

No. The poster above is mis-informed. The $250 voucher was given to early-reservation holders. It can be applied to store merchandise or towards the guest fee. No one has clarified in my other thread, but I believe the voucher expires at the end of the year. I went ahead and booked for December just to "use it or lose it". My other verified build does not have the voucher and I plan to use that one in the spring.

 

[Lcubed]

So the $200-250 credit to spend in the store is for FE owners only?

the credit is available for swag if you don't use it to pay for a guest

 

[BroncoJoerg]

Staying at the recommended hotel helps the off-rodeo more than it will you

At least in Moab, they are on the same property, or close enough anyway so you can walk from your room to the Bronco Off-Rodeo HQ.

 

[BroncoJoerg]

I wonder though, if one says at their recommended hotel if after the event it is common for groups of the like-minded Bronco enthusiasts choose to hang out.

I booked late and there was no space so saved money staying someplace else but always wondered if I missed that experience.

I did have so much fun talking with others in our off-rodeo group at the luncheon afterwards and have stayed in touch with a few since.

When I went to the one in Moab last year after dinner we all went to a big fire ring down by the river and hung out together. Well, most of us anyway, a few had to leave to get back to family that was waiting at their offsite hotel, etc. It was a great time, and we hung out till pretty late...

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