Here's a smattering of local "knowledge",
along with some event information.
You can digest it -
or wipe with it,
if you so choose.

(Is that a Haiku?)
 

Park Admission
(Revised 14 March 2000)
Normally, the cost is $15 per day or $20 for the weekend.
However, I've got a preliminary commitment from the owner
to "work something out", so watch this space...

Important note: There is NO "Entry Fee" as such for
attending this event, just the Badland's Park Admission.

Weather
Normally in the high 80's to low 90's in the day,
dropping to 60-75 at night, depending on humidity.
Rain can come, but if it does, it won't last long.
It can get humid if it crawls above 90, and it can
cool off to the low 50's at night if the humidity is low.
The campground does have a decent-sized pool.

Mud
If it has been raining a bit before the event, parts of the
trails can get really muddy and deep.  In that case, I bring
some wader boots, and a towel and water to wash off with.
This mud is sandy-type, versus the southern Indiana
clay-type that is a b*tch to get off once it dries.

Poison Ivy or Oak
If you're sensitive to these, be prepared.  It's not
everwhere, but it is there, and a lot of the trails
are in the woods and narrow.

Mosquitoes
Not really a big deal, either at the trail or the campsite.
A moderate repellent should do fine.

CB Radio
Almost mandatory. Makes your trail ride much more fun
when you can keep track of what's going on or who's
just went rubber-side-up...

Tools/spares
Please don't depend on others for these.
We're all willing to pitch in and help, just be prepared.

Seatbelts
MANDATORY.
(Badlands Park rules)
Trail leaders may be checking for operating seatbelts for ALL occupants.
No working seat belt, no riding, period.

Roll protection or "Sport" cage in softtop
(Revised  20 April 2000)
(Re-revised 28 April 2000)
MANDATORY.
(Badlands Park rules)
There must be a substantial roll protection directly above and behind
each occupant's head when seated in the vehicle.
No roll protection, no riding, period.

To clarify:
The factory roll bar in LJs, SJs, and Samurais, or the targa "hoop"
in Sidekicks/Trackers will suffice for the front seat passengers ONLY.
If you plan on having folks riding in the back seat, you will need
to have an extra cage to protect them, or they cannot ride back there.

Although these are Badland's rules, they make good sense.

I also strongly RECOMMEND that children 12 and under wear
a motorcycle-type helmet at all times on the trail

Muffler
Have one that functions, unless you like the idea
of doing all the trail rides by yourself.

Tow Strap
Please bring a decent strap with LOOPS on either end
and rated in the 20,000 pound range.  3" Shackles for each
end will be needed also, which you can get at any farm store.
Some of the trails are so tight, if the vehicle in front or
in back of you gets stuck, you will be pulling them out,
because there's no room to maneuver.

Tow Points
(Added  14 March 2000)
In order to tow, or be towed, you've got to have someplace
to hook the tow strap to your vehicle ON BOTH ENDS!

And, the factory tow "loops" are marginal at best.

It is almost mandatory that you have 20,000-pound-rated
tow loops or hooks at both ends of your vehicle,
secured to the FRAME by means of bolts or professional welds.

Air
At the park, there is (usually) only one air hose.  The filling
stations in town all have air of one form or another.
There is no real point to airing WAY down here unless you're
doing the extreme trails.  I usually run 8-10PSI in my TSXs
which works fine for the drive back and forth to the campgrounds,
and saves me the hassle of airing-up and -down every day.

Car wash
There is a quarter-operated high pressure hose at the park,
and a 4-bay car wash in Attica for the retentive types.

Fuel
If you fill up in Attica in the morning, you'll have plenty
for the day.  These are Suzukis, remember!

Lunch
There is a small lunch stand in the park with your basic
foods: sandwiches, burgers, fries, chips, soft drinks, etc.
Prices are pretty reasonable too.

Drinks
(Revised  20 April 2000)
It's a good idea to pack a small cooler with your favorite
non-alcoholic beverages, as it can get hot and dry.
Bring extras, just in case.

Alcohol is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the park,
Don't even think about it.
This means NO achohol or containers, empty or full,
in any vehicle, period.  Don't try me on this.
If my staff even catches a glimpse of a beer can
you will be immediately escorted off the trail and asked to leave.
The Badland's owners WILL be notified, and if you're lucky,
they won't call the local Police to pick you up as you're leaving.

ZERO Tolerance, get it?

Lawn Chairs
Bring enough for your party and extras if you have 'em.
There never seems to be enough to go around the campfire(s).

Firewood
Speaking of campfires, if you have the means to bring some
along, please do.  Although there is firewood available at the
camp store, you gotta pay for it. If you happen to think
of it, bring kindling and papers too.
We've got plenty of folks who know how to start fires!
 

Well, that's all I can think of right now, so check back later...
 

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28 April 2000